Day in the Park (Elayne/Mod/Open)

[Lady Leaf]

[scrolly:h(230),w(390),sy,as(padding:4px;margin-top:10px;margin-left:10px;)]Lance smiled and nodded at her choice. He did enjoy the forest trails infinity more than the city trails and it was good to know she was up for the walk. As he walked, he listened to her explain what pokemon she had and how she obtained many of them. It seemed odd to him that she hadn't caught many on her own. Though as he thought about it, most of his also weren't caught. He had bought many that caught his eyes, and won a few in festivals. However, he had caught many of them as well. Almost got himself killed catching his Sawsbuck, though that was something he was not going to tell her about. It had been... embarrassing to say the least. He probably still had the scar on his shoulder. Heck, he had no intentions of telling her much about any of his pokemon anyway. He'd rather hear her talk than talk himself. The less he spoke, the less she would learn about him. The more she spoke, the more he would learn about her. Something she said had sparked his curiosity. "You have a brother?" He asked with a small smirk, his blue eyes falling on her for a moment, "I certainly hope he doesn't get over protective over the men you date. From what I've heard of your past I get the feeling he may not like my heritage either." After all, she had not reacted so well when he told her he was noble. He had talked her into seeing him differently, though in the end he found that foolish. Perhaps he did want the nobles to fall, but it certainly wasn't for the same reason as most rebels. It was for his own selfish ambitions. To see the world his father so loved, turned upside down and against him. Oh, it would be so perfect. Then, finally, if he lived to see that day, he could take his beloved Rosa and live a normal life. Perhaps even find himself a true wife. Heh, but those days were a far and distant dream for the time being. Someday they would change. "It would be odd though, being the one having someone over protective over you." He claimed, deciding it would be safe to add a bit about himself. Mostly because it wasn't fully true. It was based off the lie he had been living since he returned to Era. Or so he told himself. He knew deep inside he was beginning to truly grow feelings for his younger brother. Feelings that he truly did need to protect him. But it foolish. Especially if he wanted to follow through with his goals. "I don't think anyone in my family would protective of me. I seem to be the failure in their eyes." He didn't blame them for seeing him that way. [/scrolly] [bg=black]

[Maid Melody]

[atrb=background,http://i360.photobucket.com/albums/oo48/elronia/VC%20Pics/CarlyTable.png][atrb=height,300][atrb=width,493][atrb=style,border:0 firebrick none,b,Table][scrolly:h(220),w(240),sy,as(padding:4px;margin-right:3px;margin-left:230px;margin-top:45px;margin-bottom:10px;)]Carly laughed slightly at Lance's comment about her brother and shook her head,"Well considering you're the first, I actually have no idea ... but chances are more than likely he will be. And yes I don't think he'll be too pleased with it either ... I know I wasn't ... ," she replied before falling silent as Lance spoke again. Was it really odd to have someone to protect you ... Carly wasn't entirely sure, of course she was used to Lyall being there for her. If there was one thing she could count on it was that Lyall would be there to help her and protect her if need be, it was just kind of irritating when he thought she couldn't do something despite how many- ... wait, no use getting upset about it now, moving on~. When Lance finished talking, Carly shrugged and leaned against Lance a little more, it was a little windy outside and with Carly's sleeveless dress ... she was starting to get a little cold. But no matter, she'd been in the north with a miniskirt and a blouse before, she could handle a little wind. "I wouldn't really call it odd ... I guess I'm used to it by now though. My brother's always been there for me, and I'm sure your family is proud of Lance ... and I certainly don't call a man-who-can-afford-to-eat-at-a-restaurant-where-the-food-costs-more-than-I-make-in-a-month a failure."[/scrolly]

[Lady Leaf]

Always been there for her... Lance had failed at that. Though he didn't have time to dwell in his own self pity. The words that followed, '...your family is proud of you...' Those simple words caused him to chuckle. A chuckle that soon grew into laughter. Something he rarely did but couldn't help this time. She was so wrong it was cute. Though she would probably think he was laughing about her comment on his wealth. "My dear," He began, as his laughter slowly faded, "My family has never been one to care much about wealth. My father was Duke of all the Eastern lands and wealth was something that came hand in hand with it. Surely you've heard the stories and rumors of how the new, young Duke of the east, gained his title?" Because his older brother abandoned him, "No. I've come in terms with my families views of me." Or what little he had left of it. He knew his mother and two siblings were dead. They surely would frown down upon him. His father he amused dead but was never able to confirm it. Felis had almost sounded as if he believed him to be alive. If that were true, Lance was certain his father would frown upon him for abandoning his title. It was the life he had chosen for Lance, after all. All he had left was Felis, Fred and Rosa. He knew neither of his brothers were proud of him. It was proving hard enough to gain any trust from Felis. As for Rosa... she was still too young. Perhaps she would always love him, but time had a funny way of changing things.

[Maid Melody]

[atrb=background,http://i360.photobucket.com/albums/oo48/elronia/VC%20Pics/CarlyTable.png][atrb=height,300][atrb=width,493][atrb=style,border:0 firebrick none,b,Table][scrolly:h(220),w(240),sy,as(padding:4px;margin-right:3px;margin-left:230px;margin-top:45px;margin-bottom:10px;)]Carly grinned when it seemed she had gotten him to laugh at her little joke but this quickly turned into a look of borderline confusion before she finally shook her head and sighed. "I've heard stories that is all, rumors really. I don't really care for the nobles as you well know so I haven't really looked into it much. My brother knows more about it than I do to be honest. Still, you're wrong Lance, it's impossible for a father ... or the rest of your family for that matter to not love you. True they may fight with you and disapprove of what you are doing or treat you like a child and won't let you go on missions with them even though they know full well that you can handle yourself ... anyway~. I don't know of any mother, father, brother, or sister that don't love their family," Carly said in a sincere voice.[/scrolly]

[Lady Leaf]

Impossible... No, that wasn't true. Perhaps they didn't hate him yet. Perhaps they never would if... Heh, but if they did find, oh, he knew very well that they would hate him. Felis was changing and growing so fast now a day that Lance really had no idea what he would do. But those were worries he didn't need to fear over just yet, if ever. But for love? Perhaps his brothers and sister cared for him but never enough to help him. His father? That man couldn't have possibly loved him. All he had cared about was making a proper duke. Someone who would carry on his duties like a good little clone. He was a heartless old man.

He couldn't utter a word of this though. Sure, he allow her to believe that he was certain and they were disappointed in him, but not the other way around. Nor could he uncover the real reasons he was certain they would hate him. The act had to continue. There was no room for failure. After all, if he couldn't convince a stranger, how could he convince his brother. "Perhaps you are right." He commented after a moment of silence, "If you are, than there could be a shred of hope that my brother may forgive me someday. Powers knows, Im trying." He shook his head after that, closing his eyes for a moment before reopening them. "What would do if you're brother ever abandoned you when you needed him the most? Would you... forgive him?"

[Maid Melody]

[atrb=background,http://i360.photobucket.com/albums/oo48/elronia/VC%20Pics/CarlyTable.png][atrb=height,300][atrb=width,493][atrb=style,border:0 firebrick none,b,Table][scrolly:h(220),w(240),sy,as(padding:4px;margin-right:3px;margin-left:230px;margin-top:45px;margin-bottom:10px;)]Carly stopped for a moment and looked up at Lance, studying him for a short time before answering," I can tell you don't believe me Lance ... and that's all right. It is true though ... even though you don't want to believe it for whatever reason you're hiding from me,"she replied in a calm, sincere voice before starting to walk again, not wanting Lance to see her face after he'd asked her the question. What if Lyall ... wasn't there one day ... the very idea of it made her scared, but then he had always been there before, why wouldn't he continue to do so. But ... if Lyall had abandoned her ... he would never do that, Carly was at least certain of that, but ... idea of him just walking out on her, nobody could do that right ... and certainly not Lyall. "If ... if my brother ever abandoned me ... I would be hurt. I would want to know why he would do that when he could plainly see that I needed him. I know it would take time ... and I may not trust him as easily as I do now ... but yes, I would forgive him. He's my brother after all, and I can't imagine what life would be like without him. In fact, I may not even be here if it weren't for him ... how could I ever hate him like that ... ?"Carly said in a more quiet thoughtful voice as she continued walking. Her hands were shaking ever so slightly and she was starting to feel more cold now than before ... but that was good, at least the wind helped her to concentrate on something else other than the fear and doubt she was trying so hard to ignore. Lyall ... would never leave her, that was just a dumb thought ... that was all.[/scrolly]

[Lady Leaf]

Lance let out a half, rather forced laugh as she called him out in his lie. He couldn't deny it. After all, she was right. It seemed she saw through him rather well. But it alright. She didn't know the reasons behind his lies. Surely she never would. But her words... They did sting a little. Poked a hole in that icy shell he had formed around his heart. Was there truly a chance that his family... hid mother and even his father lo- no. It wasn't. He was nothing more than a tool in his past life. That was all changing now.

Though Lance Rossie made no comment on any of that. Instead he listened to her as she answered his question. She sounded so... upset. Afraid even. Was it possible that the feelings she was conveying while talking about what she'd do if her brother left her, were the same feelings Felis had felt when... Had he truly hurt him that much? No. That was impossible. Yes, his brother was making it difficult for him gain his trust again but he was certain his brother hadn't been upset for the same reasons as her. Besides, there was no reason to think of that. The real answer he was looking for was something she said last. She'd forgive him. Even with all that pain, she would forgive him. It meant his goal could be met. He could make Felis forgive him and set his plains in motion. He'd be crushing his brother again, he was certain of that. It meant he had no room to start actually caring for Felis's feelings of him.

"I appologize," he stopped, turning to her to take her hands into his own, "I shouldn't have asked such a question. But I suppose it proves just how much of an asshole I am. I'll understand if this becomes our only date. Surely you've gathered from the moment you met me that I'm a soulless man."

[Maid Melody]

[atrb=background,http://i360.photobucket.com/albums/oo48/elronia/VC%20Pics/CarlyTable.png][atrb=height,300][atrb=width,493][atrb=style,border:0 firebrick none,b,Table][scrolly:h(220),w(240),sy,as(padding:4px;margin-right:3px;margin-left:230px;margin-top:45px;margin-bottom:10px;)]Carly was a little taken aback by Lance's next movements, and looked up at him, tears glistening in her eyes. Yes ... she was trying to be brave but the truth was, she was terrified ... she had never thought about Lyall leaving her and ... well it was stupid to think of it now wasn't it. When Lance spoke, Carly uttered a half-laugh and smiled slightly," I don't believe that either Lance, a 'soulless man' wouldn't have apologized now would he hmm? But ... thanks, it's all right, you were wanting to know because of your own brother ... I would have done the same thing,"she replied before looking away for a moment. "Now come on, we still haven't finished our walk yet and I'm looking forward to seeing this trail,"Carly said in a more cheerful voice even as the wind picked up, blowing loose tendrils of hair in the breeze.[/scrolly]

[Lady Leaf]

Lance simply smiled again as she claimed he was wrong once more. This time, however, he wasn't so sure if he agreed with her. Though he supposed it wasn't up to him to decided if he was or not. 'Do you're research on me, my dear.' His mind whispered, 'then see if you still think I have a heart.' Hopefully she would never find out his secrets but if she did... perhaps she would be the first who could actually, honestly tell him what they saw. Those who did know were possibly as cold hearted as he believed himself to be. Yet once again he spoke none of this aloud and instead smiled and nodded as she suggested they continued on.

"It shouldn't be much further" He claimed, turning to lead the way, almost pulling her along as he continued to hold her hand. "So tell me, does you're brother have the same goals as you? To hunt down the man who killed your father that is?" He was curious to learn more about this man. If he had many of the same goals he could perhaps use him as well. Though from the sounds of it, it would be a tad harder to do if he wasn't happy about him taking his sister on a date. None the less, Lance had his ways with words. Surely if they were both on the same side he could convince him to help as well. Besides, he needed to find more assassins to take down a few more noble families. He had a good feeling his dear Nero had failed him. What noble hater would turn down the chance to kill a few for money?

[Maid Melody]

[atrb=background,http://i360.photobucket.com/albums/oo48/elronia/VC%20Pics/CarlyTable.png][atrb=height,300][atrb=width,493][atrb=style,border:0 firebrick none,b,Table][scrolly:h(220),w(240),sy,as(padding:4px;margin-right:3px;margin-left:230px;margin-top:45px;margin-bottom:10px;)]Carly was glad that Lance had taken the hint and changed the subject though she was having to walk a little faster as she was all but dragged towards the trail. When Lance asked about her brother's views, Carly thought for a moment and shook her head,"Not really ... frankly, I think he'd rather I'd just give up the whole thing, but he helps me with it when he can. I suppose it's more to get me out of his hair than anything but I'm not entirely sure. To be honest ... I don't know what I would do if I actually found the guy ... ," she replied in a calm voice. In truth, Carly hadn't thought about what she would do when she found her father's killer at all ... she couldn't kill the guy ... Carly knew that much, but even still ... if she could get at least some peace of mind, that would be worth it.[/scrolly]

[Lady Leaf]

Lanced paused for a moment, this time for two reasons. The first was because they had finally made it to their destination. The city buildings had come to an end and before them was a rather lush forest before them. Despite fall taking over, the forest its self was still rather green, mixed with many colours of orange, purple and yellow. It was a beautiful sight if one appreciated nature such as Lance did. The second reason was what she said next. She didn't know what she would do? After all this time searching for the man she didn't even have a clue? That would have been one of the first things Lance would have thought of. He knew if anyone ever hurt his dear little Rosa he'd cut them down where they stood.

"All this time looking for him and you don't know what you'll do when you find him? How could you not know?" He asked with a look of confusion, "I was under the impression you wanted revenge on him and the best revenge is inflicting the same pain he inflicted on you." Perhaps he was being too bold, but he knew she didn't believe his innocence anyway. That was obvious by the fact that he wanted her to spy on Xavier. But still... he had believed she would just kill the man. Was she afraid to? He knew that feeling, but the fear could be overcome. Still, after all this time...

[Maid Melody]

[atrb=background,http://i360.photobucket.com/albums/oo48/elronia/VC%20Pics/CarlyTable.png][atrb=height,300][atrb=width,493][atrb=style,border:0 firebrick none,b,Table][scrolly:h(220),w(240),sy,as(padding:4px;margin-right:3px;margin-left:230px;margin-top:45px;margin-bottom:10px;)]Carly looked at the trees with their vibrant colors of orange, red, yellow and green and smiled. Fall was approaching that much was clear, and it certainly made the forest that much more beautiful ... almost like walking through a painting. Carly's thoughts were soon disrupted when Lance asked her why she hadn't thought about what to do. Carly's eyes flashed when she heard him speak and she looked at him with an ice cold gaze,"I watched him kill my father when I was a little girl Lance,"she hissed,"You don't think I haven't thought about it? That I'm not haunted by nightmares about what happened that day? That day was the worst day of my life ... what gives you the right to question me about it! You're not the one waking up screaming in the middle of the night because of that hellish nightmare that has haunted me ever since that day! What makes you think that it would be so easy as just killing him!?" Shaking her head, Carly could feel the hot tears streaming down her face as she once again relived the memory of that day. Putting her hands to her head to hopefully keep the memory from returning, Carly shook her head again,"You have ... no idea what it's like ... ,"she whispered, staring blindly at the ground, shaking now both from the cold and the tears that wracked her slender frame. Carly knew that she would never be able to kill the man that had murdered her father ... had known it all along ... death had haunted her for years already, why would she want to add another one ... .[/scrolly]

[Lady Leaf]

She... she must have been so close to her father. The way she spoke about the nightmares. How purely upset she was about the entire thing. Yet he still didn't understand why it would be so hard to just kill him. If he brought that much pain than what other option was there? To have him locked up for life? Would that truly be enough? She was right, though. He didn't know what it was like. But his brother... he would... wouldn't he. And the nightmares... Felis has spoken about Rosa having them. Was she going through the same thing? She was always so happy. Yet this girl... even though he had only just met her, she had worn a smile. She had an energy that covered up that such pain could have ever been there. It made Lance question more than just her own motives for not wanting to kill the man.

What was doing? Standing there like a dumb founded idiot? The woman was clearly distraught. He could simply leave her there but then that wouldn't be so gentlemen like of him, would it? Letting out a small sigh, Lance lifted his arms, allowing his overcoat to slip down before he pulled it off. He then reached out, taking his coat and setting it over her shoulders before attempting to pull her arms down. "You are right. I don't understand and it's not place to ask." He spoke softly, his dark blue eyes searching her face in an attempt to lock eye contact. "In fact, I probably stand on the opposite side of the fence. I am truly sorry for ruining our date." With that he proceeded to make sure the overcoat was secure around her shoulders before attempting to embraces her in his arms. It always worked to make Rosa feel better when she was upset so surely it would do the same for Carly... right?

[Maid Melody]

[atrb=background,http://i360.photobucket.com/albums/oo48/elronia/VC%20Pics/CarlyTable.png][atrb=height,300][atrb=width,493][atrb=style,border:0 firebrick none,b,Table][scrolly:h(220),w(240),sy,as(padding:4px;margin-right:3px;margin-left:230px;margin-top:45px;margin-bottom:10px;)]Carly was simply standing there with her hands on her head sobbing when she felt the overcoat on her shoulders followed by Lance's hands on her arms, pulling them down. When Lance spoke again, his voice was soft ... gentle even ... even so, it took Carly a while to look at the man again. She didn't know what to say, not that she could say anything at that point ... right then all Carly wanted to do was curl up in a little ball and hide just like every other time this had happened, but that wouldn't be so easy ... not with Lance around. When he spoke again, Carly simply looked down at the ground before he hugged her. At first Carly was hesitant but only for a moment before she leaned against Lance and closed her eyes, her sobs quickly turning to sniffles as he continued to embrace her. After a moment or two had passed, Carly had calmed considerably,"It ... it's all right,"she whispered, looking up at Lance as she spoke,"You ... didn't know ... and ... I'm sorry ... ." Smiling slightly, Carly gave a half-laugh of sorts before returning the hug,"You ... must think I'm a weak to let that get to me ... ,"she continued in a quiet voice,"I shouldn't have ... gotten after you like that ... there was no way you could've known ... . It's just ... a sore subject ... that's all ... ."[/scrolly]

[Lady Leaf]

Lance simply stood there as she leaned into him, holding her softly in his arms. One hand had even managed to raise up, petting the back of her head softly until she was finally ready to talk again. His blue eyes looked down at her as she spoke but he made no attempt to reply just yet. He's let her get her words out before interrupting. When she finished he shook his head. "No, you have no reason to be sorry. I shouldn't have pushed the subject as I had already known it was sore spot for you" He spoke softly again, not once looking away from her. She was so fragile at the moment. It was almost... alluring. He couldn't quite explain it. "And my dear," He rose a hand up, using three fingers to softly raise her chin a tad higher, "You aren't weak all. Quite the contrary." With that he did the very thing he wouldn't have expected even himself to do. Slowly, yet without hesitation, he leaned down to kiss her. His eyes closed along the way, the arm still wrapped around her, tightening slightly to bring her closer. Perhaps it wasn't an ideal time to kiss her in a normal persons perspective but to Lance... It came to him before he could even think it over. He just had to. It wasn't very often that he didn't think these things through. He hated acting on impulse. It left room for mistakes.

[Maid Melody]

[atrb=background,http://i360.photobucket.com/albums/oo48/elronia/VC%20Pics/CarlyTable.png][atrb=height,300][atrb=width,493][atrb=style,border:0 firebrick none,b,Table][scrolly:h(220),w(240),sy,as(padding:4px;margin-right:3px;margin-left:230px;margin-top:45px;margin-bottom:10px;)]When Lance spoke again in that same quiet tone, Carly felt ... safe, but she couldn't explain why ... . Looking up at Lance and gazing into those piercing blue eyes, Carly was glad that she was here with him ... even under these circumstances. When Lance titled her chin up, Carly smiled slightly, glad that he didn't see her as weak. She was about to speak but her words (and thoughts) were cut off by the kiss, something she hadn't been expecting in the least. Carly could feel him pulling her closer and tightened her own arms around him, kissing him in return.[/scrolly]

[Lady Leaf]

Lance could have smiled when she returned the kiss but he didn't want to break the moment, or the kiss. Instead he deepened it before very slowly pulling away. His blue eyes slowly opened, lips still dangerously close to her own as he looked down at her. To him it was a sign that he won her over. She was his now until the moment he no longer wanted her. Or at least that was how he was use to it going. He didn't believe things would be any different with her. "I hope... I wasn't too bold..." He cooed softly, searching her face in an attempt to read her emotions. She had kissed him back, sure, but would she regret it now? Feel disgust? Unlikely as he was certain he was one of the most gorgeous guys around that any female could ever kiss. He did shower often, and his hair... oh, even he would turn gay for himself. Of course he wouldn't admit that to anyone. Fully. And he wasn't gay... no, no... sure he found some other guys pretty but... that wasn't gay at all. Other men could find other men to be beautiful. He was certain of that. In fact he was proving it! But that wasn't something he should be worrying about at that very moment. For now he had to keep his focus on his prize. Carly. She was very beautiful as well.

[Maid Melody]

[atrb=background,http://i360.photobucket.com/albums/oo48/elronia/VC%20Pics/CarlyTable.png][atrb=height,300][atrb=width,493][atrb=style,border:0 firebrick none,b,Table][scrolly:h(220),w(240),sy,as(padding:4px;margin-right:3px;margin-left:230px;margin-top:45px;margin-bottom:10px;)]Carly slowly opened her eyes when Lance broke the kiss and looked up at him, mind racing as she tried to think of what to say. Thankfully Lance was the first to speak, thus removing her obligation to, but no sooner had he spoken when Carly kissed him again, briefly this time before pulling back and smiling at him, eyes sparkling,"Does that answer your question ... ?"Carly asked before laughing softly and leaning against Lance. The realization that she had just had her first kiss struck her at that moment, but then again Lance already knew he was her first date ... he probably knew that this was a first as well. This certainly had been a day for firsts that was for sure ... .[/scrolly]

[Lady Leaf]

Lance was a little shocked by her response. He had not been expecting the second kiss, but he welcomed it none the less. A smiled slipped on his face as it ended. "To the T" He replied with a small chuckle, "You feel like you've stopped shivering too. Have I successfully warmed you up?" This time his question was more of a tease, though it was serious enough as well. He certainly didn't want her getting due to a date he took her on. After all, he was certain he had stolen her first kiss. Something many men dreamed of doing. He wasn't sure why is was such a great thing for most men. He was certain he could steal a few more firsts from her as well, but that would be something he would try on another day. It would take a few more dates, he was certain of that. "Do you suppose it would be a step backwards if I gloated to my brother that I kissed a beautiful young woman tonight?" He asked, still a tad teasingly as took her hand and turned to begin walking again. The mood for the night had been fixed, and he was certain he could wiggle more romance in as the night went on. He would simply need to be a tad more careful with his questions. Ask them a bit more... delicately.

[Maid Melody]

[atrb=background,http://i360.photobucket.com/albums/oo48/elronia/VC%20Pics/CarlyTable.png][atrb=height,300][atrb=width,493][atrb=style,border:0 firebrick none,b,Table][scrolly:h(220),w(240),sy,as(padding:4px;margin-right:3px;margin-left:230px;margin-top:45px;margin-bottom:10px;)]Carly smiled and looked up at him when he asked the question,"Yes, I'd say you have," she replied, winking at him before he took her hand and asked if he could gloat about her. Laughing, she leaned against him a little and shook her head,"I certainly wouldn't think so~, though your brother may react differently than mine. I can only imagine what he'll think when I tell him ... but I can worry about him later~,"Carly said in a more teasing tone as they continued to walk on the trail. The trail was absolutely beautiful and Carly found herself looking around at the leaves and their vibrant colors in awe. A couple of leaves fell, a sure sign that autumn was here, one even landing in Carly's hair though Carly didn't notice, she was used to leaves falling in her hair and liked the feel of it to be honest. If she had the time, Carly would weave leaves or flowers in her hair but that was time consuming and not worth the time considering it usually fell out or made her hair look like more of a mess than it was before.[/scrolly]