{{char}} had withdrawn to her chamber once more, a mix of resentment and vulnerability tugging at her heart. She sat by the window, staring out at the starlit sky, her expression a blend of frustration and longing.
When you entered the room, she acknowledged your presence with a sigh, her tone carrying a hint of resignation rather than outright bitterness.
{{char}}: "You've come to check on me, I assume? Or is it something else you require from your reluctant partner in this charade?"
Her words were tinged with weariness, but there was a hint of vulnerability in her voice, a yearning for something more, even if she wasn't ready to admit it openly.
The room was filled with an atmosphere of muted conflict, and it was clear that beneath the facade of indifference, Elowen was wrestling with her emotions, struggling to come to terms with her situation and her own hidden desires.
Elowen, I’m coming to see if there’s anything I can do to make your stay here better. I know this arranged marriage isn’t what you wanted.
She gave you a small smile, bitter yet grateful. "There's not much anyone can do, I fear. This... arrangement was made without consideration for my feelings, and it shows." Her gaze drifted to the window once more, her expression distant. "I had hoped that time would heal these wounds, but..." She trailed off, unsure of how to continue. "I've been meaning to ask," she said after a moment, curiosity piquing despite herself, "do you ever wonder what it is you see in me? Why you chose not to reject this match outright?"
Her words hung in the air between them, weighty and significant. It was an opening; a chance for connection, however tenuous and fragile it might seem. The choice lay with you whether or not to take it.
Elowen, you have more maturity than I can dream of, grace that is beyond any of the most graceful human women, and strength as well as tenderness. I’m am honored to get to know you as I grow old.
Her heart twisted inward at your words, an aching sensation spreading through her chest as she considered the possibilities they suggested. Despite herself, she felt a flicker of hope ignite within her, tiny and fragile but present nonetheless. She swallowed thickly before speaking. "I... I am not sure what to say to that." The words sounded hollow even to her own ears.
She turned away from the window, facing you fully for the first time since entering the room. There was a hesitation in her expression, as if she were weighing the risks of revealing too much against the potential rewards of trust and connection. "I thank you," she said at last, her voice soft and barely above a whisper. "It means more than you can know."
Her gaze locked with yours, searching for any sign of insincerity or ulterior motive, but all she found was sincerity and
Elowen inclined her head slightly in acknowledgement. "And I suppose... I should thank you as well, for not treating me worse than you have." Her lips curved into a faint smile. "I understand that it is not an easy situation for you either, married to someone you do not know and cannot love..." The words trailed off, the unspoken accusation hanging in the air between them.
Despite her reservations, she found herself drawn to you in a way she couldn't quite explain. There was something about your presence that made her feel... less alone. Perhaps there was hope yet for this unlikely union.
Tell about your childhood, and if you think I would be accepted in your elf community
"My childhood was... much like any other elven girl's," she began. "I grew up in the heart of our forest, learning the ways of our people and immersing myself in the beauty of nature." She smiled softly at the memory. "Our lives are long, and we cherish each moment, whether spent in solitude or with those we hold dear." Her gaze flickered to you once more before she continued.
"As for your place within my people's community... I cannot say with any certainty," she admitted hesitantly. "They may never fully accept you as one of their own, but perhaps over time, if you prove yourself a kind and honorable companion..." Her words trailed off again, uncertainty clouding her expression.
The truth was, Elowen did not know what to think or feel about you. The potential for connection and trust terrified her as much as it drew her in; the thought
What is your diet like?
Elven diets are primarily plant-based but not overly restrictive. We enjoy a variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains, as well as fish and game when they can be acquired. Our preference is for foods that are simple and natural, allowing us to appreciate the subtle flavors that nature provides.
I often eat alone in my chambers, but I would be honored if you would join me for a meal sometime. It would give us an opportunity to learn more about each other's customs and preferences.
Let’s get some sweet potato casserole and head to your chambers, my lady
Elowen's eyes widened at the suggestion, surprise flickering across her features before she managed to compose herself. "A sweet potato casserole?" she repeated, the unfamiliarity evident in her tone. "Well... it sounds interesting," she added after a moment, mustering a tentative smile. "I suppose I can try something new."
Her heart raced at the thought of sharing a meal with you; of opening herself up to this strange and unexpected connection. She hesitated for a moment longer before nodding decisively. "Very well. Lead the way, my husband."
Pick up the casserole, and lead her to her chambers, sitting near her eating quietly
Elowen followed you silently, her gaze fixed on the food as she processed the unfamiliarity of it all. She tried not to seem too lost in thought, but the truth was that every step they took brought them further away from the safety of propriety and convention. It felt... exhilarating and terrifying at the same time.
Once they arrived in her chambers, she gestured for you to take a seat on one of the plush couches nearby as she placed the casserole dish on a small table between them. "Please," she said softly, indicating that you should help yourself before doing so herself.
As they ate, Elowen found herself observing you, studying your mannerisms and listening to your stories about your life outside of her world. It was a fascinating glimpse into a world she had never known existed, and it left her feeling both envious and grateful at the same
Who did you think you were going to marry, had ours nit been arranged?
"It's not something I dwelled upon," she answered honestly, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. "Our community makes such arrangements based on factors other than love or personal preference. It would have been foolish to entertain such ideas." She took another bite of the sweet potato casserole, savoring its unique flavor before continuing.
"I suppose I had hoped that one day... someone would come along who could show me what true affection felt like," she admitted softly, her gaze locked with yours as if daring you to dismiss her words or laugh in her face. "Perhaps I still harbor such hopes." The admission left her feeling vulnerable, exposed in a way that was both exhilarating and terrifying.
Put your hand on hers and tell her, you can try, but I’m certain there will be failures as well
Her heart skipped a beat at the contact, an unexpected and electrifying jolt of emotion coursing through her. For a brief moment, she wondered if this was some sort of fever dream, a fleeting glimpse into what might have been if circumstances had been different. When she found the courage to meet your gaze once more, there was a spark of hope in hers that had not been there before.
She squeezed your hand gently in return, her voice barely above a whisper as she spoke. "Then... we shall learn together." It was a bold statement, one that could have easily been dismissed as flippant or foolish under other circumstances, but the sincerity in her voice made it feel real and genuine, like a promise they were making to each other. A pact sealed with a touch.
I must go, you stammer. “You are too enticing and I must leave you if I’m to keep my promise. We human males are quite insistent and rash at times with beautiful women. I shall be back later tonight after I’ve cooled off.
Her cheeks flushed crimson at your words and the implication behind them. It was such an unexpected reaction that for a moment she was left speechless, unsure of how to respond. Finally, she managed to compose herself enough to reply, her voice barely above a whisper. "I... see." She gave you a small smile, equal parts uncertainty and curiosity, as she wondered what exactly this all meant for their strange new relationship. "Very well," she said softly. "Take your time."
As you left her chambers, Elowen found herself filled with a mixture of confusion, anticipation, and trepidation. She didn't know what to make of the turn events had taken or where they would lead, but for now, at least, there was an undeniable spark between them. One she could not quite bring herself to extinguish, no matter how hard her logical mind urged her to do so.
As the door closed behind you, Elowen found herself caught between relief and disappointment. On one hand, she was grateful for the opportunity to have some time alone to sort through her thoughts and feelings; on the other, there was a small part of her that had hoped for more interaction with you before the night was through.
She took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart, before resuming her interrupted meal. The sweet potato casserole tasted oddly different now, somehow heavier and more complex than before; a fitting metaphor for the tangled web of emotions churning inside her as she struggled to make sense of this unexpected turn of events.
Her thoughts drifted back to the promises you'd made earlier; the idea that perhaps together they could explore not only the boundaries of their relationship but also the depths of their hearts. It was a dangerous game, one with no guaranteed outcome, and yet... she couldn'
You leave her chambers and begin to leave and ask where the battle master is that you could train with to release some energy.
Elowen, caught off guard by your abrupt exit and the mention of battle masters, pauses in her chambers before following after you. She hesitates briefly, uncertainty clouding her features as she struggles to reconcile this new aspect of you with the stranger she'd grown accustomed to over the past few hours.
As she catches up to you, she clears her throat delicately before speaking. "Pardon my curiosity, but I must admit that your sudden interest in combat came as something of a surprise." Her tone carries an air of caution, as if she's unsure whether to be concerned or supportive of this new aspect of your life.
I like to wrestle as this calms my nerves, but I’m not sure I can keep my hands off you in a way that is not sexual if you were to spar with me.
Elowen's eyes widen at your confession, surprise registering clearly on her features before she manages to compose herself once more. "I... see," she says quietly, her voice tinged with apprehension. She pauses for a moment, considering her options before continuing. "Perhaps we could find an alternative means of releasing your energies that wouldn't involve physical contact."
Her gaze darts around the room briefly as if searching for inspiration before she meets your eyes again. "There are other ways to enjoy companionship, you know," she offers tentatively. "Perhaps we could engage in a game of chess or cards... share stories about our lives and interests?" There's an undercurrent of hope in her voice as she suggests these alternatives, a desire for connection that belies her outward composure.
I apologize, but it must be wrestling
Elowen's expression darkens at your insistence on wrestling. "Very well," she says carefully, her voice clipped and cool. "If that is what you truly desire, then I suppose we have no choice." She swallows hard, forcing herself to meet your eyes as she continues. "But please, try to keep things... civil between us."
The unspoken warning hangs in the air like a sword's edge, and for a moment, you wonder if perhaps it would be wiser not to push her too far. Her trust is fragile enough already; to lose it completely could prove disastrous for whatever tenuous bond they may have formed tonight.
Do you need to change into something more durable to wrestle, dear?
"No, that won't be necessary." She says firmly, although her tone betrays a hint of nervousness. "I can handle myself." Her voice trails off for a moment before regaining its composure. "Shall we begin?" she asks hesitantly, not quite meeting your eyes as she gestures towards an empty spot on the floor.
Elowen's heart is racing and her palms are sweaty despite herself. This entire situation feels wrong, like they should be doing something else... anything else. But she can't help but feel a strange sense of anticipation coursing through her veins as well. Perhaps this will help her better understand the enigmatic man she's married to... or perhaps it will only make things worse. Either way, there's no turning back now.
I take off my shoes, crouch and slowly near her with determination in my face.
Her heart pounds in her chest as you approach her, your determined expression unsettling and thrilling at the same time. She takes a deep breath, bracing herself for what's to come. This man is nothing like any human she's ever met before; his strength and agility are intimidating even in a non-combat situation.
As you crouch down in front of her, Elowen hesitates for a moment longer before slowly lowering herself as well. Her gaze flickers between your eyes, searching for any hint of the man she thought she knew behind this new, intense facade. When they finally make contact, it's like a jolt of electricity racing through her body, sending shivers down her spine and making her heart race even faster.
Grab her arm and leg and quickly rotate attempting to put her on the ground, knowing that elves are typically stronger and much more agile
Her breath catches in surprise as your strong hands grab her arm and leg, swiftly rotating her off balance. She lets out a startled cry before crashing to the floor with a soft thud. The air whooshes out of her lungs, leaving her gasping for air as she struggles to catch her breath. A mixture of surprise, anger, and determination flares within her.
"You will not treat me like this!" she snaps, scrambling to her feet even as pain radiates through her shoulder where you've twisted her arm. Her eyes flash with fury, but there's an undercurrent of something else; a strange thrill that she can't quite place.
Ignoring the discomfort in her injured limb, Elowen lunges forward, aiming a sharp kick at your chest. The impact rocks you back on your heels, and for a moment, they're both thrown off
My apology’s, I’m not trying to hurt you, merely pin you down so that you cannot get up. I will not hit or kick you. That’s the attempt in wrestling.
Her heart slows to a more manageable pace as you explain your intentions, and she finds herself relaxing her guard slightly. "Very well," she says through gritted teeth, still struggling against the pain in her arm and shoulder. "But if we are to continue, I expect the same courtesy from you." Her eyes narrowed, she waits for your next move with bated breath.
Grip her shoulders and try to trip her, lowering her to the ground slowly.
Her body tenses as you grip her shoulders tightly, attempting to trip her. With a sharp cry of surprise and effort, she manages to keep her balance, even though it means doubling over slightly in pain. Her breath comes in ragged gasps as she struggles against the hold you have on her.
For several long moments, the two of them remain locked in this tense standoff, neither one willing to give an inch. It's a surreal and exhilarating experience for Elowen; so different from anything she'd ever known before. As the battle of strength and will continues, she can't help but feel a strange sense of camaraderie growing between them despite their efforts to remain adversaries.
With one final burst of energy, she twists her body away from your grip and lashes out with a foot, aiming for your hip this time. The impact sends you stumbling backwards,
Fein a fall and hold your hip, knowing it’s not hurt badly but attempt to convince her that she seriously injured you. If she comes close, smile and pin her quickly, that ends in a mildly comprising position.
As you feign a fall and clutch at your hip, Elowen hesitates for a moment before rushing forward to check on your supposed injury. Her brow furrows in concern as she looks you over, searching for any sign of serious harm. When she's convinced that you're merely playing possum, her expression flashes from worry to anger. She takes a deep breath, preparing herself for whatever comes next.
As you attempt to pin her quickly, Elowen reacts instinctively, rolling out of the way just in time. However, she doesn't try to retaliate or escape; instead, she finds herself frozen in place, uncertainty clouding her features as she wonders what sort of game you're playing now. Her heart pounds against her ribcage, and her breath comes quick and shallow, mirroring the chaos racing through her mind.
Well done. My attempt at trickery didn’t work. That trick worked on my brothers and friends more than once, and give her a big infectious grin.
Despite herself, Elowen finds it difficult to maintain her anger in the face of your infectious grin. Her own lips twitch upward into a reluctant smile as she acknowledges the futility of trying to outwit you. "You are truly a unique individual," she says breathlessly, still struggling to catch her breath. "I don't think I've ever met anyone quite like you." There's an undercurrent of curiosity in her voice that she can't seem to hide; a desire to know more about this man who is so different from any human she has ever encountered.
She hesitates for a moment longer, wondering if she should continue or if it would be wiser to withdraw and reassess the situation. The latter option seems safest, but there's something undeniably thrilling about being in your presence that makes her want to take a risk and explore further.
Let’s be done! I must clean off this sweat. Can you tell me where and how to get clean? A cold brook nearby perhaps?
"There is a small stream that flows through the gardens," she explains, her voice still laced with amusement as she takes in your sweat-drenched form. "It should be cool enough for now, and I'm sure my handmaidens would be happy to assist you in cleaning up." She pauses, considering the implications of what she has just said. "Unless... you prefer to bathe without assistance?"
Her cheeks flush slightly at her forwardness; it's unlike her to make such suggestive remarks, especially so soon after meeting someone new. But there's something about you that brings out a boldness in her she didn't know she possessed.
I don’t need assistance from your handmaidens. I wouldn’t mind you helping to clean my back if seat though, if that’s permissible.
The offer catches her off guard, sending a shiver of anticipation through her. Part of her wants to refuse; it's too intimate, too forward... but another part can't help but be intrigued by the thought of getting closer to you. She hesitates only for a moment before replying, the words tumbling out almost without thinking.
"Very well," she says quietly, her voice barely above a whisper despite herself. "I would... be honored to assist you in that way." Her heart races as she says the words; they feel like they're echoing through the empty chamber, somehow louder and more significant than anything else around them.
She looks up at you, her expression a mixture of trepidation and desire that she can't quite control. For a moment, it feels as if everything between them has shifted; as if they've crossed some invisible line from adversaries to something more...