Losing my Sanity; Gaining You [p, Fae Queen]

[Micah Lorren Blackthorn]

It was one of those nights. It was one of those nights where the only smell in the air was the scent of alcohol and the only sounds, other than the occasional cricket, were the drunken hollers of men whose bodies stank worse than their breath (which was saying something.) Micah sat, slumped in a rickety wooden chair, at an equally rickety table, with a half-finished drink on front of him. With a sigh, Micah chugged the last of his beverage, feeling the sting of alcohol as the liquid slid down his throat. He'd had enough.

Rising, Micah dug through his pockets and threw some money on the table. As he walked towards the exit, a waitress approached his table.

"Keep the change," Micah called, without turning to look at her. "This place looks like it could do with a bit of cleaning up." Micah dodged his way around two rather large men going at each other like beggars over a coin. "Especially after that," the dark-hair man muttered to himself as he walked out into the chilly night air.

The cold stung against Micah's flesh, which was still used to the stuffy warmth of the tavern he'd just left. he shivered, but refused to return home to get warmer attire. He wasn't going to face his father so soon after the sun went down. Sighing, Micah began walking.

It was as he was walking, when glancing up from his feet, that Micah saw a figure. It was short, likely female, and dressed in a cloak, with the hood falling low over her head. She turned slightly, and, in the lamplight, Micah made out the shine as the luminescence bounced off the lightly colored locks of hair slipping out from underneath the cover of the hood. The figure didn't look like she belonged. She seemed more formal, regal. After a moment, Micah remembered there was a party for Fae royalty nearby -- perhaps she was headed there and lost her way.

"Hey!" Micah called out, now only a few yards away. "What's someone like you doing here? Lost?"

[Laurnen Eliana Kiluna]

Laurnen was tired of the party.

Normally, it wasn't like her to be so depressed when some silly noble came and threw a party in her name. But last night, she had so many reports to fill out, and had hardly gotten any sleep. Right now, all she wanted to go was the leave the bright, noisy party and go back to the palace to her inviting bed, but she was Queen, and she wouldn't be allowed to do that. Glancing towards the party again, she noticed that nearly everyone had had a little too much of the wine to drink - after all, it had been a strong and expensive brand. Laurnen looked at the host, and seeing him flirting with one of the dancers he had hired for the party, she grabbed the cloak draped over the back of her elaborate, uncomfortable chair and quickly left the area of the outdoor party, murmuring something about seeking a bathroom.

When she left everyone else behind, the young Queen expertly tossed the cloak on her shoulders, where it settled after a moment of billowing in the air. She pulled up the hood of her cloak, trying to hid her one-of-a-kind long light pink hair with no success, scowling as she remembered her maid had said that she would look better with it down. With a frustrated sigh. She gave up with the flowing locks and fastened the gown around her, trying to hide her fancy gown behind the fabric as best she could.

Leaving the backyard of the large manor, she entered the streets of Indopion. She knew her birth city well, but she knew that it she went on the main road to her palace, someone was sure to recognize her and she'd be assaulted with questions about the party and why she wasn't there. After all, it had been the talk of the city last night. And no one wanted to pass up a chance to talk to the Queen. Sighing again, Laurnen knew that the best route to take was in the poor slums. One would probably mistake her for a prostitute, and most of the people there were drunk at this time of day if they weren't asleep, anyway.

Moving quickly, Laurnen cursed softly under her breath as her slippers provided no protection from the slime on the road. She wrinkled her nose in distaste, but marked down a note in her mind that the lower districts needed to be cleaned up a bit. She was not a woman to ignore her people, however high up she may be.

Slipping through the streets, Laurnen heard a murmured tavern's noises increase as a door opened, and she backed away, wary of anyone seeing her. If someone looked too closely at her, they might just wonder, and The Queen had no time for drunken men to throw themselves on her. But she was too slow, for only moments as she started to turn away, a male voice called out, "Hey! What's someone like you doing out here? Lost?"

Laurne ground her teeth together. The man had already guessed of her high station, but luckily from his tone she could tell he was not too drunk. Wetting her lips with her tongue, she replied lightly, with her body stilled turned away from the the mysterious male, "Oh, I was just on my way home. Not lost, but I appreciate your concern." Inwardly she cursed again - the lack of sleep must be getting to her. Obviously no one that lived near here would speak like she did, with each word perfectly pronounced and complicated word choices. Still, while he might know that she was form the richer district, he didn't know yet that she was, in fact, the Queen, and that gave her a little hope.

But just a little.

[Micah Lorren Blackthorn]

It was unlike Micah for him to so easily have his interest caught up in one thing. Or more, one person. But from the moment he saw her, Micah was curious. He interest was further piqued as the female spoke. He quirked an eyebrow for a second, then approached her. While still a few feet away, he stopped. Who was she? Her hair was light, and she had pale skin. Her voice was delicate and she sounded sure of herself. She was obvious of noble descent, but from which family? As a child, Micah had been forced to many gatherings of rich fae with fake smiles as they dined with rivals. It was all a race of who could be the best -- who could get the most power, who could marry their kid off to the highest position in the courts. At least, that's what it was like with Micah's father's parties. He felt he should have known her. She seemed so familiar -- the way she held herself, the way she spoke. Micah knew he should recognize her, and yet, somehow, he just couldn't.

He ran his eyes over her once more before he spoke. Small frame, well hidden in the cloak. Her stance didn't look fearful, so she was assured he wouldn't try to attack her, or, if he did, she would get to him first. Whether that was because of her position -- whatever that was -- or because she knew how to fight, Micah didn't know.

But he was dying to find out.

There was so little that interested him these days. It was nice to focus on something for a little, even if that something was just finding out the name of a woman he met on the streets.

"Well, Your Majesty," Micah said, no hint of teasing in his voice. He might as well flatter her, say she was as beautiful as the fae queen, even if only to get her name. "You may feel perfectly secure out here, but I happen to know there's nastier beings lurking about in the middle of the night. Would you allow me to escort you home? Whichever way that is."

Micah neared her and held his arm out for her to take. "Shall we?"

[Laurnen Eliana Kiluna]

Laurnen took a step back as the man stepped forward a bit. She hugged the cloak around her more tightly, like it could help her hide from his scrutiny. However much she tried to stop, she couldn't help sneaking a peek from the corner of her eyes at what the mysterious stranger looked like. Dark hair - she couldn't quite tell the exact color in the night. His eyes were shadowed, but she eyed his body appreciatively. Even though he was wearing a looser shirt, she could tell he had a good build.

She turned her head slightly towards him, still trying to hid her face, though. He, for sure, was handsome. She giggled softly to herself. Okay, maybe the Queen had drunk a cup of wine - possibly two, but she had mainly kept a clear mind. One trait she was sure of was that she could hold her alcohol, but as she surveyed the young man, a flirtatious gleam entered her navy eyes, but it was probably concealed from the man in the darkness.

As Laurnen stared at him more and more, she began to convince herself to have a little bit of fun tonight. She had been ever so bored at that stupid party, and it wasn't like anyone would know, right? It was just some innocent flirting, no more.

As she opened her mouth to ask his name, she was cut off. "Well, Your Majesty, you may feel perfectly secure out here, but I happen to know there's nastier beings lurking about in the middle of the night. Would you allow me to escort you home? Whichever way that is. Shall we?"

Immediately she stiffened. Was she so obvious? Next time she got a cloak, she was going to ask a wizard to enchant it with a glamour to hide herself. All flirtatiousness vanished as she whipped around, showing herself. What was the use in hiding if he knew it was her? Her eyes narrowed and lips tightly pressed against eachother, she regarded him coolly before replying, "Fine, you win the honor of escorting me to the palace. That was what you wanted, right?" Disregarding his elbow, she thrust her chin up in the air and started to walk down an alleyway. Sure, Laurnen was probably being a bit cruel, but of course the only reason he wanted to go with her was because she was Queen - that was all it ever was. For once, she wanted to be wanted because of herself, or because she was beautiful, not because getting her admiration would make themselves look better.

[Micah Lorren Blackthorn]

Very rarely in his life was Micah at a loss for words. In fact, he could count how many times he'd been so surprised he couldn't form sentences on his fingers. But this was just one of those moments where all Micah could do, in all his dark attractiveness, was blink (very handsomely, he might add, if someone were to ask.) This was followed by him opening and closing his mouth a couple of times and he still wasn't able to speak.

Micah's gaze followed Laurnen's slight figure as she stormed past him. He mentally smacked himself in the brain a couple of times as he moved to catch up with her. He should have known she was the Queen! What kind of blue-blood would try and hide under a cloak in the dank, dirty parts of Indopion? Her light hair, even if he could hardly tell its color in the glare of the lamp, should have made Micah recognize her right away. Sure, he'd never met the fae Queen, Laurnen Eliana Kiluna, in person, in all her delicate beauty, but he'd seen her from across the room many times at various events his father forced him to go to. She interested Micah. He wondered what made her love being queen so much, because, truly, whenever he'd seen her, she liked like she was enjoying life. Maybe she had her more depressed moments, but she was darn good at hiding it.

At the moment though, she was definitely not happy. Obviously, Micah had blown her cover, and he hadn't even tried. He just ticked off the queen of the fae, with the possibility of horrible consequences, and now he was roped into the job of escorting her to the palace. Was he going to take advantage of the situation? Of course. 

Micah's stride evened out to match Laurnen's, accommodating for her lack of leg length. A mischievous glint settled itself in Micah's hazel eyes. He glanced over at Laurnen. She was quite pretty, he admitted to himself, even without all her regal and queenly aspects. Of course she was beautiful at parties -- all dolled up to keep up appearances -- but, just herself, trying to slink through the back alleys of her city, she was a sight. Micah brushed his arm against hers as they walked, leaning closer to her ear to speak to her, but not close enough his face would be awkwardly near hers. "Well, Your Highness, am I allowed the honor of wanting a little something more?" he asked, no seductiveness in his voice except for its own natural qualities and low pitch. 

[Laurnen Eliana Kiluna]

She smiled slightly to herself, seeing him at a loss for words. Now that she could see him better, she could tell that he wasn't just some low ranking peasant. His clothing, however simple, was finely crafted, and his face and hands were mostly clean, with barely any stubble on his chin. While walking, she tried to recall his now-familiar face. Laurnen didn't know exactly where she had met him, but it was probably at some party or festivities. Mentally, the Queen cursed herself. She should know every noble in Finalu, especially those of the Fae!

When she saw him easily catch up, she tried to increase her pace, hating how tiny she felt beside him. Still, he followed after her at the same pace, and Laurnen sighed softly. However much she tried, she would always be small, even though she had the highest position that a Fae could have - a Queen. Men would always intimidate her, but she had to remind herself that she was better than them, like her mother had always said. Her mother had fallen in love with her father though, and whenever the young Laurnen proclaimed she would never fall in love, Queen Jonya would smile in a knowing way.

To this day, Laurnen had kept that promise, but the nobles of her court were pressuring her to chose a suitor, marry, and produce heirs. Sometimes, she felt like that was all she was needed for, even though the Queen was higher than even the King. Then again, the Fae had mingled with all of the other races, and three out of the five had a King, and their Queens were just used to, yes, "produce heirs," no matter how in love they were with their husband.

Matching her pace, the man lightly brushed his arm against hers, jolting her out of her thoughts, but Laurnen carefully kept her expression the same and pretended not to notice. Still, inside, the younger and more flirtatious her urged her to respond, but she ignored it. It wasn't until he asked, "Well, Your Highness, am I allowed the honor of wanting a little something more?" that she abruptly stopped walking, though secretly she shivered in pleasure. She hadn't flirted in a while - but now wasn't the time to start again!

"Listen, will you please stop trying to flirt with me?" the Queen demanded, crossing her arms over her chest and glaring at him. "I'm not in the mod, and it's rather obvious. Besides, I do not even know your name, and all you know about me are rumors and the image of the person across the room." Glaring at him slightly, she resumed walking at a slower pace, keeping her eyes ahead of her and not straying to the male beside her.

[Micah Lorren Blackthorn]

As Laurnen turned and glared at Micah, he met her eyes with his own irises, playfulness dancing in them. He stopped as she stopped walking and said, "Listen, will you please stop trying to flirt with me? I'm not in the mood, and it's rather obvious. Besides, I do not even know your name, and all you know about me are rumors and the image of the person across the room." Despite her words, Micah chuckled as she continued walking, apparently ignoring him. His expression, if Laurnen were to glance at it, said, I'm not that easy to convince to give up. Not when he had the chance to do . . . something -- Micah didn't really know what his goals were at the moment; he was just going with the flow of things -- with the fae Queen.

"And what if," Micah said, quickening his pace so he could stop a few steps in front of the Queen. He performed a quick mock bow. "Your humble servant, Micah Blackthorn, liked what he heard from those rumors or liked what he saw in glances stolen across the room?"

Micah's lips quirked up into the hint of a smirk as he watched he fae Queen. He wondered, for a moment, what he was doing. How stupid was he to try and court the queen of the fae? In an alley, for that matter. His father was always forcing him into the realm's politics, with Micah constantly avoiding such things, and, yet, here he was, attempting to woo the Queen of the Fae with a flirtatious smile and witty phrases. But his sanity had long ago left Micah. It was gone from the moment he saw the slender figure that caught his attention even from yards away.

For a moment, Micah got lost in Laurnen's eyes, as she glared straight ahead of her. And then he realized she was still coming towards him, not wavering in her path to move around him. And in response, Micah stood perfectly still.

[Laurnen Eliana Kiluna]

As she continued walking, he darted in front of her and she twisted her mouth into a frown, but the corners of her mouth lifted up slightly. He's going to be a hard one to dissuade, she though, and kept on walking until there was only a little space in front of them. Lifting her head to try and meet his eyes, she tried to act imposing, but it was hard when he was - literally - looking down on her. Still, she was the Queen, and was used to this, so she met his playful hazel irises with her own dark blue ones defiantly. Why she was defiant, she didn't know, but she felt like she was fighting with him.

"And what if your humble servant, Micah Blackthorn, liked what he heard from those rumors or liked what he saw in glances stolen across the room?" he replied, giving her a fast bow. She tried to stop from rolling her eyes, but couldn't help the grin that lit up her face. Quickly, she tried to subdue it with a stern expression, hoping he hadn't seen. His compliments were like any other man - liking what they saw, but thinking of that as only being a bonus of her position. After he escorted her to the palace, he would run to his friends and brag about his time with the Queen, and would quickly forgot her. Then again, what did it matter how she acted? Why was she acting so . . . Queenly in front of him? Normally, when she wasn't around her court, she would be her normal self.

But Micah Blackthorn . . . Now that she had his name, she could remember him. His father was a rich noble who had lost his wife, and she had often heard whispers of his irresponsible, immature son, the son that often went out drinking at the graveyard hour and returned in the morning with the smell of cheap perfume on him. No, she would not get associated with him, however handsome he may be.

Staring at Micah, she noticed that he was now smirking. Did he think her at a loss for words? Quickly, she replied, "Well, Blackthorn, maybe I have heard my own fair share of rumors about you, and didn't like what I have heard, hm?" Raising a slender eyebrow, she calmly waited for him to move out of her way. Their walk and conversation had turned somewhat into a game, of seeing who would cave first, who would give a witty retort. It was fun, but Laurnen didn't necessarily want to play it with Micah Blackthorn.

[Micah Lorren Blackthorn]

At his words, Micah thought he saw the Queen's lips slip into a grin, but, then again, it could have been a trick of the light. However, Micah knew from experience that lights were very rarely such pranksters, and that a person would never get anywhere with anyone or anything by blaming reactions on lighting -- or lack thereof. Despite the darkness, Micah could clearly see Laurnen's eyes daring him to speak again. One step over the line and she could get him hanged if she wished -- it was a game Micah was definitely interest in playing. So very rarely one runs into such dangerous, addictive situations in the middle of the night, and he was hooked. Baiting her was like gambling, only more seductive, more captivating, and much, much more beautiful.

At her reply and quirked eyebrow, Micah chuckled. He was definitely having fun, and, for one of the rare times in his life, Micah wondering if his partner in this game was having fun, too. He never was one to really care how his companion felt while flirting, but it was usually never hard to tell with scantily clad tavern girls who were constantly trying to lure your upstairs. It was different with Laurnen, though. She didn't want to get to him because of his looks, and, obviously, since it was impossible for one to be higher in position than Queen, not because of his rank among other nobles of the fae.

As Micah took a step sideways to let Laurnen continue forward, he said, smiling slightly to himself, "Now who's the one judging by rumors and whispers passed around like disease?"

ooc: Would be longer, but I'm going to a friend's, so. . . x3.

[Laurnen Eliana Kiluna]

He was laughing. At her? At her reactions? At her replies? Whatever the reason was, Laurnen didn't like it. Keeping a scowl on her face, she passed by he young noble, purposefully hitting his shoulder with her own. It was not a gentle brush, nor a seductive gesture, but a forceful push. She needed him to remember that she was in control of not only the conversation, but him. She could basically make him do whatever she wanted. With that thought, her frown disappeared with a small smirk.

She stopped and turned around, deciding to play with Micah. How long would it be before he lost it? She had done it before with people she didn't like, and to experiment what would make people secretly angry. Of course, they wouldn't be angry on the exterior, because they needed the Queen's favor. She normally did this when she had lost her patience, or she was bored, but now it was because she wanted to know what Micah was like. When a thought occurred to her, she outright grinned. Oh, yes, this would be interesting.

Her eyes flicking up to his, she quietly whispered in an emotionless voice, "Bow."

[Micah Lorren Blackthorn]

Micah resisted the urge to let his grin grow wider as Laurnen pushed him. Judging by her scowl, she'd probably hoped it would remind Micah she was the one in charge. While it did have some of its desired affect, at the same time, it told Micah that he was getting under her skin, which was partly what Micah was going for. It was fun -- playing this game. And when the Queen turned to Micah and grinned, he was starting to think she was having fun, too. Or, if not, she had an idea that would turn the chances of winning this contest of will in her favor. Micah's eyebrow twitched up. What did Laurnen have planned?

She met his eyes. Micah held her gaze as he stood in front of her.

"Bow."

It was an order. Micah could tell from the tone of her voice. Not a question. Not something Micah could particularly toy around with -- neglecting to bow would be directly disobeying the Queen of the fae. Micah had a feeling there was hidden motives behind the Queen's request, but he could do nothing to find out what those were without following orders. Unless. . .

Micah stalled for a moment -- a single second, really -- as an idea popped into his head. Not being one to really think things through, he didn't hesitate. His eyes sparkled mischievously as he spoke. "As you wish, my Queen."

And so Micah bowed. Just not the way any normal person would normally bow. Instead of dropping to one knee, or formally bowing before the Queen, he quickly dipped his head down, using her lack in height to his advantage, and pressed his lips against Laurnen's.

It wasn't a kiss to prove he was more powerful, or that he had won. It was sweet, simple, and, innocent, really. There wasn't any motives for his doing such a thing, Micah realized. He just wanted to kiss her, so he did. His actions weren't meant to seduce her, lure him to his bed just for kicks. He just meant to show her, hopefully though his lips, that maybe he wasn't so bad after all. Maybe the rumors weren't enough to make him into a bad person. Maybe he just needed someone to see the real him -- the part that just wanted to be loved and didn't care about all the money or fame or titles. The part of him that just wanted her for her, because, beyond a doubt, he'd had fun so far, without the alcohol or other things Micah usually used to distract him from boredom.

ooc: just. . ;A; *fangirls*

[Laurnen Eliana Kiluna]

[ AAAH! STOP! Stop right there! I need to . . . OMG, Laurnen!! xDD This is the BEST thread EVER! ]

Laurnen watched as Micah hesitated slightly. It was only for a moment, but that gave her the confirmation that she needed - he was a man of pride. Of course, every man had his pride, but most of them were pathetic, giving up all their pride to cower at her feet. It was disgusting, really, to see them throw it all away to just follow her every word, and that unconscious pause made her like Micah a lot more.

That is, until he kissed her.

Stunned, the Queen didn't even react for the first few seconds. This . . . This hadn't been planned! But inwardly, she knew that he had thwarted her plan.

It was a nice kiss, really, surprisingly very chaste. On his lips, she tasted only a hint of alcohol. Micah must have known that she could have him hanged for this - though it would have been had for her reputation and appearance - but yet, he took a chance and did it. Once again, she found herself wondering about who the real Micah Blackthorn was, not just the drunk troublemaker she had imagined based on the rumors.

But Laurnen smiled against his lips. Though it had been unexpected, she could work this kiss to her own advantage.

Pressing her body against his, she kissed him back passionately. Just see how he reacted to that.

[ hehe, I love Laurnen. xD she's so much fun in the dark of night. still short, but quality, right? ]

[Micah Lorren Blackthorn]

It was one thing to expect to get slapped in the face -- the least of punishment for unexpectedly kissing the fae Queen when she already didn't seem to like Micah -- but it was another matter entirely for her to smile against his lips and kiss him back. Passionately, too. Micah wondered if Laurnen had something up her sleeve. Perhaps she wanted to give him one last memory to replay in his mind while he was in jail, waiting to go to the gallows. Or maybe she was just so surprised, Micah had tricked the reaction out of her.

But after a second longer, Micah couldn't blame Laurnen's body pressed against his as an automatic response. Well, two could play at that game. Micah slipped one arm around Laurnen, hand resting on her back, just below her shoulder blade and the other he used to tilt Laurnen's chip up so he could deepen the kiss. Her lips were warm against his, and Micah got lost in the sensation. For a moment, he wasn't a noble and she wasn't a queen. It didn't matter how rich they were or who looked up to them or who they had control of. They were just a boy and girl, nothing more.

Though reluctant, Micah pulled away after a little longer (but only to breathe, really). Still trying to catch his breath, he watched Laurnen. "Was that bow sufficient?" Micah smirked softly. "Or would you like me to preform another?"

[Laurnen Eliana Kiluna]

Laurne felt his arm under hers, a hand gently resting on her back. When he pushed her chin upwards, she opened her bright, dark blue eyes. Just as she had thought - he hadn't resisted her. This other, not quite as small action, also revealed another part of who he was. She hated to admit it, she was interested in Micah Blackthorn. Why did he act like he did when he actually seem very - the Queen almost hesitated to think - sweet. Or was that the right word for it? It didn't seem like there was just one word that could describe the noble.

Okay, time enough to let this kiss go by - she had confirmed what she had suspected about Micah. Still, though, she found herself not wanting to pull away. Finally,it was Micah that pulled away, and Laurnen almost rolled her eyes at her stupidity. She wasn't the type of girl to forget everything at one, very nice kiss.

Still, Micah was a wonderful kisser, she admitted to herself. Truthfully, she wouldn't mind being kissed by him again - but no, she firmly thought. She had gotten enough pleasure from a simple kiss, she wouldn't allow herself to think of doing it again. Once was a test, two was a lust.

Letting out a soft, almost inaudible, she knew that she had to keep in the personality she had developed of the mischievous Queen who wandered in dark alleyways and met mysterious men. It wasn't that far from the truth, though, but the real Queen was much more immature, flirty, free of mind, causal, kind, and, well, un-Queenly. Quickly composing herself, she grinned seductively and licked her lips. "Very nice, Blackthorn, but not good enough. If that is all, then I think I can walk myself the rest of the way. Goodbye." Laurnen turned around, her gown softly swishing around her feet, and waved a dismissive hand. It wasn't an order, but she had made it clear that she was tired of him.

Hopefully, Micah Blackthorn would take the hint. If he didn't, Laurnen didn't know if she would be able to take another one of his kisses.

[Micah Lorren Blackthorn]

Micah smirked and watched her as she grinned and her tongue darted out to lick her lips. He could still feel the warmth of her on his mouth. . . But it was time to stop daydreaming about one good kiss. Still, even with the decision not to be so wrapped up in one girl -- even if she was the Queen, it hurt a little when Laurnen said, "Very nice, Blackthorn, but not good enough. If that is all, then I think I can walk myself the rest of the way. Goodbye."

And here Micah thought he was better than that.

The announcement made Micah just want to go after her more. There was no way he could go after her to the palace . . .

Micah mentally smacked himself in the brain a good several times. Again. (Come to think of it, this woman made him do that a lot more often than any other had.) Micah remembered the reason he went out this night in the first place and cussed under his breath as the Queen moved away. He was staying at the palace. Courtesy of his father.

Micah didn't know how it'd been arranged, but, for some reason or another, he was stuck rooming with her Royal Majesty. Something about him meeting a girl. Micah honestly didn't stick around to listen when his father was explaining it to him earlier that day. At the time, Micah hadn't been happy, but apparently fate had cut him some slack and given him a chance to bother the fae Queen some more. Or maybe steal another kiss.

Now, that, Micah would not mind in the least.

Micah caught up to Laurnen and walked beside her. In response to her earlier words, he said, "Very well. Goodbye, Laurnen." Only, he was going in the exact same direction.

ooc: Micah: Trolololo.