The Journey "Home"

[Julius]

"S'bout where I figured..." A gruff voice said in as low a tone as it could muster. The setting sun's light dared not shine on his form just yet, though he made no attempt to hide himself from view, not that there was anyone looking at that time. A light howl soon followed as the wind blew against his back, as if guiding him towards his goal... his home, or the closest thing that he could call such. The travels had be great, the ordeals many, yet finally he found it, finally he found her... or the closest thing to her that his memory could grasp. Could it be? Could he finally have found the place, the very person who once melted his heart, the place he would smile, laugh, and even dare to love? A slight snarl played on an unseen face as he grimmaced, figuring himself a fool for taking on this endeavor. Matters of the heart weren't the game he was accustomed to, no matter how often he would lie awake at night and reflect on her.

Leaves danced with a passing zephyr which brought an eerie howl to echo through the land. A lone figure could be seen as the silhouette of a man marched forth, relentless in his pace. Long strides brought to a halt as the man surveyed the land. A grimace befell his well-defined features as he narrowed his hazel eyes. "She's 'round here somewhere..." He said to himself, his tone gruff, weary. His nostrils flare as he took in the wind's cavalcade of aromas, several tickling the back of his mind, though one did linger. His fists tightened as his memory poured forth, an image brought to mind: Lillith. "Looks like boss-lady's finally back..." He said, an odd smirk playing on his lips. "Or maybe I've just been gone fer too long, eh?" He said to himself, a hand reaching within his flowing, tattered, sleeveless trench, withdrawing a stogie, lifting it to his lips. The flick of a thumb atop a concealed match brought forth a moment of light onto his form as he ignited the cigar, dropping the match in his wake as he pressed forth, the wind guiding him.

The trees rustled lightly as a calming breeze pressed over the woodland area, thinning out the greenish trail of fog-like smoke left from the cigar. As he stepped forth, the setting sun's light hit this man's form, revealing him to any unknown onlookers. Julius was a man of impressive stature, standing slightly over six feet with an exposed, well-defined torso through the opening of his trench. His arms were large, muscular, fingerless gloves donned on his hands. His pants were tight, black, donning chromic kneepads however odd it seemed. He stopped for a moment as another creature came into view: A large bear, apparently irate. The beast and Julius locked eyes as he continued forward, the beat seeming particularly territorial. "Best ease up, Princess..." Julius said in a gruff, unthreatened tone as he reached within his trench, withdrawing a gun-like object. He fired towards the bear, at the ground about it to be more astute, the bear running off in fear of the weapon. The firing sound of the gun echoed still through the expanse of the tree-ridden area. His subtlety lost, he was no longer the unknown, wandering force, his element of suprise having been lost at that point.

Casually, Julius crouched to the ground, scooping up a palm's worth of dirt, sniffing it for a moment. "She's gettin' closer..." He said, dropping the dirt and rising up again. Lillith was near and Julius was determined to find her, after all, they still had a contract.

[Lillith]

Though it was still winter, the wind biting cold, she sat now upon the balcony off her room, curled into a plush chair. Yet she wore no coat, the chilling breeze not even moving the glistening strands of silver that was her hair. Her head was laid back against some pillows, her Power keeping a nice shield about her to keep out the seasons cold. She could still hear the din of the Lumination below, busy as ever, as always. She had come up here for a moments respite, to allow herself to think in solitude. Yet solitude seemed to be the way of things for her as of late. She'd been good for awhile now, merely staying home, running her Inn, raking in the money. Like she needed it. Yet she continued day after day, for the Lumination -was- home, and the only constant in her life. She often thought on what would happened when she passed? Would one of her sisters come to continue their legacy she had worked so hard to build? Or would it crumble to dust, lost forever as wood, brick, stone and memories faded away. Sighing softly she would turn within her chair, curling to the other side, allowing her thoughts to drift over this and that. Moments like this she had come to find were good for her, kept her grounded..sane if you will..

Eyes of mercury would whip open as she felt a tug upon her Being, freezing stone still, her vision drifting over the woods she could see in the distance. Slowly she would sit up, hands grsping a bit too tightly to the armrests of her chair as she pushed herself free from the cushions. Someone was treading upon Luminatti land, someone who had been gone for an awful long time. She had thought, maybe hoped really, that he was dead. The sound of a gunshot rang through the winds and she didn't even flinch. Languid steps she would take across the balcony, her shield dropping, ah now the wind would buffet her, whip through her silken mane, catch her scent of lilac and carry it forth out through the woods. But she was not smiling. Lush lips had thinned, almondesque eyes had narrowed, and she was grasping to the railing hard enough to have wood splinter beneath her grip.

She was being inundated with feelings at the moment, emotions, and she didn't like it. Not one damn bit. She'd done so well lately, falling into the lifestyle she had chosen, had actually come to enjoy the day to day grind. As much as Lillith Luminatti could anyway. Ok maybe enjoy was the wrong word. Resigned.. yes. And the presence she felt now, one that brought so many things alive within her.. love, anger, lust, need.. betrayel... happiness. Emotions careening through her now, and for this Luminatti, it wasn't good to have all this happening at once. Oh but she wasn't the woman she used to be now was she. A deep breath taken in, a subtle cant of her head as she pondered. Oh so slowly a smile would curl the perfection of her rosebud tiers. He had finally come home? Fine. She would whisper softly, leaning out over the railing a bit.

" Welcome home darlin'.."

It was all that was offered, and Julius Ryder would hear that whisper clearly, dancing almost sweetly through his senses, her lovely scent swimming with it. She would turn and make her way back inside the Lumination, meeting the calls of her name as she drifted down the stairs into the main bar with a warm and welcoming smile, motioning to Adonis.

" Julius will be here soon. Make him welcome.. in fact pour it on. Whatever he wants give him. I'll be in my room."

Adonis would merely nod as he lofted a brow, not asking questions. Lillith was indeed the Boss Lady. What she wanted.. she got. What a good life it was..

[Julius]

Digits moved effortlessly as he casually moved his fingers about the palm of his hand, something of a nervous habit for momst people, but Julius had developed it into something of a subconcious past time. So you finally made it back... A voice called out, echoing through the confines of much controlled turmoil, the confines of a land once ravaged by the most base of feelings: Rage, lust, the things of the like. The voice's echoes lingered through here, this land known only to Julius as his mind, its presence brings a slight snarl onto his lips as he approached the Lumitation. "Get outta my head, doc..." Those were pretty much the only words Julius would speak to this voice, this thing that haunted him so, a slight sigh now echoing through his mind's confines as it retreated. Julius had made it a habit these days to act without thinking, this person's presence in his head making it difficult to keep thoughts he wanted his own just that, so cutting out the middle-man seemed best. Although things seemed to take a turn for the worst, something Julius had not anticipated... he found Lillith.

Her intoxicating aroma wafted about him as wind carried it to him, almost as if nature had guided him to the second place he called home. There it is... The voice said, it's tone dulcid, though reeking of a matter-of-fact attitude that had earned him the loss of his body. The voice went unheard to the woodland creatures as he passed, Julius himself drowning it out, since it was his ear alone that picked it up, less there be one beast amongst this expansive tapestry of creatures which possessed the power to dive into the minds of men and dared to do so to this one. Such seemed not the case as he stood before the Lumination, a familiar figure greeting him just outside of it. The shadow of night hugged this sillouete of a woman well, though his narrowed eyes knew all too well this figure... he knew it, he had explored it, at one time he dared to call it his, but the dim light of the moon struck it and she stood upon the Lumination's balcony... Lillith.

"Welcome home darlin'..." Were the words she spoke, Julius finding her tone lilted, uninterested. His deep, hazel eyes' harsh glance took in her form's entirety, his back teeth grinding slightly. This truly WAS a nervous habit, the grinding of the treet quivered his lips once, ash falling from the stogie he held firmly in his mouth. He raised a gloved hand, explosed fingers plucking the cigar from his mouth as he took in a deep drag, the harsh, unkind flavor swimming in his mouth. Noxious fumes were inhaled and then drug down his throat as he soon exhaled, the greenish-brown smoke now wafting from his lips to hang over head. He had much to say to her, so much he wanted to say... his biceps felt unpleasently warm, tight, this feeling spreading to his chest as he took in a breath, lowering the cigar from his mouth. "Didn't figure ya' fer th' sentimental type, Boss Lady." He said, his tone was loud, gruff, somewhat harsh, Julius's tongue abnormally sharp, sarcasm subtlely hidden beneath his tone. He was never one for oral repetoir, but as the sands of time which once remained frozen within his soul had since thawed, so began thier shift as the hour glasses turned.

His heart, however warped and unused a thing it may have been, seemed to drop lightly. In the furthest region of his mind, the very area his and all hearts of men drew from, he secretly hoped his reception to be of the warmer sorts. A scowl now reached his face as he bore his teeth, the corners of his mouth opening as Adonis now approached. Julius instantly remembered Adonis, his large frame, his sculpted form, and he remembered how little Adonis always had to say. "Haven't see ya' in awhile, Errand boy." Julius said, his tone hastened slightly as his raspy voice echoed into the Lumination. He slapped Adonis on the back as he passed, a relatively kind greeting from the likes of Julius as he approached the door. The door to the Lumination... he had waited for this moment for awhile... this sense of familiarity... A familiar grin grew on his lips as he raised one of his legs, thrusting the bottom of his heavy boot forward onto the wooden door, just as he had always done. The door immediately swung open with a harsh smack as the knob slammed the wall beside it, his boot meeting the ground with a harsh stomp as he made his way into the bar. Turning to Adonis, he allowed a slight malicious grin to play on his face as he spoke, "S'been awhile since I did that..." He said, his voice easily heard over the ruckus of the customers.

He harshly pushed his way through the modest crowd, seating himself at the bar, his arms swung on this bar top rudely, elbows comfortably spaced, one stretching out into another customer's personal space. "Hey there, fella!" A large man said, looking to Julius as he tapped his elbow. Julius simply looked to Adonis, as if expecting him to know what it was he wanted to drink, nothing coming of their unspoken exchange of glances. The man became annoyed at the fact Julius refused to ackowledge his presence, his large frame rising from the seat to hover over Julius, cracking a knuckle. "I was talking to you... move yourself, you're in my space!" He said, obviously drunk and a bit onery as a cause of such. Looks like you've got trouble... The voice said, echoing through Julius's mind once more. "Get outta my head, doc..." Were the only words Julius spoke, his tone passive, dismissing almost. Enraged by his nonsense, the man reared back his fist, delivering a harsh punch to Julius's left cheek, causing him to tumble off the stool at the bar.

Adonis was quick to react, sliding over the bar to assess the situation. Julius sat up, his cheek swollen, bruised slightly. Spitting out a tooth, Julius lowered his hand as he refused Adonis's assistance, staying seated of the floor as his harsh gaze looked up to the man, who laughed mockingly. "Ha, make sure you watch where you sit around here!" The man said, haching the back of his throat and spitting on Julius as he sat on the ground, which only caused him to tremble in anger. After a moment, a sigh escaped Julius's lips as he looked to Adonis, "Didn't I used ta' have a reputation...?" He said, his tone gruff, but somewhat saddened as he looked to the large, drunk man. Julius haching his throat as well, spitting on the man this time, but this was distinctly different. The saliva and mucus mixture shot from Julius's mouth with amazing speed, moving so fast it was nearly undetectable by the human eye. It struck the man in the throat, the sheer power of the impact rivaled that of a bullet, the force sending the man flying back, sliding across the floor.

Rising from the ground, Julius wiped the man's spit off of his cheek and sat back down on the stool, Adonis seeing the man off as only Adonis could... properly, unobtrusively. Julius rubbed his cheek just once, the swelling going down a moment or two after he sat down, the purplish color of the bruise diluting with fresh blood and revived muscle. It was an amazing thing to watch Julius heal like that, though it did seem that it was noticeably slower these days than in the Lumination days of olde. Looking at his tooth as it laid on the ground, his left eye would twitch as a new one pushed its was through his gum line. Harsh eyes would fall on Adonis as he stepped back behind the bar, Julius raising his hand to get his attention, "I need a six-pack an' a whisky chaser." He said in a half-hearted tone, looking back to the ground, a slight glimmer of light hitting his eye: A pocket mirror.

A mirror of unknown origin, possibly from the man he had just trounced, laid on the ground. Leaning to his side, Julius plucked it from the ground which it laid, looking at his reflection absently. After a moment, a look of sheer, unrefined hatred fell on his face as his eyes met his reflection's, crush the mirror with the grip of his hand. "Head honcho my ass..." He said lowly to himself, not daring for any others to hear him speak. He was home, but it seemed his heart had since evolved to where he was not needed.

His drink was placed before him and amber liquids would soon find shelter within his form. He had little left to take solice in these days...

[Lillith]

Having retreated to her room, alone once again, she could allow herself to crumble a bit, oh and she did. She was shaking actually, the presence of Julius within the Lumination nearly engulfing her. She would plop down into the chair before her mirror, staring at herself. She thought she looked a little pale. And why not? The man who had done so much to her heart had returned. Her head would drop into her hands, eyes drifting closed as she attempted to collect herself. How should she react to this? Truth was, she wanted nothing more then to throw herself into his arms, drag him to her bedroom and ravage him until he passed out. But that wasn't Lillith. It never had been and really it never would be. But, he had come back. He had come 'home'. This in itself warrented something more then a fist to his jaw. When he had left the last time, still feeling his kiss upon her lips, his eager hands upon her body, she had known deep down it would be long before he returned, if ever. But he had..hadn't he..

Gathering in a long calming breath she would lift her head, rising from her chair, and cock a grin at her reflection. " Let's take his breath away. Make him regret being gone so long.. make him remember what he's been without.."

Turning from her mirror she moved to her closet, already peeling off her boots, her regular jeans and silk blouse. She was pulling dresses from within, gazing, tossing, gazing and tossing. It had to be perfect. No.. oh gawd no.. ..oh yes..this one. Perhaps it seemed like an eternity before she finally came to the top of the stairs, mercury hues gazing down into the main bar directly at Julius.

Her mane of quicksilver was pinned atop her head in a jumble of glistening curls, several dancing against the sides of her lovely face, that face that held such beauty men had groveled at her feet but for a moments attention..back in the day. Upon her sweet, supple form was a gown that hugged delightfully so to her curves. Almost sheer it seemed, shimmering in the light, looking as if it was spun by the most delicate of spiders upon her body just for her just at that moment. The bodice dipped low, baring a wondrous amount of breast, tightening at her still small waist, clinging deliciously to her hips, the rest of the material falling out behind her in a small train. Upon her feet were delicate sandals, the lacings criss-crossing up her shapely calves, tied in a small bow at her knees. Small, delicate seeming hands settled upon the banister, lilac instantly filling the room, the room that slowly fell to a deep silence as every set of eyes turned up to look upon her. This was not the Lillith any of her customers knew. This sight of her now indeed warrented silence. She was breathtaking.

Yet her eyes were for one man alone. Julius Ryder. And upon her rosebud lips was a smile, a true smile. Her heart flipped a bit as she took in the sight of him, she couldn't help it. She would by far not allow herself to fall completely, for she knew that he would simply leave again. But for now, he was home, and she would let herself enjoy the moments she had. Depending of course on how he acted. He could end up being a complete and total asshole, and she'd have to end up hurting him. That thought had its perks as well.

But for now, she would clear her throat a bit, waiting for Julius to see her atop the stairs as everyone else was. She would purr softly, knowing that he more then likely would be a bit.. surprised to see her like this. " You going to make a Lady enter by herself Julius? How utterly rude.." Her words were soft, oh but her smile was sly. She was playing a game, and if he remembered anything about her, he would know this, and play right the hell along.

[Lillith]

jules_ryder : His sorrows were abound this evening, but it seemed that they were unusually abundant these past few years. Tirelessly they tormented him, from the depths of his frozen heart to the furthest regions of his mind. He had endured so much to return to the Lumination, the only place he had ever really felt comfortable calling home; the ordeal with the sword, the destruction of his bike, warding out the werewolf from within him, the loss of Os, his trips to the other side of the gale, his former foes rising up and striking against him, and Kizoku's death and inconvenient manner of clinging to life within Julius's concious mind. He dared not look down to the shards of mirror that laid on the ground beside him, not daring to look at his reflection again. (cont)
jules_ryder : It had gotten to the point where Julius despised himself, the man he had become was something sad, pathetic, something far less than what he was. He once knew respect, he knew the feeling of being feared, he knew the feeling of being loved... and he knew what it was TO love. (cont)
jules_ryder : "Maybe that's what brought you back?" Kizoku's voice called out, echoing once more through Julius's mind's confines. A low snarl escaped his parting lips as his fists clutched themselves tightly, his knuckles fading to white as he reached for the whiskey bottle, taking a harsh swig. The thick, warm amber fluid trickled down the back of his neck, enough to make any lesser man heave, though not Julius Gregory Ryder, he was beyond the pains that alcohol could inflict. He did not answer the voice inside, choosing to continue to ignore it as he looked forward, his eyes drifting off into the distance, in some sort of deep introspection as Lillith came to mind once more... though she did quite frequently. (cont)
jules_ryder : Who did she think she was, honestly? Brushing him off as if it were a casual visit that he makes every day... he had come home, dammit! He had enough, he knew this was not his place, he was not to be made a fool of, he knew when he wasn't wanted. "Alright, Apollo... time fer me ta' hit th' road, then..." He said, raising up from his seat, turning towards the door. " You going to make a Lady enter by herself Julius? How utterly rude.." He heard a voice called out from the stairs, drawing his attention towards Lillith. Never again would he wish to shut his eyes after this sight. (cont)
jules_ryder : Lillith stood across the way, her sly grin on her face as she stood idly, as if showing off her attire, which was perfectly fine by the likes of Julius. "So she's playin' me that way, eh?" Julius said under his breath, a cocky grin rising onto his face as a narrowed glance looked towards her. He finally understood what the hell was going on, and it gave him a sense of relief he had long since forgotten. Oh the games they'ed play... it looked as though little had changed since. "Right... an' which lady are ya' talkin' 'bout?" Julius said as he stepped harshly across the awe-struck crowd of patrons. (cont)
jules_ryder : "Just 'cause yer th' boss-lady don't actually make you no lady." He said, his voice gruff, though hinting towards subtle sarcasm which was rarely seen in Julius. Jocularity was not an art he was akin to, though he had been known to dabble if the situation called for such. "Still... I guess since ya' got th' best can in th' room, I can escort ya'!" He said, the wry grin growing ever broader on his face as he held out a hand, steping on the last stepping up the stairs, leaning towards her form. The scent of lavender overwhelmed him as he felt a warming sensation fill his chest... whatever may have been the cause, his heart had melted. (Fin!)

lillith_luminatti: The room began slowly to ease back to its normal din, patrons talking once more, yet many now were leaning closer to each other, speaking in whispers as glances were continuously stolen her way. Adonis, though he had indeed seen Lillith dressed in such a manner a few times before, well he was standing behind the bar, jaw hanging open. Apollo would give a good elbow into his brothers side to bring Adonis back to reality. Slowly Lilliths eyes of mercury would travel the room, a subtle wink given to her loyal men behind the bar before allowing her attention to fall full and complete upon Julius, now standing before her. Her chin would lift slightly, head canting a bit to the side as she studied this man who came and went within her life so often.-c-
lillith_luminatti: One would think perhaps to often, but Lillith knew Julius. She knew his heart, his soul, his mind. Under her pillow still was the letter he had left her so long ago, within its thinning paper the dried lilac sprig, still holding the remnants of its heady scent. Many a night tears had stained that pillow as her hand rested upon the small bundle..but her tears had faded oh so long ago.. Ah he was a glorious sight indeed, though he was one scruffy sunovabitch. He needed a bath, a haircut, some new clothes. That would come in time. As he came to her, his hand held up to accept her own, she would take that step down towards him and settle her so much smaller appendage into his own. -c-
lillith_luminatti: Upon her sandeled toes she needed to rise as her lips met to the side of his mouth, lingering there, holding back the shudder that fled through her frame.. a soft whisper fled across his flesh as her free hand came up to cup his cheek, needing to be near him, wanting to be close. " Don't ever make the mistake that I am not a Lady Julius. I am Luminatti, and we are all the epitomy of Lady. Never forget that.." She couldn't stop the shudder now as her lips trembled against his face, moving her head to allow her petal soft tiers to tease against his own, lifting her fathomless eyes to gaze into his as she smiled slowly. -c-
lillith_luminatti: " Just because I could easily put a bullet between someones eyes does not mean I'm not a Lady.. with a damn fine 'can' as you so eloquently put it. Come on, there's to many eyes here. get some whiskey and we'll go to the Gardens so we can be alone..." And she was pulling away from him, drifting through the room with that delicious sway to her hips, heading behind the bar and out the kitchen door towards the Gardens. He would follow she knew. Oh she had missed him..

jules_ryder : There was so much strange pride within the Luminatti that Julius could never grasp. Their history was all but a mystery to him, their pride unexplained, yet it would seem that a Luminatti composed of two things: Being a woman and being proud that you are a Luminatti. This hubris always befuddled Julius, even in the other three Luminatti sisters he had met... Cleo, Aeron, and the third... her name always escaped him, he just knew her as the Blackheart sister. There were so many of them around, but he had met only four, and loved only one. He had always meant to ask Lillith of her father, but there was some unseen force that held him back... either the mystery was too delicious or their was some unseen tension that laid there. (cont)
jules_ryder : He would find out eventually. Hazel gaze drank of her form as the brief tangent faded off into obscurity, his mind entertaining other notions. (cont)
jules_ryder : "Heh, whatever ya' say, Boss-lady..." Was his only remark... something that was said to both the lady remark and the whiskey. She sauntered away, back behind the bar, leaving Julius ample time to prepare himself. "So what now?" Kizoku uttered, Julius feeling a sudden twinge of pain in his frontal lobe, growing tired of the odd voyeur he kept as a roommate in his own ind, however unwilling. He did not answer once more, instead stepping down the few stairs he had ascended, keeping keen eye on Lillith as her hips swayed about. His blood felt hot, thick, like melted wax coursing through his veins, his mouth growing moist with hunger, the LILAC aroma a treat for the senses. (cont)
jules_ryder : Her well-sculpted form left him as it stepped outside from behind the bar, Julius following in pursuit, grabbing his bottle from the counter top and exiting the back door quickly. He crosed the thresh hold, holding his bottle in hand as he allowed a free hand to entered the opened crease of his trench, withdrawing a fresh stogie, placing it in his mouth as he flicked an unexposed match from under his thumb, igniting the tip of the cigar. After a hefty drag, he plucked from his lips, holding the stogie in one hand and the bottle in the other, looking behind Lillith. This game of their was as old, probably older than history had been recorded, but it was tried and still true. Coyly, Julius looked to Lillith, a hapsened grin of his face as he spoke, "So... s'been awhile ain't it, boss-lady?" (Fin)

Lillith_ Luminatti: She would hear him following her, the sounds from the Lumination fading somewhat as they slipped deeper into the gardens, their footsteps crunching softly upon the small pebbles that made up the Gardens paths. Though Aeron had been gone for a long while as well as was her sisters want, the Gardens still flourished beautifully, both in and out of Season. Her Sprite had the most wondrous gift. Lilliths mind wandered a bit, thinking on her missing sibling, wondering what might be transpiring with her. Though Aeron had been gone, Lillith knew her sister was well. If she weren't Lillith would feel it, and nothing would stop her from being at Aerons side. Soon enough they came upon a large Willow, wherein she would slip through the canopy, glancing at julius as she settled herself down upon a bench that was there. Her legs would cross, the silk of her dress falling away and to the sides to give a most wondrous view of her shapely calve and thighs as her lifted foot began to bounce a bit. Pursing rosebud lips slightly she would nod a bit at his words, quicksilver curls kissing against her face as a hand lifted out, a silent request for the bottle of whiskey he still held. " Yeah, it's been awhile. A very long while.." Her smile would fade slowly, chewing on her lower lip as she held the gaze of the man she knew she loved hard. " I won't pretend it hasn't hurt, but I won't berate you either. Yet anyway. I promise to listen to your explanation, and I promise to be fair. I also promise to hurt you immensley if your explanation doesn't quite sit well with me. Hand over that damn whiskey before you drink it all.."

[Julius]

Bone ground against bone aggressively as Julius grit his back molars, taking in Lillith's words. An idle thought crossed his mind as he began recalled the events, the many torrid tales of hate, of redemption, of pain, of relief... he saved live, he took lives, and at one point reclaimed his own, but would just as soon lose it again. "It's a long story ta' tell, babes..." Julius said, allowing the bottle to leave his hand, his fingers gently gliding upon the glass surface as Lillith took it, leaving him only to cradle his cigar. Idly, he placed his left hand in his pocket, leaving the right to raise up and pluck the cigar from his mouth, exhaling an impressive cloud of greenish-brown smoke, eyes falling on the platinum-locked woman who had once dared to reach inside him and melt his heart. It was an odd sensation, being with Lillith... he had HAD her, but was she ever really his? An unexplained chuckle left him as he realized what he was thinking... Lillith belonging to someone... as if she were the type to be with one man. Though the consequence was little to Julius, he dared not reflect further, he knew how she worked.

"How's 'bout we compromise...?" Julius said, taking a step towards the curvacious-formed beauty, his mouth watering with an insatiable hunger, lilac sending his thoughts swimming for sparatic moments. Any other man would undoubtedly crumble under the conditions, but not Julius, he knew the wiles of man and woman alike, he wasn't one to be bested. His form was never to be taken as one of beauty so much as one of power, though the container did not do just to what would lye within. His ashy locks blew with a subtle wave as a midnight breeze would waft through the garden, hazel eyes narrowing on Lillith as he spoke, "Ya've gotten in my head b'fore... s'quicker than me standin' here, yammerin' on fer hours an' hours..." He said, opening her to another invitation. His mind was a book for her to read, to enjoys and pick at with her leisure, he cared little for consequences. B-but Julius, what of me? This is foolishness! Kizoku yammered out, which only brought a wide grin to Julius's characteristically menacing face.

Contents Therein
(Only to be acknowledged if the choice to enter the mind is accepted, otherwise disregard)

The arrival was shakey, uncertain, for it seemed that into his mind, there were two doorways, one so familiar, the other foreign, unobliging, inaccessable, so obviously not the door which needed to be taken. Within the open doorway were thoughts, memories, some foreign, some familiar, which was indication enough that it was indeed the mind of Julius Gregory Ryder. The tale told itself... Julius had lifted up the large boulder into the cave, finding himself before a seemingly flustered Lillith, whose eyes spoke of panic and nigh-madness. Her powers leaked out without restraint, causing the cave itself to collapse. It was a valiant effort on Julius's part, but the other had gotten her, taken her home, leaving Julius under the pile of rubble, which was where he laid, broken and battered for a good day before his body healed itself, causing him to raise from the rubble once more.

He went to find Lillith, though the trail back to the Lumination may have been short, obstacles laid in his path. The werewolf beast was rattled, truly free of restraint and had managed control of his body, leaving Julius in the back of his own mind as it wandered elsewhere, undoubtedly jarred loose by Lillith's mind's discharge. When Julius finally awoke, some few months later, he found himself in a foreign land, its name still not known to him. From there he found Lierteiz, manipulator of mystic arts most dark, where he was freed from the beast's curse and truly his own man once again. Lierteiz did issue Julius a warning, for familiy drew nigh, and th us began his past-time: The hunt.

It was Ryder again Ryder for nearly a year as Julius and his sister did hunt and evade one another. After so long a chase, the cat and mouse/mouse and cat finally met and their skills were tested, Julius proving himself to be the superior after a two-person battled waged on between them for the better part of a week. Now fatigued, Julius weary trecked home, guided only by the ever weakening scent of his love, already having been gone far too long.

After a month's travel, he found himself in the home realm of Kizoku, the man who had once built him the hog he adored, the man who had modified Julius's weapons... the man who he would soon share a mind with. Liertiez had tracked Julius back to Kizoku's laboratory, where he soon turned trecherous and a magnificent onslaught of magic and technology began. It was Kizoku who dealt the winning blow to the sorcerer, though the last laugh went to Liertiez as he used his dying breath to banish Kizoku from his physical body, binding his soul to the nearest container: Julius. Enraged, Julius found himself back on the trail home, the new voice giving him little comfort and much more to be generally pissed about.

The final endeavor came in the form of another familiar person... Osauklis. Bearing a usually bright smile on his face, Osauklis took great humor in Julius being lost, knowing his direction sense to be less than adequate. Julius learned of the prophet, the sage who could send him in the correct direction towards Lillith, the trail having gone cold. Their quest to find the prophet was long, arduous, and it ended in yet another fight, this one against the unruly team of servants to the prophet which had slain the man they sought. These were tough opponents, easily overwhelming Julius, despite his abilities, leaving a majority of the battle to Osauklis. This was their loss... Julius was assumed dead and Osauklis, a man of kind spirit and fierce strength, was killed for certain. The group moved on and Julius regrew, a fixed man with only one tie left in the world: Lillith.

The rest of the tale told itself... a constant search in many random directions across many realms... each moment hoping her scent would find his way back to him. It was needless to say that it had and he was home.

(Sorry it took so long, I kept hoping you'd be on Yahell... u_u)

[Lillith]

A slender brow would loft as he gave her his offer. A chance to slip within his mind? She wondered if he knew she was very much aware of the fact that his trust with her, simply from this offer, knew no bounds.

" As you wish.."

..was her small reply, even as she captured his eyes with her own. Mercury pools that seemed to have no bottom delved deeply into his, slipping so easily within his mind. It was no longer hard for Lillith to do this since coming to her full Power. Yet this was also something she never did uninvited. She already had her own issues, the last thing she needed was to be in the minds of all those around her. She sat quietly, demurely, her hands clasped upon her lap as she slipped into the mind of this man she loved.

Her presence there was warm, loving, her Goddess, the Empath and Healer that was a part of her guiding her upon her journey. Two doors before her, one open, and one.. the one so dark, closed so tight that it gave her pause. She stared upon this door, wondering what part of him lay behind the portal that he wouldn't open it for her, let alone himself. A soft sigh escaped her lips as she just let it go. Perhaps some day, they would delve within those depths together. If he asked it of her, she would help him through his nightmares. This thought she allowed to settle within the recesses of his mind. But for now she turned to the open portal, stepping within.

A sharp intake of breath occured as her head fell back, his memories sweeping through her, consuming her. Her delicate brow knitted tightly as all he had been through tore through her, beginning of course with what had transpired between them at their last meeting. Flowing through everything thereafter, and through it all he had thought of nothing but getting home to her. A single tear of silver flowed down her cheek as she realized how deep their bond actually was. Did this mean they would someday have a life together? She would not, could not allow herself to think such things. For all the love they shared, she knew they were both aware of how their individual Paths tended to go. But she did let her feelings for him flow, her Goddess opening her arms wide, the soft glow of Healing, of warmth and love emanating forth to course through his Being. Letting him know that forever and always, his Home was at her side, no matter what transpired, or how long their time apart might be.

And through her Journey she would come across the Other known as Kizoku. Her words for this One were short and to the point.

~ Well met Kizoku. I am Lillith Luminatti, and I have the Power to remove you from Him. Yet that choice will be His and His alone. I suggest that while you reside here, you do not torment him, or I shall kill you..~

And she meant it. Julius had enough turmoil within him as it was, he didn't need another forced inside him to add to it. Slowly she would receed from within this man she loved, her eyes fluttering open, her head coming back up. Still sitting there within the Gardens, yet now she would rise. Stepping up to Julius, a gentle hand that had easily and more times often then not gleefully killed so many settling upon his scruffy cheek. She would smile up at him, a soft, somewhat sad smile.

" Ah darlin', what a pair we make hmm? Two fucked up people that always, somehow end up together. I've heard people call that Fate, but who knows. But right now what happened doesn't matter, because you're here. And I have a proposition for you as well. I'm expanding. I've found a place called Velusia where I am at this moment having another Lumination built. I'll need to go there soon, make sure all's right. I'd like you to come with me. I'd hate to travel all by myself, who knows what sort of trouble lil' ol' me could come across? Dainty woman traveling alone.."

Her smile as she spoke was sly, amused, her eyes glittering devilishly in the moonlight. But her smile faded, her head falling forward to settle upon the hard expanse of his chest as her arms wove around his waist, whispering softly. He felt so good, so warm, her blood, her heart was racing. Her body was coming alive, and it had been dead for so long. None had touched her since the last time they had been together.

" Please say you'll come with me..."

[Julius]

"So yer headed out ta' greener pastures, eh?" Julius said, seemingly no change in his demeanor, which would seem true on most fronts. Thanks to Kizoku, he was becoming increasingly good at keeping his own thoughts from others, sometimes even himself, and his heart wasn't necessarily racing at the moment nor were his knees quaking like a virgin school boy. Maybe it was the idea of being there now... that he had already gotten to Lillith and survived the turbulent times that they were apparent. A muscular arm was raised, reaching up an plucking his dwindling cigar from his mouth. The greenish-brown smoke leaked out of his lips in small spats as he spoke, harsh eyes never leaving the scantily-clad curves of his love, "S'gotta be that way, s'gotta be..." He said, a maleavolent looking grin raising on the corner of his lips, his teeth bared. It was a nigh-impossible thing for Julius to accomplish, looking happy and not murderous, but that may be a more redeeming trait of his, at least in the eyes of Lillith.

Light wind blew through the garden as the intoxication aroma of lillac danced with the natural scent of the foliage, Julius drinking of the sensory delicacy. It was maddening being around her already, Julius thought, and not be touching her, but there was no sense in mentioning it to her since it was one of Lillith's more well-known talents. He dared to step forward, dropping his stogie onto the ground, stepping on it with an approaching stride, the poorly wrapped cheap tobacco becoming one with the Earth again. He rose his right hand to trail down the sides of her silver locks, the desire to touch her driving him nigh-insanity, impulse sustained only through Julius grinding his back teeth. Fingers met and trailed through these soft locks of silvery silk which ran delicately between them, his heart beat becoming increasingly fierce, he needed to know her taste, her feel... he needed to know if he was truly her desire.

Further hesitation was cast aside to desire as his fingers run up to bury themselves in her hair, grasping onto the back of her head as his left hand glided forth, sliding past her hip and onto the small over her back. Instantly he would lean forward, harshly pressing his lips against her as he turned their bodies about, leaning her back, dipping her body towards the ground as his arms kept her from the Earth's hold. His lips never dared to leave her's, gliding against her smooth embouchement. His tongue dared leave its prison, stealthily finding a partner in her's, gliding against it softly, dancing around it like a destrial of the night awakening its partner after so long. Julius knew then, as his lips stay upon her's still, gliding about with casual rotation, what it meant to truly have a heart beat with love, how if felt to melt your soul. Goddamnit... I'm actually... in love... Julius thought, certain of this for the first time in a long time. His lips were still met with her's as the smile, neither wry not maleavolent, who reached them. It was genuine and spoke of no pain or anger... just happiness.

He would turn their bodies once more to allow Lillith to stand once more, free of his grasp and his lips' touch. He took in a single deep breath to moderate his breathing as he looked to her, his harsh gaze still evident though the depths of his eyes spoke of a softer heart than what they had seems, the beats of love once frozen in time unfrozen. "I can't help it, Lilly... I love ya' now an' I'm always gonna love ya'..." He said, chuckling once to himself as he looked to the ground. He always figured love was something for the weaker species, never figuring how wrong he really was about this sort of thing. He looked back to her, his gaze softened further as he spoke in a lighter, though still gruff tone, "I'd follow ya' t'hell an' back, babes."

He had never figured his soul was good enough to know what Heaven felt like.

[Lillith]

lillith_luminatti: She would watch him carefully as she asked her question, thinking for sure he would refuse. The things she had seen in his head, why would he consider such a thing? To say he would actually go with her.. a pipe dream possibly. Yet she indeed saw the gleam within his eyes. Those dark, always brooding eyes.. except when he looked at her. A slender brow would loft as he took a step towards her, rosebud lips parting to begin speech again, to let him know he didn't have to, it was just an idea, no pressure or anything..-c-
lillith_luminatti: But he was looming over her, gazing into her eyes with that fierceness he held so tight, and oh it made her shiver. She was going to say something, but she couldn't quite remember.. and she was captured into a kiss. That kiss, so hard it was, yet tender all at the same time. How could that be? Her arms instantly wound around his thick neck, lips parting to capture his tongue and return the kiss with everything she too felt. Slender fingers winding through his hair as she felt him dipping her back and though she didn't do it on purpose, she was still opened to his mind, and she heard his thought. Love.. The smallest whimper would escape her as she kissed him hotly in return, pressing her body to his as much as she could being dipped back the way she was. -c-
lillith_luminatti: And as quick as it started it was over. Lifted back to the ground, she would stagger a bit, a hand she found was shaking.. shaking for fuck sake drifting up to remove stray strands of quicksilver from her eyes. Drifting fingertips over rosebud tiers still burning from the connection they'd had as she returned her gaze to him as he looked upon the ground. Vowing his undying love, and promising to follow her to nigh the ends of the Earth. She found she couldn't stand, how irritating was that, steppingback to sink down into the garden bench again. Staring at him with those fathomless hues as a sigh escaped her. " Ah Julius darlin'..I love you. And that scares the shit out of me.."

jules_ryder : His back teeth ground as the words left her lips, a slight gulp trickling down the back of his throat as he stood there, a general awkward feeling stirring in his gut. He could feel the pounding of the once-dormant heart, but only after her form left his, which gave him some comfort. Truth be told, as much as she knew about him, he couldn’t bear to show his weakness, though she knew that about him, and she loved him. So she loves me, eh? Julius thought as he ground his back teeth still, no longer able to contain his smile. Though not the beam one would often expect to see from a man in love, his feint smile was genuine. His gaze softened as it met with her’s, looking contently into they eyes he so willingly fell in love with. (cont)
jules_ryder : The idea that they were now going to travel together and be forming something of a life together filled him with a newfound sense of ease, comfort, that very feeling he had searched for on his quest. His eyes trailed to the garden, appreciating the serenity it gave him, prying eyes and ears kept from imposing upon them. “Yeah… I figured that I’d feel good ‘bout this…” He said with a sigh, the tone of his voice resembling somberness, his familiar gruff tone lost somewhere in their exchange. They had shared feelings before, familiar with the intricities of one another’s minds and bodies, knowing what it felt to be inside one another. (cont)
jules_ryder : They had fought together and against one another, supported each other, and had faced the trial of separation, if anything they had earned the love that they shared. Though with his place in her heart came that search of permiance: He wanted to be her one any only. Since he knew her as the woman who was coupled with the hulking brute he knew as Yuri, he knew the two of them were better meant for each other. Lillith had always looked to him with strange, uncertain eyes until that night… that one night that was their first itme. Neither of them were certain how it happened on the lakeside, but their love was forged and made. (cont)
jules_ryder : He hadn’t dared touch another woman since, risking the loss of losing Lillith was the one bet that he would never take, regardless of the odds. Wandering digits stroked the foliage in a fashion so idle as he spoke, “So… what’re we gonna do now, babes?” He said, turning to her with an intense look, holding within its entirety a hidden sense of uncertainty. “I mean, we gotta be an item’re something ‘cause I ain’t willin’ ta’ share a can like yer’s, babe.” He said, a coy grin growing on his lips as he looked to her. Playful as always, selfish as expected, this was certainly unchartered territory. They dared to know that there was love between them and they dared to let the other aware, but the question now loomed about… what was to be done about it? (fin)

lillith_luminatti: Sitting there as she watched him, knowing that so many things were racing through his mind, just as it was hers. Watching him, and drinking him in..quite deeply. Perhaps many women might think his looks to be too.. rough. She was far different from those other women. She found Julius utterly handsome, breathtaking for her really. Yet perhaps this the way due to the bond they held. She indeed felt such love for him, had for so very long. In truth, not so pure thoughts were seeping through her mind, and body at that moment. Would she need to make the first move, or would he take what they both wanted, needed, desired on his own? One could always hope. He looked so cute, toying with the bush the way he was, looking to her and speaking. -c-
lillith_luminatti: Asking her what they would do now, and demanding she belong only to him. Now perhaps he might think she would react in anger at this demand. For she was Lillith Luminatti, and no one, let alone a man demanded anything of her. Maybe if this were other circumstances, some other man, she probaly would have gotten up and slammed a fist into his face. Or shot him in the knee. But this was Julius, and as he asked her, she had to just sit there and blink a moment or two. Blink those mercury pools before she softly began to laugh. The sound of her mirth carried through the night breeze as she rose, her smile genuine as she once again stepped to him, grasping the hand that played with the bush as she turned him towards her.-c-
lillith_luminatti: She would gaze up into his face, shaking her head as her free hand came up to cup his cheek, nails grazing his skin lightly. Pressing herself against him once again, because when he was this close, she could do nothing else. She had to be next to him. " My god man. How could it be any other way? There's been no one in my life since you left. I haven't wanted anyone, I haven't looked for anyone. I didn't even know if you were ever going to come back, but I still didn't look. I mean come on.." A coy smile now mirrored his own as her head dipped a bit, shining eyes gazing at him through thick lashes, the hand upon his cheek trailing down to run over the broad expanse of his chest. " How can a girl get over you so easily?"

jules_ryder : There they were, those words he had so longed to hear. Though he would never admit to himself he had longed to hear Lillith give him the message, he finally had them. He was her’s and she his, a matched pair of mismatched beings. His fingers still made idle work of the bush as he twiddled with the foliage still, looking away from her as he lost himself in his thoughts. The sense of presence was now no longer his to command, having lost the awareness of self watched as the corners of his mouth crept dangerously close to a smile, his hand nearing a tremble as it twiddled about with the leaf. (cont)
jules_ryder : His excitement could not be contained as well as he thought, though it figured, considering Julius was a man of little reservation in regard to his hedonistic lifestyle. His hand dropped to his side as he picked his burning cigar off the wall where it had rested, placing it back into his mouth as he took a light puff off of it, spewing out the fumes for which he had become so infamous. His softened eyes met the loving glance of Lillith without hunt of rage, his expression speaking now of relief and comfort, having found what he wanted and gotten so much more. (cont)
jules_ryder : This woman, this Luminatti was what he could call his own, but there was still so much he did not know about her, so much he would have to learn. The Luminatti family... he had searched long for Lillith when outside the realm and there were few who knew of the name, but those that did spoke of it in high regard, but knew so little as to why. He had heard the name Skargod, but it held little merit in his mind... he knew her sisters, at least a few, but what else was there to her? Lillith was a notoriously complex woman a puzzle Julius couldn’t put down, and hopefully never would. (cont)
jules_ryder : “Ain’t never been an issue, babe...” Julius said, taking a harsh drag from his dwindling cigar as a coy grin played on his face. “Ain’t no lady had th’ pleasure o’ calin’ th’ Head Honcho himself her’s.” (fin)

lillith_luminatti: She would snicker softly, giving a soft "psshh" as she turned away from him, silent steps taking her to the border of the great Willow they now stood beneath. Each step was the epitome of sensuality, her hips, the tight round hillocks of her backside shifting up and down in that enticing manner. For being the woman she was, this in actuality was a normality for her. Whether dressed as she was this night in that glorious dress, as any other normal day in jeans and a silk blouse, she moved with divine predatory grace. Stopping at the edge of the trees branches swaying gently in the night air, she took on his demeanor, toying idly with a few leaves as she gazed out past the foliage.-c-
lillith_luminatti: Her back to him, silver curls jumbled atop her head, the few that had strayed from their pins falling against the back of her slender neck. She was silent for many a moment, and when she did speak again she held a low serious tone, seeming to be far away. In essence she was, as memeories of thier past swept through her mind. "Then I'm proud to be that one Julius. Though I'm sorry I can't say the same. You've known that though.. some of it. My own past is extensive darlin'. Definitely not sunshine and purity. Though I'm not proud of some of the choices I made, I can honestly say I'm not sorry." Her head would hang a bit, hands dropping to her sides, her sweet timbre lowering. -c-
lillith_luminatti: " Maybe that's why we've always managed to come together. We're both a couple of fucked up units, but we both know that what you see is what you get." Slowly she would turn, shadows falling about her as to leave but her eyes gleaming, those mercury pools grasping him from the short distance they were apart. " But when I say there's been no one, I mean it. When I say I want no one else, I mean it." A fire danced within her eyes, a fierceness, pride, dignity. " I trust you Julius Gregory Ryder. And that is something I don't give lightly."

jules_ryder : Julius sighed but once as his hallowed soul met the touch of her words, knowing the feeling of enlightenment, the feeling of BEING touched. He had known nearly each of her lovers, some he had battled with like Yuri, while others had chosen to avoid him entirely like the playwright he knew of whose child donned the Luminatti title. So much love had this woman shared and now it was shared with him, but what would he do with it? Julius had known the pleasures of the flesh, lord had he known them, but he had never known love. “I gotta say, boss-lady... ain’t never had ta’ handle love before...” He said in an uncertain voice. (cont)
jules_ryder : A stray hand was lifted up to lightly trace down the silver locks which fell over her back a, an arm having reach about her slender, curvaceous form as he pulled her close, pressing her body against his. Deep hazel eyes stared into the mercury pools of unknown depth as his mind wandered furiously. “Well if it’s trust ya’ have in me...” He said a his free hand rose to pluck the cigar butt from his mouth, flicking it away into the night’s ever-engulfing shadow, (cont)
jules_ryder : moving his hand to then trace along the right side of her face, stroking stray strands of silver locks behind her ear, light tendrils slowly moving down her lobe as he moved his face closer to her’s, stopping as they stood nearly a whisper’s length from one another. “Then I’m sure you’ll trust me when I tell ya’ I’m ‘bout ta’ kiss ya’.” He said lowly, lustful eyes drinking of her gorgeous figure for a mere moment beforehe pressed his lips firmly against her’s. His lips softened as they met with her’s, though pressed firmly still. )cont)
jules_ryder : Hot breath escaped his mouth as he moved his lips open slightly, tilting his head aside as he drew his face closer, his hand trailing to the back of her head, fingers digging into the sea of silver mane quickly as he grasped her tightly, pressing his form against her’s without reservation. She tasted so good and her scent was so intoxicating, he had to know her touch, secretly fearing that if he ceased he would forget her taste... her loving feel, her love... (fin)

lillith_luminatti: He was a smart man. She knew that he would understand the last words she had spoken, would know what it meant. For Lillith to give her trust was a -huge- deal. Only those closest to her she trusted, and even some of them had made her re-think things occasionally. Juiuls had been and still was part of that. She also spoke truth about her past.. men. She had loved before, and oh quite fiercly. Yuri being the first, and the only one she had ever called Husband. Deep within herself she still did, but he had betrayed her, and harshly. That would never be forgiven. Two others she could count, but honestly, though the love was true, it wasn't deep. Or perhaps not deep enough. Hence why she was in this postition now. -c-
lillith_luminatti: Standing there, watching Julius come closer, lips parting as a shuddered breath escaped lush lips. Knowing that what she was feeling was very much love, as his face neared hers, as lids lowered over her eyes as to barely see him past them. Knowing that the way her heart was skipping, oh hell yes this was love. And she was allowing herself to fall into it. As long as she had faught it, she just couldn't fight anymore. Her face was tilting up as he whispered against her lips, having only a whimper to give in return as her mouth was captured. Her own hands coming up to grasp the back of his neck, sweep fingers through his hair and grip as her mouth devoured his. She was shaking as her supple yet strong body molded to his, knowing that surely the night was colder then this. -c-
lillith_luminatti: Heat was rising, a blush easing across her cheeks as her breath quickened. Yes, heat was rising, and literally. Her flesh was warming, the air about the both of them was heating even as her desire rose oh, so swiftly. It had been awhile since she'd lost control of her Power like this. But that was what being with Julius was for her. A complete loss of control, giving it up, please..please someone else take it. But with this man, with this one man finally, ah finally she could.

jules_ryder : Fate was often thought of as is worst enemy, having given him countless challenges that required so much loss before he could overcome. He had battled countless enemies, fought against his now lost family, and even had to suffer the ordeal of his own inner darkness, but now he knew that it was all for the better. He knew he had endured for a reason, and that was to be with Lillith right now. He could feel the rising heat radiating from the slender woman he held, their bodies making their surrounding area so much warmer, warmer than usual. (cont)
jules_ryder : His hand trailed down from her hair and met with his other hand, tracing down the side of her body with a feathery touch, only allowing the tips of his fingers to graze upon her surface. The dress was a soft fabric, the feel of it pressing against the exposed torso of his open trench soliciting sigh from within their lips, an feint shudder coming up his back a he met his hands, tracing down to her seat, grasping it firmly. Julius was always found of Lillith’s fundament and never wasted an opportunity to allow her to know this, such being the case. (cont)
jules_ryder : Fingers upon fabric dug into her firm cheeks as the palms moved around restlessly, soon moving the hand lower, lifting her from the ground. His hands trailed down the sides of her legs as he lifted her up, guiding them around his wasted as he gripped her rear, suspending her still as he dared not to break their embraces. HIS Tongue then darted forth from parted lips and danced wildly about hers, grazing lightly against her own as it sought its partner, tasting her with great intensity. (cont)
jules_ryder : She was maddening to him, he never knew a person to command such a response from him, to get his heart racing so wildly, and yet she was notorious for it. The magic of the Luminatti was undeniable and the strength of Lillith only made the force that much more irresistible.

lillith_luminatti: She felt the air warming quickly and she would gasp, knowing she had to calm herself. Last thing she needed was to set the damn Gardens on fire just because she was feeling this way. Aeron would frikken -kill- her. Inner strength was used as she worked to lower the heat washing about them, squirming in delight as she felt Julius' hands slide over her back, nestling finally upon her curves to squeeze. Her whimper would change to a soft moan as his strength lifted her so easily. She would hear a rip of fabric as quickly she wound her strong legs around his waist, feeling the dress tear up further on both sides of her muscled thighs, and not giving a crap in the least. The dress was damn expensive, and she knew she could easily replace it. This man surrounding her now couldn't be.-c-
lillith_luminatti: Her hands slid eagerly beneath his trenchcoat, sliding across his broad, hard shoulders, pushing back on his coat to bare his flesh to the night. His kiss she took hungrily, returning it with an intense passion. What was in a kiss? It depended on the person. For her, a kiss meant much. If she could pull away from a kiss, be completely breathless, have that whole glazed eyed look that was pathetically school-age, she knew things were right. But for the moment she was taking all of it. Pushing that damned trench even further down Julius' arms as she could go with him holding her tight, hands sliding over his shoulder blades, nails digging wonderfully into his back. -c-
lillith_luminatti: Thighs wrapped tight, the silkiness of her hair brushing against his neck and face as more and more shining tendrils fell free from their pins. And finally, finally she would pull away, because she had to breath, had to take in more air. Gasping as she pulled back a bit, her tongue sliding over the bottommost tier, her eyes.. yes.. glazed. " .....Wow..." was all she could muster at the moment even as her hips moved against him, staring at him, blush upon her high cheeks evident even in the dark.

jules_ryder : A zen-esque state had taken over the fabric of his mind’s being as their lips parted, her single utterance the only sound he found himself capable of hearing. His gruff shell had been shed and he knew now only the love of Lillith, a contrast of his former being. He found himself searching for words, actually searching, rather than riding on impulse and speaking the first thing on his mind. (cont)
jules_ryder : Their body heat, her scent, their mutual touch, it all left him light-headed, feeling drunk and at a loss for anything to say, anything to think. He could only feel. He felt the harsh, melodic beating of his heart, he feld the tight wrapping of her well-defined left, he felt the fabric of the dress against his skin, and he felt the wind. Her lilac aroma wafted through the passing zephyr as it came from his body, her scent having marked him like an animal: He was her’s. (cont)
jules_ryder : Her scent was so kind, so welcoming, it spoke bounds of Lillith... bold, fragrant, sweet, traditional, it wass much more welcoming than Julius’s smell of musk and cigars. His nostrils flared as he drank of the air about them, his eyes glossing over momentarily as he gathered himself, his senses slowly coming back into perspective. “I...God damn, Lilly.” He said, dropping to a knee as he promptly placed her on the ground, his face moving downward, lips meeting upon her creamy, silken flesh, Lilliputian kisses laid upon her neck. (cont)
jules_ryder : His tongue protruded as it licked her skin softly, a beat of hot breath escaping his mouth and pressing against her skin. He loved the taste of her skin, the feel of her body, the wind against his bare torso... he loved her.(fin)

[Lillith]

Settled within Julius' arms so tight, his kiss still burning so hot even as he laid her down upon the dewed earth, she was quite ready and willing to give everything of herself to him once again. Ready to open her arms, her heart, her soul. Her mouth was upon his again, kissing him hungrily, until a soft breath danced through her mind. An answer to the call she had made. So caught by surprise she was at this that her arms dropped from around Julius' neck, letting out a gasp as she collapsed upon her ass to the ground. A brow would loft as she took a gander at herself, dress ripped and slightly wet, clinging to her curvacious form. Shining tendrils of hair dropping over her eyes causing her lips to purse slightly, blowing the bits from her face in agitation. Quizzically she looked up at the man above her, cocking a grin as she coughed lightly.

" Sorry. I just got a message. Remember when you said you'd follow me anywhere? Well darlin', it's time."

Pulling herself up, she would make an attempt to fix her appearance, though surely she was failing miserably. She truly hated wearing such finery, but what the hell, it'd gotten a rise out of Julius hadn't it? It was definitely time to change. Time to plan. Lilliths mind was awhirl even as she leaned up upon her toes to place a kiss upon Julius' lips, still grinning with an added glint to her mercury eyes.

" Time for a vacation. Time for expansion. The construction has already begun on the new Lumination, but I need to be there for the finer points. Wait until you see Velusia darlin'. It's a grand place, and Lochland will be perfect. Adventure Julius, can you feel it, taste it? Oh, it's been too damn long.."

She was gazing out through the brances of the willow, excitement thrumming through her body, oddly enough having quite forgotten she'd been about to get a little sumthin'. Maybe it'd just been to long, and she was too used to it now. No matter. Grasping Julius' hand, she began tugging him along, headed back inside. She needed to pack, get things together.. Busy, busy, busy. Lillith was alive once again. Yet there was one very important thing to do..

~ Aeron, my Sprite, my darlin'. I'm off to Velusia for awhile. Expansion begins. Never fear, I'll return. Ayenee is home and always will be..but you know me. I grow bored. If I don't do something I'll go fucking insane. Adonis is remaining behind to watch after things, and you know you can always enter these doors. Watch out for him for me until I return? I love you, I miss you. Be well my Sprite..~

With that done, knowing no matter where her sister was she would hear, she nearly ran into the Lumination, streaking up the stairs to begin packing. Hopes were high within her, hopes that maybe now, with something for her to do, life would begin once more. What a grand concept.. look out Lochland. Lillith Luminatti would soon be there.

[Samaena]

What Lillith didnt and wouldn’t have realised, is that Aeron had ventured back to the Lumnation. It was her home, always had been and always would be. Slipping in through the back door, grinning cheekily at Jesse as he raised a ladle and glared a warning. Only she was in no mood to wind him up today, she merely snatched an apple from the fruit bowl on her way through to the bar. Adonis was greeted with a very broad grin and all he could do was shake his head and grin right back. Whenever Aeron was home…trouble was sure to follow.

The scent of peaches carried through the Lumination, as was standard really…the voices from the already half filled bar were nothing but background noise to her. There was no more attention paid to it all as she made way to her room…yes it was still her room. She needed a very hot bath and a night or two between clean sheets. Perhaps a word or two with Lillith…but there was more than a word or two to assault her upon that link that had been silent for so long.

In fact, the bite of apple she had taken was half chewed, totally taken by surprise at Lillith’s enthusiasm she gasped and forgot that she was eating. The choking began in earnest, her pretty crystal blue eyes filled with tears and she staggered to the steps…the steps Lillith was heading for. She couldn’t cough, she couldn’t breathe and delirium was so close. She’d not heard Lillith running through the place, heading right for her.

What the hell was going on? There had been a man in her wood, shooting at one of her bears, Lillith had been in the gardens with him, and now…things had turned around completely. Word always found a way to Aeron and it was Lillith’s word that became her priority…she was going to where? Velusia? Leaving? The terror of not being able to breathe, the heat filling her face, the tears she couldn’t stop rolling down her face were all something from a dream.

Of all the stupid things…

[Lillith]

So intent on her own plans she had been that she actually almost missed the scent of peaches ligering heavy within the Lumination. Tearing up the stairs, intent only on getting things ready as soon as possible, until she caught sight of Aeron. Face all red, tears flowing down her face, and Lillith was pulling up short. At the moment Lillith was unaware of Aerons plight, a smile breaking over her face as she swept further up the stairs, intent on gathering her sister into a tight hug. But something was amiss. A scowl would work over Lilliths beauty, staring at Aeron, the redness, then.. so pale.. " Oh no.." With a little yelp she covered the distance between herself and Aeron quickly, slipping around behind her, fists bunched just below Aerons sternum. " Hang on darlin'.." A harsh pull back, and her sister was twisting in her arms like a fish. " Don't fight me dammit.." a little growl would slip forth as she yanked back into her sisters gut one more time, watching with satisfaction as a rather large chunk of apple came flying out of Aerons throat, sailing over the banister and unfortunately landing in a patrons drink. This didn't matter to Lillith though, and Adonis was already all over it, offering a free refill. Slowly, gently she would ease Aeron down to the carpet, gentle fingers easing away locks of platinum from her Sprites eyes, the look of concern genuine on her face. " Are you all right darlin' ? Gawd, how many times have I told you to chew your food. -Chew-. Have you not been eating enough wherever the hell you've been? You look thin. And now inhaling your food like you haven't eaten in months.." Lillith was fussing over Aeron, easily lifting her small sister to her feet to try and help her back to her room. All thoughts of her impending trip were dashed at the moment. Aeron needed her, and that was what was most important.