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 Post subject: The Beauty of the Past [CLOSED]
PostPosted: September 2nd, 2015, 5:28 pm 
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"And I'd choose you; in a hundred lifetimes, in a hundred worlds, in any version of reality, I'd find you and I'd choose you"
- Kiersten White, the Chaos of Stars



C H A R A C T E R S

○ Edward Blackhaven (Edoardo) ----- Aramel Elyanwe
○ Eve Summers (Eva) ----- ~Goldleaf~
○ Fabian ----- ~Goldleaf~
○ Roberta Summers ----- ~Goldleaf~
○ Varianna Pierce ----- Aramel Elyanwe
Along with various others...



Last edited by Aramel Elyanwe on November 3rd, 2018, 12:50 am, edited 2 times in total.

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 Post subject: Re: The Beauty of the Past - A Private Edeve RP
PostPosted: September 2nd, 2015, 7:11 pm 
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There was to be a visitor; she knew that much. Her husband had strongly asserted that his guest was an important man, and that she was to treat him with due respect. Naturally, she had nodded her head in acknowledgement and remained silent. She was not about to pick holes and say that she always treated guests, whoever they were, with respect. Fabian knew that. He knew that she she was the very model of wifely conformity. And yet still he felt the need to remind her, time and time again, of what her duty was. She had to admit that this irritated her. Did he think that she was stupid? Perhaps he did. In truth, Eva had no idea. They had only been married for a couple of months, and they hardly knew each other.

Being, in all legality, Fabian's property, Eva had no desire to become better acquainted with him. Mostly they just exchanged small talk. It was easier that way. Why become attached to someone who had such complete and utter control over her? Far better to let herself dream of a stranger who claimed no authority over her, who wanted her for herself and not for her dowry. She had dreamt of such a person for a long time. But all such dreams were just that. Eva was the last woman likely to seek someone out to be unfaithful with. That aside, the consequences were too severe to contemplate such a path. She disliked marriage, but she disliked the idea of banishment even more.

Where was Fabian, anyway? To her embarrassment, Eva had woken later than sunrise. This meant that she had taken her morning meal late, and Fabian had been nowhere to be seen. Perhaps he had gone out - for what reason, she had no idea. He had said that their guest would arrive in the early afternoon. Did this really mean that it was left to her to greet this man, alone? She supposed that there was no other option. She couldn't let a stranger arrive without being greeted by at least one of his hosts. She hurried along to the atrium, where guests were always greeted, her sandals slapping against the marble floor.

She smoothed her pale blue robes, hoping that she looked presentable. Her fair hair was plaited and coiled, with a few curls left to frame her face. Greeting this oh so important guest looking less than suitably attired would not have pleased Fabian. She felt under such stress that her hearing had seemed to stop working. It was more likely by far that her mind had simply stopped paying heed to it. If she had paid heed, she would have heard the stamp of horses' hooves outside. Stopping at the head of the stairs, she took a deep breath and wished that this duty hadn't been left on her shoulders. What was wrong with Fabian? He had stressed how vital it was that they make a good impression. So far he wasn't doing a very good job of it. If he was so keen to be polite, then he would have been here with her.

What on earth would this visitor of theirs think of them?

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 Post subject: Re: The Beauty of the Past - A Private Edeve RP
PostPosted: September 5th, 2015, 12:01 am 
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It was nearing late afternoon, the sun descending in the sky as people bustled through the streets, heading home from the forum to begin preparing for cena. Some cast glances his way, murmuring to each other as they immediately recognized who the man was, wondering what his purpose was for being at this particular residence.

Edoardo stood outside of the house, his toga picta draped around him. Over the traditional white tunic was purple fabric, embroidered with golden thread. To any it would have been clear that he was a man with skill in battle, well-versed in the ways of combat. In truth, he had fought hard to make it this far, quickly rising from the depths of poverty to fame and fortune in only a few short years. Several times he hadn’t thought he’d ever make it out alive, but every time it seemed the gods had been on his side, both in the ring and on the battlefield. He was now a general, and those who encountered him offered their respect and admiration. Edoardo hadn’t let it change him, however, his humble nature still evident despite the hardened reputation he had earned.

He’d only been knocking for a moment or two before the door swung open to a blonde female - hardly what he’d been expecting upon arriving at the home. She’d caught him off guard, but only for a second, before he regained his composure and spoke. “Is Fabian here?” he inquired, carefully taking in Eva’s appearance. She was far too well-dressed to be a slave or servant working in Fabian’s house. Ed was sure he’d never seen her before, as Rome was immense and overwhelming at times and it would be nearly impossible to be familiar with all of its inhabitants. Nevertheless, he offered her a polite smile and hoped that Fabian would be waiting inside to explain the purpose of whatever he had planned when he’d called Edoardo to his home.


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 Post subject: Re: The Beauty of the Past - A Private Edeve RP
PostPosted: September 7th, 2015, 1:30 pm 
Maia
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Whatever kind of man Eva had been expecting, she hadn't been expecting him. She stared at him silently, at a loss for words. His question caught her by surprise, and she hurried to make up for what might be perceived as rudeness on her part. "I'm afraid my husband isn't here, no," she said, trying to smile as graciously as she could. It was mortifying for her to be alone with a visitor. Whatever was Fabian thinking of? When would he come back? "Do come in. I'm sure that Fabian will return soon." She was sure of no such thing, but what else could she say? She politely ushered her guest into the house, avoiding his gaze by fixing her soft grey blue eyes on the floor.

"Be seated, you must be tired from your journey," she said, still without looking at him. She gestured to a nearby couch. Eva felt that could not invite this man into the triclinium, the dining room, without the presence of her husband. She was very wary of making a social mistake by accident. "I can call for some wine if you need refreshment." With her head bowed, she led Edoardo to the seating area. The silk of her robes whispered against the floor.

She waited for him to sit down before doing so herself. Once seated, she raised her eyes a little, taking a second glimpse of him. Eva had not spent much time around men before her marriage. Fabian was almost the only example she had to judge what men were like. Suddenly anxious about being noticed, Eva firmly turned her head away. She clasped her hands atop her lap and prayed for Edoardo to break the silence. She couldn't think of a single thing to say, not one. She had been polite - she had greeted him, offered him a place to sit, offered him wine. What else was there for her to do?

Why hadn't she thought to ask around about who Edoardo was? No one had warned her about how handsome he was. Surely it wasn't right for her to be left alone with him. An unmarried woman would have just leapt straight into his arms.

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 Post subject: Re: The Beauty of the Past - A Private Edeve RP
PostPosted: September 7th, 2015, 7:32 pm 
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What? Fabian wasn’t here, yet he’d called him to his home and left his… whatever she was to him… alone in the house to attend to a strange man? Not that Edoardo was a stranger or someone to be concerned about, but the thought of it didn’t seem right, nor did it sit well with him. By the way the pretty (that fact had not escaped Edoardo) blonde was looking at him, it was clear Fabian had not taken the time to explain to this woman what sort of visitor he had been expecting.

He felt his pulse quicken as she stared at him, undoubtedly taken aback by his presence. He felt his heart skip a beat as the word husband permeated his skull. Ah, she was married then… a sense of disappointment prickled deep down, sharp and sudden like an unexpected stab to the gut. He nodded his agreement and thanked her as she invited him in for a rest. He had indeed traveled for quite some time to reach this home, of which he was now drinking in the appearance of. It was finely decorated, marble sculptures and paintings done by a few prominent Roman artists. It sufficed to say that Fabian had more wealth than some of the typical citizens, yet it was a far cry from the palaces Edoardo had seen when he’d been bestowed honors for his valor and expertise.

“Fabian did not mention that he was married,” Ed spoke, once the two of them were settled across from each other in the fading daylight. He sat up straight with his hands cradled in his lap, wanting to maintain an air of politeness instead of kicking his feet up in someone’s house that he wasn’t well-acquainted with. He’d just looked up at her as she looked away, figuring that she’d simply been sizing up this man she didn’t know. It was clear Eva was nervous, though Edoardo wanted to assure her she didn’t need to be. He offered her a smile, keeping his eyes on her in a way he hoped would convey his harmlessness. It wasn’t unheard of for women to be attacked by men in their own homes, but he had no such intentions - he hadn’t even known of her up until this point.

“Wine would be excellent.” Perhaps a drink or two while awaiting Fabian would relax his muscles and relieve some of the tension in his shoulders he hadn’t realized he was carrying.


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 Post subject: Re: The Beauty of the Past - A Private Edeve RP
PostPosted: September 7th, 2015, 8:06 pm 
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“Fabian did not mention that he was married."

Eva's eyes seemed to flash upon hearing these words. She looked at Edoardo properly, squarely in the eyes... his eyes were green. Why did this seem important, to notice this stranger's beautiful eyes? There was a kind of pain visible in her expression, her lips parted, her brow furrowing very slightly. "Why would he mention it?" she said. Softness mixed with sharpness in her tone. She appeared puzzled, genuinely so, by the idea of Fabian mentioning her to anyone. Looking at Edoardo, she realized for the first time that perhaps some husbands did talk about their wives, that perhaps their wives were a real part of their lives. She took a quick intake of breath and looked down at her lap, struck by a very sudden sense of loss - a sense that she was missing out on something.

“Wine would be excellent.”

Seizing on this lifeline, Eva rose to her feet and looked around. There was a jug of wine nearby and a goblet or two left out for visitors. Hopefully the wine had been freshly poured this morning. She picked up the jug and poured the rich red liquid into one goblet - she was not thirsty herself - and brought it over to where Edoardo sat. She offered him the goblet, one slim arm extended. "Your good health," she said quietly. Their fingers brushed as the goblet exchanged hands. Eva turned away, her eyes stinging. Why had Edoardo had to ask that question? Why was he even here? Right now, Eva just wanted to retreat to her chamber and be alone. She was confused by the thoughts about her husband Edoardo's presence had brought up. Was his treatment of her normal? Was it normal for a man to treat his wife like a stranger?

She sat down again, opposite to Edoardo. "Are you married?" she asked him suddenly, without thinking of what she was saying. "Whether you are or not... would you leave your wife to greet a stranger, alone?"

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 Post subject: Re: The Beauty of the Past - A Private Edeve RP
PostPosted: September 7th, 2015, 8:46 pm 
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Edoardo suddenly felt like his breath had been punched out of him by an invisible opponent. He had never been the best at reading people, but by the way Eva’s expression changed, her tone becoming bitter and sharp as she snapped out ”Why would he mention it?” made him freeze on the spot. He was suddenly at a loss for words, his mouth gone dry as though all his saliva had turned into the sweat that was slowly beading on his forehead. Her nervousness had been transferred to him as he sat there, unsure of how to respond to her statement.

It almost came as a relief when Eva handed him a goblet and he took several gulps before pacing himself and daring a glance in her direction. “I’m sorry, I did not realize…” he stopped himself short and looked at his reflection in the wine, not wanting to make the situation worse than it already was. Eva seemed like she was dealing with some sort of personal conflict and Edoardo didn’t feel as though it was his place to interfere. With a sharp intake of breath, he noticed his fingertips were still buzzing from where her hand made contact with his, as though he were experiencing the sensation of touch for the first time. It was odd to say the least, but far from unpleasant.

He drank some more, slower than the first time, as if thinking over her question. He had known his answer instantly, but he was still trying to calm his nerves; somehow this woman was… affecting him, more than any battle he’d fought or deadly creature he had encountered. He finally spoke, meeting her eyes again even though he felt far less than confident. “I am not married,” Edoardo said. He’d had his fair share of females fawning over him, but he had not found the one he wanted to marry. There were men around Rome who felt as though their women and children were property - Edoardo had not been raised with this belief, his mother and father showing each other only the respect they deserved. It helped that they were truly in love, not some product of marrying just for the sake of it. “But I would hardly leave my wife alone as Fabian has done.” He couldn’t help feeling a small amount of anger towards the man - gods forbid Edoardo had been some unsavory character… “It seems careless,” he said softly, more to himself than Eva, but it was loud enough for her to hear. Shaking his head, he offered another polite smile. “All of this talk and I have failed to introduce myself. My name is Edoardo - I am a general and a retired gladiator. Perhaps you have heard of me?”


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 Post subject: Re: The Beauty of the Past - A Private Edeve RP
PostPosted: September 17th, 2015, 8:01 pm 
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Eva couldn't help but agree with Edoardo - she had no idea why Fabian wasn't here, but his absence did seem careless. She said nothing in reply, only offering a small nod. She faintly smiled back at Edoardo as he introduced himself; he was expecting her to know who he was, but in all honesty, she had never heard of him before. "I'm sorry, no," she replied, shaking her head. "But it's... very nice to meet you." She inwardly cringed at how stupid that probably sounded to Edorardo. But it was true. His company made a change from her monotonously isolated existence. Fabian was often away and appeared to have little time for her. Eva didn't care if Edoardo was famous or not; she appreciated his kindness and, of course, his devastatingly good looks.

"My name is Eva, by the way," she spoke up again, suddenly realizing that she had not introduced herself before. She worried that she may have appeared rude to him thus far. That was the last thing she wanted. Eva desperately didn't want to make the wrong impression. The gods knew that she and Fabian had got off to a bad start. Her husband mistook her nerves and reserve for dislike, and more often than not, tended to keep his distance from her. Eva had no idea how to put the situation right with him. On the other hand, maybe she didn't really want to put it right. After all, she felt nothing much at all for Fabian. He was polite to her, of course, and never lost his temper - she was grateful for that, at least. But she wanted more. She felt no connection to Fabian, and surely, whatever anyone said, a connection was necessary in a marriage.

"Please accept my apologies," she blurted out, "for Fabian not being here, that is. He spoke of your visit as one of great importance. So please do not think that he is being disrespectful... I know that only a matter of extreme emmergency would cause him to delay." Blah, blah, blah. This was just something that she felt she had to say. Her eyes flashed up to meet Edoardo's for a moment, before she looked away again. She could hardly bring herself to make eye contact with him for longer than that.

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 Post subject: Re: The Beauty of the Past - A Private Edeve RP
PostPosted: September 21st, 2015, 12:57 am 
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Edoardo never let it get to his ego when someone didn’t recognize him, however it was still somewhat surprising - he was fairly well-known throughout Rome; surely she had heard of him in passing? Or perhaps this woman was unable to get out of the house as much as she would prefer - he wondered if Fabian had anything to do with that, still feeling a sense of disbelief towards the man who had seemed so respectable and decent. In a way, it angered him, though he wasn’t sure why - he didn’t know this man, nor his wife, to any considerable extent - why should it bother him how Fabian treated her? Perhaps it extended back to his own father and mother, how they behaved as equals in front of Edoardo. He had been raised to treat women kindly, as the people they were. Sometimes it was difficult to remember that not everyone in Rome, nor the world, shared such progressive ideals.

The more that this woman talked, the more it was obvious how frustrated she must be, claiming responsibility for her husband’s shortcomings. While he had at first been uncertain about her, it was clear now what she must be going through. As she spoke, he raised one hand to silence her, the other placing the goblet of wine upon the floor. “Eva,” he said, shaking his head slightly, “you should not feel the need to apologize on behalf of your husband. Clearly whatever is keeping Fabian is of great importance and no fault of yours.” He met her eyes, green pools conveying understanding and kindness. Maybe such a simple thing as having someone who acknowledged her emotions was what Eva needed.

He wanted to cross the room and sit alongside her, but he knew that such an action could be seen as predatory and dangerous. So he kept his distance, not wanting to give her the wrong sort of impression. He was simply a stranger, a guest of this house, and Edoardo would not overstep his boundaries, regardless of how tempting she might appear.


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