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Ch. 34: The Mines
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๋ฐ์ดํธ:
2022-09-18 10:04:38
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Catalyst ย ย ย Ch. 35: The Mines (part 2)
They reached a staircase, and she descended. It curved at every ten feet or so, then continued down in the opposite direction. After going down four sets of stairs, they came to another area of the cave. There were a few men scattered about inside, and one was carefully chipping away at a rock as something shiny gleamed through it. He wondered what else he might see as he followed her down the stairs, and the answer was... people, pretty much the last thing he wanted. He had to behave, couldnโt make lewd remarks, or do anything scandalous while there were witnesses. One was actively mining, it seemed, as the princeโs eyes focused instinctively on the gleaming object. โOoh, thatโs neat. Whatโs that going to be, gold? Or gemstones?โ โGems. Gold is generally found in deposits in the water.โ She leaned closer, examining it. It had a slightly green tinge. โLooks l
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2022-09-19Catalyst ย ย ย Ch. 36: Prejudices
โWell, Iโm glad,โ she replied with half a smile, still stiff in his arms. She didnโt believe him entirely, but who was she to argue? She knew there was something underneath he still wasnโt discussing, but her own emotions had clouded her from getting much more than knowing it existed. Either he suppressed it thoroughly, or she was still too emotional to pick it back up again. It seemed to be connected to his anger. But it wasnโt just his anger; she knew something was there. She just had to get him to open up about it.He was content to float on in silence until they reached the dock and climbed out. He quickly followed her to the lift. โYou know, that was kinda fun. I think Iโd enjoy it more in the sunshine, though, or under the night sky. It feels so strange for it to be so dark, and yet there are no stars,โ he observed.When they were both safely inside the much larger lift than before, Elissa held the rope to use the pulley. It was heavier than the other, and going up didnโt use gr
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2022-09-20Catalyst ย ย ย Ch. 37: Prejudices (Part 2)
She picked up her own sandwich, took a bite, and chewed thoughtfully in silence before glancing back over at him. โCan we just address the thing we both dance around constantly?โ She raised an eyebrow as she propped up on her elbow. โWe were both raised to hate each other. Thatโs just... standard. Iโm supposed to hate you, but I donโt. Youโre supposed to hate me. But you donโt. So, Iโll try not to be too offended when you inevitably say something really offensive. And can you do the same? Please?โ He nodded. โAbsolutely. Hell, itโll probably be easy. I was raised to believe things about you that are mostly untrue or at least exaggerated. I wouldnโt be shocked if your beliefs about us are still fairly accurate,โ he explained, smiling a little. โBut this is why Iโm so afraid to drink around you, ya know? I got lucky last night, didnโt say anything awful... but Iโve thought much worse things than Iโve said, and Iโm worried that one of those thoughts will pop out and rather abruptly end t
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2022-09-21Catalyst ย ย ย Ch. 38: Three Little Words
He wasnโt in any hurry, but eventually he broke the kiss, pulling her close and resting his cheek against hers. โCareful, dear. Why donโt we finish lunch before we move on toward dessert?โ Maybe they wouldnโt, but it would be hard to avoid if she stayed on top and kissing him. She rolled off of him, thinking she could probably contain herself if she had food in her mouth. As long as her mouth was occupied, maybe she wouldnโt end up spewing out words she didnโt want to say. She grabbed what was left of her sandwich and munched on it, sitting back up. He did likewise, sitting up to finish his meal. Being upright was good; laying down just made things too easy. He smiled playfully at her as he finished his sandwich and grabbed an apple. โSo... when are we expected back? Are we expected back?โ he asked. He took an exaggerated bite of the apple, letting the juice run down his chin. โI mean, eventually theyโd come looking for us.โ she laughed. โBut probably not until... dark...?โ She shru
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2022-09-22Catalyst ย ย ย Ch. 39: Less Talking, More-
โIs it supposed to happen this fast? I always assumed Iโd just... grow to love someone. Maybe. At least tolerate them,โ she shook her head. โI didnโt expect... this...โ her bottom lip was quivering as she attempted to explain something she didnโt understand herself. โBut I am falling hopelessly in love with you, and itโs the best worst thing ever.โ Hayward hugged her warmly against his chest and kissed her on the forehead. โThat sounds like an apt description of falling in love. Iโve done it before... once or twice. Itโs wonderful and amazing and awful and terrible all at once. Which is why I decided to quit doing it years ago. Unfortunately...โ he trailed off and kissed her again. โI met you. And you are... pretty damned exceptional. So Iโll take it. At least itโs not some stupid teenage infatuation again.โ
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2022-09-22Catalyst ย ย ย Ch. 40: Making Love
He paused there and suckled more firmly: lips, tongue, and teeth working in tandem, right along the sensitive muscle that ran from the inside of her knee to her groin. Of course, he had to hold her down to keep her from squirming and hitting him in the face, but he was happy to do so until there was a bright red hickey on the inside of her thigh. โThere. That one shouldnโt be so hard to hide,โ he declared triumphantly.She was trembling beneath him, biting her tongue, trying to keep herself from screaming at him. It felt amazing, but he was so close to where she wanted him to be that it was torturous. Heโd been holding her down to keep her from fidgeting too much. He knew her too well. She couldnโt really give over complete control, even if she wanted to.โGreat...โ she groaned, glaring daggers at him. Gods, she wanted to just grab his head and force it into her crotch, but he was holding her arms down. So she couldnโt.Hayward couldnโt help teasing her. โWhat can I say? Iโm a man. Th
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2022-09-24Catalyst ย ย ย Ch. 41: Afterglow
โThis was wonderful, Elissa,โ he said simply. โIโm not sure how well I could handle winters here, but Iโd certainly be willing to try.โShe turned to look at him. โIโd really like that...โ she was still smiling so wide. โWe would get your warm clothes and good boots,โ she laughed. โAnd if all else fails I can just cuddle up in bed with you and keep you warm.โ she snuggled closer to him, sitting up enough to be able to look him in the face without him having to turn. โIโm scared shitless, but Iโm also really excited to see what happens.โHe smiled up at her. โExcited and scared... yeah, sounds about right. Maybe in the winter I could take you to see the desert... if I thought it was safe. So... probably not soon.โ He folded his hands behind his head and simply smiled at the sun.And then his stomach growled at him. โOh, for pityโs sake! I fed you!โ It answered with another rumble. โUgh, fine.โ He looked apologetically at the princess. โIโm still healing. So Iโm still hungry. We should
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2022-09-26Catalyst ย ย ย CH. 42: Afterglow (part 2)
He sighed and shook his head. “We’ll figure it out. They’ll probably come back with me.” He took another handful of nuts and got up off the blanket to help her pack up. “Your mother may be a pain in the ass, and your father might be a little cold, but man, I’m still a little jealous. They don’t think of people as tools to be used. I mean, maybe a little—your mother wants you to marry me for the sake of peace—but not to the extent that they’ll kill friends and family for political gain.”She sighed. “It’s very sad that your family thinks that way, but I suppose it’s not altogether uncommon. My mom thought it would help peace, but I’m pretty sure after the whole trying to kill you bit she doesn’t think your safety and marriage as an alliance so much anymore. Which is both fortunate and unfortunate. I’d hate
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2022-09-27
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Catalyst ย ย ย Ch. 67: Goodbye for now
I This book was released back when I was trying to get traction on it a very long time ago. Iโve never made a single dime from this company, but theyโd like to keep my book forever. Even when I did the writing every single day thing and shouldโve gotten a โpublishing bonus.โ It never happened. So they donโt get to keep making money off of me and my writing. This was a much older draft than what Iโm currently trying to publish anyway. This book was released back when I was trying to get traction on it a very long time ago. Iโve never made a single dime from this company, but theyโd like to keep my book forever. Even when I did the writing every single day thing and shouldโve gotten a โpublishing bonus.โ It never happened. So they donโt get to keep making money off of me and my writing. This was a much older draft than what Iโm currently trying to publish anyway. This book was released back when I was trying to get traction on it a very long time ago. Iโve never made a single dime fr
Catalyst ย ย ย Ch. 66: The Final Morning
This book was released back when I was trying to get traction on it a very long time ago. Iโve never made a single dime from this company, but theyโd like to keep my book forever. Even when I did the writing every single day thing and shouldโve gotten a โpublishing bonus.โ It never happened. So they donโt get to keep making money off of me and my writing. This was a much older draft than what Iโm currently trying to publish anyway. This book was released back when I was trying to get traction on it a very long time ago. Iโve never made a single dime from this company, but theyโd like to keep my book forever. Even when I did the writing every single day thing and shouldโve gotten a โpublishing bonus.โ It never happened. So they donโt get to keep making money off of me and my writing. This was a much older draft than what Iโm currently trying to publish anyway. This book was released back when I was trying to get traction on it a very long time ago. Iโve never made a single dime from
Catalyst ย ย ย Ch. 65: Our last night
Back in his room, Hayward had quickly shed his clothes and drawn a bath. Shortly before Elissa returned, he sank into the hot water. “Oooh, that feels good.” He sighed and rolled his shoulders, relaxing as best he could. At the sound of the door, he looked up and smiled. “Hey beautiful,” he greeted her, then beckoned for her to join him.She came into the room, laying her things over the dresser after locking the door and stripping down to join him in the bath. “Saw your friend in the hall,” she commented, climbing in with him and sighing contentedly as she let the water creep up around her. “He now seems to regard me in much the same way he regards you: shaking his head and rolling his eyes.” She laughed and leaned forward, giving him a quick kiss.The prince laughed. “Shaking his head and rolling his eyes… yeah, that’s Dantares.” He shrugged, t
Catalyst ย ย ย Ch. 64: The Gardens (part 3)
โNot yet, at least,โ he replied. โI hope that someday itโll be safe. The desertโฆ has its own beauty, and my peopleโฆ well, when weโre not being murderous barbarians or treating women like chattel, weโre inventive and resilient.โ He scooted a little closer against her side. โBut if we can secure peace, then Iโm optimistic. I would at least like to take you to see the badlands. Itโs an old mountain range, I think, that was stripped of life by the desert sun, leaving only bare, wind-carved stone behind.โ โThat sounds kind of... prettyโฆโ she admitted, sounding surprised. โI mean, hot and harsh but...prettyโฆโ she nuzzled her face into his neck, kissing it gently. โCome back soon, but more importantly, come back safe.โ She nipped a little harder at his neck. โI donโt want to have some sort of long-lost love backstory. It makes me too romantic and desirable, and I have to marry someone, eventually. Otherwise, my siblings arenโt allowed to. So I really donโt want to have more emotions and fe
Catalyst ย ย ย Ch. 63: The Gardens (Part 2)
She cleared her throat and wiped her face once more. “Sorry. So. Yes. Gardens…” she took his hand in hers once more and moved forward. “Don’t know how you feel about flowers, but we have hundreds of varieties. Roses, lilies, vines, carnations, impatiens, zinnias, dahlias…”He smiled again as they walked, but only barely took his eyes off of her to glance at the flowers. “They’re pretty… beautiful even… fleeting… water hungry…” he stopped and shook his head. “This is a lovely garden. There’s only one that’s even like it in Aasleagh, and those idiots have to risk drought and starvation to keep their garden green. This is incredible, and I think I would love to see it again when I get back, because right now…”He sighed, smiled apologetically, shrugged helplessly. Then he grabbed her and pulled her into another de
Catalyst ย ย ย Ch. 62: The Gardens
He stood and followed Elissa out the door. “Well, that was… interesting. Your brother seems to enjoy playing with fire.”“If he ever finds a girl,” she sighed. “I shudder to think what sort of hellcat she will be.” Elissa laced her fingers in his. “It’s actually a little surprising he hasn’t ever found anyone who he even fancied enough to take to bed.” Her brother was a rather private person despite his penchant for exposing others’ secrets. However, she felt sure she’d know if he had actually had his way with someone. “I don’t think he’s quite romantic enough to be waiting for the one, or whoever mom deems is going to be the one.” She shrugged, looking at him as they exited the castle and walked into the gardens. There was an archway covered in Ivy that marked the entrance and boxwood hedges making walls around it
Catalyst ย ย ย Ch. 61: You're Family Now
She laughed at the two men, then drank hers as well. Through dinner, she ate more than she should and drank more than she should, but Elissa was thoroughly enjoying herself. Aeris, who was seated across from her, pointed to her neck as she moved her braid absentmindedly.โWhatโs wrong with your neck?โ She asked, scrunching her nose up.โA tree branch scratched herโฆโ her mother replied for her, but Elissaโd had just enough wine to embarrass her sister.โKohl, would you like to repeat your performance, or shall I tell her?โ She laughed, and her mother shot him a glare.โItโs a love biteโฆโ Elissa snapped her teeth at Aeris, who still looked confused.Kohl, in turn, leaned over to her despite his motherโs warning glares. โItโs a hickey. Prince โcanโt keep it in his pantsโ and our eldest sister are fucking.โโKohl Cyrus Sylvari! Donโt think youโre too old f
Catalyst ย ย ย Ch. 60: A toast
Apparently this was a going away dinner as her entire family plus Dantares and Deker appeared to be in attendance. She sat down next to him and smiled at everyone a little awkwardly. Elissa wasnโt particularly a fan of this many people at the table, all staring at her like she had two heads. She wasnโt sure if they were staring because of her now open connection with the head next to her, or if they were staring because theyโd downed a beast with two heads earlier. Either way, it was uncomfortable, and she smiled awkwardly, drinking some of her wine to calm her nerves out of habit. Hayward straightened up a little as they entered the great hall. Oh. Well. Hmm. Thereโs people here. He smiled politely and did his best to look at least slightly regal, like he actually belonged there and hadnโt just snuck in the back when no one was looking. He offered a gracious nod to the king and queen as they sat down. โHopefully, this is only a brief farewell,โ he remarked. โBut I appreciate the sen
Catalyst ย ย ย Ch. 59: Victory
โOh, youโre probably right.โ She said, laughing. โDo you need me to help you with that?โ A sly smirk appeared on her face as she followed him up the staircase to his room. โOr are you a big boy and can do it all by your lonesome?โ She teased. โHa! I donโt neeeed anything.โ He waited until they were out of sight in the stairwell, then grabbed her and kissed her and pressed her up against the wall. โBut I want you.โ He kissed her again and then slipped away, jogging up the stairs. โHey!โ she called back after him, running up behind him. โThatโs not playing fair! You canโt do that and just run off!โ She caught up to him just as he was exiting into the hallway, and content they wouldnโt take a tumble down the stairs, jumped onto his back and nipped his ear, laughing. โI just did, didnโt I?โ he shot back before she jumped on him. โAck!โ He turned his head and growled, but did not try to dislodge her. โNow, now, princess,โ he chided her, lowering his voice. โIf you wanted me to carry
