Oh boy was I wrong. After a few glasses of Surilie wine, Palias and I had started talking about the arena. It was nice until we had been in there two hours and had gone through two more bottles of wine. I hadn't realized I'd actually gotten drunk until I stood up and nearly toppled the kid over. I say kid, but he was probably only a couple years younger than I. He was possibly even more drunk, too.
"By Azura, Belladonna. Can I call you Bella? By Azura, Bella. You are a belle- hic- uh." He laughed himself to the ground with that one. I laughed even though it was stupid. That's probably what made it funny.
It took us twice the time to walk back drunk than it did to walk there sober.
As if getting drunk in public and singing shanties at the bar wasn't bad enough, I had woken up with an awful hangover. One that left me tired enough to not change into my armor before heading off to Cheydinhall. I made it back by nightfall and when I entered the sanctuary, I was surprised to see Lucien at the table dining with the others.
"And I wasn't invited?" I joked with them, letting my hair out of its tie. I was wearing a nice red velvet dress with a little revealing flare at the cleavage, form-fitting, I knew that- but the stares were a little much. "What?" I asked, but they didn't answer. Antoinetta and Ocheeva looked impressed, Teinaava and Gogron seemed surprised, Mraj-Dar was just... Mraj-Dar, Vicente always had an eye for style and seemed to enjoy the fine golden stitching on the sides. But the way Lucien was looking at me... By Sithis, if it wasn't so wrong, I might have tested then and there just how much weight that dining table could hold.
"Well, are you going to join us?" Lucien asked finally after we had made a few seconds of eye contact. He had a devious look written on his face. I chuckled a little and nodded, sitting at the open seat next to him. I didn't eat much, having so many damned butterflies in my stomach.
"I do believe a toast is in order." Vicente said, looking at everyone. I realized I had been left out on something. Vicente poured me a glass of the vintage 399 and raised his glass. "To Bella, for completing her final contract with me, I proudly bestow upon her the rank of Eliminator. And not to worry, you will receive your payment next time you see me. But tonight, we celebrate." Everyone cheered to that, even Lucien. And I raised my glass, ever so grateful for my new family.
I should've known the 399 was a mistake after the previous night, but I could handle my alcohol. I was only a little... a lot drunk. But hey, so was most everyone else. Only two sober people were Lucien and Vicente and I'm not sure you could call a red-faced vampire truly sober. Lucien could feel it though, for sure, he was a little more conversational and a little less "hail Sithis, darkness".
So I guess that really meant no one was quite sober.
"I should get going, I-" I stumbled a little as I got up, laughing with everyone at the clumsiness. Probably because Antoinetta had done the same thing just minutes before. But we could see her face-down on her bed regretting her actions. "I'll just be at my house." I started to walk off and nearly ran into the door.
"Perhaps you should stay here, Bella." Teinaava said, trying to hide the fact that he was laughing at me.
"No, my house is - hic - right across the bridge. By the chapel. Well, the mages Guild really. I think. I don't know, it's been a minute." I laughed to myself. Lucien found it slightly amusing and everyone returned to their conversations.
"Come on, allow me to escort you." Lucien had stood, holding himself much better than I was. But he had also drank much, much less.
"A gentleman, thank you." I smiled, bumping into him a little. "Sorry." I did it again. "Sorry- I can't seem to walk straight."
"Here." He held out his arm and I took it.
"Thanks, Luci- hic - Lucien." I tried acting natural as we stepped out of the abandoned house and into the fresh night air. It was dark, nearing midnight. I noticed he wasn't wearing his Black Hand robes. He had on a nice black button-up with dark dress pants and shoes to match. A golden-clasped leather belt. He left the top button of his shirt unclasped. By the nine, my cheeks were red like a school girl's.
"I do love these kinds of nights. Not just the weather. But getting to spend time in the Sanctuary with my Assassins and my Eliminator." Lucien commented. I liked the way he said it. We walked on down the street, enjoying the fresh air and clear night sky.
"You know, I don't know much about you." I said to him. We had stopped at the bridge to look at the water and the stars reflecting off of it. Quite the romantic mood. I tried to look casual, leaning against the railing.
"Well, what would you like to know? There's only so much I can tell, of course. The Black Hand is very secretive." He said seriously.
"Not the Black Hand- you." I laughed. There was a small twinkle in his eye from the full moon, and I could see him smiling in the darkness. It's odd how much safer one feels when shrouded where most cannot see. "You seem to know so much about me. Tell me. You got a lover?" I gave him a playful look. He laughed a little. A beautiful sound to match such an ethereal man.
"No, I was never partial to anyone before." He answered, not taking his eyes off of me. "How about you?"
"I was too busy saving the world. There were some boys that wanted me as a teenager. But I never willingly took anyone." I looked down at the water. It didn't feel wrong to tell him about my past. In fact, it had felt natural. "Haven't felt that way for anyone since. Until recently."
"Special guy, huh?" The twinkle seemed to go away, but he didn't seem to want to press matters further. I nodded.
"Really special. I don't know why, but... he just is. Kind, too- for a Murderer." I was hoping I wasn't making a total fool of myself.
"Let's keep going. It's getting cold and we can talk inside where it's warm. If you'll have me." He winked. I felt my heart flutter.
After he kindled a fire, I sat on the couch in front of it and Lucien sat next to me. I curled up under a blanket, taking my shoes off. It had been a long day.
I found myself looking at his face, taking in his features again. Truly a gorgeous man.
"What?" He asked curiously, catching my gaze.
"Nothing. Just... looking at you. Is it not allowed?" I asked playfully.
"If you feel so inclined." He smiled a little. A coy smile.
"Shut up." I laughed under my breath, looking down shyly.
"I didn't say anything wrong?"
"You say a lot with your expressions." I admitted. "I like that about you."
"Oh?" He turned his body slightly towards me. I looked up at him again, but couldn't seem to hold eye contact. I was getting so flustered just by him existing. "Do continue." His voice was at a whisper. Gods, his voice... I could feel his presence sobering me up and intoxicating me in an entirely different way. His smell was fresh leather and earth. With a hint of something metallic, like blood. Something I had come to enjoy.
"You're a passive creature, when you can help it. But I can tell there's a fire inside you."
"So you've gotten me figured out?" He smirked, leaning his head on his hand.
"Absolutely not. And that's the part I really enjoy." I admitted, looking into his eyes. That twinkle had returned, even without the moonlight. His eyes were a beautiful dark hazel. Mine were blue. His hair was long and black as midnight. And mine was to my shoulders, black with a sheen of blue. His skin was pale but mine was a few shades lighter. I had various scars visible everywhere, but his skin seemed to be perfect. At least where clothing didn't cover. We sat in silence for a while. And I remembered his word. It truly does serve some well.
"You should get some sleep, Bella." He stood up and smoothed down his clothing. But before leaving, he bent down, put his hand under my chin, and left a gentle kiss on my forehead. "I do hope I'll see you again soon." He said as he closed the door behind him. I heard the iron gate outside creak and click shut. And I felt a little bit empty. And the place where his hand and lips graced my skin felt warm.