( stargazing )

[absurdities]

the stargazing meme

oo1. comment with your characters
make sure to put names, series, & preferences somewhere!
you can use < ! > sans the spaces to make the comment "blank"
oo2. reply to others in character
oo3. use the rng and enter 1-10
oo4. play out what happens—anything goes!
oo5. profit? oh yeah!

prompts

one → meteor shower you just saw a falling star! and another! make a wish!
two → aliens what was that? was that really? omg no way a ufo!
three → lunar eclipse you've been sitting out for hours, waiting for this. it's so cool!
four → comet does it move fast or slow? either way, it's amazing.
five → full moon the moon is so huge! just don't look too long, it's really bright too.
six → star dust anything can happen in space. make up your own plot!
seven → solar eclipse this might be happening in the middle of the day!
eight → planet sighting is that a new star? nope, just a neighbor in the solar system!
nine → constellations do you know the stories behind these odd patterns?

Comments

[magnificis]

Peter took a deep breath, not really sure what had happened or what was happening, but then he'd left all of his rational mind back at the Cair. To his mild surprise, he could have sworn he heard Lucy's girlish little giggle at the back of his mind, accompanied by a rough but loving purr, as from some overlarge, affectionate feline.

Oddly enough, they both worked to calm his instinctive tension--he'd felt his entire body preparing for battle, ironically--but there was nothing here to fight. No, but there is victory, he heard that rough purring voice echo in his ears, washing over him like a soothing warm rain. If but for a moment, Peter, set aside the Crown. In this place, for this night, the High King is not needed.

When Aslan spoke, Peter knew better than to argue.

Hence his lopsided smile, his reaching out to take into his arms a woman for whom he had come to realize he cared very deeply, and answering, "I see no harm in it, m'lady."

[travelsafar]

She let her arms slip around his neck once again and leaned against him. She didn't bother answering him and simply leaned in to kiss him again. This might be her one chance to indulge all she can before they're once against swept up in politics and responsibilities.

Here, in the middle of the night, the castle a distant memory. They could be anyone in the world out here. She didn't feel the weight of everything. The only weight she felt was his arms around her and the press of his lips against hers.

Of course, she had to get up on her tip toes to manage a decent kiss but it isn't a bother. She'd stand on a stool if she had to.

[magnificis]

It'd been...quite some time since Peter had kissed a woman--his sisters didn't count, of course. But carefully keeping himself held aloof from all other contact, emotional and physical, had taken its toll, therefore his kisses were a little edged, a little eager and long overdue, now that the restraints of Crown and Title were unleashed.

And by the Lion's Great Mane, didn't she feel wonderful in his arms?! Peter dimly heard a low, rumbling noise coming from somewhere and he belatedly realized that it was his own throaty moan, resounding from deep inside. The notion that there would be repercussions of this had yet to enter his mind, so focused was he on the now.

[travelsafar]

It was a good thing no one was around to hear her answering whimper. She feels like she's floating, lifted up by the heat in her blood and the butterflies in her stomach. She slid a hand into his hair, making it easier for her to stay on her toes and lean into him so that she can focus on kissing him.

Whatever would come from this, she would have no regrets because she would know how it felt to kiss him and be held in arms. She knew what it felt like to be wanted by him and that would be a memory she would treasure. But, oh, she longed for more than this. She hoped for more than this one night and these kisses. Only he could decide that.

[magnificis]

Peter had to come up for air eventually, taking a slow shuddering one when he did so. He lifted only his head, staring down at her with a dazed, almost puzzled expression, but his slow smile eventually tilted his lips again and he cleared his throat with an awkward chuckle.

"--th-this is..ahem...very odd," he managed to get out, slowly releasing her but sliding his hands down her arms to grip her own fingers. "...and quite unlike me, I have to say."

[travelsafar]

She laughed softly, "I'd be happy to help you practice anytime you wish." Sliding her fingers through his she held on to his hand, somewhat scared he was going to run away. He seemed nervous, which was strange to see. He was always so confident, so controlled. It was yet another moment that endeared him to her.

"You've managed it very well." She couldn't remember the last time she had been kissed like that or the last time a man made her weak in the knees. It was going to take her some effort to keep her professional demeanor around him now. Those kisses were going to keep her distracted.

[magnificis]

He laughed somewhat sheepishly. "...thank you, I think." They'd just crossed so many lines, both political and personal, that Peter couldn't even count them all. Not with his head still spinning as it was just now, anyway.

Despite Aslan's prompting, Peter could feel his instinctive barriers settling in again; the wind whispered that he should wait, should not be so hasty to don responsibility again, but he couldn't help it.

An apologetic expression settled over his features and he sighed. "...I'm not-I'm not sure that's such a good idea, Dahlia." Peter tightened his hands on hers, subconsciously hearing a feline's sigh of resignation.

[travelsafar]

"It's not a good idea to rush blindly into it," she corrected gently. His walls were so easy to see, especially when he was trying to hastily construct them after the moment between them had torn them down. If Peter thought he was stubborn he had yet to come against her.

"We both have our positions to consider and I would like to know more about you before throwing ourselves headlong into a romance. However, I think it's an even worse idea to throw this," she squeezed his hand. "Away so carelessly."

She could be patient and careful, she would have to be with him, but she was not going to give up because he was scared.

[magnificis]

The former he could definitely agree with. "No, it isn't," he sighed tiredly, plunking down on the sweet-smelling grass and pulling her with him. Resting his arms on bent knees, Peter gazed out over the plains of his kingdom, trying to speak in a way that wouldn't offend her.

"...you're an amazing woman, Ambassador," he began after a moment, "and we've become quick friends." He had to chuckle with a shake of his head. "A fact that surprises me, really. And were I not in the position that I am, everything would be far simpler." Peter's eyebrow quirked and he was compelled to add, "In point of fact, were I not in the position that I am, I wouldn't be considered worthy enough to even cross your path, much less aught else.

"But I've a kingdom to put before anything else, even myself." Much to his sisters' chagrin, he knew. "And although I know there has to be some way to find a balance with the two, I've done the former for so long that it's become second nature, a habit far too ingrained to break." Mayhap because he feared that he couldn't have but one or the other.

Peter reached for and took her hand again, threading his fingers with hers; warm, solid and comforting. "So I hope you can forgive my reticence in light of such wild magic, because believe me, for a moment or so there I wished I didn't have to bear this Crown."

[travelsafar]

She settled into the grass next to him and listened to what were essentially excuses. The man was clearly terrified of what was happening between them and his feelings for her. It was obvious to her now that he did have feelings but he was hiding from them under the weight of his responsibilities. She would have to tread very carefully here.

"I won't ask you to change, Peter. I like you as you are." And she did, all his stubbornness and biting wit were appealing. He was handsome but he was so much more than that as well. She leaned against his side and laid her head on his shoulder, smiling. "But... I didn't make it to this position by sitting meek and letting men dictate my life. I will not let you set me aside so easily nor blame your feelings on wild magic. If I must I will court you."

It would be easier if he hadn't revealed he felt the same as her. She could walk away and nurse her wounded pride but he was being ridiculous and she wasn't putting up with it.

[magnificis]

Unconscious excuses, at least. Having kept himself aloof from most relationships other than those he shared with his brother and sisters, Peter had never had to deal with the confusion that attraction always brought. It would have been a puzzle for any man, even one not already burdened with such weights.

However, "...would it be too much to ask that we simply be friends first, and let things go from there? Susan often says that's the way these things should progress." He cherished her friendship; there were few the High King could call such.

[travelsafar]

"Of course we can be friends. We are friends." She smiled affectionately, though at this angle she was certain he couldn't see it. They were already friends, that was painfully obvious to anyone who bothered to pay attention.

If they stayed like this for the rest of the night, Dahlia would be quite content. There was still the promise of more in the future.

[magnificis]

"Good." A decisive nod. Peter hoped that he wouldn't have to knock any stubborn heads for their wagging tongues concerning the Narnian High King and the Archenland Ambassador. That was the last thing he needed.

He wasn't in any hurry to head back to the Cair; he'd left without a word to anyone, but Beam knew better than to worry, and if aught else, Ignacius would be sure to fly out and find him should he be needed.

Peter did turn his head and smile at his companion, then. "I'm glad you rode out with me tonight. It's been a long time since I had a good friend to share things like this with."

[travelsafar]

"Anytime you wish for another night ride, you know where to find me." She reached up and pushed a lock of his hair back from his forehead.

He was so handsome. She trailed her fingers down the line of his cheek before letting her hand fall again. It didn't matter how long they sat out here. She was content to stay like this forever.