Okay for the past several months I have been poked and prodded and asked to post some of my story on here so guess what-I'm finally do it!
It's so funny-here I am typing this up and continuing it and on comes a new episode of Extreme Makeover Home Edition and I start balling my eyes out at the story which kind of helped me put myself into my characters position for the sad parts so it works out!
With that done I'll get onto the explanation. I wanted to take a break from my 8th chapter (I still can't believe it!) of my L.O.A. story and do some building up of the background of 2 characters who are gonna become major characters in my book. Through doing that I found out that I absolutely love them! Sadly I don't think this truly showing their FULL characteristics BUT it is a very good up close and personal look at some important moments in their lives. This probably won't go in my book but it will be one of the outtakes kind of like Stephenie Meyer has. Above I have a picture of Adrian (Nick Carter/Jesse McCartney) which is a pretty close rendition of him and Alexandria (Rachel Leigh Cook) which is a close rendition too just she's missing the green eyes and purple hair(it'll make sense when you read it). Sorry for the choppiness but I was bored and wanted to skip over the "boring" parts. lol. I will warn you in the end of this post there is a "lovey dovey" scene. I had just gotten done reading a bunch of Twilight, New moon and Eclipse stuff when I wrote it and it's so easy for me to make these two charactors that way but for me it's also a scene where I'd blush and cringe and run away screaming if my parents read it aloud.
Finally I want to say to anyone reading this who is not, Anna, Lauren or Kelia(I know you guys would never steal my work). This is my orignal writing it is copywrited just by the fact that I wrote it and know everything about it. These are my charactors, my planets-my canon. Please I ask you: DO NOT USE THIS IT IS COPYWRITED.
Last but not least hope you enjoy!
Random clip from one of the L.O.A. books
By: Katherine LaGassie })i({
'Through the white mist that covered the galaxy in the morning the planet of Galileo became fully visible to the naked eye.. As the ship broke through the mist and into the blue like atmosphere the world around me whizzed by all the while looking like a water painting in a rain storm. The ship came to a....semi smooth landing on the long runway and from there we were headed,' Lady Alexandria blinked down at her journal, "Senator Sengal-where are we headed?" It had been many years since she had visited Galileo or her home Planet, Arcimada. After her sister and brother-in-law died she had committed herself 100% to her job and stayed away from all else.
"I'm bringing you to the base M'lady." Senator Sengal looked over his shoulder at the Lord whom he was escorting on his way to the senate as he spoke.
Lady Alexandria looked back at her journal, "Thank you." She said aloud before continuing her journal entry. 'We were headed to the Galilean Army Base in the town of Shyarlian. There for the next several years (only the Gods know how long) I will be training both the Galilean Army and whatever number of our (The Klatine Army) forces are sent here for additional training. I will also be helping the community (clean up abandon or unclean areas, help out orphanages and much more) and pretty much be a temporary member of Galileo till I leave.' Alexandria felt the car-like vehicle begin to slow down. 'Time to fly-write when I get the chance
Alexandria'
As Alexandria signed her name to her entry as neatly as possible Senator Sengal opened her door, "The Royal Guard Base of Galileo, Lady Lord." He stepped to the side to allow her to exit the car-like vehicle and enter the parking garage.
"Thank you, Senator." Alexandria said as she exited the vehicle. They kissed cheeks and Senator Sengal drove off to go park the vehicle.
"Ahh, Lady Alexandria." A male voice said so loudly over the rush of spaceships entering the atmosphere she nearly jumped.
Lady Alexandria turned to look at who had spoken, it was Lord MacCullen-the Head Lord of the Galilean Army and an old friend of her and her siblings. "Lord MacCullen." She barely smiled and her green eyes twinkled dimly though she tried her best to be enthusiastic. "It’s wonderful to see you again sir." She added earnestly.
"As it is to see you, M'lady." He said as she walked over to him. "To be truthful I did not expect to see you again after the past events and was surprised when I heard of your wish to temporarily transfer."
Lady Alexandria lightly sighed, "The Klatine base just had too many memories of my sister and her husband, I couldn't stay. I haven't been there since they died, at first I got leave and went home but there were still too many memories so I went back to the base and transferred to 4 or so places before now. Now I'm trying to work at being able to face the places with so many memories-starting here. I know it's been 7 years since they died but it's still hard."
"It's understandable-they were loved by all. Breneck was one of the best Lords both Klatine and us shared. And Ann was one of the best people with the kids in the orphanages and just about everyone in the town. They are still being missed greatly." Lord MacCullen spoke gravely as they walked.
Lady Alexandria nodded lightly as her hear gave a saddened pang. Ever since their death she had been extremely sad and not quite herself. It was about 15 minutes before she realized Lord MacCullen was talking aimlessly while walking her around the base. She returned full attention to Lord MacCullen and the large base hoping he hadn't noticed she hadn't been paying attention.
"Ah, here comes some of our finest Pre-Lord's and Knights." Lord MacCullen said indicating 3 or 4 young men in their early 20s who were walking by them. He signaled them to come over and began introducing them to Lady Alexandria. "And this is once of our finest Knights in transition," He said as he acknowledged the last and youngest man of the group. It was a tall, dirty blonde-brown haired, blue-grey eyed, 23-year-old boy. Alexandria's eyes sparkled wickedly-she'd know him from a mile away. "Adrian Oregena."
Adrian smiled at Lady Alexandria and bowed lightly to her out of respect. She fingered her purple hair which as up in a pony tail braid as her eyes sparkled back at him, "We've met." was all she said before smiling lightly.
Adrian smiled and they all lightly bowed once more before walking off and Alexandria and MacCullen continued the tour of the extremely large base.
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It was several weeks before Alexandria ran into Adrian again. She had gotten quite used to the base and the people-which both were refreshing and pleasant. After 3 weeks of non-stop training of military men of all ages she had decided to take a week or so to get to know the community which turned out to be as pleasant as her home planet-which at first was hard to bare.
"Alexandria!" Several kids said excitedly while running over to her as she entered the orphanage.
Alexandria smiled brightly-she found herself doing that around the children a lot more than she expected. "Hi there!" She said happily as she threw her arms around each one of them. "how have you all been?" She ask as she ruffled the children's hair.
Each of the kids took off at simultaneously of how they were which suddenly branched out to what they had been up to and oh so much more. Although surprisingly she didn't tell any of them to speak one at a time, instead she smiled and paid full attention to each and everyone on of them at once.
Adrian walked in, he usually came when his schedule permitted and seeing as though he had just passed the tests to become a Pre-Lord not all that long ago(a few days ago) he had a little more flexibility with his schedule.
He looked over at Alexandria the energy around her-the power, strength, gentleness but yet sadness-was intoxicating. His eyes surveyed her from a safe distance. Her long naturally multi-purple colored hair was up in a spiked bun, and her bright green eyes were sparkling with the joy of being with the children. She was wearing chocolate brown, pointed high heeled shoes, fitted dark washed jeans, a white embroidered camisole, a tan-brown poncho like shawl and matching earrings, necklace and bracelets. She-to him-was the complete picture and embodiment of beauty, much like her deceased younger sister. It took him several moments to realize he was gazing at her. Once he had he shook his head and walked over, "Lady Alexandria," He smiled, "I didn't expect to see you here."
Alexandria turned her head, "Hello Adrian." Her brightness suddenly dulled and the air between him and her cooled dramatically. She picked the smallest of the children as her feet up and ruffled the other's hair as she stood. "I've been helping out here lately."
"So I can see," His eyes sparkled as he looked over the children that were tugging on her-begging for her attention-and the young black haired girl who was resting her head on Alexandria's shoulder. "they seem quite attached to you." He smiled broadly at her-hoping she'd return it. He knew she was not mad at him, she was just sad-depressed to say the least. He could tell she hadn't quite gotten over her sister and brother-in-laws deaths and he knew he didn't help because he looked remarkably like his brother-whom Alexandria had become quite close to-even to the pointed elven ears.
Instead of smiling broadly it was a small obviously forced(at least to him) smile. "And I to them." She spoke as she kissed the black haired girls head again and ruffled more hair in a loving manner.
"Perhaps," Adrian began while digging his heels within the carpeted floor, "once you are done here you'd like to take a walk around the town?"
Alexandria had to admit she was curious to see the rest of the small town-not to mention Galileo itself. "It would be my pleasure." She said and Adrian swore he saw a glimmer of a smile within her eyes. With that Adrian bowed and walked off to help out in another part of the building seeing as this area was taken care of.
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It was several hours before Adrian and Alexandria began their walk through town and it started out extremely quiet.
"So...why are you in Galileo percisly anyway?" Adrian asked finally breaking the silence.
"I needed some more leave time," She replied earnestly, "I wasn't ready to go back...not yet."
Adrian swallowed hard at the saddness within her voice. He completely understood how she felt-she had been devistated since they died, course she had been there when they died. So was he-though he got hit by a decon bomb(a minor bomb that does less damange to the things around it than others) knocked out and was in a coma for 4 or 5 months before he found out. Come to think of it, it had to be one of the only times he had felt as if he could get no closer to Alexandria.
Alexandria entered the quiet hospital room pulling herself together as much as posisble for Adrian's sake.
Adrian sat staring out the window, tears streaking his face, a telegram in one hand and the other hand over his broken leg which he had gotten when he was hit by the decon bomb.
Alexandria walked foreward carefully, unsure what to say to him. Not sure whether to appologize for his loss which everyone felt tremendously or hug him-thankfu he was alive. "Hi Adrian," She managed to say. "How are you feeling?"
"Well," He began as he started crumpling the telegram in his fist, "I was hit by a decon bomb, shoved into a coma for 4 or 5 months only to wake up and find out my brother and his wife-who was like a sister to him-were murdered no more than 5 minutes after I was brought here." He crushed it, "I'm doing pretty darn well considering the circumstances." He threw the telegram that told him and appologized for the loss of his brother and sister-in-law across the room. Had it not been for her quick refluxes it would have hit Alexandria.
"I'm sorry, Adrian." Was all her suddenly dry throat could croak as she swallowed back a mountain of tears.
Anger welled within the 16-year-old boy before her and he slammed the book on his side table to the ground. "Why them," He said angerly as more tears streamed his face, "Why him, why her, why us, why me! It isn't fair none of us-especially not them- did anything to deserve this!"
"I know, Adrian, I know." Alexandria said swallowing a lump in her throat as she picked up the book.
Adrian slammed his fist sideways into the wall causing both Alexandria to wince and a dent in the wall. "I hate this! Why'd it have to happen! If it wasn't for the stupid bomb they wouldn't be dead!" He paused crying still, "It doesn't feel real," He calmed down some, "It feels....like a dream. I keep thinking their gonna walk in just like usual."
"Adrian, I know you're upset-I am too-we all are." Alexandria said as she walked up to him.
"...It just, it doesn't feel real-it can't be." Adrian said as he picked at his sheets covering his broken leg.
"I know it feels like a dream because you didn't see it, hun. But you know what-it feels the same way with seeing it." She couldn't help it anymore, tears flowed like a waterfall down her cheeks. "You know I wake up every morning expecting to go down into the Mess Hall and see Breneck and Ali and their friends laughing and talking at the head of them room with Lord Nantai, Qing-Yuan and all the other Lords. While Ann, Melissa and them are sitting doing the same thing, though without the Lords. They would just be being their happy-go-lucky selves, never worried about anything no matter how bad the circumstances were. Then they'd smile at eachother and stare like magnets at one another. Then I walk in and realize...they're gone. I know how it feels, Adrian. I know how empty it feels. I know how much it stinks."
Adrian turned to look at her, he'd never in his entire lifetime seeb ger cry and for some reason he hated seeing her crying-her upset. He moved as best he could to make room for her to sit down.
Alexandria wiped her eyes as best she could and placed the book and telegram down on a side table before sitting down. "You know before I was hit and knocked out by that bomb Ann was holding my hand, telling me to stay safe and be careful-I told her the same. Then her hand slid slowly from mine as we walked-next thing I know I'm in a coma and their dead...I wonder if maybe I had held on she'd have gone into a comma too and both Breneck and Alan would have brought us here and they'd both be alive." Adrian said picking at the sheets again.
"It was fate, Adrian, everything happens for a reason even if we don't know why." Alexandria said as she mused his hair in a motherly way.
"I know." was all he said as he continued crying. Alexandria put her arms around him and stayed with him till he fell asleep.
"I understand." Adrian said so she knew her had been listening but the full truth was he was listening and he did understand. "You know," He began carefully, "You seem a lot less spunky."
Alexandria lightly smiled, "That's because I am." She sighed, "I've been busy with work and haven't even set foot on Arcimada since you were sixteen."
"And you were-"
"Don't you even go there." She wagged her finger at him-a sign of her usual spriteliness in her eyes and voice.
"And you were ," he continued, "as beautiful as you are now." Adrian smiled and easily covered up from saying her real age which happened to be around 440 with something that was just as true. Though usually you wouldn't know she was older than 21.
"Kiss up." She scolded him but lowered her finger. The air seemed lighter and happier between them as they walked and talked. Even if Alexandria didn't notice it she was suddenly a slice of 1 millionth percent happy though there was a long way to go before she was fully happy-something Adrian planned to help to do.
Months passed and soon Adrian and Alexandria became somewhat close to friends but Alexandria was still hesitant and depressed-but not for long. It was about 12 A.M. when Adrian jogged out to the courtyard holding 2 leave slips. "Alexandria!" He said as he went over to her.
Alexandria looked up and blinked at him-most people were asleep by now, "Hello, Adrian."
Adrian held out the two slips which clearly said 'good for ____ years of leave' which esensially ment as long as needed, "One for you and one for me."
"What for? Why?" Alexandria asked clearly confused.
"You need to loosen up, Al, otherwise your going to turn into a dull, nasty, snippy, stuffy, stiff old broad-a beautiful, dull, nasty, snippy, stuffy, stiff old broad but still one nevertheless."
Alexandria raised her eyebrows while thinking sarcastically 'Thanks Adrian' "I'm not stiff or dull."
Adrian lightly rolled his eyes, "And I'm kind of Galileo."
"Alright," She raised both eyebrows, "I'll go along. So say I am 'stiff'-which I'm not," Adrian muttered something that sounded remarkably like 'denile', "how exactly would 2 leave slips help?"
Adrian's eyes glittened in a youthful and mischevious manner. "You'll see."
Alexandria sighed, she knew she was less 'spunky' than she used to be but she wouldn't say she was dull or stiff-she was just....job oriented. She shut her book she'd been reading, "Alright, I trust you, but for the life of me I don't know why."
Adrian chuckled and his eyes glittered brightly, "Go on and get dressed in day clothes." He said as he glances are her pajamas.
"Should I pack anything?" She asked trying to sound as enthusiastic as possible as she stood. 'The Gods only know where he's taking me.' She thought.
"No, only bring your pocketbook." He said and she gave him an odd look, "Trust me, Alex."
Alexanderia lightly shook her head, "Alright, alright." She then turned and went inside to her room got dressed, grabbed her pocket book and went outside.
There before her was Adrian holding two helmets and two leather jackets while standing infront of his motorcycle. "What the heck??" Alexandria said more confused than ever.
Adrian put his hemlet and jacket on and over over, "These are for you-put them on." Alexandria looked at him hesitantly at first but then slipped the jacket on with Adrian's help and put the helmet on.
"Where are we going?" She asked as they walked over to the bike.
"You'll see." He said once more and smirked as he took the keys from his pocket and climbed on his bike, "Come on," He told her as he tied her pocket book to it, "It's perfecetly safe-I won't let you fall off."
"I'm not afraid of falling," She said as she climbed on behind him. To be truthful she had never rode a motorcycle and was more scared of it than of her murderous brothers.
"Hold on tight, okay?" Adrian said as he started it up.
"Oh dear heaven's." Alexandria groaned and tightened her grip as Adrian took off smirking. Alexandria pierced her eyes shut as he picked up speed and placed her forehead on his shoulder, "oh dear," she muttered again and felt Adrian laugh beneath her.
"Relax." His elven voice said as soothingly as possible, "You aren't gonna fall off trust me-and we won't crash, Breneck taught me." He chuckled once more.
Alexandria groaned, Breneck had not been known for his...particularly safe motorcycle driving. Breneck had been more of a rebel on his motorcycle although he had never gotten into an accident.
The next few hours passed slowly for Alexandria but soon they had stopped somewhere on the outskirts of a distant village in Galileo. The sun had risen and it was about 9 A.M. according to Adrian's motorcycle's clock. "Here we are." Adrian said as he climbed off while releasing Alexandria's grip from around his waist.
"I will never ride one of those again." Alexandria said as she got off, grabbed her pocket book and they both took off their helmets.
"Old broad." Adrian said and got Alexandria's helmet chucked at him. He chuckled and chucked it back knowing she'd catch it. "Loosen up, Al."
"Why do you insist on calling me that utterly replusive nickname?" Alexandria asked as she unzipped the leather jacket.
"It isn't replusive." Adrian said as walked over to some sharp rocks, "Come on."
"What are you going to do-try and kill me?" Alexandria asked sarcastically as she followed him.
"Nope," he fingered a rock then stood and slammed his helmet down percisely right so it split in half.
"Adrian!" Alexandria said shocked, "That's your helmet-are you made?!"
Adrian chuckled and his eyes twinkled mischeviously, "Do it."
She blinked and stared blankly at him, "Pardon?"
Adrian kicked aside his destroyed helmet, "Slam it down on the same rock."
"That's mad, Adrian," She said and he took her arms and led her to the right spot over the rock, "I won't smash a perfectly good helmet, Adrian."
Adrian sighed and rolled his eyes, "Stiff." He muttered and she shot a glare in his direction but he smiled innocently, "Slam it, Al."
"This is positively ridiculus." She said and slammed down the helmet so it did the same as Adrian's.
"Perfect!" Adrian said happily which cause Alexandria to start worrying for his health. Suddenly he took off his leather jacket threw it on the ground and jumped on it.
"What are you doing? Are you out of your mind?!" Alexandria said as she pulled her wind blown hair into a ponytail.
"No, I'm loosening up," He said and walked over to her, "take your jacket off."
"Why?"
"You're gonna stomp on it too."
"And what's that supposed to do?"
"Just do it, Alex-don't think about it just do it."
Alexandria looked at him and sighed, she stripped off her jacket and placed it on the ground and stomped on it. "Happy?"
"Very," he reasured and picked up the jackets and helmets and threw them in the trash.
"Adrian those were your-"
"We don't need them anymore."
"Why?"
"You'll see." Adrian smirked, "Hey, Al, why don't you go and buy us a universal map."
"Why?" She questioned suspiciously.
"Just do it, I have something to do-don't worry I'll pay you back." He said reasurringly.
Alexandria sighed and walked within a small town store and picked up acouple different universal maps-unsure of which one Adrian exactly wanted. Once she bought them she exited the store and walked out of it.
"Alex!" Adrian said and motioned for her to come over to him, his bike was no where in site-not Alex was begining to worry.
Alexandria walked over, "Where's your bike?"
"It's with one of my friends, he's bringing it back to the base."
"Don't we need that?" She asked trying not to panic-surely he knew what he was doing.
"Not at all-you have the maps?" He asked eyeing the back in her hand.
"Yes," She said as she handed them to him, "Why do you need them?"
"Come with me and you'll see," He took her hand and began walking with her, "Close your eyes." She hesitantly obeyed and aloud him to lead her till they suddenly stopped, "Open your eyes." She opened them and before her stood a good sized spaceship, "It's ours." Adrian concluded.
"But-how?" She looked at him, "Do you know how much these things cost?"
Adrian chuckled, "Yeah I do-I just bought it." He took his wallet from his pocket and opened it to reveal what looked to be thousands of dollars.
"Where'd you get all that money?" She was now severely worrying for his sanity.
"It was what I got from Breneck and Ann's will, I put it in the back and I also invested in it, and it's grown-I have more but this is all I brought-I can easily access it if nessicary. Besides I figured Breneck and Ann would want me to do some good with it and I will but this is also good." He smiled, "I'm gonna get you back to your old self."
"How so?" She looked at him.
"I'm going to take you across the universe as far as we can go." His eyes twinkled once more.
Alexandria's jaw dropped, "Adrian, that's ridiculus we don't have clothes or-"
Adrian held up a hand, "You need not worry about that, we'll be making plenty of stops-we can buy what we need on the spur of the moment." His eyes sparkelled again, "I'm gonna make sure you see as much of the universe as you can."
"You are out of your mind, Adrian Oregena!" She said looking at him still not believe everything he was doing for her.
"Well then-you're traveling with a mad man then." He took her hand and helped her into the ship and climbed into the drivers seat himself.
"Do you know how to drive this thing?" She snapped her head towards him.
"....roughly." He said and her bright green eyes widened in alarm, "Don't worry," He smiled, "I promise on my life-we won't crash." He looked at her, smiled and took off. He waited till they exited Galileo's atmosphere before turning to Alexandria, "Where do you want to go first?"
"Anywhere." Her heart was racing and she wasn't sure why but for some odd reason she felt excited.
His eyes sparkelled brightly and he crumpled up the maps and threw them in the back, this time Alexandria didn't scold him or anything. He smiled, "How about I take you to the star people." His eyes seemed to smile as brightly as the stars as he looked at her. The star people were cousins of the elves and his family-not to mention sweet hearts to the kind people that crossed their paths.
Alexandria looked at him and let out a breath she had been holding and nodded. Suddenly she felt a whole lot more relaxed than she had in a long, long time.
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They had to have been on the road for at least 3 months and already seen 4 or 5 planets and bought enough food and clothing to last them several months. Adrian stretched and looked over at the clock, it was about 12 A.M. He turned his head and looked at Alexandria, she had fallen asleep in her chair somewhere around 15 minutes ago. She curled closer into herself, the atmospheric tempeture was cold-even for Arcimadan blood. Adrian took his hands off the controls and slipped his coat off and put it on her, carefully moving her purple hair to make sure it wasn't caught in anything. He smiled, put the ship on cruise control and stretched back into his chair while closing his eyes.
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They landed on Seriline-the planet of ice and snow(literly)-at about 8 A.m. They settled into an apartment and then went out into town and just looked around at everything. That lasted till about 7 p.m. then Alexandria dragged Adrian out on a walk through the snow covered woods.
Adrian stepped behind Alexandria and let her lead the way as he watched the wonder and excitment within her eyes at the beauty of the white snow. He didn't need to keep an eye on where he was stepping you learned in most of the Army schools how to walk without tripping over anything-though being Elven helped. His eyes scanned the girl infront of him and he smirked getting a spurr of them moment idea he lunged foreward she jumped and screamed but laughed alittle and ran as he chased her all the way till they were out of the woods-it was just the reaction he was hoping for. Once they stopped Alexandria was laughing and smiling-something that brought happiness to Adrian.
"You are the nuttiest guy I know, Adrian." She smiled as she spoke and shook her head still smiling.
Adrian smiled brightly, "I'll take that as a compliment." He said as he walked over to her. Instead of going back within the woods they continued walking along the edge of it till they came around a frozen lake and dock.
Alexandria took Adrian's hand and gently led him onto the dock, "Frozen lakes are beautiful aren't they?"
Adrian swept his grey-blue eyes from the lake to Alexandria and back again, "mmm."
Alexandria's eyes twinkled, "When I was younger I used to break the ice of the lake in Arcimada by the castle and jump right in, in the middle of winter."
"Really now?" Adrian said thoughtfully, "With a bathing suit on?"
Alexandria shook her head smiling lightly at the memory, "Oh no, I was wearing fully clothing-shoes and all." She shook her head, "Stupid really."
"Oh no," Adrian shook his head while slipping his jacket off, "Not at all."
She turned her head towards him, "What?"
Adrian looked at her, "Mind if I barrow that clip of yours?" He asked while he eyed the clip that was holding her hair in a part up. "Like are you sentimentally attatched to it?" He questioned again while he threw his jacket onto the ground by the dock.
"No, I bought it on one of the planets to hold my hair up cause it was dirty-why?" She said eyeing him questionly.
"No reason." He said as he gently slipped the clip from her hair and slammed it onto the water and broke the thin ice. He then bent down and scooped up the clip before it sunk and threw it back over with his jacket. "There we go." He said as he watched the hole get big enough to jump in.
"What do you mean by there we go?" Alexandria snapped her head to look at Adrian and he smirk took her by the waist and jumped in while holding onto her.
When they came up she whacked him in the arm, "Don't you dare scare me like that again, Adrian Oregena!" She scolded but not even a second later both of them began laughing hysterically and commenting on how nuts they were and how cold the water was.
About 15 or 20 minutes later Adrian climbed out and helped her out. "Thanks, Adrian." She smiled the broadest smile he'd seen her smile yet-like one of her old ones-and kissed his cheek.
If it hadn't been for the cold weather already making both of their cheeks look bright red she would have been able to visibly see him blush bright pink. "You're welcome." He smiled at her and walked over with her to his jacket and clip, he clipped the clip in his own hair and slipped the jacket onto her, took her hand and ran to their temporary appartment both tripping and laughing hysterically all the way.
"Here you go," Adrian said as he handed her one of the 2 mugs of hot chocolate he held within his hands before prodding the fire with a stick and sitting down on the floor with Alexandria.
"Thank you." She said and sipped it. Both had stripped of the wet clothing and thrown it in the wash, she was now dry and wearing a sweater, jeans and socks-the only wet part of her was her long purple hair.
"You're welcome." He said as he put his arm on the couch seats behind them, "You warm enough?"
Alexandria smiled, "Quite so." She looked up at him with her green eyes and watched him sip his own hot chocolate.
"Having fun yet?" He looked down at her both eyebrows raised and lines gently creasing his young forehead.
"Yes," She smiled, "Am I still on the way to being an old broad?" She arched an eyebrow at him in a teasing nature.
Adrian smiled keenly, "I think you've changed your path." He truly meant it-her old happy-go-lucky, spunky dimener was coming back and it was coming back fast.
Her eyes twinkled up at him, "good," She said and then placed her head on his chest while sipping her hot chocolate, she was suddenly tired and he seemed like a comfortable place to lay her head on.
Adrian smiled down at her and kissed her head before staring over into the fire as they both relaxed beneath the heat.
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By the time Adrian and Alexandria had been a year into their trip they had covered most of their galaxy and were now on the outskirt planets. Alexandria had became much more joyous and fun loving-more like the way she used to be.
Footsteps approached from behind Alexandria but she did not jump, she had come to reconize the sound of his feet lightly gliding across any surface they touched-almost as if they didn't touch at all. "Hello Adrian." She said keenly as she flipped the page of the book she was reading in the moonlight.
Adrian smiled as he stood over, "I was trying to sneak up on you."
Alexandria smiled and shut her book before turning around, her long hair brushing the grass, "You're going to have to do better than that if you wish to sneak up on me-you being half elf should know that anyway."
"Just because I'm half elf does not mean my hearing is exceptional," He paused thoughtfully, "though it is." At that Alexandria giggled, a sound most that didn't know her personally wouldn't expect to hear from her. At her job she was usually strict and serious and now-now that she had loosened up-when out of work she was a happier, spunkier more gentle soul. His eyes sparkled down at her and he held out his hand to her, "Would you like to take a walk?"
Alexandria smiled, picked up her book, took his hand and stood, "I'd love too." She said as she placed the book on the bench by where she had been sitting. Since Adrian had turned 24 she had noticed he had calmed down some, he had become much more fun but responsible at the same time. Him and Alexandria seemed to have found a place to meet in the middle-just the right amount of fun and 'seriousness'-at times he could even seem older than her.
Adrian smiled took her hand and they began to walk along the crystalline river's shore. They were on Aderline, a planet that resembled Acrimada-Alexandria's home planet-emensely(without the constant weather changes or them being so drastic).
"What are you doing up?" Alexandria turned her head to look at Adrian, her bright green eyes sparkeling in the moonlight, "It must be nearly midnight."
"Half past." Adrian said without glancing at his watch-he was watching the stars. A look of confusion passed over her face and Adrian lightly smiled at it, "It's an Elven thing," He began, "We seem to stare at the stars more than others so we learn everything there is to know about them-we can even tell when ones disapeared because it's time has ended. Learning how to tell time by their positions isn't hard."
Alexandria had a thoughtful pause before looking at him, "Teach me," sheturned and almost blushed at the way that sounded-something she didn't do often. "I mean-you've wanted to show me every part of the galaxy and not to mention as much of the universe as possible-what could showing me to read time by stars hurt?"
"Nothing." Adriain said and smiled at her, "Here," He helped her over onto a rock carefully making sure she would not fall in and then began teaching her to read the stars.
Alexandria turned to look at Adrian, "Thank you." She said as he turn and looked down at her, his eyes glittering-their faces only inches apart. Something inside Alexandria squirmed nervously-it wasn't right to feel this way. They got closer, she bit her lip-it wasn't like she didn't wanted to, she really wanted to but...it just felt ackward. She closed her eyes. She couldn't do it. She turned and ran off to the gazebo some distance down the path, accidently whacking Adrian in the process.
"Alexandria!" Adrian said and ran after her. He hadn't quite expected that reaction-not that he had ever expected them to kiss but he had thought about it.
Alexandria was sitting on the steps of the gazebo when he walked up, her face within her hands, her elbows on her night gown covered knees, and her fingers lightly entangling within her hair.
"Alexi," Adrian called her yet another one of his confounded nicknames for her which surprisingly she had gotten somewhat used to. "Are you alright?" He asked as he sat next to her.
Alexandria closed her eyes and took her hands off her face only to place her right thumb and pointer finger on the bridge of her nose.
"What is it?" He questioned. Alexandria was usually never at a loss for words.
"I'm sorry." was the only words that left her almost paralyzed lips.
"For what?" He worried and confusedly furred his eyebrows.
"I shouldn't have done that," She moved her hands once more, this time she clasped them and rested them on her forehead still resting her elbows on her knees.
"Done what?" He reached out to touch her shoulder but she got up quickly and walked to the other side of the gazebo.
"Almost kiss you." She choked the words out, she'd never had a boyfriend better yet dreamt of kissing one or telling them she had wanted to or almost tried to.
Adrian got up and walked over to her, "And why not?"
"We're related, Adrian."
"By marriage."
"And I'm-"
"441?"
She cringed gently and lightly rolled her eyes, "Yes."
"Haven't you said-"
"Age doesn't matter, I know." She placed her elbows on the railing and leaned on it.
"I know you don't believe age matters, so what's the real reason?" He cautiously walked over to her, the last thing he wanted to do was make her feel cornered of uncomfortable.
Alexandria sighed and closed her eyes, she knew she was going to sound as old at Harron when she said this-it was a pathetic worry, a pathetic feeling to have but yet one realistic to her. "Things are different than they used to be," She pointed out, "different from when Harron was born, when I was born-even when you were born." She sighed, "Things are much more dangerous," her eyes scanned the beautiful but deadly stars, "danger lurks everywhere now, it's upon every doorstep. You aren't even safe within your own home." She swallowed hard thinking of Breneck and Ann-one of the reason's she was hesitant about a relationship period. "Or your planet." She closed her eyes as tears welled within them.
Adrian placed his hand ontop of hers she tried to pull hers away but he wrapped his fingers around it. "And?" He knew there was more.
She swallowed hard and kept her voice steady, "You know my family, Adrian, my brothers-if I get within a relationship and they find out...do you know the targets we'd be?" She turned her head from him still unable to release her hand. "I don't want to put you or anyone else in danger," She trembled and he made his grip on her hand firmer. "I don't want anyone else to get hurt, Adrian, I don't want anymore death. I don't want to wake up one morning and find the ones I love gone. I don't want to get hurt like that again." She put her free hand over her nose and mouth. "Not again." Tears gently flowed down her cheek not more than a second after she finnished speaking.
Adrian put his arms around her, holding her tightly to him and kissed her head. If there was one thing he had learned when he was younger it was that he hated to see Alexandria in pain or cry. He stroked her head letting her cry for a bit-he didn't want her withholding tears especially since she had done so already for such a long time.
After letting a few moments past he put his forehead to hers, "We aren't Breneck and Ann, Al."
"Must you-" She began but he gently put his finger to her lips.
"Shh," He looked strait into her eyes with his, "let me say this, Alex." He lowered his finger and put it back about her waist and barely smiled and he heard her lightly intake a breath quickly, surprised he'd put it back there. "We are not Brenck and Ann, Al. What happened to them would not happen to us-I wouldn't let it. You wouldn't loose me and I wouldn't loose you. I'm not afraid of your brothers either-as far as I'm concerned their big wooses that use an evil dimener as their cover up." He sighed lightly, "I know you're afraid of loosing people, Alex, but it's bound to happen-we're in the midst of a war. It's bound to happen, but I will always be there for you before, after and during the hard times."
Alexandria's eyes lightly sparkled, "That has to be one of the nicest things anyone's ever said to me."
Adrian smiled lightly nudging her nose with his, "I mean every word of it," He locked eyes with her again. "I will always be there for you Alexandria Moranson," Then he smirked, "Whether you like it or not." He nudged her nose with his again.
Alexandria sighed happily and closed her eyes, "Trust me, I won't argue." she said softly.
Adrian took that as an okay time and gently kissed her, this time she had no ackward feelings or the slightest feeling of remorse instead it was pur bliss. Something she could deal with. She smiled and opened her eyes, they were sparkeling brightly up at Adrian who smiled, "You're blushing." He commented and she turned her head away dipping it fastly. This time he chuckled, it was a purely joyous sound. "It's sweet." Adrian said with a smile and gently kissed her warm cheek.
"Are you just trying to embarress me, Adrian Oregena?" She ask looking at him, her eyes showing fully joy and playfulness.
"Trust me." He put his forehead to hers and lightly kissed her nose, "You'd know if I was trying to embarress you." He smiled brightly and she whacked his arm this time both of them laughed.
"Perhaps," She began threw fits of joyous laughter, "We should begin what we never finnished, you teaching me how to read the stars."
"Very well M'lady." Adrian said and picked her up by her waist and brought her back to the rock and sat her down lightly. He wrapped an arm around her stomache in a protective and loving manner and used his other to point out the stars. This lasted into the early morning till they went back within the place they were staying and laid down to get some sleep.
© 2007 Katherine O. LaGassie
