astrid-lundquist

[astrid-lundquist]

whispers / matt & astrid

location: wine vats with: @matthew-alexander

As the weeks went on, turning into months, there was a part of her that couldn't help wondering. She never approached the vampire, and only noted the deity in passing glances if their paths ever briefly crossed. Astrid was happy with how her life was, but that didn't stop her curiosity. Nobody had come asking, nor had she heard anything through the grape vine. Tonight, her curiosity was getting the best of her.

She found him down by the wine vats, clearly enjoying himself. She knew Matthew enjoyed vampires and their bite, and she expected he was having a grand time.

"I don't think anyone enjoys wine fest more than you," she mused, watching him with amusement.

[astrid-lundquist]

Astrid's Dionysus party outfit - Ares inspired

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Even though Ursa has acting much like his usual self - grumpy, going along with her plans even if he didn't like them, and being competitive - there was a relaxed nature to it that he hadn't had before. The mask he wore was no longer there and he felt more like the Ursa who had summoned her, happy for her company.

"Yes, 17. By the end, you'll never want to think about mini golf ever again," she replied with a sly grin. He also wouldn't be thinking about his stresses, and that was the entire point of this, though spending time together was a wonderful bonus.

"Now that would be dreadful," she teased in return as she set her ball in place. She tried to mimic his shot, managing to get it fairly close and also end up with a score of 2 for that hole. "Guess you'll need to try a little harder," she hummed, blowing him a kiss.

It had taken him a long time to get out of his slump after falling. In a way, his fall had also become his blessing. If it weren't for his run in with the deity Arjun, he might never have snapped out of his endless cycle of guilt. A thousand years was a long time to feel discontent for yourself but that thousand years was over.

He felt much lighter now that guilt had been shed. Everything felt better and brighter in the world so maybe being a demon suited him. "17?" he echoed with a sigh. That was a long time to endure the torture of Astrid's gloating but her cute smile made it feel worth it.

He tampered down his complaints as they walked to the next hole. This time he thought he got it in within two respectable shots and his smile was wider as he retrieved his ball. "Now don't mess up otherwise we'll be tied."

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He was in such a cheerful mood. It was odd, but it made her happy to see, even if she was still jealous of everyone taking up his time when he could have been here with her. Astrid didn't resist him, easily resting against his torso as he pulled her in, his lips sending shivers up her spine as they brushed against her neck. She wasn't mad at him, she could never be. If anyone else took his attention from her, though, they better update their will.

"I dressed up for you," she huffed, still pouting. Her fingers gripped his shirt lightly. "And we're matching and everything."

Ursa had been reluctant about going to the elf event. He despised the theatre, finding it dull and a waste of time, which was saying something when he was millions of years old. Still, Astrid had gone to the trouble of finding them both outfits and she looked far too beautiful to waste the outfit on him, still he would have picked anywhere else. By the time they arrived and he started to complain, the young demon was pushing a drink in his hand to shut him up. Whatever was in the drink that Astrid had given him to lighten his mood had worked wonders.

He finished one red drink and picked up another, finding himself actually socialising with people. He chatted to a familiar elf, deciding he could pass along some tips on how to make the theatre show more interesting. While he had listened on with good humour, something told him those plans would not be implemented into the evenings show. A shame really.

When a member of the theatre troupe caught the elf's attention, he wandered back over to find his lover with a scowl on her face. "Why the long face, angel?" he asked, his brow furrowing. "Is it because I haven't told you how beautiful you look in the past five minutes?" he asked, gently teasing her. Still, his arms wrapped around her waist as he kissed her neck with a soft lingering kiss. "Because you do look beautiful."

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"Oh, I'm sure it would look better on you. You've got such beautiful hair, the green would match it perfectly." They were close to the same height, they probably could have swapped without an issue. It had been a long time since she felt like this, inferior to someone else. Maybe if she made this lady disappear, the feeling would go with it. No, she didn't need to get into that kind of trouble.

"Unprepared? Girl, you look gorgeous. Everyone should be grateful you aren't stealing their dates."

Ophelia really had to get a handle on these feelings. She always hated the feeling of jealousy, and right now it seemed like the prevailing emotion, stuck in her chest so much that it was almost a challenge to breathe through it.

"Well it definitely has fit the theme, and you it suits you well," she said earnestly. Her outfit looks so much better than mine... There was no need to be jealous. They could both be looking good tonight, she reminded herself.

In an effort to fight against the envy bubbling inside, she confessed "I honestly feel a bit unprepared. I look around and everyone and everything look wonderful, like you all belong here... and I guess I'm just second-guessing myself now." She swirled the green drink in her hand idly, unable to quite put a finger on why she was feeling strangely.

[astrid-lundquist]

midsummer nightmare

for @ursanazyalensky

She hadn't felt the need to dress too over the top for once, instead putting on a dress she had been wanting to wear for a while, something that was cute and floral and perfect for the event. Now, she was regretting her decision. Astrid was here being all cute, and yet Ursa was over there, talking to that damn elf. Sure, she didn't mind the Westwood, but not when he was keeping her Ursa from her.

Her foot was tapping unconsciously and arms crossing over her chest as she grabbed a new drink, taking big gulps instead of sipping. If only it would get her drunk, then she could forget everything. But no, instead she was staring daggers at Ursa and the actor, telling herself it was impolite to stab the host of the party.

Finally, Ursa turned and came over to her, though that didn't alleviate her soured mood. "Bored of your conversation already?" she asked in a huff.

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There was a look in the other's eyes that Astrid recognized. Even with her praise, it still didn't feel right, like she was just saying all of these things without meaning any of them. "Hardly," she replied, brushing off the comment. Besides, a goddess was more like a deity, and she hated the idea that a deity was the beauty standard. "If anyone is a goddess here, it's you."

"Oh, this old thing?" She took some of the skirt in her hand , swaying it side to side for a moment. "I thought green and flowers fit the theme." Astrid hadn't felt the needy to dress sexy and now she was regretting it.

The spirit's own jealousy burned in her chest like carbonation that got stuck, and it was tempting to give in. She looks amazing. Why don't I look half as good as she does? It felt strange to so suddenly feel so strongly. Calm down, she told herself. It's not that serious.

Instead, she chose to smile and be positive. "I love that. If I'm a nymph, then you must be a goddess," she remarked brightly. "What was your inspiration?"

[astrid-lundquist]

She had been having fun, enjoying the lights and the music and the atmosphere, but then she took a sip of that pesky green drink and felt emotions she normally buried deep in her chest suddenly bubbling to the surface. Still, with a century of practice, she was able to keep a smile on her lips. Having someone approach her wasn't abnormal for her, given how Astrid lived her life, but this girl seemed far too sweet, and maybe a little touchy. Still, she didn't hate the attention, perhaps even thriving in it.

"Darling, you look positively adorable. Like a little wood nymph," she replied sweetly, her jealous simmering for the moment with the compliments she had received.

beautiful

for: open - @vievecorcitystarters location: not far from the drink table

The park looked positively magical, her eyes drawn to the little glowing lights hanging from the canopy above as she walked down one of the pathways leading to the main area. People all around were mingling, dressed to the nines in an array of glamorous and attractive outfits. It was hard to focus on just one thing, there was so many happening in every corner.

She found herself approaching the drink table, noticing the sign and, overcome with curiosity, picked up one of the drinks. It was a shimmering green, obviously not in any sort of natural way. She wondered if, being a spirit, she could even enjoy it. But, nothing lost nothing gained. She drank. A bubbling, fizzing sensation crept down her throat and settled in her chest. In an instant, she felt like she was seeing everything in a new lens. The people all around her were all the more stunning to look at. She couldn't help herself from going up to one of them.

"Do you feel beautiful? You look beautiful," she told them in an awed hush, eyes wide as they looked them over. Her hand seemed to move on its own to gently touch one of the fine details of their outfit. "Wow... Gorgeous."

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Astrid's Attire for Vievecor's Midsummer Night's Dream

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There had been a big difference in Ursa's attitude since Christmas, and she knew part of it was him finally giving in to everything, to his reality as a demon and to the love they shared. It made her want to do better for him in return.

"Don't worry, there are 17 more holes to go," she teased lightly, taking a step back as he took his next shot. Their competitiveness was coming out already as his shot rolled out and he had to take one more. She wrote it down as three, glad to give him the initial mulligan.

"Then let's just go to the next one. You can shoot first this time."

Ever since Christmas, Ursa had been determined to change his more undesirable habits that he had. A new relationship called for a new attitude, or at least a better one. The demon had spent years turning down Astrid's suggestions with warning or worries, now he just wanted to be the reason she smiled. Even if it was at the expense of his pride.

"The first one didn't count," he argued again, knowing he was already pushing the limits of the rules to see if Astrid would go easy on him. He doubted it though, knowing he had never gone easy on her. Of course she would get the ball in the next shot, much to his chagrin because now there was pressure to do the same.

Even as he swung, Ursa knew he had hit the ball too hard and he watched in disappointment as it circled the hole and rolled out again. A small muttering of curses escaped the demon as he circled the hole and got it in the third shot, technically four but he was still saying it was three. "I don't want to talk about it," he grumbled, kneeling down to pick up his ball.

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She was ready to find something else for them to do when Artus reappeared. "I promise I've been good. Nari is too cute to bully," she replied, smiling innocently. She wasn't going to tell anyone what they talked about. "We've become friends."

Nari lifted the shot and drank it. It did not taste any better than the first and this time he shook his head from the flavour. “I’m almost entirely certain I’ll regret that.” He exhaled, “So, what happens now?”

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"Sure it isn't," she hummed, her smile very clearly smug. Astrid was well aware what looks of longing looked like, having worn one for a century herself. "You'd be surprised what happens when you get someone in your arms."

~~~~

Nari’s brow furrowed a little at the stranger but ended up letting out a slightly nervous sounding laugh, assuming perhaps she had just had too much to drink already and was being over friendly— how else could she come out with such nonsense. “With respect, you don’t know me and I don’t know you,” Nari replied, “But I’m guessing you know Artus?” Or maybe she was just a stranger making bold assumptions. “He’s just trying to help me do new things and I like spending time with a friend.”

~~~~

"I may not know you, but I know of you," she countered. He was as grumpy as one might have expected. "That is very cute. The two of you are cute together." Astrid never held her tongue. In fact, she said things with even more confidence the more they were pushed back against. "I'm Astrid. It's a pleasure to finally meet you."

~~~~

The woman’s tone made it seem like whatever she had heard about him, she didn’t necessarily like. “Really? From the tone of your voice it doesn’t sound like that’s a good thing.” Nari said, deciding to voice his thoughts. “We’re not together.” He corrected again, “We’re just here together.” Nari huffed, “Astrid… hi. I’m Nari, though I assume you already know that somehow.”

~~~~

"It's a good thing. In fact, the grumpier you get, the cuter you are," she replied, giving him a wink. "Relax. I'm not going to eat you. Artus told me he wanted to introduce me to a friend. I assumed you were more than a friend, but I'm a sucker for a love story, what can I say."

~~~~

“I—“ Nari began, flushing slightly. So, this had been the friend and owner of the club that Artus had been telling him about. Suddenly, Nari wished he hadn’t been quite so defensive and had just held his tongue this whole time. Nari exhaled, “I’m sorry I was on the defence, but we really are just friends. Artus felt something for me years ago, but that’s not the situation now… so, no love story.” He promised her, letting his gaze briefly wander to the younger elf again.

~~~~

Seeing his face flush, she grinned wider. He was definitely a cutie, Artus made a good find with this one. "Sure, if you say so," she hummed, turning to look out at the dance floor. "Then why does he keep looking over here when he's dancing with someone else?"

~~~~

Nari averted his gaze away from Artus and back to Astrid, “I don’t know, maybe because he’s over there wondering what you could be saying about him?” Nari paused to lift a somewhat accusing brow at her, before he relaxed, “He’s been dating someone else, he’s moved on and I’m happy that he has. He needs someone that’s not me.” Nari insisted, exhaling a breath as he poked at the decoration in his cocktail glass. “Maybe if the timing had been different.” Now the cocktail had him thinking aloud, and that was all the more reason to swiftly finish the last part of it before he opened his mouth again.

~~~~

Astrid eyed him curiously. She had heard similar sentiments from others before, and some in regards to her own grumpy lover. As he continued, her interest was piqued. Even though Nari was saying he thought the other elf had moved on, he was saying things like he hoped he wasn't. "You know you can have more than one person in your heart, right?"

~~~~

“I do know that, thank you.” Nari replied, trying not to be too snippy for Artus’ sake if this was one of his friends, but why did demons always think it was there given right to poke around where they didn’t belong? Perhaps he was being unreasonable. Still, it was cause enough to luckily catch the bartenders attention in amongst the mass of other people waiting to be served at the bar. A demon bar miracle. “Another one of these please.” Nari slid the glass forwards. “He is in my heart. Just not in that way.”

~~~~

She ordered herself a drink too, leaning against the bar as she watched him with interest. "Oh, so you wouldn't be bothered if he started kissing that man he's dancing with?" Soon, their drinks arrived and she took a sip of hers as she watched him.

~~~~

“No, of course not, he’s entitled to do whatever he likes.” Nari replied, waving his hand in dismissal. Sometimes the elf had to remind himself that what he remembered of intimacy and romance with Artus was that of a dream, a reflection of a potential future that never happened, that was all. One Artus subsequently knew nothing about. “The same way I’m sure Artus wouldn’t care if I did.”

~~~~

He sure was stubborn, but Astrid loved a challenge and a chance to be right. "What if I kissed you? You don't think he'd come over here to try to 'save' you?" At some point, she was sure Artus would return to Nari's side, whether she gave him a reason to or not.

~~~~

“You don’t have to be in love with someone to want to save them.” Nari pointed out, “And I think the only reason he would be over here is because we both know we’re not each other’s type.” Nari gave her a knowing look, “Is this the conversation you have with all new patrons, or am I the only one with the honour?” Their drinks arrived and Nari found himself grateful for it once again.

~~~~

"You're no fun, huh?" she mused, though it didn't dampen her spirit in the slightest. Deciding to spice things up a bit, she tapped into her emotion magic, keen to feel what he was really feeling underneath his tough exterior. "I wouldn't say you're the only one," she replied with a cheeky grin as she took another sip of her drink. "So, what do you think of my club?"

~~~~

Clearly, his quest to be fun wasn’t working in this particular moment. Perhaps he was destined to be a grumpy old soul. “I’m just pointing out something you must know to be true.” The elf shrugged, “Well, at least it’s not a personal victimisation.” He added, glancing around them at the dancing figures, those lost in conversation and flirtation at the bar, “I can’t say I have too much to compare it to, but it’s… loud?” He laughed faintly, mostly at himself, “The drinks are good, people seem to be having a good time. That’s as far as I’ve got so far. Are you going to tell me what I should be doing for the rest of the evening as well as examining my non existent love life?” He asked her. He didn’t seem to notice any magic being used, perhaps because of the large amount of different energies in the club, though she may have felt some loneliness, a bubbling longing and desire hidden somewhere beneath the surface, a little ache in his heart that wasn’t sure why it ached, confusion.

~~~~

She didn't expect him to be the biggest nightclub fan, but she was glad he was enjoying it in his own way. "No, I'd rather just see how long you'll survive on your own," she teased. She recognised the feelings that radiated from him, having felt many of them herself. "But you know, you don't have to just stand here waiting for him to come back. You could go up to him. Even if you don't dance, you can steal him back."

~~~~

“I’ll survive.” Nari told her, the conversation seeming to make him all the more determined that he wasn’t going to make this evening a complete self inflicted sulk-fest. “Are we still on this?” He asked her, “I appreciate that this is probably the perfect hunting ground for you and maybe playing Cupid feeds into that, but that’s not what this is, I assure you.” Nari insisted. Though perhaps the idea of having Artus’ attention all to himself was appealing, but that was a very selfish part of him that thought that, a very confused part. Nari took another sip from his cocktail, “Are there other levels to the club?” He chose to distract himself instead. He shouldn’t go over, he should just let Artus be.

~~~~

"You sure? Because it's my club, and I know my clientele very well." She lifted her drink glass, turning it between her fingers. "Besides, demons have emotion magic and I can feel just how much Artus would rather be dancing with you." Astrid wondered if he would realise she would feel his emotions too, but it was fun for her whether he did or not. "There are some small rooms upstairs with house music if that's more your vibe. I think it might be."

~~~~

“Well then I’m afraid your touch is slipping, and I’m not your usual clientele.” Nari told her stubbornly, however, her next words did catch him noticeably off-guard. He swallowed a lump that had suddenly formed in his throat and felt his heart thump a little faster, unable to help a small glance towards the dance floor. “Even if that is true, a preference of dance partner doesn’t mean anything.” Nari told her, “He probably wants to see if I can blend in to this century, is all.” Nari paused, not wanting to admit to her that he didn’t have a clue what house music was. “If you say so.” The second cocktail was going down swiftly and apparently the sight of someone’s hands becoming exploratory against Artus’ body was enough for him to empty it. “So, you said you have a partner. Would I know them?”

~~~~

She didn't need to feel his emotions to see his reaction to her words. "It does when they dance like that," she replied, glancing back over at the younger elf. Nari's drink was suddenly empty and Astrid made a small wave for the bartender, who brought him another cocktail. Maybe with some more liquid courage, his jealousy would encourage him into action. "You should, he's on the council with you. His name is Ursa." She knew Ursa got along well with the elves, having been one himself eons ago. "He was a lot like you, ignoring obvious signs of affection and brushing them off."

~~~~

Astrid’s words only caused him to double take what he had already seen on the dance floor, they certainly weren’t holding themselves back when it became to getting familiar with one another, but that just further cemented that Artus had moved on from him. Then why had Astrid said Artus was thinking of Nari? Probably because she’s a demon and it’s in their nature to meddle, especially when it comes to meddling in people’s emotions. They’re manipulative and they do it with ease, Nari told himself, it doesn’t mean anything. “I think you have your wires crossed, it’s very clear where his attentions lie and that’s perfectly fine with me.” Another drink suddenly arrived without his say-so, but he found himself grateful for it all the same. “Ursa,” Nari replied with surprise, “I see.” He breathed a laugh, “you’re really not planning on letting this go any time soon, are you?” The elf planned to divert the conversation anywhere away from him. “So, how did you get together, then? If he was so intent on ignoring your affections?”

~~~~

He was still so stubborn and Astrid couldn't help but roll her eyes. "I'm just trying to make it easier for the two of you so you don't spend decades misunderstanding each other, but if you want to miss out, that's your choice." Despite his arguments, he took the new drink without any questions or complaints. "Nope," she hummed, letting the P sound pop. This time, her smile was a little sweeter, softer and sincere. Even becoming a demon didn't stop her from being a sucker for love.

"I'm not sure. I think he finally realised how much time he had wasted pushing me away. He was suddenly so affectionate and sweet at Christmas and then we told each other I love you and the rest is history." Life was so much better now that she and Ursa were on the same page emotionally and she wasn't struggling to express her love for him. "Life is a lot better when it's filled with love."

~~~~

Nari didn’t quite know what to say. She was certainly persistent, perhaps that’s what made her such a prominent member of her species. Relentless might have been a better word. “I just… don’t know if that’s in the cards for us. Maybe if I had realised how he felt about me earlier on, or we’d just managed to somehow align ourselves, it could have been, but— if something was meant to be, it would be. It wouldn’t be difficult or a fight for time to allow it. Besides, I don’t think I’ve ever bickered with someone as easily as I seem to with Artus.” God, either she had caused something to make him confess his inner thoughts or the third cocktail was having the desired effect. “A demon in love, how sweet.” It wasn’t snarky this time, Nari didn’t hate love, after all. Even if it was between underworld beings. “So, you’re still in the new stages then? That’s always a good stage.” Nari smiled.

~~~~

Suddenly, it seemed like Nari was relaxing and opening up, causing Astrid to relax as well. "Nothing in life is ever easy, no matter how long a person lives." She didn't feel like she wanted to push him anymore. Instead, she wanted to encourage and support him. "That just shows how close you are, to bicker like that and still be friends."

Thinking about Ursa always made her feel warm, her smile soft and sweet now. "It's a good stage. He'd been sad for so long, I want to be able to do everything I can to make him happy. He deserves that, after everything he's done for me."

~~~~

“I suppose that’s something we can actually agree on. I don’t know.” Nari admitted solemnly, exhaling a breath, he didn’t know how he felt and it was all a little too confusing to deal with. “I guess. We could have argued almost five seconds into arriving here. It was only because I decided to hold my tongue on what I really thought that we didn’t. Maybe I’m the one that’s argumentative.” He huffed another breath through his nose, before bringing another sip of the cocktail to his mouth, “That’s sweet.” It had been a long time since he’d felt that all-encompassing, sparkling new love kind of feeling, that had you thinking of nothing else in the world. “I haven’t felt that in a long time. Five hundred years kind of long.” He mumbled the last part, the look in his eyes changing when he noticed across Astrid’s shoulder, Artus and his dance partner locked in a kiss. Nari cleared his throat, “Hey, do you think you could get me anything stronger than this?” He pursed his lips. “Like anything.”

~~~~

The turmoil coming off of him left her heart feeling tight for him. "Why did you choose to keep your thoughts to yourself?" She asked, wanting more insight. What could they have possibly had to argue about? "I know that feeling. It took a century for us to get to this point. It was a long century. I do not recommend it."

The light and warm mood between them suddenly went cold and she turned to look at what had caused it. Oh, the poor boy had it bad. Immediately, she was waving down the bartender. "Kairi. Tequila shots, stat." In what felt like an instant, shot glasses were set in front of them on the counter and top shelf tequila was filling each one. Astrid picked one up to take with him, in solidarity. She would have likely been in the same state if she was in his shoes.

~~~~

“Because I didn’t want us to end up arguing, again. I can’t stand to see that look on his face again because of something I’ve done or said, but sometimes I just—sometimes he just puts himself into danger where it’s not even necessary. I don’t know why he wants that.” Nari answered, unsure why he was confessing his inner most thoughts to a total stranger, but maybe that was the point of a nightclub. “I might not have a century…” Nari answered with brutal honesty, “But, you have him now. And I’m guessing he was worth the long wait?”

Nari tried not to think about whether this was just another step into his late midlife crisis and was relieved when the tray of shots arrived. Well, he certainly couldn’t remember the last time this had been a reality… if it had ever been. The elf picked up one honey coloured shot and drank it quickly, keeping his eyes shut for a moment. “That’s disgusting.” He managed to say in a dignified manner, though somehow still seemed pleased by its effect.

~~~~

"I think arguing because you're worried about someone is a valid reason to argue." At least it seemed like it would be. Everyone needed someone to look out for them, and Nari seemed to be doing that for Artus. "Then now's the time to try again. The worst that can happen is you just don't fall in love." They needed to fall in love first to have the heartbreak. "He was, but he has a lot of time to make up for now."

Astrid downed her shot, thankfully in time for Nari's reaction. She burst into laughter. "You wanted something strong." Grabbing a lime wedge from behind the counter, she held it out to him.

~~~~

“I suppose.” Nari half-heartedly agreed. Whatever it did or didn’t mean, the moment had passed them by now, but Nari was almost certain they’d end up in the same position again at some point. “I know that,” He admitted, “I’ve been attempting to be a little less focused on the end and more making the most of what’s here now. But… it’s taking some practice.” The elf paused, glad to have the conversation off him for even just a moment. Astrid, coupled with the alcohol, had certainly done their job in getting him to admit all his sins. “What has he been doing to make it up to you?” He asked. Nari genuinely did like a good romance story, it was what had him watching so many period dramas.

Nari laughed a little himself at the demons reaction. “I know, but I forgot that tequila tastes like someone emptied an ash tray in your mouth and you paid for privilege.” He shook his head, but gratefully took the lime and sucked it, glad of the change of flavour. “Thanks.” Nari could feel the warmth spreading in his chest, the tell-tale signs of alcohol taking control, but he didn’t mind it. In fact, it was nice to feel maybe a little less in control for once. “Speaking as a friend, I feel like Artus could get someone hotter than him anyway.”

~~~~ "Well, anytime you need help making the most of you, you can give me a call. I promise to be gentle, no bar hopping and hitting the clubs til 4 in the morning." It wasn't often she felt this relaxed around someone, letting down her guard and seeing aside the confident mask she wore. "Going along with all my stupid plans, and giving into my desires whenever they strike mostly. Honestly, most of the time I just curl up in his arms and won't let him leave."

She laughed again, finding the description he gave to be quite apt. She much preferred cocktails when she was drinking. "You know, you're pretty hot yourself. You could be that hotter man," she replied, unable to keep herself from encouraging him.

~~~~

“This might be the alcohol talking and you may well be walking me in to some sort of demon contract, but I might take you up on that. The offer, not the contract.” Nari replied, his lips curving to a small smile. He genuinely didn’t know if she was being genuinely friendly or not, but at the very least the alcohol was making him hope she was being genuine. Nari tilted his head as he listened to her, “That’s actually really cute.” He replied, “Who knew Ursa liked to cuddle…”

Nari laughed, “I don’t know about that. But thank you, I guess. That’s not usually a word people describe me with.” He chuckled, “But we’ve been through this… I’m not going over there. And— apparently… I’m definitely not needed there anyway.” He added, unable to help noticing that Artus and the man Nari had been unnecessarily offensive to, were currently disappearing off into the crowd together. “See. We are two entirely different people.” Nari muttered, perhaps choosing to be bitter because he was hurt. “And I’m supposed to be the one not going anywhere.” He exhaled, picking up another shot, “Should we do another?”

~~~~

"No contract, promise." She didn't need to trick him into a contract. She was genuinely enjoying talking to him at the moment. She glanced over her shoulder before turning back to him. "I think this calls for another," she agreed, taking a shot and tapping it against the bartop before drinking it.

Nari lifted his head at the unfamiliar voice, about to reply when she told him he should have asked Artus to dance first. “Oh, no. It’s not like that, we’re just friends. And I’m not sure I’m much of a dancer by this periods time standards.” There was a faint laugh. But she wasn’t entirely wrong, perhaps he was feeling a little lonely and maybe it would have been nice if it had been him dancing.

[astrid-lundquist]

She had noticed the familiar elf coming in with a less than familiar one and had planned to say hello and be introduced when the younger elf stepped away, leaving the other looking completely out of place.

"Feeling lonely already?" She cooed as she moved into place beside him, her eyes following his gaze out to Artus on the dance floor. "You should have asked him to dance first."

He really didn't want to leave Nari on his own, worried he would decide to leave and not say anything. "Okay," he replied tentatively. "But you're not allowed to leave without me." He kept his eyes on Nari for a few moments more before stepping away to meet his friend and chat for a while.

[astrid-lundquist]

She liked seeing him so at ease. It didn't happen very often, he usually had something to stress about, more often than not something she had done. It wasn't on purpose. He had taken up the role as her mentor, guardian and caretaker, even though he didn't have to. Mini golf was keeping them both out of trouble for now.

She kept in her snicker as his shot flew over the barrier and into the grass. His second shot was much better, getting closer to the hole. Astrid stepped up, sizing up the hole and the space she had to cross with her ball. Carefully, she lined up her shot and hit it, managing to knock it in.

"That's a two for me," she hummed triumphantly as she wrote it down on their little score card. "Come on, Ursa. It's only the first hole."

He had to admit, it was a good distraction from his thoughts about the council or the state of the city. Astrid had often been the only one who could distract him. "I certainly hope so," he chuckled, throwing the bright green ball into the air before catching it again.

The first course didn't seem too difficult but he knew it would get harder as they went along. Astrid was likely going to show him up but his pride wouldn't let him admit defeat before they had even started. "I wouldn't put it past you. Playing dirty is kind of your domain," he commented, lifting his shoulder in a shrug. He'd call her a cheater before he admitted how badly this might go.

"Not bad, not bad," he complimented. Stepping up to the tee, he gave a practice swing and another. The second clipped the edge of his ball and it fell to the grass. "Fuck. That one doesn't count," he argued before lining up his shot again. This time the ball shot forward, hitting the wall behind the hole before rolling to a stop a few inches away from Astrid's.

[astrid-lundquist]

He was clearly distracted from his dark thoughts, and Astrid was grinning wide, beaming up at him to see the relaxed expression on his face. "We'll just see about that," she countered, teasing him in return.

The Mini Golf area was cute, with each hole having a difference design and gimmick to make it different from the last. They weren't very big holes, just big enough for the groups to be spread out from each other, although it wasn't very busy at the moment anyway.

"How do you know I haven't been practicing and this isn't all just a ruse to humiliate you?" she teased, setting her ball in position and stepping up beside it, putter in hand. With a few practice swings, she hit the ball, sending it flying forward. It bounced off the small wall surrounding the putting green and rolled half a metre away from the hole. "See if you can do better."

The damage to Punch Cage was not weighing on Ursa's mind as much as the council meeting had been. It was a shame no one had given him warning that the deity Arjun was joining but he wasn't a deity so it wasn't his place. The fallen deity had held his tongue but the deity went straight into attacking as if there weren't other, more important things to discuss. "Insufferable," he muttered to himself as he stepped inside his home.

He did not want this burden to rest on Astrid's shoulders so her bright attitude and sweet suggestion was a welcomed change after a difficult day. He dressed neatly, going for something more casual than he normally did but a date did not require his priest collar. He grinned when he saw her, feeling some of that anger and annoyance slip away. "You look cute," he murmured, taking her hand as she led them out to the uber.

Mini Golf had not been what he had been expecting but as they got their clubs and she explained what he had to do, Ursa understood completely. "Green," he answered, holding his hand out for the ball. "I feel like you'll be green with envy once I kick your cute little butt," he teased. In all honesty, he thought golf was a good way to ruin a nice walk but this game was different.

"I'll let you take the first shot, I need the professional to show me how it's done," he suggested, stepping aside for Astrid to take the first swing.

[astrid-lundquist]

Isko was always eager to impress and she liked that, enjoying the attention he gave her. It helped that he was hot, and they had the same way of thinking about a lot of things. She had no doubt he would make the afternoon fun. Astrid took his outstretched hand, letting him lace their fingers together.

"What kind of movies are playing right now? I haven't had a chance to look recently."

Isko didn't normally go for the whole Valentine thing. He liked flirting with people here and there, trying to get gifts from some who fawned over him. Astrid didn't fawn though, she was just on the receiving end of it. That alone made Isko want to impress her, wondering if he could make her want him. "It is," he promised. A grin spread across his face when Astrid agreed to break the rules with him. He held his hand out, waiting for hers before lacing their fingers together. "It'll be worth it," he promised.

At some point she would be expected home so Isko was going to take advantage of their time together. "The park or the movies?" he asked, letting Astrid decide their destination.

[astrid-lundquist]

a moment of reprieve...

After the chaos and damage, she had thought Ursa was stressed, but something must have happened at that council meeting. When he came home, he looked like he was burying anger deep in his chest. She knew the feeling, and the look. She had that kind of anger burning in her chest, the coals keeping the flame going even when happiness pushed it aside for a short time.

Now that they were officially together, he couldn't argue with her when she wanted to take him out for the evening. Astrid had it all planned out. She put on something cute, though it was not anything revealing like she might have worn during a night at Absynthia. It was cute, an outfit she'd only ever wear for him. Next, she took his hand and gave him the look that told him he could not complain and should just go with it.

After an uber ride, they arrived at the location. Mini golf. It was competitive, something they both were, but nothing they could argue about. Just enough that they could tease each other and someone would be the winner. It was also something they would normally never do, just enough to shake his thoughts and keep his mind off of the chaos in town and on them instead.

"Do you want the green ball, or the purple one?" she asked, holding the options up for him to choose from as they gathered their equipment.

@ursanazyalensky