Butterflies [Rivers and Serenity] [[M]]

[Serenity Caine]

Blossom Festival Date for: Rivers and Serenity Caine
Location: Crystal Springs
NPC'd by: Buggy for now

A soft chuckle would be heard to the left of both parties, but nothing would be there when they looked. Then again to their right. Still nothing. They would then hear it again directly behind them, but before they could turn to look, a white light would engulf them whole, transporting them to the Crystal springs. Serenity had purchased a red rose for Rivers, and it was bringing them to their "date". Once they had arrived, it would take some time for their eyes to adjust to the world again. She had placed them by one of the larger springs, with rocks surrounding it like a small deck. Atop one of those large flat rocks was a bucket of ice with wine and two glasses, and towels off to the side, should they decide to take a dip- next to both towels was also two bathing robes.

It was getting late, the sun had already begun to set. Thankfully the weather had begun to warm up a week or so before, so the night chill wouldn't be bad at all. Before their eyes could fully adjust, Serenity would hear a voice, matching that of the giggle from before. "Be patient. Its not entirely his fault the memories are gone. You don't need to remind him of your past together- just remind him of who you are." Rivers would hear something different than Serenity however, moments later. "Don't run from her, give her a chance." By now their eyes would be clearing but they wouldn't be able to see the body belonging to the mysterious voice from before.

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[Rivers]

As Rivers vision cleared he had to stop and take an account of the situation. He was in a secluded area, he didn't remember how he'd gotten there, there was a beautiful if familiar red head beside him, several glasses of wine, and a pair of bathrobes.

"Oh no! You've kidnapped me in order to ravish my supple flesh!" He exclaimed in mock alarm, though the exaggerated expression of shock soon gave way to a grin.

"I think I recognize you from the tavern, Serenity right?" He asked curiously, a familiar grin crossing over his face. "Well I've got to admit, this is far more appealing than the last Blossom festival kidnapping I had." Rivers walked over to the bucket of ice, trademark brown jacket seeming almost too heavy for the weather.

"Muse!" He called out and looked for the black feathered bird that seemed nowhere to be found. A grimace of worry crossed his face, but it was soon replaced once again by his sly grin. "So did you buy the red flower or is this a prank?" He asked curiously.

[Serenity Caine]

Seeing Black and Red words: 325. tag: N/A notes: N/A Serenity heard the words loud and clear and they sent shivers down her spine. It didn’t take her long to figure out what was going on; last year she’d been teleported to meet her now good friend Sai. Though it had taken a very long time for them to be friends and really hadn’t started off well. As Serenity’s eyes cleared she blinked a few times to focus. It only took her a moment to gather her surroundings; so they’d chosen the Springs. Kinda funny, going back to their history that kind of no longer existed. Serenity looked over at Rivers as he spoke, a tepid smile on her face. At least he’d remembered her name this time. In contrast to what he’d last seen her in, Serenity was wearing a black gown with a long hood, and golden accents over the hem of the hood, neckline and sleeves, as well as down her waist. Yea thats right. She nodded, glancing around them. Oh yeah? Where’d they take you last time? For me it was on a tiny ass boat in the middle of the ocean, with a very rude shapeshifter. Serenity smirked recalling it all. Terrible. She watched curiously as he called for someone, who she actually distantly remembered. Muse…? Wasn’t that the bird that was with you sometimes? She asked, just to verify. She’d only seen it once if she recalled. As he walked to the bucket, Serenity decided to sit down on the rocks, figuring she may as well. She caught his smile as he asked if it was her and her nodded her head slowly. Yeaaah, that was me. Not a prank, I promise. She said kind of awkwardly. It was weird for her, and she couldnt decide if she should act how she used to with him, or go back to the mask she cherished around everyone else. I get it if you find this too weird. I mean… to you some stranger just had you teleported to a remote location. Its kinda weird.

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[Rivers]

"Well it is my pleasure to meet such a lovely lady again, and by her own request no less." He says executing a flawless courtly bow and before plucking one of the bottles from the bucket. As she explained what happened to her the year before Rivers couldn't help but let a small smile pass his lips. Sounds like Sai, that must have been an interesting boat ride. he mused silently as he began to read the label on the bottle. "A good vintage."

As he looked back up he realized she was expecting an answer regarding the previous year. He simply shrugged "I had a very complicated discussion with a powerful woman." He replied.

Though it was what happened next that brought him pause. Serenity commented that she had seem Muse with him sometimes and he furrowed his brow. "Muse and I are usually together, but she must not have been teleported here. She'll come soon enough." His expression carried more care and worry than he usually showed, but when she promised him this wasn't a prank he finally took a seat.

He waited patiently for her to speak her next words, neither rushing her, not saying anything himself, simply waiting until she was ready. "Well I'd be lying if I didn't admit that this was a bit surprising, but too be honest it is hardly the weirdest thing that has happened to me. And if it is going to happen you seem like very enjoyable company for it to happen with." When he finishes speaking he looks up and a flapping of wings could be heard as a crow landed in a nearby tree.

"That being said I must admit I am curious, why me?" Rivers tone was not accusatory or suggestive, it was filled with genuine curiosity.

[Serenity Caine]

Seeing Black and Red words: 325. tag: N/A notes: N/A Serenity smiled and laughed lightly as he did his signature bow, causing her to shake her head. Despite his memories, he was the same person. When he answered her question she nodded guessing it could be any number of women; Aria included. She did note however, that he said “last year” indicated he remembered some things from the year before. Not that they knew each other super well a year ago.  That’s strange.. she wasn’t around all that much when we lived in Haven… She thought aloud, trying to recall ever actually seeing the bird in Bane. Thankfully he did sit with her, making it a little less awkward. I appreciate the compliment. She responded with a happy smile. She still couldn’t get over the fact that she was actually talking to him, in person. When he asked why him, her smile faltered slightly, turning more mildly sad. Well, I’m clearly from a part of your past you’ve forgotten, so you have to give me that benefit of the doubt for this. But… well, I really care about you. And we were what I believed was really close. But one day you just… left. So, I figured this would be a good way to catch up with a man who’s impossible to find when he wants to be. She offered quietly, looking at him a worried expression in her eyes.

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[Rivers]

Muse cawed in response to Serenity’s statement and Rivers couldn’t help but laugh, “oh so she just didn’t notice you eh? Well we all know that crows are notorious for their ninja like stealth.” He chided with an almost boyish expression on his face. The birds cawed back indignantly and Rivers stuck out his tongue at it.

Though as he thought something she said caught his attention. “Haven, a place of safety and rest, that’s a pretty interesting name.” He mused as he leaned back and picks up one of the glasses. With a practiced motion he pours some of the wine out of the bottle without removing the cork.

As Serenity confessed to their past and her feeling Rivers took a long drink in order to buy himself some time to think. This was certainly not what he had expected upon arriving here, and her expression when she replied to why him gave away that apparently his loss of memory had hurt her. “Well Ser, I apologize for the lack of memory, but that’s no reason we cannot start anew. Why don’t you tell me your story?”

[Serenity Caine]

Seeing Black and Red words: 325. tag: N/A notes: N/A Serenity frowned, Well then I’m deeply sorry about that. She said to the bird, actually being genuine about it. She watched the way he interacted with Muse, and it made her smile. He could be so cute. When he commented on Haven, she nodded enthusiastically. Exacly! You found it and made it a safe place for me, Lia, Roxy and eventually Aria, but she never ended up joining us for some reason. Serenity explained. About a year ago there was a large incident in the Gallows, that involved all of us. We went to Haven to hide after it all. She continued, not knowing if he remembered that part.  Seeing him drink the wine reminded her that it was there, and she moved to grab the other glass for herself, taking the bottle from him. Unlike him, she wasn’t so skilled and had to struggle for a moment to remove the cork, pouring herself a glass. By the time she was done he was responding, causing her to flush. He called her Ser again. He was one of the only people who ever did. I don’t mind that. I’m just happy you’re back. She confessed, and although she did kind of mind that his memories were gone, she would settle for starting over.  My story… I guess I’ll start from the beginning of my time here. I was Fated from 1854, Earth, London. And I was, I would like to think, a far different person. Greedy, entitled, bossy… I came from a very prestigious family and it had been how I was raised. Or… not raised I guess. She shrugged, taking a sip. I met you in a tavern like I mentioned to you the other night. You sung a song for my friend and I, but he didn’t appreciate the joke; mind you if I remember right I think I called you an asshole for that. She laughed, glancing up at his eyes. My early life here didn’t go very well; I didn’t handle the changes at all… There was a mixture of depression, and emotionless times; I’m not proud of what I did. It was during that that a woman named Severine called a Hunt on the Fated. That’s when you… Serenity cleared her throat, looking away from him. If she told him she would lose her mask again, she wouldn’t be able to hide… But she had always liked that about him.. she didn’t have to hide. You um, found me and helped me get away, then the Gallows problem, and then Haven. And some other drama in-between i’m sure. Serenity chuckled, deciding it best to leave Kuro out of this telling for now; at least until he saw her scar again. If he ever did.

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[Rivers]

Muse cawed and flapped her wings in response to Serenity’s apology. In truth this was her way of saying not to worry about it, but Rivers stared at the bird and shrugged. He didn’t always understand her.

When Serenity suddenly became very emphatic about Haven Rivers raised his hands in a soothing gesture. “Whoa whoa relax, it’s great that you’re telling me this, but I really have no idea what you are talking about, Boss is the one who gave me a home, not the other way around. Aria gave me a place at the Bloody Mary, which not that I think about it I should go visit to see if she’s managed to weasel her way into.”

He let out a breath and smiled. “Anyways, that aside it sounds like you’ve had it pretty rough, London is very different from Nova or Feyerlun. So are you still in trouble, or have things worked themselves out?” He asked curiously upon hearing her tale. “Even with the explanation I cannot remember what you are talking about, and if I am going to need to sweep you up to make a dashing escape I’d like the time to come up with a few lines.” He says with a sly grin.

“I am guessing you know my story then, I am a mage who has traveled across several worlds and ended up in this one. I’ve been traveling around for the last several months and now I’ve made it back to my homeland of sorts.”

Rivers noticed Serenity’s slip and thought he could read some of the history between them in her expression, but he decided to not pursue it at the moment.

“So, it sounds like you’ve been wanting to see me again, any thoughts on what comes next?”

[Serenity Caine]

Seeing Black and Red words: 325. tag: N/A notes: N/A Serenity sighed, mildly frustrated. It was becoming more clear to her that it was probably pointless. Aria rarely even goes to the Bloody Mary anymore. Hell, I spend more time there in a week than she does in three months. Serenity shook her head. I could probably get her to meet you somewhere if you wanted though. I mean, I am her handmaid now; I see her almost daily. She shrugged, not seeing why it could be a bad idea.  When he asked her how it all ended up, she glanced at him sadly before catching herself again and letting it go. She smiled and shrugged again. Well… Now I’m the handmaid for Duchess Aria Wurud of Palico; I run and own my own seamstress shop, and have my own cabin… she paused, smiling to herself. So I guess I’m doing a lot better. Not complete… but a lot better. She nodded, looking down at her legs. She knew she was leaving out a big detail, given that she still had trouble walking on days her scars ached; but it wasn’t something he needed to know anymore. He wasn’t her dependable person; he wasn’t her anything right now. As he turned it onto himself, she glanced back up, a real smile on her face.  Ah yes; your many lifetimes of world hopping. Those tunnels of yours are convenient as hell by the way. She laughed lightly, remembering how he used to “conjure” up wine bottles from thin air. As he asked what comes next Serenity sighed again. I guess the option I had hoped for isn’t really an option. So, I guess we have Option B, or C. B; I leave you alone and you forget the stalker redhead who tried to force some memories on you. Or C; we start over? I mean, it sucks that I remember things you never will, but I can deal with that if it means we could start over somehow. She shrugged, taking a large sip of wine. She was being far more forward with him than he used to be; but she’d been angry at him for a long time, so she wasn’t so reserved with him anymore.

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[Rivers]

As Serenity explained her current circumstances Rivers faced seemed to pale slightly. “Oh geez, Aria’s handmaiden? That’s gotta be rough, don’t get me wrong, Boss is an adorable little scamp, but the idea of her actually being high society enough for something like a handmaiden is a bit of a terrifying concept.” He admitted a tinge of both sadness and amusement in his voice.

When Serenity offered to set up a meeting between them Rivers considered it. “Well, if she doesn’t want to see me I totally understand, it has been a long time, she was still a kid last time I remember seeing her. How about you let her know I’m around but lacking some memories and let her know I’d like to see her if she’s amenable.” Rivers suggests. “If she doesn’t want to talk I won’t force the issue.”

Though the corners of Rivers ever present grin turned down slightly as Serenity explained her current situation and looked down at her legs. As she began to list where she’d like to go from here he was suddenly beside her and carefully he wrapped his arms around her. The embrace was not amorous nor did he touch her anywhere improper.

“It’s been tough on you hasn’t it Ser?” He asks watching her closely. “I am sorry I am not quite the man you were waiting for to come back, but I’ve lost memories before, it is not a gap impossible to bridge.” He whispered in a reassuring tone.

[Serenity Caine]

Seeing Black and Red words: 325. tag: N/A notes: N/A Serenity laughed nodding in agreement. You’re 100% right; its terrifying. She’s been doing well lately, but damn she’s hard to keep track of! She continued to laugh shaking her head lightly.  When he responded about meeting her, she nodding and noted how adult he sounded. Of course. I don’t mind at all.  When he was suddenly beside her, his arms going around her, she nearly jumped from the sudden change. Oh my god you’re gonna give me a heart attack She mumbled, catching her breathe. When he asked if life had been tough on her, she furrowed her eyebrows, shrugging. I choose to believe that a lot of what happened to me… was retribution for the person I used to be. Because I wasn’t a good person. She shook her head, placing her wine down on the stone beside her, letting her own arms go around him. She knew he wasn’t the same person, and that him hugging her didn’t mean much, but she wanted to take advantage of it and get to hug him back. When he continued talking, she felt tears sting her eyes for a second. Why did he have to go and bring that up- she blinked it away, refusing to allow that to happen. Oh its fine. It’s not like you have any control over it. I’m sure its not. She agreed, resting her head lightly against his shoulder. You know, I always knew someday you’d disappear. You always warned me you would. I’m not mad at you anymore for not saying goodbye though. She spoke softly, knowing he couldn’t explain his reasons if he couldn’t remember them. Goodbyes suck anyways. She chuckled lightly.

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[Rivers]

As Serenity scolded him softly before wrapping her arms around him Rivers could feel his emotions and resolve stirring. “I have a secret to tell you.” He whispered softly after saying she saw everything that happened as retribution.

“The Fates care little for who you were, particularly in another world and time, they care about what you become, and I can already tell how hard you’ve worked to try and become someone you can be proud of.” He words came out smoothly and carried a strong sense of earnest reassurance. He could feel all the pent up emotion in her embrace. I really meant a lot to her huh? I worry about her then.

“Goodbyes certainly do suck.” He agreed as he pulled back slightly and looked into her moist eyes. With a gentle touch he wiped away her tears. “You have every right to be mad at me Ser, better to let it out if you want to forgive me for real.”

“Even if I do not have those memories, I am still that man you are angry at. I own those actions, the good and the bad. So as a favor to both the me before you and the me in your memories, just let it out…and maybe then…we can pick up where we left off?” He asks a shy smile on his face as he stared at her from only inches away.

[Serenity Caine]

Seeing Black and Red words: 325. tag: N/A notes: N/A Serenity sighed Yeah I have… It’s been a long year… well, actually its been closer to a year and a half since I was fated… Serenity mused, not realizing how long it had been. When he pulled back and wiped away what tears had escaped her, she smiled softly. This had happened far more than once in their past. As he spoke, she found it harder not to cry, but managed to keep it at bay.  He did have a good point; losing some of his memories didn’t change who he was; just some of the experiences he’d had. When he’d finished talking, Serenity blushed lightly at the shy smile in front of her, her own smile inching bigger in size. Well it’s impossible to be mad at you when you look at me like that. She scolded, laughing lightly. After a moment, she sighed. Fine. I’ll let it out. She took in a deep breath and looked him flat in the eye, a slightly nervous expression on her face. You left without a word; during a very difficult time for all of us. We had found a safe place together and you promised to help protect us. But out of the blue you just left. And it really hurt me. Roxy left after you did, she couldn’t stand to see that house anymore. So then it was just me. She frowned, not wanting to get emotional again.  I was angry at you for a long time. I didn’t like anyone talking about you with me. Roxy and I could barely look at each other for a while; but we’re okay now. Over time I stopped being mad at you for not saying goodbye, and more sad that I would never get to see you again. I guess thats why I’m more relieved now. She smiled, finding that to be more true than she thought it would be.

ⒶⓀⒾ

[Rivers]

Rivers listened to her entire explanation before saying anything, and a thoughtful expression came over his face. What she had said sounded very unlike him, creating a safe place, encouraging a group to gather but not adventure. It all sounded nice, but it was unfortunately not a life he was either allowed to have nor conducive too.

“I’ll admit, the me that you are describing sounds like a very different person. I don’t know if I told you this before, but I have a tendency to move around. A source of stability I create is unlikely to last.” He admits with a sad and almost sorry expression. He hated to disappoint someone who had clearly had a lot of faith in him.

“All of that aside though, I am glad that you are willing to forgive me,” he says as he reaches out and takes her hand “and…” whispers as he softly kisses her knuckle. “If you would do me the honor of allowing me to take you on a romantic outing, perhaps we can get to know each other once again.”

[Serenity Caine]

Seeing Black and Red words: 325. tag: N/A notes: N/A When she had finished speaking, she wasn’t surprised to hear the first thing he had to say. In fact she chuckled a little as soon as it said it. Oh I know! You reminded me a lot that I couldn’t count on you of stability. Thats why i was never mad at you for leaving; just leaving without a word. She clarified, knowing he never saw himself to be that person. Even back then. Don’t look so sad about it. I didn’t say all that to hurt you; I forgave you the moment I saw you again; its something I tend to do. She admitted looking down for a moment. She needed to stop being so open with this guy. When he took her hand, she looked up at him again, a smile appearing on her lips as he kissed her knuckles. By the time he had finished speaking, she was basically grinning. She mocked a gasp, Like a date? My, we’ve never had one of those before. She giggled; though she wasn’t kidding. All their moments together in the past, hadn’t quite been intentional.

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