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Post by Maebh Breandan on Jul 16, 2011 20:22:05 GMT -5
The Masked Rampaged at Hogsmead had taken everyone by surprise. These kinds of things no longer happened. This was a time of peace! Yet, one person did not think so and thus inflicted damage of the once sleepy village. The demon's were bad enough without having people terrified to go out during the day. The Ministry ball was a welcome relief from the endless repairs. Due to a very gruff yet loving barkeep, Maebh's shop/house was coming along quite well. The gypsy was determined to eased the memories of the battle as much as possible.
In these uncertain times it was necessary to live in the moment. That night, Maebh was not going to allow demons or still healing scars ruin her evening. But where to go for dinner? Maebh was not going on a date in the pub where Reck worked. That wouldn't be a real date, it was his work. After long deliberation, Maebh decided to be a bit creative and she set to work preparing the small back yard for her idea.
When she was finished a path of fairy lights led from her nearly repaired porch, around the side of the house and into the exploding backyard. The wagon she had inherited form her family stood in the middle of the garden surrounded by rose bushes. The door was open and candle light flickered inside. More lights danced in the twilight, and soft fiddle music played in the background. A simple dinner was on the table in the expanded wagon.
Maebh rested on the top step, waiting for Reck to arrive. Her emerald green gown floated around her ankles nearly blending in with the plants that framed one side. The bottom of the dress was a bit darker than the top, which managed to cover her bandages. While her ribs were healed, her back and shoulder would forever be scarred. A memento from the battle, reminding her that she was still alive.
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Post by Reckony Pike on Jul 16, 2011 22:13:08 GMT -5
He hated being late. Specific instructions were given to his staff to prevent such a calamity: he would finish work at 4:30. He would be in the shower by 5:00. He'd be fully dressed, scented and polished by 6:00 and at Maebh's door by 6:30. It was a simple little equation. And yet no one factored in the Brethren of Wyvern Enthusiasts. Who knew they were such a trip? Reckony scolded himself. Of all the nights. Of all the dates! And a ball to boot. He was wearing his dancing shoes.
Reckony whistled at his hired carriage, which had passed him twice already. It seemed indicative of the entire evening, really. I mean, how did you miss the only pub on High Street. The quad of white horses came to a sudden halt and the barkeep ran to make up the difference, patting the porter firmly on the shoulder.
"There's an extra galleon in it for you if you run over anyone who gets in your way between here and the apothecary. Now, we're having a quick dinner. I don't want you sodding off, heaven forbid I should lose you somewhere at the Whomping Willow."
"Yes sir."
"Dinner. We'll be an hour. Then you'll take us to the Floo. Got it?"
"Yes sir."
"Good. Here's our fare, now mush!"
The porter gave the reigns a solid slap and Reckony tumbled inside the carriage.
* * * * * * * * * *
"M'lady." Reckony stood in front of Maebh's steps with one hand in his pants pocket and the other holding an exploding bouquet of star magnolias. The aroma mingled with the warm summer air and kept Reckony in his near hypnotic state, this having been created by the sight of the siren gypsy, Maebh Breandan. Maebh's flowing emerald gown brought out a glow in her pale ivory skin and highlighted her mocha-hued eyes in a way that mesmerized him. She was stunning. Absolutely stunning. He knew there was no way that he deserved such a spirit. "I'm sorry I'm late." He ascended the stairs, extending a hand. "Was today a good day?"
Pike had learned to tread Maebh's injuries carefully. She was a proud and strong woman, who hated being stalled by her recovery. He tried not to hover, though sometimes he could not help it.
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Post by Maebh Breandan on Jul 17, 2011 13:43:59 GMT -5
Magic seemed to dance in the air, and it wasn't just due to the fairy lights. Maebh was excited, it had been a long time since she had been to a fancy party. She enjoyed celebrations of any kind but a ball was something special. What made it even more enchanting was the fact that she had a date she cared for deeply. Reckony Pike had become a hero of late. There was no doubt that Maebh would probably have bled out underneath the rubble if it hadn't been for him. Though, he could be a bit annoying fluttering after her, making sure she wasn't taxing herself. Secretly, she liked the attention and was very thankful for his caring. He really was something special.
The warmth of the night enveloped her in a comforting hug, and she found herself slipping away into daydreams as she waited.
"M'lady."
Maebh had been staring out into the garden, unaware that Reck had arrived. Glancing up she shot him a bright smile. The flowers were beautiful but she smiled more for the man who carried them. Without thinking she jumped up, closing her eyes a bit as a spasm of pain shot through her still mending shoulder. It hurt whenever she jerked it and she'd have odd moments of pain the rest of her life, but it could have been much worse. She could move her shoulder, and would have almost all the movement she had before once it healed completely. Maebh took his offered hand, brushing aside his apology. He was here, that was what mattered.
"Was today a good day?"
Even if it hadn't been, she wasn't going to tell him, not that night. He'd try and convince her to stay home, tuck her into bed...
"Better, I tried not to move it as much, but it's my wand arm and I find that I use magic more than I thought I did," It was strange to realize how dependent she had become when it came to magic.
"How are you?" She asked, wrapping her good arm around him, in a half hug.
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Post by Reckony Pike on Jul 19, 2011 0:41:29 GMT -5
Reckony escorted Maebh towards the back garden, kissing her head as they sauntered in close embrace. He allowed his nose and lips to remain in her hair, falling to the spell that her rich scent created. He soon found himself wrapping both arms around her, gently stroking her soft skin with his hands. They shared in each other's energy.
"I can imagine. I would be frustrated with the limited use of my arm, and I don't use an eighth of the magic you do. Are you sure you're feeling up to tonight?" Not wanting Maebh to feel coddled, Reck followed up with a much more playful suggestion. "We can play doctor." Reckony smiled mischievously, linking his fingers with hers. "Paging Dr. Pike."
"How are you?"
"Just dandy. Actually, I'm doing better than dandy. I'd go so far as to say 'swell.' We've managed to replace the facade of the pub and taking a walk around the block this afternoon, I can see that most of the shops have started repairs. Lots of help is coming in from outside the village. That's a good feeling. But most importantly, I understand from a rather small but perky nurse that the love of my life is recovering nicely and has been given a clean bill of health to participate in frivolity and mind-numbing Ministry-ness. I can't believe we're doing this. Us. If they hadn't promised hors d'oeuvres, I'd have turned you down, Breandan. If they start with the speeches, we're leaving. Jack Harkness and his "it was the best of times' crap. Maybe we can steal the table decor-" Reckony came to a sudden stop, his eyes falling upon the Breandan family wagon and the millions of tiny details that Maebh put in to the evening to make it perfect: candlelight flickered through the wagon's open door and windows. Fairie lights danced lazily in the evening's twilight sky. "What did you do?"
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Post by Maebh Breandan on Jul 19, 2011 0:59:31 GMT -5
Peace washed over Maebh soothing the agitation she hadn't known she'd been feeling. Ever since the attack she hadn't felt so safe in Hogsmeade anymore, but here with Reckony she didn't worry. Some of the tension in her shoulders eased and she found herself relaxing into his embrace. Her hands came to rest on his as he wrapped his arms around her. warmth that had nothing to do with the weather flowed through her.
"I can imagine. I would be frustrated with the limited use of my arm, and I don't use an eighth of the magic you do. Are you sure you're feeling up to tonight?" Not wanting Maebh to feel coddled, Reck followed up with a much more playful suggestion. "We can play doctor." Reckony smiled mischievously, linking his fingers with hers. "Paging Dr. Pike."
A girlish giggle escaped Maebh at the idea of playing doctor with Reckony. A heat darkened her eyes to a rich molten chocolate and she turned in his embrace to face him, linking her fingers with his as she did so.
"Tempting, very much so, but a ball only happens once a year, we can page Dr. Pike another time,"
How are you?"
"Just dandy. Actually, I'm doing better than dandy. I'd go so far as to say 'swell.' We've managed to replace the facade of the pub and taking a walk around the block this afternoon, I can see that most of the shops have started repairs. Lots of help is coming in from outside the village. That's a good feeling. But most importantly, I understand from a rather small but perky nurse that the love of my life is recovering nicely and has been given a clean bill of health to participate in frivolity and mind-numbing Ministry-ness. I can't believe we're doing this. Us. If they hadn't promised hors d'oeuvres, I'd have turned you down, Breandan. If they start with the speeches, we're leaving. Jack Harkness and his "it was the best of times' crap. Maybe we can steal the table decor-"
Maebh chuckled as Reck tried so very hard to stay home. Then the phrase repeated in her head. Love of my life. The man often used the word love in very day speech but not quite in that way. Did he really mean it? Did Reckony Pike actually love her? Or was it just a descriptive phrase, they had only know each other for a few months...still that didn't stop her from smiling widely at the thought. It was nice to know that someone loved her. Then he stopped in mid speech and Maebh grinned wickedly at his expression.
"What did you do?"
"Set the stage of course," she remarked as she tugged at his hand and began to lead him up the stairs. There was no need to duck one's head, the door magically expanded as people came up to it. A half giant could walk in side.
"Do you like it? I know I have a flair for the dramatic but I thought it would be fun. I don't get to do this sort of thing often..." she said looking into his eyes. Suddenly she wanted his approval more than anything.
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Post by Reckony Pike on Jul 21, 2011 0:22:45 GMT -5
"Do I like it?" Reckony stared in awe, allowing himself to be pulled along by Maebh as he took in the decor of their private dinner date.
"I know I have a flair for the dramatic but I thought it would be fun. I don't get to do this sort of thing often..."
Reckony spun around and took Maebh's face in his hands, kissing her gently in the low, candlelight. He allowed his forehead to rest on hers, taking in her chocolate eyes and becoming lost within them.
"It's perfect. It's..." he took a deep breath, feeling the intensity of the moment. "...perfect. Did you, did you really do all this for me? For us?" Pike's face softened, betraying his bravado. He took the gypsy's hand and kissed it before escorting her to her seat and pouring two glasses of wine. "Maebh Breandan. I'd say something about going to such trouble while you're healing, but I would be a hypocrite. This is - Thank you. Oh, I almost forgot." The barkeep reached in to his blazer pocket and pulled out a parchment-wrapped item. A small field flower had been tied in to the ribbon.
"It seems that every time I try to give this to you, something extraordinary happens. Not tonight. I'm determined to have you open your gift. I'm actually going to sit at the door with my wand and smite anyone who enters and interrupts you. Please."
Reckony handed Maebh the small parcel. Inside the wrapping lay a hand-made dreamcatcher, that Pike had made her from a phoenix feather and thestral bone: very rare, and very unique.
"To bring you better dreams."
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Post by Maebh Breandan on Jul 21, 2011 0:53:59 GMT -5
The parrot Reckony. Here she was waiting for his response and all he could do was parrot her back. Sometimes men tried a woman's patience. She took a deep breath to help combat the nervous butterflies that were roosting in her stomach.
"I know I have a flair for the dramatic but I thought it would be fun. I don't get to do this sort of thing often..."
Sometimes actions were better than words. Strong hands spun her around, sending thrills throughout her body as the butterflies took flight. She watched as surprisingly soft hands tenderly cupped her face. Her eyes slowly closed partway as their lips touched. She was loath to part from him, her lips seeking his warmth but was content when he rested his forehead on hers. Chocolate brown eyes met bright blue. Seconds passed as she delved into the ocean depths, trying to catch a glimpse of his soul through his eyes.
"It's perfect. It's..."
A pleased smile of accomplishment burst onto Maebh's lips. It felt nice to be recognize. To her, it hadn't been much trouble. Most of the things she used, including the fairy lights were old props from her show days. As a child she'd always helped dressed the stage. This was no different, except that it was their own private show.
"...perfect. Did you, did you really do all this for me? For us?"
She nodded a soft smile on her lips as he kissed her hand. She hadn't really expected such a reaction. Oh, she had dreamed of one but reality surpassed the dreams.
"Maebh Breandan. I'd say something about going to such trouble while you're healing, but I would be a hypocrite. This is - Thank you. Oh, I almost forgot."
"What?" she asked curious as she furrowed her brows. What could he have forgotten... Her eyes widened with happiness when she spotted the parchment wrapped parcel. A present!
"It seems that every time I try to give this to you, something extraordinary happens. Not tonight. I'm determined to have you open your gift. I'm actually going to sit at the door with my wand and smite anyone who enters and interrupts you. Please."
Maebh chuckled at the thought of Reck stopping the first person to interrupt them. In her little vision it was Conan of course. "You don't have to worry. Conan's not in Hogsmeade tonight."
She plucked the flower out of the ribbon and placed it behind her ear before deftly opening the package. Her fingers stilled when she uncovered the dreamcatcher. She bit her lip slightly as she looked at it, her fingers brushing over the feather. The patterns were so intricate.
"To bring you better dreams."
She glanced up a thankful smile on her face. "Sweet they will be" She said with a saucy grin and a wink. "Thank you. It must have taken you a long time to make it. I--I love it." she said from her heart. ha, a gypsy unsure of her words. The world really was changing.
"Dinner, I hope you like bread and pasta. I'm not much of a cook. My mother though can turn the simplest fare into a feast. I don't know how she does it." She rambled on as she stood up to grab the bread basket that rested on the table. She offered it to him with a grin.
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Post by Reckony Pike on Jul 23, 2011 21:20:27 GMT -5
"You don't have to worry. Conan's not in Hogsmeade tonight."
Reckony flinched unnoticeably at the mention of Conan. It was an involuntary reaction, rather like a gag reflex. Since his relationship had deepened with Maebh, he had made a point of being more accepting of her petite but high-strung brother. It was not always possible. Conan could be like a splinter that festered and oozed.
The barkeep studied Maebh as her delicate fingers traced the thestral bone and phoenix feather. He had learned enough of the graceful gypsy to know that she appreciated what was real: Maebh wasn't someone that could be bought. She also wasn't someone to be fooled by lavish gifts and fluff. Reckony's spit and polish was in that dreamcatcher, and he knew that that's what mattered.
"Dinner, I hope you like bread and pasta. I'm not much of a cook. My mother though can turn the simplest fare into a feast. I don't know how she does it."
"If you've put even an ounce of the love you've put here in to it, it will be amazing. Don't you dare sell yourself short. I would like to add that I was born a carbohydrate. Bread and pasta are my gold." Reckony took in the scents that wafted through the wagon, finding himself intoxicated by the warm bread, the olives, and the wine. Even the candle wax was making him giddy, churning sensations of wholeness and love in the pit of his being. Reck gratefully accepted a roll and waited for Maebh to do the same before starting.
"So, I think we need to get something out of the way before we go any further. This, this is serious." Reckony folded his hands on his lap, feigning a rather severe look. "What is your opinion on dancing?"
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Post by Maebh Breandan on Jul 27, 2011 21:47:47 GMT -5
What was it with her boyfriends and her brother? She could barely recall if any of them ever got along with Conan the growling barbarian. Really when it came to protecting her he practically carried a club around. Her other siblings were not nearly as terrible...they were younger of course. Still they were quite vocal and a few were quite snooty when they wished to be. Would Reck get along with her family? They were a wild bunch of travelers, adventures, performers and pickpockets. Then again Reck had been on a few wanted posters in his younger days so they would probably get along smashingly. Which might even be scarier...
A pretty jar of perfume was nice but not a great gift. Anyone could purchase such a thing. The dream catcher was handmade and the more precious for it. This utterly busy man had taken a moment out of his crazy life to build something so intricate, well it made her heart swell. No one had made her anything before. Well, no man had made her anything. Cutting flowers from a garden didn't count. They were nice but really snipping a few roses was not hard work. Nothing like stringing together fragile bones and feathers into a beautiful pattern. With his large fingers...
"If you've put even an ounce of the love you've put here in to it, it will be amazing. Don't you dare sell yourself short. I would like to add that I was born a carbohydrate. Bread and pasta are my gold."
A pleased grin spread across her face as she ripped open her roll breathing in the fresh, slightly steaming bread smell.
"Good thing too because I'm a pasta fend." "So, I think we need to get something out of the way before we go any further. This, this is serious."
Serious? Maebh's brow knitted together before she noticed the teasing glint of his eye and the mocking straightness of his lips.
"What is your opinion on dancing?"
A laugh burst out of Maebh. Dancing? That was his serious question. Oh, merlin, was the man terrified of taking a spin on the floor? Why was every good looking hard working man deathly afraid of music and movement?
"You're terrified, aren't you? Dancing is a way to communicate in a secret way with someone. Together we can create our language of movement. The "steps" can be thrown out the window,f or they are just guidelines...sort of like a dictionary to the language of dance but it is not necessary to speak it. Am I making sense?" Dance had been a part of her life growing up. She had started by learning Irish jigs and other dances native to her gypsy culture. It had also been one of her subjects in school.
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Post by Reckony Pike on Jul 29, 2011 23:50:20 GMT -5
"You're terrified, aren't you? Dancing is a way to communicate in a secret way with someone. Together we can create our language of movement. The "steps" can be thrown out the window, or they are just guidelines...sort of like a dictionary to the language of dance but it is not necessary to speak it. Am I making sense?"
"Perfect sense." Beautiful sense. When Maebh Breandan spoke, Reckony wanted to listen. And that was not something he could say of a lot of people. He leaned over his dinner to close the distance between them, whispering a slight confession as he did so.
"Actually...I LOVE dancing. But don't you dare tell anyone or I'll deny it."
He smiled, digging in to his roll with a pat of salted butter. As much as he joked about attending the Wizengamot Ball, the barkeep was actually looking forward to a night out on the town, the warm evening air swirling about them as they arrived by carriage. The music. The dancing. Their chance to be close. Nothing could ruin it for them.
Reckony nearly had a conniption when he took his first bite of the pasta.
"This is the...are you...Jesus. This is the best damn pasta I've ever had, Maebh. Miss 'I'm Not Much of a Cook.' And a banshee's a baritone. Nice try!"
In the distance, a clock struck nine.
Reckony looked across at the stunning angel before him, not wanting their time alone to end. He watched the candlelight reflect in her eyes. She had a way to hypnotize him.
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Post by Maebh Breandan on Jul 30, 2011 19:53:08 GMT -5
"Perfect sense."
One defiant, slightly mocking eyebrow rose in a question. Perfect sense eh? She didn't feel like she had made any real sense. Dancing was something she loved. It had been a part of her life since she could walk, maybe even before. For years, it had been her lively hood. When she spoke of it, often she lost control. A dreamy misty look darkened her eyes, voice timber deepened, lips parted etc. Rapture. Then he leaned close and confessed. He loved dancing. Did he or was he just saying that? It was diffult to tell but some men were weary when telling a woman they loved to dance in case the woman did nor or they were afraid of having their precious man hood questions. As if dancing could castrate a man, really.
"Not a soul. It's our secret, She whispered back in mock seriousness. If he loved to dance, it would show that night. Maebh would not rest until she had him whirl her around a few times. Damn the shoulder to hell. A bundle of pain pills were nestled into her clutch in case her wound troubled her.
"This is the...are you...Jesus. This is the best damn pasta I've ever had, Maebh. Miss 'I'm Not Much of a Cook.' And a banshee's a baritone. Nice try!"
Maebh nearly chocked on her bite when Reckony moaned...her eyes darkened as she thought of something entirely different. Who knew food would cause a man to make sounds that normally did not sound at the dinner table. She couldn't help but think of tangled sheets.
"Hunny, you need to taste my father's cooking. Seriously, if you think my pasta, and thank you, is stunning you've had nothing yet." A warmth coated her voice to a silky softness as she spoke, happiness radiating from her. She enjoyed this, just sitting there talking and eating what little her excited stomach would take. Suddenly, Maebh wasn't very hungry. She wanted to dance, her toe tapping out a waltz as she gazed at him.
"Let's go. We can return to this later, if we wish." She asked eyes drowning in his. Lighting pulsed in the air through clouds of longing. "Dance with me, teaching me your body language."
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Post by Reckony Pike on Aug 1, 2011 18:57:43 GMT -5
"Be careful..." Reckony teased as he eased his way towards Maebh's end of the table, carefully scooping her up from the chair and lacing his fingers with hers. His arm found its way around her petite waist. He drew her close. "...I heat up."
The barkeep's playful waltz took them to the door, then down the small set of stairs leading to the garden path. Despite half a former lifetime of despising the Muggle way, he could not ignore the influence that their motion pictures had on him. Gene Kelly was his secret bromance.
"I've secured us the only carriage in town," he mused, as he spun the graceful gypsy in small circles. "With horses. Well actually, they're ponies. Someone accidentally hexed the door to my bar and turned several of my patrons in to four-legged wonders. I had a few who were late in paying the tab. Time to collect." Reckony smiled, suddenly very excited about this next leg of their journey. He whistled a melodic tune in to the air and waved down their escort from the alley. An immaculate carriage led by five white ponies pulled in to place, the porter jumping off his perch to open the door. He was a sweet, round man who owed Pike a favour.
"M'lady. I'm Seamus. At yer service."
"Thank you, Seamus. We need to hightail this rig to the Ministry. Know your way?"
"Absolutely, sir."
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Post by Maebh Breandan on Aug 2, 2011 20:31:51 GMT -5
It was too late. She was far past being careful. that was staid, boring. Her eyes smoldered like amber coals as the man strutted around the table a teasing glint in his eyes. Breathless, she watched as he pulled out her chair, effortlessly pulling her up and towards him in a graceful swoop. Her stomach flipped and she smiled lacing one hand with his and placing the other on his shoulder.
"...I heat up."
"A little warmth never hurt anyone," She whispered in his ear, pressing close then teasing, stepping back a few inches as they waltzed to the door and out the steps. They were perfectly match. Well almost, nothing a little familiarity wouldn't fix. Their heights were just right, allowing for a graceful, firm hold if desired. His body seemed to know exactly how to make her respond. It truly was magic.
"I've secured us the only carriage in town,"
A carriage? Her eyes widened in excited disbelief. The man really was a romantic, more so than her to be sure. Maebh felt like a Victorian Princess on her way to a ton celebration. Actually, that probably wasn't a far fetched description. The Ministry still held some archaic Vicortianesq beliefs.
"With horses. Well actually, they're ponies. Someone accidentally hexed the door to my bar and turned several of my patrons in to four-legged wonders. I had a few who were late in paying the tab. Time to collect."
Maebh laughed. "I am sure they'll never attempt that again, but we must give them water when we arrive. Wouldn't want them to be ill." He was kidding right? Transfigured humans pulling a carriage? wouldn't they get hurt?
A beautiful old carriage, shining like new, pulled up in front of them. A slightly portly but friendly man jumped down, dressed in old fashion livery. The night really was a Victorian homage.
"M'lady. I'm Seamus. At yer service."
"Thank you, Seamus. We need to hightail this rig to the Ministry. Know your way?"
"Absolutely, sir."
"Pleasure to meet you sir. Do be careful with the ponies, wouldn't wish to lose a patron," She teased before stepping into the carriage, she winced slightly as her weak shoulder muscles protested the movement. Her tender, healing tendons did not like being strained.
V settled into the soft, plush cushions, her eyes closing briefly as she enjoyed the comfort. She still felt a little weak but would not miss this moment for the world.
"You're a romantic and I thank you," she said, her eyes still closed.
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Post by Reckony Pike on Aug 4, 2011 18:42:55 GMT -5
((Reckony and the stunningly beautiful Miss Maebh Breandan continue at the Wizengamot Ball, where they'll be partying like it's 1999.))
((...on second thought, maybe 2011. 1999 had issues.))
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