WHEN WORLDS COLLIDE/Iah & Anton NC-17

[pyromaniac]

Iah was happily chatting with Ellie in the kitchen, trying not to think about Anton’s “insatiable curiosity” which freaked him out more than Iah was letting on. The chef knew that it was a good idea to keep a watchful eye, as long as that eye didn’t land on him while he was in the middle of a shower, bath, or otherwise very private moment, then Iah would be happy. In fact just thinking about that made the chef want to never shower again, maybe he could soak some clothes and sponges in order to clean himself without revealing his whole self.

“Iah? Helllllooooo, Earth to the Mooooon anyone up there?” Ellie asked, knocking on Iah’s head and Iah jumping back slightly and smiling to his friend,

“Yes what were you saying?” Iah asked, feeling as if he might have just spaced out slightly, he didn’t realize he was that in depth of thought over something so simple,

“I said were you planning on actually chopping up the onions or were you just going to stare out into space, what’s wrong with you? Did the old grouch say something to you? Suddenly Iah was face to face with a very angry 14 year old girl, and waving his hands in a disarming sort of way,

“No, no it is fine, he didn’t really say anything really I’m *hic up* fine” Ellie shook her head,

“Iah you can’t lie to me you know that! Come on what did he say? I’ll beat him up and tell him to take it back! I’ll show that grouch who’s boss!” Iah laughed, hic upping as he did so and shaking his head he explained simply,

“it is just that Anton appears to have the ability of sight through walls, and buildings…” Iah really didn’t have to explain more to Ellie, she was a smart girl and knew that Iah was more than unnerved by the idea,

“Don’t worry Moonlight! I’ll make sure to watch the old groucho as well, and give him a good scolding if he has any wondering eyes for my Moonlight!” Ellie declared rather proudly, and Iah knew that she would too. It was a comfort to the Egyptian and he began to cook once more, Ellie hovering about and enjoying the dance that Iah always performed for her while he was cooking.

Finally what Iah had thought of to cook up was done and ready to serve, now all he had to do was serve it, though Ellie had to once more return to the otherworld again so Iah was on his own, finding the walk there much easier than the first and he felt more enthusiastic about this trip. Maybe things wouldn’t turn out as bad as he originally thought they would, all he had to do was knock on the door, enter, hand over the plate of food and retreat right? Right, so why did he get a sudden nervous feeling all of a sudden? Iah shook it off, it wouldn’t do him any good if he was nervous or afraid in any way, so with that thought in mind, back straight and posture perfect, he knocked on the door to await his instruction to come in.

[semelecyn]

For whatever reason, Anton Arkady had decided to carry through with his plan for a leisurely hot, fragrant bath. Perhaps he would do a bit of reading, having selected a volume on alchemy he had purchased during his recent visit to Earth. Tremayne never failed to find something that would be essential to his growing collection. He was certain that the twin to this book would be in the wizard's own collection, for Tremayne certainly would never allow a student of the Arts to possess knowledge he himself had not mastered. Now, the book lay open on the writing desk that fit perfectly across the tub, quite secure enough for reading, writing or, as he had planned, a meal with the youth who was to be his mate.

As lunchtime arrived, he lounged in the tub, one crafted for a man of his dimensions, held up from the floor by intricately-carved, clawed feet. The taps resembled ancient images of the dolphin, far from the image of the true creature, more like the amiable mammal crossed with a dragon, a more-fierce interpretation than one would expect of a gentle being. It was a magnificent room, softly lit and richly decorated. For the moment, the book was forgotten as Anton's head rested against the tapestry pillow draped over the head of the tub, the long, silvery tresses flowing over it and to the floor, where they pooled on a rug of a different tapestry design. Even with the heat of the water, his skin was as ivory as ever, making him appear a perfect sculpture.

Then, his sharp hearing caught Iah Raksha's arrival, and he rid himself of the smile in preparation for this new confrontation. As the rap on the door sounded, he waved a graceful hand in the general direction, the portal obeying his command and opening to permit the chef's entrance.

"In here," he called just loudly enough to be heard, as he had left the door ajar. "I shall have my meal in here, My Jewel." Without opening his eyes, he closed the book and placed it on a nearby shelf where it would be safe. "In here," he repeated, trying not to smile as wickedly as he might have.

[pyromaniac]

Iah’s itchy feeling turned out to be correct again, for as soon as the door opened the chef took instant note of how the majestic male was not in the bed, and from where the voice had come from he was not in a place that Iah would wish to go. He tried to remain optimistic and prayed to Ra that Anton was brushing his hair, or maybe dressing. Highly unlikely since Iah was positive that was more of a room activity, but he could be hopeful couldn’t he?

Smiling Iah tried not to be nervous about the opener of the door, or the lack thereof. It proved all the more that Anton was powerful, possibly even more so then Iah had originally thought he was, and that didn’t mean anything good for the chef. Iah walked through the room, already seeing into the bathroom and noting with slight irritation that the door was not shut, not even in the slightest way cracked where the Egyptian could pretend that the male was not bathing.

Iah so wished that Anton had closed the door, had at least humored the chef that he could be doing something else, but Ra apparently couldn’t hear his cry on the planet that was not touched by the sun god’s rays. From the door Iah could see the beautiful male perfectly and had to mentally count to ten in order to keep his composure.

Iah entered through the opened door and tried not to completely realize that Anton was indeed very much without clothes, and looking really happy about it from that expression which he tried to hide. This only gave Iah incentive to remain as uninterested as possible, but incentive only went so far didn’t it?

The Egyptian would do his best not to loose composure, something that was steadily slipping away as his mind was trying to convince him to look and see how comfortable the tub looked now that Anton was in it. He did his best not to let his eyes wonder over the beautifully sculpted body that was before him in response to his mind’s whispers. Especially if he was ever going to leave there without having to detour to his room first.

The ivory of Anton’s skin put the tub, and most other ivory statue’s, to shame. Iah focused himself on looking into the aqua aura eyes, something that could prove as deadly as staring at the perfect body, and thankful for the tray that covered Anton up from complete exposure, for without it Iah would have to have looked ahead, or perhaps at the ceiling, but because of that helpful little tray he was able to focus and not loose himself in his childish curiosity, or Incubus desires that he had been battling with from the past week. Another factor which made him all the more determined to concoct the perfect meal for Anton’s taste.

“Good afternoon Mr. Arkady, enjoying your bath?” Iah asked, his professional mask finally coming back to him as he set the lunch on the table that he was so thankful to and for.

“If there will be nothing else I shall return to the kitchen” Iah said, hoping that Anton would let him go, doubting it though since the man desired company when dining, and if Iah were to ever know if the meal was desired then he would have to watch the reaction of the one eating it.

Though still, Iah knew that Anton would like it, it was a combination to enhance the enjoyment of the previous meal, and dinner would be what tied all three together, making the experience all the more pleasurable to the one eating them. Iah had no doubt in that skill of his, especially now that he realized that Anton had truly enjoyed breakfast, something that cause a warm feeling of happiness inside the chef. It was fun to cook for those who knew liked to eat, it was even better to cook for those who appreciated the hard work and skill, as well as the actual flavor of the dish, and Iah knew that Anton had such an appreciation for tasting. Especially if the other was used to seducing, something that Iah didn’t know yet that you had to have in order to do it properly.

[semelecyn]

To observe Anton Arkady was to see complete poise, as if it was an everyday occurrence to be served by his head chef in such surroundings. In truth, it was not altogether unusual.

The crystalline eyes acknowledged Iah's arrival, coolly appraising him, and he smiled faintly and nodded as the younger man spoke: “Good afternoon Mr. Arkady, enjoying your bath?”

"Indeed. It is quite soothing," Anton assured him as he set aside his books and writing, clearing the cross-tub table for his luncheon, sitting up a bit straighter and sniffing the aromas drifting from the dishes before him. He noted the businesslike manner in which his chef and mate-to-be acted, and it rather pleased him. He did not expect to win over the youth without a battle of wills. He realized the inevitability of them coming together, so he could take his time.

“If there will be nothing else I shall return to the kitchen.”

"I would rather you didn't, Iah Raksha. I should like you to tell me what you think of my home--your kitchen, your duties, those working with you, whatever you wish. I shall dine in a leisurely manner, and you shall be company for me. Do you prefer baths or showers, My Jewel? I myself prefer resting in heated, fragrant waters. If I wished to be doused, I would venture out in the rain, perhaps find a nearby cascade. Swimming... I do not care for splashing about, but it does have its points. I think I would rather watch swimming--say, several of my most beautiful boys. They do love diving for coins," he mused. "Perhaps you will join me someday for the--eh--entertainment."

During this, Anton had carefully sampled each dish, deciding which he preferred most, knowing that Iah would note such preferences. He was ready to make suggestions if necessary but had found exceedingly little that he would quibble about. A dish might vary slightly from what he was accustomed to, which made it different, not disliked. Many of his kind did not bother cultivating tastebuds beyond which species' blood was preferred. But, Anton had ambitions that included becoming a regular at court, plans that would develop far more quickly after hosting luxurious banquets and, it was expected, attending invitations given in return. Some might not wish to be reminded of his kind's appetites.

"Have you encountered any problems? any needs? any surprises?" he questioned, encouraging conversation.

[pyromaniac]

Iah knew that Anton would prefer his company while dining in the bath, and perhaps it wouldn’t be as bad as Iah had originally thought? One never knew until the experience was over, and Anton didn’t seem bothered in the least. He really did try to keep his jealousy in line when Anton spoke of the other males. He did make an effort to show absolute indifference, it shouldn’t matter right? Anton wasn’t his yet, and most certainly wasn’t the other’s, so why the slight annoyance?

“Your home is most beautiful Mr. Arkady, and though I have not fully grasped how massive it is as of yet, perhaps you would show me sometime? Though I will admit that I do enjoy exploring different places on my own, it is always better to have some company to share one’s thoughts with, don’t you agree?” Iah asked, watching Anton, mentally noticing certain things about the elegant way in which he partook in each bite or savored a flavor, though he had a mask on to a degree, Iah’s own professional way of noticing and experiencing different tastes could be detected in Anton’s own way of chewing and tasting.

“The kitchen is phenomenal, how long has it taken for everything to be built? I will admit though that it appears that a brilliant designer has constructed the kitchen for how easy everything is reached, many kitchens have had no thought or mind of where the chef needs things to be, resulting in a lot of frustration in finding things. I have yet to run into such a problem, though it would be a careless chef to not bring the things that are needed before the cooking process began.” Iah said, thinking to himself out loud, as well as telling Anton of what a joy it is to work in the kitchen.

“I really have no complaints about my co-workers, they are all pleasant” Iah said, thinking of how to reply to each of the semi questions, and trying not to get too vivid a picture of the other male in such cascading falls. Though that was difficult, especially with having the majestic being not being but 3 feet away from him, and not in any way clothed of the non revealing sort.

“I truly have no preference of baths over showers, it is a simple fact of showers are more convenient over baths, yet baths can be far more soothing and kinder to muscles.” The words were spoken clearly, and Iah did what he could to not have a jealous, and slightly disgusted, edge to his voice when Anton asked if he would enjoy watching the “entertainment”

“No thank you Mr. Arkady, I’d rather swim than watch, and I rather enjoyed the Nile River banks, even with the chance of a crocodile swimming near” Iah replied, missing the warmth of the sun’s rays and the sandy home of his birth, even if the memories of such a place were horrible and sickening in nature.

“So no, as of thus far there has been no problems of any sort. I do enjoy listening to other’s speak, and you have yet to tell me anything about yourself” Iah looked into the eyes of the amazing male across from him, waiting to see if the other would in fact give him some information about himself.

[semelecyn]

Anton was highly amused by Iah's discomfort yet managed to control the urge to laugh, though he did allow himself a faint, bemused smile. He had decided that the young man might make a most interesting mate. No doubt, he would nurture their children quite skillfully.

“Your home is most beautiful, Mr. Arkady, and though I have not fully grasped how massive it is as of yet, perhaps you would show me sometime? Though I will admit that I do enjoy exploring different places on my own, it is always better to have some company to share one’s thoughts with, don’t you agree?”

"I should like that very much, My Jewel, to accompany you through my home. I am certain there are some places I have not visited for some time, there being no reason to travel there alone. My servants and guards provide information. So, this should be an adventure for the two of us. We shall take a luncheon--a picnic. You will decide where we shall dine."

Anton was pleased that his chef was pleased with his new working environment. “The kitchen is phenomenal. How long has it taken for everything to be built? I will admit though that it appears that a brilliant designer has constructed the kitchen for how easy everything is reached, many kitchens have had no thought or mind of where the chef needs things to be, resulting in a lot of frustration in finding things. I have yet to run into such a problem, though it would be a careless chef to not bring the things that are needed before the cooking process began."

"I must say that it has been long ago, for I have forgot the time. It was when the castle was built, though it has been refurbished from time to time. I think that it must be somewhere in the records. Do you wish to review them? I shall have the scribe send them to your quarters if you so desire. It pleases me that you have verified what I wished to be true. I strive to ensure that my home is matchless, perhaps even to royalty, if I may be so bold." As Anton dined, realizing that each choice was being noted and recorded in the youth's sharp mind, he noted how Iah carefully answered his questions, knowing that this was how he must approach everything.

Then, I shall create an excellent lover. Once his sensual nature is rechanneled somewhat from cuisine to lovemaking... Yet, he did not lose himself in such thoughts as Iah continued speaking. Once more, he smiled as the young man declined watching his diving boys. He imagined it was his shyness, not jealousy, that caused his intended to choose not to view such a display of male beauty.

Then came a surprising request: information about himself. By then, his meal was finished, and the bathwater was cooling. Once the tray was removed, he reached for a large, plush, royal purple towel then rose from the water in a remarkably graceful movement, much of his body's ivory perfection covered by the material. The move, he hoped, would reassure the innocent youth that he was not to be manhandled or ravished in the immediate future. It bespoke of the absolute control that Anton Arkady had on his mind and body that he could be naked so near the one he called "My Jewel" and not become aroused or seem to even consider such matters. His first wish was that they achieve trust. The rest would come in its own time.

"I am uncertain what there is to tell you, Iah Raksha. I am many centuries old, which is not unusual for my kind, as you know. That I have no mate yet is unusual." He shrugged slightly as he continued drying his body, finally discarding the towel and reaching for a silk robe of Japanese brocade, an ambery shade with embroidered dragons twining their way through exotic landscapes. He wrapped it about him then tied the sash snugly, the ankle-length garment shielding his magnificent body though the flow of the fabric suggested the form beneath it.

"Perhaps someday, I shall select certain journals, and we shall review them together. Would you like that? Perhaps I shall bring one along for our adventure, our tour of some parts of our home. During our luncheon, we shall look at the journal and speak of many things. Would that please you, My Jewel?"

[pyromaniac]

Iah was a very observant chef, and he noticed the slight upturning of lips on the handsome male before him, somehow knowing why that small indentation was made and trying not to react to it. It wasn’t his fault that he hadn’t ever been around other males when they were bathing, and pardon him for not ever having any sort of sexual experience beforehand. There were worse things to not know about, and because of his lack of experience in the more sensual department he believed he wasn’t missing out on anything special, and if he was then his mate would show him. Though that was a bit odd considering the male in the tub was in fact his future mate. What a horrible thought that was, not because there was any apparent flaw in the other except some immaturity, but it was still something odd to think that after 20 or so years of chastity it would be broken by a male who had more experience then his heart beat in one year. A thrillingly terrifying thought that Iah would pay no more attention to for fear of being too transparent.

Thankfully though Anton brought the chef out of his disturbing musings, yet not entirely unpleasant. Iah’s eyes widened only slightly as he heard Anton’s reply that the owner had not visited his entire home in some time, and it made Iah all the more curious as to how big the castle was.

"So, this should be an adventure for the two of us. We shall take a luncheon--a picnic. You will decide where we shall dine." Iah nodded at that, already thinking of some themes of food they could take, it would have to be something light like a sandwich, but maybe not so flimsy considering Anton enjoyed his food. This would deserve further contemplation, and Iah knew that even while he wasn’t truly thinking of it his mind would be working out all the details without his conscience thought. Though exactly where they would stop for this picnic was a mystery to him, for he hadn’t even thought of all the corridors and rooms that must be in the massive home, for never had he been in such a majestic building.

Iah sensed that he was somehow appealing to the other male when he told his future lover that he very much appreciated and found everything accessible and well thought out. It was comforting knowledge and Anton’s words truly made him feel like a wife whose husband gave her everything she could ever want or need. Not one request had been denied about information, and it seemed like Anton encouraged Iah’s curious nature, though there was so much to be curious about and Iah wanted to know all the answers.

So Iah listened as Anton told him a little of the kitchen’s history and how it was redone,

"Do you wish to review them? I shall have the scribe send them to your quarters if you so desire. It pleases me that you have verified what I wished to be true. I strive to ensure that my home is matchless, perhaps even to royalty, if I may be so bold." Iah smiled, still keeping track of what Anton seemed to enjoy more, noting it and answering the beautiful male, a grateful smile upon the dark lips,

“I would like that very much, and I could only presume that your home is indeed one of a kind” Iah said, thinking and trying to remember a royal palace, for only one did he ever work for once, but he couldn’t work there for long, granted the pay was phenomenal and the king was most displeased when Iah left, but the chef could not bring himself to serve the king’s favorite meal of lobster. It was strange, but it was something that Iah could not bear.

It appeared that Anton was done with his bath, and the chef could only be thankful that the other had the decency around the Egyptian to cover his perfectly sculpted body of ivory with the towel of purple. The chef listened as Anton told him that he wasn’t truly certain of what to tell the younger male, nodding at both statements, for it wasn’t unusual for his lifetime, Iah knew he met others that were older, but it indeed was odd that Anton hadn’t found his mate till now, and Iah was to be that mate. How odd it was indeed that this distinguished aristocrat be paired with a desert curse of the most tainted sort. Iah didn’t really think it was such a fair match for the poor male of many years.

Even now with Anton’s perfect body covered in the robe of silk Iah could tell the outline of the strong form, and wondered what it would be like to feel those powerful arms wrapped about him in a strong embrace. To have that soft hair flow through his fingers, and Iah mentally shook himself from those thoughts, determined to not allow his mind to wonder, Anton restrained himself, and the chef saw no reason why he shouldn’t as well.

"Perhaps someday, I shall select certain journals, and we shall review them together. Would you like that? Perhaps I shall bring one along for our adventure, our tour of some parts of our home. During our luncheon, we shall look at the journal and speak of many things. Would that please you, My Jewel?" Iah smiled once more, turning happy green eyes to the beautiful aqua aura gaze and giving him a slight bow as he replied,

“That would please me greatly Mr. Arkady, thank you” with that said another thought stuck the chef,

“Now if you’ll excuse me I must return to the kitchen and make dinner for you, please excuse me”

[semelecyn]

Pleased with how their meeting had gone, Anton did not try to keep Iah with him, allowing him to go about his duties. He was certain that the young man would be planning the meal they would share during their adventure.

Seating himself at his writing desk, he took pen in hand to begin composing his invitation, taking great pride in his calligraphy which would turn this simple message into a manuscript that would seem worthy of framing. The thought amused him, bringing a true smile to his handsome face. After this, he would select his wardrobe. The white poet shirt should do, along with the black trousers tucked into knee-high boots. Yes, he would be quite the dashing figure, yet another look to present to his intended. The smile grew as he recalled how his mate-to-be had dealt with a demanding situation--neither fleeing in horror nor ogling him, either of which would have been understandable he supposed. There was no doubt of Iah's innocence though he would accept him just as quickly if he discovered that appearances were deceiving. He knew that he must be gentle and undemanding, which some might find difficult to believe him capable of being.

After completing the invitation, which set their exploration date as three days hence, he folded the sheet of parchment, inserted it into an envelope then, before sealing it, carefully placed a crystal pendant within it. He was well-aware of the potential risk of venturing beneath the castle, where becoming separated could be a frightening experience for Iah though perhaps the ghostly Ellie could guide him. But, should they become parted, the pendant would ensure that Anton could locate Iah quickly.

When Iah Raksha brought dinner, he would present the invitation to him. With that thought, he wrote My Jewel on the front of the envelope then set it aside.

He spent the rest of his day immersing himself in the castle's plans, realizing that it would be unwise to lose the two of them in The Depths, as the passages, caves and rooms beneath the castle had been dubbed by those who had labored over cutting them into the land the castle rested upon. He supposed they had considered him a madman, and even Stasya had questioned him. Perhaps there would come a day when the labyrinth might become a refuge though he disliked the thought of retreat.

At some point, he stopped his studies long enough to dress, choosing loose black trousers and a shirt of ebony silk. After some consideration, he donned black slippers in which he moved silently about the room, making certain that everything was in proper order. It was becoming a habit to do so, he realized, supposing that it was surprising that he hadn't developed more habits over the centuries. He had never been one for routine, thus Iah Raksha would be an excellent addition to his life. Once more seated at his desk, he continued his studies, looking forward to the excursion.

Click on link for a picture of Iah's pendant and some images of Anton Arkady (close): i85.photobucket.com/albums/k76/cynsemele/ZERCA/PendantAntonImages.jpg

[pyromaniac]

Iah’s mind couldn’t have wandered further as he went back to the kitchen in order to prepare dinner. Perhaps it was alright though, there was some time before he had to be there anyway. The unfortunate thing about his mind wandering off with him? Simple really, he had no idea where he was going. In fact, he didn’t know where he was, though one thing he did know, he wasn’t far from the kitchen, or at least he hoped so. It was simple really, just ask some people about where the kitchen was and someone was bound to know, luckily someone did and politely pointed Iah in the complete opposite way of where he was going.

Though what would set the chef so off course? Something that he would have to do sometime in the near future, and something that Ellie could not help him with. This was the elaboration of the dance that he would have to do in front of his intended. The dance that would assure him that he and Anton were truly destined to be mates for however long they lived for, or more specifically how long Iah had to live for. What was this vital something? It was a question to the wise female, for Iah could think of no one who knew the male better, could answer, this the chef was positive of.

Going about that question was going to be a whole different story. The question was embarrassing and pretty strange, yet simple. Iah could almost know the answer, but he would have to be positive of it, for if he was wrong then the entire two decades of saving himself would have gone to waste. It only took a moment to undo years of saving, it was like anything in life, and trust was the same way. There were few he knew there was an exception to that, they trusted wholeheartedly until that trust was betrayed. Iah supposed that he was like that to some extent, and Anton had already proven to be slightly distrust worthy within the first 24 hours that they met, if not less than that time.

A sigh escaped the young chef’s dark lips, Anton had been proving that he was trust worthy though, hadn’t he? He hadn’t bothered the chef in the two weeks, he hadn’t done anything that would show Iah he had merely one thought on his mind, the thought of procreation. In fact, Iah could swear that the male had no interest in him aside from the fact that Iah’s name was constantly turning into the endearment. It was so bazaar and different, not to mention scary and more than frightening to the Egyptian curse.

Once Iah stepped foot in the kitchen it was about the right time he had to actually make Anton’s dinner, that alone proving how lost he was in the large castle and how long it had taken him to find his way back, and if he were to be completely honest with himself he was hungry. He had been so wrapped up in his thoughts he didn’t even think about how he hadn’t eaten since breakfast. Could it really have been helped though? It was his first day and his stomach had been unsettled since that morning, and until he got into some sort of routine it would take a little bit before he could learn to schedule his eating habits accordingly.

So Iah prepared the dinner, snacking on an apple or two so his stomach wouldn’t make any unwanted noises as he delivered dinner to Anton. It would be a situation most embarrassing and possibly give the other the idea that Iah didn’t eat. A fact that was far from the truth, for the chef had a healthy appetite, not one overly excessive, and not one that could barely be qualified as eating at all. It was generally a good breakfast in the morning then perhaps a light snack of an apple or orange if he feels hungry, then maybe something heavier for dinner, but not after a certain time, for certain he would have to run some extra miles to keep fit.

Finally dinner was ready and Iah smiled, remembering the wine, for it was also to enhance the flavors of all three meals. Setting everything on the tray Iah brought the meal up to Anton, thinking that perhaps he should ask the elder male where he could find Stasya so he could ask her his question. Maybe he should try and mask his question by indirectly asking Anton about her, though that wouldn’t work for him. Surely Anton would become slightly suspicious, and Iah didn’t want the male to try and become curious about why he needed to see the wise fortune teller. Then perhaps he would wait for some days, now that he was allowed to roam he would surely do so, and maybe he would find Stasya by chance and then talk to her. That seemed like a far better plan, and it made Iah smile, for once liking his own idea.

Confidence renewed in his own thinking Iah found himself already at the door, finding it only mildly comforting that he had not gotten lost going to Anton’s door, for surely that would mean that the food was less than perfect, and Iah couldn’t have that. Maybe it was an unconscious effort to not get lost, but whatever it was he knew that it would never be like that going back to the kitchen. He supposed the minor detours could be fun, his own way of discovering things to try and get a mental map of the massive building. A thought that would not be elaborated because in order to grasp such a thing would be to never go one way twice, and that would make Iah on an ever expedition to finding how to get to one room from all the numerous ways.

Raising his hand Iah knocked on the door, unsure as to how blown off his feet he would be with Anton’s appearance. Would someone answer the door this time? Iah will admit that it was rather unsettling how easily Anton had opened the door, not even the effort of opening the heavy door caused the male distress. So how powerful was Anton Arkady? A question that Iah was afraid to have answered.

[Anton Arkady]

OOC: I know this is horribly overdue and wonder if we can continue our story. I finally worked up my courage to try, as I haven't been certain that I could do justice to our twosome. Here goes! BIC:

The door opened to reveal Stasya, dressed in one of her many lovely gowns, this one of white lace on mauve taffeta, as always making her appear to be from some other century on another world, just as she should look if anyone knew the truth. Only two people did: Anton Arkady and the youth she loved most, someone Iah had yet to meet though she was uncertain about the Egyptian's ghostly companion. Perhaps Ellie had encountered and perhaps befriended him. As usual, she said nothing, only nodding and smiling as she opened the door wider, stepping aside to allow the young man to enter. The table had been cleared and prepared for the meal, and Anton awaited, seated on a chair that, because of his regal demeanor, seemed almost a throne. He wore a whitel linen poet shirt and black trousers, his feet encased in the comfort of tapestry slippers that seemed at odds with the rest. One might have expected black leather boots or something equally elegant, not the relaxation that slippers suggested.

In surprisingly good spirits, Anton smiled fully, arms flung wide in welcome. "Our chef appears!" he announced, as if it was somehow necessary. "Wonderful! I am famished and might send you back for more," he warned, now expressing a roguish grin, the pale eyes sparkling with mischief and good humor. "I have a wish this evening." He nodded toward Stasya, who had closed the door and now moved a chair, which Anton motioned toward. The smile had faded, and he had nearly the look of a pleading child, whether by design or from a slip in the image he generally projected. "I wish for you to join me, My Jewel. Will you do that for me, please? Ask Stasya how often I say that word~please."

Anton was aware that he was waging a war of hearts, having resigned himself to the obviousness of having met the one meant to be his mate. His first thought was of chess though other worlds had like games of varied names. Perhaps he was too fond of Earth, for it was far too often that his thoughts strayed to that "backwater" world. It made him wonder if Iah felt any ties to the place. Was the freedom he must have experienced as a traveler intoxicating enough that dwelling here in safety seemed disinteresting? Would he, Anton, have to make a point of adding adventure to their days~and nights, of course? He had never been a patient man, and Iah had tried what little patience he had rather too often. Yet, the image of their first night together gave him strength to deal with his anger, which had been channeled into honing his skill with weaponry.

OOC: Here's a link to an image of Stasya:
i85.photobucket.com/albums/k76/cynsemele/ZERCA%202/STASYA5.gif BIC:

[pyromaniac]

The chef was a bit more than anxious as he knocked upon the door. However soon that anxiousness turned into a smile on his face as the beautiful girl, Stasya, answered the door. He originally had a smile on his face anyway, however knowing that the person could see it was a relief. The whole wave hand and door opened act Anton had previously performed freaked him out a bit. Ok so maybe a bit more than just ‘a bit’ but that didn’t really matter now as he bowed his own head in response to the woman’s kindness and was stunned.

Not just because of Anton’s outfit, but because of his attitude all together. It took a moment or so for him to adjust and he had to stop himself from looking to Stasya for acknowledgement that this in fact was Anton and not some imposter. He also had to stop himself from looking behind him to make sure that Anton was not addressing someone else, yet that wouldn’t be possible since it was clear Anton’s eyes were on him…and him alone. He mentally gulped in nervousness as Stasya closed the door, the heavy wood doing well to sound out the final-ness of its closure.

Even with the portal being blocked the chef remained with a simple smile on his face, perhaps the green of his eyes expressed a bit of his inner discomfort, but only a second. He was after all as Anton put it, a chef, and the head one at that so there was no need to show how he truly felt about the most bazaar welcome he received.

“If that is what my employer wishes I see no harm in it” he explains with a smile as he set the covered dish on the prepared table. Pleased with how it came out but the true test of the dish’s success was in how Anton was to react to it. However he was slightly puzzled at the fact that Stasya was there but Anton still wished for his company.

“I do believe I will take your word Mr. Arkady and thank you for this opportunity to dine with you” he tells him with his smile, keeping his professional façade on he easily served the dishes before seating himself.