Dining in another world?

Nessa stepped through the portal that Aven had set up for her, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear as she looked around. She had changed out of that unbelievably embarrassing Neko maid costume and into something much more civilised. Instead she had on a pretty little pale blue dress, coupled with a white handbag and white kitten heels. All cleaned up, her long silver hair falling softly over her shoulders, no headband tonight, with the lightest touch of make-up to accentuate her features. She had wanted to look nice for her dinner at Aven's, frankly because she wasn't sure what to expect. He was well educated and proper, that much she could tell. Her aunty had spotted her on the way out and made a comment about looking a little 'too nice' for just a dinner. She had shrugged her off, it wasn't like she was in a full blown ball gown, it was just some nice evening attire. It would be better to be slightly overdone than look like a slob. She didn't know who she would be meeting, but she didn't want to embarrass Aven, that much she was sure of.

She looked momentarily confused as she took into the scenery, for starters the weather had changed somehow and they were in a beautiful fall landscape. She looked around, figuring she needed to follow the cobbled path ahead of her. She began to walk, wondering if Aven's house was a little way down the road. She made her way through a stone gate, wandering if this was the entrance to a small town or perhaps a cul-de-sac of private homes. As she looked around she spotted the most magnificent Victorian mansion, she kept glancing at it, thinking that Aven must have some wealthy neighbours. It was only when she noticed that the path did not lead past the home but directly towards it, did her mind start to become suspicious.

She made her way through the intricate hedge maze, feeling more and more baffled as she moved further along. She was beginning to get the feeling that the grande home she was headed to, was in fact Avens. She found herself getting anxious, wondering if she should have opted for that ballgown instead. Or perhaps the dress she wore on the mission she had done with Lazarus, although that would probably be a little over the top even for a dinner. As she finally got through an opening in the hedges, she looked upon the mansion in front of her. She spotted Aven waited for her on the steps, she smiled, relieved that to see him. She walked over to him quickly,

"Hi there," She began, glancing from him to the door, "So this is your home huh?" Her hunch had been right, they really grew up in completely different worlds. But even she hadn't expected this much of a contrast.

Nessa smiled as Aven responded, watching as he raised his hand to tug at his collar, the nerves he was feeling clear in his tone. Seeing him nervous only saw to it that she bega to feel nervous too, she brushed down her hair as he used to large silver knocker to let whomever was inside know that they had arrived. She gulped, Calm down Nessa, it’s fine. You’re fine. She told herself reassuringly, although it didn’t really help. The door clicked open, and standing there was a maid. With brown hair, ears and a tail. Nessa plastered on a friendly smile, although that look immediately changed to surprise when the maid threw herself at Aven in a tight squeeze. She watched then interaction, her smile returning, as she recognised the hug as just a greeting between two people who knew each other well.

When the maid looked at Nessa, she straightened up slightly. Waiting for the opportunity to introduce herself. As she parted her lips to speak, the maid continued to talk before turning, Hitting Nessa’s thigh in the process with her tail. Nessa blinked a couple times, Did she just- She began to think but stopped herself. As she caught the look Lucie threw her. She stared after the go for a moment. Contemplating the possibility that the maid had a problem with her. It was probably just an accident, she considered, not let the allowing herself to escalate it any further in her mind. Although there was already a slight bubble of ire that crept below the surface.

She followed Aven and Lucie into the home, glancing around, she began admiring its features. That settled it, a grande house and a maid. Aven was a rich boy, a member of the upper class, not the kind of face she would have seen in her public school hallways. Not that it really mattered any, Nessa liked Aven for his kind and quirky nature, his gentlemanly antics and quick wit. The only reason she was so intrigued was because she had yet to learn more about his past, often what they talked about was guild or magic related. She was excited to see another side of him.

She was pulled out of her thoughts by a booming voice, she jumped a little; turning her head to look at its source. Standing ahead of them was a tall woman in military uniform, her face one of hardened intensity as she spoke. Nessa stood completely still, feeling the thick tenseness of her aura hitting her like a wave. She glanced over at Aven who looked even more thrown by it that Nessa, unable to help herself her lip curled up slightly at the sight of him. She had never seen him react like that to anything, it was quite adorable. There was a heavy silence in the room, Nessa’s scattered thoughts tried to work out what she should do in such a situation. After seeing the woman smile and comment about him having grown. She felt herself relax a little. She assumed, this had to be either Avens mother or a woman of some kind of Matriacal position in his household. She made the decision to wait for Aven to respond first, she was a guest after all and stepping ahead of him to speak would possibly undermine his return.

Seeing Aven's bow, Nessa followed suit, figuring it was the polite thing to do. As she straightened up, her polite smiling was immediately wiped from her face as Aven's Mother jabbed him in the stomach with her sword, delivering a blow so hard he actually fell unconcious. Nessa stepped forward, hand reaching out, she watched in mild horror as Aven was hoisted over his mother's shoulder as if he were no more than a ragged doll. Before she could say anything else, they were gone and Nessa was left alone with none other than the maid. Nessa offered her an anxious smile, a little awkward laugh escaping her lips.

As soon as the others were completely out of the sight, the dog girl was in her personal space, a barrage of questions spilling from her. Nessa couldn't feign naivety here, it was as clear as day. Lucie didn't like nor trust her. Nessa sighed, she had dealt with jealous girls before, but not for a very long time. The days of high school drama had almost seemed a distant memory. But here this Lucie was, acting like one of the girls whose crush had so happened to ask Nessa out. Except in this case Aven had done no such thing, all he had done was bring a friend over for dinner and yet Nessa was getting the third degree. She offered Lucie a smile, undeterred by her attempt at intimidation.

"My full name is Nessa Cordelia Lux and I'm here because Aven brought me. I guess he wanted to introduce his good friend and teammate to his family." She told the girl confidently, placing her hands on her hips, she eyed her straight back. "I don't presume to court anybody. Listen, you can cut the whole protective sister act. I understand Aven's a great guy, and you don't want him getting hurt. But honestly, I don't have any ill-intentions, we're good friends who so happen to work together." She brought her hand down from her hips. She just hoped the girl would see reason, else this was going to be a very long and potentially uncomfortable night.

The way that Lucie was behaving towards Nessa was really starting to grate her. That little bubble of ire that had formed under the surface earlier, swelling a little more in size as the girl proceeded to speak down to her. However what she was not about to do was lose her temper, this girl was just being protective, although even Nessa could tell it was a bit overzealous. What got to her the most, was Lucie’s little remark about handing him over. Like he was an object. It was understandable to protect someone you care for and want the best for them. Even if it meant trying to protect them from something they were blind to. But, to Nessa, what was NOT okay was acting like Aven didn’t have the say in the matter. This did not please the Starlight Maiden at all. She crossed her arms over her chest, frowning as she spoke. ”He’s not your-“

However her words were cut off but the appearance of an object, specifically a white leather hat. Nessa noticed Lucie straightened up and watched that the hat moved of its own accord. Clearly from magic, her eyes darting along with it and it moved. However despite watching she still seemed to miss a trick, because a gentleman appeared standing where the hat had appeared. There was the briefest of moments where Nessa thought Aven had returned with a nice suit and beard, then she realised this man was a lot older than Aven.

The gentlemen began to introduce himself, taking her hand in his, smiling at her with a kind expression. She felt instantly eased by his presence, he felt very familiar. His speech and mannerism making her feel like she was talking to Aven once again. She smiled at him happily, genuinely pleased that he had arrived and practically torn through the tension she had been enduring with Lucie. ”The pleasures all mine sir, you really have a beautiful home, I’m honoured to see it’s splendour in person.

When he mentioned her being he first friend that Aven has brought home, she felt a little warm feeling in her chest. She already considered Aven her friend but to hear someone else say it, it was music to her ears. To know she had been the first to be permitted to see this part of his life, made her want to do a little hop. She refrained though, thinking it would be embarrassing. Instead she followed Lucie along feeling much more comfortable than she had moment ago.

NEssa couldn't help her grin as Mr Alveron spoke, he was just so nice and polite. As he gently shooed her towars the dining room, she offered in a little wave just before he disappeared. She stood there looking at where he had faded before turning to continue on into the next room. Just before she was about to enter, Lucie the maid spoe once more. Nessa listened, her smile replaced a look of 'here we go again', did this girl not stop. Nessa shook her head, "Yeah, yeah, you don't trust me, I'm a weakling blah, blah, blah, can we move on? I don't wanna keep Aven waiting." She replied in a non caring manner, her patience was really started to wane with this girl, she was doing what she could not to bite. Boy, did she want to bite, but there was Aven to think of.

She stepped into the dining room, glancing around, another room that made her wwant to let out a whistle. She didn't, because even she knew that would've been stupid, but she was tempted. The more she got to see of the house, the more she was impressed, she hadn't expected this much. Her eyes spotted Aven in his nolemans attire, and she couldn't resist a grin. Sitting there in his fancy clothes, he just looked so dapper. Her eyes were then drawn across the table to his mother, who was staring at her with an look of cold intensity she felt to the bone. Geez, Louise. She thought, she looked along the table. It was clear that his parent's were bound to be sitting at the tops of each end. She wasn't aware of him having any brothers or sisters, or at least she hoped she wasnt about to make the awkward mistake of sitting in somene elses seat. She decided to take the seat next to Aven, tucking her dress beneath her as she sat down. Placing her hands on her lap as Lady Alveron addressed her.

"Thank you for having me ma'am," She began in a soft polite tone, then upon hearing his mothers comment about his magic being 'silly' she shot him a glance before looing back at his mother. Well that was harsh. She thought, she wanted to contradict her to tell her she was wrong, But she suspecting doing something would not go down well in the Lady's eyes. She thought for a moment before straightening up in her seat. "Becoming a team with Aven has been very rewarding for both of us, I think our magic compliments each other well. Allowing us to get things done efficiently and effectively. Earlier today we took out a notorious group of bandits and managed to return our clients stolen cargo completely undamaged." She directed her next comment towards Aven, "You really impressed me with that last spell of yours."

Nessa was looking at the piercing gaze of Lady Alveron, after a moment her eyes seemed to glaze over. Memories began to flicker through her mind, odd thoughts, not belonging to her. Thoughts of her sparring with Aven. Only he was a little bit younger, closer to Nessa's age, maybe a little younger. Delivering blow after blow until he was knocked back to the ground. The memory faded, and Nessa's eyes focused once more. She blinked a few times, a look of confusion over her face, she looked around. Wondering where those thoughts had come from, she contemplated the possibility of them being some form of imagination. But the memories had felt so solid, so clear, almost as though she had lived them. Yet, she hadn't. She had only known Aven a short space of time, and never before had the two of them engaged in combat, Nessa didn't even use a real sword. Just her Starlight Sword, but that hadn't been in the memory. Was this some kind of magic in his house affecting her?

She listened as Aven's mother gave him a small remark that was almost what you might consider praise. Then as her eyes returned to Nessa, she felt the icy chill that had been coming off of her shift. Becoming much more welcoming, she looked on as the woman smiled at her  sincerely. Nessa eyes flickered over the ladies face, she was actually very beautiful when she smiled, it was just her hardened exterior and fierce intensity that distracted you from how pretty she actually was. It was in that smile that Nessa saw a resemblance to Aven, even if it was minimal.

Nessa's felt her chest swell once more, hearing Lady Alveron's acceptance was enough to make her practically ooze with happiness. She had come to his home hoping to learn more about him and to make a good impression on his family. Aside from one individual in the room, it seems she had succeeded. She beamed an unrestrained smile at Lady Alveron, "Thank you, ma'am. I'm most grateful for your hospitality." She told her earnestly, "Honestly, I couldn't be more pleased with having your son as a companion. I think I'm very lucky to have found such a reliable and considerate individual to fight by my side." She looked at him again, her facial expression one that was pure and confident. "I've grown so much stronger since becoming a part of this team, I can really see us achieving great things together."

Nessa could tell Aven was pleased with his mothers words, she was glad. It seems that regardless of her harsh behaviour and cold demeanour. Drani Alveron was a loving mother and wife, she just had a specific 'way' of showing it. But it was clear, much like a lioness, she would slaughter anyone that came after her cub. Nessa felt a little twinge in her chest, that small sting of pain when she thought of her own mother. A world apart from Aven's, but had just as much love and protective instinct. Nessa wondered what she would've thought of Aven, she was sure her mum would've loved him. Plus she probably would've have been so odd to be around in compared to her other family members. Cordelia Lux had been known for her gentle nature, known to tame the most bitter of hearts. She probably would have loved Aven, giving him a warm hug and welcomed him into her home. Nessa stomach sunk, but that would never happen. Nessa pushed the thoughts from her mind, not wanting to start crying at the table.

Nessa did not notice the appearance of Sergis Alveron, so she couldn't help but jump a little when she suddenly heard him replying to his wife's comment. Following his arriving was several butlers carrying trays filled with all sorts of extravagant food. Nessa bit her lip as a plates were place in front of her. It looked delicious and smelled even better. She genuinely couldn't wait to dig in, although she glanced around the table, waiting. She knew richer families tending to have a certain 'etiquette' about eating, so scoffing her face would probably look very out of place. A lady eats like she's balancing a feather on her spoon... The words of her Aunt's advice came to her.

Nessa looked over at Aven, a little glossy eyed as he asked her what was wrong. She blinked a couple times, and shook her head, giving him a warmth smile. "No, I'm fine. Excited to try this delicious food!" She told him, the thoughts that had been plaguing her weren't quite for the dinner table. Nor were they for most situations, Nessa didn't want to bring Aven down. Especially when he had just been so happy following his mothers comments.

She turned to look at the food, and began digging it. It seemed Lady Alveron's wasn't particularly fussed about etiquette when it came to food. It was a relief actually, meaning Nessa didn't have to fear being judged for picking up the wrong cutlery. She glanced at the Lord, noticing he was particularly more refined. She picked up the outside fork and began eating. It really was delicious, seasoned to perfection. She would've complimented the chef, but it appeared as though no one at the table cooked it. Undoubtedly they would've had a magnificent set of kitchen staff to do the work for them.

When finished, she laid her cutlery vertically on the plate. Taking her napkin and dabbing her mouth. Before smiling at her hosts happily, "Thank you for the meal, it was delicious." She had in fact been starving but she had somehow managed to eat her food slowly and with a small shred of grace. Not the way she ate at home that was sure.

Nessa gently pushed her seat back, "May I please be excused to the ladies room?" She asked politely, before rising out of her seat, and making her way out of the room. She made her out of the room, having decided it would be a good time to recollect herself. She began to walk along the long hallways, quickly realising she had no idea where she was going. After a while she figured that it was pointless to keep going without actually checking behind a door, even if it felt a little like snooping. Setting her eyes on a door, she made her way towards it.

Nessa pulled open the door, peeking inside, she tried to see what was there but she couldn't really tell. Stepping inside, she let the door come to a close behind her. She walked a few steps taking a look around, at first she thought it might be a study or a library. What with all the books all the way up to the ceilings, papers everywhere. However, the large bed in the middle indicated that this was in fact a bedroom. The single word at the top of the bed brought a smile to her lips, she had accidentally discovered Aven's room.

She looked back at the door and bit her lip, she should really walk out and look for a bathroom. However like a string was tugging at her ear her face slowly turned back to the room, and her feet began to move forward. She scanned the contents of the shelves, his collection was magnificent. She wasn't a greater lover of reading herself, but her father was. He would have been very impressed, with Aven's room, not Nessa being in it. She ran her fingers along the spines of the books, before moving away. She went over to the bed, So this is where Aven Alveron sleeps... It was perfectly made, and a little untouched. It had from the sounds of his mothers words earlier been a long time since he had been here. A great temptation suddenly came over her, at home she only had a single bed herself and she wondered what it might be like to enjoy such a grande bed. I shouldn't She thought, followed by a cheeky giggle.

Giving in to temptation, she spun on her feet, allowing herself to fall back onto the giant bed with a soft thud. She spread her arms out to see if she could reached the sides, she couldn't. Shuffling up it's sheets, so her head was resting on the pillow, she lay on her side. Running her hand gently over the silk. So soft, She thought, enjoying the smooth sensation beneath her fingers. She turned her face into the pillow, enjoying it's comfort. A familiar scent reached her, although it was greatly faded from time. She could smell him ever so slightly, Aven. She close her eyes, breathing deeply, she felt herself relax. It would be so easy to sleep here... She thought.

Nessa was lying on the bed, resting peacefully on the bed. She would get up in a moment, she was just enjoying herself. After all she had spent the day running around fighting bad guys and using her magic. Then to rush home get ready and come straight to Aven's, following which she had needed to deal with the whole ordeal of meeting his family. So one moment, just one moment of peace was all she wanted.

However, her moment of peace was destroyed when the door burst open and Aven flew across the room. Landing on the bed next to her, his face appearing inches from hers was Aven. She watched as his eyes popped open to find her lying next to him. She looked at him in complete shock, mortification seeped over her for multiple reasons. One in all the places he could've found her, she had been lying in his bed. On top of that he was lying very close to her, so close there were almost touching. Her face turned a red that matched Aven's own expression.

Letting out a loud squeak, Nessa rolled herself away from him. Going too far, and as a result, toppling off of the bed and onto the rug. As she landed papers full of research notes flew into the air, landing softly on top of her. She lay face down for a moment, before pushing herself onto her knees. She peeked up over the bed at him, "Um, I'm sorry. I got lost." She said apologetically, a piece of paper balancing awkwardly on her head.

Nessa reached up and pulled the sheet of paper off her head, placing it on the floor next to her awkwardly. As he spoke to her, she felt her blush level rise even higher. Raising her hands and shaking her head vigorously, attempting desperately to explain herself. "N-no, I wasn't napping. I just...er… like... I mean, this bed is so much nicer than the one I have at home. I just wanted to see what it was like. I'm sorry. That was inappropriate of me." She looked down, taking a finger and running circles awkwardly along the carpet. Feeling a little ashamed of herself for invading his privacy, "Please don't be mad at me." She asked softly, the embarrassment clear in her voice.

She looked her at him, her cheeks still flushed, giving him a small smile, "You're rooms really nice though, much more interesting than mine." She told him, glancing around, "My dad would be so jealous of your reading collection." It may have been obvious that she was trying to change the subject, but she just wanted to diffuse the awkward moment that had just occurred. That moment, not unlike a moment they shared earlier at the campsite. A tension of sorts, she couldn't explain it, but it was ….different.

Pleased that he wasn't annoyed by her behaviour, she accepted his offer, climbing off of the floor. She brushed down her dress, and took a seat next to him, placing her palms by her side and pressing her knees together. She followed his gaze to the books, looking over to the shelves. Her explained to her that this was how he had learned his magic, she tilted her eyes, scanning the shelves. "You're so studious, I envy that. I was a bit of a airhead at school, I should've paid more attention." She hadn't been so bad, but certain distractions had come into her life. After the passing of her mother, she had had the energy to study, or even care. Teachers had been lenient on her due to her situation, allowing her grades to drop. Just as she had started to get her life together again, another person had turned up. Another regretful distraction. Fortunately for her, grades didn't matter so much when you were a magic, but that didn't mean she didn't wish she had tried harder.


When he looked at her and asked about her thoughts on his family, she let out a laugh. "They're amazing honestly. I can see where you get your gentlemanly manner," She told him referring to the Lord, "And you're mother is an amazing woman, she's a little... direct in her way of approaching things, but I like her. You have a wonderful family, who really care about you." She looked away, "I wish..." She began, biting her lip, she didn't know whether she should say it. It was a sore subject, one they had never actually broached directly. But she trusted Aven, so would it be so bad, to talk to him about it. Just a little. She couldn't imagine him judging her for being a little weak, even for a moment. She looked at him, her hands squeezed the edge of the bed. Her lips parting, and the words came out. She couldn't help it, her guard had dropped ever so slightly and they were escaping her before she could stop them. "I wish you've could have met my mum, she would have loved you."