Micronation
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Wanna hear a joke? Decaf.
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Post by Lukas Iversen on Jun 22, 2015 10:19:34 GMT -5
"And honey, one thing is certain
There's no escaping now" He wasn’t sure himself what it was, but he could always tell when humans entered the forest. It was a very distinct feeling; a tingle in the back of his neck, a subtle excitement at the chance to prey on someone new and find himself some entertainment for an hour or two. But despite liking to amuse himself with the idea he didn’t always act on the feeling, letting humans roam the woods uninterrupted every once in a while instead of bursting right into his siren song. He sometimes liked to still follow them around, watching them as they hunted down a deer or a rabbit or sat down by the lake in hopes of catching fish, but unless they caught his interest or knew to call for him themselves, he didn’t usually step out of the shade of the trees.
This particular human was different, though. He had never seen him before, not in the forest or the outskirts of the nearby village. The man didn’t have a bow or a fishing rod either, instead he appeared to be looking for something. He briefly wondered if he was perhaps lost, but discarded the idea quickly; the man didn’t look worried or agitated enough to be in any sort of trouble. If anything, he seemed focused. And it appeared he was indeed picking up something every once in a while. But the villagers who sometimes came to the forest to collect edible plants and mushrooms never ventured this deep into the woods, so he couldn’t help but feel that this particular man had nothing to do with the other humans living around here.
That wasn’t what had first piqued his interest, though. There was something else different about the man, some kind of power coming from him that wasn’t usual for humans. It was magic, definitely, but it wasn’t the same kind of magic that creatures such as himself had. It felt more restrained, like a trained watchdog instead of a wild wolf, but he supposed that what was human were like. They always needed to be in control, to harness power and mold it until it fit their purposes. He thought it was utterly foolish. Yet, there was also something else he could not quite place, a feeling of something that was not restrained, something that smelled dark and dangerous, and that was what fascinated him the most
The more he wondered about it, the more curious he was to find more about this man and his powers. Humans he could meet anytime he wanted, but coming across one wielding magic was a rarity indeed. Especially one as young and easy on the eyes as this one. No, he definitely wouldn’t let him slip away.
He halted his steps when the man stopped to pick up something and peeked at him through the leaves of a young tree. He was close, close enough to catch a glimpse of eyes green like moss and the way the morning sun painted his fair, messy hair with specks of gold. The young man was human, yes, but he also had a hint of something wild about his appearance, and that made him all the more appealing. And the longer he watched him, the more he could feel desire humming under his skin, making it harder and harder to keep himself hidden. He wanted to call out to him, strip himself bare and sing to him until the man only had eyes for him, wanted to lead him deeper into the forest and drink that youth and that strange magic straight from his lips.
But he also wanted to learn more about that magic, and he couldn’t do that if he cast his spell on the human right from the beginning. So he held himself back and kept following the man, treading light and silent in his wake. He let the cloak he wore over his tunic slip from his shoulders as the sun climbed a little higher and stretched his back, enjoying the warmth of a new summer day and the prospect of an unusually delightful encounter. Then, keeping his eyes on the stranger’s tall figure he started to circle around him, not even needing to watch his step to avoid the fallen branches or the roots of the trees that might cause him to stumble or make a sound. He didn’t really mean to scare the man, but he did enjoy the surprise on people’s faces when he made a sudden appearance. People liked to think they were well aware of their surroundings, and he liked to prove them wrong.
“You’re not lost, are you?” He asked the man as he finally stepped out from his hiding place, voice smooth and sweet like fresh honey, a hint of amusement in on his face. Truly, he could not wait to learn what tales this particular human had to tell.
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Post by Arthur Kirkland on Jul 12, 2015 16:13:40 GMT -5
He knew that this relationship probably wasn’t going to last. Rabbits who ended up in his snares should be ending up in a stew, not being kept in a wooden cage over his stacks of books because he wasn’t quite sure if he really wanted to kill this one or not. This rabbit looked different from the others he’d caught, not sleek and quick. But rather endearingly disordered. His fur was a textured grey and he seemed just as disheveled as his captor. Despite having killed several things in the past, usually small critters, for his one cooked meal in the day, Arthur found himself pulling vegetables from his garden and simply adding it to yesterday’s leftover stew, eyeing the caged rabbit nibbling on a bit of root that he’d given it, as if this sudden burst of irrational sympathy were all its fault. Perhaps it was its appearance, as if it were a misfit that didn’t quite fit it with the other rabbits. Arthur would never be one to admit that his heart may have softened for misplaced, broken things and people. He was no different.
His sympathies were being sorely tested; though, when he found the rabbit the next morning escaped and had started chowing down on his stash of valuable herbs he’d painstakingly collected from deep within the forest. Arthur released a slew of filthy, passionate curses that would make any seasoned seafarer blush. As if sensing his wrath, the rabbit bounded from what was left of the herbs the moment Arthur took his first menacing step forward. The chase was epic. He rifled rather violently through his already disheveled cottage until he managed to grab at the mangy rabbit, pulling him out from beneath the bed by his scruff. Most of Arthur's initial adrenaline had drained along with his anger, but the irritation still burned brightly. ”Just you wait, you dirty little impish milksop, I’ll make sure to throw you into a nasty boiling pot by the end of the day,” his threat was much milder than his initial curses, as he tried not to look at the mangy rabbit now facing him from within it's confines. Arthur was stacking heavy books on top of the cage to keep it from making a second grand escape. When he was finished, he took a deep, slow breath, running his hand through his messy locks, messing them even further while he looked for his overcoat.
Arthur usually ventured out most mornings, he’d just have to venture deeper into the forest to replace the now sadly consumed herbs. ”I hope they give you horrible stomach pains... Maybe that’ll teach you...” he continued to mumble angrily throughout his cottage while he dressed himself in soft layers to ward off the morning chill. He also secured his bags used to carry said herbs along with the materials needed to preserve them before slipping on his forest hued cloak. Arthur secured his door tightly before leaving. Walking past his little garden of vegetables and fruits protected by simple wards he’d placed, he picked a handful of small berries to eat along the way.
This morning in particular was more beautiful, if a little more eerie, than most. The moisture in the air from the rainfall the night before allowed for a light mist to linger. The soft morning light peeked through, giving the forest an almost otherworldly feel. It was mornings like these that settled Arthur’s impassioned thoughts, gave him that bit of calming peace he yearned for. Peace was valuable for someone who had so little time left on the earth. He always tried to avoid thinking about the inevitable, and instead focused on each beautiful thing, every glimpse that he managed to catch and would hold onto for as long as possible. Every day counted.
The deeper that Arthur ventured into the forest, the more he was able to focus on finding these particular herbs. He knew quite a bit about them, from his training as a young boy and from studying ancient texts as he grew older. It was the only way he’d been able to make his living whenever he did decide to venture into town to buy the things that he couldn't gather or make. What Arthur really wanted that morning; however, was to pick the rarer herbs that were oftentimes in the deepest, most secret parts of the forest. Even Arthur had yet to unlock those secrets. For the meantime, he simply stopped wherever he noticed the valuable foliage and detach it carefully from the ground, his fingers sometimes trailing along the edges of its soft leaves before folding them away into his cloths, moistened with ointments, and sorting them into his bags. Sometimes he would pull out a little pad of paper to make notes on where he found a particularly promising stash. With the luck he’d been having this morning, he’d likely be back for more at a later date. Arthur had never before ventured this deep. This entire section of the forest had gone unexplored in the past. The risk was definitely paying off.
Every so often, with the occasional prickling of his skin, Arthur would get the unsettling feeling that he was being watched. It wasn’t uncommon to feel that way in the forest, as sometimes it was something as innocent as the surrounding wildlife as he silently disturbed their habitat rifling for herbs. As such, whenever Arthur would cast a quick glance around, he didn’t find anything unusual, just the typical morning drenched forest, the occasional flicker of the light filtering through the canopy of leaves and the feeling of warmth as the sun settled over him, pronouncing the light speckling of freckles across his nose. He tried to ignore it as he continued, but that small, nagging feeling never dissipated.
It was brought to the forefront of his mind when he finally heard a voice break through the usual forest noises and noticed a slim figure stepping out from seemingly nowhere in his peripheral vision. Arthur turned, nearly stumbling in his footing with how quickly he’d stopped, his heart immediately hammering against his fear-tightened chest. It was a beautiful voice, silken and sweet, almost suspiciously so, especially this deep into the forest where he could’ve sworn that he’d seen no human settlements. Even so, Arthur was well aware that he appreciated lovely voices, with how they danced pleasantly along his skin. What really caught his attention; however, was when his eyes rested on the other man, how his striking appearance matched his voice. Arthur was silent for a few seconds, his mouth parted slightly as if to say something and voice feeling caught, his skin suddenly far too warm as he gave the other a slow once over, noticing his dark blue eyes last and focusing on them.
”I—no, I’m not lost. I’m—“ Arthur’s voice finally started working, though he felt like he was stumbling over his own words now, feeling even more like a bumbling idiot with each passing second. He wet his lip slightly before starting again, colour slowly tinting his cheeks. ”—just foraging for herbs. Part of that requires getting a little bit lost, I suppose.” The corner of his mouth curved slightly at that, awkwardly, his heart now racing for a different reason. He found it difficult to tear his eyes away from the fine, pale features of the stranger. The fact that he was acting this ridiculous so quickly should’ve been a red flag. Arthur knew he had a penchant for and a not so pleasant past with beautiful men, all of them not ending well. That was partly why his secluded life worked so well, away from the messiness of entanglements, particularly when the unnatural mark over his skin had nearly eclipsed. But—that did nothing to sway his desire. And even now—even if this stranger was nothing but trouble, Arthur couldn’t find it in him to mind in the moment. Not when he had so very little to lose. What harm was there in a brief entanglement?
”It’s a beautiful morning to get lost in, isn’t it?” he spoke again as he straightening from where he’d been examining a plant, fingers tightening over his bag and pushing it to his side. Arthur’s curiosity in all things was always as heightened as his interest. His pulse still refused to slow. ”Forgive me—I wasn’t expecting to see anyone out here... Do you live nearby?” His teeth briefly grazed at the inside of his lip, a nervous, contemplative habit, fairly certain that he hadn’t passed any residences. The deeper he sank into the woods, the further he felt from the world he knew.
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tag // Lukas Iversen
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Micronation
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Wanna hear a joke? Decaf.
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Post by Lukas Iversen on Jul 24, 2015 12:43:20 GMT -5
The silent astonishment and the undeniable appreciation on the people’s faces at the first sight of him never failed to bring him immense satisfaction, and this time was no exception. He let the human rest his eyes on him, enjoying the attention and swaying his hips just a little as he took a couple more steps towards him. The way the human stumbled over his words wasn’t an unusual reaction, either, but it was quite adorable nonetheless. He liked being affirmed that he didn’t necessarily need to put spell on someone to have them wrapped around his finger.
“That’s true.” He said, letting his own lips curve upwards to return the stranger’s smile. He wouldn’t make fun of his awkwardness or the color spreading over his cheeks. He wanted this man to trust him, and ridicule would hardly be of aid in that. “The forest holds many surprises for those who wander off the safe paths.” Whether those surprises were good or bad, though, was entirely dependent on one’s fortune. Or up to one’s interpretation. To him, this sudden encounter was quite a delightful happening. And he hoped the stranger felt, or would feel, the same way.
“It’s a beautiful morning for chance meetings as well.” He watched the human as he finally stood up straight, noting that he was a bit taller than he’d expected. The cloak and all the pouches and bags secured at his waist had made him seem a bit sturdier, but now that he was up close he was able to see he actually had a very nice, lean form. He was clearly young, too, face adorned with freckles and devoid of any marks or lines of age. Yet, the look in his eyes was different from the young people of the village. More serious, more mature. Like he’d seen more things than he should have. And that was yet another thing that intrigued him. He could feel that magical aura around the human even more clearly now that he was up close, though he still couldn’t quite place it exactly. There was just something off and he didn’t know what, yet he was dying to find out more.
“Nearby? You could say that~” He smiled at the human, a hint of mischief seeping into the expression. The forest was his home, and even though he wandered other parts more than others he didn’t have anything that a human would call a residence. When he was tired he curled up under a tree or on a bed of grass, when he wanted to wash up he took a dip in the lake or in the small streams coursing through the forest. The morning dew and sunlight were his nourishment, and the creatures of the wild kept him company when there were no humans around for him to interact with. He was just as much part of the forest as he dwelled in it. “I suppose I ought to welcome to you to my back yard.” He gave a small but graceful bow, feeling a little more playful than usual.
He was really enjoying himself, the little challenge that forgoing enchantments and magic brought, but he could tell the human was feeling a little nervous. Interested, yes, but also nervous. He supposed the man had every justification for that, but he still wanted to make any qualms he had disappear. And what would work better to chase away doubt than an act of kindness?
“I could show you a place where some rare herbs grow.” He offered, softening his tone and expression and reaching out to brush his fingers along the edge of the man’s cloak. “If you don’t mind joining me on a little morning walk, …?“ He looked the human in the eye, hoping for a positive response as well as a name.
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Post by Arthur Kirkland on Jan 18, 2016 13:37:14 GMT -5
Arthur thought this whole situation odd, especially this deep into the forest. A stranger all by himself with seemingly no weapons on his person, and dressed lightly. It send a slight shiver up Arthur’s spine with the idea that this stranger didn’t need such things, the free manner in which he walked gave away that he felt secure and fairly protected by some other means. Furthermore, Arthur had his own history with pretty men and the pretty things they say. Though, the last pretty creature Arthur had been with, it was Arthur who ended up fleeing, to save the other from having to deal with his nasty condition and premature end. It was probably better to break his heart in that manner than the other possibility. Still, that set him up to be a rather lonely young man and feeling the attention of a lovely stranger felt good, more than he had felt in months. And although he was cautious, Arthur wasn’t about to run off anytime soon. He wanted to hear more from the stranger, and feel more of those lovely, long forgotten feelings.
”Hopefully pleasant surprises,” Arthur responded, that warmth still lingering in his cheeks as he glanced over the stranger. So, far it had been a pleasant meeting and perhaps it would lead to more pleasant finds deeper in the forest. His lips did curve a little when the stranger told him that it was a beautiful morning for chance meetings as well. ”Of course… I don’t get those very often whenever I venture out here. But they’re not unwelcome. It’s been a while since I’ve been in anyone’s company. Or at least company that can hold a conversation with me.” A soft, brief sound of slight amusement left him, thinking, of course, on his little mangy captive currently under house arrest for the destruction of his herbs.
Hearing the stranger’s response, Arthur felt both a hint of amusement that he was evading his question somewhat, but also a hint of caution. What was that supposed to mean? Those cautious green eyes flited across the small bit of mischief that seemed to cross the stranger’s expression. But Arthur still wanted to be in the other’s presence, he wanted to gather a bit more, and hear and converse with the other male as long as possible. Despite the odd situation raising Arthur’s alertness, the loneliness in him ached just a bit stronger and talking with the other alleviated that a little. And Arthur wasn’t without his own defences either.
Even so, the other didn’t seem to have any ill-intentions toward him, more apparent now with the playful bow and his playful words. Arthur’s caution melted just a tad into a reflected playfulness as his smile became more apparent, a smile that he hadn’t worn in what felt like ages. It was a pleasant feeling to be smiling again. ”Thank you. I suppose I’m honoured, then, to be welcomed into such a lovely back yard,” he replied back somewhat lightheartedly.
When the stranger offered to show him a place where he could find an abundance of rare herbs, Arthur’s expression seemed to light up quite a bit. What luck! That this lovely stranger would happen to know where all the rare and exotic herbs were located, herbs that could very well be Arthur’s saving grace. ”You would do that for me? That would be fantastic. It would mean quite a bit to me, actually, if you don’t mind?” Pink dusted his cheeks, both from the excitement and the subtle brush of the other’s fingers along his cloak, physically drawing Arthur in just a tad, having a sudden and embarrassing desire to run his fingers in a similar fashion, delicately and curiously, down the other’s frame. ”I wouldn’t mind at all… I’d rather enjoy your company. I suppose we should be properly acquainted, then… My name's Arthur,” he held his hand out for the other, hands that were slightly roughened by his gardening activities.
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tag // Lukas Iversen
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Micronation
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Wanna hear a joke? Decaf.
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Post by Lukas Iversen on Feb 10, 2016 13:05:06 GMT -5
He felt that he was already learning so much about this human; he was young but mature, lonely but polite, and seemed to hold an appreciation for the forest many people these days did not have. Then there was that undeniable interest the man had towards him but was held back slightly by cautiousness, something that spoke either of wisdom or painful past experiences. Perhaps both. But it was the one thing that he was most curious about that kept eluding him, and he knew that even if he was able to put his spell on this man and have his body he wouldn’t be entirely satisfied if he didn’t find out what that strange magic of his was.
”You would do that for me? That would be fantastic. It would mean quite a bit to me, actually, if you don’t mind?”
But it appeared he would have some more time to try and figure that out, the man’s face lighting up at his offer, all of that lingering worry and wariness dissipating. Just like he’d hoped. “I wouldn’t offer if I minded, would I?” He smiled, that playfulness still glimmering in the corners of his eyes and concealing the depth of his own desire. He found the human’s flustered state oddly charming, felt thrilled that he could have that effect on someone so easily, that a simple touch of his could draw the other closer.
”I wouldn’t mind at all… I’d rather enjoy your company. I suppose we should
be properly acquainted, then… My name's Arthur.”
“Then that makes two of us. I’m afraid I don’t have company often, either.” He replied, shifting a little closer to the human, Arthur, and looking at that extended hand for a moment. The skin was roughened in places, calloused from the use of human tools, and he could see black soil caught under the clipped fingernails. They were kind hands, strong but gentle, the hands of someone who grew and nurtured things. Yet, when he reached out to take that hand the first thing he felt was darkness; a fleeting wave of magic that reeked so badly of death it sent a shiver up his spine. It was gone in less than a heartbeat, a gentler, more controlled magic following in its wake, but he knew right away it was that black magic that he’d been unable to place earlier. He didn’t know exactly what it was, or if Arthur was even aware of its existence, but even with his limited knowledge of human magic it was unmistakably something bad. An evil spirit, a curse, perhaps some item Arthur had on him that was of dark origin.
The intensity of it had surprised him, but it didn’t exactly diminish his interest in the other as much it increased it. He could feel no threat coming from Arthur, and he met humans with magical abilities so rarely he just didn’t want to let the opportunity to slip away. Especially when they were as easy on the eyes as this one. “You can call me Lukas.” He shook the other’s hand, giving Arthur the name he’d chosen for himself ages ago just for the sake of convenience. He didn’t let Arthur go though, not wanting the other to linger on his earlier surprise and get suspicious. Instead he glanced up to meet Arthur’s green eyes, lifting his brows as he gave the other another smile. “Shall we?” He asked as he slipped his fingers between Arthur’s and gave him an inviting little tug, turning to head deeper into the forest.
He knew the place he wanted to go very well. It was one of his favorites; a small clearing beside one of the largest rocks in the forest, a small side stream of the river trickling through the cracks in the stone to create a perfect environment for moss, herbs and plants that loved shade and moisture. The clearing, on the other hand, provided a completely different living conditions for plants with warmth and sunlight. It was a home to a wide array of plants, and also favored by many creatures of the forest. He loved spending mornings there listening to the birds sing, or watching deer as they came in to feed on the grass at nightfall.
It wasn’t far, either, which also worked in his favor. But he did not intend to let silence fall between them and the conversation die out; he still wanted to know more about Arthur. Maybe the human would provide answers on his own if slightly encouraged. So he turned around as they made their way through the forest, his steps swift and sure as ever even when walking backwards. “Arthur… That’s a good name.” He said, running his thumb across the other’s knuckles as if it was the most natural thing in the world. “So what’s your story? I don’t think I’ve seen you around the village.”
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Post by Arthur Kirkland on Oct 10, 2017 11:55:32 GMT -5
Arthur pulled his cloak a bit closer about his shoulders to ward off the morning chill. He drew closer to the other man, an almost shy smile when he heard his teasing question that he wouldn’t have minded showing him this rare place in the woods where rare things grew. He did pause a little when the man’s expression changed when he touched him, as he grasped his hand. Of course, Arthur was well aware of the darkness that hounded him, that gently stole a bit of his life each day until it was through absorbing whatever remained of him. He could feel it heavily lingering over his soul, like a fast-growing pestilence, but he managed to ignore its ugly presence over the years, instead attempting to try and nurture what other life he could before his own ended prematurely. And he was suddenly and strangely aware of that haunting presence once more as Lukas gave him that odd look.
People couldn’t typically tell that something heavy and unwelcome followed Arthur, but there were a few that he came across in his travels who did, and he wondered if Lukas was possibly like them. Perhaps he was sensitive to magic. Arthur’s resolve to have company that day wavered slightly, wondering if it really was a good idea to potentially become attached to someone like he had done several times before. But he seemed to relax a little, and that thought was immediately dissipated when Lukas gave him his name. ”Lukas… a pleasure to meet you.” No, he wanted to be a little selfish on this beautiful morning, he desperately wanted the company.
Arthur flushed when Lukas intertwined their fingers and tugged him deeper into the forest. He followed eagerly behind, a small voice in the back of his thoughts telling him that he was being very foolish following a stranger into a part of the woods that he had very little knowledge about. It’s not as if he was completely without protection, but it still wasn’t a good idea. His thoughts were successfully distracted by Lukas’s words, his cheeks burning a bit further when he felt his thumb brush across his knuckles, his pale skin still chilled from the morning air, but warming quickly.
”Thank you. It was the only thing my mother left me after she departed from the world. I’ve always liked it, too.” He smiled slightly at that. Although it seemed like it would be a rather dismal thought, he tried to have as many good ones towards the only family member that he ever really knew about.
He snorted softly with Lukas’s observation that he’d never seen him around the village before, and he followed quickly with his own admission. ”I confess, I’ve turned into a bit of a hermit for the past couple years now. I only go into the village for absolute necessities. For the most part, I’m fairly self-sufficient. I’m sure you’ll hear quite a few stories from the villagers if you mention my name. The lot of them raised me after my mother passed… so I suppose they’re all like my family in their own way. And in return for their kindness, I’ll create poultices, medicines, potions or other such items for needs that they might have.” Arthur knew that probably gave away what sort of abilities or interests he had.
And he chewed at his lip a little before deciding to reveal it to the strange, lovely man, even knowing that sometimes magic was looked down upon by other humans depending on the circumstance. ”I practice magic… I was told that it was something that my father passed along to me. I don’t use it often unless it’s to the benefit of others… I figure that there’s already quite a bit of death and misery in the world, so why not try and balance that out with healing?” The corner of Arthur’s mouth rose slightly at that, but he suddenly felt quite sad with the reminder that he didn’t have a lot of years left, himself. At the very least, this horrible curse would end with him and not be passed along to someone else.
”And… what about yourself, Lukas?” Arthur distracted himself from the reality of his situation with curiosity over the stranger. ”I’m quite sure that I would’ve remembered someone like you had I ever seen you in the village. My first thought would’ve been to try and ask you out for a drink.” Arthur said it quite honestly and with a slight, teasing grin.
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tag // Lukas Iversen
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