Beneath the starry skies we unleash ourselves~

[maging]

WHO: Howl Pendragon & Lapis De Fiore~
WHAT: Bestowing a surprise and sharing a romantic night together under the starry skies~
WHERE: The Secret Garden~
WARNING(S): Mature themes to likely follow~

[Another day filled with grand adventures came to pass, beloved companion Lapis at his side coming to an end within Ingary, night’s sky illuminated by the beauty of radiant stars and shimmering moonlight. After a hard day's work managing the bustling affairs in the magic shop, Lapis diligently worked away in the shopfront happily tending to its many customers' needs, meanwhile Howl restocked the necessary supplies for its array of potions along with any other magical necessities he thought to surprise his counterpart. A little gift for all her efforts recently aiding him around the castle and shop both.

When the pair finally close for the day and make their way back home via the traveling doorway, the magician ushers his partner along with haste giddy as a school boy. A sincere smile splayed wide across his face, hands gently molding over her curvaceous figure before resting at the small of her back in an affectionate embrace. Holding her gaze intimately the blonde haired male leans down to place a chaste kiss to her lips, pressing forehead gently against her own as he sighs out contently.]

 

I have a surprise for you my darling.
 

[Pulling away from their tender hold on one another, Howl sashays over to the kitchen area to grab a magically enhanced picnic basket filled with assorted finger foods, decadent cheeses, meats and crackers with a bottle of fine wine along with glasses for each of them. Gliding back to her side at the traveling doorway he links the free arm within her own, waving the hand anchoring the basket towards the colored disk which controls the door shifting on the cue.]

 

I crafted a very special place dear to my heart just for the two of us.

 

[Turning the knob they step through the threshold of darkness, quickly greeted by a breathtaking display he hoped she would find enamoring. A flowered field graced with sprawling mountain ranges as far as the eye can see. The dark of night shrouded their surroundings, accentuated by the bright stars reflecting off the calm waters as he motions outwards, a gently breeze following in suite as his attention shifts fully back unto his companion.]

What do you think my dearest, Lapis?

Comments

[crisantemo]

[ As with everyday in Ingary, Lapis always did her best to assist those who visited the store - while quiet by nature, she was attentive and dutiful, attuning to what the customers wanted and providing advice when needed. In the end, she was simply glad to help both them and Howl; always a little proud of herself when she sees someone leave with a smile. After a lifetime of believing people would be wary of her, it's nice seeing that she can help others.

And it also makes her easily flustered by Howl's attention, cheeks already flushing when his lips press to hers - not that it stops her from eagerly soaking up the affection, leaning into the embrace with a nuzzle as curious eyes blink up at him. A surprise? Already she's trying to think of what he has in mind as she follows his lead, though she's not really sure what to expect - he's always been good at keeping her on her toes.

So with her arm linked through hers and with herself pressed securely against his side, she follows him through the door, all the more curious about this special place. And she certainly isn't disappointed when she takes in the sight of the garden, eyes widening as she takes everything in. Her hand squeezes around Howl's arm for a moment, watching as the stars glitter in the water. ]

Oh. [ Ah, right, she should say something. With the flush on her cheeks deepening as she turns her eyes up at Howl, wonderment shining in the gold as she gives him a soft smile. ]

It's beautiful, Howl. This place is amazing... [ And with that she leans up, letting her lips brush against for a moment. ]

Thank you for bringing me here.

[maging]

[She deserved to be pampered once in a while and could think of nothing better than to spend a romantic evening under the moonlit skies with the woman who's ensnared his heart. This place held particularly special significance to the mischievous wizard, one which he'd called home a long time ago when he was just a young boy, passed down to him by his uncle as a means for him to practice his magical prowess. Off in the distance was a small wooden cottage where they could lie their heads together without being rudely interrupted by any of their fellow housemates in the castle. It was hard for them to find time to have peace and quiet amongst themselves to share intimate moments, thinking this a perfect spot where they could bask in each other's company. After all, Howl did so enjoy getting lost in each other, vying for her affections as they coupled themselves in blissful pleasure.

Sparkling ocean blues stare longingly down into his counterpart’s shimmering golden hues, a sincere smile stained across his lips before her own brush against them to produce a contented sigh. Leaning in closely to seal them together once more, Howl lingers a bit longer this time, head tilting just so to deepen their cherished embrace. He would never tire of kissing his beloved companion, one true love to ever breach his armor put up around himself even if he’d flirted casually with others in the past they were nothing more than fleeting moments of weakness. Lapis had saved him from himself, showing him unparalleled kindness and gave him the courage to face his fears. No woman could pale in comparison to the regal beauty which stood before him and would be hard-pressed to ever let her go.]

Precisely like you, Lapis.

[Ever the romantic as he finally pulls his lips away with a light hearted chuckle, waving a hand in grandeur as they walk arm in arm closer to the water’s edge.]

You are most welcome. I wanted a place where we might bask in each other's presence unaccompanied by our peers.

[A pause as he looks downward with a particularly playful expression splayed over his features, brushing the fingertips of his free hand across the porcelain soft flesh of her cheek.]

Only us, my love.

[crisantemo]

[ The cottage in the distance catches her attention, and the thought of being able to spend time alone - without being interrupted - making her smile just a little bit more. She doesn't mind the little fire demon and Howl's apprentice, she certainly doted on them enough, but it's nice to just... have time alone. Even if she still finds herself wondering if she really deserved all the affection and attention Howl gave her - she spent so long doubting someone like her could be loved...

But he's making it incredibly hard to keep thinking about that, especially when he looks at her like that. So full of love so genuine that it takes her breath away, and how he seals their lips together sends a flush of warmth through her that she almost feels dizzy - unconsciously leaning into him as she basks in the affection. Even when the kiss ends she still keeps herself close, his words pulling an almost sheepish huff from her. ]

I think you may be a little biased.

[ She means that fondly of course, walking alongside him as she takes in the sight of the garden. It really is beautiful, and she can't help but smile still as she looks over it all - and that smile brightens that little bit more when she feels his fingers brush against her cheek.

There's no hesitation in leaning into the touch, though between that expression and his words... Her own smile turns a little more playful around the edges. While she was never the most expressive, she's slowly opened up more and more around Howl - quiet she may be, she always felt so intensely. ]

Now I have to wonder if you're planning something. [ Not that she minds at all. ]

But I do like the thought of us having some time together.

[maging]

[Their moments alone were few and far between as of late, thinking this a perfection location for them to spend some much deserved time without being rudely interrupted. Lapis' response garners a light hearted chuckle from the mage, fingertips of his free hand exploring as they draw from the nape of her neck down her spine until finally resting at the hip holding her gingerly in a cherished embrace. Starring longingly at his beloved counterpart, Howl would have been contented to stay like this forever.]

Whatever do you mean, Lapis? Your beauty is unmatched by any other of that I am certain.

[Avoiding her latter sentiment as they sashay back inland to find a nice flat spot for them to park themselves, Howl removing the hand upon her hip, graciously waving in a grandiose fashion as the jacket draped over his shoulders surged forward into the sky. A flick of his wrist and the garment transforms into a large blanket big enough for the pair of them to comfortably lie down upon.

Shifting down to the bedspread below, Howl sets the picnic basket between them to produce a bottle of red wine along with a glass each. Popping the cork open to pour them both a hearty sum the wizard takes up his cup to the sky as he proposed a toast.]

To us; May our days be filled with sublime happiness and our nights filled with pleasurable bliss.

[Clinking their glasses against one another's own as a mischievous grin crept over the tip of his lips at the implication before taking a healthy swig with a satisfied hum. For it had been some time since they had been able to sneak away like this and thoroughly enjoy one's companionship, Howl seizing this opportunity to do just that if she was amendable to his advances in due time.]