abraxaslogs | Open December Catchall

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Open December Catchall

WHO: Nadine and OPEN
WHAT: Horizon and Nott catchall for the month
WHEN: December
WHERE: Nott and The Horizon
WARNINGS: Will add as needed!

Nott

When not working - and with the weather turning, she's working more hours - Nadine can be found in the common room of the inn with a warm drink and a book, or at the lake's edge with a basket and heavy boots and cloak, gathering ingredients for the herbalist she works for, or behind the inn practicing with her fire magic. And of course she can be found at Nan Maeda's Tonics and Tinctures, the herbalist healer's shop where she's found employment. She mostly collects and prepares ingredients for her elderly employer, but she's learning and that's as important as the money.

Horizon

With the coming of the cold months, Nadine's domain reflects the season. Gone are the autumn leaves and the blue skies, snow covering the little slice of New England town that she's created for herself. The sky is overcast and white string lights and garlands have begun appearing. There's a towering Christmas tree in the square in front of the white wooden church, and the shop windows have old fashioned holiday displays in them. It bears a striking resemblance to something Norman Rockwell would have painted.

Nadine herself is often in the square, at the gazebo by the skeletal carousel, or in her own little cottage at the edge of 'town'. Easily identified as hers, as it's the only home with a shoveled walk and puffs of smoke coming out of the chimney. Sometimes the smell of baking or sound of music wafts out...

(Specific starters in comments, hit me up if you'd like one!)

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[At least she didn't say yes. How embarrassing to remove one's shirt then be requested to put it back on.]

That is very ominous, so I elect to not question what it means. [He offers her his hands, first on hers, then on her wrists, moving to her elbows simply to hold onto her. Not demanding, simply a tactile touch.]

My apologies, then. I'm not intending to rush you nor unnerve you. [It is only fair it's her choice what they should do -- it's her experiences which give her pause, and he is only a guest in her world.

He would be lying if he said he'd hoped a bit of intimacy wasn't in the cards, though, when he came. It was mostly about thanking her, though. Perhaps with a few kisses, if he was lucky.

Though he's sort of circling back to that terrible happenings thing. Like, similar to a cucked butcher running into his wife's bedroom with a knife? Or more like a tiny rock of a man demanding to see his ass at a royal banquet? Not that, ah, that's ever happened to him before.]

I promise, you have nothing to be afraid of.

[Nadine would never sleep with another man without Flagg's explicit permission if he were still around. Some rules she knows she could skirt or ignore, but not that one.

She's grateful that Jaskier doesn't seem at all offended. Assumedly, a man with as much experience as she's inferred he has would be more sensitive to quirks and boundaries in the bedroom. Or barn, as it happens.]

And thank you. I...it probably sounds a little silly, but I'm clear headed this time. I want to really experience whatever happens between us right now. I wasn't really in the mindset to fully appreciate the experience of being with someone new the last time. There's...never been a 'someone new' before.

[It isn't as though she doesn't remember their first night, but so much of the memory is feeling and sensation and little abstract bits that all blend together. His scent, how he'd made her feel. And there's that dreamlike quality to it. Far different than now, and the very clear and solid feel of Jaskier's hands on her arms.]

Is that okay?

Silly? Please. These, I understand, are far different circumstances.

[It's much more difficult to be swept into a certain mood. Not without the half-naked dancers, or the pounding music, or the overblown lights. Without herbs scorching their way through his veins and leaving every touch as powerful as the orgasm itself.

And to her credit, there are parts of that night he doesn't entirely remember, either. The memories are shaded by... well, fuck, whatever Julie had given him.

Not that he's against trying them again.

He moves a hand to her cheek, stroking it gently with a thumb.] Of course it's all right. I am ever as eager to give you an enjoyable night -- er, day? A bit hard to tell here sometimes. There is, in fact, nothing you can do wrong right now. I promise.

I really appreciate that, Jaskier.

[The honesty is clear in Nadine's tone. She knows she comes with a lot of baggage, the kind most guys wouldn't want to deal with for what amounts to just a bit of fun. There's a lot. More than even Jaskier knows at this point. But his patience and acceptance is going a long way.

She turns her face into his touch, just enjoying it. It isn't often she's touched softly like this.]

I...I just have one request.

[How to phrase this? Some things are hard to put into words. Especially with Jaskier lacking some important context, but it's context she has no desire to offer. For both their sakes.]

Is it alright if I...take the lead? It has nothing to do with you, I swear, I just think I need to feel like I have some control.

{Actual control, not the illusion of it she'd had with Harold. She'd never been able to say 'no' or tell him she didn't like something, she just had to grin and bear it. And she'd never even consider saying 'no' to Flagg, in regards to anything.]

[Context is unnecessary, really. Julie's set it up enough he has no further questions. Besides, as nosy as he is, he's well aware there are boundaries one must have. He's, unintentionally, already learned far more than he's sure Nadine ever meant.

He doesn't drop his hand quite yet, running the tips through her hair, around the shell of her ear. Easing her into it, as it were.

Her request only brings a glow to his eye. If she wants control over her lover, she's come to the right place. Never has there been a man more who enjoyed being stepped on. He was made for this.] Nadine, you hardly need to ask. Yes, yes! Of course. It's only fair that, in your space, you make the decisions. [Her domain, he means, but also in this... well, whatever is between them. He's simply an enthusiastic participant.] Please. Take control.

Thank you.

[The assurances goes a long way to helping Nadine feel more comfortable. Knowing it's what she says goes takes that nervous edge off. It helps, too, that overall Jaskier has been a gentleman. He didn't push her the last time, accepted that (at the time) she wasn't interested. It's fostered a sort of trust. If she feels the need to slam on the breaks, she trusts him to not push now.

Not that she anticipates that happening, but...

She reaches up to catch his hand in her own, twining her fingers through his.]

Let's go up to the loft. There's blankets and lanterns up there and the view is amazing.

[And it'll be a lot more comfortable than the floor of the barn. Besides, it's probably a common fantasy. An empty hayloft, a storm outside, lantern light...cliche, but so what? She's allowed a cliche or two.]

[He kisses the back of her hand before they drop their entwined fingers together. A loft, was it?] Ah, a secret loft rendezvous. A very good choice.

[He takes her word for it. It's certainly not his first time in a barn, and while it's not one of his all time favorite places for such rendezvous, he's hardly the sort to complain. And with the winter around them, snow falling once more, it could be a lovely view.

He allows her to take to the ladder first, climbing up after to what is, actually, quite comfortable. There's no dark corners or wisps of dust through the air, nor the vague smell of rotting hay and mice. It's clean, with a large window facing out into the winter, the snow-capped trees, yet not a bit of cold leeches through it.

Blankets, as she promised, lush and with deep, thick furs (that one might be his influence. Oops. One cannot make love without furs, in his opinion.)] You're right. It's beautiful up here. Possibly the cleanest barn I've ever seen in my life. And no phantasmal cows! Yet.

But the good kind of secret. Clandestine trysts are very exciting.

[Nadine sets herself to preparing a place for them.

The loft itself is another product entirely of fantasy. She knows what actual barns are like, and she doesn't want any of that here. Manure and flies aren't the least bit romantic. Instead it smells of sweet hay and freshly oiled wood, and when the lanterns are lit it's filled with a rich warm light that casts striking shadows against the wall.]

If they do come in it doesn't matter, cows can't climb ladders.

[She spreads out the blankets...that she could have sworn were flannel, but this is better, and sits to take off her snow boots. Here they are. She's really doing this, no urging or additives at play whatsoever. But it is a bit exciting, and she can feel that pleasant little flutter in her lower abdomen when she looks up at Jaskier. He is attractive, and very appealing as he is, bare-chested and backed by the clouds and snow out the window. And that smile...

Physical desires are beginning to stir.]

Now get over here and join me, I'm starting to feel like I'm a little overdressed.

Yet. [He teases, drawing closer to her. In the Horizon, anything is possible. Even cows climbing ladders.

No. That's far too ludicrous. He wipes it out of his mind before it can set him into some sort of laughing fit and ruin the mood. Though he is very happy to see Nadine clear-headed, making her decision to bed him without the fluttering of herbs in their heads, he almost wishes he had it once again. Simply... to take the edge off. The dark reminder that curls at the edge of his head.

So he looks outside to set it away, charmed by the snow that has begun to fall again. Perfect timing, of course.]

Well, I did hesitate after the whole shirt-removal business. [He turns to her again with a smile, and it comes easy. Why shouldn't it? For all of Nadine's warnings and what he's learned of her, he still finds her company easy. Especially that it feels all the more real when she is so upfront about everything.

He kicks off his boots before joining her, as commanded, his hands rolling over her hips to remember the frame of the body underneath these clothes. The glow of her horns, the way her neck stretched when her head was thrown back...] Shall I begin undressing you anew?

[Questions are good. If she's to be in control, he would love to be given orders. It's lucky that he's a few centuries too early to be calling her "queen" ironically.]

[You're in control.

Nadine reminds herself of this as Jaskier joins her, setting her shoulders and trying to project an air of someone in control. He's given it to her freely, it isn't as though she's going to abuse it, there's no reason to feel guilty or shy away from it.]

I think that would be a good idea. And you don't get any help this time, there's only one zipper and it's in front.

[Her sweater is lacking buttons or zips of any sort, and she can't imagine him having any issue with the fastenings of her jeans. A pity she hadn't thought to bother with nice underthings today, but none of this was planned. No silks and lace this time, just plain white cotton in a modest cut and a simple white bra. Of course she could easily adjust that right now, but...it feels like cheating.

Besides, he's from some medieval world where women's underwear is probably three different layers, even a plain bra and panties set is likely new and exciting for him. And it likely won't stay on for long anyway. There hadn't been much time to just look at each other fully bared and explore one another's bodies, the last time.

Hell, the last time he hadn't even had his actual legs.]

No help? Oh, we'll never get anywhere at this rate.

[Ah, he'll manage. He's had practice! Sort of. He still does not exactly understand how a zipper works, but he knows it's as simple as pulling. Sweaters are far easier: nothing but buttons, occasionally, and they are most easily removed by simply lifting over the head, which he does for her. He tosses it aside and yet it so naturally catches on a convenient hook near the window, hanging neatly for her.

Underneath is his first tease of skin, so thoroughly covered up as she'd been. His hands slide over her waist, following the unfamiliar texture at the waist of her pants.]

I was mistaken. We get getting somewhere. [He leans down to kiss her shoulder first, starting small. Nothing too overwhelming, and plenty of space for her to stop him. Only giving what he's allowed, as his ringed fingers move next to her hips, towards the front, where he finds -- ah. The hidden zipper.]

[Nadine lifts her arms for him, the bulky sweater easily coming off and leaving her in her jeans and white cotton bra. There's no sudden rush of shame as she's left partially bared, expanses of ivory skin exposed in the flickering lantern light. Removed of her clothes, she's a creature of monochrome, white and white on pale. There's nothing to be ashamed of, no reason to shy away or cover herself. She knows she's physically appealing, knows the dancing shadows and lights only highlight the lean angles of her, exaggerate her stark palette.

She doesn't stop him, tipping her head with a little 'hmm' to encourage him to keep doing what he's doing. Her own hands stay at her sides for now, just enjoying the attention in the prelude. She doesn't intend to still her hands for long. But this is new, this attention lavished on her. At least in this particular way. What harm is there in passively enjoying it?]

I promise you're going to get somewhere. Help or no help.

[Her hips lift slightly when Jaskier's questing fingers find the fastening of her jeans. They feel too heavy, too constricting all of a sudden. Like they're smothering her skin.]

But I might have to reprimand you if you take too long.

[The words are meant mostly in jest...but there's a flirty little tinge to them.]

[He laughs softly against her. She certainly knows the sort of promises a man wants to hear, experience or not.] I do so appreciate the reassurance. And the hint of a threat. [It's all the commentary he makes as, with her encouragement, he does not want to disappoint.

Though he's tempted to see what her idea of a reprimand is.

Later, perhaps. He wants more skin as it is. His lips slide down as he bends lower, dragging the zipper down. The noise is, er, strange, but the job is done. And buttons. He knows buttons, so that one is popped easily enough. Then her pants loosen enough he can snake his fingertips over her bare hips, kissing the top of her breast once he's low enough.

She's not wrong. Women's undergarments are sexy, in a way, because they give him more to remove. Here there is so... little. Layers no longer take up time. So much time.] Tell me which you'd like me to take off first.

[It's still a little strange, how warm and comfortable it is up here. It defies logic, but that's the joy of the Horizon. Nadine can sit here in an open hayloft in a light snowstorm and feel as warm as if she were sitting in front of a cozy fire. It is cozy though, the fur blankets underneath them and the soft lamplight.

She looks the same, devested of her outer layer. Even the letters on her inner thigh are still there. It's just easiest, to be honest here. To leave herself as she is in reality, rather than try and alter little things for whatever reason.

A little sigh escapes her at the attention of Jaskier's mouth, skin warming in a flush where his lips make contact. She lets him kiss the swell of her breast above her bra cups and then she raises one hand from where it rests behind her.]

Mmmm. Actually....

[Her hand goes to his chest to gently, playfully push him back. An idea's come into her mind - she wants to exercise the control he's so graciously given her. Just a little.]

I think it's your turn. I want to see you. The real you. I didn't get to, last time. Show me.

[Beyond that...it's just a small way of taking control, having him undress fully while she's still somewhat covered. She won't stay that way for long, after all. And she does want to see him as he is, properly human in the leg department.]

Oh?

[He already loves the sound of that actually. He takes a step back, wraps a hand around her wrist gently, sliding his fingertips across the back of her hand.]

Ah, yes. The goat legs certainly change things a bit, don't they? [He does not miss the dichotomy of him being undressed when his lover is not, or the flare of heat it pools in him. Only once he's kissed her hand does he sink his toes into the furs with another step back. As much as he loved the strangeness of those legs, and he could have them now -- could change himself however he wanted -- Jaskier's never been entirely interested in doing so. Even the scar of his arm is represented. Much like her own.]

Let me make a show of it, then.

[Romantic or not, it's still Jaskier. He can't not show off. So he lays back on the furs, the blankets, as if it's as good as a stage. Since his shirt is already gone, he begins at the front of his trousers instead: a neatly tied lace in a bow. One pull of it and the bow comes undone. He lifts his hips, elbows sinking into fur as he slides himself out of his trousers. Unlike her, he doesn't bother with undergarments. Not here.

He sits up only to get them off his feet, pushing them off to the side. He spreads his legs.] The real me. As promised.

[There's a strange sort of giddiness as Nadine watches Jaskier draw back to undress. Maybe there really is something to be said about making up for lost time. Despite the fact that they're both well into adulthood, she thinks this must be what it feels like to be young and just discovering all the joy and fun that two people can have together in private.

And he does make a show of it. Her bottom lip catches between her teeth as she watches, that giddy excitement only growing, eyes roaming openly over his body. He really is good looking. Strong, lean legs. Washboard abdomen...and of course what lay between.

Watching him, a thought occurs to her. Nadine pushes herself up to her knees and crawls towards him, hair falling over her shoulders.]

It's a very nice sight. And you put on a very nice show.

[Pausing at his feet, she rakes her eyes purposefully over to him before meeting his eyes.]

Let's play a little game.

[Oh, with all these compliments, how was he to focus at all? (Really, it isn't the compliments that distract him. It's the lovely cascade of hair over one shoulder, white as the snow outside. It matches her pale skin -- though in the light of the barn, with the sun movement, she's taken on more of a golden glow to him. Except for her lingerie, of course. White, just like her. Like the creams of her clothes he finds she tends to. Everything to emphasize that hair.

The opposite of some people he knows, all pale skin and black leather. This is soft edges where he was all sharp corners.

He sits up, leaning back on his hands. His body, of course, is all hers to take in as she wishes.] A game? [Now that is how one keeps Jaskier's full attentions, despite the tease of breasts and belly.] I do love games. Am I to even know what game it is, first?

[Asked as if he hasn't already basically agreed.]

I promise it's very easy.

[Nadine's hands rest on his bare lower legs as she kneels in front of him, smiling a little smile. There's a notable flirtatious tone in her voice now, as she grows more comfortable. Her hands stay where they are, just a little promise of further and more involved touching.

Which is exactly what she has in mind.]

But you have to lie back down. And then you're going to put your hands flat at your sides and you aren't going to move them until I tell you that you can.

[Not phrased as questions this time. Jaskier was very clear that he's open to giving her all the control, this is her way of exercising that.

And he'll enjoy it.]

[It wouldn't matter if it were easy or hard; as long as Nadine continues to look at him like that, he would agree to either. Speaking of being easy.

He shivers lightly, a lovely little trail of bumps alighting up his legs from where he hands rest on them; he must bite his tongue to all but beg her to move them. The smallest of touches. Even the gentle scraping of nails on very sensitive skin.

Right. He's supposed to be listening. Obeying, even. It was the agreement.]

I'm not sure this is very easy at all, actually. [He smiles, though, taking a kiss from her cheek while he can. And then he does as she asks: he lays back, his hands smoothing across the furs as his back lays flat, until his hands are at his side. Only laying on top of fur for now. He imagines he will be gripping it quite soon.] Or did you mean it was only easy for you?

Well...it starts out easy.

[Once he's lying down again, Nadine's hands move. Slowly, sliding gently up along his legs. There's no harm in taking her time a little bit, taking in all of him. The flickering lantern light casts shadows across Jaskier's form that draw her eyes. She does like to look at him, and something about how eagerly and joyously he displays himself dispels any shame.]

But it wouldn't be a very good game if there wasn't any challenge.

[She continues to move up his body, fingertips trailing up along his thighs but diverting at the last moment, tracing along the outer edges of his hips as she crawls over him and straddles his legs. It's surprising, how exciting this feels. How much she's already aroused.]

And at least you still have fun if you lose.

[Hands pressing against his chest now as she leans down to press her mouth to his throat.]

You know... contrary to most beliefs -- [He stops in distraction, her hands smoothing up his legs in the most perfect way to bring with them a wave of heat. For a moment, he needs only breath, eyes fluttering closed.] I enjoy the easy games. No challenges at all.

[All right, that wasn't true. He's simply enjoying her banter, and. And, of course, the way her hands track across his skin. With his eyes closed, it is only a guess where she meant to touch next, and the anticipation alone is enough to prickle his arms with goosebumps.]

Fuck. That feels wonderful. [It's slow, but methodical; more importantly, it is Nadine taking her time and... experimenting, perhaps that's the word. Finding what she can take from him. Or finding what she wants to take.

He opens his eyes, feeling her dipping down. Closer. Heat flares up his throat, leaving streaks of pink.] I look forward to losing, then.

[But he's doing so well so far. His hands are above his head, fingers twisted together, tangled but not holding tight.]

You're doing very well so far.

[Nadine is experimenting. It may be tame, but this is only her second extra-marital encounter.

Jaskier's reactions are encouraging. She lingers on his neck and throat, applying lips and tongue more liberally as she grows more comfortable. Her mouth works its way beneath his ear and gently, as though testing, she catches his skin between her teeth for a brief moment.

Her hands stay busy, gliding over the well defined muscles of his chest, tracing the lines of musculature with interest. A fleeting image crosses her mind, Jaskier bare-chested and chopping wood by a lake. He could probably lift and carry her with ease...]

But I'm looking forward to it, too.

Mmm. [Oh, he likes being told it so simply. You're doing very well. It's a hint of that teacher voice, he imagines. A firm compliment to encourage proper behavior. Oh, who wouldn't think of it? It's a very common fantasy.

And she has a lovely, soft voice. Very heartening.

His breath catches in his throat. Of course he's had rough and soft alike, but there is certainly stanzas upon stanzas to be written in appreciation of the slow, the methodical. That she goes so steadily slow makes his anticipation roil in his chest, until his fingers are curling for only a hint more. Like a bite of her teeth. His back begins to arch.]

I don't mind teeth. [Hers are far from the sharpest, at any rate.] If that's what you'd like to grant me.

Mmm, but do you like it?

[There's a far cry between not minding something and actively enjoying it.

But Nadine's teeth scrape along the hollow of his throat as she moves back down, her mouth back-tracking the path her hands have made. Her hair falls over her shoulders and brushes against Jaskier's bare skin as she kisses down his chest.

Every moment makes her bolder. Taking charge and doing as she pleases is growing more and more comfortable. Beyond that, she's enjoying it. The little thrill of power, the sight of him stretched out beneath her, the sounds he makes. Even the taste of his skin under her lips and tongue as she continues working her way downwards, tracing a line down his abdomen.

She's on a direct and very obvious path. The game is about to get more challenging.]

[He flushes, cheeks to his neck, extending more neck with his head to the side as an offering. Perhaps it's answer enough, but he nods and, then remembering his words, adds:] Yes. Oh, yes. I love it.

[Everything she's doing, really. Watching her explore (all right, his eyes are closed, but feeling it) is absolutely lovely. No longer do her hands hesitate, her words no longer so soft.

She had a point, though. This is better, in some ways, without the herbs. This is her as she is. Unfettered.

It is getting harder. His fingers tangle with one another tighter, nails biting in.] You're doing wonderfully. I promise. That direction? A very good one. [He shifts his hips, inviting.] Yes, right. Down there.

Open December Catchall

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