Post by The Serpent's Embrace on Nov 18, 2013 0:02:50 GMT -5
13 August, 23 CLE
A hint of frost lined the windows outside the exclusive restaurant. The evening chill had set in hours ago, making the warm candle lit glow from within all the more inviting. That is, until one saw who sat at the only occupied table in the whole restaurant.
Their meal ended hours ago, tables were cleared and employees ready to go home but the two oddities were far too deeply engaged in their conversation to notice.
There had been many such outings over the course of the chemists stay in Noxus. He and his serpentine companion never going more than a few days without taking time out of their busy schedules to have a meal together or take in a show. It had been a very long time since the lamia had gotten such attention from any man, much less one so prestigious as Singed. He had even been kind enough to work around her schedule.
The man seemed so enamored that Cassiopeia could almost believe he was genuinely interested. Back when she still held a diamonds sparkle, she would never have questioned his devotion. A jewel no more, she no longer had the luxury of such wishful thinking. Instead she found in its place, a diamondbacks' cunning. Far more useful, far more deadly.
Instinct had warned her in the beginning that there may be more to this courtship than meets the eye. Still, his proximity to The Grand General had made him far to tempting to refuse. Lately though, contemplating his motives brought an odd feeling to her chest.
The corners of her mouth turned downward. The lamia did not enjoy this feeling one bit, in fact she positively hated it for all its indefinably.
The mad chemists voice cut into her wandering thoughts, leading her back to the moment. "My apologies." she replied, looking down at the blood red silk of the tablecloth in partly feigned embarrassment.
"I fear the wine has gone to my head."
Feeling her cheeks grow warm, she held back a scowl at the truth exposed by her own features.
Post by The Mad Chemist on Nov 18, 2013 14:42:13 GMT -5
Back in Zaun seeing Singed outside his laboratories and companies was a rare occurrence, even more so seeing wearing something besides a lab coat tainted in exotic chemicals. But now here in Noxus he always found time to enjoy the present company, dressed in a black suit this time enjoying a dinner outside with a fine lady. Singed enjoyed the conversation with her…he would be lying to himself he denied that lately his outing with the younger of the DuCouteau daughters was something he didn’t wanted do. He sometimes almost found himself waiting eagerly for those outings with her. She was always entertaining, always attempt and always charismatic, she was endearing, she suspected him…he could see that. He could also see that she had almost taken this as a challenge, he knew they were fighting on her terrain “seducing a seductress” such a foolish endeavor for many but for him it was exciting.
And of course he sometimes caught in her eyes glimmers of happiness and hopes maybe more deep little traps she had laid out for him or signs of his small victories? Those questions where what had caught him on this game in a way beyond his expectative.
After she seemed distracted for a moment he caught yet another glimmer but this time sadness or something similar after that she give a perfectly timed excuse. “Of course don’t force yourself my dear.” As always her acting was peerless and that was something charming on his eyes. Just how many weapons had this woman to fight in such terrain?
“Would you like to continue our talk here or somewhere else? Or if the wine as affected you too much maybe I should take you home?” he responded laying options to see how she responded.
Post by The Serpent's Embrace on Nov 18, 2013 18:26:16 GMT -5
Just like that, the game was back on.
"Oh my dear sweet Singed I wouldn't dream of it!" A pale hand flew to her chest in horror at the thought.
Cassiopeia glanced around the now deserted restaurant and then put a clawed finger to her lips. She tap tapped thoughtfully, blue eyes trained up at the ceiling as though she was searching her mind for an answer. "I think a change of scenery is just what I need to clear my head but where shall we go? "
Her eyes flickered over to her companion, letting feigned emotions play outwardly as she made a show of watching him. Perfectly insane, perfectly brilliant. It was such a shame they had not met years ago when she really had been beautiful...
Suddenly her eyes went wide with a new realization. Blast it to the void, I really don't want to cut our time short! Oh of all the things to have happen... this was so unprofessional. Clearly it was long past time for her to dig up that nasty little seed of emotion and burn it before it could take root. But how?
Her fangs reflected the candlelight at the small table as she flashed Singed her most winning smile, playing out her sudden surprise as though she had just now gotten a wonderfully good idea rather than a perfectly unhinged one. She would uncover his motive by calling his bluff that's how.
"You know..." Cassiopeia leaned in close and then paused for dramatic effect.
"I have been positively dying to see this laboratory you are always telling me about." Cassiopeia sat back, her delight apparent as she gauged his response.
Post by The Mad Chemist on Nov 19, 2013 2:30:22 GMT -5
Singed observed her emotions, the deceit interlaced on her face. "Oh yes the old workshop. Not the most fun place on the planet for many but for me it is paradise." he said, maybe a little too sincere in his feelings. "But I wonder if such a place will be boring for you. Machines working at a monotonous pace, reactions taking place without much flair and I fear it might be a dangerous for such a woman as you to be in such a hazardous place." he said, pondering her motives.
Maybe she wanted to close the distance between them by getting to know that side of him or maybe she wanted to find proof about his true motives. It was endearing. He didn't have any flask labeled "Cassi" in his lab so he didn't have anything to fear, or so he thought "But I suppose that taking certain precautions will be enough to keep you out of harm’s way"
Post by The Serpent's Embrace on Nov 19, 2013 20:41:03 GMT -5
As Singed spoke of the paradise that was his work, his passion for it came through so clearly that it was almost palpable. Now we are getting somewhere.
“I fear it might be a dangerous for such a woman as you to be in such a hazardous place."
Oh my! That almost looked like a hint of genuine concern in his eyes. The micro expression was gone in less than an instant, leaving only a shadowy impression in its wake. “Sweet Singed, so worried just for me?"
The temptress rose from the table in one long graceful movement. "Now how could I possibly be in harm’s way with such a strong, intelligent, man like you right there to keep me safe?" she cooed to the chemist, punctuating each compliment by gliding closer until there was almost no distance between them.
Her serpentine tongue flicked out for the briefest of seconds, testing the air for the ghost of emotion that might have been. Was she mistaken? Perhaps... but he certainly had more than enough reason to worry, even if he did not know it yet. Cassiopeia was not the only snake who was in the room during their little interludes. The Deceiver still kept watch over every single move she made. And they all think I'm twisted, she mused with an inward smirk.
"Singed you darling man, nothing from your mind could ever bore me. Especially not your work, as long as you explain which little vial does what and all of that. Besides, you know how much I love it when you talk science." Azure eyes looked up at him from beneath her lashes and she leaned back. Keeping herself close but not too close as she held out her hand. To an observer it might seem as though she was inviting him to come along, despite it being his lab.
Manicured talons danced expectantly at the chance to get back into Dark Bourne Hold. It was far too enticing a prospect for her to give it anything less than her all. “Pretty please?” The quiet allure in her tone and the playful pout she directed the Mad Chemists way had always been nigh impossible for the average man to resist. Then again, Singed was anything but average.
Post by The Mad Chemist on Nov 19, 2013 22:13:46 GMT -5
Singed smiled at Cassiopeia’s expressions she was almost adorable…no she was with a side of danger like a carnivore flower ready to devour anyone who wasn’t prepared. “If you wish my dear I have no reason for not humoring your request.” She responded taking her hand as he rose from the table leaving some gold from the waitress more than enough to pay for the dinner and still leave a generous tip. “Well let me escort you to the place where nightmares and dreams are born” he said guiding her toward the carriage he had rented for the occasion “I don’t remember if I told you but for now I’m a guest in Darkbournehold and so my temporary laboratory is in there…I have been thinking of buying a property of my own in Noxus and I might need advice after all I’m not too…familiar with the price of land dealing like that in Noxus” he said starting a small chat and already setting for the next outing as they traveled towards Darkbournehold. The steps of the horses mixed with the sound of a dying afternoon that give his pace to the night “it seems like it will be a great night isn’t it my dear?”
Post by The Serpent's Embrace on Nov 20, 2013 2:06:35 GMT -5
It was going to be a frigid night. The moment the restaurant door opened and the breeze hit her; there was nothing the lamia could to stop the shiver that formed beneath her coat. The merrily glowing street lamps did nothing to hold back the frost. Unrelenting, it sank into her bones and would not be denied. Cassiopeia stayed close to her companion, allowing herself to be helped into the ornate carriage.
Once Singed had settled in and shut the door she finally responded, trying to keep the shiver out of her voice. “Oh surely you are teasing to think I would not want to help. I adore shopping for real estate!”
The lamia twisted a bit in the tight quarters, her shoulders tilting provocatively as she spoke. “You must let me come with you to look at what is available when you start to look around.” The serpentine beauty did not have to pretend. She was utterly thrilled at the idea of hunting down a nice laboratory space.
No matter what fun it could be, Darkbourne Hold was her goal here and the more time she could spend there the better. Cassiopeia would just have to ensure that the chemist was patient, "It may take a little time, but I am sure we can find something that will be just perfect for your needs."
The carriage began to move, jolting her up against the chemist’s chest. Her eyes flashed up at him in a feigned look of apology but she did not even try to sit up. Warmth, the heat drew her in like a moth to a flame. With predatory swiftness, her tail curled itself tip first around his leg.
I should have worn something to keep out the frost. She admonished herself. Sadly, none of her old winter gowns had actually fit properly and dress shopping had become rather distressing. If she was going to play the game though she would need to look the part... and preferably not go clinging to the first warm body that presented itself.
“It is a lovely night for a ride.” Several moments passed in silence before the lamia finally agreed, giving a contented sigh now that she was warming up. Her eyes drifted to the dark shapes outside the window of their carriage, watching the little flashes of light fly past as the one shape that made up their destination got bigger. “A little on the chilly side for me, but being cold blooded can have its rewarding moments."
Cassiopeia's eyes flickered up to his face, fangs flashing as though she was trying to hide an embarrassed smile. "You don't mind… Do you?”
Post by The Mad Chemist on Nov 20, 2013 23:53:27 GMT -5
“Sorry my dear I didn’t knew that you had such a…inconvenient problem” he said pulling Cassiopeia a little closer “Please don’t feel…inhibited…it doesn’t bother me” continued holding Cassiopeia close to him seeing to the eyes as he wrapped his long arm around the lamia’s shoulders “is in fact comfortable” he added accommodating himself so his serpentine companion could lean on him In a more comfortable manner. “Besides I was the one that invited you out shouldn’t I make your outing as enjoyable as possible?” he seemed sincere in his response even if it was at just the part about her wellbeing for the night being his responsibility “It seems like we are getting closer to our destination” he said looking outside the window as the shadow of Darkbournehold grew on the horizon.
Post by The Serpent's Embrace on Nov 21, 2013 21:51:19 GMT -5
Azure eyes assessed the chemist, the mind behind them curious to see just how comfortable he really was. He truly did seem rather content as he wrapped an arm around her, pandering to her whims. A pale hand, talons painted in shades of green and gold for the occasion, gave his arm a gentle squeeze. “Time with you is positively the pinnacle of bliss you charming man. Although, if I had known you were this warm before…” Her words tapered off playfully, letting his mind fill in the blanks.
Singed was right about their destination. The carriage moved so swiftly that before she knew it, they were already moving up the solitary road leading to the gates of Darkbourne hold. “So, while we are on the subject of my satisfaction,” She paused, readjusting so that she could see his face and keep an eye on what passed outside the window. “My curiosity is in desperate need of slaking.”
Cassiopeia waited for the inevitable response and then asked in a playful tone “Do you really have creatures locked up inside that lab of yours? The kind that will eat small children while they sleep, or is that just something people say?” She teased him with the popular myth, curious to see if there was any truth to it.
Outside the window, unfocused eyes caught sight of guards, shapes and shadows, gone in an instant as they sped past. Would they be stopped at the gates? Questioned at sword point? The closer they got, the more excited the lamia became. Not only to have her foot in the door but Singed by her side! The situation could not have been more ideal.
Post by The Mad Chemist on Nov 22, 2013 2:08:32 GMT -5
He caressed Cassiopeia’s cheek silently as a response to her words. Singed smiled at her “Monster eh I only keep those back in Zaun Swain didn’t wanted those in his gardens.” He said with a small chuckle. After checking who was on carriage the guards let them pass “Well if they didn’t knew you were going to accompany me tonight they do now” he said referring to the owners of the place. He took of his jacket and put it on Cassiopeia’s shoulder before coming out of the carriage offering her his hand as support to descend from it “Here we are…well almost” he said before taking her inside the mansion to guide her trough it’s halls until they got into his personal laboratory (No Swain not the one in which he is crafting the RF that one is a whole separated complex).
Post by The Serpent's Embrace on Nov 22, 2013 20:46:51 GMT -5
“Monsters eh, I only keep those back in Zaun. Swain didn't want those running loose in his gardens.”
Blinking a few times, Cassiopeia suddenly burst out laughing at his humor. Even after months of getting to know him, Singed could still manage to surprise her with something new.
Once the carriage stopped she thanked him for his coat and allowed herself to be lead through the halls of the hold. Eyes sharp, she kept subtle watch for anything useful or anything dangerous. Navigating had never been a particularly strong suit for her and the maze of corridors and hallways all seemed to blend together in an endless mass of confusion.
Just when she was sure she would be lost without Singed at her side, they arrived at their destination.
The doors to the Mad Chemists lab opened at her approach, exhaling a puff of sterile smelling air. In her mind the lamia had prepared for something horrific; little green men in cages or containers holding everything from two headed creatures to random body parts. All of those things, she had been completely equipped to deal with.
Despite Cassiopeia’s assumptions, she was confronted with a far different sight than anything she had expected. Unlike the myths that had circulated over the years, the lab was not a gruesome sideshow.
Gentle bubbling sounds echoed about the room, which was filled with a tube of some kind everywhere her eyes darted to.
Overwhelmed, the lamia took winding swing backward as she stared up in amazement. It took a moment of searching her mind for something to say before she could even recover her senses enough to break the awkward silence. “Oh my, the size of your operation here is most impressive.”
The man certainly likes his tubes she thought with a smile. Test tubes, pipes that stuck out of the walls which led to bigger tubes and at a glance all of those appeared to hook in to large tanks. And of course atop the many tabled surfaces, test tubes.
Hesitantly she focused on the least intimidating looking thing she could find; the desk. It had but one solitary container on its surface which reminded her of a very plain perfume bottle.
So what was one to do when of their element like this? Cassiopeia carefully leaned down to peer into the lonely looking container of fluid, deciding that a question seemed a fair place to begin.
Post by The Mad Chemist on Nov 24, 2013 0:54:34 GMT -5
“Eh you have good eye my dear how do they say? “One of these things is different to the rest, one of these things does not belong?~” he said chuckling “Yes well that is something I have been working on for a while on my free time it is an artificial polymorph of water as soon as it come in contact with oxygen it solidifies even in ambient temperature sadly it can’t act as a “crystal seed” for some reason.” He said opening the bottle and pouring it into his hand even before touching it had become an array of crystals that branched from the principal one creating a somewhat complex structure but it was beautiful on its own way for those able to see it. “Nothing impressive or usable but curious I still want to investigate it.” He said gifting the exotic piece to his companion “a little present for you…in between the big ones of course” he said watching Cassiopeia’s reaction
Post by The Serpent's Embrace on Nov 24, 2013 15:29:22 GMT -5
Far from a scientist, Cassiopeia could only nod as the scientist talked through the complicated explanation.
I should ask for the simple version, she thought, but what if that was the simple version? Before she could say a word he had the top of the vial off and was pouring it onto the bare skin of his hand! “Singed be care...” She reached out to stop him but it was already done.
In a matter of seconds, it was no longer just a shapeless mass in a bottle but a multifaceted thing of beauty. The lamia’s lips parted in an exclamation of awe.
“A little present for you…in between the big ones of course”
Cass leaned down, her eyes wide. “Magnificent “ She uttered in a stunned whisper, her breath warming the hand that held the gift. Well aren’t I making a lovely impression, she thought, straightening up as the newly formed stone was placed in her hand.
She cradled the gift but glanced away from the sparkle of it to look up into the gold of his eyes. “Thank you Singed. It is a treasure, made all the more valuable because it is a product of your art.”
A hissing sound snapped her attention elsewhere, a puff of foul smelling steam venting from a container on the far side of the room. Her eyes followed the length of the copper pipes until they disappeared into the wall, heading for some unknown point beyond.
Depositing the excess or is there more to it than meets the eye? she mused, her eyes roaming back from the pipe to Singed. With him there always is.
The lamia inclined her head in the general direction of the containers. “How many projects do you have in here? “
Post by The Mad Chemist on Nov 26, 2013 0:35:03 GMT -5
“Enough to keep me busy after all I wouldn’t be where I am if I didn’t worked at least that much” he responded playing with the now empty bottle in his hand “Most of them are dedicated in gathering information about chemical reactions or creating new compounds rather than in their applications, after gathering enough knowledge I bother with finding practical applications and sell them to the best bidder use those founds to found further research that’s how before I knew I was branded one of wealthiest men in Valoran and one of the most despised person’s all the same.” He said still playing with the bottle “I give the world what they want and they hate it isn’t it funny my dear?”
Post by The Serpent's Embrace on Nov 26, 2013 10:54:31 GMT -5
“It does seem to support my theory that the world is full of idiots.” Cassiopeia replied in absolute seriousness.
“Personally, I think it adds to your charm.” She flashed him a sly fanged smile and then with an elegant sweep of her tail, she circled around to stand shoulder to shoulder with him. “I know I am no scientist,” her voice dropped off to a conspiratorial whisper, “but it seems to me that things tend to stay dormant until you expose them to adversity.”
Cassiopeia reached out toward the bottle, holding the glittering crystal in the palm of her hand. To see it there, right next to the mundane bottle that had been its former life, seemed to illustrate her point. “Without it, we might never get a chance to grow at all.”
Welcome to Maelstrom, Original Characters, Summoners and Champions alike. We are a divergent setting roleplay forum for the ever-popular MOBA by Riot, League of Legends. This means we are based in Riot canon, but your characters' actions can have a real, lasting impact on the world. Together, the Maelstrom community endeavors to bring the League of Legends setting and characters to life through collaborative storytelling and meaningful development. We welcome you along for the ride.
Hang out in a citystate, visit the Institute of War, explore the uncharted recesses of Runeterra. Whatever you decide, good luck, have fun and happy writing.
hello new skin yes. gonna work out some kinks but let me know what you guys think. it's not all that flashy but i didn't really like the tabs so the side bar is back. oh and the cbox has also made it's appearance. -rurin.
Maelstrom was created by Swain. Written content is copyrighted to their creators on this site. The skin is created by Wolf and mini-profile template by Kuroya of Gangnam Style. The board and thread remodel is by Kagney and has been heavily edited by Rurin. League of Legends is owned by Riot Games. Maelstrom does not claim ownership to any images used unless stated otherwise.
cbox
Chat box has been removed for the time being. Please contact me at Wyerden@gmail.com, or skype name DearCryophoenix with for any questions or concerns.
