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The art of romance - Zavien - 05-19-2025
The gist of his letter to Thorn was a crudely written cry for 'HELP' that only briefly summarized his need for the courtesan's expertise. It didn't go into too much detail since Zavien was already embarrassed enough as it was, but it detailed a time and place to meet, someplace none of his fellow Dragoons might find him, and where he might even be able to research some pointers on his own.
In the midst of squinting at a book called 'How to Woo a Woman', Zavien is painfully reminded on why he never reads. The words swim and spin and taunt him by flying just out of reach like imps of devilish intent. He can practically hear their shrill laughter as he presses a few fingers against his eyes, trying to will them to focus, not that this book has been any help so far.
With his anniversary trip in planning, he's been growing increasingly aware that he has no clue what he's doing or how to go about doing it. Lena's never appeared to have a problem with his fumbling and obvious inexperience with relationships, but he does. He wants her to feel cared for and loved and appreciated in all the ways a beautiful woman should, the way he craves to. The only thing that's ever stopped him is the crushing fear that he'll screw it up somehow - that he'll push too far or be too hasty or fumble in a way that makes her find him unattractive. If he doesn't act on it, he can't fail. But with the night fast approaching, Zavien doesn't want to keep denying that part of their relationship, and after everything they've been through, it feels like the only way to truly show her how much he loves her.
Lost in his own thoughts, he only barely registers when Thorn arrives, jumping to his feet to greet the man with a beaming smile and a crushing hug. [say]"Thorn! Thank gods you're here. These books are about as good as blank with how helpful they've been."[/say] He looks around to make sure the librarians didn't catch his exclamation, but the Archives is pretty much empty, everyone outside to enjoy the Longheat weather.
Turning back, he grins again, gesturing to the other chair at the table he'd claimed. [say]"How have you been? It's been forever."[/say]
RE: The art of romance - Hawthorn - 05-19-2025
Zavien’s letter had been a surprise - but a welcome one. He hadn’t heard from the dragoon in a while, but he supposes that was the perk of their friendship. They each kind of did their own thing and reconnected to chat about it now and then as if no time had passed at all. It’s actually quite nice, the more Thorn thinks about it, using it as a means to distract himself from being in Stormbreak even if he’s sure Zavien probably isn’t infected. He isn’t so sure though, these days, not after his own Archon and his fiancee had succumbed to it.
But he shows, because he’s a good friend, and the letter had been as much of an SOS as he’s sure Zavien could’ve spelt out.
He’s slow as he approaches the Archives, slipping in quietly and delicately, breathing in the stale air of old books and parchment when he spots the dragoon and his excitement. It sparks a splitting smile on Thorn’s face, immediately wrapped into a crushing hug he only has half the mind to wiggle his arms around to hug him back. “[say]Hey Zav.[/say]” He says with a soft laugh, squeezing him back before they’re parting.
“[say]Been good! Learned how to line dance recently. Pretty fun. Been busy workin' otherwise.[/say]” Other than that? Mostly the same old same. “[say]What about you? What’s all the panic ‘bout?[/say]” He asks, his smile widening as he gestures for Zavien to take a seat again, pausing to drag another beside him so he can glance at the books in question as the realization starts to settle.
RE: The art of romance - Zavien - 05-19-2025
Releasing Thorn, he takes his seat again. His eyebrows raise at the mention of line dancing, a smile striking across his face. [say]"That sounds like fun! You'll have to teach me some time. I may be good with a sword, but I swear music trips my feet."[/say] His laugh is light, knowing full well that he's as graceful as a lumbering stone golem. If he weren't so preoccupied with coming events, he might have asked when and where he could join, wondering if Lena might even enjoy the activity.
But then they're on to the topic at hand, and Zavien takes a deep breath, his ears already starting to redden. [say]"Well... I started dating someone shortly after we met last time, and now our one-year anniversary is coming up, and she suggested we stay the night at an inn while we're in the Grounds, and I could be wrong, but I think she wants to - and I've never - I mean, my mom was a courtesan, but I haven't - not that I haven't wanted to, but I've just been so focused on joining the Dragoons and training that I never -"[/say] His words cut off as he lets out a low groan, his face having turned a deep ruby during the rambling. He runs his hands down his burning cheeks, summarizing it all in the very succinct, [say]"I don't know what to do, Thorn."[/say] An embarrassing admission and a desperate plea.
Zavien grimaces, glancing down at his hands when they fall back to the table. [say]"I don't want to make a fool of myself. Or worse, make Lena uncomfortable."[/say] Having already made it clear how clumsy he can be, it should come as no surprise that he has no idea what to do in order to make sex enjoyable for his partner - or how to keep from making a terrible misstep and ruining the entire moment.
Running a hand through his hair, his eyes don't quite land anywhere, jumping between Thorn then the table then the books and back. [say]"I know it's weird to ask - and you don't have to help if it makes you uncomfortable - but I consider you a close friend, and I thought you might have some advice...."[/say]
RE: The art of romance - Hawthorn - 05-20-2025
“[say]Ha, yeah, y’might find line dancin’ to be your thing then.[/say]” At least it had plenty of space just in case you did lose your balance. And honestly? Maybe Colt could help guide them like she’d done for him. But, regardless of the things he’s been up to, he’s more invested in the urgency of which his friend had reached out to him, sinking down into the seat and leaning across the table a touch closer to him, immediately taking note of the reddening of his ears.
And honestly? It makes so much sense, and while he doesn’t say that aloud in case it makes Zavien more uncomfortable, the curve of his smile is gentle and sweet - not unlike something he might offer to a client coming to him for the first time. “[say]S’not weird.[/say]” He was his friend, after all, and Thorn was well versed in it. It was his job, after all.
“[say]I can say that the more panicked ya are about it, the more likely y’are to make it weird.[/say]” He reaches out, trying to snag Zavien’s hand or arm to urge the point, long fingertips dancing along his arm in a small soothing motion to try and calm the worry he knows is just going to spread more. “[say]Communication’s important, Zav. When it gets down t’it, tell her its your first time. If she’s uncomfortable, you’re gonna wanna know so you can fix it. ‘Sides, the act itself can be a lil uncomfortable dependin’ on what you’re tryin’ to do, but I don’t think yer ready for acrobatics yet, huh?[/say]” He asks with a soft laugh, withdrawing to sit up a touch and prop his elbows on the table as he considers him. “[say]Let’s start with the basics, okay? You know what feels good to you, right?[/say]”
RE: The art of romance - Zavien - 05-20-2025
At least Thorn doesn't laugh, not that he'd been expecting him to, but it's still nice to have a friend that won't make fun of him for the inexperience. Koa would have probably gotten a good laugh out of it before calming enough to give advice, and with how closely he knew Lena, it was bound to be an uncomfortable discussion. Didn't mean he cared for him any less, but he didn't seem like the person to ask these kinds of questions to.
When Thorn's calming voice and soothing finger brush against him, Zavien knows he's made the right choice. He swallows some of the embarrassment, trying to calm the burning in his face as he nods. Right, communication. Honesty. He can do that. It might take him a minute to get the words out, and he might get a literal burn from the flushing of his cheeks, but it's a necessary step and he knows it - even if Lena's probably already guessed at the truth. He has no intentions of pretending to be someone he's not, of pretending like he has any idea what he's doing.
Smiling at Thorn, his laughter is more of a breath, airy with no certainty to ground him. [say]"No no. I think I'd settle for getting the simplest things right. Nothing fancy."[/say] It sounds stupid coming from someone of his age, and maybe next time he'll be better prepared to try something more complex - if he makes it through with his pride intact. But there's only one thing he cares about.
Looking away, he runs his hand through his hair again. [say]"I just - I want Lena to"[/say] feel good. The words catch in his throat, embarrassment obvious on his face. Taking a deep breath, he finishes instead with [say]"like it."[/say] He knows sex can be uncomfortable, but he hates the idea of being the source, and wants to do everything in his power to make it sweet and tender rather than awkward or rushed.
As for what he likes, Zavien stares blankly at Thorn. [say]"I mean, I guess? I don't know. Other than -"[/say] His eyes widen a bit, the green going very well with the red of his face as he shifts in his seat, choosing not to finish that particular line of thought. [say]"What does -"[/say] He clears his throat again, his expression curious to cover the tension that tries to creep back in. [say]"What does that matter?"[/say]
RE: The art of romance - Hawthorn - 05-21-2025
These are all conversations that Thorn has had before - part of his job, at least. For those looking and seeking for ways to make it work before diving fully in or just a figurative rite of passage to losing their virginities, the courtesan never offers judgement. So instead, he opts for soothing, of seeing the vibrant red that blooms across Zavien’s face and offering a softer smile. He lets him answer, patiently waiting as the good friend that he is, even if the dragoon laughs a little lightly.
So he nods when the goal is verbalized - and it’s a good goal to have. It’s what everyone should want for their partners, as far as Thorn’s concerned, even if he didn’t have a partner of his own. But it’s the blank look that follows and the flare of embarrassment that blooms that Thorn’s smile curves a bit brighter, more soothing, his fingers drawing more relaxing designs to distract him from the otherwise uncomfortable topic.
“[say]It matters ‘cause if you know what you like, y’can apply similar logic to what she’s gonna like.[/say]” He admits, head tilting slightly as he regards Zavien and thinks about it a little longer. “[say]D’ya know if she’s done it before? She might be able t'tell ya what she likes, too.[/say]” He suggests, reiterating the communication factor.
RE: The art of romance - Zavien - 05-21-2025
Zavien's face scrunched, adorable confusion overshadowing the embarrassment just a hint, enough for him to rub a considering hand against the scruff on his chin. [say]"But - I mean - men and women are so different."[/say] Not just in the sense of parts, but tastes and preferences. [say]"It can't exactly be the same. Right?"[/say] He looked to his friend, head tilted as he tries to piece together what exactly he means.
The next question Thorn poses is more painful because he doesn't know enough about Lena or her experience to give him an answer. Zavien flinches a little, glancing away. [say]"N-no. We haven't really talked about it..."[/say] Between scheming against the Void, his embarrassment, and then his untimely death, they hadn't been able to steal away much time for such intimate conversations. That doesn't mean he hasn't thought about it. She's around the same age, gorgeous, and obviously more comfortable with the topic. [say]"I'd be surprised if she hasn't, but I guess that's another thing I need to ask..."[/say]
RE: The art of romance - Hawthorn - 05-22-2025
“[say]Nah, it’s not exactly the same. But it ain’t just the act that’ll feel good. It’s everythin’ before it, too. Touches here ’n there. Those can be the same.[/say]” Thorn explains, shifting a little as he thinks, trying to decide whether or not how to offer the idea of showing him — in a way that wouldn’t make him feel like it was cheating, but in a way that would show him it was entirely possible to enact nice feelings without there even being an act the follows it.
There’s zero judgement in Thorn’s face as he takes in Zavien’s answer, even if the dragoon seemed to harbor some nervousness of his own. “[say]S’okay. I just thought maybe it’d give ya a point to start at. But that’s okay, we can start from the bottom.[/say]” His smile is bright as he shifts a little closer to Zavien, moving the chair over to sit directly beside the dragoon. “[say]I can give ya some examples of what I meant earlier, if y’want?[/say]” Leaving it open for whether Zavien wished for them to be physical or verbal, before realizing he probably needed to add that portion in.
“[say]I can show ya or tell ya.[/say]” His smile brightens, not at all bothered one way or another.
RE: The art of romance - Zavien - 05-22-2025
Despite his very limited experience, Zavien knows enough to recognize what Thorn is describing as foreplay. His mother may not have given him any lessons or tips about her profession, but working with a bunch of horny young men means that he hears more than enough terms and details of the general progression of things during their 'conquests' (and yes, he blushes the entire time). It makes it easier to understand what Thorn explains, even if he doesn't know the particulars, and he nods his head. [say]"That makes sense."[/say]
Content to 'start from the bottom,' Zavien watches as the man scoots closer, blushing at the bright smile that spreads across his face. It's impossible not to understand his meaning - words or body language. He imagines Thorn 'showing' him how lovers might touch or caress - meant to pleasure and excite - and it appeals to him about as much as being shown how to kiss by a grandma. Zavien doesn't shift away, but he stiffens a little, immediately knowing his decision.
Laughing lightly, he rubs a hand on the back of his neck. [say]"As much as I like you, Thorn, I'm not sure I could look at you the same if you showed me, and I think it might have the entirely wrong effect."[/say] Not that he would see or treat Thorn any differently, but he'd probably have difficulty getting past his own embarrassment of Thorn having seen him in such a way; plus, he'd probably be too tense for the examples to do anything more than make him laugh before exploding in a fiery blaze of mortification.
Zavien gives him a blushing grin to soften the rejection of the kind offer. [say]"Maybe just tell me for now."[/say] Perhaps he would follow along or take visual pointers to help with understanding, but that was the extent of his willingness to experiment in the middle of the Archives.
RE: The art of romance - Hawthorn - 05-22-2025
The tension is an immediate indicator - and as someone who focuses a large portion of his job on reading people, the answer’s made clear enough that Zavien doesn’t even have to answer it if he doesn’t want to. But, like the good guy that he is, the explanation sparks a soft laugh to leave Thorn’s throat as he nods. “[say]I get it.[/say]” No offense or hard feelings made, Thorn settles a little easier in his chair, straightening up as he nods to the softer suggestion.
“[say]Alright, well, everyone’s got stuff they like more than the others, yeah? Like, for me, for starters just light little touches on m’arms and sides are nice. An’ sometimes when the moment gets into swing, I like t’have hands at my throat, hands in my hair.[/say]” He pauses, head tilting a little as his smile brightens a touch. “[say]A lot of it’s kinda just judging what your partner likes based off the things y’try.[/say]” Pausing to see if the understanding dawns on his friend, the courtesan leans back in his seat and crosses a leg over the other, as if he’s expecting questions or a summary.
RE: The art of romance - Zavien - 05-23-2025
Grateful that Thorn doesn't look offended in the slightest, Zavien relaxes along with the courtesan, settling in his seat with the look of a diligent blushing student. He's more attentive than he ever was in class, leaning forward to listen closely for what might be said. It starts off making sense, but Thorn quickly loses him.
His eyes widen of their own accord, not sure what to make of having hands around his throat or Lena's, and even less sure of whether that would be something enjoyable. Hands in hair he can understand. That's something he does naturally when they kiss, not rough but gentle and caressing just behind her ear or the nape of her neck like a guiding touch. But the throat?
Zavien furrows his brows, adorable naivety and confusion on his face. [say]"Is that something a lot of people like? Isn't that..."[/say] he paused as he thought of the word, the way it felt more like a fight than love, [say]"aggressive?"[/say] It didn't really fit with his own rose-tinted views of sex and the exchange of soft affections he associates with it, but that didn't mean Lena would think the same - even if that would shock him more than being struck by lightning.
RE: The art of romance - Hawthorn - 05-25-2025
He expects the naivety. He’s known Zavien long enough to know that’s what he might go for when the answer leaves his lips. And it’s with a knowing smile that graces Thorn’s face that he shakes his head. “[say]Can be. But it also doesn’t have t’be.[/say]” Shifting so he can elaborate and straighten up to try and do the best he can to show it. “[say]Not aggressive is somethin’ like this.[/say]” Resting his hand on the side of his neck poking his thumb up against the underside of his jaw to angle his head up — as if an indicator that he could do a gentle guiding touch like that to steal a kiss from Lena if he so wanted to.
“[say]Aggressive would be more like.. mm, chokin’ which some people are into before y’ask.[/say]” The knowing smile glimmers on his face, as if an indicator of some people also included himself. “[say]But it ain’t always gonna be just the sweet soft stuff y’parents talk to ya about. Romantic, sure, but sometimes it ain’t a whole event. Sometimes it’s spontaneous. When the mood hits ‘n ya got nothin’ to prepare. Just you ‘n your partner. It can get heated and heavy real quick and that’s totally fine too, even if it feels like you’re bein’ sloppy.[/say]”
Pausing to see if he’s following along, Thorn waits patiently for any other questions.
RE: The art of romance - Zavien - 05-25-2025
Thorn doesn't have to say much as he demonstrates the movement, and Zavien feels embarrassed at how easily he pictures Lena in that position. The courtesan's right. The touch isn't aggressive or rough, but confident in what it's after in a way that he wishes he could be - that he hopes to be. He doesn't want his inexperience to be mistaken for doubt or reluctance, for his intentions to be misunderstood. He wants her to know just how much she means to him, and just how much he cherishes having her in his life.
His head nods as he listens, eyes widening at the obvious implication of Thorn's mention of choking, but then he's sweeping it under the rug with a smile and his astute wisdom in all things sex. Zavien follows the line of reasoning, trying his best to meld it with his own views, to marry the two in a way he could utilize while dispelling worries of his own potential 'sloppiness.'
[say]"I see..."[/say] Running a hand over the scruff of his beard, it's obvious that he's starting to get more comfortable in the conversation, the initial shock gone from his system. He leans forward on the table, eyes bright against the tinge of red that deepens and fades through the topic like a breathing entity that chooses to broadcast his embarrassment with a megaphone and a flare gun. For the moment it's content to soften its shout to a low hum as he asks, [say]"Are there other areas that people find..."[/say] he pauses, looking for the right word before backtracking, [say]"that people like..."[/say] but that feels worse, and he blushes before finally settling on [say]"that I should know about?"[/say]
RE: The art of romance - Hawthorn - 05-26-2025
“[say]Now jus’ cuz I said some people are into it, doesn’t mean Lena will be. If she’s anythin’ like you, I’d imagine a nice touch is gonna get y’far, an' somethin' more aggressive might completely ruin the vibe.[/say]” He offers out, in case his friend is thinking about starting there. An absolute no go, not until it’s explicitly said or they’ve been doing this for a while. So the courtesan’s hand drops from his throat, balling into a fist that he can use to prop his head up on the table and watch as Zavien works with his feelings, trying to figure it out.
Nodding to the question, he reaches for one of the books that Zavien has spread out before him, dragging it over in front of him to flip through the pages until he reaches the portion that describes pleasure, before he’s sliding it back over toward him. Within the pages, there are diagrams for both sexes, and its with a slender finger that Thorn points toward the female version. “[say]These places bring the most pleasure for women.[/say]” Each section had a box and a description, but Thorn thinks the visual indicator and placement might be more appropriate for the dragoon to understand.
He's gotten Zavien’s letters before, so, it shouldn’t be that much of a surprise that the courtesan opts for pictures rather than words. “[say]An’ you’re gonna wanna focus here before you dive in. Otherwise it can hurt.[/say]” Which brings him to another point. “[say]If ya wanna avoid the chance of it hurtin’ in case you're worried you ain't warmed up enough, y’can get some lube. It's why foreplay's important.[/say]”