[ They're both breathing a bit quicker β due to the surprise of it, she'd wager, and not necessarily anything having to do with their increased proximity now, although neither of them has shifted to withdraw from one another, the towering shelves on either side of them casting long shadows across the space they've accidentally fallen into.
It offers the illusion of privacy, if not the actual remoteness itself, and as the other woman's face tilts up to hers Vanessa finds herself nearly holding her own breath, as if anticipating the potential of a moment she can't entirely conjure in her mind's eye β but the hand on Mary's arm gently slides across its length, up over the curve of her shoulder. ]
( vanessa's touch, the sliding hand brings a light smile to her lips, a feeling of comfort warding away some of the surprise. she tilts her head, letting her hand wander further if she chose into the wild waves of her hair.
she spends another second simply looking at her before leaning in, gentle press of her lips to vanessa's )
[ It's a kiss that harkens back to their first one β but that can't be, can it, because that kiss was the product of a dream and nothing in her own reality, and yet Mary's lips are seeking hers the same way, a soft brush of mouths that draws a quiet inhale from Vanessa herself before she responds.
Her fingers slide into the thick mass of dark hair, a lightly curved grip that doesn't maneuver or manipulate, merely seizing advantage of the opportunity to touch while her lips part slowly, deepening the kiss to fit their mouths together for a slow, growing rhythm. ]
[ She feels rather short of breath herself, whether a result of being more near to this woman than she would have anticipated or the more confined space they find themselves in between the towering bookshelves, but it isn't stopping her from returning the kiss with equal fervor and attention, almost seeming to forget entirely where they are and the possibility of interruption at any moment.
The flush of warmth beneath the folds of her dress is only more intense when she recalls a kiss like this one and what it had soon led to β and she voices the softest of sounds into the kiss itself when Mary presses even closer to her, the softness of her body more palpably felt even through the fabrics of their clothing. ]
( there's isn't solely sounds coming from vanessa but from someone close by them, a clearing of a throat that causes lilith to pull back, hands still at vanessa's waist as she turns to look at the gentleman. considering how small the gap between the shelves had been, made only worse with the tumbling of books they're clearly blocking the past.
her head dips, hands dropping from vanessa as she steps aside, only lifting her head again to look at her once the man has passed )
[ And in that instant, they're drawing apart from one another, Vanessa's gaze snapping upward to the man who stands at the end of the aisle observing them β seemingly not with any distaste over what they're doing, but closer to annoyance that they're blocking his intended path to the books he's interested in β and after a moment, she lowers her head to discretely trail her fingers across her mouth, as if trying to preserve the heat that still lingers there. ]
We should go.
[ It's not that she desires to stop, but this doesn't exactly appear to be the best place for engaging in anything more; her voice is hushed when she finally meets the other woman's gaze. ]
[ She does have the sense to look at least slightly flustered by the interruption, visible color in her cheeks that may not have been present before their brief interlude, and for lack of anything to do with her hands, gently smooths them over the skirt of her dress before indicating the front of the shop with a nod of her head.
She's achieved some more composure by the time they reach the front counter, and while she doesn't often prefer to employ Dorian's name to secure her purchases, in this instance she does, mentioning her dominant specifically in order for the transaction to proceed without a hitch.
But once they've left the shop and step out onto the street, she presses the bag containing the book into Mary's hands. ]
( lilith takes it from her, finding her hand again as she leads them from the shop, only a short away before she stops and turns to face her )
I want you to picture your home.
( and trust her. she'd given her a small show of her magic when they'd first met, confirming being a witch by lighting the candles in the room. this time it'll be larger. lilith waits until she confirms she's doing it before teleporting them to the room that vanessa is thinking of, releasing her hand once the woman's realised what's happened )
[ She very nearly doesn't picture the home here but somewhere else, somewhere her mind had first seemed to conjure the image of Mary within those walls β but then she thinks better of it, and her thoughts drift to the residence she now keeps with Dorian, with its winding staircases and expansive rooms, though the one she imagines first in her mind is her own, dark walls and heavy curtains, a small vanity situated next to the door and a settee chair at the foot of the bed.
There's a sensation almost akin to being pulled within herself, slightly dizzying, and Vanessa throws out a hand to brace herself before realizing the air around them has changed, perfumed by the flowers she keeps fresh in the room on occasion β they're there somehow, even though she hasn't so much as taken a single step.
Slowly, she glances around with no shortage of surprise, her hand still grasping onto Mary's as her gaze sweeps over the familiar environment. ]
[ It's not so much the general how she intended to ask but the specifics of it, what power Mary had specifically called on to achieve this, and the display of it is overwhelming to say the least, prompting Vanessa to finally lower herself onto the settee in an attempt to catch her breath. ]
I felt you there.
[ Inside her somehow, though only for a moment, like a brief nudge against her awareness before retreating, though she thinks she can almost perceive the phantom sensation, a caress more intimate than anything on the physical plane. ]
( she sits with her, a slightly less than polite space left between them. but they've already pushed past polite with their conduct in the book store )
You told me where you lived, where we needed to go. Not in words but a sense. A feeling.
( she watches her for a reaction now, almost seeing if it was okay )
[ Something known before she'd even fully harbored it herself, given it more life in her thoughts; she doesn't withdraw from the other woman, but there is a wariness in her expression, a caution, perhaps even a little awe, as she studies her, as if she'd been unaware of the scope of that power until this very moment. ]
And can you read my mind?
[ Has she seen the thoughts that travel through her consciousness? Remembered dreams from a previous night, with promises made and pleasure given? ]
( not at that moment. there was magic that lilith could use to manipulate thoughts but she hadn't. feelings could be so much stronger than any words or thoughts could be )
When you first met me you'd gotten a feeling from me, had known of my magic before seeing me. Think of it like that. I'd asked you to think of home -- it's where you took us.
[ It's a small comfort nevertheless, to know that her secrets are still somewhat her own, that the dream she'd harbored in which old and new memories had converged to leave her breathless upon waking in this very room remains undisclosed between them.
She's still a bit disoriented, but that feeling is slowly beginning to pass. ]
I've really never met anyone quite like you, Ms. Wardwell.
I know you may not always have been received well. Nor have I, in many instances.
[ Because of the power they have inherent to them only, power that frightens those who do not truly know how to understand it. There are moments Vanessa does not fully grasp it herself, although she is learning to evolve to an idea of acceptance.
She nods once, more and more eased the longer she remains steady in one place. ]
( because vanessa certainly didn't seem like the sort of woman who kissed everyone that she met. she lets her hand slide down from her elbow to her hand, lacing their fingers together )
[ She glances down as the other woman's hand traverses down the length of her forearm, slips beneath her hand to interlock their fingers, and finds herself slowly looking up to Mary's face, lips curving in the faintest hint of her own smile. ]
But I suppose that must go without saying, especially after what... transpired between us back in the bookshop.
No, of course not. Forgive me, it was β a momentary impulse.
[ Although she does not present more of an attempt to defend herself, or float the possibility that it won't happen again, because she's not entirely certain it won't.
Mary's shift is very nearly a chance for her to right herself as well, to collect her own thoughts, and she gently eases herself down to sit with a quick nod. ]
( she hadn't meant to make vanessa back away, wanting the woman to be comfortable with her, to know that whilst what had happened had been unexpected ("unexpected") it had been enjoyed. and something she'd like to happen again.
but she'd misstepped a little, something that lilith would need to be a little more careful with next time.
but as they sit she rests the book on her knees, turning so that vanessa has a good view of it, hand resting over the cover )
A Book of the Dead contains incredibly powerful spells, darker areas of magic. Something that isn't often used.
[ It isn't what she'd intended to happen between them, the act more forward than she would have normally been, and a part of her can't help but consider that it's a by-product of the dream she'd had, the conjurings of her own mind that had felt so very real in comparison to what she often sees while she slumbers, felt more like an experience rather than something to be viewed or witnessed.
Her response isn't one of reluctance or regret, but closer to something uttered with the hope that Mary doesn't think less of her for initiating something on a more physical level when their friendship has been structured around something much more intelligent than that from the start.
And so, for the moment, she'll do her best to keep her mind on what's displayed in front of her instead of the woman seated closely beside. ]
I knew of a book like this once. Not exactly the same, but β full of dangerous spells, something that was not intended to be used lightly. [ Although she had pulled it from the shelf once, in a fit of desperation and the desire for revenge. ]
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It offers the illusion of privacy, if not the actual remoteness itself, and as the other woman's face tilts up to hers Vanessa finds herself nearly holding her own breath, as if anticipating the potential of a moment she can't entirely conjure in her mind's eye β but the hand on Mary's arm gently slides across its length, up over the curve of her shoulder. ]
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she spends another second simply looking at her before leaning in, gentle press of her lips to vanessa's )
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Her fingers slide into the thick mass of dark hair, a lightly curved grip that doesn't maneuver or manipulate, merely seizing advantage of the opportunity to touch while her lips part slowly, deepening the kiss to fit their mouths together for a slow, growing rhythm. ]
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her hands slip to her hips, one sliding further to rest at her lower back )
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The flush of warmth beneath the folds of her dress is only more intense when she recalls a kiss like this one and what it had soon led to β and she voices the softest of sounds into the kiss itself when Mary presses even closer to her, the softness of her body more palpably felt even through the fabrics of their clothing. ]
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her head dips, hands dropping from vanessa as she steps aside, only lifting her head again to look at her once the man has passed )
Miss-- Vanessa.
( she pauses as if uncertain of what to say )
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We should go.
[ It's not that she desires to stop, but this doesn't exactly appear to be the best place for engaging in anything more; her voice is hushed when she finally meets the other woman's gaze. ]
Do you still want to come back with me?
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That would be lovely.
( though rather than reach for her to let vanessa lead off she raises the book a little )
We should sort this first.
( and then you can lead her to your place )
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[ She does have the sense to look at least slightly flustered by the interruption, visible color in her cheeks that may not have been present before their brief interlude, and for lack of anything to do with her hands, gently smooths them over the skirt of her dress before indicating the front of the shop with a nod of her head.
She's achieved some more composure by the time they reach the front counter, and while she doesn't often prefer to employ Dorian's name to secure her purchases, in this instance she does, mentioning her dominant specifically in order for the transaction to proceed without a hitch.
But once they've left the shop and step out onto the street, she presses the bag containing the book into Mary's hands. ]
I believe this belongs to you.
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( lilith takes it from her, finding her hand again as she leads them from the shop, only a short away before she stops and turns to face her )
I want you to picture your home.
( and trust her. she'd given her a small show of her magic when they'd first met, confirming being a witch by lighting the candles in the room. this time it'll be larger. lilith waits until she confirms she's doing it before teleporting them to the room that vanessa is thinking of, releasing her hand once the woman's realised what's happened )
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There's a sensation almost akin to being pulled within herself, slightly dizzying, and Vanessa throws out a hand to brace herself before realizing the air around them has changed, perfumed by the flowers she keeps fresh in the room on occasion β they're there somehow, even though she hasn't so much as taken a single step.
Slowly, she glances around with no shortage of surprise, her hand still grasping onto Mary's as her gaze sweeps over the familiar environment. ]
How did you do this?
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My magic.
( her head tips to the side as she checks over her )
I used your focus to direct me, bringing us here.
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I felt you there.
[ Inside her somehow, though only for a moment, like a brief nudge against her awareness before retreating, though she thinks she can almost perceive the phantom sensation, a caress more intimate than anything on the physical plane. ]
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( she sits with her, a slightly less than polite space left between them. but they've already pushed past polite with their conduct in the book store )
You told me where you lived, where we needed to go. Not in words but a sense. A feeling.
( she watches her for a reaction now, almost seeing if it was okay )
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[ Something known before she'd even fully harbored it herself, given it more life in her thoughts; she doesn't withdraw from the other woman, but there is a wariness in her expression, a caution, perhaps even a little awe, as she studies her, as if she'd been unaware of the scope of that power until this very moment. ]
And can you read my mind?
[ Has she seen the thoughts that travel through her consciousness? Remembered dreams from a previous night, with promises made and pleasure given? ]
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( not at that moment. there was magic that lilith could use to manipulate thoughts but she hadn't. feelings could be so much stronger than any words or thoughts could be )
When you first met me you'd gotten a feeling from me, had known of my magic before seeing me. Think of it like that. I'd asked you to think of home -- it's where you took us.
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[ It's a small comfort nevertheless, to know that her secrets are still somewhat her own, that the dream she'd harbored in which old and new memories had converged to leave her breathless upon waking in this very room remains undisclosed between them.
She's still a bit disoriented, but that feeling is slowly beginning to pass. ]
I've really never met anyone quite like you, Ms. Wardwell.
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Hopefully in a positive way?
( she doesn't feel the actual need to ask the question but it feels like something a regular person would ask )
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[ Because of the power they have inherent to them only, power that frightens those who do not truly know how to understand it. There are moments Vanessa does not fully grasp it herself, although she is learning to evolve to an idea of acceptance.
She nods once, more and more eased the longer she remains steady in one place. ]
I can assure you my feelings are quite positive.
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( lilith echoes it, a slight smile on her )
I believe I noticed that in the shop.
( because vanessa certainly didn't seem like the sort of woman who kissed everyone that she met. she lets her hand slide down from her elbow to her hand, lacing their fingers together )
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[ She glances down as the other woman's hand traverses down the length of her forearm, slips beneath her hand to interlock their fingers, and finds herself slowly looking up to Mary's face, lips curving in the faintest hint of her own smile. ]
But I suppose that must go without saying, especially after what... transpired between us back in the bookshop.
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( she pauses and then quickly adjusts )
Not that I'm opposed.
( and it certainly will make lilith change up her plans a little if that is what vanessa feels. perhaps a more careful stepping.
hands together she leads vanessa to sit, playing up the slightly more awkwardness that she imagines mary wardwell might feel )
I had thought to show you the book--
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[ Although she does not present more of an attempt to defend herself, or float the possibility that it won't happen again, because she's not entirely certain it won't.
Mary's shift is very nearly a chance for her to right herself as well, to collect her own thoughts, and she gently eases herself down to sit with a quick nod. ]
Yes, perhaps that would be best. [ Safer. ]
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but she'd misstepped a little, something that lilith would need to be a little more careful with next time.
but as they sit she rests the book on her knees, turning so that vanessa has a good view of it, hand resting over the cover )
A Book of the Dead contains incredibly powerful spells, darker areas of magic. Something that isn't often used.
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Her response isn't one of reluctance or regret, but closer to something uttered with the hope that Mary doesn't think less of her for initiating something on a more physical level when their friendship has been structured around something much more intelligent than that from the start.
And so, for the moment, she'll do her best to keep her mind on what's displayed in front of her instead of the woman seated closely beside. ]
I knew of a book like this once. Not exactly the same, but β full of dangerous spells, something that was not intended to be used lightly. [ Although she had pulled it from the shelf once, in a fit of desperation and the desire for revenge. ]
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