The faint smell of limestone lingered through the sun-baked garden plaza, Ri-Ri sighed for a moment letting out a long breath. His long body leaning upon a marble column overlooking the small garden courtyard of Venia Academy. The garden was quite today as seeing there was a lack of busy students running about, he let out another sigh. He rather disliked the calm and quiet of the garden he was hoping for the bustling sounds of life to fill his senses, with a grunt he approached a long white line stone bench and sat down.
Reaching into his coat he withdrew a long papyrus scroll with a dark leather band, with a gentle flick of his finger he removed the band and started unraveling the scroll. The scroll in question was a blue print for a new aqueduct , one that could bring fresh water from miles away with great ease, he needed to review the paper work to make sure that this new feature was written out well enough for the quarry men to proceed. He wanted to get some fresh air whilst reviewing said product so he decided sit in the garden with the papers.
Ri-Ri reached up and moved a stray lock of ebony hair away from his face as he leaned down to gaze at the papyrus scroll. A soft breeze brushed the hair into his face once more, he once again raised his hand to move the lock of hair, but then he noticed something, a blurry silhouette lingering right past the large white columns of the garden square. The slim feminine figure made a quick turn down the hallway that lead down to the meal hall. With a raised eyebrow brow he allowed a smile to grace his handsome face.
Someone trying to dodge their teachers maybe? Must have been a stray student. He thought to himself with a slight chuckle, well he was the president of the academy after all he should check out what that student is up too.
He stood up quickly rolling the scroll up and placing it back into his jacket pocket, he swiftly made his way towards the hallway.
Coming around the corner swiftly he glanced from side to side in search of the woman he presumed to be a lone student. Then standing infront of a large wooden door stood a lovely woman.
_____ In height with _____ hair that framed her face perfectly, she stood in front of the door looking quite confused. He was taken back by her pure beauty, the sunlight peeking through the stone window dancing off her _____ skin.
In his younger years he had chased and enjoyed the company of many women, but since he joined the priesthood he hadn't had much want to enjoy a lady's company. But this women standing just a few feet infront of him was breathtakingly beautiful. With a smile he approached the lady, she didn't seem to hear his footsteps that echoed on the hard floor. She was lost in her own thoughts as she examined the writing inscribed on the door.
" Excuse me miss are you lost?" He said with slight amusement as the women jumped from the sudden voice.
Breathing heavy she turned to face him clutching a hand to her bosom " you-you scared me sir!" She exclaimed and he chuckled a bit.
" I didn't mean to frighten you m lady just wondering if you needed assistance " he said gazing into her _____ eyes. She blushed a bit looking into his vivid green eyes.
" I was looking for the library , this place is rather large" she said in a voice as soft as silk.
" Are you a student ? " he asked and she nodded in reply.
" Whats your name ?" He asked with great interest.
" _______" She said sheepishly but graced him with a smile.
With a charming bow he looked her in the eyes and spoke.
" My name is Ri-Ri , President of this academy. It would be my pleasure to he to assist you" He said allowing a smile appear on his handsome face, a twinkle of mischief and interest in his green eyes.
The women blushed and nodded at him " Thank you sir ! This place is so large its easy to get lost" _____ she said glancing around and fidgeting a bit.
" I am trying to find the library but seemed to have gotten turned around somehow"____ said and he smiled at her raising an eyebrow.
" Yes you have the library is the other way, what are you studying? " he said as motioned her to follow him.
" Architecture sir, i want to be able to build things that can make our lives easier" She said as she walked with him.
That perked his interest , a odd field for a woman to choose. One of his favorite fields , hard but gratifying.
As they walked he spook more with her about her field choice, forcing her to come out of her shell a bit. The door to the Library was large and made of marble with huge brass handles. Ri-Ri opened the doors for her allowing her to enter into the area.
The unlike the hallway that was filled with light from the sun the library was dark with no windows, the only light was from the large candles placed along the sides of the walls.
Feeling he still had some time to kill Ri-Ri decided to linger as the lady stared in wonder at all the scrolls and books that lined the shelves.
" We have quiet a selection for you to choose from to study, since i assume you don't have a teacher yet you might get lost on were to start. Here take this one first" He said gently handing her a book from the shelf.
" This one is easy to read and helped me come to a better understanding of my studies" He said smiling softly at her. ______ Returned hi smile and bowed.
" Thank you so much sir, you have helped me greatly already. I shall do my best to succeed in my studies " She said clutching the book in her hands.
" No need to thank me ! It was my pleasure to help ______, should you need me all you have to do is ask." He said taking one last chance to gaze at her lovely features.
He knew he needed to get back to his work but he couldn't help wanting to linger a bit, it was rare to come across a woman that was not only lovely but smart too. As he quietly made his way out he thought quietly to himself.
He defiantly wanted to see that girl again, to speak with her.
A few days passed in a busy fashion , he was so caught up with work he had little to no chance to get back to the woman who occupied his mind. How he yearned to see her again but he wasn't sure why, they seemed to connect on a level he had never felt before.
One night he decided to take a walk to get away from the stress of the past few days, a nice brisk walk through the night air would do him some good.
Then as he turned the corner to enter the enter the garden he saw her, the woman he had been thinking about.
Smiling he to himself he strode over to her, her ____ hair swaying in the soft breeze of the moonlit night. Breathtaking.
" Funny seeing you out here all alone _____" he said to her and she turned her head to look at him. She blushed a bit and looked down.
" Yes just thinking, actually." She said giving him a smile.
" So how are your studies going? Doing well?" He asked taking a step closer.
She opened her mouth then closed it again " Well f-fine sir, i am learning alot very quickly but i sometimes i feel a little overwhelmed" she said smiling at him.
" You know my specialty is Architecture, if your having problems with your studies i can help you know, private tutoring ? " He said smiling at her softly.
" Wou-Would you I-err mean well yes please, if you would sir" She said looking at him with happy eyes.
" If your having trouble it would be my pleasure to assist you in your studies. " He motioning with his hand for her to follow him.
" Here follow me, i will show you my office, after classes feel free to stop by . I dont mind the company i rather enjoy my chats with you." He said walking forward as she sheepishly followed.
His office was dark with the lingering scent of candle wax, as he lit the candles the light illuminated the room. He smiled at her and gently led her into the darken room. She returned his smile and took a few steps around the room.
" Thank you sir , i really would like some one on one help with my classes" She said lingering at the window for a moment.
Watching her stand there , she body illuminated in the gently moonlight made his heart almost skip a beat. He just could not get over how lovely she was, he struggled within himself to find any words that would fit her beauty.
After a hour of chatting he walked her back to her room, both smiling and enjoying each others company, and as the days passed both looked forward to the daily sessions in his office. Mostly consisting of outside chat unrelated to the topic of studies. They were often seen walking through the garden together , chatting and laughing. Ri-Ri- struggled within himself, this girl slowly become his world, he spent his days waiting for their moments together.
One day everything changed between them, _____ was standing infront of his office window, gazing out out the setting sun. Something seemed to be on her mind but she refused to say what.
Ri-Ri walked over to her and smiled sweetly.
" Whats the matter , why are you so silent this evening?' he asked and she blushed and looked away.
" I... i ... dont know how to feel.... about you ... about us.... i mean... i enjoy spending time with you. Listening to you go on about you job and concerns. Do you feel the same way? About me?' she said accidentally busing out into a confession.
He was taken back , shocked. Taking in a deep breath of air he made a hasty decision , he put a hand on her cheek , a slight stroke at first. Then his lips pressed softy to hers. She jumped but then faded into the kiss, melting into his arms. The kiss was passionate and loving, displaying the affection the two help for one another.
Ri-Ri was the first to break away, he blushed and smiled at her ,stroking her cheek once more.
" I love you" He said pulling her into a hug.
-End
Old Man Rome Community Member |
|