Nachton On Ice... (Rules Within)

Here on the lake, the ice is thick enough for you to have fun skating, no matter how many spills you take. Lace up your own pair, or borrow one from the little stand next to the lake, and try it out! There's plenty of room for all!

((ooc: Feel free to RP at your leisure here; however, every post you make must quote a bit of a Christmas carol. Whether the title, a line or two, or what have you, don't forget to mention one, and place it in bold for all to see. Be creative!))

Pakpao 17 years ago
“I didn’t sign up for any turning.”

Pak protested vigorously. Well as vigorously, as she could while trying to keep from dying (again), but Aishe was right, she was rabidly running out of lake and would need to turn.

Bastard Egyptian being able to deal with ice. How in hell’s name had he learned this, she’d been all over the world and had managed to avoid this skill. She’d just been in an odd mood tonight and hadn’t been able to control the urge to get out. Two hundred years of luck had finally run out.

Keeping her inside foot as firmly as possible on the ice, she found the nerve to lift the outside foot off the ice and give a stronger push. It seemed like a sound principle for turning. She did turn, sharper and faster than she thought but with much flaying of limbs she turned.


“You are expected to catch me if you can you’re aware of that aren’t’ you?”

If she was going down, she was taking –at least- Kem with her. Aishe and several innocent bystanders would be gravy but she wasn’t going alone.

Kem, however, had gotten a reprieve this time as Pak managed to steady herself and get her course back.
Nicholae 17 years ago
It had been a long time since Nic had seen Addison, and now seeing the man was doing well, aside from the skating that was, he was glad.

What made him happier was that Livia was alright with the introduction, and just as gracious as she was in all things. Why he had ever been at all concerned was the question. But from now on he knew he'd never have reason to wonder. She was a paragon of femininity, grace, kindness, and anything else his ideal woman could be.

So stricken with feelings for her, Nic would have liked nothing more than to leave the ice now, and swiftly cart her back to the Towers. But his thoughts were a bit different this time, and rather than want to assuage his own needs, he wanted to pleasure her. He wanted to give her all that he could for the happiness she was bringing into his life.

Remembering there were others about, Nic shook such thoughts from his head, but had no intention of forgetting about them totally.


"As long as you're having fun, who cares if you skate like an Olympian, or a novice. Livia's right...none of us here are ready for the Ice Capades. She is, however, a little off base when she attempts to take on responsibility for our collision. I'm the one who's been on skates a few more times than she has, and shouldn't have known better than to be skating like I thought I was the star of some show."

Chuckling at Addison, Nic gave Livia a look that was intended to reaffirm he in no way held her responsible for what had happened.

"My lady friend is much too gracious...but with those kinds of faults..." Again he was distracted by another skater on the ice, but this time it was an even more pleasant distraction, and a much better skater.

"Kem! Dude! Over here!" How nice it was to see his other old friend, and how fortunate he could reacquaint the man and his date...at least he thought Livia had spoken of meeting Kem in the past. If he was now mistaken, he would rectify that easily enough.

He wasn't sure if his friend heard his yell, but was very impressed with the ease, and agility Kem demonstrated. Being from a land of heat and sand, Nic guessed the multitude of years his friend had on him, would have allowed him many opportunities to be places where he could have perfected the sport. But whatever his training had been, Nic thought the man did an admirable job on the ice, heedless of the wind and weather.

Looking to Livia, then Addison, Nic smiled.
"That man, on the ice there, has been my saviour since coming to Nachton. A nicer, more patient man you'll never meet."

Looking at Livia, he pulled her a bit closer.

"I hope you don't mind me showing you off a little?"

He was being honest, but wasn't telling her everything. Aside from wanting to reacquaint the two, Nic wanted Kem to see that he was doing something very right, being with Livia. He hoped it would help put his friends mind to rest, to know someone like Livia would give Nic the time of day.
Kem`Raaisu 17 years ago
Kem turned his head sharply in the direction of the voice he'd just heard calling his name. Oh... Nic! With company, it looked like. He turned back toward Aishe and Pak to see the negotiating a turn at the end of the lake. Zipping past with a little flourish at Pak, he decided they would be all right while he greeted the younger vampire.

Speeding up just a little to cover more ground, he allowed himself a few more moments of "playtime," doing a little series of turns before winding up next to his clanmate, slowing down and matching paces with the trio.

"Nic, good to see you out," he said with the barest of smiles, his norm. It was a vague hint at the fact that for most of their association, poor Nic had been strongly encouraged to stay within Liefde.

"Quite the night, isn't it? Kids from one to ninety-two and all." Ninety-two hundred, even. The idea brought a wider smile to his face and he nodded to Nic's companions, waiting for the inevitable introduction.
Aishe 17 years ago
Aishe managed to poke her tongue out at Kem as he zoomed by, but she figured it was probably too much to hope for him to get run over by a reindeer as well. No... he skated far too well for that. She could attempt to get him to spar with her, but she really was having too much fun watching him to be truly vengeful, even in playfulness.

That didn't mean, however, that she wasn't going to try to get out of her torturous 'homework' assignment wile he was distracted.

"Come on, Pak, faster!" She held onto Pak's arm and nodded with her chin to the far end of the lake, which was obscured from view by the crowd of skaters. If they could make it to the end and Kem was still occupied, they could slip off the ice (literally) before he had a chance to drag them back.

Aishe vowed to make it up to him later in a far less public setting. Like... a private rink. There had to be one somewhere. She was having a blast, but the cider and the spices from the pavilion were so tempting...
Xeph 17 years ago
For Xeph, the decision to be naughty or nice had been a fairly simple one all evening, but now he shook his head. "No, I think I've had enough of snowbanks for one night."

The pushing game was actually quite a challenge; he was trying very hard to keep his skates from slipping out beneath him while Nikhila provided the momentum to move him backwards. He was getting the hang of it, but he wasn't quite sure if he was ready to try it alone.

"Want to give it a shot? You're probably going to have better luck than I am so far," he offered. Nikhila was one of the lucky few who seemed to become, if possible, even more graceful after her Gifting. She would probably have a much easier time of picking up on the whole 'skating backwards' thing than he did.
Livia 17 years ago
Livia was quite shocked to see Kem as the adept skater she had noted briefly before. The taciturn archivist certainly had a hidden side. Of course if she remembered correctly he had quite a few centuries to perfect any skill. She smiled politely and hoped her nose was not as red as it felt.

"I dont mind at all. In fact I would greatly like to get to know your saviour."

Subtle changes happened before Kem reached their side. Her spine straightened and her entire demeanor shifted from carefree to caring. Keeping hold of Nic's hand just like the other couples holding hands she somehow found her balance and stood straighter on her skates.

Once she was properly introduced to Kem she smiled and offered her hand.
"Pleasure to meet you Kem. Nic has told me quite a bit about how you have helped him since his arrival. I think you had quite a positive affect on him since he has been quite dilligent in assisting me in my own return to town."

Smiling up at Nic she saw all the good chivalrous qualities in him that surely Kem saw as well.

"He has been wonderful."
Suki Langston 17 years ago
Suki zoomed around the ice for a while, keeping her moves as low key and polite as possible. Spinning in circles was fun, but could end up with kids trying it and breaking something so she abstained. Backwards was fun and she enjoyed it until she noted a brief collision of another backwards skater.

With a quick spin she found herself facing forward once more. Ahead she noted a familiar looking woman. Coconuts! Speeding over she ended near Aishe with a quick sideways stop.


"Hi Aishe! How are you?"

Hopefully Fallon's friend remembered her from the party but Suki had a ready smile anyways ready to refresh the memory.
Kem`Raaisu 17 years ago
"The pleasure is mine, Livia."

Kem was simply relieved, at first, to note that Nic was apparently not in any immediate trouble. As Livia's words sank in, however, and he managed a brief, backward-skating bow over her hand, he shook his head at her.

"I certainly can't take any credit," he maintained. "Nic's always been the good sort without any help from me. I was just in the right place at the right time to give him a word of advice or two."

Watching the two of them, looking at each other with their eyes all aglow, he observed, "And I definitely had nothing to do with this happy expression. Once again I'm an innocent bystander. I can only assume that that's your work."

Nic really did look quite... content. Whatever restlessness the younger vampire had felt was obviously gone now. Happiness suited him, but in all fairness, it seemed to suit most everyone equally well. Still, there was definitely a difference in the Nic before him now and the Nic he'd nearly torn his hair out over a few months ago.
Aishe 17 years ago
Aishe was bound and determined to have a cup of cider in her hands in mere minutes. She heard her name being called however, and looked around for the source of the voice.

"Oh Suki!"

Cyrus' assistant's face was hardly forgettable; the woman was every bit as graceful and pretty on the ice as off. "We're making our escape," she said with a grin as she did her best to keep Pak from falling over. "Pak here is about to freeze, and I'm being tormented by that cider. It smells wonderful."

She motioned across the lake. "We figured we had a chance while Kem the Skate-Master is occupied." There was no malice in her tone, just laughter, as she detailed to Suki their grand plan for hiding behind the crowd and finding something warm to drink before Kem could compel them to complete their "homework." Tender and mild only went so far with him apparently; Aishe had no doubt he'd task them with a another few laps if he could. How he suddenly became impervious to cold weather when skating was involved, she had no clue. At all other times he wasn't a big fan of being chilly.

"How are you though? And the new additions to the family?" Aishe grinned good-naturedly as she referred to the kittens Cyrus had given Fallon.
Pakpao 17 years ago
“Faster?”

Pak was slightly incredulous, at least she was until she noticed what Aishe was up to. Joy to the world there was a light at the end of this tunnel. She did her best to go faster, a more to the point further away from Kem. She still didn’t believe he’d thought she’d make three laps.

Just when she thought they were making progress, they were stopped. Pak bit back on a sharp bit of profanity and stumbled to a stop trying not to topple Aishe. Pausing for a bit, she wasn’t sure if she should be polite and wait for introductions or get the hell off the ice. Getting the hell off the ice was very quickly winning though.


“I’m going to keep going that way.”

She pointed towards the end of the lake praying that Kem wouldn’t see her as she awkwardly made her escape.
Nikhila 17 years ago
She was quite glad she'd come out on this midnight clear, although it wasn't quite midnight but it was a great deal of fun. It was fortunate the city hadn't tried to plan this on a full moon, they would have missed out on everything.

"I think we can try that."Â?

Using Xeph for an anchor, she swung herself around so she was now backwards. It would be a trick or two but she should be able to do it. Somehow Nikhila thought she might be able to get moving backwards under her own steam once she got the knack of it.

"Wait, how do I know you won't steer me into a snow bank?"Â?

He might too, of course she'd deserve it after what she'd done to him, but it never heart to ask. Even if he did, between the years they'd known each other and his being Alpha she had total faith in him and knew he wouldn't deliberately hurt her. Worst-case scenario would be a bit of pay back.
Suki Langston 17 years ago
With a large smile she was happy that Aishe remembered her. At the brief synopsis of what they were trying to do she waved at Pak.

"Nice to meet you Pak. Suki Langston, I am a friend of Aishe's friend Fallon. It is kinda cold out but skating gets the blood moving."

After a moment it was obvious what the problem was. Absently flinging a braid that hung in her face back she contemplated how to help them.

"Would you two like assistance back or a brief lesson as you go? I can tow one of you to the side, but both of you may topple me."

Laughing at the idea of them all sliding on their rears to the edge she decided to try to help best she could while answering the question posed her. "Everyone is fine, the babies are growing so quickly. We must go through more toy balls with jingle bells and catnip mice than a pet store though."

She offered a hand to Pak as she skated slowly. "This is all about shifting your weight like rollerskating. Stand on your left leg and push away on your right, then bring your foot back and put your weight on it and push off with your left. You may feel like the foot you are pushing off with is escaping but just pull it back and put it down in front of you. Or I can simply pull you to the edge if you would rather."
Nicholae 17 years ago
Nic was thrilled to see Livia and Kem hit it off, though if he ever blushed, he certainly would have then. Livia's attentions were very welcomed, even in public, but her praise seemed to know no bounds, and it had been eons since anyone had gone on about Nic like that.

In an attempt to hide some of his minor embarrassment, Nic coughed into his hand, and looked a little sheepishly at Kem.


"A word? Or ten, or a hundred!" Nic laughed at Kem's attempt to escape his own compliment, and slipped a friendly arm around the older man's shoulder. He gave Livia's hand a soft squeeze, before his hand left her's and slipped around her waist to get closer to her.

"Don't let him fool you...he did much more than that for me, and I will forever be indebted to him. Fast away the old year passes!" It still surprised Nic whenever he realized just how long he'd been in Nachton now.

"However, since I know I can never begin to repay him, I don't try..." Giving Kem's shoulders a slight jerk, Nic winked at the man. "However, if you ever feel the need, just let me know, old man, and I'll be at your side, night and day."

Nic considered his comment, and had the distinct impression Kem was cringing on the inside because of it.

"Livia is quite the woman..." And his words trailed off as he turned to gaze into her eyes.

"Though I think for the moment she's still getting to know me. I guess the true test will come when she REALLY knows me, and is still willing to go out with me."

Forgetting about his downed friend, Nic removed his arm from Kem, and gestured to Addison.

"Kem? I don't know if you've met...Addison...? Addison, this is my friend Kem."

Again Nic couldn't rememeber if names had been given when Kem had been apprised of the fiasco that had been Nic's welcome to Nachton. If not, Nic would fill Kem in later.
Kem`Raaisu 17 years ago
The reminder that one of the last few times they'd spoken had been Kem actually losing his temper with the hotblooded Nic almost made him slightly self-conscious, but he quelled that particular reaction and simply laughed softly instead.

"No no... repayment is not necessary, when I didn't do anything to begin with." Not to mention there was the fear that repayment, by Nic's definition, would most likely involve something harmful, judging by his previous track record. It wasn't that Kem was superstitious... just that in his first few months in Nachton, Nic had been followed by a rather large black raincloud. Apparently he was over that, which could only be for the best.

Cringing slightly on the inside at Nic's comment he only shook his head. "I'll forego that privilege for the moment, but I'm glad for the tidings of comfort and joy." He directed the words toward Livia, making it obvious that he was happy the two seemed to be enjoying each other's company so well.

Turning next to Addison, Kem nodded and greeted the human. "Nic's spoken well of you," he said. "It's good to match a face to the name."

Looking around once more, Kem realized Aishe and Pak were nowhere to be seen. Impossible. Pak wasn't moving that fast... a trickle of amusement from Aishe filtered into his mind, and as he looked for them both it became apparent that they were making their escape. That was just downright sneaky.

"I wish I could stay and catch up," he said with complete honesty to Nic, "but it looks like I'm about to become the hare to a matched pair of tortoises." He shook his head ruefully. "Livia, Addison, it was good to meet you both."

With a small salute he pushed off and headed back toward the other end of the lake. With one more wave to the trio, he sent to Nic, [I'm sorry I've been out of touch. Let me know when you're free... not that I expect you to be any time soon.] Leaving that mischievous thought with his friend, he hastened to try and beat Aishe and Pak to the other side of the lake before they ducked out and made for warmer climes... chickens.

((ooc: Kem out))
Aishe 17 years ago
Aishe beamed at Suki, appreciative of the sincere offer to help. She was solid enough on the skates to make it along well enough, but all the same she paid attention to what the woman said and moved her feet the way Suki did. To her delight it worked very well, and she made even better progress toward the cider scents.

Feeling justified, in light of her success, in taking a few moments to enjoy Suki's company, Aishe nonetheless made her escape as soon as she was politely able, awarding herself a mental pat on the back before sniffing her way toward the pavilion and sending Kem a mischievous little "Catch me if you can!"

((ooc: Aishe out))
Xeph 17 years ago
Silly Nikhila. She'd always trusted him. Oh, ye faithful...

Damn her, she was right too. Xeph muttered mentally to himself. Tease though he might, he wasn't about to do anything reckless when his Gifted was involved. He huffed at himself. It was all well and good to rough and tumble when it was his ass on the line, but he couldn't send Nikhila down that road willingly.

Concentrating, instead, on working at pushing, he pressed his hands to hers and used the toe-picks on his skates to provide traction, digging in and moving forward. Keeping his arms bent at the elbows, he regulated the amount of pressure on Nikhila's hands, not wanting to push her too fast, truly wanting to see if at least one of them could discover the trick to skating backwards.

Regardless of whether they both ended up on their asses or not, he had to admit it had been a fun night. It wasn't often he indulged in senseless horseplay, but when he did so he did it without restraint. How could he do otherwise?

Focusing now on the task at hand... no pun intended, he gave a cheer as Nikhila eventually, predictably, began to move her feet until she was skating on her own, backwards, a smile on her face.

((ooc: Xeph and Nikhila out))
Suki Langston 17 years ago
The brief chatting was nice as was seeing Aishe's skating improve even minimally. The later rated a quick cheer of support when they reached the edge. Laughing and waving to the two ladies she skated off. Happily she noted the ice was clearing a bit so she skated as she wished, pretending to be an angel. Wing your flight o'er all the earth, she thought as she caught a bit of air in a double spin. The landing was a bit wobbly but she had no problem maintaining her footing.

Suki looked up and saw a star which made her feel safe with its light looking down upon her. Flipping on her ipod she danced along the ice, braids flying behind her.


((Suki out, sorry I forgot to quote once before so I put two this time!))
Livia 17 years ago
Nic's praises were singing sweetly through the night to her ears making her feel choked on emotion. That he wished to impress her was clear but that he wished to continue seeing her even after they were quite well acquainted touched her heart as did the arm around her waist. Boyant with feelings of hope, promise and dare she even contemplate, love the ice seemed to simply move for her under the skates. Livia gave Kem a large smile and wave of her free hand as he made his goodbyes.

"It is my great pleasure to have met you Kem. Perhaps we could meet again, the three of us, in the towers?"

Since she was unsure if the 'pair of tortoises were both with him she did not assume but simply invited the opening in the future. Somehow she felt he left them with a small stamp of approval for her and Nic, which had her smiling up at him. With a subtle head nod she wondered how to get them back to the warm waiting suite at the tower. The thought had her nibbling a corner of her lower lip and probably blushing slightly.
Pakpao 17 years ago
“Nice to meet you.”

She didn’t dislike people, it was just some times Pak felt awkward around them. And the fact that Suki was pretty damned graceful on ice didn’t help. But she forced a smile.

“At this rate I’ll be home for Christmas.”

Pak mocked her own lack of skating ability and speed. She didn’t mind it really, this was a sport she didn’t intend to try but once every two hundred and fifty years. She also didn’t mention to Suki that she didn’t know how to roller-skate either. But it was very nice of the other woman to offer any help at all.

“I should be able to make it, at least I’ll be able to hide.”

Smiling she half skated and half stumbled off looking to put on real shoes and better yet find a warm place.

((OOC... Pak out))
Nicholae 17 years ago
Once again seeing Kem reminded Nic of just how much he liked the guy, and was glad to have him as a friend. It also brought back the idea of getting together with Kem over a few beers. Nic was happy to see Kem out, and to hear he had company even more so. It never occurred to Nic that Kem's 'matched pair of tortoises' was anything other than female, and he grinned as his mind conjured up a few visions of that.

Still smiling, Nic waved Kem off, and then paused when he realized Kem hadn't left him quite yet. Chuckling at Kem's invitation, Nic responded in the same manner.


[I was thinking the exact same thing, and while I'm hoping tonight is booked, and that I'll have more such delightful evenings ahead, I'll always have time for you old friend.]

Refocusing his attentions back to Livia, and then glancing towards Addison, Nic patted his male friend on the back.

"Well Addison, I'll leave you to your Salchows, and flips, as I believe my date is becoming a bit chilled."

Then smiling at Livia, and giving her a wink, Nic wrapped both arms about her waist, pulling her flush against his chest.

"Shall we think about getting somewhere warm, before your nose gets a chilling?"

He gave her the choice, if she would rather skate more, he'd be happy to continue. But his own preference was to be back inside, cuddled up together before the night ended.

((Nic and Livia out and back to Towers))