sovereignspirit (sovereignspirit) wrote in valarlogs, @ 2015-02-12 20:23:00 |
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Entry tags: | !complete, dracula, lissa dragomir |
Who: Lissa and Dracula.
When: Early February.
Where: A coffee shop.
What: Meeting.
Rating/Warnings: Low/None
Status: Complete.
Going out had become increasingly difficult for Vlad. It was hard enough to move around places without a noticeable shadow or reflection, and now, apparently, his hardships from the dreams were continuing. His preferred place to haunt, it turned out, had too many items pungent with garlic that made Vlad's stomach reel. It took a while for him to find a suitable replacement - it was more of a coffee shop, with the smell of pastries taking over rather than savory food, and he found it to be a quiet place without any interruptions.
With the dreams, Vlad's curiosity was also piqued. He knew, of course, in passing, the superstitions from his homeland. It was never something he paid much mind to, especially when he moved away, but perhaps learning more about it would help him adapt. Tucked away in a corner, away from windows or too much light, Vlad poured over books as he sipped his tea, scratching down notes in Romanian as he went.
Entering her favorite establishment other than her home or the library of course, Lissa took in a deep breath of the pungent sweet smell of the cafe. The barista greeted her happily and went to work making her usual hot tea with spices and extra foamed milk as she browsed the pastry selection. Settling on a dark chocolate croissant and obtaining her tea after paying, she finally took a moment to analyze her surroundings. She frowned as she noticed her favorite spot in the very back corner was taken, she moved that way anyways figuring she could take up his place once he had vacated it, although from the looks of his work it would be awhile yet.
She quietly slipped into the bench along the wall, trying not to disturb his work, she set down her tiny leather bound notebook, phone, her plate as well as her tea cup and saucer. She arranged things neatly and brushed her golden locks from her face. Crossing her legs, before taking up her teacup, letting the warmth spread across her hands as she sat back contently. Glancing over at the stranger, her eyebrows rose as she caught a glimpse of his writing, she didn’t fully believe her eyesight and found that she had unknowingly leaned forward, making the bench make a slight noise.
He had noticed, of course, that someone was moving to come sit near him. It made him bristle, as Vlad had always preferred a certain degree of solitude even before the strangeness had happened. But it was a public place, and there was plenty of room, so he simply shifted over a bit more to give her some space for her own books. Everything was fine until he felt her eyes on his table. Immediately some sort of embarrassment flared up in Vlad. Had she noticed the subject of his readings? Here he was, a grown man, who considered himself entirely sensible, reading on vampire lore. He was glad his notes were not in English, so he simply moved the book a little and covered it with his arm, hoping to save face.
“Can I help you with something?” Vlad asked, supposing he should try and be polite.
Lissa practically jumped out of her own skin, she immediately set her tea down so she wouldn’t burn herself as a deep flush settled over her pale skin. She finally glanced towards the man and her flushed deepened, he was very attractive even though he was obviously upset towards her outright nosiness.
Clearing her throat softly she replied, “I apologize sincerely, how rude of me.” She was going to end it with that and she glanced at her own table before back up at him, “I know this is clearly none of my business…” She stalled not entirely positive of what she saw on his paper, finally she gushed out her question, “Are you by any chance writing in Romanian?”
Vlad paused, and raised his eyebrows. Though he felt embarrassed, because if she recognized the Romanian then she would have known, at least a little, what he was writing about. “It is, yes,” he confirmed. There was another moment of silence before he cleared his throat. “You are Romanian, then?”
She brought her eyes to his and smiled, shifting herself to face him a bit more she nodded and stated, “Yes, my mother is Romanian, my father is Russian.” She hadn’t fully read anything but noticed the clear markings for the Romanian language, surely she had recognized the words but she hadn’t fully comprehended what he was writing, the surprise of finding someone writing her language, especially an attractive stranger, was taking over her thought process.
His memory clicked into place, and a smile came to his lips. “Ah - Yes, we have spoken before. On the network. I would not forget that.” Vlad closed his books and pushed them aside. He hold out his hand to her. “Please, forgive my shortness before. I am Vladimir.”
Lissa’s face brightened, this was the same man from the network! What were the odds of them running into each other? She gave him another warm smile, “We have spoken on the network, it was so nice to talk to someone in one of my native tongues.” She slid her slender hand into his and added, “I’m Lissa and forgiven, I apologize for being so nosey in the first place!”
Vlad shook her hand briefly and lightly. “Knowing now that you know Romanian, I can understand the curiosity.” He paused. “Though I admit it is not the sort of subject matter I am proud to flaunt around.”
Lissa’s brow furrowed slightly as she glanced at his paper again, “I’m sorry,” She apologized and shrugged her shoulders, “I didn’t really read what you were writing about…” Her voice drifted off, it was rude enough for her to realize he was writing in Romanian than for her to read his writing.
Vlad wasn’t quite sure if he believed her, but, even though his eyes narrowed slightly, he decided to let it pass. It was a rare treat to come across anyone with ties to his homeland, particularly in such an odd place. He wouldn’t let his uneasiness spoil it. “It is neither here nor there. Do you come here often?”
“It’s my favorite place.” She admitted and looked away to take up her cup she took a small sip, letting the heat ease down her throat before glancing back up at him, “Do you? I often find myself here to escape from my work,” She paused and bit her lip in thought before adding, “Which you may be doing, I can leave you be..” She hoped he wouldn’t stop conversing with her though, it was nice to talk to someone new.
“I have never been here before,” he replied, looking around. “It is … Nice. I enjoy the smell.” Vlad realized that was a strange thing to say, so he smiled apologetically. “The … Atmosphere, I think, is a better English term for it?”
Lissa smiled and admitted, “It has always been an escape of mine.” She took another sip then nodded as soon as he said he enjoyed the smell, she knew exactly what he meant. The quality of air was fresh yet a scent of pastry, coffee and books hung in the air, enveloping the entire cafe. “Either way, smell or atmosphere I completely understand.” Lissa replied with a look of contentment.
Vlad let out a laugh. It was hard for him to tell if she was simply being polite or not, but either way, he was glad she agreed with him. “I think I will come here more often, if I can find the time to do so. It is nice not to be stuck at home in all my spare time.”
Lissa watched him as he laughed and smiled to herself. Taking another sip before nodding in agreement, “Yes, I make it a mission of mine to venture out and not be stuck in my books all the time which seems to happen frequently.”
“There are worse things than being stuck with books.” Vlad gave her an amused sort of look, then began to gather up his books. He did, after all, have to get home at some point, and he’d rather have conversations when there wasn’t literature about vampires strewn about. “I’m afraid I must be going. Perhaps -” He paused a moment. “It was nice to meet you properly. Perhaps we can sit down properly some day.”
She gave him a gentle smile, then as he started gathering his things she looked away and sat back, brushing her hair from her face as she thought. She was somewhat disappointed if she was being honest with herself, that he was going. His voice broke thru her thoughts and she glanced back at him. Inclining her head slightly she replied in Romanian, “It was pleasure to formally meet. I have to admit I would very much enjoy that.” After he left she sat back and sipped her drink, forgetting her own books as she thought over their conversations.