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Feb. 10th, 2008 08:54 am![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png)
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Who: Edea and her clone!Zack, Zax
Where: In the very very outskirts of Treno
What: Getting acquatined and ALMOST smexing. Almost
Warnings: Unending cuteness and almostsmex
When: Early afternoonish?
Where: In the very very outskirts of Treno
What: Getting acquatined and ALMOST smexing. Almost
Warnings: Unending cuteness and almostsmex
When: Early afternoonish?
Zax stifled a small yawn after he finished the patrol that Edea had decided he needed to do. Likely to familiarize himself with the grounds of her estate as much as to secure her own safety. The clone-SOLDIER's mind was taken up with thoughts of the lovely, mysterious woman who'd descended upon him in what had seemed a dream, and told him he was created to be her Knight. It was weird, really, for such a thing to occur, but as he was only a couple years old, geologically, things couldn't get much weirder about him. He was still garbed in the uniform of a SOLDIER, with a large nondescript sword on his back, hair in it's Mako-enduced spikes and eyes aglow. He also remember that he was, technically, a man named Zack, though he also knew he was -better- than the genetic-father his own body and mind were based upon. Bred to be a SOLDIER, it was his duty to serve, and it was a logical assumption that a woman with as commanding a presence as Edea's would command him as well. Zax responded well to it, and had really taken to her, though his body itched for action, danger, something beyond simple guard duty. He was as well-trained, if not better, than ShinRa's typical 1st Class SOLDIER unit, both in swordplay and materia-combat. Tactics, logistics, proceedures, all of it was pre-programmed into his mind, drilled genetically into him. It was all who he was. Zax knocked respectfully at Edea's door, before letting himself in, alert eyes taking in the room quickly, as was his custom.
The idea had been perfect. a knight that would never betray her. After almost being killed by her former knight, abandoned, left to her own devices in her weakest moments, she was taking no chances any more. She had found out about the clone program, and had paid quite a hefty donation to let one of their projects "slip" away. She was thrilled, to finally have a knight that was truly there to serve her, and nothing more. Edea lay relaxing on a chaise, a gauzy black robe covering her curvaceous pale form. Her hair was down from it's headdress, the trademark tendrils gone from her cheekbones, as she looked up, gold eyes glittering in the light from a fire across the room. She smiled, her hands raising a cup to her lips, the violent tint glittering against the steel chalice, as she sipped her drink. She set it down after a moment She looked over him. Yes ... he had been just what she wanted. a Mix of youth and aggression. Fiesty but still young and impressionable. Perfect to mold to her needs. "I take it you found nothing?" she said simply, her voice that strange accent, taht made her tone purr.
Zax, as he'd been taught to do for a superior, stood at attention in the center of her field of vision, and gave a salute, "Nothing of interest, Mistress Edea." his tone was clear, concise, and most of all confidant. He knew for a fact that he could likely kill anything that moved, and would, if his mistress required it. "Your manor, and it's estate, are secure from trespassers and their ilk." the sight of her in her robe, relaxed and seemingly as confidant with herself as he was with himself, nearly made his breath hitch for a moment. He'd been given his assignment, but he'd never thought he'd be in the service of a creature so.. well, ravishing was just about the only word he could think of adequate to describe Edea. The woman seemed possessed of an otherworldly grace that intrigued him. She was exotic, to his sense. Zack himself had been a farmboy, and had simple tastes when it came to how a woman looked. Edea far surpassed them, a reason she occupied so much of his mind. To top it off, from what he'd experienced, she was no-one's fool and certainly not an idiot. Things were good, his assignment seemed to be one he'd enjoy.
Edea smiled, and raised a hand as a silent command for him to relax his stance. She drew her hand up, crooking her manicured, lengthy black nail to draw him closer to her. "Good ... I would hate to have blood on my walls so soon." She thought for a moment, "I have a gift for you, my dear Knight" from around her neck, she slipped her fingers against her throat, sliding off a pendant, as she unjunctioned the Guardian, shuddering before holding it up. "His name is Alexander ... " she was sure he would know about Guardians. And that she was giving him something both precious and powerful.
Zax did indeed relax, and took a few steps forward to gently take the amulet from Edea's hand. He noted the shudder, a common effect of releasing a Guardian Force, and felt towards the presence that undoubtedly resided within the amulet. After a moment of contact, mentally, he nodded and reached back, putting the amulet on, his bright eyes closing for a moment as he adjusted to the now-dualized awareness. He knew, too, that Guardian Forces resided in a part of one's mind, so while junctioned, or through overuse of many Guardian Forces, one might forget information they otherwise would remember. That was why SOLDIERs usually used materia, that, and it was easier to come by. "Thank you, Mistress." he gave her an honest, level look, "It must be.. difficult, to part with something so precious."
Edea smiled, watching him slip on the pendant. It would hold a dual purpose. Not only would it make it far easier to keep track of her Knight, should she get separated from him, or him from her, it would also be able to warn her far in advance of anything she might need to know. Alexander had been with her for many years, and she knew he would do her bidding for his own preservation. When he spoke, she chuckled. "I am merely giving something precious to someone even more precious. you are my Knight. Should I be in danger, you will be between me and the enemy, thus you would be of more need for his Aid. In a way, you work as my own hand ... thus what is mine, would be yours in this respect" she spoke simply, to the point, as she looked him over, "Though I do believe I will have to invest in some new attire for you ... you look more like a ... well ... a soldier. Not the Knight that you are now" She reached out, stroking her hand along his side along the material, pondering. "Yes ... a Knight deserves much nicer clothing" as she moved to touch him, her robe slipped a bit, showing more of her pale skin. She seemed to not care or not even notice.
Zax noticed, and his eye was drawn to the exposed expanse of flesh. "With all respects, Mistress," he used that title as a simple habit, she hadn't told him to do otherwise, "I am a SOLDIER. Born, bred, engineered. Everything I was before your Knight is a SOLDIER, and as your Knight I'll bring those skills to your aid." he shivered slightly at her touch, though it wasn't to bare skin, and could feel Alexander probing his mind. That was normal, for a Guardian Force, so he paid it no attention, though the GF would find no thoughts beyond serving Edea's needs as they came, and as well as he could. If she asked him to breed her a purple Chocobo, he'd have done it, as best as he could. "If you wish me to dress differently, you merely have to indicate that which you would enjoy having me garbed in." he spoke formally, with no hint of his country accent, as he was supposed to. Really, he was infinately moldable. All the Sorceress needed to do was tell him what to change, and how, and he'd have done it readily. Such was his purpose.
Zax noticed, and his eye was drawn to the exposed expanse of flesh. "With all respects, Mistress," he used that title as a simple habit, she hadn't told him to do otherwise, "I am a SOLDIER. Born, bred, engineered. Everything I was before your Knight is a SOLDIER, and as your Knight I'll bring those skills to your aid." he shivered slightly at her touch, though it wasn't to bare skin, and could feel Alexander probing his mind. That was normal, for a Guardian Force, so he paid it no attention, though the GF would find no thoughts beyond serving Edea's needs as they came, and as well as he could. If she asked him to breed her a purple Chocobo, he'd have done it, as best as he could. "If you wish me to dress differently, you merely have to indicate that which you would enjoy having me garbed in." he spoke formally, with no hint of his country accent, as he was supposed to. Really, he was infinately moldable. All the Sorceress needed to do was tell him what to change, and how, and he'd have done it readily. Such was his purpose.
"You do not need to speak properly in private. When we are in this house, we are to be comfortable, yes? You can relax as much as you can. I have no use for a machine my dear. I wanted someone human, someone caring with their own likes and dislikes. And I'm sure that you would be just as entertaining without all the glamour and precision" she smiled, stroking her hand up to his cheek, cupping it gently, and smiling warmly.
Zax returned her smile, and nodded, letting himself relax in her presence as best he was able. It would take some getting used to, but the part of his nature that liked the company of attractive women was unchanged, and she was certainly good company by that merit. "Of course ma'am." it was odd, to him, to hear the Gongaga-country in his voice, but there it was now that he'd let it out. "I'm sure I'll be able t'find my own set've those somewhere in here." he tapped his temple and chuckled slightly, his eye straying seemingly on it's own along her skin, taking in the sight of the Sorceress. <e>
Edea seemed to like the gaze, and even chuckled a bit when she heard the accent. her own voice still purred, her accent hardening her R's. "Ah, see so much better" she grinned, and laid back a bit more, arching her back slightly.
Zax's eyes fixed on her chest for a moment, and then he shook his head, blinking, with a wry smile. "If I may be so bold, Edea.. You're a very beautiful woman, one've the best lookin' I remember seein', even with Zack's memories." his cheeks flushed slightly as he spoke to her in such a manner, but he still managed to get that out. It was true, of course, but while Zack had been more of a ladies' man, he was more like someone a little shyer, with all of the memories of a ladies' man. Kind've awkward for him.
Edea smiled, and seemed to almost blush herself, "Why ... no one's ever said something like that to me before" she said softly, stroking her fingers across her hair. "thank you" she murmured, looking him over herself. He wasn't a bad looking young man. Perhaps she had made the right choice this time.
Zax's oddly-coloured Mako eyes continued to roam along Edea's body, then back up to her face, before he smiled at her, "You're very welcome, and I'm sorry y'haven't heard it more, that just doesn't seem right t'me. It's not like you shouldn't've." he idly flicked a spikey bit of hair out of his face, and scratched at his cheek for a moment, noting her almost-a-blush bit of colour. It showed well on her skin, which he'd have likened to china, if he hadn't known she was a real flesh and blood person.
Edea gave a sad smile to him as she gazed across his features "Well my dear, most of my life I have been hated, and othwise reviled by the people around me. Even my husband grew to hate me and want me dead." She said quietly, looking away for a moment.
He frowned, eyes hardening at the mere thought of bringing this woman such anguish, and he slipped off of his chair, kneeling beside her and taking her hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze, "Not by me, it'll never be that way with me, Edea." he smiled in a dashing manner, kissing the top of her knuckles gently once, mentally making a note to squish the head of whoever her idiot husband was. Not to mention anyone else who'd hurt her.
Edea smiled to him, and reached a hand to stroke his cheek, "Oh Zax, you are truly so sweet to me. The truth is the world sees me as a very bad woman. All I ever wanted ... was to bring a nation together under one banner. And people thought that my methods were too harsh on those that wished to be against the idea. My own ... children I guess you could call them ... came to kill me, under the watch of my husband" she murmured, looking into his eyes. "I can only hope they never get word of my little piece of heaven in this mansion, with you here now"
Zax's face was grave, and his tone rather serious, "If anyone came to harm you, I'd kill them before they got sight of you, Edea." he was quite used to the idea, and method, of killing someone, and wasn't the type of person to quibble over honor, or glory. If they had to die, Zax killed in an efficient, quiet manner, most times. "Your vision of a united nation sounds perfect for what I know of the world.. it would do them good. I suppose people continue to fear change. Even for the better."
Edea nodded. She was really growing to like this Knight. "Oh Zax ... it was a long time ago. I hope that it is all in the past now. I would only hope that it has. I only want to stay in exile now. I don't want to deal in that heartache again, as everything I love turns it's back on me" she said with a sigh.
He doubted that included him, considering she'd just met him, but he mentioned it anyway, "If you end up loving how I perform, Edea, I still won't turn my back on you. Unless in a figurative sense, I may have to turn around sometimes to hurt something." he winked playfully, and squeezed her hand again.
Edea smiled, and looked over him, "Thank you, Zax. I have wanted someone like you around me for a very long time" she murmured, and sat up slightly, her robe shifting a bit more, untying slightly, though she didn't seem to notice, or care if she did.
He nodded, though the motion brought his eyes to her loosening robe again, and they stuck for a moment, before he recovered. His assessment of her looks had been quite correct, from what he could see, "Well, you have me now, Edea, so y'don't need t'worry about that anymore." his thumb stroked the back of her hand gently, and he looked up into her eyes with a smile, "Though.. y'might wanna do yer robe up again, it's startin' t'slip." it was admit he'd been looking, or look like a peeping tom when it did slip and he hadn't warned her. He preferred the honesty.
Edea blushed slightly in embarrassment, and reached to tie her robe up, "Forgive me, I have lived alone for a long time. Does it ... offend you that I am dressed so ... informally? i would be able to go without wearing such little clothing around you if it makes you uncomfortable"
Zax chuckled slightly, and shook his head, wetting his lips as he thought of what to say in response, "Well.. I wouldn't say it offends me, quite the opposite. I'm flattered that you'd go in such negligible protection around me after people have treated you so badly. I'm not offended, but I was worried about offending you, because you're exactly the kind of woman I'm the type to make a pass at, and I doubt you would enjoy me treating you so... commonly." he blushed slightly, looking down, then quickly back up so it didn't look as if her were still checking her out, "You.. -are- that kind of woman, pretty and smart, confidant. Among other things I'm sure." he was -so- making an ass of himself here!
Edea chuckled slightly, "Well ... to say that i have been around people to have passes made at me, would be an understatement." she said softly, "i've never had someone ... actually make an effort to be around me. My husband ... simply ... was not interested in those kind of things more than the rare ... clumsy attempt" she said simply, stroking a hand along her arm.
He quirked a brow, and shrugged slightly, still holding her hand. Zax hesitated a moment, before rising enough to make his lips meet hers, though it was a gentle, questioning kiss. The cloned man -really- liked Edea, and not just because he was supposed to; she was smart, level headed, and powerful. Attractive, to say the least, to a man like Zax. Maybe she wouldn't blow him up for being presumptuous, but he doubted he could go on long without expressing -some- attraction towards her.
Edea was surprised by the gentle kiss, but let her lips brush his, in a slight, timid manner, so foreign from the assertive woman she was. As if, afraid that she would go too far, too fast. She pulled back after a moment, blushing much more than she had been, so much her cheeks were just a bit red.
Zax smiled at her, and moved easily up to sit beside her, tugging her hand gently to pull her closer so he could kiss her again, more firmly. Since he hadn't been rebuked, or blown up, or anything like that, he'd assumed that such expressions were fine, not to mention her blushing, and now Zax had a better kiss in mind. She felt wonderful, up close, to Zax.
Edea cooed into his mouth, feeling him pressing close to her, she stroked her hand along his neck, closing her eyes slightly, and letting her body relax against him. he was warm, and strong, for once she was letting herself submit to someone else, and she had to admit she kind of liked it.
He rather liked that sound, and released her hand to wrap both of his arms around her, his body having a similar give to velvet over stone, as he had been engineered and trained to keep in top physical condition, on top of the mako burning in his blood. Zax liked the feeling of a small measure of power, of a sort, over Edea, though it was the knowledge that thrilled him, not the thought of what he could use it for. After a moment, he pulled back, and gave her lips a gentle kiss, smiling warmly to her, "Sorry if I surprised you.. I was having a bad time explainin' m'self.."
Edea looked at him with a small blush, "It. .. it's alright. I just .... wow .... " she said with a bit of a girlish giggle, quite unlike her "Well. I guess that summed it up quite nicely then" she said with a small smile, letting ehr hands slide up along her cheeks, "you are a very caring young man, Zax" she added with a smile.
He returned her smile, and her gaze, his hands rubbing gently up and down the woman's back, a gesture he felt would be comforting, and would let her know she was safe. "I was thinkin' just that, heh, 'Wow'." he tilted his head, concentrating somewhat to keep his breathing steady. Two small kisses hadn't done much for him except convince him of how he'd felt about her, and thinking of anything besides how he knew such things progressed was hard.
Edea watched him, as she felt the familiar shiver of Alexander calling to her. ['he wishes to make advances on you mistress. shall i allow him to continue his thoughts?'] Edea smiled to herself ['Yes, Alexander, let him think freely.'] And with that, she stroked her hand along his chest, "Perhaps ... I should show you the upstairs?" she said softly, smiling.
Zax didn't know, or care, that Alexander was letting her know what he was thinking, because that's what GFs did, they kept tabs on their junctioned partners' psyches. "Sounds like a good idea t'me.. I haven't seen much besides the grounds, and this room." he continued to hold her, though, and nuzzled her cheek with a grin, "Should I carry you?"
Edea blushed a bit more as he suggested carrying her, "Oh ... well. Perhaps I should walk for now hmmm?" she was slightly nervous. Truly she hadn't really shown anyone her body in a long time. Would she startle him? She didn't know how to gauge him right that moment. She stood up, straightening her robe, and gently walked to the doorway, "It's just this way" she started down the hallway to the stairs, her hips rocking with every step.
Zax couldn't help but keep his eyes on her hips; the swaying was truly mesmerizing, at this point, and he followed her along the hallway with a slight chuckle. As they walked, though, he seemed to find himself, and managed to look around and appreciate her house, and not just her backside, as they went along. "If you wish, I was just suggesting it t'you. I'm pretty strong, after all." he was, too.
Edea smiled over her shoulder to him, "I can tell, I simply thought it might be better for me to walk" she said simply, the upper floor had three main rooms, in front of them was the doorway to a very lavish bathroom, and to one side, was a moderately sized, but undecorated bedroom. "This one will be yours" she said simply, leaning into it, to show him. It was a light gray, with black and accents of blue, a comfortable bed, a simple dresser, and a weapon shelf lined with different pieces of melee and ranged artillery. She smiled, "You can add anything you wish to it, I thought it would be best if you had your own sanctuary, all for you" she said softly, and pointed across teh hall "That, over there is my room." she smirked. "The three rooms interconnect up here. If you'd ... like to see my own room. To .. .get acquainted with it, of course" she said as professionally as she could muster at the moment - which was a weak attempt at best.
Zax followed up her professionalism with a bit of thinly veiled innuendo, "Well, since I will have to know the ins and outs of your own personal space, Edea, in order to better protect you, I should probably get acquainted with your bedchambers." though he was also fond of his own, nothing in there appealed to him quite as much to the woman who would sleep in the other chamber. "That is, if you don't mind me going there." he slipped an arm gently around her waist, resting his hand on her hip, and leaned down to kiss her neck, lightly, just below her ear. Okay, so he was as insatiable a flirt as Zack would have been, but where Zack might have been much more inclined to branch out, Zax's loyalties gravitated unerringly to Edea.
Edea gave a small coo as she led him into her room. The room was lined with thick tapestry curtains, and large paintings of a lighthouse, and of a training center. The bed was an ornate four poster, large, and covered in thick black sheets and pillows. The nightstand held a tall lamp, and a stack of books. a desk to one side, held a neat stack of parchment, an antique quill pen, and a small computer, a stark contrast to the room that seemed locked in time. Along the wall adjoining the door was a bookshelf lined with old and new tomes, as well as bottles and alchemical tools. The room smelled of smoke and jasmine, all of it seemed to fit her perfectly. "This is my quarters" she smiled.
Zax took it all in for a few moments, noting that the scent of the room reminded him of the woman he had an arm around, and he smiled brightly, "Definitely tailored to you, from what I can tell." he was interested in her books, and wondered if she'd appreciate his desire to learn new things as much as the scientists had. It had been an unforeseen reaction to their mental probing, and prodding, and had been a key factor in his absorption of the knowledge and skills they'd wanted him to possess. The bed caught his eye, and for a brief moment he imagined making Edea writhe on those sheets, a heated blush rising to his face. "It's.. a lovely room, Edea."
Alexander decided to pipe in again, with a bit of amusement to him ['the boy is having very naughty thoughts involving your bed mistress'] Edea grinned, and moved close to Zax, stroking his chest gently. "So you like it hmm?" she stroked her hand along him, and looked around, "I spend most of my time up here, if not in the garden out back. And you are free to borrow any of the books on the shelf, as long as you stay away from the one on the desk. That one, i'm afraid is quite personal" she added, motioning to the very large, thick leather bound volume with a very large symbol burned into the top. It seemed to exude energy all its own. "But other than that, you can read anything and everything on the shelves" she purred, stepping towards the bed to sit down upon it.
Zax nodded, grateful for the permission to peruse her personal library, and making a note to avoid looking at what appeared to be a journal, or perhaps a diary. "I do like it.. and thank you very much." he took her hand again when she sat on her bed, kissing her knuckles gently and grinning slightly, finding her more alluring by the second as he watched her, and found her to be more and more a person that he was getting to know. The kisses continued along the back of her hand, and slowly up her wrist.
Edea watched him kissing her wrist, and the action made her body heat up, so much she was blushing crimson now. It had been such a ... when she came to think about it, had -anyone- ever acted like this to her? The idea was foreign, and it made her look at him with head aslant, as she watched him. Then she seemed to ponder. Was it really right to barrel forwards after only being around this ...near stranger a day? She trusted him, there was no doubt in that. But ... was it right? The thought lingered, as she watched him using his lips against her flesh.
Zax's teeth nipped her wrist gently, his tongue lingering on the spot, to feel her pulse, before he trailed his kisses along up her arm. The further he went, the more his body pressed against hers to let him reach, and he stopped at her bicep, to look at her with a warm smile. Really, even if he hadn't wanter her, and fiercely at that from the feel of his hips to hers, Zax wouldn't have remained uninterested for long. Edea was just... his kind've woman, when he thought about it. "Careful, any more blood hits those cheeks, you might faint." he was always playful, and joking, by nature. It helped to alleviate tension, and help people relax.
Edea smiled, and felt his body against hers, the heat making her feel even more ... confused. She looked at him, and gently drew her hand to his cheek to move his mouth from hers, "Zax ... I don't know if we should keep going like this" her voice was quiet, as if she were still fighting in her head between reserve and abandon. "I mean ... it's so soon" she said quietly, seeming even to hate stopping him, but she had to think about things rationally. And this was far from rational.
Zax nodded, and gently removed himself from her, holding her hand. It was somewhat difficult to do, all things considered, but he managed to do it with grace. "Of course, Edea. I didn't mean to.." he paused, and shrugged with a rueful smile, using his other hand to toy with her hair, "I'm sorry, I guess I wasn't thinking straight." she was a lady, of course, so it made sense that she would want to wait, to see if he had merit. It was too soon, she'd said. "S'okay.. No-one's forcing us."
It seemed to be taking everything in her to stop him, and almost seemed to pain her to stop his advances. Her body ached for her to keep going. But she had to consider things from an observing perspective. "Thank you ... for ... understanding" she was slowly getting herself under control.
The man smiled lightly, and sat with her, holding Edea's hand in his own, "That's not a problem Edea, I can understand." he did his best to keep his eyes on her face, and not to let them roam along her body, or he'd be struck with more thoughts of taking her in his... no! "Ahem.." he cleared his throat, blushing, "You'll have to forgive me if my mind wanders, I'm slightly distracted just now.."
Edea smiled, and looked him over, "I just don't want to jump into something so suddenly. I want there to be more than just ... loyalty to everything" she said quietly. She didn't know if it was just his urge to serve her, or true feelings, and Alexander had gone silent for the time being
"That makes sense." he chuckled softly, and shrugged to lighten the situation, "I just didn't want you to feel like you -had- to, y'know?" he idly scratched at his forearm, releasing her hand, and smiled down at her. "It really is a nice bedroom, though. Is there a basement to your home?" maybe a change of subject would make it less awkward for the both of them.
"Yes, but I rarely go down there. Mostly I keep a few extra components for potions in trunks, and a few old mementos from my past." She said quietly, looking around, "If you'd like anything for your bedroom, just let me know and we can find it for you" she said sweetly.
He chuckled, and nodded, "Well.. the only things I can think of are boot polish, a whetstone, and oils." he nodded again at that very small list. "To take care of weapons and armor, can't have 'em sticking in the sheath or rusting, I'm only as good to you as I can protect you, after all." his voice was heartfelt, both inherent loyalty, and the feelings he'd begun to have were there.
Edea nodded, "I will remember those for when we head into the city. And perhaps some new clothing for you." She smiled, and let her hand stroke his side. "Hopefully you won't have to do much fighting" she added. But there was always that worry . . .
"There's always room to hope for that, but fighting is one of the things I'm best at. Even if there is fighting, it won't last long." his eyes were suddenly hard as he looked away, and glinted somewhat dangerously. Under all of his kindness, Zax could be a tool, an out and out cold blooded killer, if he needed to be to protect her. Then the look was gone, as he returned his gaze to her, "I'm good at what I do."
Edea nodded. It was exactly why she had requested him. He would not hesitate like her former knight had, leading to her downfall. He would not turn his back on her no matter if she was good, or evil. That gave her comfort beyond anything else. "There will be fighting, but mostly with monsters that are in the forests, and some I need for components for potions I sell on occasion" she said softly.
"Just say the word, Edea." he winked playfully, "Anything you desire of me, I'll endeavor to grant." it was both official, and personal. Zax would have liked her to see him as a friend, and confidante, eventually, though he wasn't sure if she was the type to form such lasting relationships with someone like himself. People were often leery of clones, it was known, especially the ones that looked and acted so... natural.
Edea smirked, and let her hand stroke along his side a few moments more, before standing up, "Now, is there anything else I should know about your ... abilities?" she said with a little smirk.
"Hmm?" he stayed where he was, sitting on the edge of her bed, and raised a brow, "ShinRa didn't tell you? Well, I've been bio-engineered to possess purely constructive genetics. I'll remain in perfect health, where genetic problems are concerned. My drive to learn and implement that knowledge is unparalleled in other subjects, along with the readiness I take in information." he paused for a breath, then continued, "Above and beyond, I was cloned from one of the best SOLDIERs ShinRa ever had, and improved from there. The mako in my body, combined with the genetics work done on me, left my physical capabilities far beyond the human norm in strength, agility, dexterity, and endurance. According to my charts, I will not stop unless killed outright." she had been looking for a briefing on his abilities, right? Well, that's what Zax had thought she wanted, "As a SOLDIER 1st Class, I am highly skilled in the use of weaponry, both melee and ranged, traditional and modern. Materia-based magic is my specialty, though I've no talent for magic without it. Tactics, and field positioning were also highly ingrained in me, along with the thought that if you win the fight it doesn't matter how you won, just that you did." he stopped, looking up at her, and smiled disarmingly. For a trained and engineered killer, he could look remarkably like a farmboy from the chocobo stables.
Edea chuckled softly, and turned her head slightly, "That's all well and good. .. but I had meant besides your fighting ... Do you have any skills besides that? Perhaps ... cooking, or carpentry? Anything else?" she said with a warm smile.
Zax flushed, and shrugged, looking away in an embarrassed manner, "Well, I'm a good hand with chocobos; raisin', breedin', and trainin' 'em. I can cook a few things, country dishes mostly, like Choco Gratin." he chuckled, remembering the dish, it was good stuff! "Carpentry? Well, I've only ever built chocobo stables, and tool sheds, building-wise, but I can handle making furniture." he thought for a moment, and pursed his lips as he did so, then snapped his fingers, "Ah! I can play the harmonica, to an extent. And.. I've always been able to put an edge back on a knife, or fix a nicked blade." he was by no means a blacksmith, "I can sew, a little, just patches and such.." were any of those things the kind've thing she was looking for? He wondered about that while he waited.
Edea smiled, "Good! Then you'll be able to help around the house a bit, I was a bit worried abotu that" she said with a small smile. "and since you say your a quick learner, I might be able to teach you a few extra things" she smiled, and nodded, "Good, wonderful" she said sweetly. She seemed pleased, and Alexander said so in Zax's mind.
He flushed more, though it was with pride and confidance, because Edea was pleased with him. He stood and smiled, kissing her cheek in a friendly manner, "I'd be grateful if you took the time to teach me things." it was a good thing she was pleased with him; as his programming dictated, his mood would slip and he'd become somewhat depressed should she be displeased with him. A method of making sure he kept trying, the scientists had said.
"Oh I will teach you anything I know that you are interested in" she smiled, "Alchemy, gardening, cooking, tailoring, painting, drawing, anything you would like. You'll find that besides the occasional patrol of the grounds, we will both have a lot of free time to fill"
Zax nodded again, and looked around her room once more, tilting his head, "I'm not sure what to do now, though.. do you play chess?" part of his tactical training had been mastery of the game. It was a rather fun pasttime, he thought.
"Aye ... I do" She said softly, smiling, "I haven't played in quite a while though, I'm probably very rusty" she said softly, motioning her hand, and he would see a wooden box was floating towards them, with a checkered pattern burned into the top of it. "Shall we go downstairs to play? or would you rather play here?" she asked softly.
The idea had been perfect. a knight that would never betray her. After almost being killed by her former knight, abandoned, left to her own devices in her weakest moments, she was taking no chances any more. She had found out about the clone program, and had paid quite a hefty donation to let one of their projects "slip" away. She was thrilled, to finally have a knight that was truly there to serve her, and nothing more. Edea lay relaxing on a chaise, a gauzy black robe covering her curvaceous pale form. Her hair was down from it's headdress, the trademark tendrils gone from her cheekbones, as she looked up, gold eyes glittering in the light from a fire across the room. She smiled, her hands raising a cup to her lips, the violent tint glittering against the steel chalice, as she sipped her drink. She set it down after a moment She looked over him. Yes ... he had been just what she wanted. a Mix of youth and aggression. Fiesty but still young and impressionable. Perfect to mold to her needs. "I take it you found nothing?" she said simply, her voice that strange accent, taht made her tone purr.
Zax, as he'd been taught to do for a superior, stood at attention in the center of her field of vision, and gave a salute, "Nothing of interest, Mistress Edea." his tone was clear, concise, and most of all confidant. He knew for a fact that he could likely kill anything that moved, and would, if his mistress required it. "Your manor, and it's estate, are secure from trespassers and their ilk." the sight of her in her robe, relaxed and seemingly as confidant with herself as he was with himself, nearly made his breath hitch for a moment. He'd been given his assignment, but he'd never thought he'd be in the service of a creature so.. well, ravishing was just about the only word he could think of adequate to describe Edea. The woman seemed possessed of an otherworldly grace that intrigued him. She was exotic, to his sense. Zack himself had been a farmboy, and had simple tastes when it came to how a woman looked. Edea far surpassed them, a reason she occupied so much of his mind. To top it off, from what he'd experienced, she was no-one's fool and certainly not an idiot. Things were good, his assignment seemed to be one he'd enjoy.
Edea smiled, and raised a hand as a silent command for him to relax his stance. She drew her hand up, crooking her manicured, lengthy black nail to draw him closer to her. "Good ... I would hate to have blood on my walls so soon." She thought for a moment, "I have a gift for you, my dear Knight" from around her neck, she slipped her fingers against her throat, sliding off a pendant, as she unjunctioned the Guardian, shuddering before holding it up. "His name is Alexander ... " she was sure he would know about Guardians. And that she was giving him something both precious and powerful.
Zax did indeed relax, and took a few steps forward to gently take the amulet from Edea's hand. He noted the shudder, a common effect of releasing a Guardian Force, and felt towards the presence that undoubtedly resided within the amulet. After a moment of contact, mentally, he nodded and reached back, putting the amulet on, his bright eyes closing for a moment as he adjusted to the now-dualized awareness. He knew, too, that Guardian Forces resided in a part of one's mind, so while junctioned, or through overuse of many Guardian Forces, one might forget information they otherwise would remember. That was why SOLDIERs usually used materia, that, and it was easier to come by. "Thank you, Mistress." he gave her an honest, level look, "It must be.. difficult, to part with something so precious."
Edea smiled, watching him slip on the pendant. It would hold a dual purpose. Not only would it make it far easier to keep track of her Knight, should she get separated from him, or him from her, it would also be able to warn her far in advance of anything she might need to know. Alexander had been with her for many years, and she knew he would do her bidding for his own preservation. When he spoke, she chuckled. "I am merely giving something precious to someone even more precious. you are my Knight. Should I be in danger, you will be between me and the enemy, thus you would be of more need for his Aid. In a way, you work as my own hand ... thus what is mine, would be yours in this respect" she spoke simply, to the point, as she looked him over, "Though I do believe I will have to invest in some new attire for you ... you look more like a ... well ... a soldier. Not the Knight that you are now" She reached out, stroking her hand along his side along the material, pondering. "Yes ... a Knight deserves much nicer clothing" as she moved to touch him, her robe slipped a bit, showing more of her pale skin. She seemed to not care or not even notice.
Zax noticed, and his eye was drawn to the exposed expanse of flesh. "With all respects, Mistress," he used that title as a simple habit, she hadn't told him to do otherwise, "I am a SOLDIER. Born, bred, engineered. Everything I was before your Knight is a SOLDIER, and as your Knight I'll bring those skills to your aid." he shivered slightly at her touch, though it wasn't to bare skin, and could feel Alexander probing his mind. That was normal, for a Guardian Force, so he paid it no attention, though the GF would find no thoughts beyond serving Edea's needs as they came, and as well as he could. If she asked him to breed her a purple Chocobo, he'd have done it, as best as he could. "If you wish me to dress differently, you merely have to indicate that which you would enjoy having me garbed in." he spoke formally, with no hint of his country accent, as he was supposed to. Really, he was infinately moldable. All the Sorceress needed to do was tell him what to change, and how, and he'd have done it readily. Such was his purpose.
Zax noticed, and his eye was drawn to the exposed expanse of flesh. "With all respects, Mistress," he used that title as a simple habit, she hadn't told him to do otherwise, "I am a SOLDIER. Born, bred, engineered. Everything I was before your Knight is a SOLDIER, and as your Knight I'll bring those skills to your aid." he shivered slightly at her touch, though it wasn't to bare skin, and could feel Alexander probing his mind. That was normal, for a Guardian Force, so he paid it no attention, though the GF would find no thoughts beyond serving Edea's needs as they came, and as well as he could. If she asked him to breed her a purple Chocobo, he'd have done it, as best as he could. "If you wish me to dress differently, you merely have to indicate that which you would enjoy having me garbed in." he spoke formally, with no hint of his country accent, as he was supposed to. Really, he was infinately moldable. All the Sorceress needed to do was tell him what to change, and how, and he'd have done it readily. Such was his purpose.
"You do not need to speak properly in private. When we are in this house, we are to be comfortable, yes? You can relax as much as you can. I have no use for a machine my dear. I wanted someone human, someone caring with their own likes and dislikes. And I'm sure that you would be just as entertaining without all the glamour and precision" she smiled, stroking her hand up to his cheek, cupping it gently, and smiling warmly.
Zax returned her smile, and nodded, letting himself relax in her presence as best he was able. It would take some getting used to, but the part of his nature that liked the company of attractive women was unchanged, and she was certainly good company by that merit. "Of course ma'am." it was odd, to him, to hear the Gongaga-country in his voice, but there it was now that he'd let it out. "I'm sure I'll be able t'find my own set've those somewhere in here." he tapped his temple and chuckled slightly, his eye straying seemingly on it's own along her skin, taking in the sight of the Sorceress. <e>
Edea seemed to like the gaze, and even chuckled a bit when she heard the accent. her own voice still purred, her accent hardening her R's. "Ah, see so much better" she grinned, and laid back a bit more, arching her back slightly.
Zax's eyes fixed on her chest for a moment, and then he shook his head, blinking, with a wry smile. "If I may be so bold, Edea.. You're a very beautiful woman, one've the best lookin' I remember seein', even with Zack's memories." his cheeks flushed slightly as he spoke to her in such a manner, but he still managed to get that out. It was true, of course, but while Zack had been more of a ladies' man, he was more like someone a little shyer, with all of the memories of a ladies' man. Kind've awkward for him.
Edea smiled, and seemed to almost blush herself, "Why ... no one's ever said something like that to me before" she said softly, stroking her fingers across her hair. "thank you" she murmured, looking him over herself. He wasn't a bad looking young man. Perhaps she had made the right choice this time.
Zax's oddly-coloured Mako eyes continued to roam along Edea's body, then back up to her face, before he smiled at her, "You're very welcome, and I'm sorry y'haven't heard it more, that just doesn't seem right t'me. It's not like you shouldn't've." he idly flicked a spikey bit of hair out of his face, and scratched at his cheek for a moment, noting her almost-a-blush bit of colour. It showed well on her skin, which he'd have likened to china, if he hadn't known she was a real flesh and blood person.
Edea gave a sad smile to him as she gazed across his features "Well my dear, most of my life I have been hated, and othwise reviled by the people around me. Even my husband grew to hate me and want me dead." She said quietly, looking away for a moment.
He frowned, eyes hardening at the mere thought of bringing this woman such anguish, and he slipped off of his chair, kneeling beside her and taking her hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze, "Not by me, it'll never be that way with me, Edea." he smiled in a dashing manner, kissing the top of her knuckles gently once, mentally making a note to squish the head of whoever her idiot husband was. Not to mention anyone else who'd hurt her.
Edea smiled to him, and reached a hand to stroke his cheek, "Oh Zax, you are truly so sweet to me. The truth is the world sees me as a very bad woman. All I ever wanted ... was to bring a nation together under one banner. And people thought that my methods were too harsh on those that wished to be against the idea. My own ... children I guess you could call them ... came to kill me, under the watch of my husband" she murmured, looking into his eyes. "I can only hope they never get word of my little piece of heaven in this mansion, with you here now"
Zax's face was grave, and his tone rather serious, "If anyone came to harm you, I'd kill them before they got sight of you, Edea." he was quite used to the idea, and method, of killing someone, and wasn't the type of person to quibble over honor, or glory. If they had to die, Zax killed in an efficient, quiet manner, most times. "Your vision of a united nation sounds perfect for what I know of the world.. it would do them good. I suppose people continue to fear change. Even for the better."
Edea nodded. She was really growing to like this Knight. "Oh Zax ... it was a long time ago. I hope that it is all in the past now. I would only hope that it has. I only want to stay in exile now. I don't want to deal in that heartache again, as everything I love turns it's back on me" she said with a sigh.
He doubted that included him, considering she'd just met him, but he mentioned it anyway, "If you end up loving how I perform, Edea, I still won't turn my back on you. Unless in a figurative sense, I may have to turn around sometimes to hurt something." he winked playfully, and squeezed her hand again.
Edea smiled, and looked over him, "Thank you, Zax. I have wanted someone like you around me for a very long time" she murmured, and sat up slightly, her robe shifting a bit more, untying slightly, though she didn't seem to notice, or care if she did.
He nodded, though the motion brought his eyes to her loosening robe again, and they stuck for a moment, before he recovered. His assessment of her looks had been quite correct, from what he could see, "Well, you have me now, Edea, so y'don't need t'worry about that anymore." his thumb stroked the back of her hand gently, and he looked up into her eyes with a smile, "Though.. y'might wanna do yer robe up again, it's startin' t'slip." it was admit he'd been looking, or look like a peeping tom when it did slip and he hadn't warned her. He preferred the honesty.
Edea blushed slightly in embarrassment, and reached to tie her robe up, "Forgive me, I have lived alone for a long time. Does it ... offend you that I am dressed so ... informally? i would be able to go without wearing such little clothing around you if it makes you uncomfortable"
Zax chuckled slightly, and shook his head, wetting his lips as he thought of what to say in response, "Well.. I wouldn't say it offends me, quite the opposite. I'm flattered that you'd go in such negligible protection around me after people have treated you so badly. I'm not offended, but I was worried about offending you, because you're exactly the kind of woman I'm the type to make a pass at, and I doubt you would enjoy me treating you so... commonly." he blushed slightly, looking down, then quickly back up so it didn't look as if her were still checking her out, "You.. -are- that kind of woman, pretty and smart, confidant. Among other things I'm sure." he was -so- making an ass of himself here!
Edea chuckled slightly, "Well ... to say that i have been around people to have passes made at me, would be an understatement." she said softly, "i've never had someone ... actually make an effort to be around me. My husband ... simply ... was not interested in those kind of things more than the rare ... clumsy attempt" she said simply, stroking a hand along her arm.
He quirked a brow, and shrugged slightly, still holding her hand. Zax hesitated a moment, before rising enough to make his lips meet hers, though it was a gentle, questioning kiss. The cloned man -really- liked Edea, and not just because he was supposed to; she was smart, level headed, and powerful. Attractive, to say the least, to a man like Zax. Maybe she wouldn't blow him up for being presumptuous, but he doubted he could go on long without expressing -some- attraction towards her.
Edea was surprised by the gentle kiss, but let her lips brush his, in a slight, timid manner, so foreign from the assertive woman she was. As if, afraid that she would go too far, too fast. She pulled back after a moment, blushing much more than she had been, so much her cheeks were just a bit red.
Zax smiled at her, and moved easily up to sit beside her, tugging her hand gently to pull her closer so he could kiss her again, more firmly. Since he hadn't been rebuked, or blown up, or anything like that, he'd assumed that such expressions were fine, not to mention her blushing, and now Zax had a better kiss in mind. She felt wonderful, up close, to Zax.
Edea cooed into his mouth, feeling him pressing close to her, she stroked her hand along his neck, closing her eyes slightly, and letting her body relax against him. he was warm, and strong, for once she was letting herself submit to someone else, and she had to admit she kind of liked it.
He rather liked that sound, and released her hand to wrap both of his arms around her, his body having a similar give to velvet over stone, as he had been engineered and trained to keep in top physical condition, on top of the mako burning in his blood. Zax liked the feeling of a small measure of power, of a sort, over Edea, though it was the knowledge that thrilled him, not the thought of what he could use it for. After a moment, he pulled back, and gave her lips a gentle kiss, smiling warmly to her, "Sorry if I surprised you.. I was having a bad time explainin' m'self.."
Edea looked at him with a small blush, "It. .. it's alright. I just .... wow .... " she said with a bit of a girlish giggle, quite unlike her "Well. I guess that summed it up quite nicely then" she said with a small smile, letting ehr hands slide up along her cheeks, "you are a very caring young man, Zax" she added with a smile.
He returned her smile, and her gaze, his hands rubbing gently up and down the woman's back, a gesture he felt would be comforting, and would let her know she was safe. "I was thinkin' just that, heh, 'Wow'." he tilted his head, concentrating somewhat to keep his breathing steady. Two small kisses hadn't done much for him except convince him of how he'd felt about her, and thinking of anything besides how he knew such things progressed was hard.
Edea watched him, as she felt the familiar shiver of Alexander calling to her. ['he wishes to make advances on you mistress. shall i allow him to continue his thoughts?'] Edea smiled to herself ['Yes, Alexander, let him think freely.'] And with that, she stroked her hand along his chest, "Perhaps ... I should show you the upstairs?" she said softly, smiling.
Zax didn't know, or care, that Alexander was letting her know what he was thinking, because that's what GFs did, they kept tabs on their junctioned partners' psyches. "Sounds like a good idea t'me.. I haven't seen much besides the grounds, and this room." he continued to hold her, though, and nuzzled her cheek with a grin, "Should I carry you?"
Edea blushed a bit more as he suggested carrying her, "Oh ... well. Perhaps I should walk for now hmmm?" she was slightly nervous. Truly she hadn't really shown anyone her body in a long time. Would she startle him? She didn't know how to gauge him right that moment. She stood up, straightening her robe, and gently walked to the doorway, "It's just this way" she started down the hallway to the stairs, her hips rocking with every step.
Zax couldn't help but keep his eyes on her hips; the swaying was truly mesmerizing, at this point, and he followed her along the hallway with a slight chuckle. As they walked, though, he seemed to find himself, and managed to look around and appreciate her house, and not just her backside, as they went along. "If you wish, I was just suggesting it t'you. I'm pretty strong, after all." he was, too.
Edea smiled over her shoulder to him, "I can tell, I simply thought it might be better for me to walk" she said simply, the upper floor had three main rooms, in front of them was the doorway to a very lavish bathroom, and to one side, was a moderately sized, but undecorated bedroom. "This one will be yours" she said simply, leaning into it, to show him. It was a light gray, with black and accents of blue, a comfortable bed, a simple dresser, and a weapon shelf lined with different pieces of melee and ranged artillery. She smiled, "You can add anything you wish to it, I thought it would be best if you had your own sanctuary, all for you" she said softly, and pointed across teh hall "That, over there is my room." she smirked. "The three rooms interconnect up here. If you'd ... like to see my own room. To .. .get acquainted with it, of course" she said as professionally as she could muster at the moment - which was a weak attempt at best.
Zax followed up her professionalism with a bit of thinly veiled innuendo, "Well, since I will have to know the ins and outs of your own personal space, Edea, in order to better protect you, I should probably get acquainted with your bedchambers." though he was also fond of his own, nothing in there appealed to him quite as much to the woman who would sleep in the other chamber. "That is, if you don't mind me going there." he slipped an arm gently around her waist, resting his hand on her hip, and leaned down to kiss her neck, lightly, just below her ear. Okay, so he was as insatiable a flirt as Zack would have been, but where Zack might have been much more inclined to branch out, Zax's loyalties gravitated unerringly to Edea.
Edea gave a small coo as she led him into her room. The room was lined with thick tapestry curtains, and large paintings of a lighthouse, and of a training center. The bed was an ornate four poster, large, and covered in thick black sheets and pillows. The nightstand held a tall lamp, and a stack of books. a desk to one side, held a neat stack of parchment, an antique quill pen, and a small computer, a stark contrast to the room that seemed locked in time. Along the wall adjoining the door was a bookshelf lined with old and new tomes, as well as bottles and alchemical tools. The room smelled of smoke and jasmine, all of it seemed to fit her perfectly. "This is my quarters" she smiled.
Zax took it all in for a few moments, noting that the scent of the room reminded him of the woman he had an arm around, and he smiled brightly, "Definitely tailored to you, from what I can tell." he was interested in her books, and wondered if she'd appreciate his desire to learn new things as much as the scientists had. It had been an unforeseen reaction to their mental probing, and prodding, and had been a key factor in his absorption of the knowledge and skills they'd wanted him to possess. The bed caught his eye, and for a brief moment he imagined making Edea writhe on those sheets, a heated blush rising to his face. "It's.. a lovely room, Edea."
Alexander decided to pipe in again, with a bit of amusement to him ['the boy is having very naughty thoughts involving your bed mistress'] Edea grinned, and moved close to Zax, stroking his chest gently. "So you like it hmm?" she stroked her hand along him, and looked around, "I spend most of my time up here, if not in the garden out back. And you are free to borrow any of the books on the shelf, as long as you stay away from the one on the desk. That one, i'm afraid is quite personal" she added, motioning to the very large, thick leather bound volume with a very large symbol burned into the top. It seemed to exude energy all its own. "But other than that, you can read anything and everything on the shelves" she purred, stepping towards the bed to sit down upon it.
Zax nodded, grateful for the permission to peruse her personal library, and making a note to avoid looking at what appeared to be a journal, or perhaps a diary. "I do like it.. and thank you very much." he took her hand again when she sat on her bed, kissing her knuckles gently and grinning slightly, finding her more alluring by the second as he watched her, and found her to be more and more a person that he was getting to know. The kisses continued along the back of her hand, and slowly up her wrist.
Edea watched him kissing her wrist, and the action made her body heat up, so much she was blushing crimson now. It had been such a ... when she came to think about it, had -anyone- ever acted like this to her? The idea was foreign, and it made her look at him with head aslant, as she watched him. Then she seemed to ponder. Was it really right to barrel forwards after only being around this ...near stranger a day? She trusted him, there was no doubt in that. But ... was it right? The thought lingered, as she watched him using his lips against her flesh.
Zax's teeth nipped her wrist gently, his tongue lingering on the spot, to feel her pulse, before he trailed his kisses along up her arm. The further he went, the more his body pressed against hers to let him reach, and he stopped at her bicep, to look at her with a warm smile. Really, even if he hadn't wanter her, and fiercely at that from the feel of his hips to hers, Zax wouldn't have remained uninterested for long. Edea was just... his kind've woman, when he thought about it. "Careful, any more blood hits those cheeks, you might faint." he was always playful, and joking, by nature. It helped to alleviate tension, and help people relax.
Edea smiled, and felt his body against hers, the heat making her feel even more ... confused. She looked at him, and gently drew her hand to his cheek to move his mouth from hers, "Zax ... I don't know if we should keep going like this" her voice was quiet, as if she were still fighting in her head between reserve and abandon. "I mean ... it's so soon" she said quietly, seeming even to hate stopping him, but she had to think about things rationally. And this was far from rational.
Zax nodded, and gently removed himself from her, holding her hand. It was somewhat difficult to do, all things considered, but he managed to do it with grace. "Of course, Edea. I didn't mean to.." he paused, and shrugged with a rueful smile, using his other hand to toy with her hair, "I'm sorry, I guess I wasn't thinking straight." she was a lady, of course, so it made sense that she would want to wait, to see if he had merit. It was too soon, she'd said. "S'okay.. No-one's forcing us."
It seemed to be taking everything in her to stop him, and almost seemed to pain her to stop his advances. Her body ached for her to keep going. But she had to consider things from an observing perspective. "Thank you ... for ... understanding" she was slowly getting herself under control.
The man smiled lightly, and sat with her, holding Edea's hand in his own, "That's not a problem Edea, I can understand." he did his best to keep his eyes on her face, and not to let them roam along her body, or he'd be struck with more thoughts of taking her in his... no! "Ahem.." he cleared his throat, blushing, "You'll have to forgive me if my mind wanders, I'm slightly distracted just now.."
Edea smiled, and looked him over, "I just don't want to jump into something so suddenly. I want there to be more than just ... loyalty to everything" she said quietly. She didn't know if it was just his urge to serve her, or true feelings, and Alexander had gone silent for the time being
"That makes sense." he chuckled softly, and shrugged to lighten the situation, "I just didn't want you to feel like you -had- to, y'know?" he idly scratched at his forearm, releasing her hand, and smiled down at her. "It really is a nice bedroom, though. Is there a basement to your home?" maybe a change of subject would make it less awkward for the both of them.
"Yes, but I rarely go down there. Mostly I keep a few extra components for potions in trunks, and a few old mementos from my past." She said quietly, looking around, "If you'd like anything for your bedroom, just let me know and we can find it for you" she said sweetly.
He chuckled, and nodded, "Well.. the only things I can think of are boot polish, a whetstone, and oils." he nodded again at that very small list. "To take care of weapons and armor, can't have 'em sticking in the sheath or rusting, I'm only as good to you as I can protect you, after all." his voice was heartfelt, both inherent loyalty, and the feelings he'd begun to have were there.
Edea nodded, "I will remember those for when we head into the city. And perhaps some new clothing for you." She smiled, and let her hand stroke his side. "Hopefully you won't have to do much fighting" she added. But there was always that worry . . .
"There's always room to hope for that, but fighting is one of the things I'm best at. Even if there is fighting, it won't last long." his eyes were suddenly hard as he looked away, and glinted somewhat dangerously. Under all of his kindness, Zax could be a tool, an out and out cold blooded killer, if he needed to be to protect her. Then the look was gone, as he returned his gaze to her, "I'm good at what I do."
Edea nodded. It was exactly why she had requested him. He would not hesitate like her former knight had, leading to her downfall. He would not turn his back on her no matter if she was good, or evil. That gave her comfort beyond anything else. "There will be fighting, but mostly with monsters that are in the forests, and some I need for components for potions I sell on occasion" she said softly.
"Just say the word, Edea." he winked playfully, "Anything you desire of me, I'll endeavor to grant." it was both official, and personal. Zax would have liked her to see him as a friend, and confidante, eventually, though he wasn't sure if she was the type to form such lasting relationships with someone like himself. People were often leery of clones, it was known, especially the ones that looked and acted so... natural.
Edea smirked, and let her hand stroke along his side a few moments more, before standing up, "Now, is there anything else I should know about your ... abilities?" she said with a little smirk.
"Hmm?" he stayed where he was, sitting on the edge of her bed, and raised a brow, "ShinRa didn't tell you? Well, I've been bio-engineered to possess purely constructive genetics. I'll remain in perfect health, where genetic problems are concerned. My drive to learn and implement that knowledge is unparalleled in other subjects, along with the readiness I take in information." he paused for a breath, then continued, "Above and beyond, I was cloned from one of the best SOLDIERs ShinRa ever had, and improved from there. The mako in my body, combined with the genetics work done on me, left my physical capabilities far beyond the human norm in strength, agility, dexterity, and endurance. According to my charts, I will not stop unless killed outright." she had been looking for a briefing on his abilities, right? Well, that's what Zax had thought she wanted, "As a SOLDIER 1st Class, I am highly skilled in the use of weaponry, both melee and ranged, traditional and modern. Materia-based magic is my specialty, though I've no talent for magic without it. Tactics, and field positioning were also highly ingrained in me, along with the thought that if you win the fight it doesn't matter how you won, just that you did." he stopped, looking up at her, and smiled disarmingly. For a trained and engineered killer, he could look remarkably like a farmboy from the chocobo stables.
Edea chuckled softly, and turned her head slightly, "That's all well and good. .. but I had meant besides your fighting ... Do you have any skills besides that? Perhaps ... cooking, or carpentry? Anything else?" she said with a warm smile.
Zax flushed, and shrugged, looking away in an embarrassed manner, "Well, I'm a good hand with chocobos; raisin', breedin', and trainin' 'em. I can cook a few things, country dishes mostly, like Choco Gratin." he chuckled, remembering the dish, it was good stuff! "Carpentry? Well, I've only ever built chocobo stables, and tool sheds, building-wise, but I can handle making furniture." he thought for a moment, and pursed his lips as he did so, then snapped his fingers, "Ah! I can play the harmonica, to an extent. And.. I've always been able to put an edge back on a knife, or fix a nicked blade." he was by no means a blacksmith, "I can sew, a little, just patches and such.." were any of those things the kind've thing she was looking for? He wondered about that while he waited.
Edea smiled, "Good! Then you'll be able to help around the house a bit, I was a bit worried abotu that" she said with a small smile. "and since you say your a quick learner, I might be able to teach you a few extra things" she smiled, and nodded, "Good, wonderful" she said sweetly. She seemed pleased, and Alexander said so in Zax's mind.
He flushed more, though it was with pride and confidance, because Edea was pleased with him. He stood and smiled, kissing her cheek in a friendly manner, "I'd be grateful if you took the time to teach me things." it was a good thing she was pleased with him; as his programming dictated, his mood would slip and he'd become somewhat depressed should she be displeased with him. A method of making sure he kept trying, the scientists had said.
"Oh I will teach you anything I know that you are interested in" she smiled, "Alchemy, gardening, cooking, tailoring, painting, drawing, anything you would like. You'll find that besides the occasional patrol of the grounds, we will both have a lot of free time to fill"
Zax nodded again, and looked around her room once more, tilting his head, "I'm not sure what to do now, though.. do you play chess?" part of his tactical training had been mastery of the game. It was a rather fun pasttime, he thought.
"Aye ... I do" She said softly, smiling, "I haven't played in quite a while though, I'm probably very rusty" she said softly, motioning her hand, and he would see a wooden box was floating towards them, with a checkered pattern burned into the top of it. "Shall we go downstairs to play? or would you rather play here?" she asked softly.