The day started and ended with a crisp cold in the air and thick fog choking all nooks and crannies like in a horror movie, but that is not all...430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmsRScBj4B2
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I've decided to walk home by getting off a couple of bus stops earlier and enjoying the foggy atmosphere walking along the canal, after a long day's work. I got distracted by the sudden sound of a man yelping and a big splash of water. Immediately I traced the sound to the canal beside me and tried to figure out in the thick fog a person's silhouette. There were further soft splashes as if sloshing through water and reaching land.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTbVQDgSld4
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"Hello? Are you ok?" I called out, sharpening my eyes and ears however I could. My body was tensed, ready to sprint. The cough sounded closer, and I sprinted towards the source of the sound; from the fog before me emerged a slim built man on all fours, coughing bits of water.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxawNZ34aZv
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"Did you swallow water? Sit down up-right if you can. It'll ease the breathing." He blinked at me speechlessly; I couldn't tell what thoughts or emotions went through but had a feeling he wouldn't harm me. "Can you hear me? I'll stay with you if you like. Shall I call the ambulance?" I kept my distance for safety reasons but crouched down and forced a smile despite the situation.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTKYcEV8Tm
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He nodded to my question and slowly turned over to sit up-right. His breathing began to calm down, and he soon stopped coughing. Droplets of water dripped from the tips of his auburn wavy short hair. He wore an eye patch, but the left eye was fixed on me. "Thank you." He spoke softly with a raspy voice and cleared his throat.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIFj2uHVEJp
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"I'm Helen. What's yours?" I maintained my smile.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeTHpTiImAf
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"Julian and I'd appreciate your company. Where-where am I?" His single eye wandered around.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGh9RTpNDe
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"You're at the canal, in Dublin city."430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0t2JKA9a8
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"Dublin? Dub-lin sounds strange."430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKd5HmSKZws
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I stared at him speechless for a moment. "Ok, what city name wouldn't sound strange to you?"430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXPhXeSrGr
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"Point taken." He chuckled. "By the by city names, do you know how I can get back to Vesuvia or to Nevivon? Praka would do too."430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3eVduZTjGh
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I held my breath, and a shiver ran down my spine.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2eLIOewfi
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"What is it?" He wondered, concerned.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJoFYT8d3W
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"Those cities don't exist here. They are only known to a few in fiction, a game to be precise." I swallowed. "How-how did you get here?"430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1uYE0dMUOI
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"Are you alright? You look very pale?" Julian noted, concerned.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj9oHLAPuEw
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I realized my hands were trembling, but I was brimming with questions and didn't care what effect the answers would have on me. I'm too eager to know, like an itch that can't get scratched. "Never mind me, please answer the question." I looked him in the eye and balled my hands into fists.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDVGa40z9D
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He blinked at me; I must be giving a piercing look. He opened and closed his mouth a few times before letting out a sigh. "I-I can't recall. I think I was out at sea, and suddenly a thick mist covered me and the rest you know already." His leather gloved hands were balled to fists, and he faced the ground in shame.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡASftSJGXyI
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I began to feel ashamed of myself, knowing I should have seen that answer as one of many possibilities, in addition letting him freeze out here any minute longer. I clenched my teeth. "Don't beat yourself up. Can you walk?" I gave softly and offered him my hand.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVi6vSFGN6
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He looked up at me with surprised wonder.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ66Rh5ZqPlI
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I smiled. "Luckily, I happen to have a spare bed you can use for the night."430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgOozlAs7zc
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Julian stared at me speechless before he took my hand and got up to his feet. I grew nervous as he began to tower over me, he was a good head taller than me and slender built with broad shoulders. His long legs were slightly wobbly as they began to hold his weight.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaE3IJAm8zd
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"You think you can walk a good half hour to my apartment?"430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOUBcFlh8G
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A thankful grin curved upon his lips. "I'll manage."430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡONzMR76jyA
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He handheld mine for a second longer before he let go. Tiny droplets of water dripped from the tips of his hair.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxxrQReqzK
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Rapidly I took off my coat and gave it to him. "Here, take this before you get a catch of cold."430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhSs2OtHdjO
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He hesitated and looked at me, concerned. "What about you?"430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAmsAciWSUw
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"The scarf will do for the last stretch." I smiled confidently, winked and tugged my large scarf anew round my neck after Julian shrugged into my coat. Good thing I buy them a size larger hence the coat fits Julian's frame almost perfectly. I walked ahead and waved a hand for him to follow. Soon we walked side by side through the thick evening fog. Julian kept stealing a glance at me and could have sworn he looked confused. Whenever I turned, he would look away. Not too long, Julian sighed and reached tenderly for my hand. He held so gentle I could easily shake it out, but I halted and turned to him. "Helen, I appreciate your help and hospitality, but I must ask." He bit his lower lip. "Why are you doing this? Why are you helping me? Aren't you afraid of me?" He looked deeply into my eyes, trying to read my mind. In the streetlight, I noticed his left eye is dark olive-green and large eyes for a man.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoVHuzpbNyK
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I blinked up at him but soon smiled. "I'm sure you would have done the same thing."430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH4MROiJZSZ
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He smiled briefly at my answer. "Yes, but- Why do you trust me? What if I'm a criminal?"430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz17C7QbJFd
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"Your questions prove me sufficiently that you're the opposite despite your past. I can give you another answer, but that's the crazy side of me. Secondly, do you trust me as I do? What if I'm the real criminal here?" I smirked teasingly.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF3sgIf2wzo
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He blinked at me, surprised and laughed. Soon he bent down to my eye level with a smirk. Tenderly his fingers trailed between mine to interlace each other. "If you are a criminal, then I'd like to see you try. I'm known to be a slippery sort. And I'm curious what you're other answer would be." His face drew closer to mine, that I felt his warm breath brush against my cheeks.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6hp7T4LjRl
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"Be careful what you wish for." I grinned.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ84uflpYMh
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Julian hummed, amused with a broad smirk and brushed a few hairs gently out of my face. "And curiosity kills the cat." Our noses nearly met; his face was this close.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡngYap0ucLv
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Usually, to a stranger, I would have backed away, but I feel safe and relaxed in his presence for some reason. I have to admit he is handsome hence the attraction plus because I know a part of him from the game. As I recalled the crazy answer Julian wanted to know, I backed away and felt very warm at the ears and cheeks, yet I held on to his hand. "I have a sharp intuition when it comes to people. I can sense within minutes if the person before me is trustworthy or not. I can't fully explain why but it never led me wrong."430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI0SDdujj7D
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Julian dropped his jaw as he stared at me. Soon he shook his head. "What do you sense in me?"430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODyv6elpLm
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I blinked at him, speechless. "You're- you're not freaked out by that?" I asked shyly.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhikJlFMakh
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He shook his head, and a grin curved its way to his lips.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvSfXYxZPH0
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"You are trustworthy, and I sense goodness in you."430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhjKLiWBXHs
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Julian grins and steps closer to me. "You are too kind-"430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡikjeU3d8uy
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Suddenly the church bell tolled the 7th hour in the distance.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj8G4cNM5DO
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I looked in the direction from where I heard the bells, and as I faced Julian, our glances met. I led on the way with a smile, our hands interlaced. "Come on."430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX7DTKJnES6
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We fell silent at the last stretch of the walk but appreciated each other's company and holding hands. Once in my apartment, I turned up the electric heaters since the Edwardian apartment has no central heating. I bid Julian make himself comfortable with a woolly jumper, dry trainers, socks and a towel to dry the last bit of water. I showed him the bathroom and headed to the kitchen to warm up the soup. While waiting, I set the table and kept an eye on the soup.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxR32mxdqSI
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Not long, Julian stepped out with flushed cheeks and ears. The trainers are a bit short and the socks too small for his large feet.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZK95YTxa1
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"Sorry for the small size." I apologized as my ears grew warm.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv8DDxUVDzi
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"I'm not complaining; they're cosy and dry. Many thanks for your hospitality, Helen." He took a seat across the table with a tired smile. "Cozy little apartment you have here. Love what you've done with the ceiling." He noted as he looked up and saw my interior design copied like in old ships, using up the high ceiling space by hanging some of my things and utensils. Still high enough for tall Julian to stretch without any issues.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEjXnwd5v0E
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"Thanks." I grinned proudly and walked over to the stove. "I hope you're ok with simple veg soup? Do you want bread and cheese with it?"430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIEctTYmnOU
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"I'll have what you'll have." Julian suppressed a yawn.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡygjjpKGEUg
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"With bread and cheese, it is."430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbcQbtLNAv
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Quietly we ate the soup with bread and some cheese. I first then realized how hungry and cold I was. The soup was perfect for the situation. Julian began to have more colour, and he looked relaxed. He smirked roguishly as I looked at him. "Do you always have such rosy red cheeks?"430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuChA5YqKnc
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As I wanted to avoid his question by standing up and doing the dishes, he rapidly was on his feet and snatched away my bowl. "Has anyone ever told you how cute you look with those cheeks?" He whispered to my ear, his nose nearly brushing my cheek.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpiQrxZwbM6
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Not knowing if I should feel embarrassed or angry, I felt hot and turned away.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVhe6hrdMqt
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Julian sniggered. "I'll clean the dishes," and he walks over to the sink.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbUAZKyCMmV
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At this point, I had a feeling that no matter what I say or do, nothing could be changed. It is there between him and me. Alright, despite the feeling I'm not going to kiss him on the same day. I have my standards, and he has his, well, sort of. I let out a small sigh to ebb away from that warm feeling at my cheeks and ears and put the kettle on for tea. Since playing the game Arcana, I have fallen for Julian, and my feelings for him haven't changed;. However, I'm fully aware he's fictional, yet here he stands in the kitchen cleaning the dishes. Oh, cheese and crackers!
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"Thank you for cleaning the dishes, Julian. Would you like some tea?" I remained polite and calm despite feeling anything other than that.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5BpgsHfPk
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"I was hardly returning the favour." He smirked. In his twinkling eye, I sensed adoration. "Tea would be lovely, surprise me."430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiNjl3hREe4
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I smiled. Oh, the challenge is on since I can think of a couple of things despite it is Thursday. I placed in each mug a simple teabag, and while Julian wasn't looking, I snatched a slightly cheaper whiskey. Luckily near the size of a hip flask and filled the bottom of the mug a generous amount. In perfect timing, the kettle was whistling, and I poured the hot water casually into the cup. The tea and whiskey blended well in hot water while I let it sit. After a few minutes, I served Julian the mug on the table. I couldn't help myself stop smirking. "It's an old house remedy, excellent to warm up and get some restful sleep."430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4aNQj4dL5D
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"Hmm, now I'm curious and somehow have a feeling this isn't an ordinary tea, but I love the smell. It's smokey."430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdAbqL56H5Z
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Oh, you're smelling the Scotch whiskey, alright. I took a sip, the perfect amount, and after a long cold day, it was a treat.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQtdT6fCd5m
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Julian took a sip and blinked, surprised. "Wow, this tastes good! How-how did you know I like smokey tea?"430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTyRtm21TIV
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"Err, I didn't." I gave nervously. To be honest, I wasn't thinking of it but should have known. "I added a good splash of Scotch whiskey into the tea to warm up and relax. Scotch whiskey is known for its strong smokey flavour compared to other whiskeys." I pulled out the bottle and handed it to him.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBT7XntmVF
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"Interesting never heard of it." He nearly muttered absent-mindedly while reading the label on the bottle. Slowly he pulled the cork, and before I knew he took a swig of it.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBS83InZntP
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As a reflex, I reached out a hand with a gaping mouth and halted as I remembered his bed was only a few meters away.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlLKpbBUEBB
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Julian licked his lips and hummed a friendly tone. "Where have you been? This is my kind of drink! Rough, smokey yet complex and in a gorgeous colour. So this is whis-key?" He lifted the bottle to his lips.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwD5t6usBNJ
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Rapidly I reached after the whiskey bottle before it was empty. But my hand missed it by a few millimetres as Julian stretched out his arm. Forgetting that even when sitting, he has longer limbs than I. I found myself half standing, half on his lap, reaching for the bottle. Julian beamed from ear to ear as I looked down at him, half perplexed. Before I could do anything, he stole a kiss. His warm lips caressed mine, fine lips moving elegantly, drawing me in, making me respond. It is irresistible to draw back or say no despite my vow. I agree I'm attracted to him, and so is he, or we won't be kissing. Slowly I placed my arms upon his shoulders and trailed a hand up to his cheek. Julian put the bottle aside, and his hands followed up and down from the nape of my neck. At times resting a hand at the small of my back and my hips. Gently and slowly, he pushed me closer to fill the space between us. I kept my eyes closed while savouring this kiss, this feeling that blooms from my chest, his warm, firm hands. Feeling calm and content, yet my heart beats wildly. Taking in Julian's scent of musk, the taste of whiskey and tea lingering on our lips. All this strangely felt right but is it for him? We gasped for breath as our lips parted, and I looked into his eye to be sure.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIvh8IBHg44
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His heavy-lid eye gazed at me content which rapidly turned to concern. "Sorry, I couldn't resist, especially with those rosy cheeks." He blushed, looking sheepish.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhmPasC7Pu
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"That's fine." I smiled. "I just wanted to be sure it's not just me feeling and seeing like this." I drew closer to him. "To be honest, you're an attractive man," I whispered and let my lips brush at his ear.
Here's a short summary for those that don't know the game Arcana...
All characters and worlds are based on a fantasy medieval world filled with magic and mystery. One among them is Doctor Julian (Ilya) Devorak, a plague doctor who is very tall and wears an eye patch over the right eye. He has a thing for ravens and leeches but loves all animals. His sense of adventure always leads him to trouble, and he has ventured to many countries and seas; he knows how to sail a ship.
And Helen is the MC in the game that each player can name to their liking but always the apprentice who needs to investigate the mystery.
Here's the link if you're interested to learn more about the game and its characters:
https://thearcanagame.fandom.com/wiki/Julian
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