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...570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNli81TWlfX
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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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhPJSdXZxV
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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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE7XvJHeFfK
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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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTUhtThaTgC
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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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMBnZEJfGoA
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"I'm Helen. What's yours?" I maintained my smile.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuOiOdOdgbn
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"Julian and I'd appreciate your company. Where-where am I?" His single eye wandered around.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl92ToMq9pE
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"You're at the canal, in Dublin city."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnsuS2orohS
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"Dublin? Dub-lin sounds strange."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhb7QrpL69p
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I stared at him speechless for a moment. "Ok, what city name wouldn't sound strange to you?"570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJTB9RyHWv
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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."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpvby8wtIE
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I held my breath, and a shiver ran down my spine.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv4YWz2u2jt
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"What is it?" He wondered, concerned.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0L3zJ31U5G
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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?"570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW6JpuMW9qv
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"Are you alright? You look very pale?" Julian noted, concerned.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡselzVhqOrW
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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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7rV6XQhlIf
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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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSrtm79muMi
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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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Ytmkl1JhJ
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He looked up at me with surprised wonder.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7rBIvMWciM
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I smiled. "Luckily, I happen to have a spare bed you can use for the night."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡakFFV69NBt
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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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTd6ZWWPOI
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"You think you can walk a good half hour to my apartment?"570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpnFCXo31m
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A thankful grin curved upon his lips. "I'll manage."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrkFlVytNZV
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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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKowLFP7nWf
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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."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6Rv1ksb06
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He hesitated and looked at me, concerned. "What about you?"570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuUJSD32EUK
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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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR8vYDtX3O7
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I blinked up at him but soon smiled. "I'm sure you would have done the same thing."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxtCybSUwJp
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He smiled briefly at my answer. "Yes, but- Why do you trust me? What if I'm a criminal?"570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPFQ9tWnEms
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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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmBvyXrELeJ
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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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtztpgQoeBB
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"Be careful what you wish for." I grinned.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5cIwy7R9FB
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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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUW3IEge5gq
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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."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaCzwKqVGd9
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Julian dropped his jaw as he stared at me. Soon he shook his head. "What do you sense in me?"570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnj976JsLaR
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I blinked at him, speechless. "You're- you're not freaked out by that?" I asked shyly.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ofHqPZY19
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He shook his head, and a grin curved its way to his lips.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISNlxBKB2m
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"You are trustworthy, and I sense goodness in you."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfaNvFY62aH
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Julian grins and steps closer to me. "You are too kind-"570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXYWQNgBNz
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Suddenly the church bell tolled the 7th hour in the distance.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyrN3b0ZKfr
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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."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoc6M8tHWYw
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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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSM7V5onHYo
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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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajsWNRIgRy
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"Sorry for the small size." I apologized as my ears grew warm.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP6tXaxOZQ6
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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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBxESBcKta
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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?"570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehJnv9TJLf
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"I'll have what you'll have." Julian suppressed a yawn.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQa4FoWPOXq
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"With bread and cheese, it is."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh66sG6tdFM
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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?"570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡznzRrg0xx0
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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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE1ciQbvh3R
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Not knowing if I should feel embarrassed or angry, I felt hot and turned away.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2KWSHqeY9e
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Julian sniggered. "I'll clean the dishes," and he walks over to the sink.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1KZ78KuLeP
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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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdCkXXaR5xq
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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."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCwiwHr3YlP
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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."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFs5iJeHMDw
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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."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9F02uTADBH
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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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbSZr204IW6
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Julian took a sip and blinked, surprised. "Wow, this tastes good! How-how did you know I like smokey tea?"570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCK7fmLqP1
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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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6lIB8WK8O1
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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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡapZSnKZrAc
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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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKOZiAe3WFH
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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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDaWn782Vuq
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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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwPO3tCLlGp
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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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZxYC199ms
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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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