Silence Is Golden

[Roxana Strix]

*Hours after THIS*

Roxana didn't really understand why she did it, but she had basically tried her best to sneak her way back to her dorm room. She was still so tied, hungry, and man was she thirsty. She had never ever felt like the way she was feeling now. She was sore in places she didn't even think was possible yet at the same time she just felt so relaxed and nothing was really bothering her. Her mind was still filled with so much confusion over pretty much everything that had transpired the night before. All she had wanted to do was hand over a drink, introduce herself, and let Priya Kaur know that she was being watched. Yet things had turned out way different then she had intended and while she was not outright regretting the action itself, she was more so regretting the possibility of certain people finding out.

It was not like she was ever the type of person who liked to share who they had been sleeping with or for people to even know that she did that. She did, not often or really by too much choice but she had done such actions before. Nothing like what she had done with Priya however and she had certainly never actually felt the way that she had when she was with the other women. It caused so much confusion and a mass of conflicted feelings. It made sense but at the same time she still didn't get it and really didn't want to think about it too much. All she wanted to do was get to her room, eat something, chug some water, and just sleep.

Would it be bad if she slept the day away? She wanted to. Just to sleep and recover and just try and process everything later. Her hair was a mess and her clothing had seen better day, she probably should end up showering but she just really didn't want to have to deal with anyone. She just wanted to take it easy for just one day, but could she really when she had so many targets to watch and a report to write up? I'm blaming them for all of this. Roxana thought as she unlocked the door to her dorm room and walked into the common area, planning to head to the kitchen area first.

[Ellen Banks]

There was a reason why Ellen seems to know most of the things of note that had happened in Bellefonte. This was a side proect she had put some work into a few years ago. The process was a simple one. All she did was single out a few dozen students or so and infuse them with the strong impulse and desire to let Ellen know about any information that they thought might be of some interest to her. This sounds simplistic but good lord was it an effective way to get the latest gossip, she had quite a number of “birds” placed in quite convenient positions all over the school and for years they had been keeping Ellen well informed.

…And this little system of hers had thrown up quite a little golden nugget revolving around her roommate.

At first she thought they were referring to a different Roxanna. The Roxanna she knew didn’t blatantly make out with another woman before practically rushing to –one can only assume to- The nearest room. At some level she thought she didn’t indulge in such sins of the flesh. She was always so, cool and collected and in control of her actions. Like she was a robot, The idea of her giving in to such vices was laughable.

She guessed even Roxanna had to let off steam…

Ellen was in the kitchen area at the table eating her breakfast when Roxanna walked in and Ellen couldn’t help but throw her a knowing smile when she walked into the room “Well, good morning sunshine and how are we this morning. I hear someone had a good night”

[Roxana Strix]

All Roxana wanted to do was come in, grab a drink, some food, and then just sleep the day away or at least for a few more hours. Yet here was Ellen, sitting in the kitchen area of their college dorm room eating some lunch as if everything was alright in the world. Well, Roxana supposed everything was alright in terms of no one was dying, being killed, tortured, or anything unspeakable like that. So yes, everything was alright in the world, just not in Roxana's world. There was that look that pretty much said that Ellen knew or at least thought she knew. Roxana didn't even bother to say anything. She just stood there in silence and looked at Ellen for a moment before turning to lock their door.

Heading over towards the kitchen as she tossed the empty fancy water bottle away and opened up the fridge to get another one. There had to be something in here that she could make really quick to eat so she could consume what she needed to get in her system and just hide away in her room. Hide away sounded like such a cowardly way so Rox decided to think of it as just taking a break. Yes, that all it was. Taking a break from dealing with all things about this day and possibly last night since Ellen had clearly brought it up. Perhaps she would drop it if Roxana didn't say anything about it, because she did not plan on saying anything about it.

So Roxana was just going to pretend that Ellen was not even there, at least that was plan A. Plan B would be to change the subject but for now she was focused on getting some food into her system. Pulling out what she needed to make a sandwich with pretty much everything on it since she felt like just eating everything. Taking swings of her water while she worked on making a double-decker sandwich.

[Ellen Banks]

Aw, how adorable look at Roxanna playing the role of bashful embarrassment. Not that Ellen thought Roxanna had anything to ashamed of. Quite the contrary in fact, Ellen considered this to be quite a breakthrough for Roxanna she had proved that she wasn’t just some emotionally void robot programmed to protect and protect at all times. Instead this proved that Roxanna suffered from the same afflictions that your average teenager suffered from, clearly at this point in particular-Lust

Someone managed to catch your eye-well done welcome to the human race…

But still it wasn’t like she could resist the temptation to poke a little bit of fun at her expense and how uncomfortable she must have been with this…

“Oh? Cat got your tongue? A little tongue tied aren’t you?” Ellen smiled taking a gulp of tea “You can ignore me as much as you like, I’m not going anywhere and I have plenty of time to talk it through” Ellen smiled sweetly “Did your eyes meet across the table. Was there a twinkle in your eye? Did you kiss under candle light, Oh I’m just dying to know"

[Roxana Strix]

Roxana was not playing any role and she certainly didn't think that she was being bashful or embarrassed. She felt like she was being herself, just one that looked really tired and that she had gotten into some fight where her clothing had been removed and her hair hands all up in it. That pretty much was one way to describe what had happened to her, but she didn't want to think about that too much. She of course didn't see herself as some emotionally void robot that only worried about protecting her targets. She had other things to worry about and to occupy her time with as well, like art, writing reports, checking cameras, homework, and also her security job with the school. She might have just been an intern but Elsa seemed to have a way with making sure that Rox was busy.

Roxana still didn't say anything as she started to put her sandwich together, slightly flinching at the mentioning of tongue. Her tongue was actually sore and she honestly didn't even think that was possible but apparently it was. Part of her wished she could get the images of what she had done out of her head, not even feeling like some of the things she did were really her. Everything had just been so passionate and to the action. Ellen didn't seem like she was going to be dropping it with Roxana ignoring it so she had a few options. Change the subject; give Ellen a little bit of what she seemed to be dying to know, or just quickly go into her room and lock herself in there and play music to block out any more questions. "Nothing romantic or movie dramatized like that." Roxana admitted, in an even tone, he voice softer than usual.

She started to put the things away she used to make her sandwich and then grabbed her plate and grabbed a seat at the table. She would have gone to her room but she honestly just want to stop moving as soon as possible. So she was going to eat here and mentally prepared herself for what more Ellen was going to ask her. "Why do you even care, by the way?" Roxana asked as she got comfortable, looking at Ellen for a moment and then proceeded to start eating her sandwich.

[Ellen Banks]

Ellen was quite enjoying herself at this point and why shouldn’t she? This was a chance that she could only come around all too often, namely catching Roxanna Strix on the back foot Ellen had never seen her in a position that didn’t make her seem like she wasn’t in total control of her surroundings let alone embarrassed it was almost cute in a way. She looked so tired and haggard.

Ellen guessed that she didn’t do much screaming last night.

She had honestly expected her to go running into the room, which was perfectly fine after all Ellen had got her chuckles at this and she was perfectly happy to nurse her traditional morning warm cup of sweet tea moving onto a few morning yoga poses (As was her custom at this time) so she was surprised when Roxanna was kind enough to join her. “Well I’m just surprised really” Ellen nodded “You don’t seem the type to live such a deviant lifestyle, Dancing the night away and coming home the morning with a hangover is something that I would do. I never thought you were the type of person to do the walk of shame.” Ellen said crossing her arms and tilting her head “She must have been quite the charmer to get you wrapped around her finger” Ellen paused and looked around to make sure no one was watching or listening in “Just between you and me. I’ve always been curious how often do-Well…Does this happen for you, if you know what I mean.”

[Roxana Strix]

This was a rare chance; at least Roxana never really had this kind of thing happen to her in such a way that she had no control. She always had a level of control over a situation that involved such an area. At least in terms of where it would happen and to avoid any of this 'walk of shame' nonsense. She actually never had to do the walk of shame until today and even then her walk was more so a sneak and try not to be seen of shame. Well, less shame and more so confusion and a small hint of anger for having been messed with. She didn't like when she was not in control of herself or some aspect of her was not private. Sure she got into people’s lives, found out about them, and it was pretty much in a way justice for what happened to her. Yet she still didn't like it when people read her mind or made her feel a way that she did not on her own.

So there were a few first going on for her and while it bothered her that Priya had so clearly just had her fun and tossed her aside, she still accepted it. It had been enjoyable and it certainly did get rid of any stress, but that didn't mean that Roxana was not planning on a way to get back at the women. She didn't know if she would go through with such a plan, but she was still thinking about what she could do. Roxana certainly was busy and there was not really any screaming coming from her, that was for sure. Roxana worked on consuming her sandwich while Ellen talked, trying to not eat too fast and still has something akin to manners. She did raise an eyebrow at Ellen pointing out that she didn't really see Rox as the type to live such a life style. "I'm not." Roxana said simply to Ellen's words. Roxana Strix was not the type of person who really did this sort of thing without thinking through it.

She went back to eating her food after taking a few sips of her water, wiping at her mouth with a napkin on the table. Pausing for a moment when Ellen pointed out that whoever it was had to be quite the charmer. That’s a bit of an understatement in regards to her. Roxana thought to herself but didn't say anything and kept eating. Priya did have charm about her, but she had to have used her power for things to have escalated the way they did. Roxana was certain of that. Then there was a question that Roxana never expected to come from Ellen Banks of all people. It just seemed so awkward and for a moment Roxana was concerned that she was not actually talking to Ellen. Yet, she had to keep in mind that Ellen had slightly changed a little whenever she was around since that dealing with Ellen's father.

"Rarely." Roxana said simply as she looked at Ellen for a moment and went back to eating. On orders it happened a bit more but by choice it was a rare occasional that was typically the result of those who got their anger out towards peoples in a certain manner. It was still an odd question, one that had Roxana still glancing to Ellen and wondering why Ellen wanted to know. "Why have you always been curious? Is it simply because of my mannerisms?" Roxana asked, tossing in her guess because that was normally why people assumed that she didn't really do such activities. They were again, very rare but not impossible.

[Ellen Banks]

Clearly this was uncomfortable territory for Roxanna but Ellen couldn’t help but finding the entire exchange interesting. Besides what Roxanna told Ellen about herself, what did Ellen really know about Roxanna? The answer to that was nothing really, She supposed that keeping her cards closed to her check was apart of her job but Ellen was always something of a curious beast when it to came to other people and the fact that Roxanna was so secretive made Ellen all the more curious , she couldn’t stand not knowing something that’s always been her way

She was trying to play off the conversation like it was nothing hoping Ellen would lose internet. Which wasn’t a wise move, Say what you like about the Banks but they were a stubborn race of people once they bit down on something they were nigh on impossible to shake off.

She wasn’t getting off that easy

“I’m a Banks” Ellen said simply “Were hardwired to discover as much as we can, knowledge is power after all she said before taking a sip of her tea. It’s just quite a out of character move from you” Ellen said before leaning in and whispering “Between you and me….How was it?

[Roxana Strix]

It was not that this type of conversation was uncomfortable, but it was just an odd one that she didn't really talk about. She had friends at her old school, not many but even then she didn't really talk about such things with them. Sure they talked about their lives and Roxana would chime in here and there but she didn't really have much to talk about in that department. She didn't honestly even know which gender she was attracted to, if any at all. When she looked at a person she looked at them as more so art and a job assignment. So beyond that she was unsure about her actually sexuality and never bothered to figure it out since it was not necessary.

She likely have an arranged marriage, or not married off at all since she was the third child. Plus with her job, she didn't know who she could end up being ordered to sleep with so she just never developed attachments. Roxana finished off her sandwich as Ellen explained how she was a Banks and how they basically were programmed to find things out. Then you must be having a field day trying to figure me out. Roxana thought to herself because she was very secretive. Even Elsa; who could read her mind, didn't know a lot about Roxana. At least, Rox assumed Elsa didn't know all that much, just things that involved her or people in her life more than likely. Perhaps tapping in some of her knowledge about the school and what have you. "Well if it makes you curiosity feel any better, it was not something I planned or expected to even happen." Roxana said as she worked on finishing off her drink.

It was not against her will, since she wanted it but she had been 'forced' in the loosest of terms to want it. She was confident that it would have taken a lot more for her to end up sleeping with Priya, unless it had been on orders. Ellen leaned in then, whispering something that actually made Rox's choke on her water for a moment. Coughing as she patted her chest and got her choking under control. "Ellen...why do you want to know? Are you...how do I ask this? Do you have a need that is not being met that causes you to want to talk about this?" Roxana asked as she wiped at her mouth and looked at Ellen for a moment. "...but between you and me, it was something I never experienced before." Roxana answered Ellen's question slightly, feeling like f she didn't give Ellen something, this would never end.

[Ellen Banks]

Like she said Ellen was a natural curious creature craving answers to all the little questions that were bouncing around her head even the most inappropriate of comments.clearly it was a habit that still needed to be forced out of her. It wasn’t exactly the best habit possible and one she had tried to correct as much as possible but now it was all pouring out of her in a massive flood of questions

Maybe it was because she could feel herself growing slowly growing closer to Roxanna that she wanted to learn more about her. After all they were more or less the same age just because Roxanna was very mature for her age and happened to be Ellen’s body guard didn’t exactly mean that they couldn’t discuss these kind of topics. They were roommates after all. These issues were bond to arise in one way or another. Might as well deal with them now.

Ellen raised an eyebrow at Roxanne reaction to her question a small smile appearing on her face. Taking a moment to enjoy the rare sense of shock on her face, before she asked a question that caused Ellen herself to splutter just a little before looking around to make sure no one was actually listening “Well, it has been a long time not since…You know” Ellen said looking down at her scarf well at any rate I’m glad you had a good time 

[Roxana Strix]

Roxana didn't really mind the fact that Ellen was curious, other than the fact that asking too many questions could lead to problems. Especially questions that involved Roxana because her life was full of secretes for a reason. Rox was just thankful she knew the game of telling a little but not giving too much. Still, she had to be careful with someone in Ellen's position and with what had happened to Ellen. Roxana refused to let that happen again, she was supposed to give her life in order to protect her targets. Yet she failed Ellen that one time and it was always going to stick with her whenever she was around the other girl. Perhaps that was why she was a little more willing to talk to Ellen.

Roxana was only nineteen years old so she and Ellen were close in age but Roxana did know more about Ellen then Ellen knew about her. That was how it was supposed to be and that was what Roxana planned to keep it at. it was just safer for Ellen in general, plus why would Ellen even want to know more about her? Roxana did not see herself as special, she was just doing her job, and while she did want to protect Ellen it was still what she was expected and even told Ellen she was going to do. I never made the silent promise with her. Roxana thought to herself as she finished off her water and looked at Ellen for a moment. She went ahead and asked her question, getting a response back that she honestly didn't think Ellen would tell her.

Apparently they were 'closer' then Roxana had thought, yet that didn't really bother her at all. She was silent for a moment, just looking at Ellen as the other girl said it had been a while. "I would suggest that you go talk to Priya yourself if you wish for that need to be met, but I'm not certain if...well in a way she tricked me and I don't want you to have to go through that." Roxana said as she leaned back in her chair. She was still so tired and it felt nice to just relax a little, even if her mind was telling her to stay on her guard at all times. "If I could ask you a personal question...which do you like better? In that department and specifically I mean do you like to be with males or females more?" Roxana went ahead and asked since they were being all personal. She honestly was curious on the matter since she herself did not have an answer to it about herself and was unsure with the information she collected on Ellen.

[Ellen Banks]

In some ways this was almost an exciting moment for Ellen Banks, ah finally we were getting right down to the heart of the issue, in the heart of the mystery of Roxanna Strix like she said Ellen really didn’t enjoy knowing that there was something glaringly obvious that was right in front of her. If there was a question that she didn’t know the answer to, it was likely for her to stay up all night tossing and turning back and forth unable to accept the call of sleep, the questions keeping her awake until all hours of the night. Wrestling with questions all night and that’s what being around Roxanna was like.

But now she was certainly discovering that there was more to the security staff member then she originally thought there was and in some way’s it was fascinating to hear.

She would like to think they were growing closer together so it was nice to know Roxanna was willing to tell her all this. “She must be quite the fox to get one over on you” She thought out loud and it was true say for example if Ellen wanted to hypnotize her she would believe that Roxanna would be able to resist her at least for a long time so this woman had to something else “I have to admit, I am a little curious, not in being a victim of her clearly powerful ways but I enjoy meeting new chellengers. Ellen shrugged her shoulders just a little, she wouldn’t say this to just anyone but she knew she could trust Roxanna “Well, I never really thought about it. I guess I have sex with men more but I tend to…get more emotionally attached and attracted to women”

[Roxana Strix]

Roxana didn't really understand why Ellen would want to talk about this at all or why she even cared what Roxana did. She did understand that not really anyone knew that much about her, even those who went inside her mind only knew so much. She liked it that way, it kept people at a safe distance and made things less complicated for her job. In all honestly she already knew she had a flaw when it came to her targets. She had a habit of actually coming to care about them more then she should and thus would want to put her everything into keeping them safe.

So when it came time to hurt them in some way; she could not, and thus would get herself punished. It had already happened and it was because of her care for one of the Bellefonte twins and her care for Ellen Banks. She still had to make that promise to the girl, the girl who she should have done it to first. Perhaps then Ellen would have not died then and she would not have failed. No thinking back. Only forward. Roxana thought to herself as she glanced away for a moment. Only giving Ellen a quick glance when she brought up how the women must have been a fox. "Certainly a fox in terms of being sneaky and full of tricks." Roxana said with a small hint of bitterness there. It was one thing to be used but another thing to be used and have wanted it as bad as she did.

"Just be careful is all, but do as you like." Roxana said, not planning on stopping Ellen. The women did not seem to be a threat in terms of just making you feel certain emotions. If she had not been so sleepy she probably would have told Ellen to not go near the other women but all she could think about was laying her sore body down for at least a few hours. She did look at Ellen when the other girl began to explain that she slept with men more but seemed to develop feelings with women on an emotional level faster. "I see." Roxana said simply, tucking that thought away for later. For now she stood up and moved over to Roxana. She leaned forward then, moving to press her lips against Ellen's cheek.

"I promise I will protect you." Roxana said with a small smile. She then started to head towards her room. Figuring Ellen would know enough to not think too deeply on what she had just did. She should have explained but sleep was calling to her.

[Ellen Banks]

You know, Ellen was almost insulted about Roxanna words. True Roxanna was most likely trying to be protective in some way or other which of course was her job and role and she did it particularly well, after all her role as a bodyguard couldn’t allow her to act anyway else and Ellen could appreciate that she really could but, to actually insinuate that this person could trick her? Her of all people?

That was laughable.

Clearly Roxanna had forgotten who she was talking to; She was Ellen Banks, a girl who up until recently ruled the school through fear and deception, easily capable of tricking even the most self assured person, heiress to the Banks family fortune. The most deceitful, cunning and driven family you’ll ever hope to meet. She had learned first hand from her father exactly how to deal with people and knowing what buttons to push to get what she wanted

She didn’t fear this so called fox. If anything she relished the opportunity to meet her.

“With all do respect Roxanna…” Ellen said as nicely as she possibly could but still somewhat prideful “I think she’ll have a harder tome putting the wool over my eyes.” She nodded assured of herself “Least you forget I have my own bag of tricks”

She didn’t feel strange about sharing any of this with Roxanna, why should she be? She had more then earned Ellen’s trust the day that she had manage to talk down her father that was more then enough to convince her that she meant her no hard, Ellen mainly kept herself to herself never willing to discuss such personal matters but Roxanna had earned that right besides Ellen doubted very much that Roxanna cared particularly about her orientation.

She was going to recommend going to bed when Roxanna suddenly leaned forward and Ellen felt her soft lips ever so graze gently Ellen’s cheek, Ellen Blinked momentarily in surprise as she leaned back and made her vow to keep her safe. Ellen was momentarily taken aback not expecting what just happened in the least, it was just so random…so unexpected…was this just an attempt to shut her up by doing something that would stun her? They had just finished a conversation about which Ellen preferred…Was Rox…Flirting with her?

“What was that for?” Ellen called out more then a little confused but she doubted very much she’ll get an answer through. She watched her stumble a little clearly still hung over she watched her for a moment before tutting “The Sofa is nearer even my room is nearer feel free to nap there I won’t disturb you

[Roxana Strix]

Roxana expected to hear the prideful response; it was coming from the mouth of Ellen Banks after all. It would have been odd if Ellen didn’t say she would have been able to handle anyone without any worry because of her own skills. Roxana just chuckled slightly at the words, shaking her head slightly but was not going to argue the matter with Ellen. “I understand that you have skills, just be careful is all.” Roxana said simply. She was not going to try and stop Ellen or really put up a big fuss on the matter since she didn’t have any worry for Ellen’s life when it came to that woman.

“Just be…prepared.” Roxana said and then moved to give Ellen’s cheek a kiss. It was he basically action she did for her silent vow. Anyone that she desired to protect past her orders would get a kiss upon their cheek from her. It was just how she was, in a way that was like her doing the knights pledge to serve and protect someone with her life. She didn’t even pay much mind to Ellen’s confusion on it as she headed for her room. She was just so tired and sore, and was already thinking about making it to the couch before Ellen had even suggested it.

“It was my pledge, to protect you of my own freewill.” Roxana said and then let out a yawn. She just ended up giving up halfway and collapsing on the couch before making it to her bed. She reached out, grabbing a hold of one of the pillows and pulling it close to herself as she curled up slightly to get some sleep. “Thanks…I’ll take the…couch.” Roxana mumbled out as she closed her eyes. She felt so odd for feeling like she did. Slightly vulnerable but she didn’t care as she just closed her eyes and actually fell asleep pretty quick.