Love Scenes are HARD!!!

While re-reading early KTDA posts for this blog, I came across a thread that took like 4 days to craft & post just a few paragraphs. Yep, we're talking first love scene here. Chyna & Xeno. We were teased without mercy for months about what the other players referred to as The Kiss. But I actually think they were glad we were out there breaking new ground, because it wasn't the only love scene for long!

Still-- I can't emphasize this enough-- it was hard. You want to stay true to the story, true to your character, and you want to set up something that can propel the story forward. As the game moved ahead, I'm proud to say we did that.

Actors have it harder. Taping love scenes in The Tribe with people who were pretty much age-specific couldn't have been easy. We got a small taste of that, for sure.

Anyway... here, for your entertainment, is "The Kiss."   



The Kiss

*As Xeno walks away from Hawk, Chyna steps out from the trees. Her hair is unbraided and still wet from the river. Her eyes catch the fading light in a flash of crystal blue. Strands of hair cling damply to her cheeks. Her hands are empty. Her voice is soft.*

Chyna: Hawk doesn't trust you. Not sure I do either. There's anger in you but strength too. You started a war to save slaves, kids you didn't owe anything to... *holds her empty hands out, almost touching him, then drops them back to her sides* I don't know if you're friend or enemy or just a curious traveler. But I want to say... thank you. I hope I can at least call you ally?

Xeno: Ally... No one has ever called me that before. *takes Chyna's hands in his own* They always thought they could somehow use me. Ally... *looks deep into Chyna's eyes* You were there, on Thorne's side. But when the war started, you helped us slaves. I know people like you-- always doing what's best for yourself. But you... you're different... *pulls Chyna closer to him, still looking into her eyes* You're... *while still wondering if he's brave enough, he kisses her*

*Chyna closes her eyes as Xeno's lips touch hers, feeling his hands on her shoulders. His mouth is warm, gentle, undemanding. Chyna is surprised to find herself kissing him back.*

Chyna: (But I am like everyone else. I do want something from you.)

*She brings her hands to his chest, gently pushing him away, breaking the kiss. Chyna looks into his face as the night darkens around them. Her heart is racing, and her instincts are suddenly all jumbled up. She's not as sure of herself as she was a few minutes ago.*

Chyna: (When it's time, I can only hope it's something you won't mind giving.)

Chyna: *hears movements of kids around them, says softly so only he can hear* Thank you.

*Her hand touches his warm face, and her smile is bittersweet. After almost 4 months of the Virus and its craziness and being alone and trusting no one else, suddenly... suddenly... she's unsure of herself... on unfamiliar ground. She leaves Xeno standing on the dark path and walks up toward the sounds of the camp and the smell of supper.*

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-Chyna

Photo source: copyright Cloud-9 "The Tribe"