Party like a Dortman (Samheen 30th ET)

Corbin Dillon · Post by **Corbin Dillon** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 8:27 am

Taverns and inns, eh? Corbin thought to himself. Well, it depended on the taverns and inns. They could be upmarket, salubrious locations of great repute. In the Outer Ring, that was less likely. Well, at least he had a better idea of what business the woman worked in.

"I must admit that I have not had the opportunity to put myself about in society, so this Baron Marcada is unknown to me." Corbin said with a shrug. "I imagine that trade and bartending could get quite boring. Though, my father is a trader of sorts. I helped him out with that a bit, but saw a rather different track for myself than ledgers." He said with a slight smile.

"And don't you worry, I am not selfless. Indeed it is entirely from selfish motivations that I act." He said a hint of a smile on his lips. "I feel so rotten at the thought of those poor women being killed in such a way that I am driven to stop them so that I have no need to feel bad. So you see - selfish." He said with a chuckle. "As for the Slayer being dangerous, perhaps he is to young, defenceless women. It is the Slayer that ought to worry." Corbin said, correcting Red.

Corbin maintained the eye-contact with Red as she did so with him, unwilling to be the one to back down.

"Take a kiss?" He asked with mock horror. "Why, that is anathema to me. I am quite convinced that a stolen kiss is not even half as good as a gifted one." He explained, then paused for a moment of apparent consideration. "Yet, it would do no good for the Dillon name to be besmirched as lacking bravery." He mused, feeling the touch of her hand in his chest. He lifted his hand to rub his chin pensively, but a flicker later moved it down to move her defensive hand away and then push his lips gently against hers.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 12:10 pm

Keros sat on the edge of his seat, his eyes sparkling with interest as the guard related the story. He studied the man and his performance, making mental notes of the gestures the man used, repeating every word inside his own head, and marking every pause and the effect it created. Stories were, after all, his passion in life and it would be a tragedy not to add this one to his repertoire or botch it in the retelling. As the story drew to a close Keros let loose a peal of genuine laughter.

"I respect the Duke more now than for any of his heroics I have heard!" he chuckled as he spoke. "Not only the conquest of a beautiful woman, but behind enemy lines as well. It's no small wonder the man is a living legend."

With each passing burn Keros found that he was liking his current predicament better and better. He had come to this place with a plan. He had hoped to meet a few notables and get his name in the minds of some of the 'high society' people, but instead he was actually enjoying himself. He couldn't remember the last time he had been able to do so without analyzing every interaction to see who was pulling what strings and trying to gain an advantage. This was simple enjoyment for enjoyment's sake.

"I am glad now that you offered me lessons in the sword," Keros said to the guard who had made the generous offer before, "after hearing this story I might grow daring enough to try it myself. I will probably end up needing the sword, either to save myself from a jealous husband, or defend myself against a raving woman!"

Talanwei Fortisse · Post by **Talanwei Fortisse** » Tue Apr 17, 2007 2:42 am

The Achadiel looked at Tiffany as if seeing her for the first time. She had seemed as light as air, bubbly and effervescent in personality. He felt slightly guilty for underestimating her even in this harmless way. This made him look at the floor for a flicker before looking into her eyes once more. Her skill was remarkable to the aspiring paladin and he intended to tell her thus. The young woman asked him then to describe further the Hunt and Talanwei had to suppress a shudder. The foul breath of the Hounds, the decaying bodies of rat men; all these things made his stomach turn slightly. Talanwei would keep the gruesome details to himself and paint a picture of heroism to the young woman. Hopefully she would not have to bear witness to the things that had confronted their fellowship that gravetide.

The Achadiel smiled warmly at the beautiful young woman before him. Tiffany showed such an interest in these dark thingsâ€¦perhaps it was her artistic inclination to hear about such things and maybe put them to some sort of sculpture or painting. For a few flickers he seemed to consider what to say. Tiffany leaned forward expectantly and his smile broke again as he shifted his glance to her.

"I never laid my eyes on the actual demon to be truthful. I was occupied well enough by the results of its corruption however," Talanweiâ€™s face drew a little in distaste before continuing, "common stray dogs and the rats that dwell below the Citadel were warped and turned into vessels of the Nether. Their features had twisted, broken and these beasts were beyond reason or assistance. I still bear the ache of wounds inflicted by one of the hounds."

Talanweiâ€™s hand went unconsciously to his left shoulder, incidentally brushing against Tiffanyâ€™s. He stammered lightly before continuing.

"As for fear, I cannot say it was completely absent. However I knew that in that moment when all seemed to be lost when I was laid on the causeway leading to the lighthouse on Carling Point, Illuminatus was with me," Talanwei chuckled and looked to where Corbin had stood, "and of course my good friend Corbin, whose magicks allowed me to deal a killing blow to the Hound that had its teeth sunk into this very shoulder."

The Achadiel sighed as he recalled the moment the rat men entered the fray.

"A larger demon that was the leader of the pack of dogs attacked usâ€¦It was larger than any of the men stood by a wide margin and with the power of Elvin Motrice, it was halted. We were soon attacked by a score of rats that walked on legs like men and were the size of a Halfling. I fought alongside former Purple Guardsmen to quell their numbers while the central force entered the lighthouse to kill the demon. Ulder Synkaaros of the former Guard used Tal Alkeen to destroy the Changer and exorcise its influence and we stand here today because of their bravery in that lighthouse." said Talanwei. He nodded, seemingly satisfied with his oration. He looked at Tiffany, it was the first time he had spoken of the events to another that was not present.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Apr 18, 2007 6:55 pm

As Talanwei observed her, she blushed, but her own eyes never left his. She wondered what the man was thinking and assumed that he was trying to gather his thoughts. If she noticed his expression, nothing was revealed but curiosity and concern.

As Talanwei began his explanation she could understand why he hesitated in telling her the ugly things the man must have come across. Tears rolled down her cheek and her eyes followed his hand as it touched the wound unconsciously revealing it.

She tried to wipe the tears away with a slender hand as he continued to speak of the final battle, but they continued to flow until the end of the story.

"Amazing...Thank you for the story no matter how horrifying it was." She murmured softly and before anything else could be said, Tiffany leaned closer to the achadhiel and kissed him gently on the lips with her closed mouth and a flicker later she was back to watching the dancers.

She finally sighed and gave a shy smile. "I could not even imagine what you had seen and gone through." Her eyes went back to where she believed to be Talanwei's injury and asked, "does it still hurt?"

Keaira Morgandy · Post by **Keaira Morgandy** » Wed Apr 18, 2007 9:49 pm

Parties weren't her thing, Keaira decided. Not without an escort, anyway. She had come to make connections and meet influential people, supposedly, but securing another means of income as well as a chance for learning more magic later was more than enough for her -- not to mention she didn't care to be in Fauna's sight for much longer.

Having deposited her now-empty wineglass on the tray of a passing servant, Keaira weaved her way back to the entrance and took her exit.

Talanwei Fortisse · Post by **Talanwei Fortisse** » Thu Apr 19, 2007 4:37 am

Talanwei felt as if he had perhaps spoken too frankly. Tiffany had begun to cry as he retold the tale but he had continued. After he was finished the would be paladin looked at her with concern wondering if he had frightened her. The young woman wiped the tears from her eyes and thanked him for telling her of the Hunt. Before he could speak, Tiffany leaned over to him and pressed her lips to his own lightly.

The Achadiel nearly burst into flame he reddened so quickly. A rolling, fluttering sensation charged through his stomach and he blinked a few times as she looked off toward the dancers once more. The achadiel's lips had parted slightly as he sat for a moment in clean shock. His hand wanted to go to his lips, to ensure that the numbness would subside but he mastered this impulse. Tiffany's expression told him that it was nothing to focus on. Tazlure as he knew it was not going to explode..but it certainly felt that way. Talanwei pulled all of his senses inward, tried to rope in his racing thoughts so that he could just concentrate. It was done by a short margin as he heard her speak. Again his hand went to his shoulder but this time he squeezed it experimentally. The acolytes of the Mother had done well and it barely hurt as long as he was not overzealous with it's use. Being his dominant left arm, he had to ensure he didn't tear it irreparably.

"No...I mean yes, but barely," he was making a fool of himself and paused. Talanwei smiled and nodded with only the merest hint of nervousness, "I thank you for your concern. As long as it isn't gripped heavily, it does not."

Get a hold of yourself! She was merely being friendly! May the Ice Queen cool your head, you blasted fool!

The verbal chastisement Talanwei gave himself served its purpose, if only minimally. He could not help but think however, on the softness of her lips against his own.

Mairi Armstrong · Post by **Mairi Armstrong** » Thu Apr 19, 2007 3:56 pm

Mairi had not yet heard that the Duke was soon returning to Dort. It made her wonder when she would next be on her home soil. But she'd hardly been here any time at all; on the other hand there was probably a lot of work to do on the island.

She smiled at K'mith's request for names.

"My lady, I confess I've never really thought about which names I like. There aren't really that many Clan names - I'm one of several Mairis, probably a well loved great grandmother or something. Perhaps a name from your background?"

She was very glad to have got on well with the Duchess. It would have been awkward to say the least if they hadn't. She cast her eyes around the room. The party seemed to be going well...the number of couples also appeared to have increased in the last few burns.

"I fear the Dort Embassy will be talked of as a romantic hotspot for some time to come," she said to the Duchess with amusement.

Post by **Grey Wolf** » Thu Apr 19, 2007 7:52 pm

If there was any reason for Duke's warning to Fialessa he did not make it clear what it was, though it would not be hard to surmise that he was not giving her advice out of kindness of his heart, judging by the reputation the man had. Then again, how much of that reputation was true and how much was the creation of his enemies? "Well, as we both know Pan is a God of Passion and asking of his followers to act reasonably, but I think that would be the best course of action for now." He smiled and chuckled to lift the mood a bit. "I don't envy you the task before you, though if you manage to pull it off.... Well, I suggest you lead by example and start at the top. People are often like ship and follow a leader, even when his course of action is not what they would choose themselves. Think of it."

Corbin found that he managed to keep Red' expression close to amusement most of the time, and whether that was a good or a bad thing remained to be seen. He certainly had her attention, and the smile wavered at the mention of the murdered girls and the Slayer, with a hint of burning rage flashing through her eyes at the mention though she kept quiet.

The silence held throughout his rather feeble attempt to feign innocence, the girl's eyes locked with his, all but daring him to do something. Her hand did not resist being moved and moment before their lips touched, Red's lips curled upward, her smile growing, and before he could react her hand slipped from his own, gripping his wrist, and bringing it to her hip. To say she surrendered to the kiss would be a terrible lie, the lithe woman all but taking control, her hand's wrapped around his neck, as she deepened the kiss, not closing her eyes for a moment, keeping them on his. When at last their lips parted, she pulled back only an inch or so, and licked her own lips, the smile growing into a slight grin, with just a hint of mischief. "I think I am beginning to enjoy this party, Corbin. Thank you." She paused nibbling on her lip before adding. "I wonder what your reward would have been had you guessed what I drank on your first try?" Her brow arched in question.

"Aye, as I said the Duke's quite a man. Sure, he's grown older now and ain't as spry as he once were, but that don't mean don't still have that wicked streak inside him." With the story the others seemed to have lost interest in their games and engaged in a soft conversation, a good-natured argument rising from the disagreement over the last game's result. Drew used it as an excuse to rise and stretch his back, his shoulders cracking slightly under the strain, motioning with his chin towards Keros. "Come then. I ain't in the mood to sit around. Let's see if you have any talent for a sword." Turning to Marten he added. "We'll be in the armory. Send someone if you need us." Then turning back to Keros he smiled. "Coming, lover boy? We've got to prepare you for all those jealous husbands."

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Apr 20, 2007 12:21 pm

Keros smiled enthusiastically as he stood to follow the man. "Gladly. I shall endeavor to be an amiable student."

As he walked over to Drew he looked back at the other guards and changed the pitch of his voice to sound like an obviously fake whisper as he held one hand up feigning to shield his mouth as if he was about to share some big secret. "Let's just hope I come back with all of my fingers still attached."

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Apr 21, 2007 9:03 pm

Talanwei blushed, but Tiffany failed to notice as she looked back out towards the dancers, a sad expression could be observed as she studied the motion of the graceful dancers not realising what sort of turmoil she had thrown Talanwai into with the chaste kiss.

"I am used to people not telling me the entire truth but sometimes I wonder if I really want to know..." She murmured softly and then shook her head to clear her mind. When she finally looked back towards her companion, she had a smile on her face. "Are you enjoying this evening, Talanwei? I did not mean to take up most of your time." She blushed as she realised that he probably had something else to do instead of sit around babysitting her.

[hr][/hr]

Mairi's words caused the Duchess to frown when the envoy did not complete her request about a name. That was two questions that the young woman tried to evade even though the second was a heartfelt request to assistance. It was supposed to be an honor to name the male child of a Duke and Duchess but with Mairi's evasion to the request, it hurt K'Mith's feelings.

"No, Mairi, I insist that you come up with a name. It is a rather important request by me for you to name this child." Her voice did not hold anything but authority as she waited Mairi's answer. The young woman could clearly observe that the pregnant woman was upset.

Elaine · Post by **Elaine** » Sun Apr 22, 2007 6:26 pm

ooc
Apologies for the wait. I was more or less waiting for Fauna, but it seems smarter to move on for now

I'll make it up to you, Fauna!

ic
Vanir seemed to be more preoccupied with Fauna than with the conversation, or so Elaine thought to notice. She could not be sure and it would be awfully rude to actually ask -almost as rude as what she thought to notice was happening between the two. On top of that Ulder seemed less than happy to carry on a little smalltalk with Fauna.

All in all it felt like it was time to move on. The blind Achadhiel was sure there would be easier moments to catch up with Pan's priest. Tonight was all about show; showing life, showing victory, showing off.

"I'm going to have to ask you to excuse us." Elaine smiled. "I fear I really need a breath of fresh air. Not used to crowds like these. Vanir, we should catch up soon for a little talk. It's been too long since we had time to talk about anything but disaster and despair." Her hand touched the priest shortly right before she curtsied to the unlikely couple in front of her.

"Ulder, would you show me to the gardens? I know there was talk of the possibility existing and I'd love to make use of it." It was a flight and she knew it. The girl did not feel at home at the party and had to find a way to get her feet back on the ground. Somewhere she hoped she'd run into Elvin first, but obviously the man was busy with others right now.

Becca Acerbi · Post by **Becca Acerbi** » Sun Apr 22, 2007 7:50 pm

Perhaps - okay, there was no perhaps about it - this would've been easier a few bottles down the line. At least then she might have had an excuse for her fumbling with his hat - for something that had been so insistent on falling into his face, it certainly didn't want to come off his head. And the alcohol might have done something about the nagging certainty that Morgan was going to run off any second now.

Then again, he was kissing her back, arms going around her waist to draw her in, so maybe he wasn't going to bolt.

Becca let her eyes drift closed, wrapping her arms around his shoulders. She couldn't think straight, not right at that particular moment, and no matter how little of that she did ordinarily there was still something rather disorientating about not being able to - even more so when it could be blamed solely on Morgan.

Oh well. It wasn't like this was the first time Becca had stopped thinking in Morgan's presence, and it wasn't as though it mattered at this point. Just let it go, Becs, and enjoy the dizziness.

Becca made a soft noise of pleasure and surprise as Morgan kissed her more firmly, and shifted in fractionally closer - fractionally being all that was actually possible. Her heart was pounding so hard in her chest that Morgan could probably feel it. She lost track of her hands for a few seconds, and then found one winding into his hair and the fingers of the other tripping up and down his spine.

She didn't want to pull away - Gods no, she'd be quite happy occupying herself like this for the rest of the evening - but even if Morgan was willing to forgo breathing for this, Becca couldn't. This time it was her who broke the kiss, even if she didn't go far - only enough to press her face against his throat, breathing soft and quickly. For possibly the first time in living memory, Becca couldn't think of anything to say. Or, more to the point, anything she needed to say.

Fialessa Valenstri · Post by **Fialessa Valenstri** » Mon Apr 23, 2007 1:49 am

It would be easy enough for Fialessa to postulate the myriad reasons the Duke might have for giving advice, and perhaps top on her list of ideas was that he already knew what Vanir would ask him and that he was likely already considering giving them aid. However, the Duke was a smart man, and she was realizing this as he spoke to her. He'd figured out quickly what was wrong with her faith and instead of condemning them, he offered solutions and ideas. Good money would not be thrown after bad. And it seemed to her that he might see her as the type of influence the temple and Vanir might well need. Perhaps it really was her destiny as Noland had suggested.

She smiled widely and graciously. There was nothing patronising in her look, it was rather something more akin to understanding the heart of what he said. â€œThank you sir, truly for you wise words, you have given me much to consider. And I shall consider them very carefully. It will only be a matter of implementing such a task... I hope I have the strength for it.â€ the last she replied almost softly as if accepting that she would have a part in it, and possibly more of one than she had originally planned.

Realising that she was monopolising the Duke, she couldn't help but note, â€œOf course I am having you all to myself, and enjoying our conversation. However if you've someone else you must speak with I would understand.â€

Ulder · Post by **Ulder** » Mon Apr 23, 2007 5:54 pm

Elaine's simple request provided Ulder with two things he'd been looking for. A chance to whisk away Elaine to a more secluded spot and a chance to duck away from what could only be described as an uncomfortable situation for the former Captain.

"At once." He said softly."

"Father Vanir, Lady Winthrope. Please excuse us."

With a guiding hand in the small of her back, Ulder led Elaine away from the crowds at the party to a more isolated, private area.

With his heart racing, and his fingers checking for the ring for at least the hundredth time that eveningtide, he found a good place for them to talk and share a moment away.

OOC: The side thread would begin here.

Tristam · Post by **Tristam** » Tue Apr 24, 2007 6:04 pm

Peckerton smiled at Elvin. "As a Pr-professor you would be given res-search and personal quarters within the t-tower that selects you and you w-would be responsible for teaching one introductory and one advanced class per t-term. Y-you would also be exp-pected to take on apprentices and p-p-participate on University c-committees. S-salary is not large but research c-costs are largely covered." Peckerton explained. "Is that acceptable?"

Elvin Motricé · Post by **Elvin Motricé** » Tue Apr 24, 2007 8:09 pm

Elvin smiled: "More then acceptable. Magic is part of my life so as long as I can sustain my body and train mind and body I am happy," the sorcerer's eyes darted over the assembled people and came to a halt on Becca and Morgan.

A smile lit his face when he watched the two entangled in an intimate... "Well how would one call this? Reconaissance? Ah well, to be young..."

"Professor, I have something I want to discuss with you in private. Is tomorrow convenient for you?" Elvin turned back to Peckerton, "And will you let me know which tower will accept me?" his smile widened, "And, Professor... Thank you for this vote of confidence..."

He spotted Elaine and Ulder returning from the gardens and he excused himself with Peckerton and walked towards them, weaving his way through the others. He stopped right in front of them and offered a small bow, smiling: "Hello, little sister," he turned to Ulder and nodded, "Hello, Ulder... How are the two of you on this fine evening?"

Corbin Dillon · Post by **Corbin Dillon** » Wed Apr 25, 2007 8:37 am

Corbin didn't notice the hint of burning rage that flared in Red's eyes at the mention of the Slayer, nor the wavering of her smile. Thus he was spared the contemplation of what might have inspired it, which would have certainly evapourated either way as his lips locked with hers in a sumptuous kiss as her hand snaked around his neck, restricting his retreat, should he have wished to do so. Her eyes remained focussed on his, which was somewhat disconcerting, and so he resisted the automatic impulse to close his eyes for the kiss. He got the feeling that Red was not the type of lady who enjoyed the soft and romantic attentions.

When the kiss finally broke, it was only a semi-break and her lips sat mere inches from his, like a predator toying with her prey. Not that Corbin considered himself prey, though if this was the treatment that prey received then perhaps it might be a position that he wouldn't mind too much.

"Well, I'm glad to see that I can still help a girl enjoy herself." He said with a wry grin. "As for what my reward would have been had I got the drink right first time round, I think the answer is a slightly less sore head tomorrow morning. Now, as for the reward I would have asked for, well, I imagine that would have elicited a slap." He said with a wink.

Mairi Armstrong · Post by **Mairi Armstrong** » Wed Apr 25, 2007 6:49 pm

In Mairi's opinion K'm'ith was being a bit unreasonable - after all she'd named her other children without any trouble - but she hid this under a veneer of calm. She didn't want to rile the half giant any more, or it wouldn't do any good for the baby, or more importantly herself.

"Well...," she replied. "My father's name is Donal. Doorrrnaal, if you say it in a proper Islay accent. I've always liked it - he told me it means 'all mighty' in some old tongue of the Clans. My family, indeed all the Armstrongs, would be very honoured if you used his name."

Talanwei Fortisse · Post by **Talanwei Fortisse** » Wed Apr 25, 2007 8:05 pm

Inch by figurative inch Talanwei was controlling the thudding of his heart. Slowly it was quieting enough so that it was not crowding in on the other sounds that needed to be heard. Looking away as she was, Tiffany was oblivious to his situation and it was all the better. Talanweiâ€™s gaze hadnâ€™t left her even as she spoke her words portraying worry at taking up his time perhaps from other things, more important. There was not a way that the Achadiel could articulate in words that, at that moment, there was no other place he wanted or needed to be. He tried for words, words that didnâ€™t come.

Almost without conscious thought, he found himself leaning forward. It was he this time that placed a kiss on Tiffany. His hand touched her neck just below her ear on the opposite side. Rather than on the lips, his kiss touched high on her cheek closer to her ear than her mouth. The contact was gentle and brief and when he drew away, it was only slightly. For a flicker or so he hovered near the hollow between her neck and shoulder. The flicker had the weight of burns to Talanwei and he drew back to a respectable distance.

"I hope youâ€™ll forgive a foolish impulse," said Talanwei, smiling slightly, "â€¦you need only demand my time and you shall have it Tiffany."

After this he seemed thoughtful, "And aside from that, I agreed to escort you about this place and I will do so gladly."

Talanwei noticed his hand that had been touching her neck had lingered about her shoulder and he retrieved it as if it had been burned. At this, the would be paladinâ€™s rash action came back to him with full realization and he blushed furiously, using the same hand to brush a few wayward strands of his brown hair away.

"I presume too much familiarity with youâ€¦I, I apologize," said Talanwei, already second guessing himself.

Morg · Post by **Morg** » Thu Apr 26, 2007 10:04 pm

If Morgan had noticed Elvin's glance lighting on the pair of them, and if he'd been in any condition to think about such things, he'd have been mortified. Luckily neither of those prerequisites were met, as all his senses and all his thoughts were zeroed in on the beautiful girl he was in the process of kissing. When Becca broke off the kiss, he simply stood with her, luxuriating in the feel of her soft breath against his exposed neck.

His left arm had moved from her waist to the pale skin of her shoulders, where his long fingers lightly traced arcane patterns, imaginary wards to protect and preserve this moment and prevent it from ever slipping away. Now his right hand moved, too, reaching up to clasp the hand that had tousled his hair and guiding it away, grasping it firmly. It wasn't that he was worried about the hair. Far from it. Morgan NEVER worried about his hair (well, okay, perhaps he had for a few moments before coming out, when he wasn't preoccupied with the codpiece) - and, in any case, the damage was done, his neatly combed fringe now a thing of the past. No, grabbing hold of the hand was not a means to an end, it was an end in itself. Morgan wanted to relish this sweet possession, the feeling of Becca being his and him being hers.

Once he had regained his breath, he gave her one more kiss - a simple one this time, just a peck on the lips, as if to validate what had come before - and smiled, simply, broadly, perhaps ridiculously. Never once taking his eyes off Becca, nor letting her hand escape his, he reluctantly uncoiled his left arm and picked up his ale, lifting it to his lips and drinking deeply.

Much of Morgan wanted to talk now, to ask about the future, the past and possibly even the present, for they had so much to discuss. But another part of him - the part that had initiated the kiss in the first place - wanted no words at this juncture, reasoning that it could only spoil the moment. She can ask, if she wants. You can answer. Besides, both parts of Morgan were scared of having to construct a rationale for his actions, and feeling guilty for the thought that he might need one. So instead he just smiled joyfully like a contented infant, allowing his moist eyes to drink in the sight of her, gleaming as they reflected both her beauty and his love.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Apr 27, 2007 5:00 am

The Duchess' frown slowly melted into a smile and nodded, "A good strong name. Well done, now that wasn't so bad was it? I think the Duke will take to the name as well. Donal...very nice." It was amazing how the woman's mood changed from stormy to sweet in a flicker, but she was appeased for now as she gently rubbed her stomach.

A silence was generated for a moment as the Duchess fussed with her position in the chair then K'Mith looked back at Mairi and sighed softly wrapping her arms on top of her stomach. "Do you believe yourself to be a strong woman, Miss Armstrong?" She asked the question almost nonchalantly but again the question was purposeful to some end.

[hr][/hr]

A soft gasp escaped Tiffany as she blushed. Her eyes widened as she felt Talanwei's hand on her skin and almost melted as he kissed her cheek close to her ear. A soft, slow, warm touch that caused an unfamiliar but delicious feeling down her spine to the pit of her stomach. For that whole moment, she forgot to breathe as her eyes closed to memorise the feel of his lips against her soft skin. Her very first kiss. Of course, she would never tell him that it was but the gesture hit her so hard she could not form any words until he began to apologise.

"N-no, no, please..." Her voice an urgent whisper as she placed her fingertips on his lips once more to prevent him from continuing, "Please do not ruin a beautiful gesture with an apology. You did not presume anything and I will cherish the moment." Her smile was sweet as she gazed into Talanwei's eyes. "I have no doubt you will be a great hero someday, Talanwei." She lowered her fingers from his lips and placed them back on her lap. "Of course, the next time perhaps I will be your escort and not your victim." She murmured teasingly to lighten the mood.

Post by **Grey Wolf** » Fri Apr 27, 2007 1:27 pm

Drew laughed out laud at Keros feigned worry and opened the door for the young man to pass before following, soon falling into the step with him. "Don't worry about your fingers. Will practice with dulled blades and the worst that can happen is a bruise or perhaps a broken finger if you make a terrible mistake. Not this time though. We'll go through the basics and make sure you grasp them well enough before moving to something more advanced." They did not have a long way to go, emerging in what looked like a tidy dormitory for perhaps two score soldiers, none of the bunks occupied at the moment since every single soldier was on duty that evening. Stopping to toss his tabard off, Drew motioned through the door at the far end of the room and there they emerge in a large square chamber with weapon racks on every wall, various implements of destruction hanging all around them. None of the weapons was sharp, and quite a number of them were made out of wood. "Choose your weapon, lad and take up the stance so I can see what you know already."

OOC: You can start a side thread if you like or we can assume you go through the practice on automatism.

The Duke nodded and shrugged at Fialessa's words, falling silent for a flicker. "When you have been through all I have seen you realize that almost nothing in life is for free. Everything has a price. Every little decision we make. This advice and warning I gave you however is free for you." His eyes went back to the other guests and with a sigh he let his shoulder slump and then grinned. "You are right. I better go back there and see what mischief I can start." With a wink he scooped Fialessa's hand into his and kissed it, his lavender eyes staring into hers. A flash of old Erwin showed in his features, the creases on his face pulling back to reveal the young troublemaker he was once upon the time. Then he was off, tossing a parting glance towards the Panling over his shoulder.

Corbin response brought another short burst of laughter from Red's lips, her finger moving to poke him in the chest as she moved her face away a bit to regard him with a slight grin. "Oh really? A slap?" Brows arched she regarded him for a flicker more before adding. "I think you underestimate me, my dear. But, I understand your fear." She turned away slightly, though still remained close to him. "Such a fragile flower you are, it is understandable that you would be afraid of a girl and what she might do to you." Her grin grew a bit as her eyes glanced briefly at him, before her face a slight pout, though she found it impossible to hide her smile completely.

Fialessa Valenstri · Post by **Fialessa Valenstri** » Sat Apr 28, 2007 10:50 pm

Fialessa smiled after the Duke as he made his parting from her company. A part of her would not have minded the continuance of his company but she knew it wouldn't do to monopolise the host, and such an important one at that.

Finding her way toward the drinks table she selected a glass of Kislovani red and then drifted out toward the gardens for a little while. She felt reflective after speaking with the Duke and she had some time to mingle still a little later.

Rosalie Marcada · Post by **Rosalie Marcada** » Sun Apr 29, 2007 5:27 pm

Isis may have been a haughty woman, but she was not entirely inept at diplomacy, and while Nu'Phuat might have been a better choice for this conversation, she too was quick to jump at the opportunity. No more was Madam Consul treated as an underling, the Amunic Ambassador slowing down her steps and smiling genuinely this time. "Oh, but I am sure the new Caesar would be willing to hammer out the right terms and perhaps some of his subjects would be willing to offer an example as a show of faith to your people. The only question that remains is what would be a suitable example and whom should receive it? Any suggestions regarding that, Madam Consul?"

"Examples," Rosalie pondered, taking another glass of wine from a passing servant, pausing to take a sip. Kislovani white. She should have know. She was tempted to down the delicious wine but forced herself to give it back and softly demand a Cliff white from Rogue d'Ancourt. She gave Isis an apologetic smile "The wines from Kislovan have a bitter aftertaste I've learned. I would be grateful if some of the bitterness of Kislovan was resolved."

"There are many examples that one could think of," Rosalie smiled her voice hushed and harsh as was her wont "but the crucial example would come from the colony of Aveas. They cannot in good consciousness attack royal forces, but they can withdraw and observe what happens and claim that they were... helpless to prevent it. A show of good faith? They would pay imperial taxes of course. Perhaps we could even talk about an exchange of technology. All this dependent of course on what good examples could found at the imperial side such as the recognition of the colony and support to any further plans, as well as a toleration of Dominicus within the Empire provided the clergy can be... tempered in their seal. Working with each other, instead of against each other should be key. Do you think our people can learn to work together? Would not our lives become so much more interesting?"

Mairi Armstrong · Post by **Mairi Armstrong** » Wed May 02, 2007 6:12 pm

Mairi smiled broadly at the Duchess's reply. For once a true spark of happiness was evident in her face - the honour now bestowed on her family was great, and she liked the unity between Dort and Islay that the child represented. If only it were that simple in real life.

K'mith's question that followed was an interesting one. A strong woman?

"I suppose so," she admitted to the half giantess. "Not physically strong, for I've grown accustomed to a more leisurely life than that of many of my people. But mentally, I think that I am, to some extent. I am no stranger to pain. I know I will not be hurt again."

Her eyes betrayed a hint of some past sadness, buried but still present. The set of her jaw, on the other hand, was pure determination.

"And yourself?"