A night to Remember -- Thyle

Ashari · Post by **Ashari** » Tue Sep 13, 2005 4:33 pm

Timestamp: Samheen something something, etc.

The rest of the afternoon after leaving the company of Miss Brown had gone quickly. Polm did indeed know where there was a bath in the boat, but he had hurried them, and instructed the half-giant to be as quick as was possible. The reason for this was: the bath house was highly watched. As many knew fresh water is a thing of much importance on a ship, so they had to make sure that no one was stealing it.

When Polm got in, he quickly washed his hair and then scrubbed his little body with as much speed as he could. It didn't take him long, seeing as he was about half the size of Thyle. Immediately he pulled on the freshest of his clothes and waited for his friend.

They moved about their cabin for most of the rest of the afternoon. Polm went above deck for a little while and read one of the few books he brought with him. He said that he had read it already, a few times, but that it didn't matter, the best stories were always amazing, even if you knew the ending. When he came back down he brought food with him from the mess hall, as he had figured Thyle hadn't really ventured around looking for it yet. "Lunch?" He handed the larger of the two portions over. The servers had been kind because they knew that the gentleman with the halfling was a half-giant, so they gave a good amount of food.

"It's not -too- bad." Polm said as he ate the meaty stew. "Better get used to it though, this is what we'll be eating for a few weeks." The green eyed shorty laughed a bit and then ate his meal.

A few more marks passed and Polm spent some time talking with a man who was whittling a piece of driftwood he had found on the beach before getting on the boat. "It's fer mah son," he said, and he beamed with fatherly love. "Ah had ta leave mah wife, she's preggers, belly the size of a dragon!" He grinned and continued to carve, even as he spoke. "We need tha money though, fer the boy, fer a house." The man sighed and looked up with deep brown eyes in the dingy lighting of the ship's hold. "Or, maybe fer mah daughter." He shrugged. "Ah do hope it's a boy..." He kept on slicing away ribbons of wood.

"Thyle, maybe we ought to go for that walk, eh? It's getting close to eveningtide..." Polm's bright green eyes picked up what little illumination there was in the room, and they glowed with it.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Sep 19, 2005 10:41 pm

ooc: Thanks for the new thread.

ic: Thyle looked up from where he was sitting on his bunk and smiled at Polm.

'Oh yes, that walk.' he said, eyes glinting. Now that he felt clean from his wash and had had some time to think, he was buzzing with anticipation for what they where about to partake in, and it was with some effort that he didn't leap up and run out of the cabin as fast as he could towards the passenger's quarters.

The young half giant took time to stretch, lifting his long arms above his head and sighing as he stood from his seat.

'That's a pretty carving.' He said to the man with the driftwood, nodding as he spoke, 'Perhaps later you would do me the pleasure of carving something for a friend of mine. It would make a pretty gift.' Thyle smiled as he pushed his hat on his head and turned towards the door. He looked a Polm, not troubling to hide his eagerness.

'Shall we go?'

As he walked his long powerful strides in the direction of Molly's room, Thyle thought of nothing but Lady Riana. Would he see her? Would she recognize him? He twisted his hands together as he walked. What if they were caught? No. Better not to think of that. All the same, a small shiver ran through him as he thought of what could happen if they did get caught. Dammit, it's too late. Yes, it was too late, and he didn't regret that at all.

Ashari · Post by **Ashari** » Wed Sep 21, 2005 4:31 pm

"It's ah long boat-ride, maybe ah could teacha how ta do it yerself. Bet she'd 'preciate it more." He grinned, he didn't have to hear Thyle say it was for a woman, there was just that sort of understanding. "Enjoy yer walk, boys." He nodded aft the both of them, and then turned back toward his whittling.

Out in the hallway Polm looked up at Thyle. "What in the nether have we gotten ourselves into?" He jogged alongside his friend who's long strides were like three or four steps for the halfling. "Maybe Miss Molly changed her mind..." He half prayed that was the case, but then again, it was a new and exciting. "I'm not good at swimming, here's hoping they don't throw us overboard. I'd say that wouldn't be much of a good way to go out." He shook his head. "No, not at all."

"Eaten by a dragon, or dying protecting a woman, now there's so heroics.." The little man talked as quickly as he walked. It was his nerves, as they rose so did the speed with which he spoke. Just outside of Molly's door he stopped. "Thyle, are you sure about this?" His bright green eyes turned upward. "This is our last chance."

"I'm afraid, gentleman, your last chance was around the last corner, now is a bit late for backing out." Molly Brown stood at the door, looking even more gloriously dressed. She was bedecked in black, but gems glittered over much of her bosom at at all the hems, making her sparkle and shine. Black gloves reached up to her elbows and her fingers were alight with diamond rings. From her ears hung similiar trinkets, and she had a few pearl necklaces as well. "Come on in boys, let's get to it."

She ushered them in quickly. "And you're both smelling so much better." Molly winked and stepped out of the way before closing them into the sumptuous ship's apartment. "Now now, let's see what we've got. Polm Perriwinkle, will you be comfortable in a nice dark blue in lighter doublet?" She looked at him and motioned to a suit laying out on the sofa. He eyed it suspiciously. "Yes, that is a cod piece." The woman smiled.

"And you Thyle, you're already going to stand out thanks to your height, so more muted colours should be best. Browns and there is some green. She pointed to the chair upon which clothes had been laid out. "It's breeches, jacket and doublet.. all of the best cuts known in the world." Molly beamed. "Now why don't the both of ye get dressed!" She laughed and lifted her hand to a door and stepped through. "Privacy for the bashful boys." Once inside she closed the door behind her, but her laughter could be heard as she spoke to her servant.

"She expects me to wear a cod piece?" Polm stared at the couch and outfit with disdain. "What have I gotten myself into...?"

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Sep 24, 2005 11:32 am

'It's ah long boat-ride, maybe ah could teacha how ta do it yerself. Bet she'd 'preciate it more.'

Dammit, had he been that obvious? He had flushed when the man had said it, his cheeks darkening to a soft pink. But he had smiled politely at the man and made his way out quickly, silently berating himself. In the future, mind your mouth, Thyle.

Polm, it appeared, seemed to be feeling just as nervous as Thyle. Except that Thyle had become silent, running over all possible eventualities in his head, whereas the little man beside him was working himself up into frenzy, babbling at an unbelievable speed as he bobbed next to the half-giant.

'Calm it, Polm.' He said, rather abruptly, finding himself unable to say anymore due to the growing feeling of nausea that was twisting about in his belly. They turned a corner, and found themselves face to face with Miss Molly Brown herself, bedecked in such a sparkling attire, it brought Thyle back down to earth with a small and muffled thump.

Clearing his throat, which appeared to have been constricted in fear just at the sight of the woman, Thyle cocked one leg and bowed low, removing his hat from his head as he did.

'You look lovely, Miss Molly.' He complimented, smiling at her as he straightened. He made towards the door to her cabin, giving Polm a small encouraging push in the back as he did so. The young half-giant wasn't altogether certain that his friend wouldn't back out on him at the last minute.

Thyle stepped inside and watched as the lady bustled about, smiling and presenting them with fine pieces of clothing. The young man could only smile and nod politely until Molly had gone, before he made his way to the chair where his evening clothes were draped. He reached out a hand and fingered one sleeve curiously. This was fine clothing, no doubt about it. He drew in his breath slowly and turned to Polm. He couldn't help but grin at what looked like an almost twin expression of shock on his companion's face. They must have looked a pair. No wonder Molly found them so amusing.

'Let's get dressed.' He said simply, turning back to the chair.

Ashari · Post by **Ashari** » Tue Sep 27, 2005 3:01 pm

"Ah, thank you very much, Thyle. You better get used to saying it, all the women tonight will be expecting your compliments, and from your small friend as well." She looked at Polm who swallowed hard.

"Yes, Molly, you do look quite fetching." He executed his own bow and looked up at the large chested woman with increasing fear at the situation they were about to embark upon. Atleast he wasn't going it alone. It could always be worse.

The fabric rolled softly under Thyle's fingers as he touched it. That which was closest to his skin was smooth and supple. The jacket was stiffer, made of a thick fabric that would hold the shape and keep all the lines in appropriate places. It would not rumple or wrinkle were the inexperienced man to slouch or lean back in his chair.

"Yeah. Dressed." He huffed. "If that's what you could call it!" He sighed and started stripping off his clothing before pulling on the blue outfit. "This is ridiculous.. no halfling ought to be caught dead in such adornments." He struggled into the codpiece and leggings and then pulled on the dress shirt. "If I were in the Citadel, yes. I could understand, but this is a mockery..." His little tirade continued as he fastened buttons and then turned around and sat abruptly on the seat his clothes had been on so he could pull on the dress shoes. They were a men's style of heels, and gave him an extra few inches of height.

Molly braved the room without knocking. "Oh! You boys look charming!" She announced and grinned wide. It was an expression no noble person would don, but she didn't care as she clasped her hands together and looked at the pair who couldn't have been more different if they tried. "And Thyle, you look remarkably like you belong in this clothes. I'm impressed."

Polm huffed and crossed his arms. Molly's smile softened. "Oh! I never had a doubt that you'd look amazing. Half-giants can be particular though. We wouldn't want our friend to look foolish." The halfling nodded.

"Now, we best be off." She started toward the door, and after no amount of messing around, she was out and heading above deck. (For her, that was just walking down the hall and out the door, instead of a long series of stairs like it would be for the two men trailing behind her.) They were met with a cool sea-breeze that brought the salty scent of the ocean with it.

Up a set of outdoor stairs and they were given a commanding view of the sea. Immediately they went into a large room, one with windows in the ceiling granting a heaven view of the sunset and streaked red and orange clouds. "Welcome to dinner with the monsters." Molly whispered as they were surrounded by men and women all robed in the latest fashions, and suddenly Polm felt as though he didn't look rediculous at all, infact, he was soberly dressed compared to two fops who had more purple and feathers than one could imagine.

"Our table is across the room, feel free to mingle."

Molly walked away from them then, pulled into conversation by a young attractive brunette who was just full of questions over the woman's profession. A woman (her mother?) sighed as she watched the activity.

There were people everywhere. "I think... I could go for a drink." Polm left Thyle's side and fled to the bar.

The half-giant had seen some of these people on deck, but none of the recognized him. "Hello... I do believe we've met." A familar man's voice fell on Thyle's ear. It was the gentleman who had been escorting a certain beautiful blonde. "I see you've changed your mind on where you'd like to dine, eh? The cabins can get so borish."

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Oct 01, 2005 2:24 pm

Thyle could only grunt with amusement at Polm's running commentary of getting dressed, seeing as he was finding the clothing rather awkward himself: his fingers fumbled over the buttons of the stiff jacket, and the breeches felt a little... tight. He cleared his throat, already anticipating the moment he could take these darn formal clothes off again, and smiled charmingly at Molly.

'Thank you, Molly' he said, glad to hear his deep voice rumbling in his throat. At least the breeches weren't that tight.

'They are handsome clothes to be sure, but I do feel a little bit like a Budgerigar.' He said apologetically, as he looked self-consciously down at himself. At least Polm was small enough to go unnoticed if he wished. At that moment Thyle would have given his height away gladly, if it stopped him being noticed so easily.

The room Molly led them to reminded Thyle strongly of a cluster of brightly coloured chickens. Molly thought them Monsters, but Thyle could imagine only too easily the gentleman with the abundance of feathers puffing out his chest and crowing joyfully to the hens surrounding him. This room was full of sexual tension: The place the nobles came to be noticed.

The young half-giant had been so busy fascinatedly watching the people around him, that he hardly noticed both Molly and Polm abandoning him until he heard the familiar voice behind him.

"Hello... I do believe we've met."

He knew who it was before he turned round: Lord Frederick Houstion, the escort of Lady Riana herself. Thyle's eyes searched the room automatically over Houstian's shoulder, but he could see no one else that he knew. His attention was diverted back to his Lordship.

'Yes,' he said, and then remembered where he was, 'I trust that you are well, Lord Houstian?'

Ashari · Post by **Ashari** » Wed Oct 05, 2005 3:48 pm

"Ah, a rememberer of names, I envy your talent as I've sadly forgotten yours, comrade." The lord reached out a hand to be shaken. "If you'd remind me, I'd be most thankful." He waited for Thyle to repeat it, and then relinquished his hand with a smile. His teeth were crooked on the top right side, as if he had taken a good hit while in his youth, or maybe even when he was older. It had screwed them up good, though, but not disturbingly, they were just a bit jumbled. Four of them in total. The rest were nearly perfect.

"And yes, I am well, how are you faring on this big boat?" He looked over his shoulder, and as he said the word boat, a man wearing a long green jacket stiffened slightly and turned to look at the pair, somewhat dismayed, before huffing and turning back to the gentleman he was speaking with. They all smoked pipes, and wore full mustaches. "He's the captain." Houstian said and smirked. "And they do ever so hate the term boat when one is talking about a fine ship such as this."

Riana was nowhere in sight as Thyle glanced about the room. "Looking for anyone in particular?" Molly was quite busy with the young lady she was talking with, and Polm had disappeared into the crowd. Frederick gave a quick look around. "I'm still waiting for Lady Riana to appear. She was supposed to be here a bit ago." He frowned. Houstian didn't like waiting, not for anyone, not for anything. "She better arrive soon, or I'll be sending her mother to find her." He smiled, and there was a level of devilish play there.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Oct 08, 2005 11:36 am

Thyle grasped Houstian's hand firmly and shook it, surprised that he didn't feel a desire to crush the man's hand under his own. He could, should he wish to, but he was intrigued to learn more about Houstian and why a lady such as Riana would fall for such a...man. Thyle smiled politely and re-introduced himself.

'Of course. My name is Thyle Hwendian.' He wondered whether it had been right to have given his Lordship his real name. He shrugged inwardly, resolving to worry about it later as he withdrew his hand.

The young half-giant took some pride in flashing his own neatly white teeth in the man's direction. It was youthful jealousy that led him to feel the need to compete in anyway possible with his Lordship, and he found himself searching for imperfection's in Houstian so that he could compare them with himself. Thyle was surprised, and slightly shocked to find himself keeping a mental note of them, Crooked teeth. That's one to me.

He laughed politely at Lord Houstian's jibe at the Captain, 'I'm finding it quite comfortable, I thank you Lord Houstian.' While I'm scrubbing decks, you're walking filth on them. 'And yourself?'

You're bitter. A small accusatory voice said at the back of his mind, Get a grip.

'Lady Riana?' His voice sounded nonchalant and unconcerned in his own ears, but his stomach did a back flip at the thought of her, 'That would be the charming lady you had in your company when we last met?'

Ashari · Post by **Ashari** » Sat Oct 08, 2005 4:11 pm

"Hwendian, yes." He nodded succinctly, and really attempted to stuff the name into his mental reserve. He hadn't actually bothered the first time, as he figured he'd never see the young man before him again, except maybe in passing. Somehow, he hadn't considered him actually first class. Now, in his current attire, he had to change that first impression a bit to reflect the man who stood before him. It was indeed a large change.

"The ship is very well. I've been amazed at her speed. She manuevers like a dream as well, so all in all, this has been great. I will admit, however, I'll be glad to step back on soil for a bit, and then onto the Mouth for a whirwind tour via their newest invention - air ships."

He lifted a glass he had been carrying to his lips. There was a dark acohol in it. Dortenese Whiskey if Thyle recognized the scent, if not, it was just a stiff drink of the aristocracy. "Yes, Lady Riana was with me earlier. We were walking to see her Grandmother, a woman who is older than yahren all on her own than probably half the crew all put together." He gave another grin, this one was his more practiced, and it emphasised the side of his teeth which weren't crooked. "She's an old bag, but, she is the one who decides who Riana gets to marry, so, she's to be suitably impressed. I paid for all of them to take this little voyage." His brow raised. He was a proud beast, and took any chance to speak about his money. "Her mother is impressed, atleast."

He glanced over Thyle's shoulder and stared at a point beyond him. "Speak of the..." He smiled. "There she is." Houstian gave a subtle wave, more of a beckoning at the doorway behind Thyle. "And dressed so well... The diamond suits her."

Riana made her way through the crowd, and they parted appropriately. Her skirts didn't get tangled with anyone elses, and she didn't have to step around anyone. She wore red, and it melded with her softly tanned skin beautifully. It was very red, a red the sun would envy at sunset, a sunset that provided the backdrop to her entrance. The oranges and yellows bowed to her. It was low cut, and every hem was decorated with the finest of white lace and soft velvet trimming. The boning of the bodice was accented with lines of the white velvet. Her skirt, full and flowing had many layers, but the top was a barely visible white that had a certain shine to it, so that as it cast over the lower layer of the red it shimmered.

Nothing was as shimmery as the one article of jewery she wore, however. A necklace that hung gracefully down her collarbone, accenting each of her breaths as it pulled in the light. The center stone was red, a deep red, and it was surrounded by a ring of white diamonds. The chain of the necklace was also adorned with the fine white diamonds. The whole setting was in silver. She moved toward Frederick with a reigned in grace. She could've flown if she wanted to, or atleast that's how it appeared. One of her gloved hands took his, and she looked at the half-giant who stood before him as the backdrop of speaking filled the room again. Houstian didn't bow to her, except for a quick nod of his head.

"Thyle Hwendian, how pleasant to make your aquaintance again." Her blue eyes sparkled in contrast to the red she was surrounded with. The young woman's wild ringlets had been contained in a tight updo. One that pulled uncomfortably at her scalp, but her mother had said that sometimes one had to make such sacrifices. It did look very nice. Riana removed her hand from Houstian's arm. She gave Thyle a deep curtsey. "You look quite dashing this evening, I didn't think you'd be joining us." The young woman offered her hand to him, knuckles upward, and clothed in a soft lace.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Oct 08, 2005 4:30 pm

'There she is.'

There she was indeed. Riana moved with a grace Thyle could not compare to any other. He ignored Houstian's continued chatter to focus all his attention on the beautiful woman he had not stopped thinking of since their first meeting.

His breath caught in his throat as she came to stand beside Lord Houstian. It felt as though a goddess had walked in their midst, and Thyle gazed, speechless at her, unable to tear his eyes away. He drank in her appearance, noting every subtlety of her attire, including the shimmering diamonds at her neck.

She spoke, and Thyle had to blink to wake himself up before he could answer,

'Lady Riana,' he said, his voice becoming husky in his own ears, 'May I say... you look.. I mean... You are stunning, this evening.' Very smooth. What happened to suave Thyle? The young half-giant pushed the annoying little voice away and reached for Riana's hand, silently berating himself. He had never stumbled over words with any other girl, why this one? Gently, he bent and brushed his lips softly over her knuckles, the sweet scent of her skin filling his senses before he straightened. He smiled at her, his golden eyes twinkling in the light,

'I am honoured.' he said sincerely. If it was her mother he had to convince, then he would do everything he had in his power to have Lady Riana for his own.

Ashari · Post by **Ashari** » Sat Oct 08, 2005 5:08 pm

Lady Riana suppressed a smile as Thyle juggled his words and tried to find the best, and surely, most appropriate thing to say to the young adhiel. "And we are all honoured to be in your presence as well." She cooed.

"Of course, I think you look spectacular, m'lady. But, that goes without saying, doesn't it?" Houstian nearly purred to her, his body moving slowly closer to her as he spoke, as if they shared some sort of secret that no one but they knew. For Frederick it was a secret of power, of wanting, of desire, but on Riana it looked different, more of need and necessity.

"Nothing goes without saying, Frederick. Atleast not around me."

Houstian stiffened much like the captain had, and straightened his back, gaining a more substantial distance from the beautiful blonde's body. "I suppose I'll leave you to your company then, I have to speak with Lord Blackstone on any account. You're timing couldn't have been better to entertain Hwendian." He looked at Thyle, and it was as if he had suffered a great blow, but he hid it well enough. "Excuse me, perhaps we shall speak later in the evening." He gave a curt bow.

Lady Riana just shook her head as he walked away. "He expects me to simper infront of him, to quake and be wracked with joy that he finds me pretty enough to entertain the thought of marrying me." She sighed. "If you don't mind my saying it, it's nice to have someone about that isn't a human." It was true, almost the entirety of the people on board, particularly up here in the upper class territory were humans. "Would you like to sit? I think dinner will be served soon. We could have a moment of chatter before everyone joins."

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Oct 08, 2005 6:19 pm

Thyle watched Houstian leave with a strong sense of triumph blossoming in his belly. He felt only a small pang of pity for the man, but it dissipated when he turned back to Riana, radiant as a moonlight evening.

'I don't mind at all.' he said, smiling at her. A warm feeling of pure joy had suffused him, and he felt as though he had been drugged with a very fine wine, 'Although I have met more of those who aren't human below deck.' Too late. That sounded suspicious, like he spent a lot of time down there. 'I like to explore the ship.' he said quickly, trying to correct himself, 'It's tiring staying in one place.'

Eager to change the subject, he darted to one side and pulled out a nearby chair in which Riana could sit,

'My lady.' he said, bowing and indicating for her to sit down. He waited until she had been seated before he pulled out a chair himself. He sat close to her, golden eyes on her's, and, feeling a sudden need to touch her, reached out and grasped one of her hands gently in his. His warm palm sheltering her smaller and more delicate one.

'You are not from Amun Rah, I don't think.' he said, smiling quizzically, 'Do you mind me asking where you are from? I don't think I've ever seen such beauty in Abu'Sahir, so you must be far from home.'

Ashari · Post by **Ashari** » Sat Oct 08, 2005 10:21 pm

"I'd love to see more of the ship, but mother wouldn't allow it. She already thought it terrible of me to be wandering around on deck alone this evening. As if something would happen to me..." Riana took the seat that Thyle has so graciously pulled out for her, and quickly sat, her legs crossing at the ankles, though the halfgiant couldn't see that because her legs were suitably covered by the length of the impressive fabric, and she sat in such a way that it cascaded around her feet.

"I do feel a bit stuck here, though, you're right on that bit. It is somewhat opressive being stranded on board with only my cabins and the dining hall to visit." She quietted as his hand came over hers, and she was immediately not sure of what to say. She'd never had a man do such to her, to place himself so close to her, so be so casual. Usually they were afraid of her, and of her name. A name which Thyle wouldn't recognize even were he to hear it.

She swallowed and looked up at him. A timidness in her eyes that hadn't been there before. One brought about by doing things that one ought not to, especially in public, and a blush brought on by his compliment. "I.. I am indeed far from home." She said, and slid her hand out from beneath his, no matter the warmth that it brought, a warmth that she had never known from a man's embrace. "Taquar is where I'm from. It's to the north of the man cities in the Western Kingdom."

Lady Riana looked around the room at the many people who swirled about and had their little conversations, quite too caught up in their own worlds to notice that between the adhiel and half-giant. "I saw much beauty in Abu`Sahir. In the people, in the children, in the fabrics and the glass." The young woman smiled remembering it fondly, but with a bit of bittersweet flavour, for she had to leave the desert isle. "Were you from the city? I had heard that the half-giants lived in travelling villages out in the desert.. as.. oh what's the word-" She paused. "Nomads, yes. That your people are nomads."

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Oct 09, 2005 10:39 am

Thyle was surprised when she removed her hand from under his, and he felt for a moment that he'd done something wrong. He looked into her face, saw a new innocence and timidness in her eyes and realised what he had done: nobles don't touch to communicate. Nobles skirt around each other like courting pheasants.

Ashamed for having embarrassed her in public, the young half-giant folded his hands neatly on his lap and smiled reassuringly at Riana.

'Kisloven?' he said, 'I've heard of that place. In the Western Kingdom, yes. Where the Adhiel dwell?' The elven name sounded strange in his Amun Rah tongue, but he ignored it. A delighted smile grew across his face when she talked of Abu'Sahir in such complimentary terms, and he rocked back in his chair in a most un-noble-like manner,

'Abu'Sahir is a most striking place with much beauty, of a sort.' he agreed, leaning forward again and resisting a renewed urge to take her hand, 'But I have always thought of it as a desolate beauty, one that is untamed and unaccessible.' he laughed, a deep and rich throaty chuckle, realising that he was becoming slightly homesick thinking about his home, 'I love it for that.' he said simply, eyes twinkling as he looked at Riana.

He laughed again at Riana's question. How could such a seemingly head-strong woman turn out to be so timid and innocent? He cocked his head to one side, liking the way she smiled,

'Yes, my people are traditionally Nomads,' he said, 'But I was born on the outskirts of Abu'Sahir. My father was... is an ironm- a... a wealthy man.' That had been too close, and lame, he added silently, hoping she hadn't noticed the slip.

'But what is Kisloven like? Are you travelling back?'

Ashari · Post by **Ashari** » Sun Oct 09, 2005 10:44 pm

OOC: Excuse my horrid geography. I meant to say that Riana was from Taquar, not Kislovan.

IC:

"Yes, it's where many of the adhiel live, though there are other places where others live as well," she said. "Taquar is the city of the trees. My heritage is of Kislovan, but then my family moved to the Western Kingdom. I don't remember much of anything from Kislovan, but was told it was a beautiful island." She shrugged. "I miss being in Taquar, though. I miss the trees, and my people."

Riana picked up a glass of water that was sitting on the table untouched. The nobles had a large pitcher at each table setting, but the lower class were alloted their one glass per meal. "It is not an unaccessible beauty, but difficult to pick up and take away." She paused, trying to think of how to word it. "When you go to the forest, and you find a flower, you can pick it and bring it hope, and put it in a vase, and then you've stolen that piece of beauty and brought it with you, but there is nearly no way to do that in Amun Rah. There is no thing that makes it amazing, for it's all of it, it's the colors and the contrats..." She trailed off, not wanting to seem folish in her words and she took another sip of the clear liquid.

The lady's brows drew together a bit at his stutter. "Yes, I'm travelling back, though, if it were up to Houstian, I'd not leave his side once we reached land." She was about to say more when an older adhiel female approached them.

"Riana, darling, where has Frederick gone, and who is this that you are keeping company with?" The older woman asked and Riana immediately rose from her sitting position.

"Mother, he went to go speak with some of the gentleman about politics or some such, I couldn't really go along for that." She tried to please the woman with her words, coming up with a suitable and truthful excuse why she wasn't with him. "And this is Thyle Hwendian." The name fell from her full lips perfectly, unlike from Houstian's stiff mouth. "Thyle, this is my mother; Lady Juliana Hinwein."

The woman, dressed perfectly in blue which accented her eyes which nearly mirrored those of Riana, gave a curtsey and offered her hand to the tall gentleman. "He is a native of Amun Rah, braving his own adventure to our land." She smiled.

"Quite interesting, Riana." Her eyes, though the same color, didn't have the warmth of Riana's. Instead they were cold, and unforgiving, and looked at Thyle as if he were a piece of meat. "You came with Molly Brown?"

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Oct 10, 2005 4:27 pm

ooc: lol not a problem. *grins*

ic: A female voice came from behind them, and after seeing the look on Riana's face, Thyle rose and turned all at once, finding himself before an older, blue-clad version of Riana: her mother.

His insides gave a small jerk of warning and he cleared his throat, smiling politely at Lady Hinwein as he was introduced. He bowed low,

'It's a pleasure to meet you, Lady Hinwein.' This woman was cold, even dismissive of him. Her eyes where like ice. The young half-giant felt like he was being judged, and he didn't like it one bit. All the same, the charming smile never left his face.

'Yes, I am lucky enough to have had the honour of escorting Miss Brown here this evening. She is a charming lady, indeed.' he said. Molly Brown is kind and generous. Stop looking at me like that, woman.

He wanted to show the cold-eyed Lady that he was a gentleman, a man of worth, so he moved in for the kill, sly as a fox,

'I would be honoured though, if your daughter would grace me with the pleasure of her company this evening. I plan to travel to Taquar, and I would be deeply interested in hearing more about your home land.' He hoped he hadn't done anything wrong by asking Riana's mother's permission instead of hers. He hated all this long-winded Noble talk, his head was beginning to ache from trying to phrase his words 'properly'.

Ashari · Post by **Ashari** » Mon Oct 10, 2005 5:23 pm

"She is an interesting woman, full of complexities, and ideas of what women ought to be doing which are wholly inappropriate." The older adhiel said, and looked over her shoulder where Molly was still speaking with the young brunette. "No doubt poisoning the young lady's good senses even as we breathe."

Riana shook her head, and looked at Thyle, as if asking for forgiveness on behalf of her old-fashioned mother. She was from Taquar, and she had never truely adjusted to the life of Kislovan where women were of a higher station than men. Riana's father, and the older Lady Hinwein's husband, had thought she would appreciate it, but she hadn't, and so that was when they returned to the city in the trees. All these things were deeply rooted in Riana, a need for both the styles of life.

Juliana turned back and listened to Thyle's request. She was not amused. Who is this man asked to have my daughter for the evening? She looked at Riana, who, for once, wasn't protesting to being sold off for a night. "I think that would be perfectly fine, since Houstian can't seem to stay at your side, perhaps you're better off with this gentleman to keep you company." She said to her daughter. "Now, if you'll pardon me, Elise is waving at me madly with her fan..." The woman smiled. One could never turn down a chance to gossip, especially if they were to be trapped on a boat for so long that it would soon be stale. "And Riana, do try to behave this evening."

Riana just looked at Thyle for a flicker after her mother left. "How.. did.. You?" She shook her head. "I have to say, that was amazing." She watched as the blue-clothed woman made her way across the room. "Frederick is going to be pissed." Riana grinned. "Thank you."

A small bell, gentle as a child's laughter, rung through the room. "The servents will be bringing out dinner, we ought to sit in our own spots. You are at Molly's table, right? So are we." The adhiel lithely moved through the crowd to a nicely situated table at the far end of the room which provided a view of everyone. "Here, sit across from me, that will show Frederick." She grinned.

Molly had already taken to her seat next to Riana, and then Polm, seemingly coming from nowhere pulled up the chair next to Thyle across from Molly. Riana smirked, and from what she had said about sitting across from someone, there was a good reason for it. Riana's mother sat next to her, so that she was blocked in on both sides. By the time Houstian reached the table the only seat left was the other next to Thyle. He was not impressed. "I see you offer our guests the best seats available, how kind." He pulled up the chair with as much gentlemanly aura as was possible. "Is our ettiquette proper to yours, Hwenden?" He slaughtered the young half-giant's name. "Or are we crude and uneducated comparably?"

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Oct 11, 2005 9:47 pm

Victory over the mother. Thyle grinned happily at Riana, his eyes sparkling as he offered her his arm.

'May I escort you to dinner, m'lady,' he said, his mouth twitching as he bowed extravagantly in Riana's direction. She seemed surprised, and Thyle felt some joy at being able to be spontaneous.

'No problem.' he whispered in her ear, and wanting to be even more spontaneous, leaned close so that his lips could almost touch her earlobe. He longed to reach just that bit further and...

He enjoyed her grinning at him, cheeky as a young child, and he found himself grinning back. Her smile was completely infectious. He smiled blindingly at Polm and Molly, nodding his head formally to each, and winked at Molly; The woman was a genius after all.

When Houstian arrived however, the young half-giant stiffened. The man was obviously jealous, but Thyle was wary of him, finding him more than capable competition.

'Not at all, Mr Houstian,' he said smoothly, purposefully not using the man's proper title, 'I enjoy company of every sort.' He turned and nodded his head respectfully at his Lordship, treating him with yet another look at his neat white teeth.

Ashari · Post by **Ashari** » Sat Oct 15, 2005 1:17 pm

"Yes, you may indeed escort me to dinner." The lady gave a full curtsey to him. Riana shivered as Thyle drew so close to her, so close to her pointed adhiel ear. His breath washed across it, and across her skin at her neck and shoulder sending a small wave of goosebumps over her skin. It's not cold.. whatever is wrong with me?! Riana, get your senses! She gave a deep swallow and turned her head to Thyle, appreciating his fine smile and handsome looks.

Frederick knew when he was bested, and the seating arrangement had terribly upset his ego. Reaching forward he grabbed his napkin and lay it across his lap, before starting to chat with the chap that was next to him, who turned out to be the designer of the ship. He was a dignified looking man, sporting no facial hair, but with his locks cut short.

Conversations ensued, and the extravagent meal was brought out. It was no less than five courses, that much was for sure, and each course meant a new set of cutlery. Secretly, Molly pointed to which one he was supposed to use. In her bravest of moves, when everyone was watching her after a story, she made the comment: "I love how the nobles eat, so refined, slowly working their way into their plates via the forks and spoons." And after that she didn't give him any more secret lessons on what to take next. All the nobles had laughed at her jokes through the meal, and at the end of it, they looked at one another, all full of good food.

"Well, I think it's time for the gentlemen to take their leave." Houstian stood from the table, and all of the other older men stood as well. "I'd invite you to come drink brandy and smoke with us, Hwendan, but, we'll just be talking politics and such, nothing to interesting. You may be better off here." He looked at the women who sat at the table, and Riana looked away from him to look at Thyle, wondering if he would fight for the chance to go to the lion's den, or stay in her company.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Oct 22, 2005 12:23 pm

The meal was... immense. Thyle struggled to hide the strong feeling of both excitement and awe at the intense amount of food that was put before him. The young half-giant stuck into the first two courses with such enthusiasm that by the time the third course arrived he was virtually full, having never before been required to consume so much. From the third to the fifth course he resigned himself to taking only the smallest bites, in order to save himself.

Molly was the picture of kindness and helpfulness, and at her most subtle and useful remark Thyle could not help but look up and grin at her in thanks, not allowing himself to say anything more. However, as the meal went by, he found himself relaxing into the surrounding company, laughing at the jokes and even trusting himself to put in a few anecdotes of his own.

Throughout the meal he subtly watched Riana, not finding himself able to keep his eyes from her for long. At one point he thought she caught his eye and he smiled warmly, allowing his gaze to linger on her eyes. The moment was somewhat spoiled unfortunately, when Houstian rose from his seat.

The remark he made should have bothered Thyle, and it did a little, if he was honest, but the young half-giant allowed himself to wait before answering, treating Houstian with his unpenetratable gaze.

'It would be a kind invitation,' he said courteously, standing slowly from his seat to look down at his Lordship, 'but I'm afraid that I find myself unappreciative of smoking and politics when the night is so young.' He smiled charmingly, holding out a hand to Houstian, 'It was a pleasure to meet you again, sir.'

He left it at that, hoping the men would depart quickly so that he could invite Riana on a night time stroll, if she would permit.

Ashari · Post by **Ashari** » Sun Oct 23, 2005 4:24 pm

Lord Frederick Houstian shook the half-giant's hand and stiffened at his quick reply. Little bugger better not.... "You must be better suited for talking with the women anyhow." He retracted his hand.

"Frederick!" Riana hissed at him and stood, glaring with equal fridgity in her eyes as her mother displayed on a regular moment. "You're spiteful and rude, and I'd appreciate it if you left our company with much haste." The adhiel didn't take her eyes from his as she stared him down. Frederick opened his mouth to say something, but it was the older lady Hinwein who spoke.

"That's quite enough, Riana. You'll apologize this moment, and then take your seat while we finish desert." Her voice was stern, more harsh than Riana could even hope to mimick, even in her angriest of moments. She was, after all, not a woman scorned like her mother.

"My apologies, Lord Houstian." Her shoulders slumped slightly, and the fire and passion that had been burning in her eyes, that bit of her soul that had been afire, burned out as she took her seat.

"No harm done, my dear." Frederick replied smoothly. "I believe the desert heat may've just effected you a touch." He grinned and a few of the other men laughed under their breath. "For women are just so much easier to effect with such things." They had already started to pull their cigars from their pockets, and then they all departed, a loud crowd, leaving the table in ominous silence.

It was Molly who braved it, as wasn't too much of a surprise. "Men, eh?" She looked at Polm and Thyle. "Perhaps our Westerners could learn a thing or two about their manners from you boys." She smiled, and the small brunette who had been following Molly around like a puppy to a child, laughed. Molly joined in, as did Polm. Riana and her mother were silent.

"I'm going to retire. Mother," She gave the woman a revered nod of her head. "Mister Hwendian and Perriwinkle, thank you both for joining us, it was an interesting evening." Riana tried to smile, but it only reached as far as her mouth, not touching the despair in her eyes. The shame of being treated like a child which she no longer was could be a bit overwhelming, and it had soured her night. It was, however, a feeling she had become accustomed to on this trip.

"Goodnight, Molly." She stood then, and moved away from the table, the picture of elegance and grace walking toward the door.

Polm shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "I think I'm ready to go as well. Long day, much moving about." He thought of the heavy crates he had lifted with his little arms and he couldn't help his yawn. "But thank you, Miss Brown." He pushed himself off the chair, since he couldn't really just stand up. "You coming, Thyle?"

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Oct 25, 2005 10:15 pm

Oh no. Too far. A deep sense of guilt washed over him and Thyle felt his heart sink. She's walking away. The young half-giant hardly heard the others talking. He stammered his brief apologies, stood from his seat, and followed Riana, knowing as he did that what he was doing was deeply un-noble-like.

He walked through the door, making sure that he was out of sight to those inside it and called after her, somewhat tentatively.

'Wait! M'lady!' He hoped she'd stop and turn to listen, but either way he couldn't let her go like this, knowing that he'd played a part in her departure.

Gripping the wall with his fingertips, heart beating like a drum in his ears, Thyle made a valiant effort to speak like a noble,

'I...I'd like to apologize for.. for the way I behaved just..now. It was unfair of me. I hadn't intended to put you in the position I did.' Ah, stuff it. 'Riana. I'm sorry.' Golden eyes radiated pure distress, his strong jaw tight with suspense.

Ashari · Post by **Ashari** » Mon Oct 31, 2005 6:01 pm

Those who remained at the table excused Thyle without question, even Riana's mother. They all knew what he was doing. The older woman didn't care, she knew her daughter well enough to know she would accept his apology, but that she wouldn't mean it, and that she would just go to her room and pout about how horrible the old woman was. What she didn't count on, however, was that Thyle was truely sorry, unlike all the peacocks that had apologized to Lady Riana before.

The adhiel's stomach tightened as she heard the swift footsteps behind her. She didn't turn around, but she did stop walking when he called to her. Her arms wrapped protectively around her thin body before she looked over her shoulder just intime for his actual apology, not the stuffy words of nobles or the proper words of aristocracy - no, it was just a man standing before her saying he didn't mean for it to happen the way it had, and he actually meant it.

"Th-Mister Hwendian, it is not your fault that my mother speaks to me that way, or that she expects me to be a certain way toward Frederick." She smiled, "But I appreciate your apology. You are forgiven if only to sooth your own worries, for I held nothing against you at all."

She turned fully around. "I really should go to my room, however, as I told mother." The young adhiel lady curtsied. "Perhaps I will see you tomorrow for breakfast? Or will you be breakfasting in your own room?"

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Oct 31, 2005 9:17 pm

Her smile warmed him like a tiny fire in his heart, but a deep sense of loss assaulted him as she made to excuse herself from him. His face fell and an annoying lump rose in his throat at the thought of losing her to the hierarchy once again.

'I... I...' he stammered, trying to find something to say to make her change her mind. His heart was slamming painfully against his ribs, and he suddenly felt an insane urge to shout at her,

I love you, goddamnit woman! The thought came to him almost subconsciously, and he found himself shocked to realise that he thought he loved her. This certainly didn't feel like a crush, an infatuation. In fact, it felt like nothing he had felt before, and it hurt like nothing had hurt before.

I love her. A tiny bubble of hope rose in his chest and he took a deep breath,

'Please. Lady Riana,' He took a step towards her, his face a picture of hope mingled with loss, 'You told me that you had hardly explored the ship. Tonight has seemed to end badly for you, let me help to change that.' His heart drummed loudly in his ears, 'The night is young, the stars beautiful. Let me show you the ship. Please.'

Ashari · Post by **Ashari** » Mon Oct 31, 2005 11:06 pm

Lady Riana looked up at Thyle, her bright blue eyes severely contrasted against the red dress, making for them to sparkle and shine even more than the heavy diamonds that hung at her neck. "Many nights end badly for me, Thyle." She said his first name this time, suddenly feeling closer to him, both because of his physically lessening the distance, and because of his words. "And I'd love to tour the ship with you, but it's a bit chilly." She smiled, and it was true, the cool ocean air had washed across the ship and all traces of desert heat were completely gone.

They had left the land of sun and sands, and were heading now to the Western Terra where thick folliage and snow were common, though the latter only seasonally. "The stars are beautiful..." She looked upward then, taking in the wide array of constellations overhead, and her hesitance was in her voice. "Maybe... maybe I could." Riana looked back down to him. "As long as we aren't out too late."