Party like a Dortman (Samheen 30th ET)

[Talanwei Fortisse]

Again, a prickling sensation nearly made him shiver. Tiffany placed her fingers to his lips, perhaps to hush his incessant babble. The woman spoke softly yet urgently for him to cease his apology. Talanwei nodded numbly as she continued. She had referred to his kiss as a beautiful gesture, yet the would be paladin felt he had been clumsy and foolish. When the young Crane daughter referred to him being a hero, he had to suppress his immediate desire to correct her. To say that he was no such thing and that he could never compare himself to the likes of Ulder, or Elvin, or even Corbin for that matter. The thought of the jesting, imbibing, and flirtatious mage made Talanwei grin despite himself. When Tiffany made mention of a next time the Achadiel's attention was drawn back like an arrow. He had missed the jest, yet his mind had caught "next time" and "escort" very clearly.

"You...you would see me again?" said Talanwei tentatively. He was surprised that she had put up with his shyness and general silliness as well as she had. The thought of he and her...even something as simple as going to the market or...Talanwei banished the thought. Again he was being foolish and presumptuous. Yet still he continued.

"I mean...outside of this place?" he said indicating the opulent surroundings that were a courtesy of the good Duke.

[Elaine]

Elaine could feel the blush colour her cheeks as they made their way back to the party. The ring was like a live being, curling around her finger to remind her of every word spoken in private. The words themselves might remain private, yet the intention would soon enough become clear to their friends...what few there were left.

Turning the new ring around and around she kept close to Ulder, feeling so much strengthened by what had just transpired that she felt able to stand up to the entire world to be with him, demons included!

Luckily it was not a demon but a friend who stopped them in their path. "Elvin!" Sparkling blue eyes turned to the mage, despite her lack of sight. "So glad to catch you for a moment. I was afraid everyone was caught up in the next political schemes already. I'm doing fine, how about you?"

She squeezed Ulder's arm, not sure how he wanted to proceed. There was a distinct chance he'd like to keep this to themselves for the time being, yet the girl was not so sure she was going to be able to keep the shine off her face.

[Guest]

A very lovely girl when she smiles. K'Mith thought to herself. There was a thoughtful look on her face as the mage's question was posed and Mairi told her a story even without saying too much.

Instead of answering the envoy's question, the Duchess placed a hand on Mairi's arm, a feather touch despite the large hand. Dark eyes met her gray blue eyes as K'Mith spoke in a lower tone. "Remember this moment. Recall what you just told me especially when you feel your strength failing. What you want to pursue will be difficult and you need to be ready for it. Do not be afraid to state your opinion. It is just as important as people like the Voice of Rafao or Madam Lo Russo's. Know when to put your foot down and when to tactfully retreat. You believe yourself to be strong and I do sense it, but even the strong can break, so flexibility is important too. Follow your goals and your ambitions but make sure to also know who your friends and enemies are while you do so."

Then the Duchess smiled softly then winced as she began to stand up slowly. "It was a pleasure talking with you, Miss Armstrong, but I believe I should retire to my quarters now. The baby's kicking incessantly and it is wearing thin on me. I wish you the best in your future."

[hr][/hr]

Thomas Crane and his son Christopher continued to talk in hushed tones. Then Thomas looked about, finding Red with a recognised hero and then continued on to wander along the crowd until he spotted his daughter sitting by a young man. The father's stony gaze was caught by his son and was followed to where his sister sat. Christopher then looked back at his father, who said something and Christopher responded. His own expression was as unreadable as his father's.

Tiffany's brother was about to leave his father's company when the elder Crane placed his hand on the upper arm of his son and added something, causing Christopher to nod in what looked to be confirmation and then he headed across the room to pick up his sister.

[hr][/hr]

Tiffany giggled at Talanwei's reaction and grinned as she replied, "Of course. Well, I mean if you want to..." She awkwardly ended not exactly sure if he wanted to spend more time with her. She was not the type to outwardly coerce someone to do what she wanted.

"I'm not entirely sure what will happen but promise me one thing, whatever you do, don't forget about me...ple" She whispered softly but before she could finish her sentence or hear Talanwei reply, Christopher had arrived to the couple's side and spoke. "Tiffany. Father wants to leave." His voice was strong and firm as he held out his arm for her. There was no room for argument. His shrewd eyes stared down his sister's companion. "Sure Christopher, I didn't realise it was getting so late." She smiled sweetly at the achadhiel and squeezed his hand before standing up, "It was a pleasure to meet you, Talanwei. I do hope you come by for a visit some day soon."

She slipped her hand into her brother's arm and waved good-bye. As they walked away, Talanwei heard Christopher voice bearly containing his anger, "Why were you crying, Tiffany? Did he do..." Tiffany murmured something in a happy tone and stood up to kiss his cheek. Whatever she said seemed to placate her brother's anger and even made him grin uncharacteristically. The lovely girl happily walked with her brother back to their father's side, but she stole another look backwards to see if Talanwei was still there to receive another smile from her.

[Corbin Dillon]

"I am not too sure about fragile." Corbin said with a laugh. "But you see I pride myself on never offending a lady without due cause, and a slap being the ultimate sign of offence is as deadly a blow as can be imagined." He said with a wink. What he had said was only half in jest, for their were certain ladies that he had no concerns whatsoever about offending.

"I dread to think what my prize would have been had I taken much longer to guess - a kiss of your hand and a curt goodbye seemed to be on the cards at one point." Corbin said with a smile. "Thank the heavens for ale." He said with a laugh as he raised his ale in a mock toast and took a healthy sip of it. "But tell me, just where did you pick up your taste in beverages? I must admit to not having made the acquaintance of a lady who indulges in that over wine or spirits." He said with interest.

[Elvin Motricé]

Elvin answered Elaine's smile but his eyes didn't sparkle like hers. A faint echo of the pain that had haunted him for over twenty yahren. He had come to terms with the death of his wife but he hadn't let go of the burden completely. The faint pain that remained made the Adhiel lonely but it also made him appreciate life all the more.

"Please, Elaine, call me by my real name," he replied, "It's time for me to start living a full life again," he grinned, "As for how I'm doing... Quite well, I just got promoted. I'm now a Professor."

The sorcerer studied Elaine for a moment, noting how happy she was and he smiled. He could very well remember how he had felt all those years ago. "I envy the both of you," he turned to Ulder, "One word of advice, my dear friend, don't wait too long with certain... questions. Live life while you still can."

[Grey Wolf]

Red's eyes rested on Corbin's face, but she did note Chris' movement and for a flicker sought her bosses form, and arched an eyebrow, while replying to Corbin, turning to smile at him as if nothing had happened. "Well, why should ale be the sole domain of men?" There was a slight dare in her eyes for him to say something to that, to try and convince her that she was wrong. "I don't burp though. Not unless you ask me nicely." Tilting her head, the lithe woman, allowed her smile to grow a bit more mischievous before adding. "And had you taken much longer to guess, I think it would have been you who would have had to provide a reward. Much like I gave you that kiss for guessing right I could have taken one because it took so long." At that she leaned into his form and did just as she just said, drawing him close gently, craddling the back of his neck and kissing the young mage once more, allowing herself the luxury of nibbling on his lower lip in exploratory fashion for a while. "My boss might need me, Corbin. He is preparing to leave. But, I could ask him to let me stay a while longer. That is....if you don't mind my company?"

Isis' face was a carefuly wrought mask of polite attentiveness, though her real feelings could have been anything from disgust to enchantment. Not even the semi-naked woman's eyes betrayed her inner thoughts, her seductive ways coming in handy now, as she used every mean at her disposal to placate Madam Consul. Surely, there must have been ways for a woman to seduce another of her sex, even though her preference was for men? "Kislovani wine is much like those that make it. Drawing its last breaths and living of old glory. Tradition and old ways are only as good as they serve a purpose. Change is inevitable. In many ways and many places."

They had moved past the center of attention and slowly circled around the edge of those still gathered in the Embassy. Isis wished Nu'Phuat were at her side, the old Vizier being quite useful as an adviser, despite all the aggravation his presence caused her otherwise. "A colony on Imperial soil in exchange for technology. And a little bit of treason. Of the kind that is hard to prove." Isis smiled and cast a gaze at Rosalie. "You have interesting concepts, Madam Lo Russo. Seems like you took after your father. Now, all that is nice, but how can we make that happen. What can Amun Rah do to make this a reality?"

[Ulder]

Grinning like a fool, he escorted her back to the party, his feet felt like he wasn't even walking on the ground, but on light, fluffy air. It was then when they were greeted by Elvin.

He watched the two interact, content and happy. Going into battle with people made brothers of them, and Elvin was certainly in that category. Ulder had always found the sorceror rather interesting, and now with their victory behind them, he counted the Adhiel as a true friend.

'Live life while you still can."

Ulder smiled politely at Elvin's words.

Live life while I still can? What do you suppose becoming a Captain in the Purple Guards, fighting in the Tournament and destroying a daemon count as? Staying home and knitting?

Between his joy and his tendencies to be good natured, he let the somewhat strange comment slide.

"Thank you Elvin. I shall endeavor to follow your wise words to the fullest. Congratulations on your promotion Professor."

He also let the comment about certain questions go unanswered, but was unable to resist stealing a glance at Elaine's slender hand and finger where the ring now dwelled. It was still a secret shared only between them. He didn't care how long it stayed that way, so he simply found happiness in living in the moment for as long as it would last.

[Talanwei Fortisse]

Talanwei did want to spend time with her. In fact, in that flicker, he wanted to spend a great deal more time with Tiffany. She seemed so untouched and innocent. Yet in those respects he had no real idea, nothing concrete on which to base them. That was something that he wanted to change. The way they were with one another in just this short time spurred this desire in the Achadiel and he did not know how to articulate this. So he stayed silent, looking to the ground for a few flickers searching for words. Tiffany’s words, her plaintive request that he not forget her confused him somewhat. Something in her voice bespoke some uncertainty, some sort of unease but he could not even speculate on what could be causing it.

Talanwei’s first instinct was to tell her he would never forget her. His second, more rational thought was to deliver words that were a step more controlled in their content. He could do none of these however as who was swiftly revealed as Tiffany’s brother came to retrieve her. When she squeezed his hand, he gave a gentle pressure in return and the young woman stood.

"The pleasure, was all mine madame Crane…and good eveningtide to you Sir Crane. I…" his words trailed off as the two left, "how will I find you?"

It was too late for them to hear and his words were said to himself if only to give them some sort of reality. Talanwei shifted on his feet unsure of how to proceed and he heard Christopher speak. Normally he would have bristled at the anger in the mans voice but Christopher was her brother and she had been crying. Talanwei was a brother; he knew he would react the same so he swallowed any indignation gracefully as she looked back at him. A stolen glance was repaid with a smile and a hand he rose in farewell. Talanwei would have to figure out where to find Tiffany but it was something he would do his best to accomplish. For that flicker, the Achadiel was at a loss for what he was going to do next.

[Vanir Alfheim]

Vanir finally made his way away from Fauna, leaving a tingle of passion and illicit thoughts to fill her. He cared for his friend, having known her longer than anyone else in the Citadel, so he hoped to draw her closer to him and find the cause of her change. The priest had seduced her in the past and wondered if they would finish what they had started so long ago.

Vanir found his way over to Fialessa, noticing her standing by herself. He walked behind her and whispered softly in her ear. "Has the magick of the evening worn off yet, milady? Is there something else you would like to see or shall I escort you back to the Temple?"

[Fialessa Valenstri]

She had not wandered too far as she pondered the words of Erwin. Perhaps a little startled to be pulled out of her thoughts, Fia turned a smile on the charming adhiel she'd only so recently befriended.

"Well our host had many enlightening things to impart. As for the rest of the guests, I have some passing acquaintances that I hope shall grow to friendships in time. But for now there is nothing pressing here... If there is anything else you have need to do...?" Easily she could wait graciously just as she could be ready to depart.

[Rosalie Marcada]

"Treason is such an ugly word," Rosalie protested with a smile that was most mercenary at Isis "I prefer to think of it as unofficial policy. Accepting a Cliff White she took a sip of the cool wine, wonder briefly how and what Isis knew about her father. Perhaps it was just rumors. "The matter is really simple and will only be to the benefit of Amun Rah and many others, saving many lives. If the government agrees to let the military advance on the Kings troops instead of the town, which would be sound military strategy I'm sure, then the scene would play out and then terms could be negotiated swiftly with the colony. As consul I would confer with the Mouth authorities, making it officialpolicy and allowing me to negotiate terms with the government of the Empire, while the merchant council will in turn inform Aveas. The question is.. is Amun Rah powerful enough to persuade the council to pursue this? What is it that you can offer us?"

[Corbin Dillon]

"Well, I would say that the heavy flavour, the quantity in which it is drunk and the vessel in which it is held all correspond more the generally perceived masculine traits than feminine." Corbin posited. "That is not to say there is anything particularly wrong with a women drinking ale, just that it is different." He explained. "And I think we can forget about the burping for this evening." He said with a slight laugh.

"I do not mind your company at all." Corbin said pleasantly as he recovered from her kiss. "And if your boss has no need of you for the moment I would be glad for your further company." He said to her as he lifted his glass to his lips and took a further drink from it.

[Elaine]

"You're a professor now?" Elaine blinked her eyes. "Goodness! Well, I'm pretty sure they got a wonderful teacher with it. Congratulations!"

I wonder if he got a hold of his own emotions then. Can't imagine the University letting him teach shielding when his mind gets the better of him. Still...he was there at...hrm...the thing. So he must be strong enough these days.

Ulder did not take the very non-subtle hint Elvin left and so Elaine did not mention a certain question and fitting answer either. Instead she smiled broadly. "Ulder is alive. I am alive. What more can I ask for?" She stated. "It' a miracle, that's what it is; and one I intend on following up on! This man is not going to escape me again, no matter how hard he tries."

She giggled, being able to think back on the terrible talks they'd had about having to seperate in order to live and all that. It was all behind them. Common sense had finally won over panick and fear. This was how it was supposed to be.

"So you will be teaching now?" She asked Elvin. "What kind of classes have you been assigned to?"

[Guest]

The grumbling from the men told Sarah that they would soon return. She stepped into the new room. The young woman was quickly assaulted by all the actions going on. Many others were moving about, preparing dishes or making sure they got to their destination. She didn't think that any had seen her enter, as they would be far too busy. Knowing this, Sarah thought out a simple plan. Why not simply follow along with everyone elses routine? Surely they would be going to where the honoured guests were, for that would be the place to serve them.

With this thought in her head, Sarah walked quickly and with purpose through the bustling crowd. She looked for a lot of drinks on a tray and would quickly scoop them up, for they would be her ticket inside. Upon finding one, the adhiel would then trundle along after one of the other busy servers. It seemed a surefire way to be taken exactly where she wanted to go. Sarah could only hope that it would work out properly in the end.

[Vanir Alfheim]

Vanir smiled at his fiery friend and did not press her for information about the Duke. He assumed that she would tell him anything she was going to. It was not hard to read her desire to leave the party and seek the quiet of the Temple, so he shook his head.

"I have made my appearance and scheduled a better time to speak with the Duke. I do know a few people here, but there is nothing more to be done tonight. I would be honored to escort you back to the Temple. I arrived tonight with the most beautiful woman on my arm and am glad to leave the same way." The priest grinned and offered Fialessa his arm once more.

[Mairi Armstrong]

The Duchess's words were comforting - Mairi knew that it would be valuable advice in the future.

"Thankyou," she said to the half giantess. "Goodnight."

As the Duchess departed she pondered her words. She wanted her opinion to matter - oh how she wanted that - and of course half the battle would be self-belief. But she would have to work hard on tact and flexibility - sometimes she knew these qualities escaped her, and she would never make a good politician without them.

She looked around the room for someone else to talk to, but the couples that had formed were still for the most part 'otherwise engaged'. She wandered over to the drinks for a burn or two, then departed for her bedroom. It had been an interesting and busy evening - a busy few days - and she suddenly felt a great tiredness overtake her limbs. It was definitely bedimte.

[Grey Wolf]

Rosalie's attempt to be diplomatic with Isis, received a chuckle from the near nude woman at her side, though a flicker later it was gone and Isis nodded. "You are right of course, but sometimes it is best to call things their real names, just to be sure we are not misunderstood." She took a sip of her own drink falling silent for effect before adding. "And, it is not what we can do for you, but rather what I can. I can guarantee you four Imperial Council votes without a doubt. And I can do my best to give you a few more. You'll need twelve to get what you want. Duke Erwin will sway easily if you offer him enough gold. The man is well known for his love of money. That should give you what you need. If you find yourself unable to persuade the Duke, come seek me out and I shall see whom else we can convince to vote for your idea."

There was one tiny detail that slipped Sarah's attention and that was the fact that all the servants were liveried and dressed alike. Only the fact that she had left the scene rather quickly saved her an additional inquiry and enabled the young woman to slip into the hallway and a couple of dozen of paces later emerge into the yard, where the party was slowly drawing to a close. A finely dressed man in his late fifties, chuckled softly at something a lady had said, bowing to her as she left and then his lavender focused on the newly made waitress. A graying brow rose, as the man smiled at her, his features softening and hinting at how attractive he was in his youth. "That's a rather large tray for a girl such as yourself. Why don't you set it down over there and tell me who made you carry it?"

A few glances and a mouthed Take care were all the extent of Red's conversation with Thomas Crane. She turned to face Corbin next to her and smiled impishly. "You got me all for yourself, Corbin." She paused to raise his brows at him and then added. "Now, all you have to do is decide what you want to do with such a prize. Any ideas of what we might do? Together….." The impish smile had melted by then, and without it her words had that teasing quality that bespoke of a possible misinterpretation. Was she suggesting anything, or merely teasing the young mage at her side?

[Elvin Motricé]

The Adhiel laughed: "Wise? Ah, my friend, it's not wise. It's just something I wish for. For the both of you." The Professor thought back to the time when he met his wife for the first time and smiled. "Enjoy it for as long as you, dear friends. Life is too short, especially in these trying times."

Elvin grinned when Elaine made her comments about Ulder not escaping: "Be careful, Ulder! Once you've been caught, you'll never escape!" he winked, "But somehow I think you wouldn't mind that at all."

"I haven't been assigned to any classes yet. In fact, I'm thinking about taking some time off and doing some travelling. I have to visit some old friends," the sorcerer looked around, "Now we're talking about friends... Do you know how Ashari is doing?"

[Rosalie Marcada]

Rosalie nodded, throwing a glance over her shoulder towards where Illish was sitting with the Duke. "Yes," she murmured, "I think I have the right access to the Duke," and without upsetting his wife too, not a small accomplishment. A mere seduction of one of the most powerful men at court would not have done, plus it would have upset the home front a trifle. Rosalie liked to keep the peace with her family. It was healthier for all involved, with her father's reputation for ruthlessness. With a nod to Isis and a softly whispered "I shall get to it then, and get back to you in a few days" she excused herself, walking back to her intended.

"Illish," her husky voice was close to his ear "Come sit with me on the terrace. It is rather hot inside don't you think." There was a scent of wild thyme that encircled him, her fashionably low neckline allowing him a promising peek of his future as she bend over him before sweetly adding in a whisper "There is, to be frank, some business to discuss." Rose estimated she had but a mark before she and Kaspari had to leave for the portal. She looked over to her Condotierre sergeant and gave him a wink before helping Illish to the terrace. It had been a split second decision to involve Marcada in politics. It was inevitable, she thought, for she intended to make use of her contacts. He had appreciated frankness before and now she would see what it was worth.

[Corbin Dillon]

"And here was me thinking that I had had you all to myself all along." Corbin said with mock-shock, before grinning again. She was certainly a different type of woman to those that he was accustomed to in Roque, and indeed to those he had met in The Citadel. Adessa was a refined elf maiden, Bregana too had an air of refinement and delicacy, despite her spirit. He supposed that Red was closest to Samantha, but even then she was different to the bard, she was more confident and there was a hint of teasing about her.

"Now, as for what we might do together, I am quite convinced that we might complement each other quite well in the composition of an epic poem dealing with the age old question of if a tree falls down in the forest, but there is nobody there to hear it, does it really make a sound?" He proposed with a smile, and a drink of his beverage.

[Guest]

The 'plan', if it could be so called, seemed to be going well for Sarah. She had secured a tray and had walked brusquely out of the room, not pausing to be stopped. After a few paces with no hand on her shoulder, the adhiel grew a little more relieved. When Sarah came upon the yard, she had to keep herself from dropping the tray and making a run to the place. It didn't matter if the party was coming to a close. She was there......

Or so she thought, that is. A man that couldn't be past his sixties turned to greet her, after having just been speaking to another woman. Upon looking him over, Sarah could see that this man was just starting to show gray hairs. She had caught this detail in the brow that rose, and from the following question, the young one began to wonder if she had been discovered. The adhiel looked down at her clothes, obviously different from the ones doing the waiting, and decided it a good place to start. Replying with yet another bluff, Sarah wondered just how much she would have to lie this night.

"Ah, my pardon sir, I am but a new waitress. It seems the girls have run out of their usual garments...after all, it is a wonderful party with many important people to serve!"

She figured the compliment might make the farce easier to believe. All Sarah could do now was smile, and hope that the man didn't call on the nearest guard he saw.

[Grey Wolf]

Lies could get you only so far, and while she had forged a believable ruse, but the man whom Sarah faced now simply tilted his head to the side and let his self-assured grin grow a notch. Brows rose as she continued talking, letting her finish her little story and then leaned closer to whisper. "Duke Erwin running out of anything? That would be a first. Why don't we start over again?" Without delay he stood back up and bowed once more, the smile remaining still. "Hello there. Why don't you set that tray down and tell me who might you be?" This time he added a wink, his lavender eyes sparkling with mischief, his voice smooth and carefree.

"Hmmmm?" Baron's smile was one of genuine amusement, as he turned away from his conversation with Sister Katrian, turning to face Rosalie. She felt his hair caress her neck when the man nodded and whispered into his future wife's ear. "Of course, my dear." He turned to the priestess and smiled apologetically. "If you'll excuse me, Sister, but seems I am needed. Do pay me a visit soon and we can continue our discussion." With a grunt and a bit of help from Deacon the man rose, waving away the old bodyguard away with a smile. Hobbling along Rosalie's side he slowly made his way to the secluded bench, the silent forms of Deacon and Kaspar hovering just out of hearing range, and sat down. "Now, I must say you have got my curiosity up. And I can't help but wonder what kind of business you and I can discuss that involves Lady Isis."

"Business before pleasure, you silly man. Now that business is taken care of I can focus on pleasure." Without waiting for him to reply, not even giving Corbin time to grasp the words fully, she leaned closer and kissed him passionately, pulling back after a while and licking her lips with a satisfied smile. "Ale tastes much better this way." Then she chuckled again, at Corbin's words, shifting one leg to hook it over his knee and looking him straight in the eyes with a dare in her own. "So, you want to write poetry with me tonight? Are you sure? I have never done that, but I do like trying out new things." The edges of her lips curled up into an impish smile for a flicker and then she sat waiting for a reply.

[Ulder]

Ulder sat back and listened to Elvin and Elaine quietly talking. His heart was aglow for no other reason than she said yes. He was growing more comfortable with the surroundings now, and he began to relax and enjoy himself.

He quietly squeezed Elaine's hand. A silent but effective way of telling her he was at her command and that he was there. He was nearly certain she could feel his blood beat beneath his skin as he silently enjoyed the conversation, the party and the people.

[Rosalie Marcada]

Rosalie laughed, softly, but amused. So Illish had been paying attention. Well, Carloni had warned he was as sharp as a knife. "Well, state business of course. We find ourselves at interesting cross roads. Ambitions of the Mouth could go horribly wrong and slaughter many, or, with our help, we could make it count towards something good, both in the humanitarian sense and for business. I have no doubt you know of Aveas, our unofficial colony in the Empire," she patted his hand, wondering if she would find stiffness there. She softly admitted what the Mouth had been up to (knowing full well it would land on Duke Erwins desk at some point) and then proceeded to outline her daring mission, to turn the Mouth AND the Empire away from danger and free it from the Western Kingdom. Such unlikely allies they were.

Rosalie swallowed in the darkness "I do not know how I will be received in the Mouth this eveningtide Illish, yet, I believe my cause to be just, in a sense and better still, profitable. Isis cause is her own, but I think she will cooperate too. I am a few votes short however." She looked upon her intended meaningfully. He would know what votes she would need to gain. "I am sure the Mouth could make such a friendship worthwhile," she added softly.

After they conversed softly, intimately, Rosalie got up, pressing a lingering kiss on Illish cheek before finding her escort and departing for the portal at the Pecunia Temple.

[Becca Acerbi]

It was probably a good thing Becca had only eyes for Morgan at that moment - she didn't much care about what nobles she'd never meet again thought of her, but if she'd known Elvin had seen them... Well, much as Elvin would enjoy her going into hiding for a year or so, it'd be rather troublesome to her.

As it was, she had better things to notice, like Morgan's long fingers drawing shapes on her shoulder and making her shiver a little, his hair between her fingers, or his arms wrapped around her, warm and steadying - something she needed, considering how giddy she felt. Becca leaned against him and sighed happily. She didn't want this to end - she wanted to stay with Morgan, like this, and let the party go on without them. She wanted to ask questions - that was what she did, after all, even if she had no idea where to even start - and at the same time, she didn't want to say anything that would ruin the moment.

And most of all, she wanted to know why Morgan thought he could save his hair now if he took her hand away. Becca raised her head from his throat to look at him, smiling slightly and getting ready to ask - but he kept hold of her hand instead of letting go, which stumped her enough that she didn't. It was nice, and it - it meant something, she knew that much, but -

Morgan kissed her again, light and quick, and the parts of her brain that had been shocked out of working finally woke up again.

Becca looked from him to their joined hands for a moment or so as Morgan picked up his ale again, for all the world like she'd never seen him before. Morgan was the sensible one - or at least the one who passed for logical, which was close enough. He didn't usually do things just for the hell of it, which meant...

Becca smiled back at him - a real smile, bright and dazzling and without even a trace of mockery. There were probably a hundred thing she could say to put things back on their usual track, starting with Dare I ask what brought that on? and finishing with I never would have figured you for such a romantic.

What she actually said, sounding awed and happy, was "You like me back, don't you?"