Burning Man -- Logs

The night is long and joyous, the two deeply enraptured angels transported together through an ecstasy filled with the sound of drums and distant merry-making. It's much, much later they are lying blissfully entangled as the slow-rising sun illuminates their tent, savoring each other with quiet pleasure... and Slate finally lazily asks his beloved Bright if she'd like more ice cream? He went into town yesterday, and if she wants she can have chocolate mint ice cream for breakfast! Bella stretches out on her back, arms over her head, toes and fingers wiggling happily, "You spoil me. Ice cream sounds great."

Shateishael grins lazily, resting his head on one arm, gently stroking the other hand down Bella's front. "Y'keep sayin' that, lover. Y' that worried 'bout spoilin'? Y'r not a jug a' milk, after all!" He chuckles quietly.

Bella rolls onto her side, smiling at Slate and resting her palm against his cheek, "No, I'm not a jug of milk, but I'll get all complacent with you taking such good care of me."

Shateishael laughs quietly, pleased at the compliment, "'S easy t'wanna take care a' you, lover." He turns his head enough to gently kiss her palm, then rumbles, "Gimme moment -- be right back." He rises and slips out of the tent, and Bella can hear him rattling things around in the truck for a bit as he sets up the automated ice cream maker. He has, once again, forgotten to put anything on before leaving the tent. Bella rises and puts on a simple cotton dress, scooping up Slate's shorts and following him outside. There are quite a few people running around in just as little as Slate, so she doesn't offer him the shorts -- just has them waiting in case he decides he wants them. There are still drums going in the breaking dawn as Shateishael carefully backs out of the truck, then turns and notices Bella. He grins, putting his arms around her and rumbling, "Aww... wan'd t'give ya breakfas' in bed!"

Bella wraps her arms around Slate's waist and grins up at him, "I could go lie back down..."

Shateishael laughs delightedly, feeling wonderfully alive and deeply fortunate as he hugs Bella close, "Nah, sweetheart... mos'ly jus' like teasin' ya." He kisses her forehead gently, then raises his head, listening to the drums for a moment before he adds ruefully, "Dayum... she's gonna wear 'em all out 'gain!"

Bella smiles, even though Slate can't actually see her face, "Mmm, she tends to do things to extremes."

Shateishael chuckles amusedly again, leaning his head down to Bella again, "Yeah, I c'n tell that already. Y'should see th'pretty boy she's got wi'her jus' now. Looks like a human Rosie." He smiles warmly, his eyes alight with happiness as he looks at Bella's face, "So, you wanna talk 'bout her, 'r 'ttend t'th'import'nt bizness a' decidin' whut flavor this ice cream's gonna be?"

Bella pretends to pout, "I thought you already promised me mint chocolate chip!" She grins immediately, "We can talk about mom after."

Shateishael grins, happy to see Bella cheer up again, "'Kay, mint chocolate chip 'tis!" He settles on the tailgate of the truck and will, unless she objects, contentedly do his best to distract and entertain her until the automatic ice cream maker beeps. He doesn't wish to create any extreme outcries -- he just wants to please his lover while they wait. Bella lets herself be happily distracted, though she keeps in mind people are wandering past in trickles -- some just waking up, some just making their way to bed.

Shateishael will soon thereafter serve up two heaping bowls of freshly made chocolate mint ice cream. It's while they're nibbling that delicacy up that he asks Bella what she'd like to do about her mom. Bella lies on her back with her head either in Slate's lap or on his stomach, "Mmm, I should probably go see her. She's got a lot of curiosity and is likely to try and find me."

Shateishael grins ruefully, "Yeah. She noticed we wuz missin' -- said she'd been lookin' f'us." He has a mouthful of ice cream, then adds muffledly, "Thin' she wan'f know who wav va' faved fr' 'horri'le fa' a' bein' a or'inary Lilim'!" He chuckles.

Bella laughs and shakes her head, wiggling her toes, "Mmmm... she doesn't exactly get mad when we switch sides. She just doesn't quite get it."

Shateishael nods, swallowing his mouthful of deliciously melted ice cream before he adds, "Yeah, she seems mostly curious t'see if'n she c'n tease me inta lettin' slip who y'are, beautiful. Tole her it wuzn' my story, though." He strokes her hair lightly once, smiling, then rumbles, "So, ice cream got 'nuff flavors innit f'ya? 'N d'ya want me t'come 'long t'meet 'er, 'r jus' tell ya where she c'n be foun'?"

Bella chuckles and mmms, wriggling a bit as she thinks, "I think I should probably go by myself the first time."

Shateishael says, "'Kay." He silently studies her lying comfortably across him for a moment, then rumbles thoughtfully, "Y'gonna be 'kay, sweetheart? Y'seem li'l bit... dunno... not quite happy 'bout this?"

Bella smiles up at Slate, "I just could've done without seeing her just yet. Makes me wonder what she might want."

Shateishael rumbles apologetically, "Sorry, lover. Din' mean'ta cause ya troubles."

Bella arches a brow and laughs, "Honey, Lilith can cause all sorts of trouble all on her own."

Shateishael grins ruefully, "Well, yeah, but... cain't help but wonder if'n we hadn' 'ttracted her 'ttenshun... well..." His voice trails off... then he rumbles a bit worriedly, "Y'sure y'don' wan' company, sweetheart? She seemed t'think it was kinda funny I was in love wi'ya... I wouldn' min' comin' 'long?"

Bella smiles up at Slate, laughing softly, "Are you asking if I want you to come or are you asking permission to come along because you want to?"

Shateishael smiles a touch embarrassedly, shrugging his shoulders and looking away for a moment... then he looks back and rumbles, "C'n ya blame me f'worryin' 'boutcha, sweetheart?" He grins teasingly, "I mean, who else would I make choc'lit chip mint ice cream for, hm, if'n you wandered off f'ever?"

Bella smiles and says matter-of-factly, "Rosie, of course!" She sits up and then crawls over Slate to sit astride his stomach, "Yes, you can come see mom with me if you'll worry less."

Shateishael grins up at Bella, setting aside his bowl of ice cream and running his hands lightly over what he can easily reach of Bella, with great contentment. A moment later he adds dreamily, "Rosie's a love, but he ain't you, sweetheart. 'N 'm happy t'do whatever y'think'd be best f'meetin' y'mom. She's a strange one, tha's f'sure!" He's quiet another moment, then adds ruefully, "I... she reminds me a' you, lover, so I... accident'lly gave her a foot rub..."

Bella looks down at Slate, blinking for a moment as she works to parse that statement -- then she laughs, leaning down to kiss Slate's forehead, "You accidentally gave her a foot rub... oh, my."

Shateishael grins, flushing a bit, "Um... yeah." He runs a hand through his bangs, brushing them out of his face, then grins up at Bella again, "An' we danced 'bunch, but don' think I did anythin' dumb that time -- jus' danced lot wi'her, 'n gave her some'a m'water. She's gotten a good look at m'eyes, though, b'fore I realized who she wuz -- sorry, sweetheart."

Bella looks more serious as Slate admits having looked into Lilith's eyes, stroking her hands over the Seraph's biceps, "Did she offer you anything?"

Shateishael nods, thinking, "Oh, yeah. Col' beer, t'pay f'cuppa coffee, mebbe few more things. Been tryin' t'carefully 'n p'litely turn her down each time, though. Oh, an' she Sang a Healin' t'girl that c'llapsed on her las' night durin' th'dancin'."

Bella nods, shifting nervously and getting a slightly far away look, "Usually she has to give you something you need before she can lay a geas on you. Unless you for some reason desperately needed a cold beer... the girl, though -- she may have a hold on the girl later if she needs it."

Shateishael nods, rumbling quietly, "Gathered 's much from talkin' t'you, sweetheart. 'S why been tryin' not t'look inta her eyes." He sighs, adding, "Ain't easy. Think I've slipped coupla times. But alla th'things I c'n think of I want 're thin's she's not really gonna be able t'help with, 'm thinkin'. 'Mean, not like David's gonna listen t'her 'dvice 'bout makin' me one'a his Vassals, y'know?" He grins ruefully.

Bella nods and strokes the side of Slate's face, "Then we'll go see her together today."

Shateishael brings up one arm to rest his head on, and with the other gently cradles Bella's hand against his face. He rumbles quietly and seriously, "Dunno whut I c'n do t'help, sweetheart... but if'n 'm there'n there's anythin' I c'n do, you know I will."

Bella smiles down at her lover and nods, "OK. So, just as soon as we hear the drumming settle down."

Shateishael says, "Why then? Good bet she's drummin', 'fter all. Is she likely t'be weird 'r sumpthin' if she's still drummin'?"

The Bright smiles down at her lover, "Would you want to be interrupted in the middle of dancing?"

Shateishael laughs! "Okay, y'got me there." He grins, putting his hands bracingly behind her rear and back before he rolls into an upright sitting position, still holding her close, "I'll jus' follow y'r lead wi'her, sweetheart." He smiles, eyes half closed, and lightly, affectionately brushes her cheek with the backs of his fingers, "Wanna take her some ice cream too?"

Bella chuckles, "Sure. Ice cream breakfast would probably be just up her alley." The Bright nestles in against Slate for a moment longer, just happily enjoying his presence as she considers what it's going to be like seeing Lilith like this.

Shateishael cheerfully adds, "We c'd always go dance 'gain, 'til she finally quits! Wonder if Miz Peony's still there... whut were y'all up to yestidy? Looked like clay all over y'both!"

Bella laughs again quietly, "I was showing her how to do simple slab-cut pottery. She was showing me how to do some simple stained glass. I like her a lot. Very funny. Sweet."

Shateishael smiles, hugging Bella gently, "'M glad t'hear it, sweetheart. Rosie's thinkin' a' plantin' some peonies onna ranch, so 'm thinkin' he likes her some too." He's silent a moment, gently stroking Bella's hair, then grins and rumbles, "Thanks f'th'ring, sweetheart. Where'd ya get it from? 'N do th'stones have signif'cance?"

Bella grins and nods, "They do. They're Rosie, me, and you. Garnets are for contancy, aventurine is independence and balance, topaz is for truthfulness. Silver is the mirror to the soul. Rose and Lily helped me with it. They work with precious metal and stones in their little sculpture flowers." She smiles and stretches, "According to a Wiccan friend, red is also for home life and basic needs, green is love and empathy, and yellow is for will. They just seemed right."

Shateishael blinks, his expression a mix of surprise and delighted embarrassment, "Aww! Y'went t' all effort f'me?!" He hugs Bella warmly, almost glowing with happiness, "Ain't never got stuff s' beautiful b'fore!"

Bella smiles and digs out a small cloth bag from the pocket of the jeans she was wearing earlier, "For you and me and Rosie, actually." She opens the bag and spills two more rings out, cheeks going a little red. The other two rings are more delicate -- one with the stones set in a line across a very simple band, the other with them in a triangle, but with the garnet topmost. She slips the one with the stones in a line onto her right ring finger.

Shateishael draws a slow breath, leaving one arm loosely looped about Bella as he gently touches the ring on her finger. His voice is almost awed, "Oh, Bellisima..." He doesn't really have words to tell her how much he's touched by this. He has a rough idea of how deep Bella's feelings must be, if she's willing to wear something significant like this despite her desire for independence... the only thing he can think of to say, with any real meaning, is to whisper softly in her ear, "I love you, sweetheart."

Bella wriggles a little bit, still flushed because she really doesn't know how to explain things. She answers, "I love you as well, Slate. I thought... I thought the rings could be something to be a symbol the Winter Court could see. I asked Peony about what we could have besides the collar Rosie will be wearing... and she suggested jewelry that incorporates the same symbols, that we all wear."

Shateishael smiles slowly, feeling warm and beloved and very, very happy. "Smart lady... 'll hafta thank her later then." He reaches for where he'd carefully stashed his ring last night, then slides his large hand under Bella's so they can see both rings side by side. He sighs contentedly, gently kissing her temple, then admires Bella's strong, graceful hand resting on his own large, somewhat battle scarred one... then grins and rumbles softly, "Y'wanna go see if'n Miz Peony's still drummin'? If she is, bet she wouldn' min' some water'n ice cream too?"

Bella looks at the rings very quietly, not saying anything for a moment, smiling lopsidedly. Eventually she smiles, "That sounds like a fine idea, love." She squirms her way out of Slate's lap and starts gathering up bowls and water bottles.

Shateishael grins up at Bella, then rises fluidly and reaches for his shorts -- then pauses, glancing back at the Bright, "Um... there anythin' in p'tic'lar y'wan' me t'wear f'if we see y'mom?"

The Bright smiles and examines her lover, tapping her chin thoughtfully with a forefinger, "Well... depends on how you've been dressed around her before."

Shateishael looks a bit sheepish, rubbing the back of his head with one large hand, "Well... keep seemin' t'stumble 'cross her when'm in th'Comanche clothes... 'n she seems ta like m'ass!" He grins ruefully, "Dunno why precisely she thinks 'm innerestin', but tha's whut she said?"

Bella does her very best not to laugh, but the corners of her mouth twitch, "Then let's keep it simple. Wear what you're comfortable in, honey."

Shateishael chuckles, "Um, 'kay. Wuz thinkin' jus' reg'lar stuff then." He pulls on his comfortable, ragged-but-neatly-patched jeans and boots. He's wearing the ubiquitous hip pack, his Thor's Hammer, and proudly sporting the lovely new ring -- that and shades are it. Then he packs a small insulated pack with ice cream, adds several water bottles, slings it over a shoulder, and grins at Bella, "Got goodies f'ev'ryone. Ready, beautiful? Oh -- also, y'mom's goin' by 'Lectra here, 'pparently." He cheerfully adds, "An' if'n they're not finished drummin' yet, no problem -- jus' means I getta dance wi'you!"

Bella herself changes out of the simple dress and into a pair of cotton palazzo pants dyed a deep, eggplant purple, and a black tank top. She straps on a belt pack and throws on a wide-brimmed hat, "I don't want her to think we're trying to impress her." She chuckles and nods, "Yeah... that's the name that goes with that body." With a quick kiss on Slate's cheek, Bella ducks out of the tent, then realizes it's Slate who knows where the drumming is. Shateishael beams at Bella, offering her his hand if she wants as they head towards the (astonishingly still extant!) drumming. She can see him starting to heed its call, in fact, as they approach -- his stride shifts slightly to match the beat, and he's softly humming a tune that matches its thunder.

The drumming is still going on, though it isn't as intense as it was in the middle of the night. There is still that primal, perfect beat, but there are fewer drums. It calms the fire of the music, keeping it to that deep, hip-centered stalk rather than the whole-body flight of Freedom it was under the stars. Bella curls her fingers with Slate's as they approach the drum circle. Lilith is indeed still drumming and Peony is nearby with a bodhran, grinning happily as she watches the few dancers still moving around the slackened fire. Joe is one of those, moving with the grace and feral slink of a large cat. The young human man is wearing nothing but his sandals and seems to have gotten himself smeared with red body paint sometime between Slate leaving, and arriving again with Bella.

Shateishael chuckles, watching and pointing folks out to Bella, leaning his head to rumble in her ear so she can hear him, "There she is -- 'n there's 'sweet Joe,' she calls him -- 'pparently he wants her t'be his one'n only. Poor kid. 'Least he's havin' fun right now." He beams at Bella, adding, "Wanna dance, beautiful?"

Bella chuckles and leans up into the murmuring, shaking her head with a smile. "Let's go take Electra and Peony their ice cream...."

Shateishael looks a bit disappointed for a moment, then smiles and nods, "'Kay!" He heads around the dance ground, concentrating on walking and not dancing or prancing there, then drops to one knee next to Peony, a bottle of water in one hand, "Heya, Miz Peony! Thirsty?"

The differences in Lilith and Bella are more obvious when they're this close together. The Bright moves with a fluid confidence where her original creator's walk has a catlike strut to it. Bella's face is a little more round, her figure a little softer. She stands behind Slate, smiling as he kneels by the petite Ethereal and offers her water. Shateishael reflects with a quietly proud sort of pleasure on how much more beautiful Bella 'feels' to him. Must have something to do with what she's like on the inside, perhaps? He grins back at her for a moment, his eyes bright with happiness, then looks back at Peony.

Peony grins at Slate and sets the bodhran across her knees, taking the bottle and swigging deeply from it, "Mmm... you are indeed heavensent, Slate." As the two angels and the leprechaun are talking, the drumming is starting to fade off, dancers and drummers drifting off into the dawn to finally sleep.

Shateishael laughs, then rumbles, "Y'too kind. Want some ice cream too?"

Peony beams like a child and bounces where she sits, "You have ice cream? In the middle of the playa?" Before Slate can answer, an amused and throaty voice says from behind Bella, "Mmm... he made a special trip to have it ready for his lovers, he said." The Bright's posture straightens slightly as she turns, smiling nervously, "Electra...."

Shateishael glances up, nodding, "Yes'm, I did." He turns to Peony and cheerfully adds, "Yep, we got choc'lit mint!" He leans to murmur softly in Peony's ear, while Bella's talking to Lilith, "Bella's mom. Don' look direc'ly inna her eyes, please." Then he settles back on his heels so he can both watch Lilith out of the corner of his eye, and prepare two bowls of ice cream. He hands a bowl with a spoon in it to Peony, grinning and rumbling, "Enjoy, ma'am!" Then he rises fluidly, standing next to Bella with the other bowl in hand, and waiting for a good point to say something without interrupting.

Lilith is standing with Joe at her back, the young human nestling against her body and nuzzling along the side of her sweat and soot streaked neck. She actually smiles more widely as she sees Bella, "You're looking fantastic, sweetie..." Joe raises his head and blinks in astonishment at seeing a woman there that could be his lover's double. Lilith herself glances at the bowl and arches a brow, "Is that for me?"

Shateishael says, "Yes'm, thought y'all might like some." He isn't quite sure how to react reassuringly for Bella -- he wants to be as helpful as possible -- so he doesn't slide an arm about her waist, but he does stand right next to her. He's used to shielding folks with his body when necessary, so it's almost a reflexive pose. He offers the bowl to Lilith, adding, "Choc'lit mint."

Lilith/Electra extracts herself very gently from Joe's embrace and takes the ice cream, "Joe, honey, this is Slate and this is my little sister, Bella. I haven't seen her in years... I was a little worried after she got kind of mixed up with a bad crowd." The lie rolls off Lilith's tongue without the slightest hesitation. The Princess takes the bowl from the Seraph's hand, letting her fingers brush his just barely.

Bella smiles crookedly, watching her creator's human lover look on in astonishment, "Well, my taste in men used to be less than great... I had to sort of disappear for a while. I'm not really even the same person I was then."

Shateishael starts to brace mentally for the squawk in the Symphony at the lie... then tilts his head, a bit surprised before he remembers his Resonance doesn't work on Archangel-level beings. He doesn't really notice the touch, as a consequence -- but he does remember his manners enough to nod politely at Joe, "Nice t'meetcha, Joe." Then he grins at Bella, a hint of pride for her accomplishments brightening his eyes.

The young man looks pleasantly surprised that Slate knows who his name. He reaches out his own hand, smiling, "Nice to know your name, Slate. You and Electra were quite a sight last night..." There's a bit of tightness to his smile as he says that, as if he's not exactly happy at the sight they were. Peony, during all this, is watching silently and eating her ice cream.

Shateishael says, "We were?" He sheepishly rubs the back of his head, his gaze drifting off to the side as he grins ruefully, "Er... sorry 'bout that, Joe, ma'am. Kinda f'got m'self dancin'..." Then he brightens, asking, "Hey! Will y'all be drummin' like that t'night too?" He beams at Bella, his face alight, "Y'wanna come t'night if'n they are, beautiful?"

Bella chuckles and slides an arm around Slate's waist, smiling up at him, "I'd love to, sugar." She shifts her hand so that the ring she's wearing is very visible.

Joe smiles himself, "Probably got easy to forget it wasn't Electra's sister... they really look a lot alike." His eyes are glinting with amusement. Lilith's are more serious, "Mmm, we do, yes. People have thought we were twins before."

Shateishael's eyes light up, and he happily slides his arm about Bella's waist as well, "Great! If'n th'music's anythin' like las'night, we c'n dance all night -- or 'til y'wanna quit?" He glances thoughtfully between Lilith and Bella, then keeps his opinion to himself... but now he's truly 'looking,' he doesn't think there's really any comparison. Lilith is 'tone-dead' in his head -- he can't hear her Truth, and while she doesn't muddle the Symphony painfully to him, her music isn't anything like the joyous trills and vibrattos he feels around Bella.

Lilith takes a bite of the ice cream and offers a bite to Joe, smiling in a way that almost glows with affection as her lover takes the ice cream from her hand, "Mmm... well, I plan to be back tonight, if this one will let me with my hands looking like this."

Shateishael raises an amused eyebrow and doesn't... say... a word about who's letting whom! Instead he simply rumbles, "Y'been takin' it easy on y'hands, 'r still drummin' all night?"

Lilith manages to look a little embarassed, "Sometimes I just can't quite keep myself away from it." Joe is still nestled against the Princess' back, his arms around her waist as he watches the conversation.

Shateishael snorts amusedly, shaking his head once. He glances at Joe, "Y'gotta first aid kit, 'r y'wanna borrow s'more band'ges 'n antibiotics 'n stuff?"

Joe laughs and gives Lilith an affectionate squeeze, just like any man with his favorite gal, "Mmm, I've got a better kit back at the camper. She does this every year."

Shateishael nods, "'Kay." He's faintly surprised to hear Lilith has been with this young man for several years, but politely says nothing. He finds he's a bit... weirded out by watching Lilith metaphorically chain the poor fool ever tighter to her... so he glances at Bella and Peony and rumbles, "So... y'all done here?"

Bella has been managing to look at Lilith without looking directly in her eyes, "Mmm, I am. I just wanted to see my big sis. Let her know Billy didn't get me." The Bright actually steps up to Lilith and hugs her, murmuring something in her ear. Lilith smiles and hugs her daughter back, murmuring back. They aren't speaking English.

Shateishael watches quietly, one hand resting lightly on Peony's shoulder as he waits. He tilts his head to murmur to her, "Ice cream's good?"

Peony smiles up at Slate and murmurs back something in a lilting tongue, then says, "It's like music on my tongue." She pats Slate's hand warmly, not seeming to mind the touch at all.

Shateishael smiles, well pleased at being able to do something nice for her after how nice she's been to the three of them. He rumbles, "Glad t'hear it. Whut'd y'say in... Gaelic, wuz it?"

Peony chuckles softly, "Welsh, actually. I said it's like music on my tongue. It just sounds prettier."

Shateishael grins cheerfully down at the tiny woman, "Means more t'me who says it, 'n if'n they mean it, ma'am -- so thanks, 'n y'r welcome t'more at th'camp if'n y'want?"

Peony arches a brow, contemplates that for a second, then says, "I'd be honored." Bella and Lilith are pulling away from one another, smiling nearly identical smiles. Lilith murmurs, "He better take good care of you, sweetie." Bella just nods and pulls away, stepping back and taking Slate's hand, "He does."

Shateishael's expression softens, looking down at Bella for a moment.. then he bares his teeth in a tight grin at Lilith, heroically resisting the urge to say something that might ge- oh, hell with it! He rumbles firmly, "Damn straight. 'Scuse us please, ma'am." His fingers curl gently around Bella's as he steps back, and he offers his free arm to Peony, "Where to, ladies? Y'all wanna chance t'clean up f'th'day?"

Bella nestles back against Slate and Peony slides her hand through Slate's elbow. The Bright smiles slightly, "Somewhere quiet and private, I think."

Shateishael nods, "That we c'n do," as he wraps a gentle arm about Bella. He suits his pace to the two smaller women, rumbling amusedly, "So'd y'all get 'nuff ice cream, 'r'm I gonna hafta head inta town 'gain?" as they head away from Lilith. Once they're out of earshot, however, he sighs gustily, relaxing a bit, and rumbles amusedly to Bella, "'S it jus' me, 'r is she kin'a... tense?"

Peony and Bella both move with Slate, leaning into him slightly. From behind, they most likely present an intimate and interesting tableau. The two women are possibly trying to send a very clear "taken" message with their body language, but Slate might not notice -- though if he did, he might be amused that the leprechaun and the Bright are actually protecting Slate in a very subtle way. At the question Bella shakes her head, "You're not imagining it. She wasn't as relaxed as normal."

Shateishael is, alas, his usual affectionately-protective-but-not-terribly-socially-clueful self -- he doesn't catch the subtleties of their body language, although he does non-consciously enjoy their closeness. He puts a gentle arm about Peony's shoulders, if she doesn't seem to mind, and rumbles thoughtfully, "She... she shares it, I think, beautiful. When she's tense, she's tense t'be 'roun', if'n that makes sense?" He's silent a moment, walking with the two women, then asks slowly, "C'n y'share what she said t'ya?"

Bella nods and unzips the tent when they reach it, just assuming Peony will come along. "She does... it's a gift of hers. I'm not even sure she knows she does it."

Shateishael rumbles puzzledly, "Wait, how c'n sump'in' unpleasant be a gift?" He holds the tent flap open for Bella and Peony, then follows them in. Once they're inside he strips off any excess clothing and boots, then pulls the larger pillows and blankets into a nice place for them all to relax. He makes sure there's water close to hand, waits for the ladies to settle where they wish, then stretches out lazily in whatever space is left. Peony does indeed make herself right at home, nibbling her ice cream and watching in quiet appreciation as Slate shucks down to whatever makes him comfortable. She doesn't leer and she doesn't say anything about it.

Bella chews her bottom lip and thinks, "People around her react to her emotions as if they were their own. Happiness, intimacy, tension... it spreads out. Like reverse empathy."

Shateishael frowns, thinking about that for a bit... then rumbles thoughtfully, "C'n see how that'd be a gift... if'n it wuz used well. 'N you don' think she knows? Huh." He ponders for a few heartbeats, then adds to Bella, "C'n y'share whut she said at th'end there, Bellisima, 'r no?" To Peony he adds, "When y'r done, we gotta shower if'n y'wanna?"

Bella and Peony both suppress smiles at Slate's easy and familiar hospitality, "I told her I had never felt freer than since my Re-Creation. She told me to be careful of things that feel like Freedom but are really binding."

Shateishael nods thoughtfully to Bella, "C'n unnerstan' that, ac'sh'ly. Useta think any community wuz a good one... but at some point figgered out th'ones built on slavery 'n rigid hierarchies din' do s'well as th'ones where folks got t'participate more -- 'n feel like they mattered t'their homes, y'know?"

Peony is the one to respond to that, "Soma's been showing us some of that... before Uriel, the satyrs would not have been at our court. And a leprechaun wouldn't be performing before the king. And we're stronger for it."

Shateishael stretches out on his back, arms behind his head, in silent (and somewhat unwitting, truth be told) invitation to be a comfortable headrest for his friends. He nods to Peony, musing, "'N Soma welcomed angels. Gutsy a' him; 'm thinkin' he's doin' th'right thin', too. So... Lilith's feelin' tense, she mentioned y'all bein' mistook f'twins... 'n she warned ya 'bout recognizin' lack a' Freedom." He looks amusedly at Bella, "Soun's like she's gettin' restless t'me. What'sit soun' like t'you, beautiful?" Then he pauses, frowning thoughtfully... then tilts his head towards Peony, "No satyrs? How come? Thought they wuz bards, yeah?"

Peony shrugs, smiling, "They are, but our peoples have been traditionally very, very rooted in their homelands on this plane. We didn't mix across the borders."

Shateishael says, "Huh." He's silent a moment, considering... then grins cheerfully at Peony, "Guess we're both immigrants t'Soma's court inna way, then?"

Peony nods and smiles, not yet taking the unspoken invitation to put her head on the blonde Seraph. "In a way, yes." Bella, however, does, nestling against Slate's side and resting her head on his chest. The Bright nods, "Yeah, I think something's making her twitchy. She gets like that usually if things are getting too settled. She doesn't like feeling content."

Shateishael brightens a bit when Bella does so, one large hand gently stroking her hair. It takes him a moment to re-focus on what she was saying... then he rumbles curiously, "So you feel she's tense 'cause she's happy? Huh. 'Kay, guess I wuz seein' it backwards."

Bella laughs and shrugs, stretching out her legs, "Being happy she likes. It's contentment she doesn't like."

Shateishael rumbles puzzledly, "Whut'sa diff'rence?"

Bella smiles, but before she can answer Peony opens her mouth and speaks, "Contentment is when you're happy with a status quo. It's happy for things to not be changing..." Bella nods in agreement, murmuring, "Exactly."

Shateishael struggles with the concepts a bit, "So... if'n y'r content y'ain't 'zactly happy?"

Bella laughs softly and turns her head enough to kiss Slate's chest, "No, you're happy, but you might not be changing much or growing much... you might be... constrained. Or you might feel you were. It can be scary to have things you care about like that. Makes you vulnerable."

Shateishael draws a thoughtful breath, still thinking furiously as he slowly and gently strokes Bella's hair, "So... if'n you like sump'in', but it's not changin'... 'at's whut makes ya vulnerable? 'M I gettin' this c'rrect?"

Peony shifts around until she's laying on her back with her knees pulled up and her head resting on Slate's thigh, letting Bella explain. "No, love. If you're content, you probably have things you care about. If you have things you care about, people can hurt you with or through them... That's a little scary."

Shateishael gets a faintly worried look, "Wait... 'r ya sayin' Lilith might be gettin' bored wi'th'status quo?! Bright Lady bless us... there's a trouble-maker we don' need runnin' 'roun' tryin' t'stir things up!" He grins ruefully... then realizes Peony's lying against him too. It feels... surprisingly nice, he notices. The only thing he doesn't like is she's just out of stroking reach... which also surprises him when he realizes that.

Bella nods and wriggles a bit as if the idea makes her uncomfortable, "Yeah... something to think about."

Shateishael hmms quietly for a few moments... then rumbles, "Y'all got any idea whut might be makin' her restless? 'M thinkin' if'n she's calmer she might not do that, yeah? 'R is that jus' wishful thinkin' on my part?" Peony folds her hands over her stomach, fingers laced together, eyes closed and just listening. She just lets herself quietly enjoy being included as a friend. Shateishael casually stretches his free hand out when Peony closes her eyes, checking without actually touching to see if he can reach her or not.

Bella chuckles, "Oh, that is so beyond wishful thinking... it's more in the realm of pipe dream." She casually strokes Slate's calf, expression slightly distant. "I'm glad we saw her... it'll mean we know to watch for something to happen surrounding her." Peony's head is just within range of Slate's hand.

Shateishael relaxes a bit, relieved at Bella's words, "Oh, good. Wuz bit worried I'd... accident'lly pushed ya into sump'in' y'din' feel ready for, 'r sump'in'." He pauses, his hand near Peony's head, and realizes he has no idea how to touch her without giving the wrong impression. To stroke her hair or touch her cheek would be nice, but... would she mind? Would he give the wrong impression? He hesitates... then lays his hand down near her head, fingertips touching just a few strands of her hair. He's not in a rush; he's got plenty of time to learn what she likes and what she doesn't, without pushing her. He smiles, turning his gaze to Bella, "So whatcha recommend we do then, lover? Y'r th'expert on her."

Bella shakes her head, laughing, "Oh, I'm nowhere close to an expert. I'm sort of like a meteorologist. I can tell you what the trend looks like, but I'd be lying if I said I could predict it one hundred percent."

Shateishael grins cheerfully, "'S better'n me 'r Miz Peony c'n do, though! So, whut'sa trend tellin' ya, lover?" His voice gets gently teasing, "Should I not wander by f' philos'phy discussions, 'r whut?"

Bella laughs quietly and shakes her head, "If you like talking with her, go ahead. Just... follow the rules. Don't let her look too closely at your eyes. Don't accept anything significant from her." Peony nods as if she's memorizing the rules as well.

Shateishael nods, also taking careful mental notes, "Gotcha. Whut happens if'n we do thin's like givin' her ice cream? That bad too?"

Bella laughs and shakes her head, "No, she'll probably react like anyone else. Give her gifts and if you mean them honestly, she'll be happy to take them."

Shateishael nods, relieved, "Good. Don' gift thin's I don' mean ta, so that'll be easy." He pauses, considering, then adds, "Gotta ask, though, lover... w'd it be smarter t'jus' try t' 'void her c'mpletely? 'R is keepin' 'n eye on her worth doin'?"

Peony shifts her head just a bit when she feels Slate's hand on her hair, moving toward his hand as she speaks, "It's best normally not to avoid curious people... they seek you out harder." The leprechaun is wearing a pair of slightly too large jeans shorts with her ankle socks and hiking boots. She also wears a tank top, once again slightly loose. The colored gold of the pendant Slate gifted her is quite visible against her pale, freckled skin. Shateishael looks shyly pleased when he notices Peony's wearing his pendant. He's silent for a moment, unsure what to do when she shifts a touch closer -- move away and give her more room? He glances at Bella, checking to see if she's noticed too, or has any non-verbal suggestions for him.

Bella sits up to smile down at Slate, nodding to Peony's suggestion, "I'd say act natural, but that might not be the best thing in your case." She grins as she notices where Peony is laying. She gives Slate a little go-ahead nudge.

Shateishael blinks at Bella, confused by her words even as he reflexively responds to her non-verbal cue. He trails his fingers very lightly and gently along Peony's flaming red hair as he rumbles to Bella, "Wait... not sure whatcha mean, beautiful. Not... natural; hm. Y'suggestin' people that can't lie shouldn' talk t'her?"

Bella chuckles, "I'm being incoherent again, love. I mean that you should try to act as if you don't notice anything unusual in her behavior."

Shateishael says, "Oh! Sure, yeah -- that I c'n do." He's silent a moment... then grins mischievously, his fingers absently running a strand of Peony's hair between them, "So if'n th'curious get more curious if'n y'try t' 'void 'em... whut d'they do if'n y'focus real hard on 'em?""

Peony grins up at Slate, turning her head to side to do it, "They tend to get a little nervous and a little less curious. Unless, of course, they want the attention."

Shateishael's grin gets a bit more mischievous, and he glances at Bella, "She th'sort t'want th' 'tten'shun?" He adds amusedly, "Still not sure why she seems t'think 'm innerestin'. Mus' be real bored!"

Bella laughs quietly and nods, "Oh, yeah. She likes attention." The leprechaun looks at Slate and then looks at Bella with a look that clearly says 'He really doesn't know?' Bella just shrugs at it.

Shateishael blinks at the look between the two women, his train of thought interrupted, "What?"

Bella leans over and kisses Slate quite thoroughly for a moment, then kisses his nose, "Slate, you're like a romance novel come to life. You're a big, buff, butch man who quotes Sufi love poetry and gives people hand-made jewelry."

Shateishael mmms with pleasure, returning the kiss gladly... then blinks at her commentary, "Um... romance novel? 'Zat good?"

Peony chuckles and closes her eyes, letting Slate's lover explain it. Bella smiles and slides her fingers through Slate's hair, "Honey, it's fantastic. Women dream decades about meeting someone like that."

Shateishael brightens, beaming up with lazy pleasure at Bella and gently stroking one large hand along her thigh, "'Kay, 's fine wi'me, then." He's silent a moment, simply savoring his lover's touch... then blinks, "Wait. Tha's what's innerestin'?" He looks thoughtfully puzzled, "But... tha's easy. Should be lotsa folks like that, yeah?"

Bella laughs, "And you're honest and faithful. Yes, that's what's so interesting. Plus, you give accidental footrubs." At that Peony bursts out laughing, "Accidental... is there a story there?"

Bella smiles, replying to Slate, "Should be, but there aren't."

Shateishael grins sheepishly, flushing a bit, "Uh... well, yeah, sorta. See, Bella's mom, Lilith, looks lot like her, 'n I wuz sittin' next t'her jus' like Bella does onna couch at home, an', um... well, jus' sorta happened? When I realized whut I wuz doin', I wuz jus' 'bout finished wi'th' second foot!" He laughs self-consciously, then adds, "She said she wuz hopin' I wouldn' notice till I'd done her calves, too." Then he smiles up at Bella, rumbling peacefully, "'S easy t'be hones' 'n faithful when it's t' good folks, sweetheart. Betcha already know that, too."

Both the women laugh, Bella stroking Slate's hair, "I"m learning it."

Shateishael grins, inordinately pleased to hear their laughter. Happily he rumbles precisely what's in his head, "Really like bein' here w'y'all -- y'both got nicest laughs!" He tries to think of something nice to do that they might enjoy... then asks, "Y'all wanna shower 'r sump'in'?"

Peony smiles, then very delicately asks, "Slate, that sounds like an invite to a group shower, just so you're aware."

Shateishael gives Peony a curious glance, "Well, yeah... oh! That rude where y'r from?" He looks guilty, "Sorry 'bout that, ma'am."

Peony clears her throat, "No, Slate, it's not so much rude as usually a prelude to sex." Her tone is very gentle and holds just enough teasing to let him know it's not an unpleasant idea.

Shateishael looks puzzled, "Um... does?" He's silent a moment, considering. He doesn't want to offend either woman... but he's... not... quite sure he's ready for sex with Peony. He gives her a guilty look again, "Um... 'm sorry 'm s'bad at this, ma'am. C'd I, um... would jus' cuddlin' be 'kay 'nstead?" Bella quietly lets the Ethereal and the Seraph work this out.

Peony smiles and nods, "It would be fine. I wouldn't object to a shared shower, but I don't think you want it to lead where it would put me in the mood to go." She peers at him suspiciously, "Are you trying to keep from offending me again?"

Shateishael adds hastily, "I, um, din' meanta be rude. Jus' useta more... well, diff'rent, er..." He draws a deep breath, cutting his babbling off abruptly... then nods sheepishly at Peony, "Yes'm." Then he mumbles self-consciously, "Sorry."

Peony looks across at Bella and the Bright shrugs another 'I warned you' shrug. The leprechaun smiles at Slate, patting his stomach, "Let's make a deal. I will assume that until you explicitly ask me if I'd like to have sex, any suggestion you make that seems erotic is meant in a friendly way. And you assume that if I decline, I'm not offended. Sound good?"

Shateishael gives a small sigh of relief, "Soun's fine t'me, Miz Peony. Er... sorry 'bout bein' slow 'bout this. Hope it's not, um... too irritatin'..."

Peony shakes her head and shifts until she's parallel with Slate, head on his chest, "No, you're not irritating."

Shateishael sighs again and smiles at Peony lying on his chest. He lightly strokes her hair and rumbles quietly, "Thanks. Wuzn't till Bellisima turned up I really started t'realize I wuz missin' stuff, 'm 'fraid." He glances up at Bella and grins ruefully, "Guess I sh'd lissen t'Thea more, hm?"

Bella nods, "She's a very good lead mare."

Shateishael chuckles quietly, a faint hint of pride in Thea's skill obvious in his voice, "'M lookin' fo'ard t'innerducin' her t'Miz Peony." He's silent a moment, then adds a touch diffidently, "Y'wanna lie down 'gain too, Bellisima?"

Bella doesn't need a second invitation to nestle against Slate again, book-ending the Seraph in comfortable women, "I think you're excited to introduce everyone to Thea. She's like a cross between your wife and your mom."

Shateishael chuckles rumblingly, almost dreamily pleased at being able to be a comfortable rest for both the humanoid women he most cares about. "Mmhmm... 'n I know she'll be pleased t'have more folks visitin'. She thinks I don' bring 'nuff folks home f'her t'take care a'." He falls silent, simply enjoying being used as a comfortable pillow by two people he likes very, very much. He lightly strokes their hair if they don't seem to mind, and is quiet and relaxed and comfortable for them.

Peony settles in, smiling as she listens to the angels, feeling the effects of having been up for well over 24 hours by now. She half-rolls onto her side, snuggling against Slate and letting the rumble of his voice lull her. Bella chuckles softly, "She's really a wonderful companion to have, Slate. I think if she hadn't been in horse form, she'd have married you herself."

Shateishael blinks at that thought, "Huh! Never thought a' that." He ponders for a bit, then grins, "Consid'ren' how long we been t'gether, 'm impressed wi'her patience wi'me!" Then he muses thoughtfully, "Wonder whut she'll thinka Rosie's new beau?"

Bella laughs quietly again and shrugs, "I think she'll think 'He's awfully tall. Is he taking care of Rosie?'"

Shateishael grins mischievously at Bella, "That -- 'r she'll jus' ask if he's joinin' her herd 'r not, 'cause if'n he's not she's gonna be keepin' her eye on him 'bout th'Rosebud!" He grins lazily... then blinks again as he realizes Peony's body has gone a bit limp, and her breathing is very, very even. He glances towards her, careful not to shift and disturb her... then chuckles quietly, "Think Miz Peony's fallin' 'sleep."

Bella raises her head and smiles softly at the little leprechaun, murmuring, "I think she's past falling and right into already asleep, sweetie..."

Shateishael laughs softly, continuing to gently stroke Peony's hair, "Well, she's welcome t'stay 'long as she wants, then... 'less y'need me f'sump'in'." He's silent a moment, then adds in a different, more curious tone of voice, "Bellisima... c'n I ask y'sump'in'?"

Bella smirks playfully, "No, Slate. You can't. I never, ever answer your questions." She nudges the Seraph with her elbow, chuckling, "Of course. What do you need?"

Shateishael snorts amusedly at her, gently tugging a strand of hair, "Diff'cult woman." He grins, then muses for a second before he rumbles, "Wuz wond'rin'... li'l worried 'bout'cher mom. 'M terrible at tellin' when someone's flirtin' wi'me, so'm not worried 'bout that... but 'pparently sometimes I seem t'be flirtin' when'm sayin' things I think're completely straightforward." He glances at Bella, "She likely t'get peeved 'r anythin' 'bout stuff like that?"

Bella shrugs and chuckles, "Only if you seem to be making fun of her. She likes teasing people."

Shateishael nods and grins, reassured, "'Kay. Consid'rin' ev'rybody keeps tellin' me 'm too serious, don' think that'll be an issue. So... whut's a single tail whip?"

Bella blinks slowly, asking carefully, "Slate, did she say something about a single-tail regarding you? Because that's definitely her idea of flirting..."

Shateishael says, "Nope, she wuz talkin' 'bout her lovers right now. 'Pparently there's a butch woman in England that thinks -- how'd she put it... she hung th'moon? Never hearda that b'fore. Whut'sat mean?" He pauses, then adds perplexedly, "Wait, you called me butch too, sweetheart, but I thought it meant..." his voice trails off for a moment as he thinks... then he grins at Bella, "Whut's butch mean, too? Oh, an' th'woman knows her as Julie, an' 'pparently does things wi'a single tail whip I cain't even 'magine. Which..." he grins and shrugs slightly, "wouldn' be hard, consid'rin' t'me whips're f'r mule-skinnin'." He pauses, then corrects himself, "Wait, that wuz things I wouldn' b'lieve."

Bella just blinks, trying to imagine the conversation her lover had with her creator if singletails and butch women was involved, "Sweetie, butch means very masculine. Some women are very much butch, very masculine... think of Elly. She's a lot like a guy with breasts... and a singletail is..." She rubs her forehead with her fingertips, "A bullwhip? You know what a bullwhip is, yes?"

Shateishael laughs with soft affection at Bella's expression, then nods, "Sure. Bullwhip's f'mule-skinnin', like I said. Nasty things -- c'n take a real chunk outta ya if'n y'don' know whatcher doin'."

Bella nods, mmhming, "And some people like to have them used on them... it's... intense. Very strong sensation. And it can be really dangerous if the person using it doesn't know what they're doing."

Shateishael blinks, stiffening a bit as he tries to wrap his head around using a bullwhip on a person! His voice is soft, "Ho-leee... fuck! Got that right -- don' b'lieve how that c'd be nice!" Then he realizes he's shifting and might disturb the ladies lying on him. He carefully and deliberately tries to relax himself, taking a few deep breaths and firmly pushing unpleasant images from his past out of his head. Obviously the bullwhip must be being used differently than he's used to, if the victi- er, person is still here, and chose that!

Bella can't help but laugh at Slate's response, knowing fuck isn't a word he uses much, "Mmm... that's one way to look at it. Apparently in the right hands, it's not... oh, hell. I don't get it either. I just know it's one of those things that you've got to have a lot of skill to do."

Shateishael gives Bella a look that's a mix of worry and revulsion, shaking his head, "Dayum. She likes...? Jus'... dayum!" He reflects for a heartbeat, then adds a bit worriedly, "Um... is it flirtin' f'her t'tell me I s'prised'er 'n she likes s'prises?"

Bella shrugs again, smiling a little tight around the edges, "She likes a lot... and that was quite probably flirting, yes. She does like surprises."

Shateishael adds ruefully, "If sayin' sump'in' 'bout single tails 'n me's her idea a' flirtin', don' think I gotta thing t'worry 'bout -- I aim t'be hightailin' it 'way from anyone who needs that t'feel good!" He wrinkles his nose a bit, still slightly revolted. Having seen what a bullwhip can do to unprotected mule and human flesh, he has a lot of difficulty seeing the tool as anything but brutal!

Bella finds herself stroking Slate like she would a spooked cat or dog, hand caressing his chest and stomach, "She doesn't need it, hon... it's just one flavor." The Bright licks her lips nervously, "It's like with Rosie... I'm sure the two of you have just made love with no leather or chains or anything, and I'll bet it was wonderful. But the leather and being tied up... it's a different kind of wonderful."

Shateishael gently hugs Bella close, rumbling quietly, "'M thinkin' we c'n go dancin' t'night, 'n maybe I'll wander by 'n talk some ph'losophy at 'er later... 'n after that 'm bettin' she'll be bored wi'us." He's silent a moment at her apparent nervousness, then adds concernedly, "Sump'in', sweetheart?"

Bella smiles up at Slate, "Just hoping I don't ever trigger something like that reaction, love. There are things I enjoy that don't seem exactly nice on the outside."

Shateishael studies Bella quietly a moment, trying to figure out how to reassure her. Finally he rumbles, "Sweetheart, 's quite possible if'n I saw..." he takes a deep breath, then continues firmly, "If'n I saw how t'do thin's, 'n that'cha really loved it, 'n there wuzn't..." he takes another slow, deep breath, "wuzn't... helpless folks bein' flayed 'live..." he swallows, then adds quietly, "Jus' 'xplain it t'me slow, sweetheart. I trust you."

Bella nods and relaxes slightly, still stroking Slate's chest and stomach, "I'm a little afraid I've dragged you in somewhere you're feeling trapped."

Shateishael gives Bella a curious glance, "How so, sweetheart? Don' feel trapped jus' now." He grins, "Should I?"

Bella smiles and shakes her head, shrugging, "It's just it was my idea..." She looks over at Peony, smiling, "Though you seem to be charming people just as much as Rosie is."

Shateishael looks puzzled again, "Whut wuz y'r idea, sweetheart?" He blinks, surprised this time, "Me? Charmin'? Really?" He grins, "Is this 'cause 'm butch 'n like a romance novel, 'r sump'thin'?"

Bella smiles, "Yes, it's because you're butch like the romance novels. And coming to the Burn was my idea."

Shateishael chuckles again, leaning his head to gently kiss the top of Bella's head, then rumbling, "Sweetheart, we coulda walked 'way from Soma... but we din', 'n if'n 'm rememberin' c'rrectly, that wuz my idea. So wouldn't sweat it. 'M glad we're here, 'n 'm really pleased t'think we might be able t'help 'em." He adds cheerfully, "Never read a romance novel. They any good?"

Bella snorts, "No. You'd get annoyed with the lies."

Shateishael winces slightly, getting a rueful grin, "Oookay, I'll avoid 'em then." He pauses, then rumbles a bit sadly, "'Member when bein' a good man meant y'tried t' 'ttract women... not treat'm like livestock." He sighs quietly, then adds, "Anyways... y'think m'plan f' Lilith'll work?"

Bella rolls onto her stomach and smiles up at her lover, "No clue, but it can't hurt to try."

Shateishael nods amusedly, his voice rueful, "'Kay. Tryin' t'balance Miz Peony's 'dvice wi'wantin' t'dodge th' 'ttenshun a' Demon Prince, y'know?"

Bella nods and nestles against Slate's side, her head resting on his chest, mirroring Peony's, "Just got to feel your way through, hon." She yawns a bit, wrinkling her nose, "I know we aren't supposed to need sleep, but I think I'd like to nap through the heat..."

Shateishael grins lazily, his voice quiet, "Feel free, beautiful. Not goin' nowhere."

Both women are soon quite contentedly asleep against Slate, sandwiching the big Seraph in sleeping females. Peony sleeps much like a child in a careless sprawl that puts her half on top of Slate just from her wriggling to get comfortable. Bella slings one arm over Slate's waist, hugging him tightly even as she dozes. The sun has climbed almost to full noon before either of them stirs, and the one to stir is the leprechaun. Peony raises her head, blinking around sleepily, looking a little confused. Her gaze moves around the tent first, not quite focusing. Finally it does focus -- first on Slate's chest, then she slowly looks up at his face, chuckling groggily, "Hi there."

Shateishael sighs contentedly, very much enjoying the contact. [People don't touch enough in a friendly fashion in this society], he thinks... which, he muses contentedly, might account for the current social frenzy about having sex being such a big deal. Or... perhaps he's just thinking too hard. He turns his lazy, ice-blue gaze on Peony and smiles slowly, practically glowing with serene contentment, "Hey, lovely. Howya feelin'?"

The leprechaun chuckles and sits up, stretching mightily and yawning, "Mmmf... a little embarassed. I hadn't actually meant to fall asleep..."

Shateishael's fingers are a bit entangled in her shining mane of scarlet hair, from gently stroking for the past several hours, and he tries to shake her hair free without yanking. He chuckles quietly, "Wuz kinda nice, ac'sh'ly -- really like feelin' useful. No need t'be embarrassed."

Peony helps Slate disentangle his fingers from her hair, smiling down at him and still looking a little sleepy, "You've just been laying there the whole time?"

Shateishael rumbles contentedly, "Mmhmm. Talked t'Bellisima 'bit, but after she fell 'sleep, jus' got t'lie here 'n'njoy y'all's company. Didja get 'nuff sleep?"

Peony shakes her head, smiling with that little amused twinkle in her eyes, "You are just unreal, Warri... Slate. And I could probably sleep for another few hours, but I'll be fine." Shateishael makes a lazily inquiring rumble at Peony. Peony smiles, "I've gone longer on less sleep. I'll probably sleep for twelve hours a night for a week once the festival is done."

Shateishael chuckles quietly again, then rumbles, "Meant howcome y'said 'was unreal, ma'am."

Peony starts braiding her hair, smiling, "You are gentle, kind, strong, protective but not possessive. Honest, true, romantic. And you literally lay there for what? Four hours because you enjoyed having people sleeping on you?"

Shateishael thinks about it for a moment, idly stroking the sleeping Bella's hair and enjoying watching Peony's hair gleaming softly in the dim light as she braids it... then he curiously rumbles, "Whut's unreal 'bout that, Miz Peony?"

Peony rests one of her hands on the center of Slate's chest, still smiling in amusement, "Most people would have had to move or do something."

Shateishael says, "Ah. Well, I did shift li'l bit, so nuthin' went t'sleep. 'Zat count?" He grins, gesturing at a nearby wooden chest and adding, "Got sump'in f'ya in there, too. Picked it up in town yestidy."

Peony grins, clapping her hands, "I love presents...." She looks down at Slate and Bella, "Hm... should I go look myself?"

Shateishael grins, "Might wanna, please? It's inna top tray."

Peony opens the chest and her eyes go a bit wide as she picks up a bottle of Laphroaig. She whistles through her teeth, "Is this the present or is there something even nicer in here?"

Shateishael laughs softly, "Tha's th'present, yep. It's f'r enjoyin', 'n if'n y'want we c'n chat... but on'y when y'feel ready." His voice gets slightly teasing, "Whut, y'wan'ed sump'in' else nicer?"

The leprechaun very carefully puts the bottle down and kneewalks over to be able to hug Slate very, very tightly. She also gives him a quick and almost chaste kiss on the lips, "If it were anyone else, I'd say you were trying to court me."

Shateishael will happily hug Peony back with his free arm, although he blinks a little startledly at the kiss. He grins at her comment, rumbling lazily, "If'n this's courtin', then yeah... I try t'do this f' all m'frien's, Miz Peony."

The leprechaun smiles and shakes her head, "Then no, it isn't courting. But it's a wonderful gift. I'm going to steal you for an evening sometime and we'll talk about auld lang syne, aye?"

Shateishael beams relaxedly up at Peony, "Glad t'hear y'like it, then! An' sure... be happy t'talk all y'd like, ma'am." He pauses, then rumbles thoughtfully, "Y'wanna come dancin' t'night too? Bella'n me're goin' t'Lilith's drummin', 'n then I'll prolly chat wi'her once 'bout ph'los'phy... 'n then hopefully she'll be bored w'us 'gain."

Peony stands, stretching again and smiling down at the reclining angels, "Mmm... I think you and Miss Bella may need the time alone. But you and I will dance again sometime."

Shateishael grins teasingly, "That a promise, ma'am?" He adds happily, "Oh, yeah -- we need t'paint up Bellisima too sometime, yeah?"

The leprechaun chuckles and nods, "Aye to both." She scoops up the bottle, "I need to go tend to the camp... might see the pair of you at the drumming."

Shateishael says, "'Kay!" He waves relaxedly, adding, "C'n y'see y'self out, ma'am, s'I don' hafta move 'n disturb Bella?" Peony just chuckles and lets herself out of the tent, closing it behind her.

Shateishael falls contentedly silent, occasionally gently stroking Bella's hair... and musing about all the compliments he's been getting lately. It's surprisingly nice... although he does wish sometimes the ladies he knows and cares about would let him do more for them. Bella continues to sleep for another hour or so before waking up and starting to put together an outfit for the dancing that night. Her ankle bells and belly-dancing belt are a large part of it.

Shateishael settles cross-legged, watching with pleasure. "Miz Peony seemed pleased 'bout gettin' t'sleep in. Oh, an' she liked th' Scotch!" He grins, adding, "Don' think th' 'Thereals do frien'ship like I'm useta, 'cause she said it wuz almos' like bein' courted." He pauses, then cheerfully adds, "Y'wan' me t'wear anythin' in p'tic'lar too, sweetheart?"

Bella smiles and settles herself into Slate's lap, wearing her palazzo pants, the belt, and her wrist and ankle bells, "What about your Comanche clothes? The breechclout?"

Shateishael chuckles quietly, running a warm hand gently along Bella's smooth arm, "Happy t'oblige, ma'am!" He gives Bella a gentle hug, then grins mischievously at her, "Not that I don' love th'view... but ain't hoppin' 'roun' all night t'drummin' li'l hard on y'r chest if'n y'don' have 'ny support there?"

Bella chuckles and rests her hand on Slate's chest in almost the exact same spot Peony's had been earlier in the day, "And bare chested... I think I want to paint you tonight..." She laughs at Slate's observation, "I'm going to fix that."

Shateishael's face lights up at the touch, and he closes his eyes and gives a soft, low, rumbling sigh for a moment... then he puts his arms around Bella and murmurs, "'Kay. We c'n look h'wever y'wan', beautiful!" Then he snorts amusedly at Bella's words, adding, "Y'do know y'r mom keeps tryin' t'draw 'ttenshun t'm' ass, yeah? Th'breechclout ain't gonna hide that none!"

Bella stretches and takes an exaggeratedly close look down the line of Slate's back, hmming thoughtfully, "Well, I can't exactly blame her. All the martial arts and riding have done nice things to it."

Shateishael laughs delightedly aloud at that, tossing his head back... then he grins cheerfully, "Wicked woman -- be careful, 'r y'might 'ncourage me t'wear less!"

Bella smirks, "That's supposed to discourage me?"

Shateishael laughs again at that, his demeanor relaxed and very, very happy. He grins, gently brushing her hair back from her face and rumbling, "Y'r wunnerful, lover. So whatcha thinkin' of paintin', sweetheart? 'N d'y'want some paintin' on y'self too?"

Bella smiles softly and traces her fingers over Slate's arms and chest, "Mmm... was thinking of doing black and white handprints... though I don't know if that might mean something specific."

Shateishael chuckles quietly, "Means somethin' wunnerful... that m'lover likes touchin' me." He grins mischievously, adding, "Now, if'n I wuz y'r horse, y'd put it on m'rump, 'n it'd mean I wuz much prized!"

Bella smirks, "Think I might do that, too..."

Shateishael grins, his eyes teasing as he adds, "That, 'n circles 'roun' th'eyes, 'r dots 'n zigzags onna legs... 'n sometimes braidin' in ribbons 'n feathers 'n stuff!" He laughs again at Bella's comment, feeling warm and loved and comfortably, amazingly nice!

Bella grins and digs out her chainmail bra and a length of heavy cloth, starting to wind it around her neck and breasts, creating a semi-supportive halter and padding for the mail, "Mmm... you already put things in your hair when you dress like that, though."

Shateishael says, "Well, yeah." He grins, "Want some f'y'self too, beautiful?"

The Bright gets a dreamy look for a moment, "Are you offering to braid my hair for me?"

Shateishael brightens in sudden interest, "Wouldja like that, lover?" He beams, "I useta braid Dancin' Pony's hair... allus loved th'feel a' long, smooth hair in m'fingers. 'D love t'do th'same f'you too, if'n y'wanted?" In answer, Bella sits down in front of Slate and hands him her brush, wiggling like a child. Shateishael laughs delightedly again, then settles her between his legs so he can slowly and appreciatively brush her hair with long, smooth strokes. He finds himself softly humming an old Comanche love song as he does so, and smiles quietly to himself -- he suspects Dancing Pony might find Bella a bit startling initially, but the two women would have liked each other... and that thought makes him glow a little with happiness inside. He thoughtfully selects the prettiest ribbons and glittery decorations and feathers he has, laying them along one of his thighs and rumbling to Bella, "Which y'like best, lover?"

The Bright closes her eyes and sighs happily as her hair is brushed, carefully fastening her chain mail top on as she examines the decorations, then grins at Slate, "You choose."

Shateishael smiles slowly, dropping a gentle kiss on the top of Bella's head... then he considers a bit, choosing things with similar colors to what she's wearing. Definitely the sparkly hairpieces -- that's a must for the Comanche -- and some ribbons to braid in and leave trailing, with soft-tufted feathered ends. His braiding of her hair is loose enough for her hair to sway, snug enough to hold the decorations, and when he's done he rumbles contentedly, "Y'look good 'nuff t'eat, lover!"

Bella grins and tips her head waaaaay back to look at Slate upside-down, "After the dancing."

Shateishael chuckles quietly, hugging Bella gently and nuzzling against her, "Thassa promise then!" He beams, his eyes brightening, "So... now th'dancin'?"

Bella stands and starts digging out her paints, "Painting first...."

Shateishael looks interested, "Okay! Whatcha have in mind, beautiful?"

Bella grins, getting out pots of grease paints, "Get dressed first..."

Shateishael chuckles, then pulls on his thigh-length boots and breechclout. It doesn't take much time, and he's soon fastened the waistcord and bound back his hair in a quick, loose braid. "'Kay, y'got me, sweetheart! Now what?"

It takes Bella a relatively short time to get her hands smeared with black and white paint and start carefully placing hand-prints on Slate's torso. She's very careful to put one handprint over his heart and grins as she slides her hands under his breechclout, putting one handprint on each side of his rump. When she's done, the marks of her hands are traced over his stomach, his chest, shoulders and back. Shateishael laughs quietly, watching, and cheerfully leans so it's easier for her to put prints on his rear! When she's done he leans to carefully give her a kiss on the forehead, rumbling, "Thanks, beautiful! D' y' want some paint too?" Shateishael is quietly, internally rather proud -- he's got his lover's hands all over him, metaphorically!

Bella laughs and shakes her head, "Nope... I think the jinglies are all I need tonight..."

Shateishael grins, "'Kay!"

The sun isn't even fully set when they set out for the drumming, but the beats of the drums are already starting. It's not yet grown to the intensity of the night before -- or even of the night Slate and Rosie first encountered Lilith. There's laughter and less dancing to start with. The seat Lilith occupied the night before is there, but as yet empty. It's as if it's been reserved. Shateishael looks amused at the empty spot, somehow not surprised in the least. He glances at Bella and grins, "Lemme guess... she likes makin' an entrance?" He pauses then, remembering every other time (but the first) that he's talked to Lilith, and turns, almost expecting to see her there behind him, smirking!

The Bright chuckles and shrugs, "I don't think she could help making an entrance. She just sort of draws the eye..." As if on cue the crowd parts, letting Lilith and her congas through. The Princess wears a leotard and tights, both of them an earthy orange color and either embroidered or painted with the suggestion of flames. Her hair is slicked against her head and looks as if it has been painted as well, the chestnut locks heavy with something that leaves them lemon-yellow.

Shateishael looks faintly relieved, turning to face forward again. At Bella's comment he chuckles quietly, "Maybe th'eye... but I think th'smart folks c'n tell there's sump'in'... hmm... li'l 'off' 'bout her, y'know?"

Bella chuckles a bit and shrugs, "She's charming..." She watches her creator take her place after a round of familiar hugs and greetings with her friends. Though she doesn't realize she's doing it, Bella presses herself back against Slate.

Shateishael nods quietly, "Charmin's th'word f'it, yeah." Equally unwitting of the body language, Slate simply puts his arms warmly about Bella, holding her gently close. His feelings are naked on his face -- he's so happy to be here with her that he practically glows with pleasure! Past the first watching of Lilith entering, his eyes have been for the lovely Bright in his arms... not for the Demon Pricess. Not quite every eye is on Lilith, but quite a few of them are. There are enough other interesting sights to draw attention.

Once the drumming truly starts, however, people seem to stop worrying about looking and begin to dance. Shateishael has been lightly trailing his fingers along Bella's arms and sides, if she doesn't seem to mind. He brightens at the first rumbles and trills of the drummers warming up, leaning to murmur quietly in Bella's ear, "Ready whenever you are, sweetheart!"

Bella tips her head back again to smile at Slate, "I'm ready..." She gently unwraps his arms from around her so she can step into the circle of dancers. Many of them aren't yet moving around the fire that's just starting to get really going.

Shateishael beams at Bella, his fingers lightly brushing back a strand of hair he missed. He offers her his hand to walk out with her onto the dance circle, "Any p'tic'lar style a' dance y'wanna do, sweetheart?"

The Bright turns so that she's facing Slate, "Mmmm... what kind of dance would go with this?" Her hips are starting to move slightly, not a full bellydance motion, just letting her body find the rhythm of the drums.

Shateishael grins mischievously at Bella, "Well, dunno now... y'r so much more 'ccomplished at dancin' t'Middle Eastern soundin' drums... might need lotta leadin' t'show me th'steps!"

Bella laughs and turns her back to Slate, reaching back for his hands and guiding them to frame her hips, "I don't know if you need help, honey, but I can try to show you...." She leaves her hands over Slate's as she starts to move with the music, her hips leading a fluid movement.

Shateishael laughs softly and happily follows, enjoying the graceful sway of Bella's hips under his hands, cheerfully imitating as much of the sway as he can pull off. He leans to rumble to her, under the growing thunder of the drums, "Hey, sweetheart... d'y'think maybe Peony'd be willin' t'teach me some a' that nifty acrobatic stuff she wuz doin'? Bet that'd be useful t'know f'r both dancin' 'n fightin'!"

The Bright smiles over her shoulder at Slate, green eyes sparkling, "I'm sure she would..." She steps half back into Slate so that her back is against the front of his body, not pressing lewdly, but making sure his body can move with hers. Shateishael rumbles with slow pleasure deep in his chest, enjoying the way Bella's body feels against his, and his hands travel slowly (if she doesn't seem to mind) to join in a loose circle about Bella's middle. He finds the muscular rippling of her belly oddly erotic, as she dances, and his eyes start getting a slightly smoky hint of pleasure to them. The Bright doesn't see her lover's face, but she can feel the change in the way he holds himself and she reaches up and back with one hand, palm cupping the side of his face. The other rests on his forearm as she murmurs, "It's just like anything else, lover... you let your body follow the rhythm..."

Shateishael chuckles quietly, "Mmm... rhythm..." He's picking up the sway and steps pretty quickly, but then it's not that far off from graceful martial maneuvers, and he's very good at those. Plus there's an excellent beat to follow... he leans his head down and nuzzles the top of Bella's head, murmuring, "R'mine me t'teach ya th' tango sometime, lover?" He grins mischievously, "Think we c'd start some sparks there, if'n y'wanted!"

Bella mms at the nuzzling, letting her feet and hips follow the beat of the drums, her body starting to move with the music on its own. Her stomach has a very slight curve to it and the motions of the dance causes it to ripple and move. "I think I'd very much like that, lover..." She glances around slightly and catches a few pair of eyes on herself and Slate, "Though I think we're causing a few sparks already..."

Shateishael mms inquiringly, then realizes what Bella's saying and glances around a bit curiously himself. He'd been rather occupied with the lovely Bright in his arms. Amusedly he wonders, [Is this flirting, and I didn't realize again? Poor Rosie's going to either laugh or cry at my obtuseness on this, if so!]

There are indeed a few people watching with expressions ranging from admiration to lust, and in at least one case almost jealousy. As the drums pick up pace and intensity, the sway and flow of Bella's body and feet picks up, hips still leading the motion, hands rising into the air, starting to ride the music in a flickering, jingling dance of their own. Shateishael chuckles quietly, contentedly returning his attention to his lovely partner as he murmurs, "They c'n get their own date! 'M already th'luckiest guy here." He loosens his arms enough so Bella can move more easily, although he doesn't release entirely. Instead he starts humming quietly under his breath along with the drums, turning to metaphor to let his body speak for him of his attention to and desire for Bella, letting his more restrained movements serve as a foil for her beauty and grace.

Bella slowly turns to face Slate, her eyes locking on his, letting him see that there's quite a measure of heat there. One of her hands slides up to cup the back of his neck. She continues to move backward, drawing him with her, murmuring, "Want to show me how to tango tonight?"

Shateishael draws a slow breath, his own eyes full of Bella, and not much else. He's peripherally aware enough to keep them from blundering into anyone, but past that the two of them could be utterly alone for the attention he has to spare for anything around them, however dramatic! He grins slowly, his face almost glowing with happiness, "'D love t', beautiful lady." Still beaming, he offers her his hand, "May I have th'honor?"

Bella takes Slate's hand and puts her other on his shoulder. She's seen enough of the tango in movies and so forth to set herself into something like a proper starting stance. She even goes slightly up on the balls of her feet, raising her heels off the playa. Shateishael grins, sliding one arm snugly about Bella's waist and sliding the fingers of his other hand about hers. He rumbles quietly to her, "So, think a' th'tango as bein' like a story, beautiful. It's 'bout 'heat' -- th'chemistry b'tween th'dancers. It'sa p'formance a' th'eternal tension b'tween man 'n woman -- but it ain't necessarily th' abs'lute Truth, y'know? 'N tha's how y'c'n dance it wi' a wide variety a'folks... 'cause it's kinda close 'n intense physically as well as mentally..." He sighs happily, then adds, "Make sense s'far?"

Bella nods silently and fits herself against Slate, eyes getting a little heavy-lidded. The hand she had rested on his shoulder slides up to rest alongside his neck again. She seems to come back to herself to finally murmur, "Makes sense, love..."

Shateishael starts showing Bella the steps, and as they progress he slowly falls into the correct demeanor as he moves. His carriage is that of his role in the dance -- tall, powerful, his lead strong and almost demanding, his hands never entirely leaving her body, and with a tightly reined-in passion flaring in his eyes as he stares possessively down into her emerald eyes. Outside of that, however, he deliberately makes it easy for Bella to follow, the steps he's teaching remaining fairly simple to begin with. It's easy to sink into the rhythm of the dance with the drums thundering powerfully behind them, and as he holds her almost aggressively close, his hands sliding smoothly over her, the story unfolds... the aggressive courtship of the beautiful, desireable lady -- will she be faithless, or will he conquer?

Bella finds it easy to fall into the story with Slate, her own eyes holding an invitation and a hint of heat, her lips curved into a teasing smile. She lets herself be courted, sliding away just enough at times to get him to follow, to pursue, but never stepping out of his reach. The Bright casts her eyes down from time to time, pretending shyness even as her body speaks desire. It becomes easier to step into the story as her body learns the dance, her softness a foil to the overwhelming strength of her blonde partner.

Shateishael plays the music of the tango in his head, helping him keep both beat and mood. His smoldering gaze is locked on his lovely, graceful partner, and each time she whirls out to the full length of his arm he twirls her lightly back a moment later, drawing her close against his side to wrap his arms about her possessively and swaying with her fluid movements. The light, teasing touches of her fingers along his arms or face cause him to draw in his breath, his eyes flaring alight with desire and passion, the dark intensity of the dance reflected in his gestures. Bella finds herself holding her breath, her gentle lover showing an intensity that feels almost dangerous, that delicious thrill of feeling vulnerable, of being almost stalked, and yet knowing she could pull away. Instead she finds herself drawn to him, fluttering around the heat of him like a moth drawn to the bright flare of a fire.

As the dance continues the story unfolds dramatically: though he offers his heart, does she spurn him? Has she betrayed him? Growing suspicion is a dark edge in his languidly sensuous demeanor, and his hands guide her more insistently, pulling her closer, drawing her up against his body, demanding of her attention -- then, almost roughly, stepping back and flinging her out at arm's length, his head tilted back in almost disdainful anger -- does she think to cast him aside?

She gasps at his roughness, eyes cast down demurely, one hand shielding her face, protesting her innocence without words. Fear, need, heat, and the chill of knowing he suspects thrill through her. The story consumes her, the Bright becoming the role, the archetype. Her brightly decorated hair spins out as he thrusts her away, face flushed, heart pounding with the beat. The woman moves close, seeking to placate her jealous lover, to distract him with a caress, her fingers sliding along his neck and yet still moving back, drawing him to her even as she seeks to slip away.

Shateishael draws a deep breath -- he cannot resist her smooth seduction, though he fights his need, his lust for her -- and with almost a growl he reels her back in to him, her shining hair flaring out like a banner. He leans her back over his strong arm, to draw a salacious finger slowly down her front -- then swiftly arches himself forward and down, over her, to steal a quick and impassioned kiss. A moment later they swirl together in light-footed circles, he holding the lady hungrily close, their foreheads resting together, their hips almost rolling as one -- and, as the drums and the music crescendoes in Slate's head, he spins one last time to drop his lovely partner into a languid dip, bracing her on one knee while his free hand rests lightly but possessively upon her bared throat -- his, forever! He holds the pose a long moment, panting softly and still feeling the ache of desire flaring through him... then he grins, his eyes alight as he easily whirls Bella back upright. If she lets him, he draws her into a congratulatory kiss.

Bella is breathless as the dance ends, eyes dark with the passion that has built during the dance. While Slate may be the one initiating the kiss, she melts into it happily, even eagerly. When she finally does pull away, her face is full of wonder, going up on her toes to murmur, "You sure that's supposed to be danced in public?" though the thread of heat steals a little of the humor.

Shateishael chuckles softly, still a bit incoherent himself -- as much from the kiss as the dance! One of his hands trails gently down her back to her thigh, imitating one of the moves of the dance, and he draws enough breath to finally rumble, "You c'n get me t'dance that anytime y'want, lover... public or private!" He leans to rest his forehead against hers again, whispering in quietly heartfelt tones, "Goddess, you're beautiful..." Bella actually blushes at that whisper. Her confident and worldly shell often seems to just melt with Slate's compliments.

Shateishael finally catches his breath -- and composure -- enough to open his eyes and glance around them, making sure they're not in anyone's way. He wonders a bit curiously if anyone else was watching too, from what Bella said. When the Seraph looks around he finds that they've certainly drawn the attention of a few of the people around the circle. People are moving past them in their own dancing. Lilith, still drumming, is watching with a knowing smile, her eyes flashing. The Bright laughs a bit shakily, "I think I need some water after that... I'm feeling weak in the knees..."

Shateishael grins with quiet happiness at Bella's reaction, and cheerfully scoops her up in his arms, moving easily off the dance floor, "'S fine, beautiful -- 'n thanks!" He gets her a place to sit, and offers her a bottle of water. He's glowingly happy -- content just to be near her.

Bella wraps her arms around Slate's neck, resting her head on his shoulder with a happy sigh. She lets herself be settled in and takes several small sips of water, not wanting to overload her stomach with it, "That was a revelation, love; thank you."

Shateishael shifts so he's a more comfortable support for Bella, loosely cuddling her close with his own arms about her waist, and beams. He feels like he could practically Sing joy! -but instead he simply lowers his head to gently nuzzle the top of hers, and rumble happily, "Any time I c'n help like that, lover... it's y'rs."

Bella watches the other dancers for a moment and smiles, voice thoughtful when she finally speaks, "I've never seen that side of you." Shateishael strokes her side lightly and simply marvels internally about how fortunate he is... at her words he mmm?s inquiringly, not sure what she means. Bella motions toward the circle and laughs, taking another drink of water, "The tango... you seemed almost dangerous. Aggressive. Feral." She shivers a little and chuckles almost self-consciously, "There was a moment where I was caught up and was almost afraid you were going to take me there in the dance." She thinks on that for a second and smiles lopsidedly, "Well, maybe not afraid exactly."

Shateishael laughs softly, his large hands resting gently against her, and rumbles, "It's jus' parta me mos' folks now'days don' wanna see, lover. Useta be, dancin' 'n fightin' 'n lovin' were all perfec'ly acceptable ways a' expressin' y'self."

The Bright studies the Seraph's face for a moment, looking quite serious, "Is it something you miss expressing?"

Shateishael smiles down at Bella, his face still alight with happiness, "Sometimes, yeah. Never wuz much f'r th'lovin', though -- 'n now 'm findin' it sure takes care a' missin' th'others!" He grins, leaning to lightly brush his lips against her forehead, then adds thoughtfully, "Usta be th'dancin' wuz t'meet folks 'n flirt, 'n th' fightin' wuz t'th'death. Now'days, they're both f'r meetin' folks... 'n that means there's an edge t'th'fightin' that's gone. Cain't say that's 'zactly bad... but sometimes I miss th' 'drenaline a bit, I think."

Bella looks a little surprised and waves toward the fire again, "That didn't get your adrenaline pumping? My heart is still racing."

Shateishael chuckles, "'Course it did, lover. Din' ya hear me say th'dancin' 'n lovin' takes care a' missin' th'fightin'? It's jus'..." He goes silent a moment, staring thoughtfully out at the fire-lit dancers, trying to figure out how to say what he feels, "...there's... fightin's like a competition, y'know? Feels damn good t'win. Dancin' 'n lovin' aren't... 'r least'ways they shouldn't be." He pauses, then adds thoughtfully, "Wonder if tha's one a' th'reasons I'm willin' t'talk t'y'r mom... miss th' 'drenaline a bit..." He grins mischievously, "An' th'feelin' a' still bein' 'live, when I wuzn't sure I would be!"

Bella nods slightly, her crooked smile coming back, "Some loving can be rather competitive... but I think if I struggled, you'd get scared and stop because you'd think I was hurt." She reaches up and touches Slate's hair for a moment, "You miss being a warrior as part of your day-to-day existence, I think."

Shateishael looks a bit surprised, then curious, "You... why wouldja struggle while makin' love, sweetheart?" He adds a bit confusedly, "An' what wouldja be strugglin' 'gainst?"

Bella laughs and shrugs, "Because it can be exciting...." She chews on her bottom lip as she thinks how she can explain this to her gentle lover, "Mmm... think of the tango. Was it exciting to you to sort of... stalk me?"

Shateishael pauses, carefully considering Bella's words... then rumbles slowly, "I like tellin' a story, even though I know it's not actually true... so yeah, I guess it wuz kinda 'xcitin'. But it wuz fun cuz I knew you knew it wuz a story too, I think. Wouldn't be s'much fun if'n I thought you were really scared, y'know?" He thinks for a few more heartbeats, then rumbles a bit wistfully, "Huh. Hadn't thought 'bout it in so long, but... guess y're right, lover. Think I do miss th'fightin' some." He adds a bit tightly, "Ain't no fun t' accident'ly break someone trustin' ya, though."

Bella has been idly stroking Slate's hair, smiling still, "Mmm... it's sort of what you were made to do..."

Shateishael has been relaxing slowly at Bella's touch. He smiles at her words and rumbles lazily, "Well... technically 'm acshully s'pposed'ta be creatin' community, not jus' defendin' it..."

The Bright nods, glad her face is half-hidden in shadows as she watches Slate. This festival has shown her things she had somehow missed over the years with Slate. "You've done a lot of the creating lately with the Circle-H. But it's like half of you has been shut off."

Shateishael tilts his head, thinking... then sighs quietly and turns his face to rest his cheek against the top of Bella's head, "Things change, lover. If'n there's one thing I've learned through th'years, it's that I gotta change with'm, 'r die. Don' wanna die inside, 'n got folks who love me 'n're dependin' on me now." She can hear the smile in his voice as he quietly adds, "Thassa damn good reason t'not feel too bad 'bout it, y'know?" He adds thoughtfully, "'N it makes me hafta think more 'bout how t'persuade folks. Thassa good thing, 'm thinkin'. Wuz a time I wouldn't've stopped when I heard y'r scream. Wuz a time when I woulda jus' called David right 'way at seein' Lilith, too." Then he grins, adding, "Okay, dunno yet if that last one's a good thing 'r not, yet..." His eyes flick to the drummers, making sure Lilith's still there!

Lilith is indeed still drumming, head thrown back in a laugh that can't be heard over the shouting and drumming. Bella nods and shivers slightly, "Why would you have not stopped when you heard the scream?"

Shateishael gently strokes Bella's side, rumbling, "Some times 'n places, sweetheart, y' jus' 'xpect t'hear screams. They're nuthin' diff'rent, y'know? 'S like..." he thinks a moment, then nods, "Nowadays, loud noises're kinda normal. Car engines, gun shots, airplanes, chainsaws... big deal, right? But coupla years 'go, that level a' loud noise woulda drawn all kinds a' 'ttention, 'cause they weren't normal. Well... back then, a scream wuzn't nuthin' abnormal, dependin' on when 'n where y'were."

Bella shakes her head, "I just can't see you ignoring a woman screaming in fear..."

Shateishael smiles and drops a gentle kiss on Bella's head, "Thank you, sweetheart."

Bella laughs, "What? I just told the truth."

Shateishael grins, nuzzling Bella gently, "'S parta why I love you so much, beautiful."

Bella laughs softly, shrugging, "I've stretched the truth in my time, Slate. Just not as much the last bit."

Shateishael grins lazily, "Nuthin' wrong wi'that, lover." He's finally starting to calm down enough that he doesn't have an overwhelming urge to rub himself all over Bella, and he looks around at their surroundings and the people around them, wondering idly how they saw the tango. He wonders a moment later if Peony's around anywhere too... he grins, somehow doubting he'll be seeing either Rosie or Soma tonight!

Peony, as if summoned, is just approaching the circle, carrying the same drum she was using the night before. She's dressed in jeans and a flowing tunic style shirt, walking barefoot and laughing with a very large young man. Shateishael smiles, checking to see if it's one of the Jotunsens. The young man's face looks familiar, but he's not quite as large-seeming as the two half-giants. Shateishael continues stroking Bella -- just because he can control the urge now doesn't necessarily mean he wants to! -- and rumbles thoughtfully, "Sweetheart, is it jus' me, or haveya seen that guy wi'Peony b'fore too?"

Bella glances over and wrinkles her brow slightly, "He looks sort of like the guards that were on the tent door the night of the exhibition."

Shateishael nods, "Yeah, but he's smaller'n botha them." He muses a moment: Karl and Bacchus tend to look older in their glamours... Pan tends to look younger. Wouldn't be Soma or Gaelach, for different reasons... he hmms. Who else have they met?

Bella shrugs, "Karl's glamour changed his shape and size."

Shateishael watches Peony and the young man silently, smiling faintly... then nods to Bella, "Yeah, but din' he look bit older? Karl, I mean? Oh! Could it be... whuzzis name, Karl's nephew? Th'archer?"

The Bright examines the young man with Peony and grins, "Yeah. That's Ajax."

Shateishael chuckles quietly, "Seemed like a nice young man." He turns his gaze back towards the dancers, giving the two approaching fae a bit of privacy, and feels slightly pleased with himself. Not only did he have a fantastic dance with his beloved -- but it looks like Lilith's not interested in coming up behind him and accosting him again! He grins a touch smugly, suspecting his plan to dissuade Lilith's interest in him and Bella is going to work.

Peony settles in with the drummers, Ajax helping her settle in a very solicitous way. Then the young centaur joins the dancing. He moves in a slow stalk, the dance seeming almost to be a pantomime of some sort. Bella is starting to move with the drumming a bit again, but still watches Slate's face. Shateishael was thinking about joining the dancing again, but hms curiously at noticing Bella watching his face. "Sump'in, lover?"

Bella smiles, "Just watching you. You're coming so alive..."

Shateishael grins down at Bella, "Whut, I seemed dead b'fore? 'M hurt!" His tone is obviously teasing.

Bella smirks and playfully slugs Slate on the shoulder, "Of course not. It's like something here sort of feeds you, though." As Ajax makes his way around the fire, it becomes more obvious that he's pantomiming a hunter's stalk, one hand held up as if readying a spear to be thrown.

Shateishael laughs, letting his shoulder rock back slightly so Bella's fist isn't hurt, "Hey now! It's hella community -- 'a course I love it here! 'S parta why I din' call David, too -- he'd love it here too, but 'm thinkin' it'da been messy b'tween him 'n Lilith, 'n that wouldn' be good f'anyone here." He grins, hugging Bella close, and rumbles cheerfully, "So, wanna dance wi'this ole 'live person now?"

Bella grins and rises from Slate's lap, smoothing her pants and settling her halter back into place with a jingle, "Of course."

Shateishael chuckles rumblingly, happily taking Bella's hand if she wants, and heading for the dance circle. "Think we c'n make this one bit less, uhh... fiery? if'n y'want. We c'n wave t'Miz Peony, 'n say hi t'Ajax too?"

Bella laughs softly, "Mmm... probably wise, but I want another tango before we leave for home...." She starts swaying as she's led toward the circle, "Is this good music for the Comanche dances?"

Shateishael mms lazily at the request for another tango, murmuring next to Bella's ear (so she can hear him over the thundering drums), "C'n have as many tangos wi'me as ya want, beautiful!" At her query he grins, his eyes and teeth flashing in the firelight, "Always!" He tosses his head back and laughs for the sheer joy of it, feeling the night and the music singing through his veins and thundering up through the ground into his body. Then he grins again, shifting to the slightly leaning, arms-spread stance of the Comanche men's dances he knows, and starts the lightly stamping, circling steps around his Celestially beautiful Bright partner.

Shateishael lets the low chanting rumble up through his chest, even though it can't be heard at all over the drums, and tosses his head. He has no feathered and bangled outfit to flaunt as a warrior before his tribe, but he can flaunt his skill and strength... and if a little hint of the warrior shows gleaming dangerously attractively in his eyes -- despite his usual efforts at appearing unassuming -- he won't be too upset. Bella moves with the circle of Slate's dance, closing her eyes and letting hearing and scent and that ephemeral sense of Slate's presence guide her as to where to move. A quiet smile shows on her face. The pounding of the drums, the leap of the fire, the Seraph's movements around her -- they give her a strange sort of peace.

Shateishael's dance changes a bit -- it's not the usual men's dance of the Lords of the Plains. Instead it becomes something else... both more a flaunt for her, and more protectively warding... like a wolf around his packmate, or a stallion about his herd mare -- more a sort of teamwork with his dance partner. He's not even completely aware he's doing it -- but it feels very right to him just now. The Bright's eyes open halfway and she watches Slate with a smile that's somehow sleepy and intense at once, hands weaving through the air, hips leading her dance around the circle. Bodies flow around them, flashes of color and sound in the roar of the flames and the thunder of the drums.

Shateishael loses track of his environment as he dances with and for his beautiful lover. The drums bellow all around them, the crowd sways and bobs with the music, the dancing firelight highlights Slate's dark-tanned bare skin and draws streaks of flame across his bright blonde hair -- but it all fades to a dull roar in the back of his consciousness as she fills his eyes, swaying gracefully... as he revels in the alluring, wondrous sensuality of her. The music and the flames catch the angels just like they catch the mortals and Ethereals, and time whips past with the joyous melding of it -- this celebration is stripped even of the politics with which the fae must deal in their court.

Some time later -- probably hours by the position of the moon -- it slowly sinks in that the drumming has changed. It doesn't hold quite the same wild abandon; the dancers are moving more slowly, seeming almost hypnotized. Shateishael looks up a bit curiously when that change finally percolates through to his brain... then he glances at the drummers, wondering if Lilith's hammered her hands to bleeding again. Whether it's because of bleeding hands or some other cause, Lilith is no longer in her seat -- another young woman is at the congas. Peony also is no longer in her own place. Shateishael looks around curiously again, wondering where Peony is. He's idly curious about Ajax also... and he'd like to know where Lilith is just so she doesn't come up behind him again. He grins at that thought, then amusedly notes it's just as well she does so in crowds. He's not sure precisely how he'd react if startled when he's not got to keep the usual tight rein on his reactions.

Peony and Ajax are both dancing now, though not together. Peony is twirling and laughing, though the sound cannot be heard. She has one of her crystal globes, letting it catch the light as it rolls over her hands and arms. Ajax is whirling around the fire quite literally like a dervish. Lilith's lemon-yellow form isn't in sight at first. Shateishael grins, nudging Bella gently so she can admire Peony's dancing too. He twirls in a full circle while she does so, so he can look behind him to see if Lilith's someplace he's not yet looked. Bella watches Peony, smiling and starting to move toward her friend. Shateishael will shift his dancing to follow Bella. He watches Ajax for a bit, smiling at the young man's enthusiasm and energy, then glances around. He finds it hard to believe Lilith's retired for the night. The closer scan finally shows Lilith to be sitting on the verge of the circle, leaning back against Joe and letting him take care of her hands again. She looks languorous, almost intoxicated, or perhaps aroused. Hm... ah, just as Slate suspected -- the Demon Prince overdid it again.

Even as Lilith is letting herself be cared for, she's leaning her head back, whispering something to Joe that makes the young man blush, the change in his complexion obvious even by firelight. Shateishael wonders idly if seeing one's Word well-embodied automatically gives that curiously drunken look, or if Lilith just gets off well on having the freedom to do something for as long as her vessel is physically capable of. Then Joe blushes, and Slate smiles ruefully to himself, turning away and shaking his head. Poor kid.

Shateishael grins and waves over Bella's head to Peony as they approach, although he doesn't try speaking -- it'd be futile with the thundering drums anyway. Peony grins and slips the globe into the pouch at her side and hugs Bella, the two women shouting greetings to one another. Ajax seems to come out of his trance and move toward the leprechaun and the angels. Shateishael wonders in the back of his head why he finds Lilith so curiously interesting. Surely he doesn't really think he could persuade Lilith to Salvation? Is it the danger and adrenaline rush, as he'd speculated? He frowns to himself at that thought -- if so, he'd best find another way to enjoy the adrenaline -- one that won't potentially get his Forces scattered! Then he grins, leaning to gently enclose both hugging women in his arms, in another hug.

Ajax is grinning from ear to ear as he waits for the greetings of the two women and the Seraph to finish. Both Bella and Peony laugh as Slate's arms move to engulf them. Shateishael chuckles, gently nuzzling against them both for a moment, then straightening to shout a cheerful greeting to Ajax. He's not sure how centaurs greet each other, so he holds out an arm, letting Ajax move to whichever greeting he prefers. Ajax grasps Slate's forearm, leaning in to shout a greeting, "Warrior! A pleasure!" The young centaur's forearm is heavily muscled, his hands callused.

Shateishael grins, suddenly realizing who Karl's apprentice is. He hopes Ajax wasn't the apprentice who got seriously hurt at the Winter Court, though -- or if he was, that the young man healed completely. He leans to cheerfully shout back, "Th'same! C'n jus' call me Slate!"

Ajax is still grinning, "It's a pleasure, Slate. Please, call me Ajax!" As everyone greets each other, Bella starts herding people toward the edge of the cleared dancing circle.

Shateishael laughs, scooping Bella up exuberantly in his arms, "Whut, y'wan' us t'move?" He grins and, if she wants, sets her on his shoulder, then grins down at Peony, offering her an arm also. Bella squeaks as she's scooped up, trying to keep her balance. Peony actually jumps up and down happily and lets herself be picked up as well. Shateishael laughs again -- he very much enjoys being able to use his strength to make folks happy! -and scoops Peony up onto his other shoulder. He wades carefully through the crowd, then eases to one knee, still grinning happily, so both women can slide gracefully to the ground.

Ajax follows Slate and the women. Bella motions Slate to let them down far enough outside the drum circle that they only have to shout a little bit to be heard. Shateishael amiably obliges for Bella, then settles down between the two women. He's still practically glowing with pleasure from the (how many hours? he has no idea!) wonderful dancing... he makes a mental note to do that more once they're home again! Maybe he should look into more fighting, he muses thoughtfully... then he grins at Peony and Ajax, "So... Soma been incognito f'r th'las' few days?"

Ajax laughs, the sound a joyful roar, "Mmm... we haven't seen much of him. But it's rather well known exactly why we aren't..."

Shateishael laughs aloud, tossing his head back! Then he grins at the others, his eyes and teeth flashing in the uncertain light, "Fantastic! Din' think there'd be any problem, but it's great t'hear they're havin' a wonderful time t'gether!"

Peony and Bella move at almost the same time and tuck themselves under Slate's arms, their arms moving around his waist. Ajax smiles down at the little tableau, one hand covering his mouth as if trying not to show his grin. The leprechaun laughs warmly, "I think they may have lost track of time..."

Shateishael blinks down at the two women as they snuggle in closer to him... then he sighs contentedly, relaxing and happily wrapping his arms about them both. He lightly nuzzles Peony's small head, rumbling amusedly, "Know how that c'n happen, yeah... thanks, guys. 'S really nice t'know they're happy."

One of Ajax's brows arches as he watches the Seraph being so affectionate with the small Ethereal, but he seems amused rather than surprised or shocked. His voice is deep, somewhat deeper than seems should come from his body, "Someone was trying to start rumors that the reason you hadn't been seen at court the last couple of nights was due to you not wanting to see them together." He snorts, a very equine sound, "Give you two guesses who started that one." Peony rolls her eyes as that's recounted.

Shateishael laughs softly, his eyes gleaming with a slightly... different look to them as he glances to Ajax, "Feel free t'tell th'rumor-monger t'come tell me that t'my face, Ajax." He grins amusedly, adding, "Bellisima, din' we technically already see 'em both t'gether, too?"

Bella laughs quietly, "I know it happened, but I wasn't exactly watching, honey."

Shateishael chuckles, shivering slightly and rolling his shoulders a bit as he remembers that particularly lovely time the four of them spent together, "Mmm, true... wuzn't 'zactly takin' notes m'self."

Peony chuckles quietly and says quietly, "I caught a few glimpses of that, actually, but I was listening to Bacchus telling stories."

Shateishael blinks startledly at Peony, then realizes she's talking about the first night they were invited to the pavilion. He laughs, "Oh, yeah, then too!" Then he smiles, shrugging gracefully as he dismisses that subject, and curiously asks, "So when Soma's... occupied, does th'glamour go up at night like usual, 'r not?"

Ajax mms and nods, "It does... but it's usually the static image dome."

Shateishael hms thoughtfully, "So he's always usin' energy t'maintain that? Mus' take in a lot from th'humans 'n y'all t'manage that? Wonder if'n there's any other way t'do that... 'r t'help him..."

Peony and Ajax both shrug, but Ajax speaks, "It doesn't seem to tax him overly much as long as he doesn't push himself too hard. It is part of his nature to deal in Glamour, after all."

Shateishael nods, "Int'restin'." He grins, adding, "Hey, sweetheart! Y'think maybe we should stop by th'encampment, jus' t'put in a token 'ppearance -- 'n t'laugh at th'rumors?"

Bella smiles and stretches, head resting on Slate's shoulder, "Mmm... might not be a bad idea..." She clears her throat and speaks quietly, "Especially since mom is coming this way..." Indeed, Lilith is almost skipping toward the little knot of Ethereals and Celestials, face glowingly happy.

Shateishael straightens, then rumbles firmly to Ajax, "Do not look into her eyes!" Then he sighs, glancing down to Bella and grinning ruefully, "Darn. 'Kay, we c'n save th'visit f'r later." He looks up and grins at the exuberant looking Lilith, "Evenin', ma'am."

Ajax nods and his bearing changes slightly, the relaxed stance turns to something that's almost parade rest as the Princess of Freedom wanders over, brushing her fingers along Bella's head, "Good evening, all."

Shateishael doesn't quite sway away so Bella, under his arm, is out of Lilith's reach, but both Bella and Peony can feel his muscles twitch with the effort not to. Instead he rumbles politely, "Y'r drummin' wuz really sump'in' t'night, ma'am. How're y'r han's doin'?"

Lilith holds her fingers up and wiggles them, grinning, "They hurt like a motherfucker, but they'll hurt worse tomorrow. Gotta love endorphins." Her eyes move over Peony and Ajax, pausing a bit on the way the diminutive redhed is snuggled against Slate's side.

Shateishael draws a slow breath, struggling with the urge to immediately move both women behind him. He nods again, "Good t'know Joe's gotta good medkit."

Lilith laughs, eyes twinkling, "Joe's got a lot of good skills." She glances over her shoulder where the young man in question is dancing, looking like living flame in some shiny red outfit that covers almost every inch of skin below his chin. Shateishael smiles slowly and a little sadly, his eyes resting on the pretty young man for a moment... before they return to keep a careful regard on Lilith. Lilith offers her hand to Ajax, her gaze once again lingering rather appraisingly on him, "I'm Electra... you were the young man doing the hunting dance, right? I kept expecting a buffalo or something to appear."

Shateishael rolls his eyes at himself for a moment, then rumbles, "Sorry, ma'am. F'got m'manners." He pauses, then curiously adds, "Howcum y'not dancin' wi'Joe?"

Ajax takes Lilith's hand and, rather than meet her eyes during a handshake, turns her hand over and kisses her knuckles murmuring in his rolling-boulder voice, "A pleasure, ma'am. Call me Ajax."

Lilith smiles down at the top of Ajax's head with quite obvious heat and curiousity in her eyes. "Hm? Oh, because he likes to show off for me... he knows I'm always keeping half an eye on him."

Shateishael rumbles a non-commital, "Ah." He falls silent then, wondering thoughtfully if Lilith is actually... jealous? Possessive of her lovers? Curious thought. He adds politely (and in a partial effort to re-direct Lilith's attention), "Y'r hair looks nice t'night, ma'am."

Peony stays where she is, curled against Slate's side. Bella is also nestling a little closer, reaching one hand across her own body to rest on Slate's leg. The body language of the two women is once again rather possessive, almost protective. Slate makes sure he's breathing deeply and slowly -- it's easier to keep control of himself that way, and he's already a bit... overheated from the dancing. He doesn't want to do anything rude and possibly embarrassing for Bella, like protectively sweep both Bella and Peony behind him. He doesn't realize the two women are already protecting him, in their own way. Ajax raises his head but manages to look at Lilith's face without meeting her eyes. He seems to be looking at her eyebrows. Lilith's eyes twinkle. "Have you known our mutual friends long?" she asks Ajax, not quite releasing his hand, her thumb brushing the backs of his fingers.

It's Peony who answers, however, saying, "Oh, he knows me very well... but he just met Slate and Bella tonight. Only proper, you know." The petite woman puts layers of meaning into the words 'very well.' Shateishael hms quietly to himself... Lilith seems to be entirely focused on Ajax currently, to the point that she's completely disregarding Slate's comment. He frowns a bit, worrying about Ajax... then sighs and reminds himself: Ajax managed to survive the Winter Court. He's a big boy... and to be honest, Slate's not really sure how to discreetly help Ajax any more, past what he's already done.

As Peony finishes her entendre-laden sentence, she literally crawls into Slate's lap. Bella, as if it had been decided beforehand, moves behind Slate, resting her hands on his shoulders and smiling up at her creator almost blandly. Ajax, for his part, laughs and very gently extracts his hand, "Mmhm. Rules are rules, after all..."

Lilith finally moves her attention back to Slate and touches her hair, chuckling, "Joe's idea. He really is very sweet." There's the tiniest trace of melancholy when she says it.

Shateishael looks startled for a fraction of a second, then shifts to accommodate both women more comfortably. He'd be glowingly pleased at how comfortable both women seem to be with him, were it not for his being a bit worried still about Lilith. As it is, he looks up a bit blankly towards her, then remembers what she's replying to. He gets a thoughtful look, studying her... then rumbles curiously, "You soun' sad when y'say that, ma'am. How come?" A moment later he rolls his eyes at himself again, adding, "Uh, jus' if'n y'wanna say, ma'am...?" He rests one hand lightly on one of Bella's hands, and gently strokes Peony's lovely, shining hair with the other. It's almost unwitting -- he isn't really completely aware himself of how much he adores touch and touching.

Lilith looks startled, as if she didn't realize the emotion was showing through. She laughs it off, shaking her head, "I just don't get to see him very often..." Looking over toward the young man in his red outfit, she puts on a dazzling smile, "I should go rescue him from heat exhaustion. You all take care of yourselves..."

Shateishael snorts amusedly under his breath at the comment about 'heat exhaustion,' but remains discreetly silent. As Lilith moves off, he gives a quiet sigh of relief! Ajax and Peony both relax as well and the leprechaun and Bright both move back to their previous positions against Slate's sides. Bella, however, can't stifle her curiosity, "So, uhm, how much of that was the truth?"

Shateishael sighs a bit wistfully as the two women shift, but is still quite happy to wrap his arms about them both if they'd like. He gives Bella a curious look, "How mucha what, lover?"

Peony actually flushes, and Ajax chuckles as Bella explains, "Hmm... if I'm hearing it right, Peony basically told mom she was introducing her boyfriend to a new lover..."

Shateishael listens curiously to Bella... then blinks startledly, turning to look at Peony and Ajax as he reflexively tries his Resonance on what he'd just heard! "You whut?" A moment later it registers -- and he startledly says, "Wait... whut?! Me?!"

Ajax and Peony exchange a glance, silently deciding who should explain. Apparently it comes down to Peony, "Well, I didn't so much say it as imply it... I know you dislike untruths. And part of it was true -- Ajax and I have been lovers in the past." Peony ducks her head, "And it is only proper that he meet you. He's one of the Court's guardians. Everything I said was true... I apologize."

Shateishael is silent, re-playing the previous conversation in his head, hearing it in a new context. His focus had been on Lilith, and so he'd not really registered the odd phrasing... he blinks, suddenly understanding what Peony'd meant by 'only proper.' Bemusedly he rumbles to Ajax, "'Rules 're rules'? Did I miss sump'in'?"

Ajax looks a little bit bashful, "The rule I was referring to is really more of a guideline. If you're to be an ambassador to Bran's court, it makes you something of my responsibility while you're in Soma's court..." He grins widely, "Though to be honest, I'm more likely to need your help than you mine. My uncle tells me you're skilled at smithing as well as battle..."

Shateishael draws a slow breath as several things fall into place in his head... he looks down at the two women, rumbling amusedly, "Lemme guess... I missed sump'in' wi'y'all too?" He laughs a bit ruefully, "Here I thought I wuz pr'tectin' y'all..."

It's Bella's turn to blush, "Mmm... you are protecting us. If things came down to blows, mom would squash me flat. But I...." She takes a deep breath, "I don't want her getting ideas about you."

Shateishael tilts his head curiously at Bella, "If'n things came t'blows, lover, don' she have more Songs'n a canary?" He chuckles softly, adding, "An' why'd she get ideas 'bout me? Already tole her I don' sleep wi'folks I don' love."

Ajax blinks at Slate's pronouncement and another of those silent communications takes place between the centaur and the leprechaun. 'He means that?' 'Yup, he means it.' 'Wow.' Bella's expression goes very, very serious, "My love, if she truly wanted you to, you would believed you loved her."

Shateishael remembers himself and turns to add to Peony, "Please don' 'pologize, ma'am. Cain't blame ya f'doin' whutcha thought wuz right." He looks back at Bella, then raises an amused eyebrow, "Then not much point'n worryin' 'bout it, yeah?" He doesn't say it, but for just a moment his eyes flash with angry heat as he speaks to Bella -- Lilith might be able to make him believe he loved her, but she'd better not be in arm's reach if the Charm ever went down! At that flash of anger, Ajax's eyes go wide and Peony goes very still.

Bella is still blushing a little, "She's got her own kind of honor, Slate. She sees you as mine and probably as Peony's now. She won't try to take you out from under us."

Shateishael draws a slow breath, centering himself... then nods, rumbling politely, "Then thank you both kindly, ladies. P'raps someday I c'n return th'favor." He draws another breath, then rumbles a bit dourly, "So... y'all wanna shed this place? Think I've had 'nuff a' grabby drummers... wanna go check out th'fae encampment?"

Bella lets her breath out slowly and nods, standing up. But before Slate can stand as well, she leans down to speak close to his ear. "I'm returning your favor, my love. You saved me already." She brushes a soft kiss against the line of his jaw and then stands. Shateishael smiles up at Bella, his eyes back to normal and his face warm with happiness. He gently brushes his hand down the side of her thigh in an affectionate caress... then turns his gaze to Peony, politely offering her his hand to rise.

Peony smiles and takes Slate's hand, rising, "Ajax and I were actually on our way elsewhere after the drumming... but I'm sure we'll see you both soon."

Ajax nods, smiling fondly at Peony, "I promised I'd help with part of the Jewels canopy that got knocked askew."

Shateishael nods to Peony -- even standing, she's only a smidge taller than he is when seated -- and rumbles, "Y'all havea nice time then, 'kay?" He rises easily himself, turning towards Bella -- then pauses, turning back to Peony and rumbling, "Miz Peony, if'n I din' make it clear 'nuff... I do 'ppreciate y'r tryin' t'pr'tect me, 'n I'm not upset 'bout whatcha said." He hesitates a moment, feeling a bit awkward and clumsy... then adds a touch shyly, "You, um... wanna hug?"

Peony laughs and wraps her arms around Slate's waist to hug him, eyes twinkling, "Always, Slate."

Shateishael grins a touch sheepishly, hugging her gently back, "Thanks f'bein' s'patient wi'me, ma'am."

Peony laughs again and steps back, taking Ajax's hand, though the gesture has the feel of friendship rather than romance, "Thank you for being patient with us..." She tugs on the centaur's hands, "Come on. Canopy repair and then sleep."

Shateishael is still grinning happily as Peony heads off with Ajax. He turns towards Bella, rumbling amusedly, "Guess I learn sump'in' new ev'ry day, eh?" as he offers her his arm... then grins, "'Less you wanna piggyback ride 'r sump'in'?"

Bella bites her bottom lip and accepts Slate's offered arm, "Can... can we go back to the tent? Being around people suddenly just isn't all that appetizing."

Shateishael tilts his head inquiringly at Bella, "Sure, lover. Y'okay?"

Bella smiles slightly and nods, "Just getting a little overwhelmed and I don't want to deal politics and I don't want to deal with mom."

Shateishael wraps his arms warmly and reassuringly around Bella, rumbling quietly, "Don' hafta deal wi'nuthin' y'don' wanna, lover." He grins, "I'll thump anyone who bothers ya, how's that?"

Bella laughs and smirks playfully up at Slate, "Sounds like a deal. But I want to be alone. With you. In the quiet. Please?" She looks around thoughtfully, "Though for quiet we probably need to get a blanket and walk about two miles out."

Shateishael adds a touch amusedly, "If'n I'd known all it'd take t'bore Lilith wi'us wuz f'her t'think I wuz taken, I'da asked th'entire fae Court t'turn up right off!" At Bella's comment Slate smiles slowly down at her, turning to pace quietly towards the tent with her, "Light a'm'heart, you c'n have anythin' I c'n give ya. Jus' ask." At her second comment he laughs, "That we c'n do, although we might wanna fly there?"

Bella ducks into the tent, chuckling quietly, "Mmm... true..." She settles to her knees, starting to look for a blanket in amongst all the things piled into the temporary dwelling. It's while waiting for Bella to find what she wants in the tent that Slate tilts his head suddenly, as if an odd thought has just occurred to him. He rumbles softly, "Whoa," glancing over his shoulder towards the Living Jewels encampment, "Hey, sweetheart? I din' misunnerstan' that, did I? Ajax 'n Peony've been lovers b'fore, right?"

Bella mms? then chuckles quietly when Slate asks his question, "No, you didn't misunderstand. I think she actually said it explicitly." She glances over her shoulder, smiling, "Why?"

Shateishael's voice sounds bemused in the darkness as he reiterates, "Whoa. But how would she... I mean, he is a centaur, right? An' 'less he's magical 'r sump'in', figger he'd be 'bout th'same size as a reg'lar horse, right? So... how's he keep from squishin' her?"

Bella blinks and bit and sits back on her heels as she thinks about that for a moment. "Wow... uhm... I hadn't put that together quite like that, honey." She laughs and shrugs, a look of bemusement crossing her own features, "The only way to know is to ask, I guess..."

Shateishael grins ruefully, "Han't 'ccurred t'me b'fore either, but I guess I better. Don' wanna hurt her m'self if'n we become lovers neither, after all." He adds a bit curiously, "So... should I 'xpect y'all t'innerduce me t'any new lovers y'all get too?"

Bella turns slowly and arches a brow at Slate, "If, hm? And I suspect Peony would know how to take care of herself in that arena." To the second question, she smiles, "Do you want to be introduced to them?"

Shateishael says, "Sure, if'n that's whut's proper." He rubs the back of his head a bit self-consciously, "It's jus'... well, from whut y'all were sayin', 'ppears there're rules 'r sump'in' on how folks're s'pposedta b'have... but I've never heard a' 'em -- but I don' wanna 'mbarrass y'all neither, y'know? So... wuz a bit worried 'bout that...?" He adds curiously, "An'... why wouldn't I say if, sweetheart? Isn' it bit... arrogant a' me t'jus' assume she's gonna be m'lover someday?"

Bella settles into a tailor-fashion position, blanket across her lap as she smiles, "Except you know she wants to be your lover, Slate." The Bright smiles slightly, "The rules of that kind of thing are all about what the individuals need, though. I mean... I've had a few lovers over the years. Most of them haven't exactly made a huge impact on my life. Right now I'd say I have three lovers... and you already know the other two."

Shateishael rumbles interestedly, "Three? Me, th'Rosebud, 'n... Ian?" Then he smiles, shaking his shaggy head once, "I never 'ssume I know whut someone else wants, Bellisima, spesh'ly when it comes t'emotions. I jus' try t'guess real good."

Bella nods, smiling lopsidedly, "Yeah, you and Rosie and Ian. Do you... do you feel like you want to know any time I take someone to my bed?"

Shateishael thinks about that, then rumbles puzzledly, "Um... don' think I needta know, no... 'less you really needta tell me?" He adds a bit worriedly, "Don' wanna be a bother're nuthin'...?"

Bella is looking fairly serious as she stands and stretches up to kiss Slate's cheek, "Shateishael. I am asking what you need."

Shateishael smiles, sliding his hands lightly along Bella's sides as she kisses him, "Already got whut I need, lover. Ever'thin' else's sweet extras."

Bella continues, "Do you need to know when I take someone to my bed? Do you want to know? Or do you want to know when I'm starting to get involved with someone more deeply?"

Shateishael looks a bit puzzled, "Um... sweetheart, I don' own you 'r nuthin'. Why would I pry inta y'r business? I mean, if'n y'wanna have a new lover move in at th'Ranch 'r sump'in', a bit a' warnin'd be good, please, but past that... think I'm more worried 'bout accidentally scarin' someone new than whether'r not y'r sleepin' wi' 'em?" He thinks for a moment, then adds, "Is that... th' more deeply thing, I guess?"

Bella nods and hugs Slate, kissing his cheek again, "OK. That's what we'll do, then." She smiles and lets her breath out as if she's very satisfied somehow with the conversation.

Shateishael grins curiously, "Um... did I pass?"

Bella chuckles slightly and nods, "Yeah, you passed."

Shateishael tosses his head and laughs, exuberantly whirling Bella around in a sudden hug, "Well, hallelujah! Wanna go celebrate, beautiful?!"

Bella laughs and clings as she's whirled around, "Define celebrate."

Shateishael grins, letting Bella slide down his front enough that they're face to face, "If'n I r'call c'rrectly, you wan'ed some time 'lone wi' me in private? Soun's good t'me!"

Bella wraps her arms around Slate's neck so that she is helping hold herself up face-to-face with him, which leaves her feet a few inches off the ground. She smiles, the expression going from amused to coquettish, "So, you, me, the blanket and some stars? Sounds perfect." Shateishael rumbles in lazy happiness, his eyes warming with pleasure as one arm slides to support Bella, the other giving her a brace to lean back against.

The two angels have no problem finding a place away from the pool of firelight and laughter and song that is Black Rock City. Out on the playa, alone with the stars and one another, there is a sense of Freedom that seems to inflame the Bright. The passion and love she feels for her Stone lover pours out and with the Seraph's near-infinite patience, it's nearly dawn before the pair finally curl together to just breathe in the air and the presence of each other.

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Last modified: 2006-Dec-07 15:15:59

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