Taps -- Logs

Suraksha waits until they're alone while winding through the halls before she murmurs amusedly, "So what's a nice boy like you doing in a place like this, mm?"

Chanticleer blinks startledly at the question, then laughs, relaxing just a little. "My job description has 'hired goon' in it in several places," he says, his melodious voice a stark contrast to the word 'goon.' "Emphasis on the 'hired' part. It's something I can do, and do -- reasonably -- well. And if I may be so bold as to compliment you on your aura? It's really quite splendid. I've not seen its like in King Roy's reception hall before."

Suraksha smiles thoughtfully, wondering if Roy has some of the young man's family as hostage or something... or maybe he's not been here long, and doesn't yet know quite how, um... self-centered Roy can be? "Why, thank you, Chanticleer. Are you new here, then?"

Chanticleer inclines his head in affirmation; while he is attentive to Suraksha, he is also alert for any sort of malfeasance that might happen upon them. He is not going to let any damnfool violate hospitality! "Fairly new, ma'am, yes. I've come into RoiR- er, King Roy's service only the last few months. A bit... different from the royalty I've experience with in the past." To put it delicately, he doesn't verbally add.

Suraksha's quiet laugh is warmly delicious, like melted chocolate, and she lightly pats the sidhe's arm as she glances amusedly up at him, "I'm going to guess he'll wear out his welcome with you soon, from your words. My caravan will be here for a day or three, assuming Roy gives us the weekend for restocking and entertainment, as he has previously. If in that time you change your mind about working in the court of human royalty, come ask for me." She smiles quietly, stepping through the door being held open for her into the room set aside for her to freshen up in. She knows there is a sort of travelers compound set up near the river crossing; her caravan has settled in there to wait for her return. There are a few other caravans and single travelers waiting as well. The crossing is not safe all the time, which is part of what Roy's permission and tolls cover.

Chanticleer smiles warmly to Suraksha. "'Soon' indeed! Yours is an extremely tempting offer, but what sort of bodyguard would I be if I absconded at a moment's notice? But I will consider it, and let you know before you depart."

The hallways of Roy's palace are opulent and the room Suraksha has been offered is no less so. The draperies are sumptuous and the carpets are handwoven silk that tempts you to take off your shoes and revel in the feel of it against your feet. There is a large wooden tub in one corner, set about with plants, the water gently steaming. There is also a standalone washstand with ewer and basin. There is ample seating and even a bed tucked away behind a couple of folding screens in the corner opposite the tub.

Suraksha chuckles again at Chanticleer's reply, then gently closes the door behind herself. She wanders relaxedly through the room as she checks it out. She is slightly saddened by the effort put into heating and transporting in the water, since she has no intention of using it -- she's already elegantly dressed and carefully made up -- and she hopes it wasn't too exhausting for whomever put it in place for her. She'll wash her hands, check the mirror for her makeup and hair still being in perfect condition, straighten her clothing, and make sure her personal perfume is just enough and not too much. After that she pulls out a small, leather-bound notepad and makes a few notes on possible goods to purchase or sell here, based on what she saw amongst the people outside.

Once about 20 minutes have passed she sighs softly, tucks away her tools, and straightens. A moment to resume her Hetaera 'face'... and she steps gracefully out of the room, her delicate bells chiming harmoniously. She smiles at Chanticleer, murmuring, "Shall we return?"

Chanticleer has been waiting patiently outside Suraksha's door, alert and aware; he takes hospitality, no matter what he thinks of RoiRoy, very seriously. So he is present outside Suraksha's door when it opens, and he smiles and inclines his head. "If you wish it," he says, then adds carefully, "I've been informed I am to escort you to Roy's apartments, where he has a small, private dining room." Inwardly, he wouldn't blame her for simply leaving at that point; he isn't sure how long she has known Roy, but he's fairly certain it is an impropriety to take dinner with someone other than one's lover in one's private apartments, even for business. That is what the salon or parlor is for -- after dinner, that is, at least if he recalls human customs at all. Further, her offer, the more he (tries not to) think about it, is increasingly attractive. But of course he needs to know more about a potential employer. "Have you been running caravans long?"

Suraksha nods at Chanticleer's report, unsurprised. Roy has been trying to persuade her to his bed for free, for the last three visits she's been here. She suspects the main reason he's not resorted to more... forceful means of enticement is because he does not wish to be blacklisted by all Hetaera and associated ladies and gentlemen. She follows the tall sidhe through the halls as she answers Chanticleer's query with a soft, "Quite some time now, yes."

Chanticleer nods, every so often casting a glance up into the rafters of the hallway, just in case. "If I may ask, how far does your route take you?"

Suraksha says, "I run one of the few cross-continent caravans, actually." She dimples as she smiles at the tall sidhe's glancing upwards so often, "What do you search for up there, if I may ask?"

"Hunters seldom look up," Chanti comments quietly. "It is my duty to protect you and keep you from harm. While -- to judge by your aura -- you are eminently capable of defending yourself fiercely, were you to be so much as touched in an attack it would be virtually unforgivable." He flashes her a smile. "And as I said, for as long as I am employed by Roy, I do take the job seriously."

The private dining room to which Chanticleer escorts Suraksha is dark-paneled and lushly carpeted. In a colder climate, the king might have had heavy tapestries on the walls. This being Baton Rouge, they're hung with gauzy fabrics instead, giving the room a soft, intimate feel � and coincidentally making it quite difficult for insects to get in and disturb the king and any companions he might have at table. The table itself is small compared to the public dining room, seating only six people at maximum. Right now only Roy's place at the head of it and another at his right hand are set. The dishes are delicate Pre-Disaster china and the glassware is all hand-blown crystal glass of the finest caliber.

His Majesty is not currently present in the room. There are a pair of musicians present, however, one playing a saxophone and the other strumming a guitar. The music is dreamy, soft and jazzy. On the table is a carafe of deeply red wine. Across Suraksha's plate are laid two flowers: a coral rose and a delicate orange day lily. The musicians don't look up from their music as the bodyguard brings the lady in.

Suraksha studies the sincere face of the sidhe for a moment, then smiles with pleasure. She would really like this young man on her caravan! She sighs, patting his arm lightly as she whispers for just his slightly pointed ears, "Dear boy, you are wasted here!" As they enter the room she looks around with pleasure -- this is nice! She chuckles at the flowers and wonders who is training Roy in being charming; this certainly doesn't seem his usual style. Strolling about the room, she hums softly along with the music, and when she passes near the two musicians she can't resist a swirling dance step or three.

Chanticleer hides his pleasure at Suraksha's praise, and decides that as soon as he is dismissed he will find his contract -- if, he realizes, it's even legible, let alone actually written down. As he escorts Suraksha in he is mildly comforted by the presence of musicians; it's not likely Roy will be unseemly in front of them. He hopes. The flowers on Suraksha's plate, though, chase off his relief. The symbolic flowers for "desire" and "flirtatiousness" were often seen in both the obvious and surreptitious affairs in his liege's court. It's painfully, painfully obvious RoiRoy is viewing this tete-a-tete as more than just a business meeting. 'Scandalous' isn't the word Chanti would use, as used as he is to courtly fey behavior; a better word would be 'inappropriate,' or even 'unsubtle.' It is, he decides, about as subtle as using a trebuchet to deliver the message that it's been a few days since we last spoke and I hope you are well?

King Roy comes in after Suraksha has had a few minutes to look the room over. He has changed his clothing, though he's still wearing the same boots as earlier. Black slacks have replaced the jeans and a pleated-front tuxedo shirt with French cuffs has replaced the softer-shaped poet shirt from earlier. He's also wearing the vest part of the tux, but not the jacket. Jackets are not something His Majesty often wears. Privately it's whispered that's because he's rather vain of his admittedly broad shoulders. Suraksha has her eyes closed and is swaying gracefully, lost in the pleasure of slow dancing... but the change in air pressure in the room causes her to glance over her shoulder a few heartbeats later. She smiles, swirling around once more before she stops dancing, and chuckles, "Lovely room, lovely music, lovely food... Roy, who designed this arrangement for you? Exquisite taste, I must say!"

Roy strides across the room, laughing and with a charming smile on his face. His voice is teasing as he says, "Are you saying, Sulochana, that you think I could not have arranged all of this myself?" He moves to take her hand so he can kiss her knuckles.

Suraksha lets her dimples show as she smiles at the tall man, courteously extending her hand. Her murmur is just this side of teasing, "A king, taking the time to arrange such a sumptuous welcome for me? You flatter me, sir � pausing so in your busy schedule!" On previous visits the room has been the same as it is now, true, but always with more people and music, and less candlelight -- and never before has she had such a clear and sweet-scented message laid across her place setting. This is definitely not his usual style, she knows. She eyes his chakras with mild curiosity, wondering if he'll fib and claim the entire set-up as his own.

Chanticleer discreetly (but noticeably) positions himself by the door. He inwardly laughs at Sulochana's verbal barb that naturally went over Roy's head. She would be the toast of any court, between her aura, her beauty, and her wit. Even (he allows himself a moment of bittersweet remembrance � but only a moment) that of his own former liege, who valued wit as much as martial prowess in the times of peace. Which, at least in part, lost him his fief. Roy laughs and kisses her hand again. "I admit to the assistance of one of the ladies of my court in the choice of flowers." He offers his elbow to Suraksha, "I hope you are not disappointed by the lack of dinner company."

Suraksha smiles relaxedly, tucking her hand into the crook of his arm as she follows him toward the table, "Goodness no! More concerned that I not bore you, surely?" Her eyes twinkle just a little bit at that.

Roy drawls, "I cannot begin to tell you how unlikely that is, lady." He catches sight of Chanticleer and cuts his eyes toward the door. It's a subtle cue. To Suraksha he says, "Do you have a schedule you need to keep, lovely? I know your cargo is sometimes sensitive."

Suraksha taps one delicate fingertip against her lower lip as she thinks for a moment... then she smiles, "We'd thought to spend a few days here in order to sell some goods, and to add to the faire ambiance in your streets at this time of year. We also wish to stock up for the long drive over the plains, of course. That's it right now; our schedule is the usual, really." She smiles, adding, "Shall we discuss it further over dinner?"

Outside the city, the caravan has circled up and started to settle in for the night. The animals are staked out in the middle of the circle, the wagons acting as a sort of corral for them. Here and there people sit on the tailgates or on camp chairs, mending harness or taking care of little things that are not easy to keep up with while moving.

Roy chuckles and escorts Suraksha to her seat, pulling it out for her, "So, you can linger over the excellent meal. That's good." He reaches forward and pours her a glass of the wine, "I'm certainly in no rush to see you go."

Chanticleer racks his brain, but can't think of an excuse why he could stay. He can't -- he can't even make up rumors of an impending attack -- and a direct order like that is hard to ignore. He inclines his head to Roi and slips out the door. He knows Sulochana can handle herself well, which is more than he can say for Roy, but he's more concerned about Roy at least maintaining the image of propriety. He inwardly sighs, as he takes up a position outside the door. Suraksha smiles up at the taller man as she neatly tucks her sari under herself and settles in the chair. She can't help an internal giggle at the charming young sidhe's expression when Roy isn't watching, but she's not so rude as to draw attention to him.

Roy slides the chair forward before moving to take his own seat. He rings a small bell and the first course is brought in. The self-styled king is charming when he wants to be, and he apparently wants to be tonight. The first course consists of clams on the half-shell, so fresh as to have a tantalizing smell of the sea about them. After they've had their soup course (an exquisite crayfish bisque), Roy says, "I hope I can persuade you to stay the night in the palace, darlin'. The trip down to the crossin' is none too safe at night."

Suraksha eats neatly and delicately, without any additional sensuality or teasing; she knows she doesn't need any at this point. She chuckles relaxedly at his comment, murmuring, "Gracious, I find that hard to believe, considering how much I've heard of how well you rule, Roy." She has a sip of the wine, then smiles as she swirls the rich beverage slowly in the beautiful glass, admiring its color in the candlelight. Her voice is gently amused as she adds, "I suspect you flatter me once more with your kind concern! But let us finish our business before we relax and simply enjoy the evening, please. I would not wish to be distracted with vague thoughts of errands left undone."

Roy laughs, "Perhaps I am bein' just a little self-servin' in my suggestion, but who could blame me with such a lovely dinner companion?" He's sipping his own wine, "Shall we negotiate, then? How big is your caravan by now? Two dozen? Three?" Despite his obvious desire for her, and his flirtation, Roy doesn't let Suraksha get too much over on him. He is perhaps a little more generous with her than he might be with someone less lovely. By the time dessert is being served they have settled a price for the crossing and for the part of the supplies the caravan will need before they can move on. "You know, darlin', I could make that price a lot lower with the right sort of persuadin'..." He gives her his most roguish smile � the sort that is guaranteed to liquefy the knees of most folk given to finding males attractive.

Suraksha negotiates the same way she has eaten and entertained tonight so far: with flair, grace, and elegantly relaxed style. She clearly enjoys this part of the evening's entertainment. At Roy's suggestion, however, she simply chuckles, lazily turning the wine glass between delicate fingers, "Dear Roy. Surely you know a night spent in the arms of a Hetaera is worth far more than a river crossing?" Her smile is almost melancholy, "Even for an entire caravan." She has seen this sort of behavior before. She's enjoyed the night so far, and she's a bit wistful -- because now is when the velvet gloves usually come off and show the iron fist. She wishes idly there were some way to encourage men to not be ruled by their... hm. Well, then again, it is good for business.

Roy chuckles and says, "Dear Sulochana, I know that your people mean a lot to you and so does your life of travel. Surely we can come to some... mutually satisfactory arrangement? You do have to cross this river rather often in your business. What say I throw in an escort? Make sure nothin' untoward happens to you and yours. I pride myself on the safety of my people, but even a very good king can't keep every brigand at bay," � and there is the hint of iron.

Suraksha brightens at that, deliberately turning his intent, "Ooh, brigands? Do you have a bounty on them?" She smiles as she adds, "Personally mutually satisfactory arrangements would be fine, Roy, but I'm sure you understand that the caravan's business is kept strictly separate from my personal assignations. Would you like to discuss that, now we've settled the caravan's needs?"

There's the barest moment of annoyance on his face, only to be smoothed away again, "And here I thought the caravan was your personal business." He finishes his glass of wine and says, "I think perhaps you need to think on this a little further." The bell is rung again, but instead of the maid that's been serving them, two of his liveried bodyguards come in, "Please, stay the night and think it over." He pushes himself back from the table, "See the lady to the quarters we spoke about."

Suraksha sighs softly as she sets the wine glass down. "Oh, Roy. I was so enjoying the night so far. Must you do this, when a little patience would mean we could remain friends and continue doing business together?"

Roy chuckles, "I was enjoyin' myself, too � and I don't want anyone hurt or even ruffled up. But I really must insist on you stayin' the night. In your own room, of course. I wouldn' think o' forcin' myself on such a one as you." The King goes on, "You'll be free to go in the mornin'. But it really is safer inside the walls than out."

Suraksha tilts her head thoughtfully, "But I need to return to my caravan and let them know they must prepare for the carnaval tomorrow. I would much appreciate your sending your guards along with me, if you are that concerned for my safety." There's no flattery or teasing in her calm voice; she's letting Roy either improve or permanently destroy his chances of a night with her through his own decisions.

Roy strokes his chin and says, "Of course, darlin'. But I'd take it as a personal favor if you'd return after you've let them know that."

Suraksha's smile is a little sad, "I am ordinarily far more tractable when treated as a peer and partner rather than as a toy. May I ask why you wish this, if you truly mean what you've said so far?" She is too polite to directly ask if he intends to attack either her or the caravan.

Roy considers that carefully and says, "In truth? Because, even more than your safety, I enjoy the idea of your presence under my roof. It would honor me if you'd stay as my guest for the night."

Suraksha can tell his sacral (sexual) chakra is certainly quite bright, as is his will chakra. But she gets no sense of actual menace from him at the moment. She smiles as she rises, "Very well. I do not know if this will assist you with a bet, or whether it is a point of pride, or something else entirely -- but regardless, as you may have noticed, I prefer straightforward honesty." She nods graciously to him, "My compliments to the cook, and thank you for a truly excellent evening. I shall return." She studies the two bodyguards, then grins almost impishly, "I have never been bodyguarded by a sidhe knight before. Is that new man of yours available to escort me?"

Roy arches a brow and chuckles, "The cock-o-the-walk? I'm certain he is." He turns to one of the bodyguards already present, "Go find Chanticleer. The lady seems to crave his company." Chanticleer, of course, can't hear any of this. If he had, he would be considering leaving Roy's service with slightly less notice than would be normally seemly. Instead, he is still attentively outside the door.

Suraksha smiles and shakes her head, "Roy, be kind. He's interesting and exotic. He's not the king."

Roy's brows go up, "I wasn't tryin' to be unkind, Sulochana. Surely you know the story o' Chanticleer? I was simply makin' a reference to it." He stands himself and moves to take Suraksha's hand and kiss it again, "He'll keep you quite safe."

Suraksha smiles at Roy as he bends over her hand again, "I meant your comment regarding my craving of his company. Please don't think of the poor boy as a rival, dear -- you should know better than that."

The king chuckles and says, "Oh, I don't think of him as a rival, lovely. I assure you o' that." One of the bodyguards goes to the main door and opens it, seeming surprised to find Chanticleer right there. It's the little hairy creature from earlier. He grunts, "King wantsya."

Suraksha nods approvingly, using her free hand to pat the hand still holding hers, "Good, I'm glad to hear you're not the insecure type." She smiles at him one last time, then turns to the three bodyguards, looking them all over thoughtfully. She debates internally on which of the other two to ask for... then decides to let Roy decide.

Chanticleer straightens and arches a brow at the bodyguard curiously, wondering when that one got in there, and how. More importantly: why. He steps inside, hands folded behind his back, and is even more surprised to see another of the bodyguards there. Had something happened? Suraksha glances at the sidhe and smiles, "Excellent. Shall we depart, then?"

Roy squeezes Suraksha's hand and says, "Chanticleer, the lady has asked for your company on her trip to caravan and back. I want you and..." He considers, looking over the other two bodyguards before nodding to the one that summoned Chanti, "Alg to make sure she makes it back here safe and sound. Alg'll show you her quarters for the night."

Suraksha looks interested, "Actually, I'd be interested in seeing those before I departed too!" She smiles at Alg, "Lead the way, if you please?"

Chanticleer nods solemnly, which should be indication enough that he understands. Inwardly he's quite pleased, as it will give him a chance to look at the caravan before leaving Roy's service, if he decides to do that. But he's also still confused. [What had Roy been planning? There, back, dinner... two other bodyguards here... gah! Humans!] he thinks for not the first time.

Roy smirks slightly, realizing how little she trusts him, "O' course." He inclines his head, "Stay safe, darlin'. Alg, go ahead and show her her quarters." With that the king and the spare bodyguard depart.

Suraksha smiles amusedly and shakes her head slightly, but doesn't call Roy back. She's faintly disappointed; she'd actually thought to check the amenities, and whether she needed to bring anything back with her. Still, if Roy is truly being honest with her, she can tease him about it later, and hopefully cheer him up a bit. She really would prefer to maintain a good friendship with the man who controls the main crossing of the great river through the middle of the continent. Suraksha grins as she admits to herself: there was a little bit of distrust too, if she's being honest with herself!

Alg grunts and motions for them to follow him. It's not far. The room Suraksha is being offered for the night is literally across the hall. It's an interior room, so there are no windows, but it still contrives to be spacious and airy. The bed is large and covered with both a feather bed and a lofty down comforter. There is a tub here as well, though it is not full, and a capacious vanity. In one corner is a small table with two delicate white iron chairs -- the sort where a lady might take a small meal with an intimate friend.

Chanticleer follows along behind, since the laconic Alg was instructed to show the lady to her chambers, though now his paranoia has been ratcheted up a notch. He's not only concerned about an attack on one of Roy's guests, he's also concerned about an attack on them by Roy. He wouldn't really put it past the self-centered man, if Roy thought Suraksha wouldn't be coming back straightaway from the caravan, to send a squad of livery to "escort" her back.

Suraksha checks the room thoughtfully, then smiles. Close, but Roy really should have checked with his lady friend on what to put in here. She turns to Alg, "Alg, could you ask someone to please have a nice folding screen of some sort moved in here by the time we return? Hmm... also some towels and washcloths; I'll bring my own toiletries." She brushes her finger against her lower lip again as she thinks, then adds, "Also a nice large mirror, please." She smiles dazzlingly at the bodyguard, adding, "I can wait in the courtyard with Chanticleer for you." She studies the door thoughtfully; is it lockable?

Alg's prominent brows draw together and he says, "Wun't told to." He seems the sort that has a hard time assimilating complex ideas like "hospitality." The door is indeed lockable, but it's the old fashioned sort of lock that requires a key from either side.

Suraksha smiles gently at the bodyguard, "Then perhaps you should check with your master, yes?"

Chanticleer thinks it's times like these that he really wishes Roy would hire other bodyguards with some sense of decorum and politesse. Alg seems unsure of himself, but then he turns to Chanticleer and says, "You stay. Wait. Watch her. Be back." He clinks out and across the hall to His Majesty's private apartments, leaving the sidhe and the lady alone.

Suraksha smiles up at the sidhe, "Excellent. Shall we await him in the front courtyard, as I said we would?"

Chanticleer shakes his head imperceptibly, or rather mostly imperceptibly. "It will stymie the poor fellow," he says, "but you did say we would meet him in the front courtyard. I will be certain to let any guards we meet know that we'll be in the front courtyard."

Suraksha grins mischievously, "Aren't you the proper young man?" She chuckles, swaying relaxedly down the hallway as she adds teasingly, "Such a charmer!"

Chanticleer says cheerfully and wryly, as he heads down the hall with Suraksha, "If I wasn't proper, I'd have never been allowed my spurs."

Suraksha chuckles quietly, "Really now. I must have mis-heard some of the stories of sidhe courts then." She hums quietly to herself, rather pleased with how things are going so far. If she can continue to persuade Roy to treat her with courtesy, perhaps a longstanding relationship can indeed be built between them. That would be excellent for both her and the caravan's well-being. She'll have to fill in her companions quietly, while prepping to return and away from the bodyguards, but this should work out all right -- again, if Roy keeps his word.

It doesn't take long for Chanticleer to find some patrolling guards and let them know to steer Alg out toward the courtyard. Suraksha steps out into the front courtyard and waves to her large companion, patiently waiting next to her sleepy-eyed camel. "Hello, Ohkwa! Roy's sending two bodyguards back with me, to make sure we're safe on the trip back to the caravan. He's asked nicely for me to spend the night here, even though it's not business, so I think I shall do so. We have to wait a bit for the remaining bodyguard, though." She settles on the kneeling camel's saddle, swinging her legs a bit and patting him.

Chanticleer says, "Well, there are sidhe, and then there are sidhe." He does cast the occasional glance over his shoulder. "Some come to take pleasure and enjoyment in song and dance and love-making to one degree or another. Some come to take pleasure in intrigue and plot -- rather more their loss, in my opinion, but there you go. And of course what liege worth his salt would not have knights on retainer."

Suraksha grins up at the young sidhe -- she thinks he's cute! She adds politely, "Ohkwari, this is Chanticleer, a sidhe knight in King Roy's service. Chanti, this is Ohkwari, my packmaster."

Ohkwari looks Chanticleer over consideringly, then turns to Suraksha, "You wanna come back?" Implicit in the question is the offer to make sure she doesn�t have to.

Suraksha smiles relaxedly and nods, "It is my decision, old friend. Do not worry."

Chanticleer inclines his head politely to Ohkwari. "Sir," he says in greeting. At Ohkwari's question he asks himself the same thing -- though whether in relation to Suraksha or himself, or both, he's not sure.

Suraksha grins up at Chanti again as she adds, "I'm thinking this one might be interested in seeing the caravan, however, while I pack a few toiletries." She adds softly, "Not the other one though, Ohkwari."

Ohkwari nods and looks back to Chanticleer, "Happy to show you 'round, then."

Chanticleer looks interested, and says, "Please, I'd appreciate that!"

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Last modified: 2010-Aug-28 20:29:49

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