| Logs |
2010 December 22
| Neverneverwhere |
| Realms |
Retired
| Reality Fault |
General Info
 |
| Realms: Taps Logs |
Carnaval!
The next morning Roy stays abed late. Sulochana is happy to sleep in with Roy; she's had a hectic 48 hours. Even though she wasn't damaged at all, she's needed several extraordinary uses of her energy in order to stay in good condition and to keep friends safe. She smiles relaxedly when she discovers how much Roy likes snuggling her up against him with an arm wrapped around her, and sort of tucking her under his chin. She finds it very comfortable as well, and when she sleepily eyes his chakras she gets the feeling cuddling her so makes him feel rather strong and protective. She can live with that!
Chanticleer has one more day in Roy's service; he promised he would remain until the caravan leaves, and he intends to remain true to his word. Besides, there's the question of the assassins who tried to strike last night. He is awake relatively early, not in an ebullient mood, but not in a foul mood either. The horrors of what they found in the warehouse, mixed with the assassins, has put him off-kilter and a little jumpy. Still, he is glad they're all arrested. Chanticleer remains available to Sulochana throughout the day; Roy did say she should have a bodyguard, and the sidhe is the logical choice for it. He dresses in livery and places himself near where Sulochana is -- since she's in Roy's chambers, he remains outside for the time being.
Later Sulochana rises and cleans up, and the king promises she will see him at the carnival that day. The Hetaera gives him a kiss, then goes to check in with Gramma Marcie at the infirmary again, since she also wants to see how Alg is doing. The goblin is still there, but doing much better and making the nurses' morning hectic, since they won't release him until Pierce gives the OK.
'Chana sits and gives Alg his ear mite medication, then gently rubs Alg's ears and quietly gives the sidhe woman the full story on what happened the previous night. Sna'tha, in her Gramma Marcie guise, is Not Happy with the situation of the night before. But as it now means Suraksha and Chanti are safe and able to leave when they wish, as well as forging some good trade alliances, she is willing to forgive it. Sura wryly agrees with Sna'tha; she's not happy about what happened either!
'Chana also checks with Alg: Would he like to stay here or leave with the caravan? Either is acceptable, as 'Chana has cleared both with the king. Pierce shows up not long after Suraksha and gives Alg the all-clear. There are some simple instructions on cleaning the wound that everyone knows will be no problem with their healer. Sura thanks Pierce, and asks about both his butterflies, and the prisoners of the previous night -- what will happen to the crazy man and his accomplices? Pierce says, in his dry way, both are going to remain safely locked up for the time being. For the conspirators, there will be a trial. "I can't guarantee speedy, but there will be a trial."
'Chana nods quietly, "All right, thank you." She hesitates, then checks with the chirugeon -- who does he think might be responsible for the voudon attack on Roy?
Pierce says, "I wish I could say. I agree it is not the one who calls herself a voodoo queen. She's little more than a parlor magician. But there are some people outside the city limits that are dangerous."
'Chana sighs softly and shakes her head, "Well, I wish him the best in rooting out this person. They seem rather... sneaky, and he doesn't give the impression of someone who thinks well that way, you know?"
Pierce nods, "We will be rooting out a lot of things in the wake of these few days, actually. I'm going to have my hands full keeping Roy in the city and out of the swamps."
'Chana gives a startled laugh, then grins confusedly, "Out... of the swamps? Er... is this a common issue with him?"
Pierce smiles, "In the past. Now it is because the real culprit is likely out there. He does not take well to people plotting against him, and he is very hands-on."
Sulochana giggles in spite of herself at that image... then she smiles relaxedly up at Pierce, "Funny... did you know it's partly because of you that I stayed, last night? I figured someone as... as righteous in the old sense -- as decent and stalwart a person -- that you wouldn't still be hanging around someone like Roy, unless he really had depths he wasn't showing me while he wasn't trusting me." She dimples cheerfully at the chirugeon, adding, "So in the future he'll know who to blame, mmm?" She happily adds to Gramma Marcie and Chanti, "After this I was thinking of visiting the carnival. Want to come along? After we get Alg all safely settled, that is."
Pierce smiles at Sulochana's comment and says, "He is much like quicksand in that way. He does at least look shallow. Now, ladies and gentleman, I must take my leave." Once he's gone, Alg is quite ready to go to the caravan. In fact, he says, "Stupid armor! No more!" and attempts to do a goblinish little dance.
Sulochana laughs aloud at that, giving the goblin a quick hug, "No armor, no -- not unless you want, Alg. But please, promise me you'll rest and sleep a lot today, all right? I want to see you get healthy right away." Alg snorts but agrees. Once all of his things (which fit into a small leather knapsack) are gathered up, the party sets out for the caravan grounds.
The guards at the doors and at the gate greet Chanticleer and some of them wish him well, since they won't see him again. Chanticleer says fond farewells to the guards who wish him well; he is pretty certain that, other than dropping his armor off, he probably won't see many of them. He thanks in particular the ones who helped arrest the assassins the night before. Those few that are awake from the night before are actually cheerful about it. It seems most of them are excited to have a new story to tell; court can get deathly boring.
John D'Amato is one of the ones at the front gate and he greets them all respectfully before passing them on. Sulochana pauses to offer a hand to John D'Amato, smiling and thanking him again for his courtesy -- despite her initial nervousness with him the previous night. John laughs and says, "Well, it was my job to make you nervous. I apologize for having to do so."
'Chana grins up at him and murmurs, "Feel free to announce you're good at your job, then... but I do hope we shan't have to repeat that experience!" After she says her goodbyes she heads off to the caravan first, to make sure Alg is carefully tucked in and Suze has his medications, to drop her bag off and let Gramma Marcie have a break, and to hand off the patient llama to Del's capable care. Once that's done 'Chana cleans up and changes clothes into something more comfortable for wandering about during a carnival -- although still attractive, since Roy may meet up with her there -- then heads cheerfully back towards the city with the rest of the caravaneers who've not yet had a break to visit the festival. She enjoys introducing Chanti to everyone as well, so he'll feel comfortable with his new home.
Suraksha waits until they're back in Baton Rouge to ask Chanticleer to guide her to either Froid Jacques' place, or Elmore's office -- whichever is closer. On the way there she murmurs quietly to the sidhe, "So, do you think it's the voodoo queen behind these attacks?"
Chanticleer makes a quiet sound. "I'm not sure. I don't know enough about her, I'm afraid. If Jack-o'-Frost says she's bad news, I would go with what he says, though." He looks around. "I think we're closest to Elmore's at the moment. That one first, then?"
Suraksha nods thoughtfully, "Well... he doesn't, is the thing. But if it's not her, nor Droog, and there's no one else in the city... I guess I find myself wondering why anyone in the swamps would care that much, you know?" She smiles and nods again, "Elmore is fine; I just want to do some business with him, so it shouldn't take more than an hour or so." She grins as she adds, "I was hoping to stop by and say hello to Froid Jacques and his lovely python, as well. He did give the impression it would be all right for me to do so.
Chanticleer says, "Mm. Well, Roy came from the swamps. His parents are old Cajun folk. He was raised in the bayou for a good ten years before he even set foot in Baton Rouge. I imagine Roy is thinking that what he did, someone else is thinking of doing... only a lot bloodier."
Suraksha raises a curious eyebrow at the sidhe's comment, "What exactly did he do, then?"
Chanticleer smiles a bit. "Well... the stories go that he came out of nowhere with an army of mercenaries and misfits at his back, to claim the city from the previous corrupt regime. His enemies say he did nothing more than invade the city one night and kill the aforementioned rulers in a bid for power. The truth is probably somewhere in between, but Roy is not a bloodthirsty man -- I would lean towards the former more than the latter." Suraksha nods thoughtfully, her sharp-eyed, golden gaze taking in the signs of peace and prosperity in the city. As a trader she's quite attentive to potential trouble in the places they visit, as are all her people, really. She wonders if there'll be anything to report to Roy after the carnival today... if the people really are happy, then likely not.
The business with Elmore does take a little over an hour. He is delighted to find such exotic transportation for his silk and is very nearly in a dither to get contracts signed. He haggles a little more closely when asking about her services as a Hetaera. Sulochana regretfully notes she is departing the city tomorrow at dawn, and after the excitement of last night... she needs a day to relax! However, there is the possibility of him petitioning her upon her return in two or three months, if he'd like. Elmore agrees to be patient, and seems disappointed he must wait. He doesn't seem the sort to be patient happily.
Suraksha thanks the silk merchant politely before they depart. She arranges for a note to be sent to the caravan, so the silk can be suitably transported in time. After that she turns to Chanticleer, picking up the conversation again, "What was the former regime like, then?"
Chanticleer says, "It was a bit before my time, but from what I understand it wasn't merely corrupt. It was a hereditary dynasty -- descendants of ten soldiers of fortune who came to Baton Rouge and took over. By the time Roy came out of the bayou with his swamp rats, the dynasty had grown to a good score of people who were more or less bleeding the city dry. They gave enough of their largesse to others so that they were secure, and gave bread and circuses to the people to keep an uprising from happening."
The carnival is the best sort. It is a swirl of color and noise and people -- music and barkers and performers mingling with brightly dressed townsfolk and less brightly dressed folk that came in from the countryside for the celebration. Suraksha laughs and joyously joins in the celebrating, when the street fair swirls near them -- she wasn't joking about needing a relaxation break!
The small woman ruffles the hair of the adorable and brilliantly dressed children of the performers, and keeps a wary and amused eye on those who are not of her caravan. She also cheerfully relieves one of them of the purse he was about to dart off with, "Ah-ah-ah! That's not just a guard, but also a friend of mine you're trying to take from!" The boy who tried to lift the pouch scowls and slides into the crowd again, muttering about strange carnies. Suraksha chuckles at that, calling quietly after him, "Beware guards anyways, child!" She grins and gives Chanticleer his pouch again, "Here you go! Keep your hand on it, or tuck it into your shirt, maybe?"
Chanticleer rolls his eyes. "Normally I do," he says wryly, tucking it away.
Suraksha laughs and gives Chanti a quick, one-armed hug -- she doesn't want to press the metal against him if she can help it. "Don't feel bad! The only reason I learned to do that is because Mama Minta's kids taught me to -- by swiping everything I was carrying as they passed, until I learned to be more alert!" She grins fondly as a small passel of children scamper by, waving and calling out greetings to her, and adds, "They were nice -- they gave it all back, minus one small coin for every item they were able to lift. We agreed that was fair."
Suraksha is wandering happily along with the sidhe a short while later, sharing a local and deliciously spiced delicacy euphemistically referred to as 'rat on a stick,' as she murmurs, "Glad to hear Roy cleaned out the past parasitical rulers, then. So, Chanti, shall we try visiting Froid Jacques too, or is he likely to be wandering the carnival?" She glances around curiously, adding, "No Roy yet. Wonder what's up with him?"
Chanticleer looks around. "Jack-o'-Frost? He seems to enjoy carnivals, and not to creep people out. He's said there's a lot of energy he enjoys experiencing here. So he should be here, actually?"
As they walk, one of the aforementioned Sokoloffs slithers by and makes a playful and clumsy attempt to lift 'Chana's purse. She's in her late teens in human years and has neatly-braided blonde hair and dancing dark eyes. The grin she flashes Chanticleer is inviting and curious. She murmurs to Sulochana that there is a man with several large snakes the next alley over. Suraksha grins wickedly at the young woman, "Ilyana, in front of a guard?! Tsk!" She chuckles, introducing Chanticleer, and thanks the young woman for the news -- she'd been looking for him!
Chanticleer greets Ilyana pleasantly; it's a new experience for him, to be condoning -- tacitly -- pickpockets. It's not that he's had an especial dislike for them in the past; he simply saw preventing them as being a part of his job. Which is soon to end. Still, it's a little on the gray side since he's still technically a guard... Ilyana's grin flashes at Chanticleer again and she says to Sulochana, "Oh, I'm not really dipping. I just wanted to see if you remembered how to watch yourself." With that and a laugh, she's back off into the crowd.
Suraksha laughs and waves as Ilyana heads off, then nearly skips around the corner to visit the man with snakes. It is indeed Jack-o-Frost; the snakes are curled around and over his shoulders and arms, his biggest python coiled around his waist and half into a large bag slung across his torso. He is talking quietly with some of the people moving about in the street, not performing. Sulochana brightens happily, moving over and waiting until he's not busy with anyone else. "Ooh! You have lots of lovely friends, Froid Jacques! Do any of them like being stroked?"
Froid Jacques smirks a little and shifts his arm so a laconic looking smaller python can nose his way out to sniff at Suraksha and Chanti with its tongue. "Many of my friends enjoy a soft hand from time to time. Who can blame them?" The bright teeth that flash in the smile are normal and human. He does look a little less hale than when they first met him, but he moves easily enough.
Chanticleer is calm and at ease with Froid Jacques' snakes. In fact, he feels quite well-protected from the weirdness of the previous day. Suraksha happily croons, "Well, hello there, lovely boy!" as she reaches out slender fingers, offering the snake both a place to taste, and a potential perch if he wishes.
The big python raises up his blunt-nosed head, swaying as he tips his head in an almost birdlike fashion to look at the two people from the night before. The other, smaller python, slithers over to explore Sulochana. Froid Jacques says, "I hear there was more nonsense with Roy last night. Another attempt to dead him. I am glad it did not work."
Suraksha smiles and politely greets the big python, then nods gravely to the voudon priest as she carefully angles her arm so the smaller python can slither smoothly on over, "Yes, it was someone named Renoir Laurent. Poor man. I don't think he's completely in his right head, you know?" Curiously she adds, "Have you any idea who it is who was the puppet -master on the attempt by Droog?"
Froid Jacques blinks slowly and says, "Renoir Laurent. Yes, he is a poor man. Crazy for many years. He used to be an adherent of the voodoo queen, but they had a falling out. It has been a year or more since they parted ways."
Chanticleer doesn't have much to do at the moment, but considering the excitement of the prior evening, he's fine with that. He's listening and picking up what he can from the conversation with Froid Jacques. He's also watching Suraksha's back, but when Jacques mentioned a link between Laurent and the voodoo queen, his ears perk up visibly. "Laurent was with the voodoo queen?" he asks curiously.
Suraksha nods absently to Froid Jacques -- currently she's got a medium sized python draping himself comfortably about her shoulders. She's busily crooning to the lovely serpent, stroking along the smooth, brilliant scales. She looks vaguely like some of the old paintings of Lilith, with her shining mane of night-dark hair falling down her back and her clear affection for the snake. The python is exploring into Suraksha's hair as they chat with the houngan. People are, without realizing it, avoiding the snake-draped trio completely. Froid Jacques nods to Chanticleer, "But not for a year or more. He was too crazy and wanted to learn how to do dark things before learning how to do light ones." He shrugs carefully, "It is important to know the dark things, but he is not one that should. His mind is not clear. Nor his heart."
Suraksha laughs as she tilts her head back for the snake to have looser hair to nuzzle through, but at Jacques' comment she murmurs dryly, "Indeed not! So... could she be the puppet-master?"
Chanticleer puts that together mentally. "Almost as importantly, what reasons or motivations would she have?"
Froid Jacques says, "The voodoo queen? No. I think not. Not of Laurent, at least. Their falling-out was because she was unable to raise a zombi for him."
Suraksha gives the voudon priest a wry smile, "His cousin? Yuck! Glad to hear she couldn't -- that'd be a horrible thing to do to the poor woman." She nods thoughtfully to Chanticleer, continuing to stroke the python as he slowly coils around and through her hair, "That's an excellent point, Chanti: who wishes so ill to Roy?"
Jack-o'-Frost seems a little surprised, "Yes. That was her. I could not understand why he would want to. The woman is little more than bones by now -- if that. Bodies rot powerful fast in the ground here."
Suraksha says slowly to Jacques, "I... I would guess it was because he was infatuated with her, and wished justification of his hatred of Roy?" She adds in explanation, "I asked Roy and Pierce last night why Laurent was so mad."
Chanticleer frowns, trying to think. Laurent's cousin... maybe... "Or Roy courted her and Laurent didn't like it, and when she died he blamed Roy?"
Suraksha smiles at Chanti, "I don't get the feeling Roy courted her. I get the feeling Laurent was jealous of her assisting Roy, and blamed him for her death."
Froid Jacques says, "I would not be surprised if Roy had some sort of... something... with the woman. But he does not seriously court anyone."
Chanticleer makes a disgruntled sound. "Need more information... and I'm not sure we'll get it from Roy or Pierce. Oddly, I think Laurent is the best person to tell us why he's cheesed off at Roy." As if mention of his name has summoned the king, there's a blare of jazz trumpet playing the snatch of music Roy uses for a fanfare, and the king, accompanied by four guards, comes down the street mounted on Hermoso, at an easy walk.
Froid Jacques says, "Probably. Poor Renoir." He smirks at Roy's entrance and murmurs an excuse-me to Sulochana, reaching for the python that's been twining through her hair, "I believe it is time for me to move on. The snakes are becoming restless." It's true; they are a bit agitated.
Suraksha gives Chanticleer a curious glance, "You don't believe Pierce and Roy?" She laughs as she hears the trumpet, turning to see if it's indeed Roy. At sight of the mounted king she grins and waves cheerfully. With the python curling about her torso and through her hair, she looks vaguely like a voudon priestess herself -- albeit an extraordinarily perky one, if so!
Chanticleer shakes his head, "Not that I don't believe them, but they may not know the depth and breadth of Laurent's hatred for Roy."
Suraksha awws, and strokes the python she's holding, handing him back with a smile and sincere compliments to Froid Jacques. She has to work her long, dark hair free of the coils, giggling a bit -- then once Froid Jacques has the python in hand she waves and bids him a happy festival before turning back to Roy. She grins impishly up at the king on the big horse, "So, have you eaten anything that's bad for you yet?"
Roy grins down at her, laughing. There are people swirling around, carefully avoiding the horse and the king as they did the houngan and the snakes, though more consciously, "Not yet. This is my official survey. I'll be back through in a few minutes on foot with a beer in one hand and something decadent in the other. Maybe even something to eat." He glances at Chanticleer and smiles, putting on a loud public voice, "And many thanks t'both a' ya, for helpin' catch the poisoners las' night. The city and its king thank you." He winks again when he's done and clucks his tongue at Hermoso, trotting off to finish his official tour of the carnival. Pierce is not far behind him, but on foot. He's in mufti again, but still moves like a soldier. It is ingrained in him.
Suraksha laughs and waves, stepping out of the way as the king and guards process by. She puts her back against Chanticleer, then turns her interested attention to the townsfolk. She knows what Roy is like; what do his people think of him? By and large the townsfolk seem glad to see him. There are grins and shouts of greeting from some of them that he returns. There's some cheering in his wake, and most people seem happy as he passes by. Some seem indifferent, although there don't seem to be any truly hostile folk in his wake. But then, they may be keeping their heads down. Suraksha watches quietly, smiling and waving as Pierce heads by, but more interested by far in the townsfolk. She leans her head back to murmur softly to Chanticleer, "Hey, can we wander by where some of our caravan folk are entertaining? Want to see how they're doing, please?"
Chanticleer inclines his head to Roy, letting out a silent breath. He knows Roy is a little unhappy Chanti -- and Alg -- are leaving, but Chanti is convincing himself this is the right thing to do. Roy will be fine, as will Baton Rouge. Chanticleer isn't going to find what he needs by being a town guard. He nods to Sulochana, smiling. "Certainly!" He leads Sulochana through the streets done up in bright reds and blues and yellows for the carnival, to where her caravan's entertainers are set up to provide entertainment and amusement for the townsfolk. The small woman stays back out of the way for a bit, watching the crowd again and assessing the town's mood.
The Corbett's folk -- most particularly, the Sokoloffs -- are set up in one of the small, park-like squares in the city. The high-flying bits of the acrobatics are met with gasps and oohs and applause from the rapt crowd. The impish Ilyana and another blonde girl (who is obviously her sister) are performing on thick ropes strung from a pair of tall gantries. The ropes -- heavy ribbons, really -- allow them to almost seem to soar through the air, dancing on air currents. Pippa and Poly are also showing off for tossed coins from the crowd. The two Sokoloff daughters and the Amazons are being gawked at for wildly different reasons, of course: the Amazons because there are so many rumors and stories about the dangerous "crazy nomads," and the Sokoloffs because they are lithe, lovely, and scantily clad.
Suraksha smiles after a while, well pleased at how the crowd 'feels' just now. Looks like it's going to be a good day for both families. She grins and nods to the laconic Ohkwari, where he's casually hanging out in the crowd as back-up if necessary, and gives a cheerful thumbs-up to Papa Sokoloff, when he glances her way from where he's helping work the ropes and making his family look good. Then she glances back at Chanticleer and sighs happily, "Fantastic! Baton Rouge is a good town for us, I think. So, anything else you think we should check out?"
Chanticleer smiles quietly. "I'm glad. It really is a good town, and I hope that there isn't trouble brewing from down south for it." He thinks for a moment. "Nothing that I can think of off the top of my head, except to try and find more about the relationship between Roy, Laurent's cousin, and Laurent himself."
Suraksha tilts her head curiously, "How would you do that?"
Chanticleer shakes his head, "I'm not sure. We may not be able to do that in a day. Hopefully Roy knows what he's doing, though."
Suraksha nods relaxedly, "Well, in that case we've been dutiful caravaneers." She grins impishly, "Time now for us to have some fun, eh?"
There are food stalls and game stalls and exhibits of wares all around. The carnival is part festival, part street-market, and all rowdy. Musics of all kinds seem to blend together as effortlessly as the crowds of people in the streets. Most of the games are legitimate, and there are people wandering the crowds dressed in outrageous clothing just because they can. Suraksha delightedly plays a few of the games for fun, admires the wares, cheerfully greets her fellow caravaneers, and buys Chanti food and drink as well as her own. She grins and thanks him for patiently following her around as she does so.
Suraksha perks up when she hears some bouncy, cheerful music, tracking it down until she sees the players. She laughs delightedly, picking up her skirts and whirling with gay abandon into dance, cheerfully drawing in others as they pause to look, her eyes sparkling and her mischievous grin flashing. She's happy to draw beneficial attention to fellow entertainers -- especially when she gets to dance as well! Hucksters, caravaneers, performers, carnies, and merchants of all sorts are blended together in a strata-less mix. This is possibly the reason no one bats an eye at the king playing ring-toss and drinking hearty local beer with the rest of the punters. Or perhaps it's the fact that Roy, dressed down, could be any other well-to-do, not-too-hard-on-the-eyes man.
Suraksha grins at sight of Roy, but doesn't immediately draw attention to him, simply continuing her light-hearted dancing. Roy gravitates into the circle of people around the dancing and grins as he sees 'Chana. He tosses back the rest of his beer and slides into the dance as well. He's careful not to grab at her, but he does seem to be suddenly there when she slows from a giddy whirl. Suraksha giggles as she sways a bit dizzily, bracing herself for a moment with a small hand on Roy's arm. She beams up at him, her eyes twinkling, "Well, hello there! Fancy meeting like this! Having fun, mmm?"
In the crowd, some of the Sokoloffs are passing the hat, Ilyana amongst them. Chanticleer remains at the sidelines, laughing as he still keeps an eye out. He was known to cut a courtly rug back in the day, but not when on duty. The young woman slips in next to Chanti and grins up at him, "I won't ask you for money, but I am going to pretend to." She holds up the old-fashioned top-hat and makes eyes at him, an impish twinkle around the edges of it, "That way Mama doesn't fuss at me for lingering and saying hello."
Chanti blinks in surprise at Ilyana, then laughs. "And hello to you as well. I'm looking forward to traveling with the Lady's caravan."
Ilyana laughs and her nose wrinkles up cutely, "You're welcome to come eat with us if you like. Buddy makes most of the food, but everyone eats in their own place. It is good to have a home fire." With that she's gone again, taking the hat and its load of coins and baubles with her.
In with the dancers, Roy grins and whirls with Sulochana, laughing. "This beats that party, hands-down. Those damn dresses make it hard to do the really fun stuff on the dance floor!" he hollers over the spirited music. There are jazz influences, Cajun spiciness, and some Rom flavors in the sounds all around them.
Suraksha grins wickedly up at Roy, whirling in the dance with him so her light skirts flare and he occasionally gets a nice flash of cleavage, "Then why not have one?"
Roy laughs and scoops her against his body. He seems so much more at-home here, "'Cause it's a helluva lot more fun to sneak off here fer it!" Suraksha laughs aloud at that, looping her arms about his neck and tossing her head back so he can swirl her around with the dance. Her dark, loose hair flares out, shining in the sunlight. Bare-legged and bare-armed, she too seems very at-home dancing with gay abandon amongst the townsfolk -- although, to be honest, she fit in perfectly at the ball as well.
The carnival lasts all day and on into the night. Roy throws himself into the celebration as if no one has tried to kill him lately, and obviously loves being amongst the people. After dark, when the children have been sent home, some of the costumes become quite a bit more risque, and the more exotic of the dancers come out. There are still food and drink stalls, but some of the stages which were filled with clowns and animal acts are now filled with burlesque and daredevil fire-artists. Sabrina and Little Joe are performing tonight, as are a couple of dancers from the caravan, dressed in exotic silks and tinkling brass coin-belts.
Chanticleer takes a moment before dinner to return to the manse to turn in his livery, though he is still one of Roy's until dawn, as agreed. Still, he does want to get things in order. He doesn't have much; simply the stag he rode in on, his sword, a bedroll, and the traveling clothes on his back. It's enough, though.
Chanti finds a packet on his bunk containing the last of his wages and a letter of recommendation from Roy, in quite glowing terms. The king may not be happy the sidhe is going, but he apparently intends to send Chanti on his way with good wishes. Chanticleer is quite surprised at that. He makes sure the letter of recommendation is tucked away on his person, as is -- after remembering how it was lifted earlier -- his pouch. He brings the stag to the caravan that evening, so there's less hassle when the caravan departs at first light.
When Chanti arrives at the caravan he's greeted by Gramma Marcie and Ilyana and taken to meet Del, who will be helping take care of Chevrefoil. Chanticleer is already feeling somewhat relaxed when he arrives. It was a good turn during his time in Baton Rouge, but he and Roy would have butted heads eventually -- and when one butts heads with royalty, the head wearing the crown usually wins. Still, he hopes Roy's house will remain in order. In all, joining the caravan is rather comforting and welcoming.
Suraksha will gleefully change clothes so she too looks more exotic and risque, and if Roy seems interested in her company she's happy to spend time with him. She may know how to draw a crowd, but he knows all the fun places to go, after all! Roy shows Suraksha all the best shows and feeds her nibblies of all the best food. He tells her in complete seriousness he's just trying to make sure she gets a really good taste of the city, so she'll want to come back for more. The Hetaera has a lovely evening with Roy; she dances, nibbles, flirts, laughs, plays, and generally has a simply wonderful time! She's a bit surprised at how much she enjoys herself, in fact, as well as at how attentive and sweet Roy is.
Late that night, as things are starting to wind down, Roy escorts Sulochana back to her caravan, walking with her to the edge of the circled wagons. He grins down at the dark-haired woman, "You take care o' my people now, y'hear? And tell them t' take care o' you. I'll see ya back here on yer way west, right?"
Suraksha giggles a bit tipsily, putting her hands on his shoulders and standing on tiptoe, face turned up for a kiss, "We'll do our best! Mmm, stay alive for me, okay, pretty man?"
Roy steadies her and leans down, delivering the expected kiss with unexpected gusto. He grins down at her when it's done and says, "Hell, I'll stay alive for me -- will that do?"
Suraksha giggles again, nuzzling against his chest; she's drunk enough that her internal editors are taking the night off, and she's more physically affectionate than usual. She murmurs cheerfully, "Mmmokay, I'll share you with you! ...er, or something like that?" She laughs and hugs him; with her heavy mane of dark hair falling into her face just now she looks unexpectedly wanton. She straightens, pushing her hair back with both hands as she adds, "Mmmaybe I better head on in for the night. You look li'l too tasty just now!" She giggles, blowing him a kiss over her shoulder as she heads in, her hips swaying as she walks. Roy watches her go with a gusty sigh and a long, slow grin... then he slides back into the moving party, whistling jauntily. Both of them consider the night a smashing success.
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