| Logs |
2011 January 22
| Neverneverwhere |
| Realms |
Retired
| Reality Fault |
General Info
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| Realms: Taps Logs |
Save the Last Dance for Me
The king of Baton Rouge has gone to rather a lot of trouble to set up the reception for the king of St. Louis. Houston's recent, rather aggressive encroachments have been less-than-welcome; Roy knows he must get help if he is to protect his city. St. Louis is not exactly a neighbor, but they have an army -- a real one -- as opposed to Roy's corps of guards and city watch. Not that the guards wouldn't do what they could to protect the city, but... the king stops himself going down that road yet again and turns to look into his mirror, smoothing his cravat into place. The visiting monarch will be at the palace soon, as will everyone of note in the city and -- he smiles to think of it -- Suraksha.
Corbett's Caravan has been traveling from St. Louis with the king and his retinue. It's easier to do it that way, hiring the caravan to carry the supplies for the visiting dignitary and his entourage, than to have the St. Louis contingent carry all their own food and so forth. It also means the king can travel with fewer guards.
King Eacharn of St. Louis has spent the time traveling doing his very best to woo Suraksha. He's quite aware of what she is... he thinks. He knows she's a supernatural as well as a renowned Hetaera and he has done the research to know she's been traveling with and leading this caravan for many years now. What he does not get, however, is why. He has not, however, revealed to his caravan escorts the fact that he has recognized Suraksha and Gramma Marcie as Xopuchmata and the dreaded Sna'thaid Mho'r from the Unseelie ball following La Kitsune. He knows how to play his cards close to his chest.
Suraksha has no idea the king of St. Louis was at the now-(in)famous La Kitsune ball -- all she knows is the king needs adroit dodging, because she has no time for him. Running a caravan is already a full time job and a half. Running a caravan with an Extremely Valuable Personage in it means she's just about always mentally at the gallop, juggling two and three issues at a time to make sure her people are happy and healthy, her cargo gets through safely, and her caravan's carefully guarded (and somewhat tiresomely attentive) client comes to no harm. Consequently Suraksha simply makes sure she's always with someone -- Alg, the caravan kids, Chanticleer, Gramma Marcie, the dogs, anyone at all who's willing to help -- and briskly makes sure the king's personal guards always know immediately where he is, whenever he comes wandering over to the caravan's big boat when they dock at night. She's looking forward to seeing Baton Rouge hove into view, though... she misses Roy.
Eacharn is a large man, but not hulking. He's built broad through the shoulders and narrow through the hips in a way that suggests he has done a lot of athletic things in his life. His skin is attractively ruddy and his hair is a deep chestnut brown that he wears pulled back into a neat queue. Dark eyes match the hair and are set wide in a face that is slightly too long of nose and square of jaw to be perfect. Perfect or not, however, he is attractive. Suraksha has more than once, in fact, found herself wondering what Mayor Geraldine thinks of him. She doesn't believe for a second the mayor of Kansas City hasn't made more than one pass at the gentleman! The thought always makes her grin. She giggles as Gramma Marcie asks her one time what that wicked grin is for, "Oh, I was just wondering what the mayor of Kansas City thought of the new king of St. Louis. Are you as sure as I am that she just has to have tried propositioning him?"
Eacharn smiles to himself. Geraldine had indeed propositioned him. He had accepted said proposition and spent rather an enjoyable night with the Mayor of Kansas City. He had then thanked her gallantly and gone back to his city. Geraldine had seemed bemused by the fact that he had not immediately fallen devastatingly in love with her. Eacharn, however, knew he had left a good impression and would have an ally should he need it. The King of St. Louis doesn't approach Suraksha that time, instead just smiling to himself. She must find him at least attractive, he thinks, if she thinks Geraldine would have tried her wiles on him.
Later that same (incredibly busy) day, Suraksha watches carefully as good-natured Cap'n Al's folks dock his riverboat, and her people all safely disembark. With the backup of Chanticleer, Fantine, and Alg she also keeps an eye on the docking of the king's boat -- and breathes a sigh of relief when his second shakes hands with her and agrees the caravan's protection contract for the king is successfully completed. She has to politely decline his invitation, passed on from the king, due to pressing work needs, however. The small woman heads swiftly off with her three companions, already discussing with them what the next necessary steps are for the caravan.
Suraksha is soon swiftly and happily headed for the mansion palace with Fantine and Alg -- Gramma Marcie is keeping track of the caravan financials currently, and everyone else is doing their jobs perfectly; she should stay out of their way. The young woman is bubbly with happiness at getting to see Roy again. She knows she's a little late for the opening of court, but that's all right -- the caravan is nicely settled and about half their Baton Rouge cargo has been delivered already. Things are going simply marvelously!
Eachern is only slightly disappointed with Suraksha's turning down of his invitation; he understands she must care for her livelihood. Besides, he himself must get ready for the reception. The King of St. Louis is just a tidge grumpy, however -- the woman had not behaved a bit like a Hetaera the whole trip! Instead she had consistently persisted in being slightly grubby and completely practical; incredibly... well, human.
The supernatural king was starting to doubt his own conclusions, wondering if he had not possibly mistaken her scent. This makes him quiet and slightly terse during what he would normally have called a wonderful welcoming ceremony. The throne room is filled with courtiers and the city's notables -- including the very creme-de-la-creme of Baton Rouge's rather famous fancy women. Some had already had Roy as a patron, but it couldn't hurt to have a second monarch as a client, even if Eacharn did have a somewhat murky reputation as a pervert. The very rich are often eccentric, after all -- and kings are normally very rich.
Elsewhere, Sulochana heads to her usual room across the hall from Roy's apartments, waving cheerfully at the guards as the three of them trot hastily by. Alg curls up, yawning, on the foot of the bed while Fantine and 'Chana hastily prepare the Hetaera for polite court society. Shortly thereafter Sulochana is in an elegant but simple dress (chosen mostly because it is easy to get quickly into), with her shining dark hair piled up nicely, held in place with jeweled pins and trailing an enticing curl down one almost-bare shoulder. The Hetaera stands and does a slow circle for Fantine's final check and approval -- then, after giving the shyly blushing loogaroo a quick, affectionate thank-you kiss on the cheek, Sulochana heads swiftly out towards the main hall.
The Hetaera pauses outside the wide double doors, taking a moment to smooth down her skirts and catch her breath. She smiles at the footmen, cheerfully declining a formal intro since she can already hear announcements going on within, and slips silently into the room. She sighs happily at sight of Roy up on the dais -- absently she notices the other king is there too -- and starts sliding smoothly towards the front of the room. It's easy for her to weave in silent grace through the courtiers, since she's not really worried about hearing whatever presentation is currently on-going.
In the throne room, Roy is a little nervous. Sulochana has not yet arrived and Eacharn is being... well, Roy wouldn't say sulky, but he might say the King of St. Louis is being less than encouraging. Just as Roy is starting to get really worried, though, he catches sight of his beloved cherie out of the corner of his eye; that relaxes him just a hair. She and her people are safe, at least, and he'll have her warm and reassuring in his arms tonight.
Eacharn has also spotted the lithe, beautiful Hetaera moving through the crowd -- like a sleek and elegant fox slipping through an unwitting, chattering henhouse. She is magnificent! The simple dress serves to make her stand out against the other more made-up and bejeweled women; the sense of her very presence outshines the merely human courtiers without effort. For a moment the supernatural king cannot see how anyone could possibly miss that she is something completely other.
Sulochana is careful not to interrupt the chamberlain's announcements as she places herself where Roy can easily see her. It doesn't occur to her that, in fact, everyone on the dais can see her -- especially since at that moment Roy meets her gaze. She lights up with happiness, beaming at him delightedly as he smiles in spite of himself. Roy can't help beaming back at her.
The pair of them have no idea just how obvious it is to anyone watching closely that they are smitten -- and Eacharn is watching closely. The Hetaera's smile made his heart lurch. It was rapturous and radiant as her face turned up toward him. It was an inviting smile, full of sensual promise and sparkling joy -- a smile to part the clouds and bring sunshine to a man's soul! It was a smile to inspire tearful bards to rhapsodies, to launch a thousand ships; a smile to kill for... to live for.
It was a smile... directed at King Roy of Baton Rouge.
In that instant, Eacharn hated his host monarch. He hated the man with a burning passion that seared his heart and lapped around his soul. In the next instant, however, he pulled himself together and quietly blessed Queen Eloise, his former mistress and the late monarch of St. Louis, for her inflexible (and sometimes quite wicked) training in keeping his face expressionless no matter what.
Once she's sure Roy knows she's safely arrived and present, Sulochana steps quietly to one side. She knows court will continue for a while, and there will be several who wish to process up to the dais to petition or greet the two kings. She's content to wait; tonight she'll be with her beloved, after all.
The few heartbeats it took for King Eacharn to pull his emotions together were not missed by Roy, however. He isn't quite sure what bug is up Eacharn's ass, but he is well aware of the man's reputation; he pulls out one of the gifts for the visitor, "Yer Majesty, before we get too deep into the pomp and circumstance, I'd like to take a moment to offer you a token of my city's esteem. It's fairly well known that Baton Rouge has some of the finest fancy girls in all the land between the eastern and western seas. To show my appreciation of the consideration you're givin' me in these troubled times, I'd like t' offer you the company of any one of 'em you might choose."
Sulochana raises an amused eyebrow at Roy's phrasing; she's going to tease him about that tonight, she thinks! With everyone else, she turns to watch the rustling, glittering, sweet-scented, and bejeweled group of women approach the dais. The fancy girls who wish to be considered for the visiting monarch's companion are all smiling and preening, hoping to be noticed. Eacharn, however, simply raises an eyebrow. It's a good mask over his nearly desperate hunger and jealousy as he drawls, "I much appreciate it, your Majesty. I choose that one." His nod and gesture are off to the side. Roy doesn't quite understand who Eacharn is indicating at first -- and then he realizes it's Sulochana.
There is a sudden, intense moment of quiet.
Sulochana is gazing thoughtfully at the women. At the quiet she glances at the thrones... then, puzzledly, she starts to turn to look behind herself for whomever it is Eacharn is asking for. That's when the realization hits.
By the time the Hetaera has turned back towards the dais, her anger is contained. To anyone who knows her, though, her eyes are flashing dangerously as she says smoothly, "Alas, your majesties, I am not one of the Baton Rouge fancy girls." She stands very still, her lips in a small, perfect smile as she glares in silent warning at the king of St. Louis.
Roy's own eyes have narrowed and his voice is very soft as he says, "I apologize, Yer Majesty, but that lady ain't-"
Eacharn says, "I am well aware what she is and isn't. She is a Hetaera, yes? Is it price you're concerned with?"
Sulochana's eyes widen in shock as she's discussed like... like a horse, like a piece of property! For an instant she looks like she's about to snarl -- and then she yanks herself together mentally. She straightens, taking a deep breath, and says sweetly, "King Eacharn, I am perfectly capable of speaking -- and negotiating -- for myself. I must confess I am impressed with your... poise..." she says the word as if she's not sure he even knows what it means, "in petitioning a Hetaera. I can only conclude you have never been with one previously." She glances at Roy before whirling to storm out, trying to let him know she knows it's not his fault.
Roy does a good job of not letting his fury show on his face. Part of him is sure Eacharn knew Sulochana would react like this, and the King of St. Louis is purposely trying to scuttle the negotiations without having to say no outright. The Baton Rouge king says, voice still soft, "Like the lady says, I ain't able to give permission for her."
Eacharn could kick himself, but some part of him is enjoying the discomfiture of the king and the Hetaera. What he does say is, "Oh? Is she not concerned for your city, too?"
The Hetaera's dismissive gaze turns back to the king of St. Louis, and she says coolly, "I am right here. You could have chosen to speak to me. Since you do not, I can only conclude you have meant ill all along toward the king of Baton Rouge -- who met with you in good faith." Her voice is icy, "I am deeply unimpressed." She turns towards Roy and gives a perfectly proper curtsey, adding unhappily, "I regret being so used as an instrument of division within your court, your majesty. I shall withdraw, with apologies, in the hopes of doing no more unwitting harm." She gives Roy a small, unhappy smile as she straightens from the curtsey; they're going to need to talk tonight, clearly. She doesn't look at the visiting king at all as she turns to depart.
Roy lowers his voice even more as he says, "Please, ma cherie, don't leave..."
Eacharn feels Sulochana's words the way they were meant -- as a slap -- and it brings him to his senses a bit, "Lady, I apologize for giving you offense. I was speaking to the king because he is the one that made the initial offer. Would you be willing to entertain some private negotiations?" Roy's fists are clenched, but he's doing a good job of hiding his anger as Eacharn makes that offer.
Sulochana stops, although it's due to the emotion in Roy's voice rather than anything Eacharn said. Without turning around she says quietly, "With all due respect, King Eacharn, you know perfectly well I am not of Baton Rouge. I suspect you also knew King Roy was not making an offer regarding my person."
Eacharn says, "Not of the city, no, but I can see that it means much to you. Please, stay. Perhaps we will speak after there has been some time for everyone to introduce themselves."
The Hetaera takes a deep breath, then turns around, her head held high. "Very well. If you wish private negotiations with myself and the king of Baton Rouge, then I would like some show of good faith on your part. Now." She's careful to include Roy in the 'private negotiations' -- she's not sure it would be wise to be alone currently with the king of St. Louis. Slapping someone Roy is trying to play nice with would not be helpful, she suspects!
The King of St. Louis purses his lips and says, "What show would you like." Roy is starting to tremble a little bit, fighting the urge to deck this man. This man that he needs. This man that is insulting him and his beloved -- and with whom Sulochana is dealing much better than the river-rat king.
Sulochana studies the foreign king coolly for a long moment... then deliberately looks to Roy, "Your majesty? What would convince you, please?"
Roy seems to think about it and resists the urge to say 'Put this dumbass idea out of your head.' Finally he says, "A promise of at least two of St. Louis' architects to help with fortification of my city."
Eacharn is tempted to say no, but he can feel there might be some chance he will get what he wants, so he says, "Done."
Sulochana nods once, "Very well," then looks to Roy, "I fear I am not feeling... my best just now. Might I trouble you to send a messenger to me when you are ready for the private negotiations, please?"
Roy says, "Of course, ma cherie. Please, feel free to go take care of yourself." He makes a surreptitious gesture and Alan shifts to follow. The guard will escort Sulochana back to her room and make sure she's not disturbed until the messenger arrives. Once the bold and proud Hetaera is gone, Roy takes a second or three to clear his head; then the greeting ceremony goes on from there. This, the king thinks, is going to be one hell of an interesting negotiation.
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