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Realms: Taps Logs

He'll Walk Till He Finds Her

Suraksha has another sip of orange juice, making sure while Eacharn is not looking at her that her hands aren't trembling from that sudden burst of adrenaline. She relaxes a bit once she's sure she's good, then thinks a moment before she calmly adds, "Let me see... before the evening entertainments in your honor you will escort me to your riverboat and show me what you plan to wear, so I can be suitably attired tonight as well. Ahh; also, I will review your accouterments then, I believe." She raises an inquiring eyebrow at him, "Do you understand?" She runs through a quick, fervent internal prayer that whatever it is Eacharn specifically needs is something she's at least adequately trained with -- and is also something where her extensive training in the psychology of desire will be of assistance!

Eacharn clears his throat as a cover for the fact that he's having trouble gathering words, "I would prefer, Lady, if you would dictate my attire." The suggestion is deferential, "And I do understand." He rises, offering her his elbow in a respectful and perfectly correct way. The supernatural has been exquisitely trained in manners both as a horse and as a man.

Suraksha raises an eyebrow again, then smiles with slow mischief at him as she rises, "Well, now! It would appear someone has devoted considerable time to your training!" Eacharn feels his pulse skip a beat. She does understand! And she is accepting. The Hetaera takes a moment to set down her glass, smooth her clothing, straighten and step over relaxedly before taking his arm -- she's being careful her behavior clearly underlines his duty to wait upon her. He doesn't waver in posture as she readies herself to leave.

Sulochana pauses for a moment, thinking, then adds firmly, "When we are in private, your current behavior is acceptable. You may address me as 'My Lady' then. When we are in public, however, I expect you to remember you are the king of St. Louis, and are both negotiating with a friendly and loyally allied power... and courting my attentions." She tilts her head to gaze up at his face, her slightly slanted eyes thoughtful, "Are you able to do that properly, pretty man?" Her eyes suddenly narrow as she adds in sudden concern, "Also: do you have permission of your current Lady to court me so?" She has no intention of being later accused of any sort of theft, after all.

"Yes, My Lady, I am well able to do so. My former Lady taught me well, though she said I was a difficult one to tame." Eacharn does not mention that he was serving, at that point, as the Queen's warhorse -- during the battles they fought together. It is not yet time for that. It may not ever be. He lowers his eyes and his voice respectfully as he says, "I do not currently have a mistress, My Lady. My former r-Lady passed on, not many years ago. It was she that made the agreement with Roy." He hurries to correct himself, "King Roy."

Suraksha frowns at the familiarity, but as he hastily corrects himself her moment of irritation passes and her expression smooths out. She nods slowly, thinking... then she gets a mischievous sideways grin up at him, "We're going to have to talk further, definitely! For now, though -- onward to the riverboat!" She heads for the door, adding, "Once your attire is selected, I must head off to take care of my own regalia for the night..." She pauses as he opens the door for her into Roy's inner chambers, as directed, then steps through and continues, "as well as speak further with King Roy." She smiles and nods to Roy, her eyes sparkling with both happiness and relief as she adds, "Would you like to meet me at my room here before the dinner, and we can all head in together as a political gesture of solidarity? It would certainly reassure the gathered people to do so."

Roy smiles and says, "That sounds just great, ma cherie. Avoid all that order of precedence BS."

Eacharn doesn't let the bridling he feels show as she speaks in so familiar a way with the other king. What has Roy done to deserve such good fortune? As the King of Baton Rouge speaks with Sulochana, the supernatural king lets his eyes move around the room that must be Roy's boudoir. Sulochana raises an eyebrow and taps Eacharn lightly on the arm she's holding, "Ahem! That question was to you too."

Eacharn doesn't jump, but he does hurry to say, "I am amenable to that, yes."

The Hetaera looks relieved, "Excellent! Yes, I'm not wild about precedence concerns either." Her smile is demure as she teasingly adds to Eacharn, "I had no idea I was quite so distracting," then happily says to Roy, "Well then! All right, your majesty, King Eacharn has kindly offered to give me a tour of his riverboat. I expect to be back after I've also stopped by the caravan; I'll need to have Fantine pick up a few things for me. May I have a moment of your time before the evening's entertainments, so we may finish our previous discussion?"

Roy says, "Of course you may, cherie. Now or when you return?"

Sulochana beams up at Roy, "When I return, please? Right now I don't want to keep King Eacharn waiting." She releases Eacharn's arm and steps forward to stand on tiptoes to kiss Roy's cheek, adding, "Thank you, sweet man, for your patience." Roy rests his hands lightly on her hips as she kisses his cheek. It's a familiar and affectionate gesture, but the Hetaera leaves too quickly for him to do anything else -- she doesn't want either king to become grumpy or jealous again!

Eacharn escorts Sulochana out of the mansion-palace. The visiting king has a carriage and hands her into it, giving orders for them to be taken to his boat. The vessel, Sulochana knows, is one of the few queens of the river left, much like Roy's. This one, however, has a differently-placed paddle system. As she relaxes in the closed carriage, Sulochana curiously inquires: does King Eacharn have a preferred name for use in private? She's guessing internally that he'll want her to pick one, but she wants to start 'feeling out' how he likes to be treated.

Eacharn thinks carefully on that one and says, "My few intimates simply call me Eacharn. However, if My Lady wishes, I would be honored to have a diminutive for more private usage."

Sulochana smiles as she studies him thoughtfully for a while, then murmurs, "What did your Lady Queen call you?"

There's a pang as he remembers, "My Lady Queen often called me her petit chevalier. Or simply by my name. But there was a... lilt to it." He carefully leaves out his late mistress' enjoyment of the pun in her nickname for him.

Sulochana abruptly recognizes the emotion flitting for an instant across her companion's face. Impulsively she leans forward and rests a hand lightly on his arm, "I am sorry; if this is painful we can stop, Eacharn -- it's not my desire to cause you harm."

Eacharn catches his breath as she touches him. Her hands are not satin-soft, having some of the calluses of a hard worker, but they are gentle and firm. "I cared greatly for her, My Lady, and it is good to remember her in her strength."

The Hetaera smiles quietly as she settles back again, "She must have cared for you too, then." She's silent a moment, then deliberately lightens the mood for her client, teasing gently, "So... difficult to tame, eh? Now why would a queen and warrior say that, hmm?" She adds curiously, "Eacharn... it sounds vaguely Gaelic, although I've only heard a smattering of the tongue. Does it mean anything?"

Eacharn smiles and there's a momentary glint of mischief in his eyes as he says, "My first meeting with My Lady Queen was rather tumultuous -- and she did underestimate my worth for many years." Sulochana laughs, and the king hesitates, "Yes, it is Gaelic. It means 'horse lord,' which is part of the reason she liked the chevalier nickname." The ride to the riverboat is short and relatively smooth. The horses drawing the carriage are strong and in good condition and the carriage is in excellent shape.

The Hetaera smiles at the translation, "Oh, that's pretty! Are you of Gaelic descent, then? Or were you one of her knights?"

Eacharn says, "I am very much Gaelic. I was never quite so grand as a knight, however. The name is more fanciful than descriptive."

Sulochana chuckles at that, then pauses as the carriage comes to a halt, smiling as she adds, "We can talk more later." She starts to rise, then curiously asks, "Did you have a... a pet name for your..." She goes silent, considering for a bit... then smiles, "I suppose what I'm really asking should be spoken of in private. Shall we?"

The man actually blushes, but then he hurries to help her down from the carriage and escort her to the ship. He moves only as quickly as is seemly and is very proper as long as they are in earshot of anyone else. Once in private, however, he relaxes. His cabin is a little larger than Roy's on the Proud Mary, and there is more floor space. The furniture is nicely and sturdily built to withstand life on the river. Sulochana makes herself comfortable in the largest chair, then waves a hand for Eacharn to show her his goods. Several hidden or built-in cabinets hold his clothing and the accouterments of which he spoke. He does not yet show her his tack, but he does let her see the assortment of restraints and various toys with which to give sensations -- everything from long strips of silk cord on a stick to a heavy deerhide flogger.

Sulochana hmms thoughtfully, nodding occasionally as she starts to build a mental picture of what precisely her newest client is looking for, and keeps him busy showing her everything he will. She goes over his clothing with a critically thoughtful eye, silently picturing what she's got -- and what Roy has as well -- that would look good with Eacharn's current selections. Finally she has him lay out the trousers, shirt, jacket, and other attire he'll be wearing for the evening, then turns her full focus on his other gear. Eacharn is not entirely surprised to find the clothing has hints of both his colors as well as those of Baton Rouge. He's of half a mind to be jealous again, but reminds himself he can catch more flies with honey...

Sulochana's eyes widen in sudden enthusiasm at the amount of neatly coiled rope of various colors and thicknesses which Eacharn reveals in one of the drawers he opens -- for this erotic art-form she's had plenty of training! She steps forward thoughtfully, her golden-eyed gaze narrowing as she trails a slender finger along one coil of slightly finer rope... then she comes to a conclusion and smiles with languid mischief, looking up at Eacharn. "Strip."

Just as Eacharn is beginning to wonder if she is going to finish the question from earlier, she orders him to strip. He's already unfastening his tie before his mind realizes what his body is doing. Such easy command! He's sure she will be a natural queen. Sulochana's wicked smile gets delighted, and she steps back from Eacharn with the coil of fine rope in her hands, re-settling in the chair. "Mmm... slowly, pretty man! I want to appreciate the view." She doesn't say it, but she's also checking for either any betraying scars -- she hopes there won't be any, but she knows how people act in private isn't always how they appear publicly -- or anything to explain the sense she gets from his chakras that he's not quite human.

There's enough of real flirtation there to make the visiting king's heart race, and he slows down accordingly. 'Chana's small, appreciative murmurs are undisguised; she wants her client to know she finds him attractive, after all. He is built powerfully, broad through the chest and shoulders, muscular but narrow at the hips. His thighs and calves are toned and he moves as if he's quite comfortable with his body. The Hetaera makes sure, when he's done and she rises to move over to the man, to let her hands brush naturally over him in light caresses. She's checking for glamour, of course, and is interested to realize Eacharn must be some sort of shapeshifter. Since he doesn't have to worry about glamour -- this being one of his true forms, after all -- he isn't nervous about being touched.

Sulochana is also greatly relieved, although she doesn't show it, to see there are no old flogging scars! There are a couple scars, but they look of the battle-scar variety and not of the abuse variety. Eacharn does fairly good with not touching at first, but then the stallion part of him rears up, and his hands move to trace the curves of her hips as she leans in to look at a webwork of scars on the front of his shoulder -- bite-marks from an old struggle with a large cat, which healed with minimal damage to the fae man. Sulochana is curiously tracing the scarring with a delicate fingertip, and in fact thinking they look rather like a smaller cat than she has tangled with him -- but at the light touch of hands on her hips she straightens. Reaching up, she presses down firmly on his shoulder as she says sternly, "No. Hands off. Kneel."

Eacharn's eyes light up at the firmness in her voice and he sinks slowly to his knees. He is careful to clasp his hands in front of himself so he is not tempted to grab for her again. Still, he's feeling a little intoxicated by her casual control of the situation. He husks out, "My Lady had a question about nicknames earlier...?" He trails off hopefully.

'Chana lets the rope coils slither lightly over the kneeling man's skin as she steps around slowly behind him, playing with sensory teasing for a bit before she smiles and starts unwinding the rope. She chuckles quietly at the question as she starts to loop the rope about him, "Indeed. I wondered if you had an affectionate nickname for your Lady Queen. If you did, I was going to give you the opportunity to offer me one as well." She is carefully winding the rope into a tightly-laced karada.

Eacharn is shivering by the time the thin and well-used rope is wrapped snugly around his body. He's relieved it's not around his head in a way that would count as a halter... or is that disappointment he's feeling? He can't really tell anything around all the arousal and happy yearning toward her voice. "She was My Lady Mistress." Shyly he asks if he might call Sulochana 'My Lady Edana'? He doesn't yet tell her where he first met her. He's half-hoping she'll remember him from there.

Sulochana finishes the last knot, murmuring, "There, naughty man. Mind you behave yourself tonight." She stands back from Eacharn and considers him thoughtfully for a bit, her hands on her hips and her head tilted. Finally she nods, "Very nice," and straightens to step back behind him. He can feel her untying his ponytail, slender fingers running through his hair to tidy it and then start a short braid, "What does Edana mean, please?"

Eacharn murmurs, "It is Gaelic, like my name. It means 'Fiery'... and you are very like a living flame, My Lady."

Sulochana's voice is gently amused, "Like a flame, mm? Now why would you say that, pretty man?" She grins behind him as she reflects that Bringer would possibly agree! Still, she's neither a redhead nor prone to outbursts of temper, so she's not what men classically think of as 'fiery.' She's curious as to what brought it to Eacharn's mind.

The fae king says, "Because you dance much like fire, and fire color suits you so well... and because my skin burns at your touch."

Sulochana blinks in sudden surprise -- where could he have seen her dance? She's not danced publicly, or in his sight in the travel to here from St. Louis, since, mm... since... her eyes suddenly widen, "Oh!" and she gently tugs on his braid, smiling, "You were there! You must have been -- at the 'La Kitsune' ball, weren't you?" She laughs softly, "Yes, you may use that name, pretty man... as soon as you tell me what costume you were wearing, mm?" The Hetaera smiles -- he must think she actually is a salamander, or fire elemental, due to that costume! She chuckles quietly... then blinks in startlement again. Wait... all those horse-themed clues -- of course! "Oh, I have it! You were that pretty black stallion who danced with me once or twice, weren't you?"

Eacharn unconsciously straightens up as she remembers! "Yes, that was me. It is a costume My Lady Queen had commissioned for me years back. There are two versions of it: one suitable for public; one... not so much." He's resisting the urge to sink back on his heels, wanting to sit up pretty for Sulochana.

Sulochana chuckles softly, stroking his head with one hand... then she murmurs, "Mm, need a brush to do this right." She glances around, spotting his dressing table, and adds a casual, "Stay, pretty pony," before she turns to the table. She doesn't know what sort of supernatural he is precisely, but most of them (herself included) seem to enjoy touch and caressing. True, there's a lot of evocative horse elements in his behavior and costuming -- but then, she wore a fire elemental costume, and she's not actually... hmm... she turns from the table, the broad brush in her hand, and curiously asks, "Wait, that costume had a full face mask -- mine, that is, at Madame de Cygne's ball. How did you recognize me?" She returns to stand behind him, brushing his shaggy mane back with long, leisurely strokes.

The visiting king sways a little on his knees, thrilling internally at the slow strokes of the brush. It has been long and long since anyone groomed him in just this way. "Mmm?" He has to think back to her question carefully before he says, "You are quite distinctive, My Lady Edana. I would know you in a dark room." He isn't being utterly careful at the moment, finding himself falling blissfully into the headspace of a well-cared-for pony again after several years. Still, he doesn't just out and say he could smell her.

Sulochana raises an amused eyebrow at that, murmuring, "Am I now... and how would you know me there, hmm?" She's starting to realize just how good this is making her newest client feel, and a small part of her feels rather sorry for him -- has he been waiting five years to experience this? Has he had no strong ladies since the death of Queen Eloise? She's quite willing to do her best to help him feel utterly blissful, however. Not only is he her client, since she wants him to play nice with Roy... but this is part of what she most loves about being a Hetaera: helping her clients to a truly wonderful personal experience.

Eacharn doesn't actually purr, but if he were a cat he would, "You move like flame and light, and the scent of you is like perfume and sweet smoke."

Sulochana chuckles quietly, gently tapping his shoulder with the flat of the brush, "Indeed now! I suspect there is more you are not telling me... yet." She grins as she adds, "Especially since I doubt good Queen Eloise was the non-human part of your coupling... and I do not recall you having a partner at Madame's party." She finally lays the brush aside when his dark chestnut hair lies smooth and gleaming, and with swift, sure fingers she plaits it into a neat braid.

The king's eyes have slid closed and he dreamily considers changing shape just so he can be groomed properly for the first time in years -- but he's not quite that far gone yet. Instead, he continues talking; Queen Eloise loved it when he gave her heartfelt compliments, "You are lovely and lithe and regal, My Lady..." He trails off as she brushes close to the truth of him. He hesitates, not wanting to queer the moment, but does finally say, "I keep certain facts very quiet, My Lady Edana. I hope it is not offensive."

Sulochana smiles, laying the short braid neatly down along his back, then resting one hand lightly on his head. With the other she reaches over his shoulder, hooking one finger into the kagada and tugging gently upwards -- just enough to remind him keenly and pleasantly of how he is bound. "I am not offended, my pretty pony boy. You barely know me yet; I understand your care. For me to take offense you would have to openly lie to me, or threaten those I care for..." She pulls once, more strongly, then releases as she calmly adds, "But you are not going to do that. Are you."

Eloise used to braid ribbons and bright yarn into Eacharn's mane when she rode him; this is reminding him pleasantly of those times. His body is reacting just as strongly as his mind, and the tug on the karada makes him groan happily and sit up even more nicely. The second tug makes him gasp and he says, "Of course not, My Lady!" He wants very much to make the nice Hetaera happy so she will be pleased to take the throne of St. Louis, if she turns out to be as wonderful as he thinks she might be.

Sulochana strokes his smooth hair and smiles, "Good boy. Excellent." Eacharn leans his head into Sulochana's stroking and sighs softly and contentedly at the touch. He had almost forgotten just how blissful it could feel to have someone at his reins who knows what she's doing! The Hetaera continues, "Now... you may have noticed, pretty pony, that I've tried to include your colors as well as Roy's in your clothing choices. I'm going to do my best to have him do something similar, and I'll be wearing a dress that does the same but leans slightly and subtly towards the cut and style of yours. I would very much like this to be a pleasant party for all three of us, especially since Roy is going to some effort to make you feel welcome." She can't resist the slightly wry twist of her lips at that comment, and she's glad Eacharn can't see her at that moment -- Roy is almost literally busting his chops for this man's comfort! "If you do well at the party, I will definitely have to make sure tonight is especially pleasant for you. Do you understand, pretty pet?"

The supernatural bridles just a little at mention of being nice to Roy; the stallion in him doesn't like that idea at all. The uncouth king of Baton Rouge does not deserve such splendour as his Lady Edana. It comes close to breaking the spell -- but then she dangles the figurative carrot and he hears himself saying, "I understand, My Lady." His words are almost slurred. Eacharn is unconcerned that it might look strange: such a large and seemingly powerful man acquiescing so easily to such a small and delicate-seeming woman. In fact, he enjoys the combination of delicacy and strength.

Sulochana sighs softly in relief, continuing to gently and slowly stroke Eacharn's hair as she murmurs, "Good boy. Thank you. Now... do you have a valet I should call, or will you be able to get yourself ready on your own? I want you at my door in... hm, I should be ready in two hours."

Looking down at himself, Eacharn smirks a little at the thought of his valet flushed and not quite sure how to react to a bound king. "I think I shall go through the first part of my toilette on my own, My Lady."

The Hetaera laughs softly, "Understandable. All right," she pats his shoulder, "see you in two hours, then." Her voice is gently teasing as she adds, "I'll see myself out!"

He sways on his knees and finally blurts, "May I kiss My Lady goodbye?"

'Chana pauses, thinking... then smiles mischievously as she steps around to in front of the bound man and cups his face in both small hands, "No. You may anticipate tonight." She leans to drop a gentle kiss on his forehead, her eyes sparkling.

Eacharn whimpers and leans into the kiss, wanting to flutter his ears happily at the touch of her lips on his skin as he whispers, "Yes, My Lady." Sulochana chuckles softly, closing the door behind her. He stays in place until she has slipped out of the door -- then he goes about dressing himself in a happy daze.

The Hetaera glances around, smiling and nodding politely to any of Eacharn's people she might pass on the way off his riverboat, then heads swiftly from the docks to the nearby area where the caravans are usually parked. Once she's there she asks Fantine to bring a particular dress with all the necessary accouterments, plus a few other things she lists, to her room at Roy's mansion-palace. She also asks Del to saddle up Amanda -- then she heads at a swift trot through the city!

News of Sulochana's arrival is quickly relayed to Roy, and she finds the king of Baton Rouge waiting in her room. He's wearing his slacks and the shirt from earlier, with his undone tie hanging around his neck. The Hetaera smiles pleasantly as she's shown into the room, "Your majesty; thank you for meeting with me on such short notice." She waits until the maid has withdrawn and closed the door, and she herself subtly flicks the lock closed as well. Then she turns around, her eyes bright with hungry delight, and nearly throws herself on Roy! Unless he stops her, he's going to end up with Sulochana wrapped entirely around him, her hands tangled in his hair, kissing him very, very hungrily.

Roy doesn't do a thing to stop her; in fact, he cups her closely against him and walks backward until he can sit down on the edge of the bed. He can kiss her back much more enthusiastically if he's not having to keep his balance, after all. There's almost as much relief as hunger speaking through his body and his embrace.

Sulochana manages, after a few minutes, to sit back enough to gasp, "Your room, please -- this room can't smell like sex!" Roy growls something about not caring if it smells like sex in here and starts to kiss her again. She groans in amused exasperation, squirming as she adds, "I better walk the hallway -- don't want any reports getting back to Eacharn about us!" She giggles, adding, "About today, at least!"

The mention of Eacharn stops Roy cold, and he gathers his wits, "Damn. Yeah. Yer right, cherie." He kisses the hollow of her shoulder and unwraps his arms from around her.

The Hetaera smiles in quiet affection, gently cupping his cheek for a moment, "It's all right, sweet man. We'll make this work. But please, if you don't mind? Indulge me for an hour?" She grabs his hand and heads for the door, her eyes dancing as she glances over her shoulder at him, "I've been daydreaming about this for weeks! I'm not going to let him interrupt this hour for our enjoyment -- even if it does mean I'm a bad, bad Hetaera!" She giggles.

Roy lags just enough behind to watch her walking and smiles at her with smoky eyes, "I been dreamin' 'bout it too, lover." He is decorous enough on the walk across the hallway -- but the moment the door of his apartment closes behind them he scoops her back up into his arms and growls, "Think we were 'bout here..." as he goes back to kissing her, moving across the room to his bedroom door. Sulochana gives a small, startled squeak as she doesn't make it to the bedroom under her own power! She giggles breathlessly, returning his kisses with passion, and once they're in the bed she does her utmost to hastily divest them both of their clothing. This may be just a quickie, but she's going to be sure they're both at least somewhat emotionally replete by the time her hour is up.

Roy manages somehow to be both aggressive and gentle with her. He knows not to leave marks on her, though the jealous part of him wants to. Instead he pours as much of his adoration and need as he can into their lovemaking, given the limited time. Partway through he forgets the jealousy and just relishes finally having his beloved cherie in his arms after months and months apart. Another thing he knows is not to try and get her to stay, no matter how much he truly wants her to.

The Hetaera is flopped in limp bliss across his front when they're both done, and she groans in quiet protest at the light knocking on the door, followed by Alg peeking in and letting her know the hour is up. The goblin cackles cheerfully, closing the door again, and 'Chana takes a moment to kiss Roy, trying to tell him with her tenderness how much she appreciates him... then she sighs and sits up, her small smile rueful. "All right -- back to work for us." Roy sighs and stretches out on the bed, hands folded behind his head as she gets ready to go. He knows precisely how much she likes seeing him rumpled and strategically draped like this.

As she swiftly pulls on clothes -- occasionally eyeing her lover with undisguised appreciation -- 'Chana says, "Let me pick your clothing, please, sweetheart? Also, be sure to be very thorough with your bath... and once I'm mostly dressed you're welcome to come over to my room and wait if you want. I'm expecting Eacharn in another hour." She hesitates as she pulls her hair out of her shirt, then slowly adds, "I think... I think I can do this. Well, I'm pretty sure." She flashes a quick grin at Roy, "Sound good?"

Roy purrs, "I'll be a good boy, ma cherie. Promise. 'Long's I get ya t' m'self sometime while yer here."

Sulochana patters over and gives Roy a quick hug, her eyes sparkling as she teases him, "Oh, you're always a good boy!" She giggles, heading quickly for his armoire before her resolve weakens, and tosses over her shoulder, "Once I've picked clothes for you I'll tell the girls you need your bath right away, all right? I'm making sure you, Eacharn, and I are all similarly attired, in the colors of both Baton Rouge and St. Louis." She hastily picks the things she'd like Roy to wear; she's pretty familiar with his clothes so it doesn't take too long. She's quick at it, especially since she doesn't want Roy to get up and come over and nuzzle against her -- she's not sure she's got the strength of will to say no! Then she remembers what the price of failure here is, and she sighs softly, adding with a smile, "Tomorrow, sweet man -- once you're done negotiating with Eacharn, hopefully we'll be able to celebrate, yes?"

Roy manages, with some struggle, to stay where he is as she pulls out clothing for him to wear to the dinner. "Makes sense, cherie. You think we'll have a reason t'celebrate?" He doesn't quite sound like he's fretting. Quite.

Sulochana turns and leans artistically against the armoire, one hand over her heart and the other slender wrist pressed to her forehead. She looks like she's about ready to swoon as she doesn't quite wail, "Oh, oh! Cut to the quick I am -- and faithless is my lover, in my extreme good looks and devastating charm! He doubts me, ohh!"

Roy laughs, jollied out of his worry by Sulochana's silliness. His eyes are shining as he says, "Better hurry up there, sugar. I only got so much willpower t'go 'round."

'Chana beams delightedly at Roy, pleased to see him perk up. "You too, eh?" She blows him a kiss, fluttering her eyelashes at him -- then giggles and darts hastily out of the room! As she patters across the hallway she breathlessly asks the patiently waiting maids if they cou- er... she laughs, simply thanking them as she realizes they already have bathwater heated and ready for both Roy and her -- hers is steaming in her room, as she can see through the open door in which a shyly smiling Fantine is waiting.

Sulochana gets both Fantine and Alg to help make sure there's absolutely no scent of Roy on her at all after her bath is done, and she sends Alg to go check Roy as well. Fantine carefully rolls up the clothing 'Chana was wearing, tucking it into the bottom of the bag she brought, and after the bath some time is taken in making sure the Hetaera looks as gorgeous as possible.

Sulochana has also included a few subtle hints in her outfit for the supernatural king: her corset is somewhat strappy; her skirts and tiny, veiled hat are rather like a riding habit; and her chosen footwear is suggestive of laced-up, high-heeled riding boots. When they'd arrived in her room, Roy had whistled low and appreciatively and Mary had ooed and ahhed over the habit-like dress. Sulochana beams delightedly at her lover's reaction, hugging him with enthusiasm after she hugs Mary hello -- and getting tch'd at by Fantine, who is not yet finished with her lady's toilette!

When Eacharn arrives -- two hours later on the dot -- he is faultlessly turned out in the clothes that were laid out for him. His forelock falls over his forehead in a charmingly careless way, but that's the only bit out of place. When he catches sight of Sulochana's outfit, he feels his pupils dilate and his breath catch. It's as if she read his mind. Roy and Mary are both in 'Chana's room when the king of St. Louis arrives, though, and he's a little jealous. Neither of the men lets their emotions show, however -- not overtly.

Eacharn arrives as Sulochana is holding still for Fantine, who is just finishing pinning up her hair, while Mary is leaning companionably against her. The prettily dressed little girl is watching with fascination as 'Chana smilingly shows her how to apply just a touch of lipstick, "See? You want it to be subtle, a hint -- not a blazing slash of color." The Hetaera glances over as Eacharn is let in by Alg, "Ah, your majesty! Have you met Princess Mary? Also, Fantine and I need a judgement call from you all: hat or no hat?" Fantine hmfs quietly, smiling; she thinks her lady looks splendid regardless of whether she's wearing the tiny, veiled hat or not.

Eacharn's control is very good after years of court, or he might have fallen to his knees then and there. Before this, her clothing was making him feel delicious. Now, it's making him feel downright trembly inside. Roy and Mary's comments of approval give the visiting king a moment to gather his thoughts -- then he too says he rather prefers the hat. Roy's attention is more on Sulochana than the visiting dignitary, so he misses the subtle signs that there is something more than meets the eye here.

Sulochana looks faintly surprised, "So... keep the hat? Hmm." She grins at Fantine in the mirror then, "All right, you win!" She giggles, adding cheerfully, "Again!" The little loogaroo grins, blushing slightly, and finishes pinning the hat and arranging the veil. She takes a moment to carefully study her lady when Sulochana rises and does a slow 360... then nods once, well satisfied. 'Chana thanks her again, beaming, then smiles at the two men and the little girl, "Well! Shall we? Dinner awaits -- and then dancing!" It's clear which event she's more looking forward to!

Mary gives Roy a pleadingly hopeful look, and the Baton Rouge king says firmly, "Dinner only!" Mary doesn't quite flounce, but she continues with the pleading look for a moment or two longer before sighing in the unselfconsciously dramatic way that only a very young child or a teenager can manage. "OK, Papa. Dinner only." She looks up at Suraksha with shining eyes, "Will you tell me stories about it later?"

The Hetaera laughs softly, giving the girl a hug, "I'd love to, punkin! Tell you what -- shall we go for a walk around the estate tomorrow, while your papa and King Eacharn are negotiating? We could have a little picnic, and I can tell you stories then, yes?" At the small girl's delighted assent, 'Chana straightens, still smiling, and glances at the two kings, "So, might two lovely ladies find escorts to dinner with your majesties?" Her expression warms with pleasure as Roy grins and offers his little foster-daughter his arm. He laughs as the girl takes it with solemn aplomb. Now Mary has been promised stories, she's somewhat appeased about the total lack of ball-going.

When Eacharn offers Sulochana his arm, however, the Hetaera makes sure to give him a slow, heated, smolderingly knowing smile -- she saw his earlier reaction, and she's delighted to realize she's right on the money for him so far! Eacharn looks back into that smile with one of his own, leaning down to murmur quietly, "My Lady, you look stunning."

Sulochana's smile takes on just a hint of predatory pleasure as she purrs softly in return, "Why, thank you, my dear. You also look exceptional... although I suspect you will look even moreso later tonight, as I expect you to model your... private harness for me." Her eyes glint wickedly as she turns and walks most decorously next to the king. Since she can 'feel' his sensual energy growing and increasing, she's slowly and deliberately doing things to ramp it up: sparkling enticingly up at him with her gleaming ruby lips slightly parted, trailing her fingers in a tingly fashion along his skin when she cannot be seen, fluttering her fan so he gets a remarkable glimpse of cleavage....

The dinner is one delicious morsel after another, both culinary and otherwise. The conversation is actually quite stimulating, as Roy was painstakingly careful to invite only people he himself would find enjoyable to dine with. Eacharn himself is charming and witty and scrupulous in his manners, just as he said he would be. He is also driven quite to distraction by the teasing of his dinner companion. Sulochana is not pitiless, however -- she doesn't push her client to the point of embarrassing himself. Nevertheless, she does do her best to make sure he's quite, quite besotted with her. Roy may not be paying anything financially for this, but he is putting up with a great deal from the St. Louis king for the sake of his city. That being the case, Sulochana is going to do her level best to be the most attentive, wonderfully distracting, pleasant companion she can for Eacharn tonight -- so Roy will indeed receive the troops he so desperately needs from his long-time ally, St. Louis.

Dinner ends with a light, exquisite raspberry mousse of some sort so the guests aren't weighed down for the ball. Mary makes her farewells to those who know her, hugging Sulochana and kissing Roy on the cheek. She makes one final bid to be allowed to stay up for the ball; Roy chuckles, sending her off to bed and calling after her, "Soon enough, punkin! Sleep well." The king has begun to dote on his adopted child, who is generally believed by the court to be his biological daughter. Roy's rumor-mongering took root with very little trouble; after all, his philandering ways are well-known.

Once the great doors to the ballroom are opened and the guests are invited in, Sulochana makes an effort to be sure the kings walk in either side by side, or as close as she can finagle them. She's quite pleased so far with how the evening is going, and how Eacharn is behaving... although she's finding she's a bit relieved she's 'hired' for one evening only. She does not entirely understand jealousy, and she finds it exhausting to cope with. Eacharn's... hmm... possessiveness? -that's possibly the right word -- does not entice her in the least.

Roy's own companion for the promenade in is one of the court ladies; she is quite thrilled at being on the king's arm, even if it's just for appearance's sake. The two kings do enter side by side, since Baton Rouge is trying hard to win St. Louis' favor, while St. Louis' king is trying his best not to play stupid macho games about precedence. As the men walk, though, it's as if there is a silent wall between them. Roy is carefully not going off at Eacharn's unreasonable demand, and Eacharn is doing as he's been ordered. Walking between them, one small hand on Eacharn's arm, Sulochana sighs in quiet amusement. Men! A bit grimly she reflects they'd both better get over this snit soon -- or they're not going to be able to negotiate worth beans together!

There is a swell of music as the two monarchs enter; in the swell there is a gorgeous ripple of notes, cascading through scale after scale. Only one instrument makes a sound quite like that, and Sulochana's head snaps around in startlement as she hears that lovely, enticing sound. The harp, when she spots it, is an enormous and full-sized instrument; it looks very old and well-cared-for. Roy had intended its inclusion to be a pleasant surprise for his lover. Sulochana gasps, her eyes widening, "Oh! Oh, a harp -- a proper sized one!" She grins excitedly at Roy, not quite bouncing on her toes as her gaze is drawn almost magnetically back to the beautiful instrument, "Oh, Roy, did you know how much I love harping?!"

Roy grins, unable to keep from sharing in her excitement, "Wellnow," he drawls, "I mighta heard somethin' like that once't or twice. Might even have been a little sparkly bird that tole me." He reins himself in quickly; she's not his companion tonight, so he shouldn't be too affectionate with her.

Sulochana giggles delightedly at that, then absently pats Eacharn's arm as she murmurs politely, "Would you both please excuse me for just a moment, majesties?" She heads off immediately towards the harp, not quite trotting in her haste -- it's gorgeous! Her fingers are almost tingling with a visceral need to play -- to pour out her current annoyances and frustrations in the blissful release of creating beautiful music. She's only slightly taller than the stage as she waits until the entry fanfare is concluded, then leans to call hopefully to the musicians, "Excuse me? Might I have a moment of your time, please, for a question?" She waits until a few of them have turned to look at her. When the first violin nods politely to her she beams at him, eyes sparkling, and asks, "Might I -- before the dancing starts, of course -- would it be acceptable if I were to ask that gentleman if I might play his gorgeous harp for just a moment? Please?"

The violinist is quite obviously getting ready to say no when someone tugs on his sleeve and whispers urgently into his ear. His demeanor changes and he says reluctantly, "You can ask, ma'am, but I can't guarantee he'll say yes. It's a precious instrument." It's clear he's not happy about saying this.

Sulochana beams delightedly at the first violinist, then looks hopefully at the harpist, "Would you be willing to allow me to play for a moment, sir, on your beautiful instrument?" She's so excited at the prospect of being able to play that for once the innuendo completely escapes her.

The harpist, who is aware he's here as a special treat for someone, hesitates -- but Sulochana's excitement and love of the instrument pours off her quite clearly. He smiles and says, "Yes. Yes, of course. Please..." He carefully tips the harp to stand upright and rises from his seat.

Sulochana laughs joyously, whirling and picking up her skirts as she heads swiftly for the little stairs up onto the stage. She darts neatly between the kings, who have walked up behind her, utterly missing the sudden, slightly intoxicated look in the eyes of both men (although for wildly differing reasons) at the liquid beauty of her laugh and the shared pleasure of her near-ecstatic excitement. A moment later she's carefully seating herself before the tall harp; next to its height she looks like a child. She beams and nods once to the harpist when he asks her if she's played previously. After he has helped her lean the harp back against herself she runs her fingers in a light trill across the strings, then sighs happily and leans her head against the sleek wooden upright... she half closes her eyes and begins to play.

Eacharn and Roy both watch, enraptured, as music begins to pour forth. Initially the music is lilting, slightly uncertain, rippling like a tiny brooklet dancing and giggling as it trips and tumbles down a lush green mountainside. Soon the stream gains confidence, swaying and swirling like a young girl in the first flush of youth and beauty. Roy is enjoying the sheer ecstasy the Hetaera is feeling; he can't help beaming up at her. This is even better than what he had planned! Eacharn is happily stunned. She keeps surprising him with ever more talent and strength. She's going to be perfect!

As the Hetaera blissfully plays, startled whispers erupt between the other musicians. They recognize the music -- Smetana's lovely, homesick paean to the Moldau River -- as well as 'Chana's skill! The first violin, urged by the harpist, glances out at the growing crowd, then nods firmly to the other musicians. One by one -- as the music sparkles and flashes through a sunny afternoon boating upon the small young river winding through the countryside, then whirls dreamily into the supple main theme -- the other instruments carefully come twining and shimmering into the growing symphonic alchemy. Roy, aware he's being quite rude, turns to his escort and asks her for the first dance. Eacharn stands, still entranced with the music and the skill of his Lady, as her fingers dance over the strings with more talent than he's ever heard on this instrument. He has got to find a way to convince her she truly wants to be queen!

The harpist listens silently, tears on his face -- this is one of his favorites as well. The other musicians are wrapped up in the creation of the beautiful music, as well as in the careful effort to follow smoothly with someone not of their original group. Sulochana, of course, is absolutely lost in the music; it has not occurred to her that Eacharn might be equally as smitten as she by the siren song of the beautifully played harp: the mythic, musical voice of his homeland.

The crowd's reaction varies: those who wish to gossip are impatient -- especially when shushed by those who understand and appreciate the elegant mastery of the musical story dramatically unfolding before them. Those courtiers are alight with pleasure; and of course, the alertest of courtiers are observing avidly how the two kings react. Here and there others are joining in the dancing, since Roy's actions grant tacit permission. Roy himself does his best to keep his face toward Sulochana, wanting to watch her as she blissfully loses herself in the music of the exquisite instrument and the gorgeous musical piece she's playing. Eacharn has his eyes closed, swaying just slightly on his feet. He has not heard harping like this since last he was in the presence of one of the true Bards.

The music swells and blossoms into a wide, great river, snaking with increasing power through the land in lyrical imitation of the Big Muddy not so very far from the room in which they all perform. Its impact grows and shudders through the room in a musical thunderstorm, the drums pounding masterfully -- then joyously the main theme erupts once more, almost crying out with the beauty and generosity of the great river, the life's blood of the land through which it flows, in a triumphant crescendo of musical admiration. There are two last imposing concluding musical exclamations -- and then silence falls for a few breathless seconds... broken almost immediately by excited applause.

The applause swells much like the music and the visiting king moves to mount the stage and offer his arm. His voice is thick with emotion as he whispers to her, "Lady, that was masterful. Beautiful! I could feel your love for the instrument." Roy isn't far away and he fights back the jealous surge. He can't ruin these negotiations. No matter how badly his ego is bruised, he can't let it interfere. There's far too much at stake.

For an instant the Hetaera looks surprised. She'd been too deeply lost in the beauty she and her musical partners were creating; she'd forgotten there was an audience. She smiles almost shyly, carefully re-setting the harp before quickly rising and sincerely thanking the harpist, the first violin, and all the other musicians as well. Then she hastily takes Eacharn's proffered arm, feeling vaguely guilty at having so far forgotten herself -- and her client! She whispers softly, as they descend the stairs, "Thank you! I apologize for... well, for effectively abandoning you there for a moment, though. I, er," she laughs a bit self-deprecatingly, "I don't get the opportunity to truly play very often, I fear. It can be a bit, um... overwhelming, you know?"

As the foreign king and the Hetaera regain the dance floor, Sulochana turns her gaze, searching for Roy. When his eyes meet hers, she smiles for him -- trying to share her joy, her warm affection, and her fervent thanks -- just for him. Neither man misses the smile. Roy feels himself puffing up a little. The feeling in that smile is obvious. It doesn't matter who she's spending the night with; her heart is still going to be with him.

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

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