| Logs |
2011 February 07
| Neverneverwhere |
| Realms |
Retired
| Reality Fault |
General Info
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| Realms: Taps Logs |
Whither Thou Goest
Sulochana sighs happily once she knows Roy saw her visual thank-you, patting Eacharn's arm and leaning slightly against him as they walk, "Do you mind, please, if we take a moment for me to ground myself before we dance? I'm always a bit giddy after truly engrossing playing... and that was particularly wonderful for me."
Eacharn breathes deeply to center himself a little before he says, "Of course I don't mind, My Lady." His voice is a breathy whisper and he pulls himself back from the dreamy mindspace into which he had descended.
Sulochana is already strolling towards the tall open French window-doors that lead out to the balcony, but she glances up with a bit of concern at the whisper. "Are you all right, your majesty? Do you need to pause for a drink or something?"
Eacharn steps quickly to escort her toward the doors, "I am feeling quite wonderful, actually. Let us get you a breath of air." Part of him wants to prance like a proud stallion with the most magnificent mare in the herd, but he has been given a very firm order.
Sulochana smiles at that, a bit relieved; her training as a Hetaera pushes her to place her client's concerns first, but if he's all right then she'd really love a moment to simply breath and relax. She heads out to the wide flagstone courtyard with Eacharn, pausing by the big stone fountain and sighing happily. The night air feels like soft, warm velvet against her skin, cooled by the rippling water before them. The heavy, rich scent of blooming magnolia drifts to them, and the Hetaera tilts her head back to turn her face up to the sickle moon, smiling dreamily as she closes her eyes. Her soft murmur is rapturous, "That was... so lovely!"
Eacharn stands back just far enough to give her space to gather herself together. The rapturous look on her face catches at his breath and his libido and he finds himself vowing he will follow her orders to the letter, to keep from disappointing her. It's an impulsive oath, and he knows it will be hard to keep, but he intends to try. The visiting king says, "It was more than lovely, My Lady. It was ecstatic. You were not the only one transported."
Sulochana brightens a bit at that, opening her eyes to smile at Eacharn, "Oh, how wonderful! Did you see others who also enjoyed it?" Her smile is a bit self-conscious as she adds, "I always worry, when I get lost in the music, that I might bore someone who is less... ahh... less of a whole-hearted fan than I am."
Eacharn admits, "I was caught up myself and did not look around the room all that carefully." He reaches out to lay a hand on her hip, stepping close behind her, voice going warmly husky, "But I do not see how anyone could be less than moved."
Sulochana laughs softly, her eyes shining in the faint moonlight and the reflected torch-glow. "Ah, you are too kind, your majesty. Thank you." She sighs happily again, feeling wrapped up in the delicious sensation of shared, created beauty. She knows she'll have to lay it aside soon, so as to do her job most effectively... but just for the moment she allows herself the luxury of nearly wallowing in that particular joy.
The visiting king steps close against her back, heart racing as he takes such liberties with his Lady Edana, voice a warm breath against her ear, "You are the most amazing thing I have seen in many years, My Lady. The equal of My Lady Queen, and that is saying much." One of his hands slips around to rest on her stomach. The stallion in him cannot help but make the advance.
Sulochana is quite properly well-wrapped up in corset, skirts, and petticoats -- Southern propriety is not kind to women, she feels -- but she recognizes the advance immediately for what it truly is. She smiles faintly, considering how to handle this: ordinarily she'd encourage a client to be so friendly. Eacharn, however, clearly wants a firm hand on his metaphorical reins. Hmm... she chuckles quietly, taking his wrist in one hand and turning so she's standing next to him, then tucking her small hand into the crook of his arm, "Indeed? Is that why you are here with me tonight, then... rather than with any of the myriad women in St. Louis who'd doubtless love to command you?" Her eyes sparkle with mischief in the moonlight as she teasingly adds, "If I recall correctly, Mayor Geraldine Pumphrey springs to mind as one who... appreciates the pretty and, ah... more amenable young men!"
Eacharn actually finds himself more aroused by her smooth redirection of his caresses; his eyes go heavy-lidded for a moment before he snorts at her suggestions, "Mayor Pumphrey is not nearly so disciplined as she needs to be -- and she expects to be treated like a blushing virgin in the bedroom. It is not a role she plays well."
Suraksha laughs softly again at that, and can't resist teasing again, "Oh, so you're not as easily led by jealousy and lack of experience as she would like, eh?" It's clear 'Chana's opinion of Geraldine's 'conquests' is not high.
Eacharn snorts again, then catches himself, realizing that he is reverting to his other nature. He takes a couple of deep breaths, "We do not suit one another at all, though the time I spent with her was not unpleasant. Roy was with her for quite some time, though, I understand." He knows for certain Roy was with Geraldine -- because Eacharn was Eloise's steed during Roy's first forays into winning his city.
Sulochana chuckles, "Yes, so he's told me... as has she. Apparently she still carries a torch for the impressionable young man he was, although he's grown up quite a bit since his time with her."
By now they are re-entering the ballroom; the floor is filled with dancers. Eacharn continues passionately, "You are much more suited to leadership than Geraldine!"
'Chana rests her free hand on Eacharn's arm and murmurs softly, "Shhh... let's not cause a scene here, please? She is still both an ally of Baton Rouge, and in fealty to St. Louis, after all." There's a hint of wickedness in 'Chana's smile as she continues pacing slowly with Eacharn, murmuring decorously, "What a relief to hear you are not her preferred type! I confess, as a Hetaera, jealousy and possessiveness in men is both an exasperation and the bane of my existence. I'm so pleased to hear you do not suffer from that... disgusting addiction." The Hetaera's sideways-slanted gaze is faintly smiling as she watches for his reaction to that -- both in his behavior and in his chakras.
The king of St. Louis struggles internally with that one -- it shows in the flicker and flare of his chakras. He badly wants to please his Lady, but he does not wish to lie to her about this. As well-controlled as he is externally, his actual emotions are crying out through his chakras. Finally he says, "I cannot say I am completely free of such, but very few men can. It is bred into us to clutch at the things we want."
The Hetaera's voice is coolly amused, "'Bred'? No. Say rather the truth: it is but trained, forced upon us since birth... and then, to add insult to injury, we are taught that is the only, the natural way of things." She sighs softly, still smiling faintly -- looks like she's going to have to deal firmly with this nasty jealousy and possessiveness issue at some point with Eacharn -- but says no more on the matter. Instead she politely murmurs, "Would you care to ask me for a dance?"
Eacharn finds himself struggling between saying the truth and agreeing with his Lady. It is his nature to be jealous of the best mares, wanting them for himself -- or so he truly believes. It is how he has seen every stallion behave. Given the chance to go elsewhere with the conversation, however, he grabs at it, "Would you do me the honor, Lady?" The music is a lovely and fluid waltz, and the dancers look like so many swirling flowers caught up in the eddies of it.
Sulochana smiles charmingly and assents, placing her hand lightly in his own so he may lead her out onto the dancefloor. She's perfectly proper during the dance -- at least for the first half, giving him time to realize she may not be at all impressed by being clutched at. For the second half of the dance, however, she shifts her hand upon his shoulder so she can trail ticklishly light caresses with her fingertips along his neck, hidden by his collar and his hair. Her smile up at him as she does so is remarkably innocent -- to any passers-by dancing near them she'd seem to be utterly without mischief in mind. Eacharn feels himself fretting as she seems so distant in the first half of the dance, but when she reaches to caress his neck in that deliciously ticklish way he relaxes into it.
It turns out Eacharn is an excellent dancer. Of course, it is another thing that Eloise taught him. Once she discovered his dual nature and took him to her bed, she insisted upon him being the perfect consort. Sulochana is, in fact, a bit surprised at how skilled a partner Eacharn is, and he can see her delight growing over the next two or three dances. Her sheer visceral ecstasy is not as immediately apparent as it was with the harping, but by the time of the third dance or so, Eacharn's partner is clearly joyously enjoying herself, moving with graceful, lithe pleasure in his arms. Indeed, during one of the more difficult and intricate dances -- as Eacharn smoothly and surely swings her through the swift, precise steps -- Sulochana finds herself laughing aloud, alight with pleasure! She's still glowing with enjoyment at the end of that dance, but she's also smiling a bit guiltily as she murmurs quietly to him: she really must stop monopolizing him! He should definitely dance several dances with as many of the Baton Rouge court ladies as he can, for good political reasons.
Eacharn is loathe to let her go, but he nods, "You are right. I should." He looks around, not wanting to leave her by herself if Roy is going to scoop her right up. He is relieved to see the other king deep in conversation with a couple of men in military regalia. He escorts the breathless and beautiful Hetaera to the edge of the dancefloor and bows over her hand.
Sulochana beams at him -- then notices with sudden relief they are standing near two people she knows! "Your majesty, may I introduce you to Mrs. Olivia Madison-Williams, and her lovely daughter Abigail?" That should give her a moment to catch her breath -- she'll be quite surprised, after all, if Mrs. Madison-Williams wants to dance with her!
Eacharn bows over the hands of both the ladies to whom he is being introduced, murmuring how charmed he is. It's then Sulochana gets to see how alike he and Roy are, in some ways. Both of them have a mask they show; Eacharn has slipped his on with the two women of Baton Rouge. In fact, sensing Mrs. Madison-Williams is one of the matrons of standing in the city, he asks her to dance and squires her out onto the floor, leaving Abigail alone with the Hetaera. Sulochana sighs in relief, then grins at Abigail, her eyes twinkling, "So, how are you doing, Abby? Is Travis here tonight?" She glances around curiously, wondering if Travis is undercover again. She knows Roy often uses him that way, after her godsmother's training.
She recognizes several of the guards in formal wear here and there in the room. Roy has taken to having no one obviously in uniform for such events. It means people behave better -- because they are never quite sure who is and isn't a guard. Travis is indeed one of the young men there. He is currently standing nearby and not quite managing to keep from looking longingly at Abigail. 'Chana giggles behind her fan at that! She grins at Abigail, tilting her head towards Travis and murmuring, "Go on! Why not ask him to dance, Abby?"
Abby giggles behind her own fan and murmurs, "It's not proper!" Her eyes are twinkling a bit. Suraksha has come to know the young woman has quite the sense of humor, which is one of the things Travis loves about her.
Sulochana raises a teasing eyebrow, "Oooh, so you're saying you don't know that 'come hither' look?" She grins at Travis, tilting her head to invite him to come over to them as she adds softly, "Now why do I not quite believe that...?"
Abby laughs again, shielding her grin behind her fan. "I might know that look..." She glances over and lowers her lashes just a tidge, lips curling invitingly at the corners. Travis is there like a shot upon realizing Abby's mother is elsewhere, "Ladies, you both look lovely tonight." No matter that he's speaking to both of them, his eyes are all for Abigail.
'Chana laughs warmly -- she likes both young people, and she would love to see Travis do well now she's had time to get to know him through Sna'thaid's training. She curtsies and grins mischievously, "Why, how sweet, Travis! Really, if my feet weren't begging me for a break, I'd simply have to insist on being swept out onto the dancefloor, after a charming greeting such as yours!" She sighs melodramatically, "Alas, unless Miss Abigail is willing to cast herself nobly into the fray, it appears your charm shall be wasted, though...!" She can't resist the giggle that follows, and more pragmatically she adds, "So, aren't you two engaged yet?!"
Travis chokes a bit and his face goes scarlet from the collar up before he can stop it, "Well... as to that, ma'am..." Abigail giggles as well, loving how bashful the usually jocular Travis can be about such things, "I haven't told mama yet, so I can't wear the ring." Travis mutters something about timing not being quite right.
Sulochana brightens, "Oh, so you did ask? Finally?" She taps Travis teasingly with her closed fan, adding with mock severity, "Gracious, Trav, we were starting to wonder if we'd have to tap someone to boot your behind to get moving!"
Travis' grin is the sort of goofy adoration that only comes from real love, "Well, ma'am, I figured I had better ask before some handsome king or another got bushwhacked into doing it." Abigail laughs, covering it with her fan. The whole convoluted business with her mother mistaking Sulochana for a kidnapped teenager has never ceased to amuse.
Sulochana grins affectionately at Travis -- she loves seeing people she cares about truly in love! She turns to Abigail and smiles, "So, are you going to go dance with Trav, Abby, or am I going to start asking you about how to make the time right for your formidable mama?" Abigail is quite quick to take Travis out on the dancefloor after that! 'Chana chuckles quietly -- she thought that might work.
It doesn't take long for Roy to find Sulochana after she's alone. She smiles at Roy when he steps up to her, her eyes sparkling, "Well, hello there, handsome!"
The king has a drink in one hand and the other in his pocket, as if making sure he doesn't reach out for her accidentally. "Well, cherie, did y'enjoy yer surprise?"
Sulochana laughs softly and bounces on her toes, "Oh, sweetheart, it was so wonderful! Thank you so very much! Although-" she grins a bit perplexedly, "What sparkly little bird were you referring to, please?"
Roy grins, sipping from his glass of whiskey and motioning over a waiter to take a glass of wine for Sulochana, "Well, I reckon she's more a bug than a bird, but she is sorta sparkly."
'Chana smiles as she accepts the wine -- then has to pause in her almost-sip to giggle! She grins wickedly, murmuring, "Hmm... should I tell her you called her a bug? Or... should I let you persuade me to forgive you, tomorrow night?" She giggles again, her eyes bright with happiness as she sips her wine.
Roy looks quite solemn as he says, "Oh, I better take my chance to persuade you. I'd hate t'have yer godsmomma mad at me. She ain't no joke when she's pissed."
Sulochana laughs delightedly again, reaching out to pat Roy's arm, "It's a deal!" She too has to carefully tuck her hand into the crook of her elbow as she sips her wine; she's abruptly quite viscerally aware of the remembered pleasure of leaning against Roy, his arms about her as they close-dance. She hastily changes the subject, "So, is Miz Livy still dead set against poor Travis?"
Roy laughs, "Miz Livy is still dead-set on me marryin' her little girl. Figger I'm gonna have t' promote Trav on up t'be one-a Jacko's lieutenants so he'll be respectable 'nough."
Sulochana shakes her head perplexedly, "I just don't understand some people." She sighs, looking out at the dance floor, and smiles at seeing Abby and Travis trying hard to look proper as they dance... and already being lost in each other's eyes. Thoughtfully she adds, "Sweetheart, you'll check with Jacko first, yes, before doing something like that?" Her gaze drifts relaxedly, and she doesn't quite roll her eyes as she realizes the formidable mama has already noticed who her daughter is dancing with! 'Chana's smile is a touch wicked, though -- even Mrs. Madison-Williams wouldn't be so foolish as to snub a visiting king in order to stomp off after her daughter!
The King of Baton Rouge has moved just a little too close for propriety, but that's to be expected from him, as far as most folk are concerned. He chuckles, "'Course I will. Jacko likes Trav and trusts 'im. Plus, he's one-a the best trained men I got. Wonder if it might work better if I just made 'im a baron or some silly thang?"
'Chana murmurs quietly, still watching the dance floor, "Be careful, sweetheart. You don't want to set expected precedents with all your guardsmen when they marry, y'know?" As she watches the dancers she suddenly blinks -- then beams up at Roy, "Oh! I have an idea -- why not have the engagement be publicly announced? That way Miz Livy can't naysay it, right?"
Roy's eyes twinkle, "Trav's gonna kill me iff'n I do that... think it sounds wunnerful."
Sulochana considers for a moment, her grin delighted -- then she beams up at Roy, patting his arm again, "You leave Travis to me, please? Just be ready to step forward and congratulate quickly, so it's a fait accompli, all right?"
Roy chuckles, "I figured I'd be doin' the announcin'. What you got in mind, cherie?" Out on the dancefloor Eacharn has noticed 'Chana and Roy; he's doing his best to be charming to Miz Livy instead of leaving her there and rushing over to reclaim his lady.
Sulochana beams, inordinately delighted at the prospect of being able to help others be with those they love -- even if she can't immediately do the same! She lowers her voice, "Well, if I just happened to be talking with Miz Livy elsewhere while Travis publicly proposed to his lady love... surely the king himself would be happy to step forward and congratulate them on their impending nuptials, yes?" She's pleased enough at the idea that she's still beaming happily out at the dancefloor -- and at Eacharn when he glances over their way. She doesn't realize it, but she rather looks proud, as if at Eacharn's behavior.
Roy grins broadly, not bothering to hide his enjoyment of the idea. "Oh, hell yeah. Gimme jest a second to get a couple thangs set up and we'll get this done, cherie." Eacharn catches sight of the beaming smile and his chin goes up happily. He feels like he's doing quite well for his Lady!
'Chana giggles delightedly, "Excellent! I'm going to need to talk to both Travis and Eacharn, so don't rush, sweetheart, all right? You'll know things are set in motion when Livy and I head out of the room, I think. Will that do?" Roy grins and nods, drinking down the rest of his drink. He starts to kiss her on the cheek, but stops himself, turning the motion into a little bow. Sulochana pats Roy's arm as she adds with quiet amusement, "You know why it can't be you that announces the marriage, lover, yes? We don't want people whispering that you sacrificed Trav to get rid of Abby, so she couldn't possibly marry you. This way, with Travis proposing publicly to Abby, no one can claim that!"
Roy says, "Makes all sorts of sense, cherie. Song's about to end if you want to go intercept Miz Livy."
Sulochana sighs a bit wistfully -- she had to catch herself from leaning into the kiss as well -- and chuckles, "Oh, I suspect she'll end up right here... when Eacharn brings her over!" She grins, then teasingly adds, "I need to talk to Travis first anyway, so shoo! Go do conniving kingly things!"
Roy nods and strides off, pausing here and there to speak with someone. As he predicted, the music is cycling down to the end of the song; Eacharn brings the woman over, smiling with every semblance of interest at what she's saying. Miz Livy actually laughs what sounds like a real laugh as they come over, "Thank you for the dance, your majesty." From the expression on her face she may be considering there is more than one king her daughter could marry.
Sulochana beams politely at the matriarch -- she has her own mask, after all -- and pats Eacharn's arm after he has bowed courteously to Miz Livy, then stepped to the Hetaera's side, "Isn't he a charmer? Your majesty, if you get a chance you really should dance with Miss Abigail as well -- she's a good friend and a lovely girl."
Travis and Abigail have parted ways by now and Abby is hurrying over before her mother can become more than passingly curious about her whereabouts. Eacharn takes the cue quite well. His new Lady is a good rider and her desires are easy to read for him. He turns to the returning Abigail and offers his arm for the next dance. Sulochana beams again, well pleased at how nice Eacharn is being about this! She watches him escort Abigail onto the dancefloor with a fond expression on her face... and surreptitiously mentally places where Travis is -- he's next on the list to grab and talk to!
Miz Livy doesn't get a chance to question her daughter before Sulochana arranges the dance for Abby. The matron looks slightly vexed about that, but she can't exactly object to Abby dancing with visiting royalty! She can, however, express her displeasure in another way: she says a little icily to Sulochana, "Don't you think having two kings at your beck and call... is a little greedy?"
Sulochana looks a bit surprised -- then amused. Her voice is serene, "Oh, I'd quite agree, Mrs. Madison-Williams. Why, if I weren't doing my utmost just now to help defend your city and king, I wouldn't have any interest in spending time with King Eacharn... I'd be with Roy, and not worrying at all about Houston." She smiles sweetly at the stout woman, murmuring, "Won't you excuse me, please?" and heads immediately off. Arguing with that worthy is not on her agenda tonight! Mrs. Madison-Williams is left flushed and speechless.
Sulochana spots Travis across the room, watching rather mournfully as Eacharn dances with Abby. The Hetaera giggles quietly to herself, hastening over in Travis' direction. She'll politely claim a promise of a previous engagement with any gentlemen who intercept her, and smilingly suggest they look her up a bit later, perhaps? When she reaches Travis she tucks a hand into his arm and grins mischievously up at him, "Dance with me, please, Trav?"
Travis blinks down at her and then chuckles, "Certainly, ma'am. It'll be my pleasure." He offers his arm and joins in the rustle and whirl of the dance with her. This is a more energetic number than the waltz, and the flash of cloth and color is quite beautiful. Sulochana is bubbly with excitement, whirling lightly through the dance even as she's doing her best to chat quietly with her partner. She needs to persuade Travis to trust her -- and, after some upcoming dance, to publicly propose to his lady love! Is he willing to do so? Travis is surprised at the suggestion, "Ma'am, she's afraid to even introduce me to her momma. I know she wants to marry me, but I don't know if she could say yes to me like this. She don't wanna hurt Miz Livy."
'Chana grins, "Miz Livy won't be in the room when you publicly propose, and King Roy will be quite possibly the first to congratulate you both! That way it's a done deal, in front of everyone, and she would look foolish if she tried to deny it. Will you try it that way? Feel free to ask Abby quietly first, if you want?"
Travis' eyes are gleaming as he says, "Well, she couldn't very well say no if Roy was to publicly bless it, could she?" His eyes go immediately to where Abby is in the crowd, as if he is aware of her location every moment.
Sulochana laughs delightedly, patting Travis' arm, "There you go! Tell you what -- King Eacharn is dancing with her right now. I think, if we place ourselves correctly, we can intercept him before he escorts Abby back to Miz Livy. Can you whisper the question to her then, while I keep the four of us standing together away from Miz Livy?" Travis nods enthusiastically, beaming all over his face. The song is starting to come toward a conclusion, so they're going to have to make their move quite soon.
Sulochana grins and winks at him, then starts tapping lightly on his arm, directing him on where to dance. She's good at what she does; they're eventually close enough to Eacharn and Abby that Sulochana can catch the man's eye. She smiles and tilts her head in invitation to come join them? She has Travis ease over towards the side of the dancefloor, well away from where Miz Livy is.
Eacharn whirls Abby through the intricate dance and guides her over to where Sulochana is standing with Travis. When they are all together he bows over the young woman's hand. Sulochana laughs delightedly, offering her hand to Eacharn also -- in such a way that she and he somewhat block Miz Livy's direct view of the two young lovers. Travis lowers his voice and asks Abby his question. The young woman's eyes widen and she covers her surprised expression with her fan as she whispers back that she would, yes! If King Roy lays his blessing on the wedding, her mother will have to agree!
'Chana dimples up at Eacharn, her eyes sparkling as Travis murmurs softly to Abby, and her own voice is quiet too, "Majesty, we're conniving -- helping two sweethearts unite!" She giggles, whispering a quick explanation to the king as she keeps half an eye on Abby's formidable mother -- she wants to give them all plenty of warning to break up should Miz Livy approach! The Hetaera grins as she adds in conclusion to the king, "Would you like to help?" Eacharn can tell this is quite important to his Lady Edana -- he isn't about to disappoint her on this, even though mention of Roy makes him bristle internally.
Miz Livy hesitates. She doesn't want to interrupt Abby and the visiting king, but she does want to question her daughter about her disappearing earlier. It keeps the stout matron at bay for a while, but she does head over when the conversation seems to be winding down. Sulochana beams delightedly at Eacharn, "Thank you!" then turns to murmur quietly, "She's coming, my dears! Travis, can you escort me to... mmm, to King Roy, please? Your majesty, can you escort Miss Abigail to her mother, then catch up with us, please?" She grins at Travis, adding, "We'll walk slowly, all right?"
Travis offers his arm, and Eacharn says, "I'd be honored." He moves to take the girl back to her mother and spends a moment or two chatting with them so Mrs. Madison-Williams still doesn't have a chance to ask too many questions. 'Chana sighs internally in relief that Eacharn doesn't balk at her heading towards Roy. She smiles at Travis and paces along relaxedly with him, chatting quietly and pausing for a drink, so as to give Eacharn plenty of time to catch up with them. When he does she's clearly carefully reining in her bubbly excitement as she grins delightedly up at him! She tucks a hand into his arm as well, and the three of them head towards Roy.
'Chana's eyes are sparkling as she beams at her beloved, "So, are you almost ready, majesty? Abby says yes, Travis is willing, and Eacharn's agreed to help as well!" She blinks, then looks embarrassed, "I am so sorry! I'm a bit over-excited. King Eacharn, I should have said."
Eacharn can't make himself correct her on that, in any case. The dropping of his honorific means she's thinking of him as someone she might like to be on a first-name basis with. Roy can't suppress his own grinning as he says, "Got everything set up on this end. The musicians are gonna take a break and the guards are going to clear a space for ya'll in front of the stage. Wanna have this be real noticeable."
'Chana bounces excitedly on her toes for a moment, then catches herself and grins, "Oh, wonderful! All right, how's this? Before the musicians take their break, have one last song. We'll have you and Travis chatting here, and King Eacharn and I will head back towards Abby. If he'll ask her to dance, I'll ask Miz Livy for some advice." She pauses, giggling as both Travis and Roy roll their eyes in spite of themselves -- Mrs. Madison-Williams is renown for her propensity to deliver resounding diatribes! Then she beams cheerfully, "Sound good to you all?"
Everyone agrees and Eacharn moves with Sulochana to take his place as distraction. As they walk, Sulochana happily asks the foreign monarch: she would like to give a gift to the newly-engaged couple, but it can't come from her. Would he be willing to offer it in her place -- both so she is not associated with it, and so it comes with the cachet of his rank behind it as well? She beams as he smiles and agrees.
Livy and Abigail are talking together in a way that looks very much like the elder woman is probably asking some very probing questions, but Miz Livy has to cut her questioning short as Eacharn makes a second request to dance with Abby -- the formidable lady can't very well say no to that if she really wants her daughter to be a queen!
Sulochana beams after Eacharn as he heads off with Abby, then smiles at Miz Livy, "He does seem to be enjoying himself, thank goodness! So, Miz Livy, while we have a moment..." she hesitates artfully for a few heartbeats, as if debating whether to continue speaking -- to make sure her current companion is even more interested! Finally she nods determinedly to herself, straightening and saying hopefully to the matron, "May I... may I ask you for some advice of a, ahh..." she glances around, then lowers her voice, "of a rather, er, delicate personal nature, please?" Worriedly she adds, "In private, please?" It's clear she doesn't want her question to be overheard.
Miz Livy can't resist that -- think of the gossip material! "Well... I can't guarantee I can help. But we can certainly find a quiet place to talk." Roy is keeping a close eye on the Hetaera and the matron and he grins as he watches the show from a distance.
Sulochana gives a small gasp of relief behind her fan, "Oh, thank goodness!" She glances around, then nervously adds, "We, er, should be out of earshot of the kings, please... maybe out there?" She heads towards the hallway, glancing back hopefully towards Miz Livy. The Hetaera strolls slowly along the hallway with Miz Livy, their heads leaning close together as she whispers her difficulties: both kings are starting to get alarmingly possessive -- Sulochana wants out! She doesn't know how to handle them, though, when they're being like this. How does she tell them no, without harming her caravan or Baton Rouge, or angering them against her? Miz Livy understands the truly delicate nature of this, er, personal issue, does she not?
The person Miz Livy sees as the main rival for her daughter's chance at royalty is asking how to get the kings to back off? -and wants her advice on it?! This day has suddenly gotten quite a bit brighter! Mrs. Madison-Williams assures Sulochana she completely understands the nature of this problem, "It can be quite trying when a young gentleman is too forward in his pursuit. I do wish you'd stayed out of Roy's clutches that first time."
Sulochana looks downcast, "But he was so... so convincing, Miz Livy!" She sighs, then adds mournfully, "Now King Eacharn is sounding much the same. It's what made me realize what must be up, you know?"
Miz Livy says, "Well... have you tried redirecting their affections?"
Sulochana nods once, murmuring, "One of my friends suggested I play them off each other, then leave -- but that doesn't help the caravan, and it potentially endangers me, I think. It sounds like I'm saying the winner gets me, you know? I don't want that."
Miz Livy says, "Of course not, child! Of course you don't want to endanger yourself or your people! But if you were to help them find someone else to... pursue. Someone who wants to stay on in this city. Or in St. Louis..."
Sulochana sighs unhappily, "See, that's part of the problem, Miz Livy! I don't know anyone in St. Louis that well!" She doesn't quite wail as she adds, "What am I going to do!?" then has to fumble in her sleeve for her hankie, to dab at her eyes. "Please excuse me, Miz Livy -- I'm rather distraught at the moment..."
Miz Livy says, "Why, child, who says they have to be in St. Louis? After all, the king is here right now and you know people here in town."
Sulochana looks up hopefully, "You mean... oh! Get him to court someone here?!" Her eyes widen, "I -- I'd not thought of that!" She frowns thoughtfully, "And if it would work with Eacharn, surely... surely we could do something similar for Roy?" She looks hopefully at Miz Livy, "Do you think there's a way to do this, though, without upsetting the alliance between St. Louis and -- oh!" Her eyes shine in sudden excitement, "Oh, that's brilliant -- of course! If Eacharn's interested in a Baton Rouge girl, of course he'll want to help save the city!"
Miz Livy hadn't even quite made it that far in her conniving, but she brightens up even further, "Of course! Any young woman that was the cause of such a thing would be quite the heroine!" Also, Roy would owe her quite a favor, though the matron doesn't voice that part aloud.
The Hetaera sighs in relief, not quite clutching Miz Livy's arm, "Oh, wonderful! Now... oh, dear." She looks worried again, "I don't want to sacrifice someone else's happiness for my own, though. We'll need someone who wants to be courted by the kings, right?"
The stout matron laughs warmly and pats 'Chana's hand, "Oh, I'm sure we can find someone willing to go into that particular breach, dear girl. Many young women would give their eye-teeth to be courted by royalty. Perhaps someone more settled."
Sulochana looks deeply relieved, "Do you think so? I would have thought someone settled wouldn't want to potentially move to St. Louis, but... well, you know the court here better than I...?" Mrs. Madison-Williams laughs warmly again, her mind racing as she tries to decide which monarch she wants to steer her daughter toward. They have a life here, true -- but St. Louis is a wonderful city as well! They could have quite a high station there!
Inside the hall a silence has fallen, followed by voices that are indistinct to anyone outside the room -- and then there's Roy's rumble of a voice saying, "Let me be the first to tender my congratulations, son. You've won the heart of a truly lovely young lady." It's followed by Eacharn saying, "Let me be the second. A true-love pairing is amongst the greatest gifts life can bring."
As Miz Livy is starting to turn toward the door, a young woman comes racing down the hallway toward them, her skirts gathered up and gasping breathlessly, "Miz Olivia, come quick! That's Abby in there!" The matron's jaw drops and she turns pale at the realization: if both kings are congratulating someone else... Sulochana says puzzledly, "Of course Miss Abigail's in there! What's wrong with that?" She follows the hastening women, though, as they speed back to the great hall... then pause in the wide main doorway all together, looking in.
In the ballroom, there's a broad space cleared in front of the stage where the musicians sit. Standing in the middle of it is Abigail, flushing rosily. Travis is down on one knee to her and holding her left hand, upon which sits a modest engagement ring. All of his love for her is shining in his face; there are many damp eyes in the audience. Roy says, "An' since this is such an auspicious occasion, please allow me to give you a small token." Eacharn joins in, "And how can St. Louis give any less when this is such a good omen?" The gift is, of course, the one 'Chana donated, but Eacharn is happy to make the gesture.
Mrs. Madison-Williams takes in the sight and her lashes flutter for a moment -- before she drops into a dead faint.
Sulochana blinks startledly -- then grabs the arm of the other young woman, "Quick, do you have smelling salts in your reticule?" She kneels next to the recumbent woman and fans Mrs. Madison-Williams' face, smiling up at the young woman, "Isn't it amazing? I am in absolute, utter awe of Miz Livy's organizational abilities -- her daughter has the blessings of not one but two kings!"
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