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Realms: Taps Logs

Picnic in the Summertime

The carriage with the two kings in it heads off for the palace, going by a scenic route; Roy wants Eacharn to see how lovely the city is. Suraksha sighs happily again at Roy's clear pleasure, watching the official carriage drive off. Once they're gone she thanks Eacharn's people for their kindness and patience with her, then collects together her things to head off to the caravan. She's unsurprised when Alg comes scampering up moments later from the direction of the Goldenrod paddleboat -- she laughs and ruffles his spiky fur when he grins toothily up at her. The Hetaera is humming happily to herself as she goes, despite being in a somewhat bad section of town -- it's a beautiful day, as far as she's concerned!

Shortly thereafter she's heading for the palace, mounted on Gajara -- the big elephant and her chosen mahout want to see the city! Sulochana hopes Roy has given Eacharn some time in privacy to eat and relax, so the St. Louis king can perhaps catch 40 winks -- and so 'Chana can have a little time with her beloved! Once they're at the palace she nearly bounces cheerfully down the halls, happily greeting those she knows and dumping her things off in 'her' room -- then dimpling at the guards at the door of Roy's suite, "Is he in? May I enter, please?"

It's Alan and a man Sura doesn't know on guard at Roy's suite. The rail-thin guard nods and says, "He is. He and the other king are supposed to be meeting with their cabinets. Roy was already up most of the night with his..." While Alan is talking, the door opens and Roy beams down at his cherie.

'Chana blinks, then beams delightedly back, entirely distracted, "Morning, sweet man! Is Eacharn resting? May I come in for a bit?" She grins apologetically at the interrupted guard, "Thank you, Alan!" then curiously adds to Roy, "Who or what were you up all night with, sweetheart?"

Roy chuckles and ushers 'Chana into his suite. "I dunno if he's restin' or not. He's off with all that passel of advisors he brought along. As fer me, I was up with Jacko an' all the other folks that do the biggest part of the runnin' o' things for me. All the real negotiatin' will happen between that lot. Me'n Eacharn'll mos'ly be there to make the executive decisions as they call 'em."

Sulochana murmurs curiously, as the door is closing, "Oh, were you planning out what you hope to get in the..." She brightens as the door latch clicks closed, turning back to Roy and nearly throwing herself on him! Roy laughs as he stumbles back just a little, then wraps his arms around her in return so he can share the kiss. He gets kissed very, very thoroughly -- and then, voice husky, 'Chana murmurs, "Missed you so much, lovely man!" before she wraps her arms and legs around him and starts kissing him hungrily again. When she nearly climbs up him, Roy shifts his grip so he can support her and starts carrying her toward the bedroom door on the other side of the sitting room. She pauses only long enough to add, "How long do we have?" and then continues kissing without relent!

"Mmm... couple hours, I'd say." Roy takes a moment to nuzzle into the side of her neck with a happy sigh, "Eacharn's already tole me I'll get the folks I need, though."

Sulochana laughs with throaty pleasure, wriggling happily, "Yay!" then calls, "Alg? Can you knock on the door please after an hour and a half? Oh, and ask Alan to have hot baths sent for and ready at that time, please?" Then she goes back to doing her best to keep Roy thoroughly distracted!

Roy is more than willing to be distracted. He's been thinking about it ever since he saw 'Chana looking like a goddess on that big black stallion earlier in the morning. The pair of them have a wonderful, playful time. At one point Roy is literally chasing her around the room and nearly tackles her onto the bed, tangling them both up in his best linen sheets. One thing that always seems to dominate their time together is laughter, and this is no different. When Alg finally knocks on the door Roy chuckles and sighs, "Damn. Promise me we get ta have some time t'gether this visit where th' only time limit is how long I can go b'fore you wear me out."

Sulochana giggles, rolling over like a contented cat to rub up against her beloved, then purrs, "Soon's the negotiations're done, sweet man -- sounds wonderful!" She calls, "Thanks, Alg, sweetie!" then grins and gently nudges Roy, "Got to get clean, lovely man -- don't need to peeve Eacharn with my scent all over you, right?"

Roy finally thinks to ask, "How in hell would Eacharn know I smelled like ennything but sex, enny way?" He untangles himself from the sheets and pats her on the behind as he reaches for his dressing gown.

Sulochana chuckles as she murmurs, "And who else would you be having sex with while I'm here, sweetheart, mmm?"

Roy smirks, pulling his hair out of the collar of the dressing gown, "Well, rumor'd have it that I'd have sex with any lady gives me a wink. You really concerned about me smellin' like sex, er smellin' like you in perticular? He got someone on staff ain't what they seem?" Roy is well-familiar with such folks, currently having a werewolf on his own payroll.

'Chana nods amusedly, lying on her front and resting her chin on her crossed arms. She lazily kicks her heels in the air and smiles fondly at Roy, looking much like a very, very contented cat, "I'm afraid so, sweetie. Plus that person has scented me now, after my spending the night there last night." Her smile is a little sad as she adds, "If I can't be with you, lover... I guess I shouldn't mind you being with someone else, even if I'm in the city, yes?"

Roy leans over and places a kiss on her nose, pushing a lock of hair off her face, "I wasn't, cherie. I'm sorta part-time monogamous. When yer in town, yer the only woman for me. Hell, mosta the resta the time too, any more. Raisin' a child, even with a nanny, takes a shitload a' my time." He smiles softly, "Don' tell me yer feelin' a li'l bit jealous."

Sulochana beams, tilting her head up at him with her eyes half closed so it's easy for him to reach her. She reaches out with one hand at the same time, gently stroking up the back of one of his legs as he does so -- she likes how he feels! At his query she smiles thoughtfully again, thinking... then shakes her head, "I was thinking how rude of me it was not to tell you that last night, actually, lover... and thinking how I'd miss you even if we were both with someone else. I know I did last night." Teasingly she adds, "What, you get jealous still, even knowing how I feel about you, silly man?"

The king of Baton Rouge steps to the door and make sure there's bath water being prepared before he turns back and grins at her, "Naw, not s'bad. I jest ain' used to you bein' with somebody else when yer in town. Makes me irritable ta get shortchanged on time I coulda had with ya."

The Hetaera nods a bit exasperatedly, "I completely understand!" She rolls smoothly to her feet, pattering after Roy and sliding her arms around him from behind. "Need someone to scrub your back, sweetheart? We need to get you all clean and kingly on time -- I can wait until later! I'm just going to have a nice picnic with Mary and Lisbet, and I'm bringing along Fantine and Alg." She doesn't say anything, but she's a bit startled to hear Roy's been cutting back on his womanizing! She hopes it's indeed due to needing to spend time with Mary -- and not due to feeling bad about her, or anything similar.

Roy grins and raises one of her hands to his mouth to kiss it, "Sugar, if you scrub my back, I'll pull ya into the tub with me. You go on an' have yer own bath an' I'll see ya when the negotiatin's done."

'Chana giggles, sliding around him to his front and hugging her lover tightly for a moment before she sighs against his chest, smiling, "Oh... you're probably right." She steps away from Roy, adding ruefully, "I am going to be so glad when these negotiations are concluded!" She trots off quickly, holding her robe closed as she blows a kiss over her shoulder to Roy and heads off to her bath.

Forty-five minutes later Roy is bathed, dressed, fed, and sitting at the negotiating table with Eacharn and their respective advisors. The remains of a light brunch are mingled on the table with maps and other paperwork, the papers held down with various paperweights to keep the breeze through the open windows from stealing it. The windows look out onto an expansive lawn and a stone-flagged, shaded plaza at the back of the palace.

Sulochana had seen Roy off with a kiss on the cheek, a discreet pat on the rump, and a twinkle in her eyes! After that, on Fantine's recommendation she gets dressed in a pretty, colorful light cotton sundress, so as to remain cool in the heat of the day. She scoops up her sunhat by the ribbons, then heads off with her friends and a spring in her step to find Mary. She's promised the young girl stories about the previous night's ball, after all, as well as a picnic!

Mary is ecstatic to see 'Chana, whom Roy has not-so-discreetly encouraged her to see as a mother-figure. She and her nanny are also dressed in light cotton sundresses and are ready for a day with 'Chana, Fantine, and Alg. 'Chana is rather touched at Roy's efforts on her behalf with Mary, and is quite fond of the little girl. The shy loogaroo likes Mary as well, looking upon her like a little sister. With Lisbet, she's helping lug a large picnic basket, and the little group head out towards the barns, Alg lolloping relaxedly on ahead or pausing to sniff interestedly in the underbrush. Mary is practically dragging the laughing 'Chana along by one hand, chattering excitedly about how she's going to ride in the drag hunt tomorrow!

In the negotiating room, servants have cool drinks and light nibbles to hand for everyone seated at the large table. Both kings have their advisors present, and the advisors are doing most of the logistical back-and-forth talking. Jacko and Pierce are both there to make sure Roy's best interests are kept in mind. Roy himself is watching alertly, occasionally asking a question or making a suggestion. Eacharn as well is watching and speaking with a quiet thoughtfulness that makes the king of Baton Rouge start to wonder if maybe they could get along... if not as friends, at least as equals.

After an hour or two, however, Roy realizes Eacharn has not actually commented on anything in quite some time. He looks up curiously and notices a far-off, almost wistful look in the foreign king's eyes, even though the rest of his face is carefully blank. The visiting monarch's fingers are running slowly over something looped loosely around his neck under his open collar. The thin, ropelike thing looks familiar and Roy's own mind wanders a bit as he tries to figure out where he might have seen it.

By now Mary, Fantine, and Sulochana are playing keep-away with Alg -- or at least trying to! Despite not being able to keep their hands on the bouncy red ball, they're giggly and laughing and having a perfectly wonderful time. The far more agile goblin is snorting and cackling delightedly as he bounds from tree to underbrush, off the grazing pony's back and around again, scooping up the ball effortlessly and bouncing it around the three females. Lisbet, more sedentary due to her bad ankle, is relaxing in the shade next to the picnic basket, laughing and clapping as she urges them all on.

Roy registers the laughter and chattering and follows Eacharn's gaze to the small group. It takes him no time at all to figure out who it is out there playing near the stables and the barn. He turns his thoughtful gaze back to Eacharn. When the distracted king misses a question directed respectfully toward him, Roy clears his throat and says, "Eacharn? Ya got enny thoughts on the issue o' keepin' ever'body fed?" Eacharn doesn't startle -- he's too well-trained for that -- but he does blink. Smoothly, if also a bit hastily, he directs the question toward his quartermaster. Roy smiles, not unkindly, before going back to concentrating on the negotiations. He understands being completely taken with the bright, lithe, and lovely Hetaera.

It doesn't take long for the little group of breathless women and girl to decide it's too hot for more keep-away -- time for brunch! Alg looks disappointed until 'Chana grins and promises him all their lovely crunchy chicken bones! That perks him up, and he heads off into the underbrush to cool off by jumping into one of the big water troughs kept filled for the various animals which roam Roy's estate. When he comes back, still slightly wet, he shakes vigorously (to much squealing and laughter from the ducking women) then flops contentedly at Sulochana's side. It makes her dress a bit damp, but in the shade of the hot day that's actually very pleasant.

Lisbet and Fantine have laid out a delicious picnic brunch, and 'Chana entertains Mary with stories (slightly exaggerated for humor) of what went on at the ball the previous night. Mary is delighted at the tales, clapping her hands and excitedly asking 'Chana to help her braid her pony's mane for the drag hunt tomorrow -- she'll gladly help Mama 'Chana do the same with her horse if she'd like? 'Chana laughs and is quite happy to help, but smiles as she explains she has no hunter, groom, nor proper clothing with which to go a-hunting. Mary assures the Hetaera, with the earnestness of the very young, that her father will find something for 'Chana! The two of them are soon contentedly chatting together as they braid the bravely bright ribbons into the pony's mane. That sturdy worthy continues placidly grazing as they do so, while Alg flops contentedly over his rump, the extra ribbons held in one clawed hand.

The fourth or fifth time that Roy or one of the other cabinet members have to get Eacharn back on track, the Baton Rouge king sighs. Clearly this isn't going to work while Sulochana and the others are out there. Roy can't help wondering, too, what that is around Eacharn's neck that he keeps playing with. If the Baton Rouge king didn't know better, he'd swear it was the exact same silk as his cherie's favorite silk wrap.

Roy's eyes move over to watch the woman and girl braiding the ribbons into the pony's mane and tail, and his memory wanders to the morning ride. He frowns slightly, remember the big black horse. Nearly everything about it practically screamed "warhorse"... and yet somehow it was incredibly well-behaved -- almost docile -- after 'Chana had smacked it for misbehaving on their early morning ride. Roy is not at all sure he like the animal or trusts it with his beloved's safety, despite the way she sat so firmly during the impressive show of the animal's paces. Still, best to focus on the negotiations for now.

Fantine and Lisbet neatly pack up the remains of the late picnic lunch, then stretch out on the blanket in the shade and snooze. The sunlight warms the also-snoozing goblin sprawled over the pony's broad rump, brings out the flowery colors in the light sundresses, and makes 'Chana's sable hair shimmer with streaks of hinted color. On the broad, grassy lawn the little scene looks like a painting of contentment.

When Roy looks back at Eacharn for an instant, he catches a flash of what almost looks like pain in the other man's eyes -- then the river king blinks and shakes his head. That's silly. Why would such a tranquil scene be painful? Roy sighs again, realizing there's no use going on with the negotiations like this. He slaps his hands down on the table, breaking into the conversation. "Ladies and gentlemen, I think it's just about time we all have a little somethin' fer lunch." He signals for the servants to bring in food for the cabinet and then turns to Eacharn, "Yer majesty, I'd like t'ask you t'come on down and have lunch with my li'l family." Eacharn blinks, surprised at the offer, but quickly accepts; the two kings leave the table together.

At about the same time as Alg snorts, raising his head to glance towards the two approaching men, Sulochana also glances over her shoulder. Her face lights up with joy for an instant -- then she grins down at the girl with her, "Mary, here comes your daddy! Looks like they're taking a break!" The small girl squeals and scampers off to drop a quick curtsey to the visiting king -- then she hugs Roy tightly about the waist, explaining in a rush of words that Alg likes crunchy chicken bones and bouncy red balls and Mama 'Chana needs a horse and pretty riding clothes and Fantine doesn't want to ride but got the hiccups from laughing so hard and he's going to stay and braid too, right?

Alg sits up on the pony's rump and sniffs interestedly at the two men. Sulochana finishes the braid she'd been working on, then settles in the bright green grass and laughs with quiet enjoyment. Her colorful skirts are flared around her like the petals of a flower, except where the still-damp bodice clings a little. Behind her the other two women are hastily spreading out drinks and some nibblies on the picnic blanket, quietly and amusedly congratulating each other on thinking to pack quite so much food. Roy grins down at his adopted daughter. He has truly come to love the child and his face lights up as she chatters happily at him. "Waall now, I figger we can cover the horse 'n clothes if she wants ta ride with us." Eacharn's head goes up slightly and his ears would perk if they were able. His Lady Edana needs a mount for the ride?

Sulochana laughs again, waving a dismissive hand, "Oh, nonono, you're not getting me out there improperly dressed, Roy -- I know that sort of riding has all kinds of strictures about it, and I'm not familiar enough with any of them!" She grins affectionately at the man and daughter, deeply pleased to see how Mary has blossomed in the past two or three years, and adds, "Besides, I don't have a horse either, and you both know how they tend to have a hissy fit when Alg and I are around!" On the stolid pony's rump, Alg gives a disdainful sniff. His opinion of horses that spook at his pretty lady is very low.

Eacharn finds himself plotting even as he's encouraged to sit down and have some of the lunch that has been laid out for the two kings from the picnic basket. He could easily carry his Lady to the hunt! Roy chuckles and says, "I'm sure somethin' could be done 'bout alla that, cherie!"

Sulochana accepts Roy's hand and rises easily with his lift, her eyes sparkling as she gives him a quick hug on the other side from Mary. The Baton Rouge king ends up effectively bracketed by both females once he's seated himself -- although where 'Chana tends to cuddle contentedly up against Roy, Mary is far more energetic. She bounces slightly in place as she chatters happily about how well she's doing in her classes -- except for "sums," which makes her stick her tongue out in disgust -- and how beautiful her pony will look tomorrow and can she ride in the first field up by the hounds instead of back with the other children and beginners this time please please please? She's been ever so good!

'Chana covers a giggle at that, then grins at Eacharn. She's delighted to think he'll soon have family too. The Hetaera smiles at Roy as she adds more sedately, in a gap in Mary's excited conversational flow, "Sweetheart, I don't want to spend the money on a new riding habit right now, especially considering how much it would cost to have ready by tomorrow... and I don't want to put anyone out. Why don't you all go have a lovely time anyway?"

Roy smiles indulgently at his daughter and drawls, "We done talked about this. You been an awful good girl, but you still ain't big 'nough to ride up inna first field, sugar..." He arches a brow at 'Chana and says, "Let's us just have lunch and leave all the talkin' 'bout who will an' won't ride fer later."

Mary huffs a deeply wounded sigh and appears devastated... at least until she gets a fizzy drink handed to her by Lisbet. She happily squeals, "Ooh, soda!" and drinks while watching the others wide-eyed.

Sulochana laughs again, stretching out with lazily blissful enjoyment before she smiles at Eacharn, "So how are your negotiations going then, your majesty?"

Eacharn is startled out of his gazing at his Lady Edana and says, "They're going quite well, I think. We'll have Houston routed before another year goes by."

Sulochana's smile to Eacharn is wry, "I certainly hope so. From what I saw last time I was through there, he's scooping up all the independent fiefdoms surrounding his city before he heads towards Baton Rouge, as the nearest useful big target city." She glances at Roy, adding, "If he continues what I've heard of previously, he'll invite you and a whole bunch of other nearby rulers to a diplomatic shindig at his city, then suggest you pay tribute for his protection... and when you refuse, that's his excuse to invade later."

Roy smiles wryly, "Yeah. I already got the invite. It's gonna be a little while, but I've already drafted my reply. Figger we'll go by th' water. Won't take s'long that way." Roy will also be literally in his element for the whole trip.

Eacharn frowns slightly, "Will you be taking some of my people with you for that, your majesty?"

Sulochana flops out gracefully, sprawled like a lithe cat over one side of the blanket and with her head resting on Roy's shoulder as she listens with interest. Roy has one arm around 'Chana with casual affection. Fantine and Lisbet serve more delicious fried chicken to the two kings, and Alg sits behind 'Chana, casting a covetous eye on the chicken bones and trying not to drool. The Baton Rouge king surreptitiously tosses his chicken bones to Alg, chuckling as the goblin crunches them happily. The Hetaera waits until Roy has answered before she asks hopefully what the date is on the diplomatic summit; she'd love to make it there in time to perhaps spend a little time with her beloved! He gives her the date; it's far enough out that the caravan can make it to Houston if they make good time with all of their other scheduled obligations. Sulochana beams delightedly at that! She lets Roy know she'll try to meet him there, if the caravan can make it.

Eacharn doesn't exactly pout, but he fidgets a little at how happy and relaxed 'Chana seems with the king and his daughter. It's clearly going to be harder than Eacharn had originally anticipated to convince her to spend more time in St. Louis. He does, however, suggest Roy take at least a couple of Eacharn's people, just so both kings have all the information on the manipulations that Houston is likely to try. The Hetaera notices the St. Louis king's restlessness, although she doesn't realize precisely why. Since it looks like she'll have enough time to make the trip to St. Louis and back before the Houston summit, and it'd be profitable for her people, 'Chana politely inquires, "Your majesty, do you already have guards for your trip upriver to return to St. Louis? Or will you be looking to hire my caravan again?" She adds in explanation, "We usually spend two week here for the holidays -- many of the caravaneers are entertainers foremost, as I suspect you know -- but after that we're available."

Eacharn quite happily jumps on that offer. "I was just thinking I would hire your caravan if it's available, Sulochana."

'Chana looks pleased, "Excellent! River-boating annoys Del, but everyone else loves it -- looks on it like an extended holiday!" She giggles, tilting her head to glance up at Roy, "Remember when we floated on down here from Chicago? That was loads of fun."

When lunch is done, Roy suggests a little stroll to aid the digestion -- and besides, he wants to show off his menagerie to Eacharn. The Hetaera rises, laughing as Mary grabs her hands and pulls enthusiastically -- Mama 'Chana's got to come see the brand new cute little baby swamp cougar cub! Roy chuckles as he too rises and dusts off the seat of his pants, "How'm I gonna fergit it? Pierce still ain't forgiven me fer goin' overboard on that trip." Eacharn rises as well, though he's a bit reluctant when he realizes how many large cats there are in Roy's collection.

Sulochana laughs as Mary ends up skipping along between her and Roy, holding one hand of each of them. She reaches over the child's head, gently poking Roy's arm, "That's not what I was talking about and you know it, you great silly!" She beams down at Mary as she adds, "Oh, Gajara may be wandering around still -- she and Oksana brought me in this morning because they wanted to sightsee a bit." That excites Mary, who darts ahead squealing delightedly about riding the "hefelant." 'Chana casually calls over her shoulder, "Alg, dear, would you like to come along, please?" The goblin looks up sleepily for a few heartbeats... then at some surreptitious signal from the Hetaera he blinks and darts over to scamper off with them all.

Alg has seen the animals in the menagerie before, but he happily trots along with his pretty lady to see them again. Roy is quite proud of his collection and talks about it extensively. Some of the reason for it is that he loves the animals, and they are quite spoiled. Another of the reasons is that he's trying to keep some species from going extinct in the surrounding area. The big cats are one of the 'because he loves them' parts of the collection. Eacharn finds himself twitchy and nervous, even though the big predators are safely caged. It takes him quite a while to notice the cats are all nervous as well, pacing and in some cases growling quietly when the party comes close. Each time that happens Alg bounces up to the cage close to the cat. Roy chuckles and says, "Damn. They still don' like goblins."

Alg cackles at Roy's comment, baring his fangs with pride. Sulochana smiles in quiet affection at Roy and Alg but stays in the back of the party, distanced somewhat from the cages; she knows her effect on other predators. She notices Eacharn's discomfort and takes a moment, when Roy is proudly explaining something to Fantine, to smile and whisper softly to the pooka, "You're quite safe, Eacharn, truly." She pats his arm reassuringly. She wonders for a moment why Eacharn isn't disturbed by her... then suddenly understands. They're both supernaturals; it's relationships between the non-supernatural animals and the animal species of the shapeshifters that are causing hackles to rise.

When she pulls him aside, Eacharn murmurs quietly to her, "Why not ride in the hunt, My Lady? It's a drag-hunt. It'll be mostly a ride in the park. Even the girl is going to be going."

Sulochana smiles and shakes her head, "Later, please." She doesn't want to distract from Roy's pride in his little menagerie.

Eacharn keeps his voice low, "You'd be fine, you know. Especially if you rode Tybalt." His tone is almost pleading. Any excuse to have her astride him again will do for the water-pony.

Sulochana says with quiet firmness, "Later, Eacharn, please." She turns and strolls on ahead of the others, not wishing to have this discussion just now. The two entities have gotten away from the rest of the little party, so Eacharn feels free to try again in pressing his suit a little harder. Surely after this morning's display she knows she can trust him even on jumps and hazards?

It is, of course, the new cage that unexpectedly catches Sulochana out. She strolls around the corner, which is thick with shrubberies, ahead of the others; she doesn't realize the little building has a new enclosure on that side for one of Roy's big cats. Cutting across the drowsy quiet of the afternoon like the sound of tearing metal, there's a startled and enraged squall -- overlaid with an abrupt, hissing roar. Eacharn trots to keep up with the Hetaera and swears in startlement at the squall and roar of the enormous cat in the new enclosure. It's then he realizes it's she who has been making the cats so nervous. But what about fire could cause them to be so irritable?

Sulochana steps hastily back from the cage, Alg shooting over to bristle protectively next to her, growling and glaring at the upset puma. Interestingly, while there were two cries, there appears to be only one cat in the enclosure. For just an instant the Hetaera's eyes are still flashing dangerously at the feline challenge, her teeth slightly bared... then she spots Eacharn and takes a slow breath, smiling, "Goodness, that startled me!" She suddenly wonders if Eacharn would be spooked by her too -- if they were both in their animal forms. She puts that question aside for later; right now she needs to focus on being human.

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

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