| Logs |
2011 March 18
| Neverneverwhere |
| Realms |
Retired
| Reality Fault |
General Info
 |
| Realms: Taps Logs |
Dinner & Dancing
Eacharn waits for Sulochana to step away a bit before he changes back to his human form. The halter is still there, but now it looks like a simple silken tie with the tie-pin adorning it. The Hetaera murmurs admiringly, "Oh, very nice!"
Eacharn beams happily as he moves to gather his clothes for the dinner, "I shall match my clothes to it."
The Hetaera smiles as she sits back down on the edge of his bed, out of the way. "I'm glad you're feeling better, dear. I'm really hoping you and Roy can get along comfortably eventually."
The pooka smiles a bit wryly and pulls his breeches on, "I'm not entirely certain I can promise comfort, My Lady. But I will promise civility." He is at least honest. He tries to be casual as he says, "I had always thought Roy's control of the river had to do with the scepter."
Sulochana sighs softly, a rueful smile on her lips, "Well... we'll all make do, I suppose." She pauses a moment, then adds curiously, "Wait... just before Alg came in you said something about the dowry gift you said you'd give Travis. What was that about something more, please?" Then she blinks, mentally changing gears, "Pardon?" She sounds surprised, "It's common knowledge he can control the river?! I had no idea!"
Eacharn looks startled, "It is a surprise? You've seen the scepter over his throne, yes? The Tapping contraption?"
Sulochana laughs, "Oh, of course I've seen it -- it's quite hard to miss, honestly! I just didn't realize everyone knew he controlled the river with it!"
Eacharn nods, "Or at least it's a badly kept secret. That's why he can charge the tolls he charges. There hasn't been a legitimate crossing since his ascension where someone was killed or a shipment lost."
Sulochana thinks about that for a bit, then curiously asks the pooka, "So what do you charge, then?"
Eacharn blinks at 'Chana's question, "I run barge service, and I charge rates lower than Roy's, because I can't guarantee the crossing."
Sulochana nods thoughtfully, "All right. Well, thank you for the information, dear -- I'll make sure Roy is aware of what the scuttlebutt about him is." She adds curiously, "Can't you tell, though, as a pooka, how the river is going?"
Eacharn nods and continues dressing carefully, "I can tell how it's going, but I can't guarantee passage is possible every day. Roy's crossing is the safest and most reliable on the river. I daresay some of Houston's thinking is that controlling Baton Rouge will control the smooth crossing. I don't believe he knows Roy is Tap enough to control the river."
Sulochana draws her knees up and wraps her arms loosely about them. She sighs, murmuring worriedly, "Yes... makes sense. I hope Roy knows what he's doing." She laughs, although it's a bit brittle, "What am I saying -- of course he does! He's been in wars before, after all." She bounces lightly to her feet, pacing restlessly despite the pretty smile on her face, "I'm sure he'll be fine... just fine."
Eacharn hurries to answer as he remembers the other question, "I'm adding some silver to Travis and his lady's dowry. Not enough to be pretentious, but enough to be useful to a new-married couple."
The Hetaera smiles a bit distractedly, "You are? Oh, good! Thank you, Eacharn -- that's very kind of you." As she pauses to stare out the window towards the city, she adds quietly, "I'm glad you feel free to do that." She abruptly glances over her shoulder at the pooka, adding, "Oh, I almost forgot! Might I hitch a ride with you back to the palace, please? I need to stop by the caravan, but if you didn't mind I'd much appreciate it?"
Eacharn feels himself tensing a bit at the idea of taking his Lady to her lover, but struggles to bring his emotions under control. She is not a mare. Being pushy will not impress her. He will have to find another way. His voice is admirably even as he says, "Of course you may."
Sulochana smiles, her face warming as she looks at him, "Thank you, dear." She studies him for a moment, then smiles again, "You look nice! Are you ready to go?" As she paces back toward him he can see her deliberately shedding her nervousness for Roy.
Eacharn stuffs down his jealousy again, determined to behave himself and keep his ears open. He has not had to win over a woman in quite this way in some time. He nods, "Let us go on, Lady. It would not do to be late."
Sulochana tucks a hand into Eacharn's arm, cheerfully chatting as they head out to get into his smart borrowed phaeton and pair, "Very true! I'll hurry, I promise. I just want to pick up the payment for the butterfly case, and Fantine has asked me to bring a change of clothes." Eacharn keeps his face pleasant and contrives, mostly successfully, to enjoy her company as they stop by the caravan and then head to the palace. Alg rides along with them, although he's sitting on the back of the phaeton, outside the cushioned sitting area. He bounds off happily once they arrive at the palace, giving a quick nod and a 'huff!' to the guards at the door. Fantine is waiting there as well, and after Sulochana gives Eacharn a thank-you hug and a quick kiss on the cheek, the two women head off to get 'Chana quickly dressed for dinner.
Eacharn watches her go and heads to his room with a head full of supposition and plans. He has deliberately not mentioned Roy having potentially ruinous information about the pooka. In fact, he has been trying hard not to think about it. It had been somewhat reckless for him to take the form of Tybalt around the other king. Roy has rooms ready for both of them, even though Eacharn is not staying at the palace -- it is considered polite to reserve rooms for visiting dignitaries to have privacy during long stays.
Fantine soon has Sulochana nicely dressed for a casual, relaxed public dinner. When Roy knocks on the door and leans in to see if his lover is ready, he cheerfully teases the little loogaroo as well, as he often does. Fantine blushes and smiles shyly, and the Hetaera gives the king a delighted hug before they head off to dinner arm in arm. Sulochana murmurs as they walk, "Were you able to get Travis quietly assigned to guarding tonight? Eacharn has the dowry gift for him!" She sighs happily, leaning her head against Roy's arm for a moment as she adds, "The hunt was lovely, sweetheart. This should be a nice, quiet dinner, yes? I'm so glad we get to spend some uncomplicated public time together too!"
Roy smiles his confident, relaxed smile. His cherie is with him. He will have the people he needs to defend his city. All is right in his world, "Di'n't have to be quiet. Jest told Jacko to get it done. Travis'll be there, as will Miss Abigail." The dinner is indeed meant to be as casual as one can really get when two heads of state are eating together.
Sulochana laughs delightedly, bouncing on her toes for a moment as she walks, and happily patting his arm, "Wonderful! Oh, also: I have a little gold nugget for the butterfly case for Pierce. Would it be more polite of me to give it to him, or to give it to you and let you order the case for him?"
Roy chuckles again, "Oh, don't know 'bout polite, but I know the dimensions. I'll make sure he knows who it's from if you want me to order it for him."
Sulochana smiles, tilting her head thoughtfully, "Well... I don't want to make Pierce feel awkward, you know?" She pauses, then rises on tiptoe to whisper quietly to Roy, "Sweetie... do you and Keynes know he's not... entirely human?"
Roy tips his head to hear better as 'Chana goes up on tiptoe. He is still smiling, "Oh, I have suspected. Old Keynes just insists his family is long-lived. Won't tell anyone how old he really is."
Sulochana nods, relaxing, "All right. It's none of my business, but I know it can be a shock to someone who doesn't know their heritage." She sighs happily again, absently and affectionately rubbing her cheek very lightly against Roy's shoulder -- then laughs quietly, "Gracious, I am distracted tonight! Sorry, sweetheart. Where was I... oh, right! Pierce. So... if he wouldn't feel awkward I'm happy to give him the gold nugget. I just didn't want him to feel... hm... either bribed or unappreciated?"
Roy leans down to kiss the top of her head when she nuzzles so nicely against him. His own mind wanders for a moment, wondering how many moments they could steal together before being unpardonably late for dinner -- and deciding probably not enough to truly do her justice. He jerks his attention back to Sulochana when she speaks, though, and smiles, "Go on and give it to him then, love. Pierce isn't easily demonstrative, and it will do him good to know people appreciate him. He is used to be respected, but that's different than appreciation."
Sulochana beams happily up at Roy, "All right!" She slips her fingers down into the decolletage of her embroidered bodice, pulling up the edge of a small, soft leather bag and twinkles mischievously at Roy for a moment before she tucks it neatly back, "You're still going to have to order the case though, please?"
Roy's eyes are drawn not to the pouch but to the decolletage, and he has to pull his attention back to the actual conversation at hand, "Oh, I'll make sure it gets ordered, cherie." He looks around for a moment and grins wickedly, pulling her aside into a small passage along their path. It's quiet and empty, usually used by the maids and footmen. "'Fraid I can't go inta dinner 'thout a kiss."
Sulochana wraps her arms about Roy's neck, rising on tiptoes again and purring warmly, "Mmm, thought you'd never ask, lover!"
Roy has had practice in kissing ladies in such sneaky circumstances. His hands rest lightly on her hips and he's very careful not to let them roam. The kiss itself, however, manages to give several ideas of where he'd like to let them wander to. Sulochana has no such compunctions! She wraps herself happily about Roy, leaning against her beloved, curling one leg about him and running her fingers hungrily through his hair as she does her best to kiss him as thoroughly as she can. She wants him to know how much she's missed him -- and also wants him to want her enough that he'll be careful to take care of himself in the upcoming war.
Roy's plans to be somewhat discreet are tossed out the window. The kiss goes on long enough that the king is considering blowing off the dinner entirely -- before there's a discreet cough at the opening of the passage. Sulochana blinks distractedly, brushing a curling strand of her hair back out of her face as she glances over her shoulder. She smiles as she straightens and puts both feet on the ground, "Oh, dear... are we blocking the way?"
The cougher turns out to be Jacko, who is standing with his arms crossed. He's not smiling, but it's obvious to those who know him that he's amused, "No. Not blocking the way. I came to find out what was keeping you."
Sulochana giggles softly as she leans her head against Roy's chest, "Er... my fault, Jacko. I apologize." She smiles up at Roy, her tilted golden eyes smoky with love and desire, "Mmm... better head to dinner, yes? I'll behave." She giggles softly again, adding very quietly, "Mostly..."
Roy clears his throat and chuckles, "Damn. Thought it was my idea." He smoothes his clothes a bit and runs his hands through his hair to set it back somewhat to rights before offering his elbow again. This time, under Jacko's watchful eye, they make it to the dining room.
Sulochana's eyes are sparkling with delight as she glances frequently up at Roy. She feels absolutely wonderful, despite her efforts to look demure, and she's almost glowing deliciously with desire as the couple stroll into the dining room. Most of the other guests are already present, but Eacharn is waiting at the entrance of the dining room; the folks who handled the social niceties for Roy arranged it so both kings enter together as a subtle sign of mutual respect. They had no idea, of course, that each king had new and important information about the other.
The seating arrangements at the round table put Roy and Eacharn side by side with 'Chana on Roy's left and Mary on 'Chana's left. The two kings are carefully polite at first, but the Hetaera's good mood melts them both a little; they actually relax enough to have a pleasant conversation. They both love the river, and a plan is conceived to go boating together sometime, although no date is actually set.
Sulochana is feeling warm and loved, and she's delighted to see the kings getting along all right! She's happy to chat with Mary too, making sure the little girl eats her veggies, feels involved, and doesn't talk with her mouth full. The Hetaera actually feels like she belongs when she's with Roy. Not that she can fit in -- she can do that anywhere, with grace and style -- but that he genuinely considers her to be family; to be someone cherished and cared for.
Roy is relaxed enough that he touches 'Chana as if they were just among any friends. Sulochana practically blossoms with Roy's affection; she doesn't bother hiding the love bubbling up inside her, and her golden eyes are brilliant when she beams at Roy. The king does not succeed in trying to be subtle. His feelings shine on his face every time he glances at 'Chana; most of the other attendees at the dinner pick up on the obvious happiness. Some of them smile indulgently, some dreamily; fairy-tale romance is still popular, despite most people being aware fairies are real.
Eacharn takes in the easy affection between the two lovers and considers how to build such a thing with his Lady. His relationship with Eloise was close and intimate, but not exactly comfortable much of the time -- there was too much of a different kind of intensity for that. The St. Louis king almost sullenly accepts that he rather likes Roy when the Baton Rouge king isn't wearing his arrogant rogue mask.
Most of the attendees at the dinner rode to the hunt today and are well aware of the danger that cropped up. It's rather the main topic of conversation. Eacharn does a very good job of seeming concerned and surprised at the news of the bear and the brave horse. He has, after all, had years of training.
The Hetaera smiles demurely from under her dark lashes at the St. Louis king, assuring him she was perfectly safe! After all, her big stallion was both brave and battle-trained, and his majesty was able to pull her up and out of any danger quite swiftly, thanks to Tybalt's fierce intercession. She's not above subtly praising teamwork between the two kings!
She also cheerfully asks if she and Mary may come along on the boating trip. Will there be a picnic on the water as well? That brings Mary enthusiastically into the conversation, and she ends up seated on Sulochana's lap, not quite bouncing as she excitedly chatters about the last time she got to go for a long boat ride -- it was with Mama 'Chana and Gajara and it was so fun! Will they be doing that again?
At some point Sulochana remembers she has a gift for Pierce; she glances around the table for the often-dour-seeming chirugeon. Pierce is about halfway around the table from 'Chana and making polite conversation with one of the gentlemen that was somewhere in the middle of the field of hunters. He, Pierce, looks like he can't wait for the dinner to be over. Travis is there in his role as guard as well, though his eyes are much more for Abigail than anyone else.
Sulochana has to cover a grin at Pierce's grimly determined expression -- as she whispers to Roy, the poor man looks like he's repeating internally to himself 'this too shall pass... this too shall pass...'! Roy can't help but chuckle as he leans down, "He'll be fine. After dinner he'll go to his quarters and bury himself in his collection." The food is delicious and spicy in the best of ways. Roy's chef is quite skilled. The Hetaera eats with great enjoyment, and makes sure to send her compliments to the chef -- again! She very much enjoys his Cajun cooking.
It's after the main course, but before dessert when Roy calls the table's attention, "I believe we have some gifts to give t'night."
Sulochana beams at that, happily patting Roy's thigh under the table as she glances over at Eacharn. She whispers to Roy, "Should I give Pierce his gift privately, sweetheart?"
Roy murmurs back, "Depends. You wanna watch his face go purple?"
Sulochana's eyes sparkle with mischief, "If it won't make him unhappy with me in the future... sure!"
Roy smirks and murmurs, "Should probably keep it for private, then." There's some murmuring as a couple of footmen bring in the packages that have been prepared for Travis and his ladylove.
Sulochana laughs delightedly, not quite wriggling in her chair, "All right! Travis first." She glances around interestedly, "Oh! Is this your gift to them?" She looks around for the formidable Mrs. Olivia, wondering if that worthy is present tonight. Admittedly, the lady likely wouldn't ride to the hunt... but might she have finagled an invite?
Roy chuckles and says, "It is..." He raises his voice a little, "Travis, Miss Abigail, if I can be s' bold as t'ask y'all to come over here." The couple looks startled. Abigail's mother looks dyspeptic. The guard and his fiancee do as they're asked, however, and come to stand near Roy and the two footmen. Sulochana beams delightedly as she watches. She wishes for a moment she could publicly gift the young couple... then smiles to herself. Not worth letting Mrs. Olivia realize what actually occurred -- Sulochana does not wish to earn the lady's enmity for everyone involved, after all.
Since it's a casual dinner Roy doesn't make a huge production out of it. He hands one of the packages to Travis and one to Abigail. "I've known Trav a while now. I know what his quarters look like -- and I know Miss Abigail deserves some beauty." The two of them open the packages, revealing delicately painted earthenware bowls. The glaze is a soft blue around the edges and deepens by degrees until the bottom inside of the bowls are almost black. The bowls are a specialty of the woman who made Roy's own state-occasion stoneware; Abigail gasps softly, tears welling up in her eyes. It is personal and significant without being money, which the king was cautioned against by 'Chana, despite his urge to try and settle a house on the couple.
Sulochana oooh!s with the rest of the small and appreciative audience, then happily claps with everyone else at the excellent gift selection. Abigail and Travis both thank the king, and Roy assures them it was the least he could do. The Hetaera beams as she bounces up to give the tearfully happy Abigail a hug! She whispers to the girl, while they're hugging, "Let's talk later about some shopping for the wedding, yes?"
Abigail giggles and hugs 'Chana back, "Oh, I'm looking forward to that!"
Eacharn rises then, saying, "There is a small gift from myself as well." He raises his hand and a pair of his own footman come over with boxes. One is quite small, and one holds the gift 'Chana is giving them through Eacharn. The two women giggle delightedly together, but at Eacharn's words 'Chana makes sure Abby's facing the St. Louis king. She smiles, slipping back to her seat so it's the young couple who're the center of attention.
Eacharn smiles and says, "I am free to be a bit more lavish in my gift to the happy couple. Since that is so..." Both Travis and Abby gasp as they open the gift that's ostensibly from Eacharn. While they're recovering themselves, Eacharn takes the smaller box and presents it to 'Chana, "And this is to say thank you for your part in bringing the two cities together."
Sulochana gives Eacharn a startled and slightly bemused smile, "You're giving me...? Oh! How sweet, your majesty!" She smiles as she whispers only loud enough for the kings to hear, since they're both standing near her, "You do know you didn't have to do this, Eacharn, yes?" She waits a bit before opening, since she doesn't want to lessen any of the excitement around the young couple -- and that gives Eacharn a moment to reply, if he wishes. She's also admittedly curious as to what Eacharn added to her gift!
Abigail and Travis are both overwhelmed. The gold and silver nuggets, along with a couple of lovely crystals, are enough for them to put a hefty down payment on a house. Eacharn's voice is low as well, "I know, Lady. But it's heartfelt."
Sulochana nods discreetly to the king, and beams fondly at Abigail and Travis. She slides her arm about Roy's waist, whispering, "Isn't it nice? They'll do fine together with that -- even if Missus Livy for some reason won't help at all!" The Hetaera waits until well-wishers are swarming about the young couple, then quietly opens the small box from Eacharn. She knows he and Roy are watching, after all, even if for wildly different reasons!
Roy murmurs quietly, "They're gonna do quite well when Trav gets a promotion in six months or so." He's watching curiously as she opens the box.
'Chana beams excitedly up at Roy, "Really? Oh, wonderful!" She keeps her voice low, of course -- she doesn't want to spoil the surprise. Inside the gift box is a delicate horseshoe pendant on a silver chain. At the top arc of the shoe is a tiny red stone.
Sulochana laughs softly, lifting the pretty little thing out and letting it dangle from her slender brown fingers, "Why thank you, your majesty! This will be lovely for when I'm dressing in a more ballroom style!" She wonders a bit amusedly if there's some significance she's missing in the pendant. She'd guess the horseshoe is to remind her of Eacharn... but she's not sure if there's intended meaning in the silver or what she's guessing is either a tiny garnet or a ruby.
Eacharn smiles quietly and says, "The horseshoe is platinum. The ruby is said to aid in the making of wise decisions. Not that you need the assistance. You've already convinced at least one stubborn man to be reasonable this week."
Sulochana listens interestedly to Eacharn -- then laughs delightedly as she steps forward to give the St. Louis king a hug, "How sweet! Thank you so much, majesty." She steps back and twinkles amusedly at him as she murmurs softly, "Would you like to put it on for me, dear?" Eacharn smiles, also using the to-do of the well wishers to cover the small but dearly-expensive little gift to his Lady Edana. Roy looks carefully at the other king and has to school himself to calmness as 'Chana moves to let Eacharn put the necklace on her.
The Hetaera turns, sliding an arm under her hair to lift it; apparently completely accidentally she ends up facing away from the audience and toward Roy. As Eacharn moves towards her with the open necklace in his hands, 'Chana gives Roy a wry grin and a wink.
Roy gives her a private little smirk and makes a promise to himself to give her a gift later in private. There is, however, a tightness around his eyes. Enlightened though he may be, he doesn't like watching Eacharn touching her in such an intimate way -- even if it's perfectly publicly acceptable.
Eacharn has evidently had some practice in helping ladies with necklaces and has it fastened in almost no time. Sulochana lets her hair down once Eacharn's fingers draw away from the warm skin at the back of her neck, looking down and straightening the little pendant before she turns and takes Eacharn's hand. She smiles warmly up at him, "You're too kind, dear. Thank you again." She glances over at Roy, subtly adding him into the conversation as she adds, "Weren't you thinking of moving the party to another room after dinner, sweetheart?"
Roy stirs out of his short-lived brown study and says, "Yeah. Yeah I was..." He raises his voice and in a hearty and apparently sincere voice informs everyone that they're moving to another room. The group moves toward the door and Roy takes his daughter's hand. Before he can turn to offer his elbow to 'Chana, Eacharn already has. Sulochana smiles sweetly at Eacharn and accepts the offer... then cheerfully chatters with Mary as they go, so the two kings are effectively walking together with the two females.
'Chana's a bit surprised at how attentive Eacharn is being, considering he knows she's not available to him as a Hetaera any more during this trip to Baton Rouge. Still, perhaps he's just being nice, as a sign of solidarity with Roy? She grins to herself, realizing it's not like Eacharn could offer his arm to Roy, after all!
The party moves down the hallway to one of the smaller ballrooms. The musicians are locals, playing zydeco music, and there is a bartender making a particularly potent local cocktail known as a Hurricane. Roy smiles, "Just wanted to make sure King Eacharn got a taste of what it's really like down here. Not just the official crap."
Sulochana brightens, "Oh, zydeco!" She laughs, clapping her hands, and beams at Roy, "Promise to dance at least one with me, lover?" She keeps her voice low; she's not sure how Roy feels about affectionate terms in public.
Roy chuckles and murmurs back, "Cherie, I'll die of disappointment if it's only one, but for the first one..." He grins down at Mary, "I have a pre-arranged appointment." He bows to the girl, who giggles and bounces on her toes, excited to get to dance in public with her beloved papa. Sulochana laughs, patting Mary's shoulder affectionately before the girl leaves with Roy.
Eacharn watches them walk away and asks, "Will I be a reasonable replacement, My Lady?"
The Hetaera smiles at Eacharn, "Reasonable? Tsk, I don't compare people like that, dear!" She offers him her hand, "Are you familiar with zydeco, then?"
Eacharn chuckles and leads her out onto the dance floor, "Not a bit. But I'm familiar with dancing." Sulochana's smile is polite, and she follows Eacharn's lead gracefully. Dancing is dancing, after all; she adores getting to do so with a competent partner. Besides, she consoles herself with the thought that she'll get to zydeco with Roy soon enough! She also surreptitiously glances around, wondering who she can talk into teaching Eacharn to zydeco. Shouldn't be difficult -- the man is a king, after all! There are plenty of interested young ladies, Sulochana doesn't doubt.
Eacharn has been dancing longer than most of the people in the room have been alive. He isn't an expert at zydeco dancing, but he is more than happy to simply go with the beat and feel of the music. By the end of the first number he has picked up a few of the basic steps and is grinning broadly. It's clear he enjoys the music. Sulochana finds she's enjoying dancing informally with Eacharn! She laughs, her eyes bright with pleasure and her hips swinging easily as she helps him with some of the moves. Eacharn's eyes are shining as he bows over her hand, kissing it exuberantly as the first dance ends. This music is cheerful and his Lady quite obviously enjoys dancing to it. The pooka is already making mental notes about dancing, for the next time she is in St. Louis.
Sulochana laughs softly at the courtesy, curtsying in return before she tucks her hand into his arm and murmurs, "I know just who to introduce you to, dear -- this is Miss Ruby Bascom. Miss Ruby, his majesty King Eacharn." To the pooka she adds, "She's a superlative dancer of the zydeco, and can show you all the steps!" She beams as Ruby happily takes the king in tow, then looks around hopefully for Roy. She doesn't have to look long -- Roy is right there the moment she starts to look for him. He leans in and kisses her cheek, using the moment to whisper to her how gorgeous she looks, which causes her to beam at him -- and then he swings her out onto the floor.
This is the music of Roy's childhood and of the city itself. The dance can be complex and he seems to love that part of it. The king has the agility and experience to execute the steps with the sliding quickstep grace peculiar to zydeco. He swings and whirls 'Chana through the dance, showing her off and challenging her to keep up in a way he knows she loves.
Sulochana laughs aloud as they dance, letting the music flow joyously through her. Her sparkling-eyed gaze is all for Roy as they dance; she doesn't know if anyone else is watching. Her small feet move as swiftly as Roy's, the rhythm swinging through her loose hips and shoulders, and she giggles and loops her arms about Roy's neck as he puts his hands on her hips, drawing her close so they step smartly in tandem. Roy actually whoops once or twice with the lively, bright music. His hips and feet move expertly to the music and he manages to make the dance quite suggestive without quite stepping over the line into impropriety -- it's something zydeco is quite good at. Meanwhile, under Ruby's tutelage, Eacharn is learning quickly.
Sulochana giggles delightedly at Roy! She lets her hips sway teasingly close, her bellydancing training infusing her version of the zydeco with sensuality. At one point when only Roy can see she also shimmies her shoulders -- which does wonderful things to his view down her front! Roy shakes his head and makes a motion as if wiping sweat off his forehead when she does that, eyes sparkling. He's always thought her bellydancing training would come in very handy with zydeco dance, concentrating as it does on hips and feet. Sulochana giggles again at that, impulsively hugging Roy in the dance! She's almost sorry when the music slows and stops, and she tucks her hand into Roy's arm, whispering, "Sweet man, I better find Pierce and get a dance from him before he escapes. After that, though, want to have s'more fun?"
Roy brushes her hair aside to kiss the side of her neck daringly but quickly, "Mmm... better hunt him down quick. And I'm always up for fun with m'beloved."
Sulochana laughs softly, the hidden fingers of her free hand trailing lightly along Roy's waistline as she purrs, "Mmmm... you sure are!" She grins mischievously up at Roy, then laughs happily again as she spots Pierce. "Back in a bit, sweet man!" She patters swiftly across the room towards the polite -- but also rather bored looking -- man. Roy watches her go with a lazy, beaming smile.
Pierce sees her coming and actually straightens his posture a little, "Miss Sesha."
Sulochana grins mischievously at Pierce -- she can't help it; she's in such a good mood tonight! "Hello, Pierce! Didn't you agree to call me Sulochana if I'd call you Pierce?" She cheerfully adds, as she tucks a hand into his arm, "So can I sweet talk you into a dance with me?"
Pierce blinks at the frank request; it's obvious he's mentally running through ways to gracefully say no, before he says, "It would be... my pleasure... and yes, Sulochana, we did agree."
The Hetaera laughs softly, tilting her head to look up at the tall man, "Oh, I'm hurt! Would you rather not, then?" Her golden eyes are bright with repressed laughter as she smiles and adds more gently, "Say no if you'd rather, please?"
Pierce smiles a bit awkwardly, "I am not in the king's class, but I am not going to say no."
Sulochana looks a bit puzzled as she heads out onto the floor with the chirugeon, "His... class? Oh! Do you mean you're not a huge fan of zydeco, or something?"
Pierce shakes his head, "I enjoy the music. I'm just not as skilled a dancer." Of course, that's a high bar. Pierce turns out to be quite competent at the dance. Sulochana is very pleased with how Pierce dances, and cheerfully tells him he's far too hard on himself! As they're dancing she also grins mischievously up at him and adds that she'd like to thank him again for seeing to her horse this afternoon -- she knows that's not what he usually does, after all, and she truly appreciates it. Pierce's smile is not as easy as Roy's, but it's genuine, "I was glad to help. From what Roy says, the horse was instrumental in saving your life. That means a lot to him."
The Hetaera chuckles softly, her voice gently teasing, "Oh, so this was all just for Roy then?" She gives the chirugeon mock sad-puppydog-eyes, "My gratitude isn't as important?"
Pierce actually blushes at that as he says, "Well, that was badly stated..."
Sulochana laughs softly, patting the embarrassed man's arm, "It's all right, dear -- you know I'm just teasing you, yes?" She smiles, her eyes warm with affection, "I think you care about Roy just as much as I do, after all... just differently." She draws him toward the sidelines of the dance floor as she adds, "But I do genuinely wish to thank you." She grins, delight suffusing her face again, "I hear you're always in need of butterfly cases, after all, yes?"
Pierce blinks down at her and clears his throat, "Well, actually... I do have several specimens with no good place to display them. I could, of course, just take some of my others off display..." It's clear from the reluctance in his voice that he doesn't really want to do that.
The Hetaera gets a faintly bemused look, then glances up at the chirugeon, "Do you realize... I've never seen your collection?" She grins happily, turning so Pierce's tall form blocks view of her to the rest of the room, and takes one of his hands, turning it palm up. "How's this? Why don't you show me the collection sometime-" she reaches into her bodice and withdraws the little soft-leather bag between two delicate fingers, laying it into his open palm and gently closing his fingers over it as she grins wickedly up at him, "after you get yourself another case, mmm?"
Pierce blinks several times and turns a deeper shade of purple as her fingers go to her lovely breasts -- and even more purple as she pulls out the pouch. He has to swallow a couple of times before he can say, "I will make sure to have it in lovely shape for you and put some especially lovely specimens in the new case."
Sulochana beams mischievously up at Pierce, nearly purring, "Why thank you, Pierce! That sounds... quite lovely!" She laughs softly, rising up on her tiptoes to give him a kiss on the cheek as she adds, "You feel free to tell me to back right off too, Pierce, if I'm teasing too much, all right?"
Pierce swallows and actually manages to laugh wryly, "Oh, I don't mind the teasing, ma'a... Sulochana. I'm just not used to it is all."
Sulochana raises a thoughtful eyebrow, smiling as she considers: a smart young lady would find Pierce not just an excellent catch... but also someone easy to get close to, if she's willing to go butterfly hunting! She laughs softly and pats Pierce's arm, "More fool the local ladies then, if you ask me, dear!" The Hetaera wonders suddenly why it is Pierce is still alone... he seems far too nice, to her, to remain so. She blinks, then grins at herself as she firmly quashes her matchmaking instincts.
[Previous Log] [Index] [Next Log]