Naberius' cheeks redden, though it might just be the result of the alcohol. "I will take your word for it..." he says, taking another sip with a grimace.
Looking for a change of subject, the wizard asks, "How are your new friends getting accustomed to their new life as revolutionaries? They must think its awfully dull so far..."
He motions over to the relative quiet of the temple proper.
"Oh, Quizzy and Prasha?" Monday asks with some amusement before draining her glass and letting out an accomplished sigh. "They're doing better than I thought. Truth be told be they're decent guards and scouts... when they're not punding each other into a mattress or a wall."
"I guess not having stress does have its advantages" she muses as she pointedly looks about the room at the clutter Naberius has created in her absence as she pours her third glass. Turning her gaze back to the infernalist she steps closer. "Getting anxious waiting for me to come back, eh?"
TAl listens intently to what his employer was asking of him. Nodding in agreement it seems to Tal that it would be a good idea to have her learn the basics. That hound not be a problem Mera as I am with you already during the day. If part of my bodyguard duties is to train you in the more deadly arts then so be it.
Tal walks around Mera giving her an appraising eye. If you would indulge me please hold your arms out to the front. Handing her his longsword he watches to see her strength and stamina as he has her hold it away from her. Eventually the tip wavers but Tal had seen enough. You have been trained well and are in good physical shape.
After he has Mera go through a few paces and steps, Your form is good as well. You show much promise. What do you think you need to work on particularly? You are more agile and lithe than strong so we might want to take that into consideration. Without the heavy armors as mine you can flow along the fringes of a fight picking and choosing your targets. Use your agility to your advantage.
"Oh, Quizzy and Prasha?" Monday asks with some amusement before draining her glass and letting out an accomplished sigh. "They're doing better than I thought. Truth be told be they're decent guards and scouts... when they're not punding each other into a mattress or a wall."
Naberius purses his lips. "Well, I am glad they are not solely a burden on our operation," he mutters into his glass.
"I guess not having stress does have its advantages" she muses as she pointedly looks about the room at the clutter Naberius has created in her absence as she pours her third glass. Turning her gaze back to the infernalist she steps closer. "Getting anxious waiting for me to come back, eh?"
The wizard leans back slightly, though not quite enough to gain back the distance lost between himself and Monday.
He looks to the ceiling, trying to collect his thoughts. "It is true that the, hm... recent times have not been kind on my state of mind. I do not mind solitude, but forced isolation is another thing entirely. To be cut off from all that is familiar to you, and to be thrust in the midst of something entirely different... Such seems to be my fate. My studies can only distract me so much, and when routine turns to monotony, the mind is prone to wandering..."
Turning his gaze back down to his glass, Naberius turns the vessel in his hands and absently observes the swirling of the purplish red liquid.
Finally he muses, "I have been mulling over my role here, and whether or not Raveen might have had the right idea, in the end... I am not entirely sure why his departure vexes me so. He had a way with words, perhaps something that reminded me of myself when I was younger... More idealistic. It may be that was all there was to it, but for some reason I feel like something of value has been lost..."
The conjurer goes silent, peering sullenly into the depths of his brandy, seemingly lost in thought.
Mera nods to Tals' praise, almost as if she was expecting it. She responds, "I admit I feel much more comfortable hidden at the other end of the corridor firing bolts into the fray than I do with that blade in my hand. If it is in my power, I will be offering ranged assistance wherever possible. But I fear there are times that may not be the case and it is those that I wish to prepare for. Is there perhaps something a bit smaller than I can work with you on that could take advantage of my agility and not require the sheer strength you posses?
She opens the palm of her right hand up towards Tal and asks, "Suggestions?"
At the wizard's soliloquy Monday peers into her own glass. "Me and him may not have gotten along... at all... but he was useful."
Downing this glass slowly to savor it she raises her eyes up to Naberius' "You don't have to be lonely anymore, you know that right?"
Naberius shakes his head, focusing his eyes on Monday. "Ah, my apologies. I seem to be rambling again. The brandy must be getting to me..."
"Lonely? I suppose that is one way of putting it. I do not expect you to understand, but I do appreciate this gesture, truly..." He lifts up his glass, finishing the dredges of his brandy with another grimace. "...even if your motives might not be entirely selfless. Physical intimacy might be enough for you, but I am looking for something... different. I thought I might have found it, but it proved to be false..."
Why am I still here?
Monday's eyes widen as Naberius continues on. Setting down her glass she steps closer and puts a hand on the infernalist's shoulder. "What happened?" she asks with genuine concern. "I enjoy sex, like, really, really, enjoy sex, but I also need love and affection, every person does."
Tal looks down at Mera's hip and sees the rapier hanging there. The weapon you currently wield is your best option that I can think of. It's slim blade and light weight guard matches your body type perfectly. However I agree that if at all possible the goal would to refrain from being engaged in combat altogether. There are some excellent fighters that I have heard of that move about the battlefield at whim. They can even dart in to give a quick flourish with a blade before stepping out again. While this requires extensive training and would not be the end result of our training sessions we can use those me principles. We can also focus on how to wield a blade for defense to buy time till others can give aid.
Do you have a preference as to when or where we should begin your further training?
Monday's eyes widen as Naberius continues on. Setting down her glass she steps closer and puts a hand on the infernalist's shoulder. "What happened?" she asks with genuine concern. "I enjoy sex, like, really, really, enjoy sex, but I also need love and affection, every person does."
Naberius lets out a frustrated sigh. Clearly more than a bit inebriated at this point, he goes on a rather lengthy tirade: "I am not sure what to tell you. There is no one thing that makes us who we are. Love and affection, you say? Should I tell you of my parents, who barely bothered to acknowledge my existance? Or my numerous siblings and cousins, who made a game of tormenting me for their own twisted amusement? Or my dear grandmother, who mercifully sent me away to study wizardry, solely for the prestige it might bring our family?"
"I spent ten years of my life in that accursed academy. Ten years. I had my share of 'friends' who turned out to be enemies, or ended up dead because of some petty scheme or other. I had my dalliances, most of them shallow and hiding some agenda. I did think I was in love on occassion, but such things were usually fleeting, and more often than not exploited as weakness by other students. Once it turned out I had spent several months under a very subtle charm spell, happily slaving away to help my 'lover' attain her goals, at the cost of my own. Thankfully I had made some allies in the Hall of Wards—that is, with the abjurers—who noticed my predicament and released me from the enchantment. That came at a price of its own, but at least I was free. The worst thing is, I admit that for a brief while I wished they had not..."
"But the final insult is that none of that mattered. All those years of betrayal after betrayal, wasted because of something one of my loving and affectionate family members had done while I was away. So here I sit, baring my soul to some commoner, with nothing to my name but what you see before you. Does that answer your question?"
By the end of his rant Naberius looks just about ready to fling his glass across the room in anger.
"Yes." she replies weakly. Blinking she sets her glass down and brings her other hand up to Naberius' other shoulder and stares. Just stares and tries to drink in the jaded man before her.
"You were right, when you said I wasn't being entirely selfless. But you can be both selfish and selfless. I want to feel good, and I want you to feel good too."
Taking a heavy breath she moves her hands up to the sides of his neck. "So that's why, just for tonight, I'm going to love you. I'll keep the Devils away from your dreams and you can get some rest while I feel at ease holding someone warm. So please, won't you let me help you?"
Mera eyes Tal looking down at her hip and then her body, knowing he is strictly taking this information in from an analytical perspective. While he is speaking, her mind drifts.
I wonder if he likes the smell of Rosewood? Having recently applied the expensive perfume after her uxorious bath, she could easily smell it on herself with each breath.
Mera snaps back to Tal, attempting to consider his advice. "I believe initially that focusing on defense would be ideal. Assuming there is help to be had, surviving to the point where the help arrives would be of utmost importance, but I will defer to you for guidance on this. What of the situations of self defense that do not involve blades. What if I cannot reach my blade. What if-"
She stops and then continues in a curious tone, "So, let's say someone was approaching me from behind and has be where I can't reach my blade. Here, let me demonstrate."
The singer transforms and lets her years of training the the arts take over. In slow measured steps the singer doesn't move as much as she glides in front of Tal. When she spins around so she is facing away from him she does it in such a way that she lets her long Chelaxian black hair gently whip up into the air. Her step backwards into him starts as her right leg goes back between his leg and he pushes her hips, back and head firmly against his chest so that they are making contact in several points. She places her right hand on the hilt of her blade and takes his left hand and drapes it across her chest down on to her hand on her blade. When she gets his hand on he she keeps facing away from him but slowly turns her neck ninety degrees so it is parallel with his chest.
She speaks softly, not quite a whisper, they would be too obvious, but somewhere subtly beneath conversational volume in soft tones. "Let's say you have me like this. What do I do next?
Tal takes in Mera's graceful form and the way she is able to glide to each position she takes. Watching her move he is not quite ready for the change in posturing. With her positioned so against him he could feel her firm body and couldn't help but notice an enticing scent wafting up from her. Laughing a bit off key to ease the stressful but not entirely unwelcome change of events Tal tries to insert a bit of professionalism in the exchange before anything is deemed inappropriate by others that may be around. Looking down at her he his breath is warm against her cheek and ear. Well Mera, if you find yourself in this position then something has gone terribly wrong already and I would likely be fired from being your bodyguard. Surprising turn of events can happen especially in an ambush setting where I could not get to you in time.
Tal keeps his arm wrapped around her even though he is beginning to wonder if it has lingered there too long. Still, he tries to keep up an instructional tone as he delays creating any separation. Your position is compromised but does not mean you are out of options. In fact I can think of 3 quick acts you can do to try and free yourself depending on the size and strength of your opponent. The first option if the person is your height is to flip them over your shoulder. Positioned such as I am to keep your blade pinned if you lift your hand up and quickly reverse direction it will cause one to overextend over top of you. You grab the arm and continue bending forward using thier own force of keeping your weapon pinned against them.
The second option is to perform any dirty trick necessary to gain an advantage on your opponent. Soft spots that are typically unprotected are your targets. Blinding them by targeting the eyes, concuss them by hitting the ears, or staggering them with pain by target the genitals all are ways to gain the upper hand.
The third option which requires a bit of preparation is to keep him focused on your rapier while with your off hand you grab a dagger. Most people are concerned with only what they can see and know. A concealed dagger, Tal takes his right hand and grabs her wrist, in a spring loaded sheath hidden under the sleeves of a dress works well. With a flick of the wrist the dagger is in hand and you are able to plunge it into the arm wrapped around you. Should you be wearing an evening gown without sleeves then there are alternative places to hide a dagger. Removing his hand from her wrist he places it on her thigh giving it a small involuntary squeeze. A thigh strap can be created to hold a dagger here. It is not as quick to grab but still can be used to great effect.
Mera had run this scenario through in her head moments ago with three different outcomes, none of them had ended quite like this. Having participated in numerous plays, skits, performances and rehearsals, this was hardly the first time she was wrapped up with a man in a public place. Everything was going to plan, right up until the moment where it wasn't.
Well now, that is unexpected. What was the plan here again? Right. Focus Mera.
She lets loose a soft laugh with his comment, one that vibrates in her throat only and barely creates any actual sound. Her pulse began to quicken followed quickly by her breathing. She arched her back slightly as she tries to mask the slight shiver that went down her spine with his warm breath.
Ok. Ok. Calm down. You're fine. Stay in control. Stay in control. All you need to do is go-
About the time his hand hit her thigh is where she completely forgot her original intentions completely. She closed her eyes and murmured, "Evening, gown. Thighstrap. Right." With a soft exhale she slouches, letting her weight rest in his arms.
Tal feels Mera arch up slightly as she gives a slight tremble. Her next words are a mere repetition of what Tal just said more than a cognitive response. With the expulsion of air and the lack of muscular support causing him to hold her entire weight Tal fears the worse. Loosening his hold on her slightly but still strong enough to hold her up Tal moves her gently into the meeting room and lays her on the floor. Stepping back outside Tal grabs some water and a rag and returns to Mera closing the door behind him. Dousing the rag he runs it over her forehead as he scans her body looking to make sure her chest is rising and falling regularly. Rubbing the cool water on her forehead Tal mentally berates himself. Idiot, you were holding her too tightly. She could not get her breath like that and now she fainted. She should wake up shortly but still it was an unnecessary risk and one I need to be aware of in the future.
Trying to keep his voice calm he bends low and whispers her name a few times wondering if she will wake upon hearing it. Mera, Mera. Wake up please. Mera, come on. Don't do this to me. Wake up now nice and easy.
Mera moans softly as her eyes flutter open briefly. She squeezes her eyes shut and opens them slowly. It takes a moment to gather herserlf, but a few seconds later three Tal's finally focus into one man. A look of confusion washes over her as she scrunches her brows together. "Wha. What, uh, what happened? Did we win?"
She reaches up and touches the cool cloth on her head, confused.
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"Yes." she replies weakly. Blinking she sets her glass down and brings her other hand up to Naberius' other shoulder and stares. Just stares and tries to drink in the jaded man before her.
"You were right, when you said I wasn't being entirely selfless. But you can be both selfish and selfless. I want to feel good, and I want you to feel good too."
Taking a heavy breath she moves her hands up to the sides of his neck. "So that's why, just for tonight, I'm going to love you. I'll keep the Devils away from your dreams and you can get some rest while I feel at ease holding someone warm. So please, won't you let me help you?"
After a brief silence, Naberius suddenly grabs the hands holding on to his neck, letting his glass fall and shatter on the floor. He fixes her red eyes with his dark ones, gleaming with lust and anger.
"Fine," he growls, baring his teeth.
The conjurer goes in for a savage kiss, simultaneously jumping up and tackling Monday on the floor behind the table.
Monday has just the tracest amount of a feral grin as Naberius lips pin her's, followed shortly by his body. As he takes her down she frantically wraps her arms and legs about him in a vice.
Worn out and exhausted the Spiritualist laid curled up next to the equally tired Naberius, resting her head on his chest. "Still stressed?" she asks through a giggle.
Tal looks down at Mera's face as her eyes flutter open and she she speaks softly. Relived that she is coming to Tal smiles down at her. No Mera I don't think that we won this time. I believe you passed out from me holding you too tightly. I am sorry for that. I will remember next time to not squeeze you so tightly. I will admit you caught me off guard positioning yourself like that.
Returning the rag to the water to cool it off again Tal continues to monitor his charge. I think this is enough teaching for today. I want you to be rested and ready though for our next session. I will not take it easy on you as I will push you to your limits but that is for another day. Stay laying down until you feel ready to stand and I will help you.
Worn out and exhausted the Spiritualist laid curled up next to the equally tired Naberius, resting her head on his chest. "Still stressed?" she asks through a giggle.
Lying on his back, expressionless, Naberius stares up to the ceiling of the study. He did not know if he had done the right thing. In fact, he was almost certain he would come to regret his loss of control. For the moment, however, all his worries seemed far away. Almost meaningless. Monday's voice, ever cheerful, drives the rest of those doubts back for the time being, and the wizard turns to look her in the eye.
"I suppose not," he answers languidly. "Or at the very least, far too exhausted to think about it..."
The wizard lets his gaze wander down to Monday's naked body, and to the scars running across her abdomen. He reaches out gently and traces one of them with a finger.
"I saw these earlier," he mutters, frowning slighty. "What manner of beast caused them...?"
Monday is all smiles as Naberius stirs and begins talking to her, moreso when his gaze strolls down. But that smile falters once the gazes goes even further. Tensing as he runs a finger along her stomach, as much out of anxiousness as it was out her genuinely enjoying when he touched her she held her breath for a moment before putting her smile back on and speaking. "Hydra. Nasty little bastards. One head got me and the other got Tuez.."
Starting to get uncomfortable she quickly adds "They're not the prettiest thing to look at but hey, you can go off in me as many times as you want without having to worry about getting me knocked up!"
I will admit you caught me off guard positioning yourself like that.
Mera closes her eyes and exhales heavily. Yes dear, what were you thinking? This is hardly the desired outcome. He was going to throw himself at you? Perhaps I should engage Monday on this subject, she may know how to approach it better.
She adds meekly, "I. Agree." Keeping her eyes closed she adds, "I just need a minute to gather myself and I'll be fine."
A moment later she opens her eyes and nods, taking his hand to help her to her feet. When he goes to ask how she feels she holds her hand up and says, "I'm fine, I'm fine."
She wavers on her first stop but then stops moving, unsure if she was quite ready to stand yet. Feeling extremely awkward she tries to change the subject, "So. Do we have an agenda for today? What's our next course of-" She cuts herself off mid-sentence as a random thought crosses into her mind. "Let me ask you. Our two new recruits, how do you feel about them? I mean truly, not the answer you are putting up in front of the rest of the group to support them."
She crosses her arms and leans against the wall, trying hard not to make it look like she's using it for support.
Tal still brings a chair over to Mera and helps her sit down. No need to push yourself right now. Sitting is better and it will help you recover quicker than standing.
Once he gets her in a more comfortable position she confounds him at the change of direction in the conversation. He stops and just looks at her as he gathers his thoughts and tries to articulate his exact thoughts on the matter. IF they are who they claim to be, simply 2 people in love who are outcasts of society, then I see nothing wrong with them joining us. In fact I truly would rather have them with their motivations up front and honest then someone who hides their true purpose. They seemed honest and up front with their beliefs and care deeply for each other. I suppose that is also another reason I am more ready to accep them. They are wanting someting better not only for themselves but for someone they care about. The same holds true for myself and Lily. A person will go to much greater lengths for a loved one than for themselves. It is that passion that drives them to succeed where others may fail.
Breaking eye contact and looking a bit chagrined Tal takes a seat in front of Mera close enough that their knees almost touch, That is mainly the reason why I did not care for Raveen. Too much was kept hidden and in the dark about his motives, personality and background. I canunderstand that we all have secrets that we do not wish to share but all he was was secrets. I did not trust him originally as he hid his identity and that put us all at risk that first night. Tal sighs and lets go of past frustrations. That is the past though and not worth ruminating on as long as he truly is gone. IF he returns, well that is even more suspicious then.
Monday is all smiles as Naberius stirs and begins talking to her, moreso when his gaze strolls down. But that smile falters once the gazes goes even further. Tensing as he runs a finger along her stomach, as much out of anxiousness as it was out her genuinely enjoying when he touched her she held her breath for a moment before putting her smile back on and speaking. "Hydra. Nasty little bastards. One head got me and the other got Tuez.."
Starting to get uncomfortable she quickly adds "They're not the prettiest thing to look at but hey, you can go off in me as many times as you want without having to worry about getting me knocked up!"
Naberius blinks at the latter revelation, uncomfortable in turn. There are multiple questions floating around in his head, as he lets his eyes and fingers linger on the scars for a moment longer.
"Ah... My apologies," the wizard mutters, finally pulling back his hand to brush back the hair from his face. It had come undone at some point during the act, but he could not quite remember how or when.
He turns to look Monday in the eye once more. "I did not intend to bring back any bad memories."
Seeing that his opinion on the tieflings is different than her own is as good as reason as any to follow the change in the conversation. "But, do you really believe he is gone?" she asks with obvious doubt? "I just don't see it. He was living the cause, to the point of fanatical obsession I'd say. I just can't see him leaving and giving it all up and walking away for... what? Nothing?"
A point of panic flashes across her face, "You don't think... He wouldn't do something to sabotage us would he?"
"Not to worry, I've got you to hold me so I won't have to worry about nightmares tonight." Monday simply replies while smiling back up at him, a genuine smile, before snuggling back up with the wizard. She hadn't expected him to show concern about the fact, it was a nice revelation that made her cheeks slightly flush.
I hope he is gone Mera. I really do for his sake.Tal stands up and starts pacing the room a bit with nervous energy. He was too involved himself to tell on us to the Hellknights or he would be held as well. He knew this fact as we all drove it home that first night. Naberius might know more about this than either of us considering he was with Raveen more often but if I would have to take a guess Raveen discovered something that night we fought the Bastards. What he found out was that he was a waste of space. All his private ambitions, all his connections he believed he had, all his abilities to remain in control from the shadows were nothing more than figments in his mind. He lied to himself so much as to what his purpose was and how he would bring it about that when reality came crashing down around him he couldn't handle it anymore. That is what I think.
Tal turns to Mera and has a look on his face that few if any have ever seen and Tal has given only a handful of times. It is a look of loathing and hatred both rolled into one. If he left us though to fulfill some ambition of his own that is counter to our goals, or worse targets us or Lily, then I will not rest until I hunt him down and feed him his own body parts one at a time.
Mera frowns. "I hadn't ever considered turning against us actually, but now that we are discussing it I am not quite sure how to handle that information."
She ponders on that for a moment and continues with an audible sigh, "I hope for his sake he decided to be somewhere else and will not undermine us. I'd hate to be at odds with the man."
Mera looks around curiously and asks, "I wonder what Monday and Naberius think on this. Where have they gotten off to?"
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Tal shurgs his shoulders, As long as Raveen never shows up again, good enough. As for Naberius, he is probably in his study with his books and Moday is either pestering him or pumping the tiefling's for more information.
Looking at mera trying to judge how well she is Tal asks, We can go check if you feel up to it? We can also ask areal what the next phase of the plan is?
Mera shrugs as well. Now that she was feeling herself again she remembers what was trying to do in the first place. She looks around and frowns, unable to find something. "You know Tal, I could really go for a glass of wine. Do you think you could fetch us a bottle a couple of glasses? I had a crate brought over from the manor and had Janiven store in in the supply room. I'm going to just lay here and relax for a moment longer if you don't mind." For good measure she tries to act as pathetic and weak as possible, careful not to overdo it but enough to persuade the man this is the best course of action.
Uh ok, it probably is better that you remain here where it is quiet and recuperate a bit more. Tal checks Mera once more to make sure she is not going to faint again before making his way to the doorway. Turning around he looks at her and speaks softly so as to not disturb her frail condition. I will see if they have anything to eat as well. Nothing too heavy but light so as to not upset your stomach.
Tal leaves and after 5-10 minuts of searching for the wine and for suitable food returns with some fruit. Knocking on the door lightly to announce his presence he opens the door slowly in case she has fallen asleep.
A sly smile crosses her face once Tal exits the room. Ah, like cutting butter.
While Tal is away she runs through the dialogue in her head, trying to work out best possible approach. She settles on something before Tal returns with a knock. Upon his arrival she is already standing and half singing, half humming softly to herself. She takes note of what he was able to scrounge up with a small appreciative smile. "Well done! I was absolutely craving strawberries, how did you know?"
Tal sees the quick recovery of Mera and gives her a warm smile. I am glad to see that you are rapidly reverting back to your normal self. Usually a loss of air like that disorientates one for a few minutes but there is no lasting damage. I am glad to see that is the case here as well.
Coming closer Tal places the bowl of fruit next to Mera. I did not know that you were craving strawberries at all. It must have been fate or fortunate circumstances. As he is talking he moves to place a hand on Mera's forehead to see if it is clammy or feverish. If you don't mind Mera I just want to double check that you are ok. Seeing that neither is the case he sits down across from her and grabs a strawberry himself and makes to pour the wine for Mera.
Looking her in the eye Tal asks, You never said what you thought about our new companions to the cause.
Mera picks up a straberry and bites into it. She issues a "Mmmmm" as she seems to melt with the taste of the fruit. As her eyes roll back in her head she says excitedly with her mouth full, "I lof shtrawberries!"
She covers her mouth and giggles, looking away from Tal feigning embarrassment. "I think it must have been fate."
Not wanting to interrupt the mood with her depressing thoughts of tieflings, she quickly changes the subject without missing a beat. Master Loray would be proud to see how well I'm putting those lessons of conversation mastery to use.
Mera takes three steps away from Tal so she is not standing hip to hip and spins in place, tempting fate to see if she will lose her balance and fall. Holding her half chewed strawberry in her left hand she puts her arms out and spin once. When she finishes, her face slightly flushed she asks, "So are you going to pour a lady a glass of wine or what?"
She winks and hops into a seat with a joyful bounce, attempting to show that she has fully recovered (or so she believes) from her earlier incident. She clears her throat and holds her hand out waiting for the glass of wine like only a noblewoman could do. Expectant, but laced with just the right amount of justified grace. She weaves her soft voice into a question which she already knows the answer to. "That reminds me, have you ever heard, 'The Legend of Joeabb the Frog?'" I didn't suppose so. It is a well-known tale from my mother's lands. It is a story of sadness, I warn you. Full of bitterness and regret. But it is only the bitterness of poor decisions, and the regret of lost love."
Tal watches Mera with his eyebrows half raised as he wonders what she is doing. Perhaps she is just trying to see if she is indeed fully recovered. I guess I can't fault her for that. She should test herself to see what she is capable of. As Mera finishes the twirl and asks about the wine Tal nods, It seems that you are doing well enough. Besides some wine might help to give you a slight pick me up after this ordeal. Tal then pours a half full glass for Mera and really only a small taster for himself. He preferred a stout ale but this was not the time to be picky and he could slowly partake of the wine while it was here.
Holding her hand out Tal gives her the glass. Raising his glass up, Thanks for supplying the drink. The least I can do is pour. As for the Legend of Joeabb the Frog, can't say I have ever heard of that one. Sounds like a tale meant for a time of heartbreak and mourning. Is this really the right time for such a story. Oh well, if this is what she wants to do while I am her bodyguard then so be it. I can sit here why she dawdles the time away. Easy money for myself and Lily.
Seeming to come to the realization that Mera is going to regale him with the story Tal makes the most of it and pulls a second chair over to kick his feet up as she begins her tale.
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Mera inclines her head in thanks. Taking the glass she smells the wine, letting the oak and cherry fill her deeply inhalation. She lets her eyes flutter as she takes a long pull and closes her eyes while she swallows, letting the warmth fill her inside. Eyes still shut, she raises her voice and finds the note she is looking for. Holding the note for two seconds she lets it fade as her eyes flutter open. With the glass in hand she slowly begins to make her way around the room, never letting her eyes break from Tal's.
Mera moves around the room counterclockwise, keeping her back facing hte wall. With one step every dozen or so words, she moves slowly, almost creeping around the room.
While moving, Mera shuts the only door to the meeting room softly. The noise of the closing masked by melodic sounds of her voice. With the door shut, the volume of her voice drops appreciably.
"Come evening, the pond was symphony hall,
crickets would fiddle, hoot owls would call,
heron and egrets swooshed in the shallows
and frogs by the scores puffed their bellows.
Birds of all feathers flocked the trees,
lightning bugs lighted the mist magically,
a lodge of beavers thumped hollow logs
but all would go still, for Joeabb the Frog."
Mera makes her way around the room extinguishing sources of light as she does so. Candles pinched out, curtains pulled too. At the last mention of Joeabb the frog she finishes putting the room into complete darkness. Still moving around the room, her voice the only thing giving perspective in the dark room. About five feet from Tal she slowly starts to stalk towards him in the darkness, her song diminishing to a softer whisper now that the lights are gone. When she speaks again, her voice is now nothing more than a tickle in his ear. A soft whisper in the darkness.
"It seems he would sing to the night, unaware
that a throng of listeners had gathered there
and often his eyes would drift to his maid,
a spotted she-frog, he called Lilyjade;
crooning sweet tones for her alone
as if his songs were a lover’s poem.
And after the throng of the gathered had gone,"
Mera pauses, closing the distance quietly and comes up behind Tal to whisper softly in his ear, "they’d snuggle together to wish on the dawn." Mera lets the warm of her breath spill over the bodyguard, keeping her lips an inch from his ear.
Tal listens intently as Mera begins her performance. She had quite the voice and it seemed that every word was pitch perfect. He sat in silence and if he would be forced to admit it awe at how something as simple as a voice could teleport one on an imaginary journey. As Mera moved around the room closing the door and setting the stage Tal closed his eyes and drifted along. Easily he could visualize the animals by the water making their sounds as they called to each other.
He smiled in the dark when Mera mentioned Lilyjade as she must have altered the words for him. Little things such as that told him just how clever and trained she was. As Mera's voice softened with the words of the tale Tal pulled his legs off the chair and sat straighter listening closely to how the song would end.
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Behind him and unable to see him, Mera could feel him. No, she wasn't physically touching him, but she could feel herself transforming into the siren and trapping Tal somewhere between captivation and fascination.
The singer pulls back from Tal and returns her voice to normal volume as she continues, "Joeabb rejected the trappings of fame;
refused the gifts, ignored the acclaim.
Offers of travel and sing on the lake,
though tempting, he thought, tempted the fates.
Until he was nudged by his own Lilyjade;
with a goodbye kiss, he was whisked away-"
Time to take it to the next level Mera.
The singer withdraws a copper penny she had tucked away in her clothing, slipping it into her delicate fingers. With her back to Tal weaves a spell into her performance and cast light on the coin as she drops it into her wineglass. Light spills into the dark room, shimmering, reflecting and refracting in dark maroon hues that are shaped by the wine and glass that contains it. She cups her hand over the top of the glass, forcing the light out only through the sides of the glass.
"-and night after night he sang for her sake,
while millions listened around the great lake."
Mera faces Tal now, the light spilling over her figure, hiding her face behind a mask of shadow. Her voice gains appreciably volume over the course of the next few sentences.
Mera cups her hands around the glass, muting half of the light in the room. She spins away from him again, calling upon Ghost Sound to add a howling wind sound throughout the room. The words in the song become clipped and hurried, a harsh edge to them added for emphasis.
Mera adds a slight pause before the completion of the sentence, stalking around Tal once more and slowly making her away around the room in a shimmering see of red light.
"-and heard cruel stories wrought by the storm."
Her voice lowers by half, removing the edge from her tone and letting the tempo of the song slow by a quarter for emphasis.
"Heads bowed when he called Lilyjade,
for she was swept by the hurricane’s rage.
Joeabb searched thru the woods for leagues
and refused to accept what the others believed.
He swam the swamps and the waterways,
journeyed farther and wider each day,
and after months of the same, on and on,
he never returned to the green lily pond."
Tal sits spellbound as Mera delivers line after line in this ongoing saga of Joeabb the front. So engrossed is he that he doesn't even realize that Mera is casting spells to create the ambiance. He envisioned himself as the frog and could well understand the desire to remain by his Lilyjade. The muted red glow was perfect as it enhanced the mood of the mated frogs precisely.
As the wind picked up and Mera's voice crescendoed Tal jumped at the sudden change. Worlds were shattered by that storm and lives lost and Tal hung on longing to here that Joeabb the frog would Indded find his lost mate. Eyes open now he watched Mera move with the tempo waiting for more.
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"Some say he’s lost, others he died;
fell in a cavern, buried alive.
Some say he found a moonbeam of blue
and climbed to the sky for a better view.
But in truth he repaired to this swampy glade,
so cloistered by backwater bramble and shade
and began a song so incredibly strong
that time itself refused to move on."
Mera sloshes her glass around a few times so that the liquid spins in it and creates a light that revolves around the room. Once the room is spinning she sets the glass down on the floor in the center and makes her way to Tal.
"When the mist comes from the trees beyond
he croons to a moon and a love that is gone
and endeavors to conjure his Lilyjade
from the ghostly haze that glides the glade;
certain that when his voice becomes pure,
she’ll respond from beyond the misty moor.
But the fog only drifts thru his sad serenade,
years into decades and age upon age."
Mera reaches out with both hands palm up, waiting for him to reach out. When he does she takes both of this hands and gently pulls him down to a sitting position on the floor. As they sit, her voice becomes softer and quieter.
"Now, a thousand years have gone by;
his voice so pure, just a note makes you cry.
And so, the angels who bring forth the dawn
were moved to tears by his woeful song.
With a touch they placed this hidden pond
between the here and the great beyond
and nestled the souls of two little frogs
who live forever in love in the fog."
Ok Mera, time to bring the house down.
Mera releases Tal's hand and slowly sits down on the ground next to him. The words of the song are reduced to something just above a whisper, the undertones attempting an add a touch of sultriness to them. She slowly spins and places her head in Tal's lap, looking up at him wishfully. "On warm summer evenings while lying your bed or rocking the porch with stars overhead,"
Mera pulls Tal's right and and sits it on her heart. Well, close to her heart. Maybe, possibly a little too much on her breast, but definately over her heart. She places her hand overtop of his and presses down. "you may hear a voice so incredibly pure you’ll clutch at your heart in rapture, assured, if you close your eyes and breathe the night air,"
She takes her free hand and slowly drags them down over his eyelids, closing his eyes. "you’ll drift with the mist that lifts you to where a blithe little spirit sings in the fog and you’ll hum along with Joeabb the Frog."
Eyes closed now, she cups her hand behind his head and attempts to slowly bring his lips to hers. Mera's heart pounds in her chest, threatening to explode. It takes all of her self control to hold still and not act. She dismisses the light from the coin and bathes the room in darkness. Through closed eye lids she looks up at Tal and says silently, Do it.
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Tal sits in the silence of the room taking in all that he had just witnessed and experienced. He had let Mera move his hands and eye lids as she wanted but realized too late that he was in a precarious predicament. With his hand placed so on her breast he could feel the heavy pounding of her heart and the deep breathes she was taking. As her hand reached up to encircle his neck the soft muted light went out. Tal could feel her drawing his face down to hers. He could smell the scent of her perfume on her neck, the aroma of wine from her lips. He could feel her head laying in his lap, the alabaster skin of her hand on his. All of this felt in that moment as his life was poised for possible change.
The choice was his to make even though Mera was leaving very little room to choose. The choice was Mera: sultry, sexual, affluent, powerful, connected, beautiful, and gifted. Or Lily: beautiful, radiant, joyous, fulfilling, giving, kind, loving and selfless. Should Tal give in to the visceral reaction that Mera could elicit in him or stay true to himself and thus Lily.
Ever so slowly Tal took his free hand and brought it to Mera's wrapped around his neck. Untangling it from him Tal moved his head back enough to allow him to bring Mera's hand to his lips. Kissing the hand gently Tal spoke, Mera, you are perfect. You could provide everything a man could want and then some. Your beauty, your voice all draws one to want to be with you intimately. Believe me when I say that this is the hardest experience in my life right now. part of me wishes to do nothing more than to fall into your arms and care about nothing even if we should slip into oblivion.
As Tal talks his voice gets stronger with more conviction, Yet I can not do that and be true to myself. While I may lust after you I love Lily and to me it obvious what I must do. Tempt me as it will bepy being near you and knowing what I may have missed, I still will choose my Lily and may the spirits grant me the same blessing as Joeabb and be united with Lily forever.
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Honestly, what did you think was going to happen here Mera? Did you truly believe you would entice him with a story of a f#+@ing lost frog?
Mera deflates instantly. Her body relaxing and going slack as it loses the tension that she had been building over the course of the story. A fleeting thought passes through her brain that he is right and she was wrong in attempting to woo him. But then it is gone and instead she begins to fill with frustration and anger. A quick huffed expulsion of air blows out of her mouth as the pain of rejection begins to fill her mind.
Did... did he just turn me down? Who turns me down? How is that even possible? He knows who I am, does he not? OF COURSE HE DOES! Is he playing some game? Hard to get perhaps? Yes, that must be it.
Mera starts to move, quickly hopping off his lap. Her initial plans are to thrust herself upon him when a thought crosses her mind. The timing isn't right. Be patient. Plot your way forward from here to your goal. Use him until he comes to you, do not stoop to this level! Remember who you are, make him want you.
Mera pushes away from Tal and mutters some words in Azlanti as if they were a curse word. "Ascoltate la verità!!" followed by "Really Tal?"
Playing the words off as if she was offended, she actually manipulates her right hand in a circular motion ending with her hand extended to Tal as she casts a spell of innocence on herself in the darkness.
Her voice takes tonal qualities of surprise and shock. Being on stage, putting on a face, this is what she does. Slipping into character she mutters a few nonsensical words at first, as if stammering and looking for the right phrase. "Wha-You. And."
Mera laughs quickly as if a good joke has been told. She casts light on a and bathes the room in a warm glow. Her hands are on her hips and her eyebrows are raises. "You think, that I, was.. what Tal? I was telling a story, it's what I do! I would NEVER come between a married man and his wife, that's simply improper! I mean-"
She shivers, as if trying to shake off something. She holds her hand as if to stop him from rising or speaking. "Don't worry Tal, I won't say anything to Lily about this. I know how men can mistake my ability to tell the tale as something other than a performance, but your thoughts towards me will stay between us. Ok? I need to get some fresh air though, please excuse me."
As quick as she can she walks with purpose to the door and without looking back shuts the door loudly behind her. Once through the other side she leans against the wall and blows out her breath while letting her head sag a little bit.
Stupid frog.
Tal looks umabashed upon Mera as she creates a light to fill the room. It was true what he said about her and his reaction to her. While it was just a story she wove he had to let her know what his position was. As Mera made her way to leave Tal turned watching her go. Just as she reached the door Tal whispers to her hoping she would hear him, I meant what I said. If it was an act please never do that to me again. I do not want to suffer that temptation again for it to only be an act.
As th door closed Tal wonders aloud more to himself than to Mera but loud enough that she may here it, What would have happened if I did give in and kiss her?
Having full well heard Tal, Mera doesn't stand against the wall for long for fear that he may come through the door any minute. Unsure if she could resist the temptation a second time she shoves off and sets off in search of the rest of the party. After finding no sign of Monday or Tuesday she gives up before heading to Naberius and instead goes to her room.
She decides to make herself busy with something else to clear her head and starts working on vocal exercises. Unable to full concentrate she gives up and decides to leave the complex and head back to the actual theater for practice instead.
I'll be able to focus there, it will be quiet this hour today.
Mera writes a note and drops it on Monday's bed before departing for practice.
Mera
She should have stayed in.
Mera ran late meeting Monday at The lucky Devil the previous evening to discuss something with Monday. In fact, she ran so late that she never even showed. The next morning comes and passes and Mera still hasn't arrived or been heard from. Late afternoon arrives and the singer makes her entrance without her usual fanfare. Her clothing is bulkier than normal, wearing a shirt that covers all of upper body instead of normal flesh-showing attire she likes to show off in. Despite not having a performance, her face is heavily covered in makeup as she tries to mask a purple and black swollen cheek and bruised eye.
Head down and keeping quiet she makes her way to find Janiven to see what their schedule is. Told that Janiven is currently out on an errand, Mera turns to leave when she remembers the note she left on Monday's bed the previous evening.
She debates just leaving as she is no longer in the mood for a discussion but decides it is improper and quickly scribbles an apology note and heads to Monday's quarters to slip it under her door.
Afte a bit Tal sighs [I[Nothing is ever easy[/I] and gathers his gear to return to Lily. It was obvious that Mera did not want to be around him at the moment and that meant that he had the rest of the day off. Hopefully she would still want his skills as a bodyguard otherwise he would need to find new work. he would wiat for her to summon him though. In the meantime he found Ermolos and inquired about the forge where he worked. Perhaps he could work metal into forging armor or if he had acquired enough wealth buy the blacksmith outright and be a business owner. Until summoned by either Mera or Areal Tal was content to be about his own business. Once during the week though he stops to give lessons to those that may wish it and to go with Ermolos again into the sewers to make sure the rats have not returned.
Grumbling about being shown up the previous night Monday begins to leave her room late the next morning after letting Tuesday out when she opens her door to see the diva to her surprise. And horror.
"Mer... Mera?! What happened?!" she almost screams as she immediately closes the distance to hold the other woman tightly.
Feeling the agitation from his sister through their link he tries not to let it get to him too much when he sees Mera. But when Monday screams he starts to take in the other woman's disheveled appearance. And snarls underneath his scarf mask, his fingers digging into the palm of his hands in anger.
Ashamed, Mera just shakes her head nononono. When Monday holds her tightly, she flinches and pulls away. She sputters, her sentences running together. "I fell down the stairs last night. I'm fine. Do we have a plan today? I was thinking I could take a few days off. I'm not feeling well. Sorry I didn't show up last night."