For a moment, Straehan looks like he is about to pounce on her. Then he quickly shakes his head and his eyes return to a semblance of normality. He looks a little sadly at Lureene. His mood suddenly very different, "No, Lureene. My appetites really are a concern. I could easily hurt you - entirely by accident." He sits back in his chair and his hand comes to rest on the table. He knocks on it. "This is oak, a very hard wood." Before she can blink, his delicate hand sprouts jet black nails some 2 inches long. With a casual gesture he draws his hand across the table. Whorls of wood sliced from the surface of the table spool from beneath his nails. He leans forward and whispers...
Lureene stares fascinated by the display of his claws. Claws that come out of his body. She looks into his eyes and sees the pain in them, and she takes his hand in hers and whispers back...
Straehan only:
She leans over and gives him another hug, and holds him close to her, allowing him to feel her body against him, enjoying the body heat generated. She inhales his scent deeply, and says, "You deserve only the best, Strae-hun."
"Oh, hello Suny!"
To Alis' question in Elvish Suny replies,
"Asides, ye be sayin' this be just a game? As well as bein' inland some place? I dun't think I is goin' t' be even slightly helpfull t' ye, whut wuith me lack o' skills an' all..." She sighs, "All I c'n do is shoot things..." Then brightens and gigles. "An' enjoy gettin' slippy an' all." (^_~)
Straehan looks at her intently. "I don't think my claws are 'magical' per se. At least, not yet. And you are sure you can turn a normal blade?" She sees an emotion cross his face that she's never seen as strongly in anyone she has yet met - hope. It is so thick around him, it is almost tangible. He retracts all his nails, save one, the smallest one on his pinky. "May I try to see if you are claw-proof? Please. I will be as careful as I can be." His dark eyes are imploring.
Lureene stares at him, for what it seems an eternity to Dtraehan, her gaze full of conflicting emotions, desire, compassion, fear. She then takes his hand in hers, then holds her forarm out for him. Her gaze locks into his own. On her unspoken command, he extends a claw and then draws it as gently as he can over her creamy skin. She winces, but does not cry out, although you see tears form in her eyes, as the claw cuts into her skin, and he is fascincated at the sight of her blood welling from the cut, It is so red. As he draws the claw, cutting further into her flesh, he sees the cut he made start to close, then once ot closes, the skin puckers with a pink scar, before it soon vanishes, leaving her skin unmarred.
Straehan, eyes misty, looks down at her arm, searching for any sign of damage. Gods, that would have taken the flesh off the bone of any normal woman. He rubs the spot where his claw bit in. The only sign of damage, is an errant streak of blood on the pulse-point of her wrist. The blood calls to him...
He kisses her wrist at the pulse-point for a long moment in a sign of profound thanks, feeling her arteries throb beneath his lips. His teeth graze her skin lightly. He slowly licks the blood away. The taste, like and unlike normal blood, is arousing. Whether due to the peculiar human/demonic mixture of it, or perhaps the fact that her libidinous appeal suffuses every drop of her blood... the effect on him is profound. Her blood is an aphrodisiac. Only by strength of will and remembering with guilt the pain his claws causes does he pull his teeth away from her arm. Trying to recover, and maybe mask his bestial behavior, he plants kisses down her arm from wrist to elbow before releasing her arm and sitting back in his chair. He is breathing like he just ran a marathon, and desire is all but consuming him. He slugs down his drink trying to get the taste of her blood out of his mouth. It is too appealing. All he can manage to say is a husked "My thanks." It is evident to Lureene that he is profoundly moved in many different ways.
Lureene is overwhelmed with such emotions as she has never felt before. By all the angels in the Seven Heavens! I have never felt such...emotions. but that doesn't even come close to the way he affects her, not only physically, but emotionally. The only sounds she manages to make is soft gasps of pleasure, as he caresses her, and kisses her arm. when he is finished. She just stares at him, with a look of utter shock, mixed with desire for him, and not a little fear. Her face, and body, is still burning from his kisses, and she sits back, trying to gain control of her emotions.
"Strae-hun, you..." she cannot finish her thought, so she drains the last of her Port, and feels almost giddiness as a wave of dizziness threatens to cause her to pass out.
Straehan waves off her attempt to say anything. It's clear this strange tidal set of emotions is striking them both. What does that mean? With a shaking hand, he manages to pour them two more LARGE glasses. He hopes slamming down more of the liquor will restore both their senses of equilibrium. He tries, unsuccessfully, to prevent his glittering black eyes from straying to the slope of her neck, where he thinks he can almost sense her carotid artery pumping blood. He imagines his lips at her neck, feeling her quickening pulse. Not good... not good.. NOT GOOD. He looks away trying to un-imagine that thoughts that are now swirling around his head. Is this what it feels like for all dragon-kin - this primal, all encompassing desire?
A disconnected part of his mind realises that his one hand, claws fully extended without his knowledge, has literally shredded the chair's arm into kindling. Decidedly NOT good - control is vital.
When she has finally finished studying her spellbook, Alexis puts it away and finishes getting dressed with Miss Nell's help. Nothing overly fancy this morning, but even her more casual wear is still replete with embroidery and crafted from the finest cloth.
Descending Limbo's stairs, she can't help but see Alis' flamboyant red, white, black, and gold outfit before anything else. Is that an actual pirate she's talking to?
Rolling her eyes at whatever mischief her boisterous twin has in mind, suddenly her eyes fix on a familiar figure. "Morgaard!" The stalwart dwarf's name flies from her lips a joyous exclamation.
Forgetting her composure, she runs up to him and gives her old friend a big hug.
From behind the princess, Miss Nell allows herself a small smile and says warmly, "It is good to see you, Axe of Highhelm. Judging by your presence and Alissariel's dress I can only assume that there is an adventure afoot..."
Morgaard smiles at the appearance of Alexis and returns her hug in kind. A smile crosses his face as he embraces another one of the Kirmoons.
Morgaard exclaims, "Aye, young lass, tis I. It is good to see you've not gotten yourself into trouble as of late. As for being here, you did not think to be getting into trouble without me, did ya?"
Morgaard then lets out a laugh and turns toward Nell. He winks slyly. "Aye, mi'lady. Adventure is afoot whenever I am afoot!"
Seeing her sister and friends all gathered, Alis gets to her feet and motions for Priyya and Felmor to accompany her.
"Sis, Miss Nell, Morgaard was in Cassomir yesterday to visit us. I told him about the expeditions that Alexis and I are embarking on shortly and he's decided to work with us once again, isn't that great?"
The young beauty's excitement is as plain on her face as the hopeful look in her eyes. Before anyone else can respond, she turns to her two new acquaintances and says, "I'd like you to meet Sister Priyya and Mr. Felmor Traker. Priyya is a warrior-priestess of Sarenrae, and Felmor is an experienced sailor and swashbuckler. Since Felmor's ship is in drydock for repairs and Priyya is on a pilgrimage to spread her goddess' light throughout Avistan, they've decided to travel with us for a bit. Kassen is holding it's annual Dungeon Crawl Challenge this week so we're going to enter! Want to come with us sis? Miss Nell, we'll be back before her expedition leaves and it would be good practice for both of us. We're sure to be safe with Morgaard watching over us..."
"Aye, young lass, tis I. It is good to see you've not gotten yourself into trouble as of late. As for being here, you did not think to be getting into trouble without me, did ya?"
"Hah!" Alexis laughs happily, "No, I'd never dream to get in trouble with you and your trust axe at hand. Alissariel though... well, she's another matter."
Hearing her sister's words and seeing that her new friends are all equipped for travel, she continues, "So you are all going on a little adventure then? Miss Nell, this would be a good opportunity for some practical field experience. I wouldn't want to land in Arcadia with only classroom knowledge and simulated drills under my belt..."
Lureene is oblivious to all the activity around her, and gratefully accepts the profferred glass, with the same hand, where he had laid his kisses on her arm. She only sees his eyes, those liquid black pools roaming over her face, and her neck, her body, and she knows he is trying to master his bestial emotions, Ohhh, Strae-hun, I WANT you to show your primal urges to me...and I want to show you mine...
She takes a long draw of the drink, and wonder of wonders, it helps to calm her nerves, at least temporarily. Belately, she remembers Rath-hun and realizes she was with him only a short time ago. She closes her eyes and tries to keep her tears from flowing again.
Felmor, gives an awkward bow to the younger sister of Lady Alis, and their retainer. Man, those two sisters could brighten the darkest level o'Davey Jone's cavern wit' their smiles n' charm 'im right out o' his booty.
Turning to Priyya, he offers his hand , and takes her, planting a soft kiss on the palm, "It is a pleasure ta mee'cha." Man this polite stuff is gonna kill me.
Unable to withstand the full force of the princess' puppy-dog eyes, Miss Nell relents, "Well... if Morgaard is going with you and you are certain to be back in time then there's nothing to worry about, right?"
She gives the sturdy dwarf an imploring look, before turning back to Alexis. "Highness, promise me you will keep your sister out of trouble and keep her from getting anyone else into trouble too."
Her impassive face softens a bit as the girls skwee in delight and pin her arms to her sides in a dual hug. As the two run upstairs to pack, she looks after them and shakes her head a bit morosely. They grow up so quickly, especially with hot human blood in their veins...
Felmor, gives an awkward bow to the younger sister of Lady Alis, and their retainer.
Alis and Alexis return after a few moments carrying knapsacks filled with whatever items they might find useful on a 4-day trip. Before you set out however, Alis scampers over to Lureene and says, "Oh, I didn't forget about you or the goodies we bought yesterday. Since your door was unlocked, sis and I piled the ones for you and Suny up on your bed. We'll all have to have another night on the town when we get back! By the way, there's a special vintage in the armoire of your room still — try not to drink it all before I get back. Folks might think it a bit shady otherwise." She winks before giving you a hug.
To Straehan she says, "I'm sorry we didn't have longer to talk, but you seem to be in much better spirits now. Take care of yourself and if you're here when we get back you'll have to come along to one of my soirées!"
"Oh Suny!" she suddenly remembers.
She next approaches Havelock. "Well that was certainly an interesting time we had yesterday. Thanks again for helping out against Krixus and for being such a gentleman. I think you'll make some lucky girl a fine husband some day, but I'm just not ready for such things quite yet." She gives tall, dark, and handsome a light peck on the cheek.
Lastly, approaching Ravarath she says, "Well, I wish you could come with us, but considering that you, Suny, and Lureene have all reconciled things, I can't blame you for wanting to stay. I have no doubt there will be lots of juicy details to hear when I get back. I hope you all have a good time together. See you in a few days." She gives a small gasp as the strongly-built monk returns her hug. "I think you cracked my back!"
Skipping over to Limbo's door, she once again attunes the arcane portal to Cassomir and calls out, with a big grin, "All aboard who's coming aboard!"
With that, she gives a curtsy to all assembled and skips thru with her sister.
"At noon we'll be boarding a small Minkai dhow I chartered called The Jade Coi. A couple members of Captain Qoian's crew are on extended leave taking care of some family business, but when I told him we had enough sailors among us for at least a skeleton crew, he agreed to the job."
"Let's get to it then!"
Morgaard throws his pack over his shoulder, picks up is great axe, and follows the sisters out the door.
Felmor, turns to Amber, and takes her hand, saying quietly, "I jes wanna thank ye, fer helpin' me out there earlier, wit' Lureene an' Straehan." Looking at the strange couple, he briefly regrets not staying longer, but looking into Amber's eyes, he reflects, Sometimes ya jes gotta go where the winds take ye.
"I hope I kin see ye when i come back 'ere, but if not then, may th' winds always be at yer back." He then plants a kiss on her palm, then picks up his pack and turns to follow the sisters, Priyya, and Morgaard, out of Limbo.
"I'd like you to meet Sister Priyya... Priyya is a warrior-priestess of Sarenrae... Priyya is on a pilgrimage to spread her goddess' light throughout Avistan, they've decided to travel with us for a bit."
Priyya greets them all genially with a nod, "With respect, Miss Kirmoon. I am just Priyya or Surya-ka-Vahaak. I don't bear the title of 'sister' except, of course, to my siblings." She smiles, indicating she is not offended, merely correcting a common mistake. "I am ready to go now." With a deft move she catches the shoulder strap of her backpack on the end of her scimitar scabbard, and lifting the blade, slides the pack into her hand. It seem relatively empty aside from a crossbow strapped to the back. "Where you lead, I will follow." She puts words to deed and follows the sisters out of the bar.
Lastly, approaching Ravarath she says, "Well, I wish you could come with us, but considering that you, Suny, and Lureene have all reconciled things, I can't blame you for wanting to stay. I have no doubt there will be lots of juicy details to hear when I get back. I hope you all have a good time together. See you in a few days." She gives a small gasp as the strongly-built monk returns her hug. "I think you cracked my back!"
Rath looks at the small woman with real affection, "Please be careful. If you need rescue, you call me. I come running!" He thinks about stealing another kiss from her, but given Havelock's black look, he settles for kissing her hand.
Captain Wardove stuff...:
Alis and Alexis return after a few moments carrying knapsacks filled with whatever items they might find useful on a 4-day trip. Before you set out however, Alis scampers over to Lureene and says, "Oh, I didn't forget about you or the goodies we bought yesterday. Since your door was unlocked, sis and I piled the ones for you and Suny up on your bed. We'll all have to have another night on the town when we get back! By the way, there's a special vintage in the armoire of your room still — try not to drink it all before I get back. Folks might think it a bit shady otherwise." She winks before giving you a hug.
To Straehan she says, "I'm sorry we didn't have longer to talk, but you seem to be in much better spirits now. Take care of yourself and if you're here when we get back you'll have to come along to one of my soirées!"
"Oh Suny!" she suddenly remembers. ** spoiler omitted **
She next approaches Havelock. [b]"Well that was certainly an interesting time we had yesterday. Thanks again for helping out against Krixus and for being such a gentleman. I think you'll make some lucky girl a fine husband...
Suny stands lost amid the twirl and bustle that is Alis' group. As the last of them disappear back out through the magical portal,
"Does 'at mean I in't needed?" Suny asks quietly....
To Straehan she says, "I'm sorry we didn't have longer to talk, but you seem to be in much better spirits now. Take care of yourself and if you're here when we get back you'll have to come along to one of my soirées!"
Straehan stands on his chair to speak with Alis eye-to-eye. "You are too kind to an oft-times ill-tempered stranger. I thank you for your kindly conversation and look forward to seeing you again." He kisses her hand and bows.
As the sisters depart, Straehan sits back down heavily, looking at Lureene. Luckily, the alcohol is having some effect. He can't quite forget the sweet, coppery taste of her but it's not as intense as it was. Gods, what to do now? Wait until Ravarath leaves? Talk to him again - ask for more advice? Tell her what he said?
Before you set out however, Alis scampers over to Lureene and says, "Oh, I didn't forget about you or the goodies we bought yesterday. Since your door was unlocked, sis and I piled the ones for you and Suny up on your bed. We'll all have to have another night on the town when we get back! By the way, there's a special vintage in the armoire of your room still — try not to drink it all before I get back. Folks might think it a bit shady otherwise." She winks before giving you a hug.
Lureene looks up from her drink, and Alis's words barely register, An adventure? Already? But, I need her help... She barely gets up in time, blinking her tears away, in order to return the hug.
Sitting back down, after Alis leaves Limbo, she sees Strae-hun looking at her, fortunately with less intensity in his gaze than before. She didn't know if she could have withstood it much longer. She takes another drink, and is really feeling the effects of the fine Port drink. Liquid Courage, indeed. "Is there something wrong, Strae-hun?" she asks quietly, feeling Rath-hun watching her.
Straehan smiles at her, "Not at all. I just realised I have exactly the kind of problem I've been hoping, hell wishing, to have for many years. Now I just need to figure out a solution or be incredibly patient. Problem is - I've never been a patient man. But some things are worth waiting a lifetime for." He laughs at himself and toasts her silently while draining the rest of his glass. His liquid black eyes never leave her and she hears the faint clink of his fangs on the glass.
Turning to Priyya, he offers his hand, and takes her, planting a soft kiss on the palm, "It is a pleasure ta mee'cha." Man this polite stuff is gonna kill me.
Priyya, who offered her hand to shake as a man might, is surprised when Felmor kisses it. Her fist closes around her scimitar scabbard and she punches him lightly in the chest with it. "Oy! Don't go mistaking me for some city-soft, tavern wench you can separate from her dress with a wink and a drink, sailor."
The tall browned skinned Elf jiggles nervously from foot to foot....
"Oooo...." She chews upon her bottom lip with angst.
Sudenly she races off up the stairs only to return a bare few moments later with her pack held in her arms.
"Wait fer me you guyyyysssss!" Is her heart felt wail as she disappears through the door of Limbo and out into whatever reality awaits beyond.
Rath serenely watches Lureene and Straehan. There is a certain symmetry to the pairing; they share a common experience, a common pain in some ways. Like magnets, they are drawn together and yet they both seem to resist it. Rath decides he will never understand these Avistanis. They complicate simplicity. I may have to get involved, but not quite yet.
Lureene feels Strae-hun watching her again, and on impulse, takes another swig, draining her glass. When she sets the glass down, a feeling of wooziness comes over her, and she concentrates on not passing out, or expelling the contents of her stomach.
She looks up in time to see Suny rushing out of the bar, chasing adventure again. So, I am to on my own with this again? I hate being alone! She looks up at the skull Majjeff, still sitting where she placed it what it seems like an eternity ago, sold to her by another gnome. She thinks of her father then, wondering what he would advise her to do. And she looks back at Strae-hun, and gives him a tentative smile, taking his hand in hers.
"Your hands feel very nice, Strae-hun."
Seeing Suny dash out the door holding her backpack and wearing only an illusory dress, Miss Nell shakes her head.
"Was I ever that young?" she asks of no one in particular.
Sighing softly, she walks over to the bar to see what wonderful repast Therena has prepared for today's brunch.
And she looks back at Strae-hun, and gives him a tentative smile, taking his hand in hers.
"Your hands feel very nice, Strae-hun."
Straehan marvels at the feel of her skin on his, his blood pressure rising. He releases the glass in his free hand and leans in towards her to speak. He returns her smile predatorially, "Everything about you feels very nice, Lureene." His free hand comes to rest inconspicuously and lightly on her thigh. She hears the liquid snikt of his claws coming out. At first they trace light, lazy curliques on her inner thigh. Then the clawing becomes more insistent. He never breaks her skin, but she can well imagine there are 4 parallel pink claw marks traveling from well up her inner thigh down to the mid-point. His voice is husky again, "I know you are conflicted. I know that Ravarath is a good man and you would not hurt him for the world. For my own reasons, I wouldn't want to do that either. I will try not to make this more difficult for you. If you need me to leave for awhile, I will." Lureene sees the very last thing he wants to do is leave, but he will if she asks it of him.
Lureene feels her passion for him rising alarmingly. His touch was like hellfire, burning and scouring her skin and her emotions with ruthless abandon. Crazily, she remembers the dress Alis had purchased for her. The red silk, devil's dancing dress. The thought of wearing it for Strae-hun was...overpowering. She knew she wanted him to see it on her, more than anything.
She quickly glances about the bar area, but other than Rath-hun, no one else is paying attention to her inner turmoils. She noticed him watching this scene, but still not...what...interfering? Is that what she wanted? She cared for him! Only a few hours ago she and Rath-hun were...why was he not saying anything? Or was he saying something, and she was just not listening?
She says to him, huskily, "No Strae-hun, please don't go. I want you here with me. It is true I care for Rath-hun, but I care for you just as much, if not more so, as well."Her eyes are burning with desire for him, along with tears for how she is hurting Rath-hun, the conflict raging in her.
Rath sees her tears and grows concerned. This is not working out right at all. He walks over and kneels down to talk to both of them. He is clearly concerned. "Straehan, may I borrow Lureene for moment? Very important bar business. Will return her to you soon. Promise." He pats the little gnome on the shoulder, seemingly symapthetic to his feelings.
He helps Lureene up and supports her out of the room, up the stairs and into Lureene's room. She is shaking and her legs seem weak. He sits her down on the bed and kneels in front of her. He looks into her eyes, noting the anguish. "My Common is poor but tell me what is the problem that would make my Meri Devi so upset." While his look is kind and caring, it is clear he is also expecting an answer.
Lureene does not resist his ministrations, and indeed the farther away she gets from Strae-hun, the calmer she gets. She looks into his eyes and sees the compassion and the love he has for her. It makes her feel both better and worse at the same time. "Oh Rath-hun, I...I feel like I have hurt you so badly, acting like I did. I don't ever want to hurt you, but Strae-hun...I have to be honest with you, I care for him as well. I am sorry..."
Rath looks at her, smiles, and sighs. "You Avistani peoples are crazy." He says good-naturedly, "You haven't done any wrong to me. You haven't hurt me. You haven't 'badly acted'."
He thinks a moment. "Before there was you and me, there was you and Suny, yes?" When she agrees, he continues, "OK. So you cared about Suny before me. Did you care about Suny less after I came along?"
"I know, Rath-hun, I must seem like I am the most crazy Avistani you have ever run into. You have given me my angel wings and you deserve everything I could give to you." She looks at him and give him a puzzled look, "It is like I am betraying myself in a way, because I want to be an angel, but when I am with Strae-hun, I feel like...I don't know. These passions I have for him, they are a part of me. I think this is because I am still learning how to love someone, the way you do." She gazes into his eyes, looking for enlightenment.
Rath is clearly trying to work through the right words to say. When they come out, they are measured and slow. "Lureene. You can be an 'angel' without denying your nature. Enlightenment is accepting who you are, trying to improve the 'bad' parts, but accepting ALL of it. Knowing who you are is a big step. Your impulses, your desires, are part of who you are. Other important thing - accepting other people as they are. Love them for good parts AND less good parts. You are 'angel' to me because of who you are as a whole person - including your desires for Suny, and Straehan, and others. That is who you are. I have never asked you to be other than you are. Only asked that you share some part of you with me." He thinks where to go next, "Remember I said wanted to give you a gift tonight? I wanted to surprise you but now I think I should tell you what the gift was. Would you like to know?"
Lureene gives Rath-hun a smile and thinks, This is why I love him so much, he is so understanding of me. "Thank you Rath-hun, I feel better about this now, because this is who I am, I have passions I cannot deny, and I appreciate you seeing that. This makes me love you all the more."
She gives him a warm hug, and a kiss, then she continues, "If this won't take long, then you can tell me, I just don't want to keep Strae-hun waiting too long, mind you."
He nods happily, "This will be quick. I know your passions. I know in relationships with lovers you are kind of in control. Your perfumes give you power over others and drive them crazy. I think it is part of who you are, to enjoy seeing lovers out of control, yes?" She nods her agreement and he continues, "But I am different. Trained in Cheliax for a year and, as a monk, self-control is at the heart of who I am. Sometimes this is a good thing, sometimes not so good. Understand? This is less good part of myself that I have to improve."
"So, gift I was going to give you... knowing that you enjoy driving lovers out of control and me being so in-control - thought to breathe your perfumes in deeply and try to let monk discipline go, let perfume take me, let YOU take me. For evening, be out-of-control lover for you... because I accept that you need to be you and this will make you happy. Was that a good gift?"
Lureene stares at him, her eyes burning with naked desire for him. So before, he had not released his control...oh my Heavens...
"Well, Rath-hun, you realize now leaving a gift like this unopened is very rude, so let us say, I will enjoy opening this gift...later." She leans over and kisses him wantonly, but breaks it off after a minute, but to him, it seems longer.
She gets up and heads downstairs, but as she turns to leave, she glances at the dresses Lady Alis gifted her hanging in the armoire, then looks at Rath-hun and adds, "I think there will be a devil visiting you later, Rath-hun", giving him a sultry wink.
She heads back downstairs, and sees Strae-hun sitting there waiting patiently for her. She walks over to him, and asks, "Can I get you something to drink, Strae-hun?" She leans over to him and then whispers in his ear, in a sultry whisper, "like my blood?" Before he can answer her, she plants a passionate kiss on his lips, and pulls him close to her, kissing him for several minutes.
She heads back downstairs, and sees Strae-hun sitting there waiting patiently for her. She walks over to him, and asks, "Can I get you something to drink, Strae-hun?" She leans over to him and then whispers in his ear, in a sultry whisper, "like my blood?" Before he can answer her, she plants a passionate kiss on his lips, and pulls him close to her, kissing him for several minutes.
He returns her kisses, measure for measure, greedily. She feels the rumbling snarl/growls emanating from him. His small form shakes from them. His hands are on her neck and face, and she hears his claws extend and retract several times, but he never pierces her skin. Eventually they break and he takes a steadying breath. His answer to her question is a throaty growl, "I'll start with your blood... but I want much, much more from you." Lureene realises that 'excess' is probably not a word in this dark, mercurial, draconic gnome's dictionary. He wants everything. Returning to a fragment of his less draconic self, he realises the show they've put on for the patrons and says for her ears only, "I think we better move this somewhere else... before I take you on this table in front of all these gentle folks. While that idea amuses me, it wouldn't be civilized."
Before she can answer, Rath steps up discreetly, having watched the magnets meet with a sense of satisfaction. "Please excuse intrusion, friends. Lureene, I have talked to Mors. I offered to wait tables today, to improve my Common. So it seems like you have afternoon off. Maybe you can show new friend Straehan the sights. View is quite nice from your room. Just a suggestion." He smiles at them both and walks off to take some orders and play 'Lureene' for the day.
Straehan looks stunned at the monk's magnanimity. He looks to Lureene, his black eyes watching her intensely, for an answer.
"Well, Rath-hun, you realize now leaving a gift like this unopened is very rude, so let us say, I will enjoy opening this gift...later." ...then looks at Rath-hun and adds, "I think there will be a devil visiting you later, Rath-hun", giving him a sultry wink.
He smiles broadly, "I look forward to it. Perhaps you will learn something new about me."
He returns her kisses, measure for measure, greedily. She feels the rumbling snarl/growls emanating from him. His small form shakes from them. His hands are on her neck and face, and she hears his claws extend and retract several times, but he never pierces her skin. Eventually they break and he takes a steadying breath. His answer to her question is a throaty growl, "I'll start with your blood... but I want much, much more from you." Lureene realises that 'excess' is probably not a word in this dark, mercurial, draconic gnome's dictionary. He wants everything. Returning to a fragment of his less draconic self, he realises the show they've put on for the patrons and says for her ears only, "I think we better move this somewhere else... before I take you on this table in front of all these gentle folks. While that idea amuses me, it wouldn't be civilized."
Before she can answer, Rath steps up discreetly, having watched the magnets meet with a sense of satisfaction. "Please excuse intrusion, friends. Lureene, I have talked to Mors. I offered to wait tables today, to improve my Common. So it seems like you have afternoon off. Maybe you can show new friend Straehan the sights. View is quite nice from your room. Just a suggestion." He smiles at them both and walks off to take some orders and play 'Lureene' for the day.
Straehan looks stunned at the monk's magnanimity. He looks to Lureene, his black eyes watching her intensely, for an answer.
Lureene glances past Strae-hun, for a second. I am pretty sure Mors has been nowhere to be seen in the last 24 hours....was Rath-hun lying?
She turns her full attention to Strae-hun, seeing the naked fire in his eyes, she takes his hand in hers, pulls him close to her and whispers, I am disappointed in you, Strae-hun. I thought you believed in good hygiene. I need to show you, how this lady takes care of her body. After all, cleanliness is next to godliness. Let me give you a bath, and then maybe we can look around Cassomir, if you feel like it. Her tone suggested she would be shocked if he wanted to go anywhere else but upstairs, or do any sort of sightseeing outside of her room that is.
Straehan holds her tight when answering, talking into her neck. For a second she thinks he is planning on sinking in his fangs. Then he says something curious...
"I like baths and I will follow you, Lureene, for whatever you have planned. But let us be clear. I like how you smell right now. I like how you taste right now. If you are going to bathe yourself in all sorts of perfumes and ointments and other flowery products, well..." He gives her a wolf-like grin. "Have you ever had a 'Hot Fudge Sundae'? They take delicious ice cream and then top it with all manner of other things - whipped cream, nuts, chocolate sauce, even a cherry. They think this makes the dessert better. It doesn't. It just hides the flavour of the ice cream which is what the dessert is all about." His smiles breaks out more fully and it is utterly feral, "I like women the way I like ice cream... without a bunch of toppings that mask the flavour of what I'm eating. Understand?" His delicate red tongue comes out to touch his lips briefly.
Lureene licks her lips at the thought of the 'Hot Fudge Sundae', as it was one of the few treats her mother allowed her to have when she was a child. If Mors can get me one of those later, I will give him anything he wants!
"Strae-hun, you should know me by now. Does it look like I need to wear perfume, or makeup, or wear a corset, like the Princess Alis? If I am going to do any primping like what you describe, the reason is because it is FUN! You don't need a bath either, and I won't make you do something you don't want to either. I just LOVE taking baths!
"As you wish." He indicates she should lead the way. He doesn't understand why her previous passions seem tempered now.
Lureene notices his mood change immediately, and decides to bide her time, she saunters up the stairs slowly exaggerating her gait, allowing him tantalizing peks up her skirt She waits until she gets to the top of the stairs and 'accidentally' drops a hankie on the floor. Oops, how clumsy of me. she turns around to face him, and bends ALL the way down, allowing him a nice peek down her body. She stays bent over for a moment, then says, "I think I am stuck like this, can you help me up, Strae-hun?" She stays bent over, waiting for Strae-hun to help her up.