Cassian rolls his eyes. "I'm through thinking about it. Maybe that's his plan. I don't know. I would think a spy would show more effectiveness in combat, or have some useful skill outside of it," Cassian shrugs. "Look, I'm not going to trust him because best case scenario -- best case, mind you -- is that he is a glory hound. Then we start getting more and more unsavory: slow in the head, lunatic, spy, traitor. I am working on the assumption that Janiven recruited him so that, if we get pinched, we can offer up The Craven as a fall guy. It's a purpose, and even a useful one."
"Ah yes," Breaths Nonon. "On that note, should any of the patrons at the final show throw fruit, please send your returning shots to the cheap seats."
Melilot takes out a piece of paper and a pen and starts taking notes.
Early in the day, just an hour or so after sunrise, each of you (except Cassian) is greeted by a tow-headed boy of maybe ten. With solemn dignity, which can only be found in children who spend far too much time around excitable actors, he hand you a note.
Azhar takes the note, thanks the kid and gives him a silver for his trouble. He snakes a look at Rev's note, shows him the one he received. Shakes his head and snorts derisively.
He nods in greeting, rising, his voice carrying well. "Welcome. These are your fellow actors." He motions to the older woman, "The Visbarontess Auxumaxa has agreed to be the lead voice for the chorus as well as sing during scene changes." Then to the petite beauty, "Ms. Calseinica Nymmis is our lead woman. And, Thesing Ulvauno will be playing the role of Haanderthan." Motioning to the dashingly handsome blonde man.
He nods to each as they are introduced, though his warmest smile is reserved for Calseinica.
Nonon glances down at his notes, obviously not needing them, but enjoying the theatric flare. "As for the remaining four parts..." Drawing out the words, the soul of an actor despite his current position of director. "For our lead, Lazarod... Rev Amin." A pause, then reading the rest off in order, "Dentris, Azhar Amin. Tybain, Antonio Fibanacci. And," a slight look of worry, "Despite stature, Drovalid will be played by Melilot Took." He waits, obviously used to actors complaining about their roles... almost seeming to look forward to it.
He smiles as Rev gets the lead, rolls his eyes at Nonon as his part is announced. "You can't truly expect me to appear without my sword, can you?" His eyes sweep over all the women present, including Auxumaxa and Mel, though it's possible that they catch Calseinica's for just a moment. His right hand sweeps up theatrically to his forehead, Alas, surrounded by the most beautiful of women. If only I could shed away the years from this fragile old frame." He shakes his head, "Seriously? I think this part needs some major alterations." He may be griping, but it cannot hide the sparkle of his eyes and the smile just underneath.
Cassian rolls his eyes. "I'm through thinking about it. Maybe that's his plan. I don't know. I would think a spy would show more effectiveness in combat, or have some useful skill outside of it," Cassian shrugs. "Look, I'm not going to trust him because best case scenario -- best case, mind you -- is that he is a glory hound. Then we start getting more and more unsavory: slow in the head, lunatic, spy, traitor. I am working on the assumption that Janiven recruited him so that, if we get pinched, we can offer up The Craven as a fall guy. It's a purpose, and even a useful one."
Azhar slides one of the mug's across to Cassian as it comes. He chuckles, "I could be misjudging her, but I can't see Janiven doing that." He shakes his head. He changes the subject, "Anyway, how's your sister doing? I imagine things could have changed quite a bit for her...at least from a mental aspect. She had told me she wanted to study magic when she was younger, but the family never really gave her the chance. I know she has something of an independent streak and I figure what came up recently may have been something of a shock. Albeit a pleasant one."
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
She nods solemnly, "Not quite star-crossed lovers, but almost as bad." But her eyes curious as to those... wicked... things of which he isn't speaking.
Sweetly, almost innocently, despite the closeness of his body, "Will you be safe traveling in the streets now that it is dark?"
There is something to be said for getting to wake up slowly, easily. It is another thing entirely when your little sister is creeping around the apartment 'quietly' in a sneaky way guaranteed to wake you up for the sole reason that she is trying to not wake you up.
She seems to be very quietly explaining the benefits of the new apartment to Rygel.
She takes the question seriously, her eyes evaluating him in a far different manner for a moment as she rolls the mug back and forth in her hands. "You have the strength for many of the tasks, so it would depend on if you can handle the heat and the spirit you put into the work."
A pause, a smile, "I would enjoy seeing your efforts."
"If I roll over and smack your dressing with my wrist, I'll feel terrible."
A smile, a surprised, pleased one that she can't quite hide.
"...never thought about it," Gravlax says. "Sunrise is particularly lovely...."
A far more soft smile, a slow release of tension, one work-hardened hand creeps out from the roll of blanket, runs softly over his hand for a second, and stays outstretched as she falls asleep.
"Do you propose to protect me?" he says with a teasing grin. "No, no, my songbird. I'll be fine. The night holds no terrors for a man already half shadow." He pauses, the grin softening into something more genuine, his voice losing the cocky edge for just a moment, a window to the real him that only she sees. "Thank you for caring, though."
Cassian opens his eyes. "Tarv, you are the worst sneaker ever."
She smiles back, a little bit of teasing friendliness in her voice, "You're supposed to be keeping me safe, so I need you too stay safe." She grins, "Plus, rewards. Very much looking forward to getting to know you, so I can think of the right rewards."
A pause, "Will I see you tomorrow? Or will you be invisible again?"
She has the good grace to blush but she smiles over, "But we get to move into the new place today." Her smile just a bit brighter, "And I can make things that I get to keep instead of everything belonging to store inventory." And with the the unsaid hope, that now that she can use magic she might be able to stuff some of it into the jewelry she makes.
; Grav perception (-10 sleep)
She tries to sneak out the early the next morning... perhaps she shouldn't have taken the side of the bed near the wall. Mathalen slips as she tries to creep over him, instead waking him as she lands straddling him. Eyes wide as his open, "sorry"
As they head back to the main part of the city, Mathalen works to find herself near Gravlax. But not too near, as she realizes how she smells from the pungent remains. "Since I got a windfall... Maybe I can treat you to dinner?" Dark eyes hopeful, "I'm fully healed and I managed to not get my ass handed to me by bone as easily as stone..."
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
He smiles as Rev gets the lead, rolls his eyes at Nonon as his part is announced. "You can't truly expect me to appear without my sword, can you?" His eyes sweep over all the women present, including Aulamaxa and Mel, though it's possible that they catch Calseinica's for just a moment. His right hand sweeps up theatrically to his forehead, Alas, surrounded by the most beautiful of women. If only I could shed away the years from this fragile old frame." He shakes his head, "Seriously? I think this part needs some major alterations." He may be griping, but it cannot hide the sparkle of his eyes and the smile just underneath.
Aulamaxa studies Azhar the way a butcher would eye a cow for the best cuts of beef. Calseinica smiles back, both the smile and the look in her eyes open and friendly. Of course, all four of the new actors get the same beautiful smile. Thesing looks bored, until he notices the look Azhar is giving the petite beauty, then his demeanor darkens.
Nonon smiles, not kindly, "Obviously he was a martially inclined wizard before he got old, impotent, and caustic. That would explain the sword."
He waves a hand to still them for a minute, "It comes down to I want my vision of the Trials to be unique. I want you to survive, so it would make very little sense to strip from you the tools of trade." Motioning to armor, weapons. "The idea will be to incorporate your own gear into the the costumes of your characters, so the look is," his voice picking up on the last word, giving it emphasis, "seamless."
"Of course, I do not expect you all to perform at peak with such danger with no recompense. As this is a unique situation and my primary cast is small and our performance is in seven days... Which means I will require you to be on hand or promoting yourselves for the show during all daylight hours, each of you will be paid 5% of the house's total take."
He looks around, "If this are acceptable terms," He pulls out a seven pads of legal documents, "please sign." The contracts are in Infernal.
Aulamaxa starts to read through hers, thoroughly, before she signs. For Thesing it is a quick perusal. Calseinica barely looks at the contract before she signs.
Or possibly quite a bit more if the play ends up being very popular.
** spoiler omitted **
"Invisible mostly. But how about I meet you in your dressing room for lunch? Just you and I?"
Cassian sighs, fighting the smile his sister puts on his face just by being there. "We do. And you're in for some hard work, Tadpole. You're going to learn to defend yourself."
Gravlax's mouth twitches as things to say pass through his mind -- and then he wakes up a little more, and the curtain of diplomatic blankness descends.
And then he wakes even more, and starts to laugh. Silently, but strong enough to shake the bed (which probably doesn't help Mathalen).
Gravlax thinks for a moment. "Dinner would be lovely," he says. "And you did well. Have you given any thought to a fighting style? Or do you rather fight as necessary?"
"Aggressive," he says. "Fitting."
If it were possible, her smile would light up the dark room. "I would like that very much." Her lower lip pulls into her mouth for a moment, "Do you have any foods you particularly like?"
She grins back. "Do I get to use magic in said lessons?" There is a pause, just a moment of thought, "I told mom and dad I was moving out yesterday..." A longer pause, "Which I probably shouldn't have done... It may be a little harder to get my stuff out of the house now."
She offers Rygel a almond. He ignores her. She puts the almond down on the table, still looking at Cassian. The monkey pounces on the nut.
She starts to blush, but as Gravlax laugh she joins him. Leaving him with a laughing straddling woman. "I was trying to let you sleep in." She says with soft honesty. "I failed."
"But good morning, Gravlax." And then she tries to gracefully extract herself.
"Shower first though." She says with the reference to dinner, "Dining with this smell... not ideal."
She thinks over his martial question for a bit, "There are a number of fighters who have styles I would like to learn. There is an old man who I've seen fight a number of times... Even when he gets knocked down he keeps fighting and they can't keep him down." Voice quiet, "I'd like to figure out that trick..."
She looks at him, "How do you fight?" Curious, especially since she's never seen him take a martial position.
"You get to use magic," he says. "I want you to use what you normally would in combat. Get it to be a reflex."
He scratches the monkey on the neck. "Well, worst comes to worst, we can always sneak in and take your things. I've been sneaking in and out of that house since I was little."
After the meeting, Cassian lingers behind. When the last of the others has gone, he gets up from his chair and heads to Janiven, stopping in front of her, just barely within arm's reach. "So," he says softly, "I need to see you." Though the tone is quiet, it's clear that he means "see" as the weakest kind of euphemism, although the need in his eyes is quite clear.
"I'm a local boy at heart," Cassian says. "Chelish foods are best, but please... no monkey. And I'm going to need you to stop biting your lip unless you want me to kiss you again. It's far too adorable and extremely distracting."
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
She takes the question seriously, her eyes evaluating him in a far different manner for a moment as she rolls the mug back and forth in her hands. "You have the strength for many of the tasks, so it would depend on if you can handle the heat and the spirit you put into the work."
A pause, a smile, "I would enjoy seeing your efforts."
A smile quirks around his lips, "One, how do you think your parents would take the request? Two, also considering it would be on a "when I can make it basis", Three, if you were around me that often, do you think it could become a problem? and Four, if anything I think I would be learning the process more to assist you than anything else. Yes, I think it is amazing what can be done with changing dull base materials to something as brilliant and colorful and alive as glass, but I have no delusions about doing anything like what you do anytime in the near future." He withdraws one hand, forms a fist, rests his chin on it and looks over it at her. "But I definitely want to see you succeed in what you want to do, and I think if I can learn the process in the short term...and it happens to help your family at the same time, so much the better." He looks off to the side again, then back. "I just don't know how your father would take it if I said, "Yes, I want to learn from you...and then have to disappear for a couple of weeks because something came up, you know? ... ... It doesn't speak much for commitment."
A thought, "We need to make sure the breakables are not in the room we are training in."
And a relieved smile, "Thanks, Cass. I... was expecting upset, but not the degree of fury..." She shrugs, "I'm not sure if it is the with you part or the no longer around to dangle in front of horny lordlings that upset her more..." She shakes her head, dispelling any gloom. "But your stuff first." She points to the bear trap near the door. "If you turn that off, I'll carry it."
There is just the slightest surprise in her green eyes when they meet his dark blue ones, but a happy surprise. She slides off the wall so that she is right in front of him, not touching but close enough the warmth of her body can be felt. "Right here?" Her own tone quiet as well.
Her tongue darts out to lick her lips, "Or somewhere else?" A pause, "A longer... meeting?"
Her lip stays between her teeth for a few moments more as his words sink in, then her lips part in a soft, oh.
"Local food," she promises. It is slightly hard to tell in the dark, but she seems to be staring at Cassian's mouth. "I'd like that."
He pulls her head in and kisses the top of it. "They don't deserve you, Tarv. Never did." He releases her and quickly disarms the bear trap. Then, the realization creeping over him in dawning horror. "You're going to want to entertain at the new place, aren't you?"
He is already breathing heavier, his eyes drinking her in. "Here. Elsewhere. Both." He steps closer, putting his hands on the wall behind her. "Are we alone?"
Cassian leans in, but relents at the last moment. "Sorry, songbird. You only promised me the one kiss..." He backs away, grinning at her. "Wouldn't want to presume."
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
oh Looking disappointed for a moment, "I can see what you are saying about Father. He takes our art very seriously." She thinks, sips on the tea, which is still steaming but the heat doesn't seem to bother her. "I would like to see you more, so I don't think three would be bad... But you would have to ask Father as honestly and straight-forward as you did me now."
And right around that time there is a quiet knock and the waitress returns with a tray of food. Miso soup, two bowls, and a small selection of sashimi and sushi.
She sneaks in a quick hug before he releases her. "You mean have people over?" She nods, "At some point." A pause, "Although Janiven... discouraged..." thinking about the word choice for a moment, before nodding deciding that it is the best. "...discouraged us actively spending time together, knowing where the others lived."
She shrugs, "But it is more obvious where to find some of us, like me, Amaya, Gorvio." She thinks, "Maybe... I never felt comfortable having people over... Mom would stare at them until they left."
Her own breathing has quickened, her hand reaching forward, almost touching him. In what seems a supreme effort to focus on the world past him she blinks. "damn" Her head falling back slightly, line of her throat clear. She looks at him, "Not totally," trying to get her breathing back under control, trying to not lean forward that last bit and kiss him. "Arael has a room," her hand moves slightly, waving vaguely to the hallway, "Since he is still on the hellknight's wanted list."
She still looks far too close to wanting to rip off clothes, but she is noticeably fighting the instinct.
There is a slight gasp as he almost comes close enough to kiss. When he backs away she is both disappointed and happy. "Tomorrow." Her voice sweet, "Lunch." A pause, "And if I pick the right food, another kiss?"
"Well, it's our place now, so we can do whatever we like."
"Then we'll need to be quick." He smothers any objections with his mouth, hands unlacing first her trousers, then his. He briefly tries to pick her up, have her straddle his body, but the pants make that impossible. Thinking quickly, he kisses her once again, almost sweetly, before bending her over and pushing roughly into her.
"If that's the reward you want, that's the reward you shall have." With that, Cassian returns to the night, fully intending to keep his date with the lovely young singer.
She looks over at him, taking in that realization with a growing smile. When her smile has reached the point of brilliance, she nods. Then the smile turns mischiveous, "Are you going to be entertaining?"
There may have been an objection, a comment, but once his mouth is on her it is gone, replaced by a response to his kiss that borders on fierce. The softer kiss is met with green eyes looking deeply into his for the brief moment before he turns her. She is ready for him, pushing back onto him as he takes her, her wet warmth tightening around him, her back arching, the start of the low moan of pleasure quickly cut off.
Unable to encourage him out loud, she can only use her body. Which speaks volumes.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Cassian bursts out laughing. "Are you seriously trying to pump me for information about my sister? Look, I got no problem with you trying to date her, but I am not helping you."
Azhar smiles, "Can't fault a guy for trying now can you?" he says with somewhat more than a wry smile, "though actually no, I don't think she's that into me, so to speak. She's been pushing Amaya at me. They're friends and I like 'maya. I was serious about wondering how your sister's doing. ...and no, I don't expect you to tell her I said that. You can tell Tarvi that 'one of your associates' said to say 'hi' to her." he chuckles under his breath.
know:local:
Rev shrugs. "Soon. She's picking up desert. ...and not the female kind, well.... not that i know of. she's getting pastries or something from down the street... Why would I be losing my touch?" He asks, baffled. Thinks about the girl on her way over, relaxes a little.
"No reason" Azhar says chuckling under his breath, he looks around at their place, "and do you think she'd prefer it a bit more private?"
Pharast 26, Amaya
oh Looking disappointed for a moment, "I can see what you are saying about Father. He takes our art very seriously." She thinks, sips on the tea, which is still steaming but the heat doesn't seem to bother her. "I would like to see you more, so I don't think three would be bad... But you would have to ask Father as honestly and straight-forward as you did me now."
And right around that time there is a quiet knock and the waitress returns with a tray of food. Miso soup, two bowls, and a small selection of sashimi and sushi.
Azhar smiles, "I think if I were to ask your Father out for another drink, Mrs. Kaijitsu, might be a little jealous." He doesn't seem to be completely joking.
Azhar lets Amaya take the lead with the food.Gozran 6 - Limehouse Theatre
Aulamaxa studies Azhar the way a butcher would eye a cow for the best cuts of beef. Calseinica smiles back, both the smile and the look in her eyes open and friendly. Of course, all four of the new actors get the same beautiful smile. Thesing looks bored, until he notices the look Azhar is giving the petite beauty, then his demeanor darkens.
Calseinica and Thesing (and probably Aulamaxa as well, though only if she is in the same area, which it is assumed she is) get a smile that is particularly appreciative and friendly.
Nonon smiles, not kindly, "Obviously he was a martially inclined wizard before he got old, impotent, and caustic. That would explain the sword."
Azhar fails to keep his smile from reappearing. "Ah, of course, how could I not think of that?
...He looks around, "If this are acceptable terms," He pulls out a seven pads of legal documents, "please sign." The contracts are in Infernal.
Despite Gravlax's assurances, Azhar waits for Rev to sign ...and then waits for a response to Mel's question as well, before signing.
Gravlax catches his breath as best he can. "...you should have seen your face." He wipes tears of laughter from his eyes. "Good morning, Mathalen."
"I fight my best when I am in motion," Gravlax says. "I may not strike as hard as Azhar, or sling stones with deadly accuracy like Melilot, but I have never been killed -- not even once."
Gravlax shrugs. "It's what works for me. I never had to scrap at a young age."
sense motive:
"If you would like, I could do a dramatic recitation," Antonio offers. He clears his throat. "Antonio Fibonacci, translating performance contract."
Antonio launches into a wooden rendition of the contract: "This document is a binding contract between the party of the first part hereinafter referred to as the signatory and the party of the second part hereinafter referred to as the...."
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
"Well... I'd like to have company. Eventually. I'm not a monk." He ruffles her hair. "Besides, it's been a while since you've mocked one my girlfriend."
Maybe it's what she's doing with her body. Maybe it's the crushing need. Maybe it's the illicit thrill of almost getting caught. Regardless, Cassian is very quick. A few hard thrusts and he comes, falling against her back.
He just as quickly withdraws, collecting himself, and getting his breeches laced up. He waits for her to do the same, and hugs her with a low chuckle. "That'll tide me over until we get to your place," he whispers, kissing her face.
"I think she just wants Amaya out there," Cassian says, leaning back. "No real reason, just an impression I got. Wouldn't hurt you to get some focus, either."
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
There is a polite knock at the door, although rather low on the door. Should either of the brother open the door there is the raven-haired Ailyn carrying a box which is probably larger than needs be for desert for three people. The reason for the low knocking is obvious, her full hands required knocking with a booted foot.
She smiles at both brothers, although the smile is just a little bit more for the darker one. "Mr Amins, I brought desert." She carefully opens the box, showing a number of layered, crusty bread filled with chocolate and a few flaky apple pastries.
She mixes the dark, salty soy with a substantial quantity of the ground horseradish before using the chopsticks to bathe a piece of fish in the concoction.
Her ears turn a little red as she scoots off him, "I really was trying to let you sleep." But there is a happy, pleasure to seeing him, feeling him laugh that she can't suppress.
She folds her blanket, tucking it in her bag, and pulls on her shoes. "I need to go to work..." the explanation simple and true.
Her eyes spark, "We have the first in common." With a smile, "I have not been killed either." She shrugs, "But I did learn to throw a punch around the same time that I learned to walk."
When you both get into the city proper she looks around, motioning to a public bath house. "Do you mind? I'd rather not smell like this when eating." A pause, a smile, "And it'll give you some time to figure out where you want to be treated to dinner."
She moves to smooth down her hair, "Can you make it one at least bright enough to know I'm mocking them? It's just sad when they can't tell they are being insulted." But there is an underlying note of happiness to the complaint. She picks up the bag she brought to the small room a few weeks previous and then the bear trap, carefully.
There is just a smallest noise of 'no, not already' when Cassian comes. Her movements still caught in the building pleasure mean there is a touch of slowness as she set her clothes to right. "Good," her voice low. "Because if you were leaving me like this, I may have to hurt you." Her reply kiss is a soft brush, and she seems to be determined to ignore the bit of a shake in her hands.
"No promises," he says, grinning. Cassian gathers up the rest of their stuff, sits Rygel on his shoulder and turns to the apartment. "Goodbye, old place. You survived a lot. Just not my sister." With that, he leads the way to the new place.
"I'm not a monster," he says with a grin. "Gods, you're pretty when you're like this. Let's go. Fast." Cassian will wait for her to lock up, and follow her eagerly to her place.
She gives him a look as she goes out the door, "You make it sound like I killed it."
The new place is lacking the dingy walls and floor of the old place. It is one of three apartments on the top floor of a four story building. The storefront on the first floor is a grocery and Rygel gazes with unabashed desire at the fruits and nuts inside as you go around to the side. There are exterior stairs to the second floor, which is locked, then interior stairs to the top floor. Down the hallway from your door there is a ladder that leads to roof. The apartment is as expected except the windows in the smaller bedroom are barred.
()
Janiven shoots him a look that was probably supposed to be disapproving, but the liquid desire in her green eyes just makes it heated. Even as much as it seems she would like to strip him down, she moves through the building, taking her normal care to lock up.
Moving through the city streets, however, she is quick. Quick enough that it is obvious that she could leave Cassian behind if he wasn't the reason for her speed. As soon as she has the apartment door closed behind them, her hands are on him, pulling at the ties and laces of his shirt.
"I went from being a carefree bachelor in the big city to being a confirmed bachelor living with my spinster sister." The words would be harsh, if it weren't for the happy smile and light tone saying that he would not have it any other way.
He returns the favor, unlacing her shirt, shrugging out of his, and working unlacing her trousers. His hand goes between her legs to feel the wetness of them both. Grinning he brings the finger to her lips. "My goodness, Jan. It appears you've been with someone very recently."
"Thank you," Antonio says. "I myself enjoy the recitation of the standard codicils, but it is not to everyone's taste."
Antonio looks around at those assembled who have signed their contracts. "I look forward to working with you."
"I think she just wants Amaya out there," Cassian says, leaning back. "No real reason, just an impression I got. Wouldn't hurt you to get some focus, either."
Azhar cocks his head slightly, "Focus on...what exactly." his mind apparently flashes on at least two very divergent paths this could go on, but is apparently very interested in Cassian's advice.
There is a polite knock at the door, although rather low on the door. Should either of the brother open the door there is the raven-haired Ailyn carrying a box which is probably larger than needs be for desert for three people. The reason for the low knocking is obvious, her full hands required knocking with a booted foot.
Azhar opens the door. "Afternoon, Ailyn. May I help you with that?" he asks, lifting the box out of her hands "would the table be all right?"
She smiles at both brothers, although the smile is just a little bit more for the darker one. "Mr Amins, I brought desert." She carefully opens the box, showing a number of layered, crusty bread filled with chocolate and a few flaky apple pastries.
"Mmmmm." Azhar says as 'dessert' is mentioned, he sets about laying out three sets of plates, forks, and knives. A bottle of sake soon follows. "Would you like your rice wine heated or room temperature?" He inquires of the other two as he also grabs a set of very small cups and starts a fire in the stove.
"Focus on one woman at a time. I mean... you actually asked Tarvi what kind of jewelry Amaya likes, while trying to flirt with Tarvi?" Cassian has a good belly laugh over that one. "That had to be one of the dumbest things I've ever heard of anyone doing." He takes a deep draught of the ale. "No offense. But seriously. D-U-M-B."
She folds her blanket, tucking it in her bag, and pulls on her shoes. "I need to go to work..." the explanation simple and true.
"Of course," Gravlax says. "We should talk again -- when you are healed."
Gravlax opens the door for Mathalen.
When you both get into the city proper she looks around, motioning to a public bath house. "Do you mind? I'd rather not smell like this when eating."
"I have the time," Gravlax says. "I think I will shop while you bathe." Gravlax smiles at Mathalen. "So feel free to take your time."
"Focus on one woman at a time. I mean... you actually asked Tarvi what kind of jewelry Amaya likes, while trying to flirt with Tarvi?" Cassian has a good belly laugh over that one. "That had to be one of the dumbest things I've ever heard of anyone doing." He takes a deep draught of the ale. "No offense. But seriously. D-U-M-B."
"None taken." Azhar says, lowering an eyebrow that had raised involuntarily. He actually takes some time contemplating Cassian's answer. Finally, he shares a smile, "Yes, logically it sounds like you are right. Perhaps that is why Rev seems to share his bed more often." Then a hint of uncertainty enters his demeanor, "But my mother always told me to try to be honest and honorable in everything I do...and I was truly interested in both of them at the time. Besides when I was younger and um..better looking," he shifts a little uncomfortably in his seat, "it didn't really seem to matter. Recently...it's been kind of different I guess." He looks over at Cassian, possibly looking for a response to a question left unspoken.
She looks over at him, "If I'm a spinster, I need to get cute glasses. All spinsters should have glasses." Then her gaze falls on the monkey, but she shakes her head. "Glasses on the monkey wouldn't work." She smiles, "But he totally needs a ninja suit." Nods seriously, "Apparently they make you sneakier, at least based on the books Amaya's family has."
A quick wriggle of her shoulders sends her own dark shirt to the ground. Her hands on the laces of his pants still, their work half finished when his hand goes between her legs. Her eyes move up from her hands, which slowly start to work again, to his eyes. "But there seems to be something very wrong with me, because I need more."
Then, knowing exactly what she is doing, her tongue moves out to swirl around his finger, drawing his digit into her mouth fully. Her eyes on his the entire time that her mouth and tongue move temptingly.
"Would you like your rice wine heated or room temperature?" He inquires of the other two as he also grabs a set of very small cups and starts a fire in the stove.
"Hot please." Is Ailyn's clear response to the question. Quieter, softer, intended only for Rev, "I don't feel like being cold... or distant... at the moment."
She nods. "I'll see you when I'm healed."
And true to her word, she is fully healed in time for the clean-up of the Bastard's outbuildings.
She ducks into the first 'women's only' bathhouse that you come across with a parting smile. A good while later she exits, hair damp, but clean in both body and clothes. Looking up and down the street for Gravlax's distinct pale hair.
"It's not about being honest and honorable. It's about being overtly sleazy. And there's a really big difference that you're not getting." Cassian settles back, "Look, you can be interested in both of them. They're both gorgeous, they're both intelligent, they're both well bred. I'd be willing to bet every man in the extended group wants the both of them... with the exception of myself, for obvious reasons. But here's the thing. They're friends. They will talk. And no matter what you do, no matter how honest you are, you come off like a total sleaze, especially the way you come onto literally every woman you see, from Tarvi to Amaya to Melilot to the Queen of Sheba."
Cassian chuckles. "Dressing up my monkey..." He shakes his head. "Ninja suits aren't much help. Black tends to show up darker than night and actually stands out. Also, there's nothing more conspicuous than wearing a ninja suit. I mean, you take one look at those, you know there's trouble coming."
"Apparently I do too." He kisses her deeply, pulling away, body shaking with need for her. "Pick, Jan. How do you want me?"
"The lord-mayor has hired a few specialists to ensure that all of the special effects and equipment are top notch, so as long as you hit your marks and don't forget any of your lines, everything should go well."
A pause as he looks around at the four new actors, "If you have any armor or weapons that you would feel more comfortable using for the performance that you don't have on hand, I'd appreciate if you could fetch those now, so Millech can start modifying the costumes for you today." With that he hands each of you a full script.
Leading everyone out of the theater, Nonon introduces each of you to the older, grump hunchback that most of you have caught glimpses of the day before. In his normal booming voice Nonon explains, "Millech here is takes care of most of the backstage concerns, costumes and special effects." The hunchback sort of hurmps that the bombastic director. "Tomorrow we will work on blocking and lighting, so get to work on those lines."
He pushes the new actors towards Millech and takes his leave. Calseinica waves at his retreating back, with a sweet smile she turns to the hunchback and the rest of the group, "Mr. Millech, since you already got the Ilsandra Sarini costume fitted to me, is it alright if I go eat lunch?" She turns the brilliant smile on the full cast, "I'll be back to help in about an hour?"
Unless there are any objections, she heads into the depths of the theater, upstairs where Nonon mentioned dressing rooms. Thesing's eyes follow her slender figure with avarice whereas Aulamaxa is far more indifferent to the girl's leave taking.
Gravlax re Nonon
"Dark blue ninja suit," she says as if this makes perfect sense. Then smiles, "But think of the distraction he would provide. Cute monkey in ninja suit? No one would be able to look away and no would could ever suspect Rygel of having nefarious plans."
She grins, looking around the apartment, moving to the large windows in the common room, twisting the lever to open the glass and metal windows on their hinge to let in a salt breeze from the delta. Looking out at the view, "I think it faces west, which means we will have light right until the sun goes down." In the same tone, a studied casual one that she learned from him, a tone that has been known to infuriate their mother, "I'll take the smaller bedroom." The bars on the window being far less of a bother to her, since she'll no doubt have them bolted closed anyway.
With a cocky smile she starts to speak, "Well, I'd.." then there is a flash of realization in those wide green eyes and she closes her mouth. She is quiet for a moment, her hands running from his hips up his shaking body and back down, her touch soothing yet inflaming.
Apparently not trusting herself to speak, she sinks to her knees as her hands get back to his pants, carefully pulling the garment down, her lips moving over him, slowly taking him fully into her mouth first, then moving with more vigor. Not really intended to bring him fully to finish, but ensuring his interest remains peaked as she licks the taste of both of them from his body.
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
She laughs at that. "I meant talking to him about working at the glassworks with that same honesty." Her eyes sparkle, "And she would be... Something about being the boring one in the relationship."
She mixes the dark, salty soy with a substantial quantity of the ground horseradish before using the chopsticks to bathe a piece of fish in the concoction.
Azhar follows suit, mixing his own hot sauce and soon after taking a bite of sashimi. His eyes close briefly as he savors the taste of the raw fish. When they open, their violet sparkle seems to incorporate both the pleasure in the taste and texture of the food in his mouth and the presence of the lovely young woman sitting across from him. He suddenly gets an inquisitive look on his face, "maya, is the Glassworks ever closed? or perhaps more appropriately, do you work everyday? on an ongoing basis I mean."
Azhar spends the next bunch of minutes making a fire and preparing the sake, allowing some alone time for Rev and Ailyn.
"It's not about being honest and honorable. It's about being overtly sleazy. And there's a really big difference that you're not getting." Cassian settles back, "Look, you can be interested in both of them. They're both gorgeous, they're both intelligent, they're both well bred. I'd be willing to bet every man in the extended group wants the both of them... with the exception of myself, for obvious reasons. But here's the thing. They're friends. They will talk. And no matter what you do, no matter how honest you are, you come off like a total sleaze, especially the way you come onto literally every woman you see, from Tarvi to Amaya to Melilot to the Queen of Sheba."
Azhar blinks, apparently slightly astonished at what he is hearing. "So..it is not good to tell women they are beautiful and show that you are interested in them? But wait, you said it was okay to do that, but not in front of another...especially if they're friends. Are you saying then that it is proper to only have a relationship with one woman at a time?"
sense motive:
Gravlax is looking at books. Specifically books of monsters in myth and reality.
Antonio watches Calseinica walk away with a raised eyebrow, then turns to the hunchback. "Mr. Millech," he says. "I am ready for what is required of me."
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
"Damn right you'll take the smaller one. I'm going to be entertaining," Cassian huffs, throwing himself onto her bed. "So. How does freedom feel?"
Cassian lets out a surprised little moan that rapidly deepens into something more satisfied. "Not expecting this to be your choice," he says. "But I am not so dumb as to deny a lady what she wants." He caresses her cheek at first, but as she continues to work on him, he grows more staccato in his movements, his hands clutching shoulders and hair.
Gravlax lets out a low whistle when he looks at the most expensive of the books.
He hesitates for a moment, but buys the book. "My life savings for a book that could save my life, eh?" he says to the bookseller.
Ploping down on the bed near him she looks around the small room, the blank walls, the well-worn wood floors. "Spectacular." Smiles at him, "Little scary... and wonderful." Her eyes watch the light play across the room. Points. "If I put a table there I should have enough light in the afternoon to make stuff." A huge grin, "And I'll be able to do what I want with it instead of having to sell it in the store." Immense satisfaction in her voice at this.
The old man nods. "Knowledge truly is better than anything at keeping your blood in your skin."
It takes a little looking up and down the street, but Mathalen does spot him the book store. She enters carefully, wary of getting any excess water on the tomes. While she missed the actual transaction, she does see the book. Her eyes creep over it, quietly in an almost reverent whisper, "The is a beautiful piece of worksmanship," she smiles at the old man who owns the store, her voice back in its normal speaking range, "I have no doubt that what is inside more than matches the exterior."
And when the old man, smiling, wraps up the book she looks both amazed and happy that Gravlax bought it. Once outside she asks in a little whisper, "Sometimes when I come over can we read together?" Hoping but sounding as if she expects a no.