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* Temire is asleep in her bed. * Ilarion half-heartedly sneaks across the lawn of Ellesmere. Having gotten permission from Michelle to scale the trellis earlier seems to have taken a lot of the fun out of trying not to get caught. On the other hand, it's better on the clothing not to have to sneak through pricker-bushes. * Temire rolls over in her sleep, hugging the pillow like a stuffed animal. * Ilarion rubs his hands together briskly before attempting to scale the trellis. He mutters something about needing to buy a pair of gloves before making his way up the trellis and onto the balcony. He lands on the balcony with a barely perceptible thump. * Temire murmurs something unintelligible. * Ilarion gently puts his hand on the knob of the balcony door and attempts to turn it. * Temire mutters in her sleep, "Roni..." * Ilarion opens the door very quietly and sneaks into Mira's room. He stops for a moment, looking down at Temire. <Ilarion> ::very softly:: Well, well... a little sleeping adventuress... how cute. * Temire mutters again, "Roni..." <Ilarion> ::raises an eyebrow:: Hmmmm... ::leans down near to Mira:: Yes, love? * Temire smiles in her sleep, "You always bring me the nicest flowers." * Ilarion runs a hand through his hair. He considers a moment, then lays a hand gently on her shoulder. "Mira?" * Temire blinks her eyes open and smiles up at Roni, "Oh Roni...Did you bring me flowers?" <Ilarion> ::laughs:: Actually, no... I forgot. I was wondering if you wanted to go to the CiderFest tonight? Dance some, have some spiced Cider, eat roasted sausages, things like that? * Temire blinks a few times and sits up in bed, "CiderFest?" <Ilarion> ::nodding:: One of the cider houses is holding it... midnight til three past the watch. * Temire runs a hand through her hair, the single white lock standing out in the dim light. "What time is it?" <Ilarion> ::thinks for a minute:: About half past, I think. Midnight, that is. * Temire blinks a few times, "How fancy is this going to be?" * Temire smiles up at Roni as she gets out of bed. <Ilarion> ::shaking his head:: Not fancy... I've done these a few times, it's just mulled cider and some dancing. Put a skirt on so you have something to twirl and you'll be fine. ::kisses her on the forehead:: * Temire smiles and kisses Roni lightly on the lips, "Alright, give me a couple of minutes." <Ilarion> ::heads over to the balcony:: I'll be a good boy and not peek... ::he winks at her saucily:: * Temire giggles lightly, "I'll just bet you will be." <Ilarion> ::sticks the very tip of his tongue out suggestively:: Well.......... * Temire blinks innocently at Roni, "Well what?" <Ilarion> ::grins at her:: If you haven't figured *that* out by now, I'm certainly not telling you... ::he winks again and heads out onto the balcony, shutting the door behind him:: * Temire shakes her head in confusion then slips out of her flannel nightgown, rummaging around in her wardrobe for several moments before coming out with a pleated blue skirt, a white petticoat, and a simple white blouse. * Ilarion turns slightly, to see if Temire will shut the curtains or not. He has a slight look of furtive desire on his face and is blushing just a bit. * Temire quickly dresses, then brushes her hair out, studying her face in the mirror. * Ilarion takes a deep breath, trying not to lean too conspicuously close to the small gap in the curtains, watching intently as Mira changes clothes. He mutters to himself just a bit about the dim lighting, but shrugs. As Mira finishes dressing, he steps away towards the railing, breathing heavily and blinking a few times to try and compose himself. * Temire goes back to her wardrobe and pulls out a black and silver piece of cloth that she folds in half and wraps around her shoulders like a shawl, tying the corners together over her breasts. * Temire examines herself in the mirror once more, "It would be better if it was blue or the skirt was black." * Temire goes back to her wardrobe coming back out with a black skirt. * Ilarion shakes his head sharply, then adjusts his tunic carefully, grinning wryly. He turns again, facing Mira's bedroom. * Temire slips the blue skirt off, then pulls the black skirt on over the petticoat. * Ilarion crosses his arms over his chest and attempts to look bored and impatient. * Temire takes a final look in the mirror, then heads for the balcony door. * Temire opens the door and steps out onto the balcony, smiling at Roni, "Am I presentable?" * Ilarion gives Temire a look of fierce passion and desire. "You look wonderful..." He hesitates a moment, then sweeps her into his arms, kissing her tenderly as he bends her lightly backwards. * Temire returns the kiss, wrapping her arms around Roni and melting into the kiss. <Ilarion> ::rather reluctantly, he breaks the kiss, setting her lightly on her feet:: Gods, woman, you are tempting, you know that? * Temire smiles, "No, but you're welcome to flatter me to your hearts content." <Ilarion> ::looks at her very seriously for a moment:: My heart is content. ::he gazes at her, touching the side of her cheek lightly:: * Temire half closes her eyes and turns her face into the caress. * Ilarion smiles, kisses her lightly on the forehead and begins climbing down the trellis. "Can you climb in that, or should we go out the door like normal people?" * Temire smiles and swings over the edge of the trellis, following Roni down, "I can climb the trellis in this. I just have to worry about lonely men looking up while I'm doing so." <Ilarion> ::reaches the ground and then makes a point of standing just under the trellis with the obvious intent of looking up:: Oh, do you now? * Temire giggles "I'm reasonably certain if I fell from here that it would hurt you a lot more than it would hurt me." <Ilarion> ::grins:: Well, I'd die happy... ::doesn't move:: * Temire giggles, "Then catch." <Ilarion> ::looks vaguely worried:: I wouldn't jump if I were you... I'm not quite that impressive... * Temire lets go of the trellis and allows herself to fall the remaining few feet, her body going limp. * Ilarion gasps, then moves under her, his body moving with a grace that is almost astonishing. With a grunt, he catches Temire, going down on one knee. * Temire smiles and kisses Roni, "I wouldn't kill you for peeking." <Ilarion> ::ducks his head:: Well, that's probably a good thing. * Temire wraps her arms around Roni and leans her head against his shoulder, "Can we dance like this?" * Ilarion heaves himself to his feet, carrying Temire cradled in his arms. He takes a few steps, then sets her down on her feet. "Nope. You're too heavy for me to carry for long." He raises one hand to cut off any protest. "Blame it on my lack of exercise, rather than your own." * Temire smiles and kisses Roni's cheek, "You're sweet for trying." * Ilarion offers Temire his arm. "Shall we, then, my dear?" * Temire takes Roni's arm and leans against him, a smile on her face, "Certainly." * Ilarion leads the way down the streets back towards the city. The evening is clear, if a bit cold. As they approach the West Gate, the faint sounds of music and revelry can be heard. * Temire smiles, lost in her own world until the music reaches her ears, "It does sound like a fun party." * Ilarion leads her towards the festival, reaching for his changepurse. He stops a moment to give two silver coins to a lady near the entrance to the square. She smiles toothfully at them, then hands them each a small string a beads. Roni wraps his around his wrist three times before helping Temire put hers around her neck. * Temire smiles, "If I'd known about this I wouldn't have brought the shawl." * Temire unties the shawl, retying it around her waist so that the black and silver fabric falls down from her left hip, creating the illusion of half her skirt being black and silver while the rest is simple black. <Ilarion> It's just a way of saying you paid the entrance fee. ::shows her the name of the cider house "Opal's Cider and Spice" which is lettered on the beads.:: * Temire smiles, "And it makes good advertising." <Ilarion> ::smiles wisely:: Among other things... ::checks his bead strand carefully:: Check the beads, sometimes there are special ones. They'll call out, every once in a while... blue beads or pink beads or gold beads. If you've got one, you win a prize. * Temire examines her beads, running the strand around her neck as she examines each one. <Temire> So I wait for them to call out for silver or black beads? * Ilarion checks his beads, finding one that's green. "Yep... or green ones. I have a green one. Shall I get you a cup of cider? It's a bit chilly out here." He indicates the cider stall, nothing more than a large kettle perched over a fire. A young girl, about twelve or so, is serving mugs of cider out of the pot. "I brought mugs." He reaches into his haversack and pulls out two slightly chipped ceramic mugs. * Temire smiles, "Cider or dance, either will warm us up, and as long as I'm with you I'll enjoy either." * Ilarion leads the way over to the cider stall. "Then I'd better get cider first. I'm freezing... and shivering doesn't make for good dancing..." * Temire smiles and takes Roni's arm as she follows him to the cider stall. <Ilarion> ::giving the girl a few copper coins:: Two please? <Ilarion> ::the girl fills their mugs with steaming cider, smelling richly of cinnamon.:: <Ilarion> ::wrapping his hands around the mug:: Let's go stand over there near the fire... we can look around while we have our cider and watch the dancing. * Temire takes her mug and smiles, "Sure." <Ilarion> ::near the center of the square is a huge bonfire. Several people are standing around it. To one side, there are several tables. To the other, a small group of musicians play a quick dance tune. Near the center, a large clearing is filled with couples dancing.:: * Temire sips her cider and waits to see if Roni will select a table or simple a good vantage point to stand and watch. Her eyes take in everything around her with an expression of joy and amusement. * Ilarion leads Temire over to one side of the bonfire, standing about as close to it as he can stand. He takes several gulps of cider, then sighs. "Ah, that's a bit better." * Temire casually sips her cider and smiles up at Roni, "All warm and cozy now?" <Ilarion> ::the group of musicians finish the number. A tall, elderly man comes forward, carrying a jar of beads. He shakes the jar around dramatically, then reaches in and pulls out a bead. He looks at it carefully. "Please come forward, whoever has the red bead." A blonde woman, about five or six years older than Mira, skips forward, waving her necklace around, giggling. The man inspects her necklace and nods <Ilarion> at the woman. "Right this way, my lady, to claim your prize." He leads her off to a small tent near the edge of the clearing.:: * Temire watches the lottery, "So what kinds of prizes do they give away anyway?" <Ilarion> It can be anything... bottles of wine, or coupons to local shops for items, sometimes a quilt or a bolt of cloth. The shops that sponsor these events put the items forward. <Temire> Ever won anything? <Ilarion> ::shakes his head:: Not yet... * Temire smiles and kisses Roni's cheek, "Maybe I'll be your good luck charm." <Ilarion> ::kisses her back:: My dear, you are good luck to me, whether I win anything or not. * Temire smiles, "Thank you Roni." Temire leans against Roni and sighs contentedly. * Ilarion finishes off his cider. "Are you hungry? There's a grilled sausage dealer over there, if you want something? Or would you care to join me for a dance?" <Temire> I think I'd rather dance. If I eat grilled sausages I'm likely to get grease all over my clothes. <Ilarion> ::grins, then bows to her floridly:: My lady, if you would care to be my partner, I would very much love to dance. * Temire curtseys in return, "Good sir, if you will have me I think there is not a finer partner to be found here this evening." <Ilarion> ::laughing, Roni takes her hands and wheels her into the dance, a fast-paced reel:: * Temire laughs with Roni, her hair, shawl, skirt and petticoat whirling with her motion, her eyes sparkling in the fire light. * Ilarion leads Temire around the dance-square, skipping lightly in time to the music, and skillfully moving her through the bouncy steps of the dance. * Temire lacks Roni's skill at dance, but covers well with the grace and athleticism she's won over her years of training. <Ilarion> ::the music comes to an end and Roni, slightly out of breath, leads Temire over to a table, where he promptly collapses on the bench.:: Whew! That was fun! * Temire smiles and sits next to Roni, "Obviously I'm going to have to take you dancing more so you can last for more than one dance, and so you can give me lessons." <Ilarion> ::laughs:: Just give me a minute, and I'll be ready for another... ::kisses the end of her nose:: Oh, your nose is cold. ::leans over and does a more thorough job of kissing her:: * Temire giggles and returns the kiss lightly running one hand through Roni's hair. <Ilarion> ::the musicians pick up their instruments again, and begin to play a waltz. Roni gets to his feet and offers Temire his hand:: Shall we? * Temire smiles and takes Roni's hand, "Definitely." * Ilarion gazes fondly at Temire as he leads her around the dance square, the waltz a much less active dance and thereby attracting more than the usual number of couples. * Temire smiles brightly at Roni, then leans against him as they continue the dance, "This is wonderful Roni." <Ilarion> ::grins:: Well, I'll have to remember that you like it... several groups of merchants have these little festivals about once every two months or so... helps draw business, don't you know? ::looks around thoughtfully:: I should remember to mention this to Vallel, he might want to promote his music shop this way. And I know if he got that lovely sister of his to sing, the crowds would be huge. * Temire smiles mischievously up at Roni, "Should I be jealous?" <Ilarion> ::raises an eyebrow:: Of what? * Temire grins, "Of Lovely Loria?" <Ilarion> ::snorts:: Not hardly. I don't even know her particularly well. ::in a confidential voice:: She's quite the talk of the town right now, though. She and that... ::shrugs:: whatever his name is... * Temire grins and kisses Roni's cheek, "Good. I don't think I'd be particularly pretty if I was jealous." <Ilarion> ::smiles:: You couldn't be anything less than beautiful, although I suspect you'd be rather *dangerous* if you were jealous. * Temire blinks innocently at Roni, "Don't they say that the pen is mightier than the sword?" <Ilarion> ::sniggers:: Only someone who's never been stabbed by one. Although I think they mean that a writer's work, if done well, will live on after being stabbed. Myself, I think I'd rather avoid the comparison... * Temire laughs, "Well if anyone wants to stab you they'll have to get through me first." <Ilarion> ::raises his eyebrows:: Well, that's a switch... usually it's the lovely lady who needs protection. I dare say you're better with a blade than I am, however. * Temire brushes Roni's cheek as they continue to dance, "You're better than me at just about everything else though Roni. Before I met you I didn't have anything but my blade. Thank you." <Ilarion> ::the music comes to an end and the lottery-drawer returns to the small stage. He draws out and calls for a brown bead and an older gentleman comes up and claims his prize:: * Temire leans against Roni, "How is Ilya doing?" <Ilarion> Oh, she's fine... getting over a bit of a cold, but that's nothing unusual for this time of year. Would you like to see what the booths have? I could buy you a present? * Temire smiles and pats Roni's hand, "You don't have to buy me anything, but I won't stop you if you want to spend your coin on me either." * Ilarion leads her out of the dance area and over towards a few small rows of tents and stalls. Several of the stalls are selling small trinkets and toys, while a few have more serious wares out, including a small selection of swords and daggers. Several booths are selling candies and foods, while a tent advertises "Fortunes Read". * Temire smiles as she looks around at everything, "It's like the fairs my parents used to take us to." At the mention of her parents Temire's face and tone fall. <Ilarion> ::hugs her one-armed against his side:: Don't think about it, my dear. ::leads her over to a small shop of toys:: Help me pick something out for Ilya? * Temire smiles, "You're right, I'm not going to let them ruin a perfect evening." * Temire giggles at a stuffie beholder, "I wonder who thought of that." <Ilarion> ::picks up the beholder dubiously:: This is just about the most perverse thing I've ever seen. ::grins at the young man behind the stall:: * Temire pulls an bunny out of the stall that's been overstuffed to the point where it looks like it could pass as a pillow as well as a stuffie, "How about this? It would go with her room." <Ilarion> ::picks up the toy and examines it closely:: She likes rabbits. <Temire> Then I think we have a winner...Unless you want to look around at the other stalls? ::Temire smiles at Roni:: <Ilarion> ::to the salesman:: How much? ::he dickers with the salesman for a while, before settling on a cost of five silver coins:: * Ilarion leads Temire around to several other shops. * Temire holds Roni's arm and smiles at him, "Ilya better be careful. If I don't have something to hold in my arms I might be tempted to steal her latest acquisition." <Ilarion> ::grins:: I'm sure I can find something else for you to hug on, if you feel the need. * Temire smiles up at Roni, "Anything particular in mind?" <Ilarion> ::shrugs:: Well, maybe... * Temire grins, "Are you going to share or is it a surprise?" <Ilarion> ::grins:: You can't guess? ::leads her over to look at some bolts of fabric:: * Temire laughs, "I can guess, but I'd rather hear you say it." * Ilarion fingers a bolt of a dark green brocade. "Well, I'm generally around and considered rather embraceable, if you're so inclined." * Temire laughs, "Good. I'd rather have you than a stuffed animal anyway." Temire gives Roni a quick hug and then begins examining the cloth herself. * Ilarion dances the stuffie around on Temire's shoulder. "Oh, I think the bunny's feelings are hurt." * Temire takes the bunny and hugs it fiercely, doing a surprisingly good impression of a hurt child clutching their favorite toy. * Ilarion steps away from Temire. giving her an affectionate smile. "You are just too cute, you know that?" * Temire smiles brightly and bounces over to Roni, "You say the sweetest things." * Temire kisses Roni's cheek then begins examining the bolts of cloth. <Ilarion> ::laughs:: And the nice thing is, I always mean them, too... * Temire turns back to Roni, "Oh, I think you deserve a better reward for that." Temire leans close and kisses Roni lightly. * Temire fingers a bolt of white gossamer, "This is incredible, but I can't imagine ever wearing anything made from it." <Ilarion> ::examines the material in question, then looks at Temire carefully:: If I see a pattern, I'll keep it in mind. I think it would do well with your hair color, although it's not the best for your eyes. * Temire looks at Roni, a faint blush tinting her cheeks, "So what would go well with my eyes?" * Ilarion looks around carefully, then selects a rich cream-colored watered silk. "This might be good... a little less... wispy, I think." * Temire smiles, "I'd certainly feel less self-conscious wearing it in public." <Ilarion> ::nodding:: That too... I certainly wouldn't want to compete with the number of eyes you'd attract wearing something see-through. ::gives her a long, speculative look:: * Temire blushes deeply, "I think I'd rather just be naked. At least then I could claim that I was robbed or that my house burned down in the night." * Ilarion laughs. "You could just stay inside and wear it. It is very nice material... I'm sure it'd be nice and soft against your skin." * Temire looks at her feet, "True..." <Ilarion> ::shakes his head:: No worries, my dear... ::leads her away from the fabric store and back towards the dance square. They pass the fortune teller's tent:: * Temire leans against Roni, "So are you sufficiently well rested for a few more rounds around the square, or should I pray for more slow tunes while you warm up by the fire." Temire's eyes sparkle as she looks at Roni. <Ilarion> Oh, I think I can manage to stay upright for a little while... ::drops his packages off at a table and leads her into the whirling group of people dancing:: * Temire giggles as Roni leads her into the dance once more. Her cloths and hair whirling around her as she loses herself in the dance and Roni's presence. * Ilarion stumbles as a young couple, who have obviously consumed more wine and cider than is good for their balance, twirls into them, full-tilt. Recovering with almost inhuman speed, Roni manages to catch the other young lady before she hits the ground. * Temire smiles and shakes her head, "Is everyone alright?" * Ilarion stands upright, settling the young lady. "I think we're fine... " He smiles at the couple. "You two might want to sit this one out for a few minutes." * Temire nods in agreement. <Ilarion> ::blushing, the young woman nods and turns to go. Her partner, a brawny fellow, several inches taller than Roni, takes a step towards them, his fists coming up:: * Temire moves to place herself between the man and Roni, meeting the man's gaze and shaking her head. <Drunk Man> I think ye better mind yer own affair. ::takes a clumsy swing at Roni, who ducks and moves with amazing speed to just behind the young man. He taps him on the shoulder.:: <Ilarion> Wrong side, my friend. * Temire shakes her and turns to the drunk woman, "Why don't we go have a seat and let them finish this." <Drunk Man> ::spinning around, confused:: Huh? ::Roni steps around him again, moving with lightning speed:: <Ilarion> Over here, sir... ::Roni grins at Temire as the drunk man turns again:: <Drunk Lady> ::taking Mira's arm to steady herself:: Yes, perhaps we ought... * Temire smiles and shakes her head, "Don't take too long, I want to get at least one more dance in before the night is over." * Temire helps the drunk lady to a nearby bench and sits next to her, watching the 'fight.' <Ilarion> ::grinning, Roni continues to tease the drunk man, using his celerity to dodge around him, making the young man very dizzy and confused:: <Drunk Lady> They ain't gonna hurt emselves, are they? * Temire smiles and shakes her head, "No, though I suspect your friend is going to have a great deal of trouble walking for several minutes once he finally loses his balance." <Drunk Man> Stan' still, ye mangy cur. <Ilarion> ::blinking:: Who's mangy? ::looks affronted:: <Ilarion> ::several couples stop dancing to watch the altercation... a few enterprising men immediately start a betting pool while the rest talk excitedly:: * Temire shakes her head. <Drunk Lady> ::starting to sniffle:: He don' mean no harm... * Ilarion dodges another swing, he dances out of range, swinging his cloak. "Toro! Toro!" The crowd laughs. <Temire> And he won't come to any, which is better than I would have given him. If he's going to get violent when he drinks then he shouldn't drink, and if he can't control his drinking then you should control it for him or else stop making excuses for him. <Drunk lady> ::staring at Temire:: What mean you by tha'? <Drunk Man> ::flushing red at the crowds amusement, he charges at Roni, bellowing:: * Temire meets the drunk woman's gaze, "Just what I said. If he gets like this when he drinks then he shouldn't drink. And if you're going to make excuses for him then you should do your best to keep him from drinking." * Ilarion glances over his shoulder at the people behind him, then changes tactics, setting his feet firmly. As the drunk reaches him, Roni takes the full impact of his charge, but doesn't move so much as a hair's breadth in response. Staggered by the impact, the man falls to the ground. * Temire winces, "That's going to hurt." * Ilarion reaches a hand down to the man, offering him a hand up. "Peace?" <Drunk Man> ::Shaking his head ruefully:: Yeah... ::takes Roni's hand and gets to his feet to the cheers and whistles of the crowd:: <Ilarion> ::the bettors exchange some monies, grinning and swearing by turns:: * Temire smiles and pats the drunk lady's hand, "Well I hope the two of you have an enjoyable evening." <Drunk Lady> ::nodding and chewing on her lip worriedly, she rushes over to her escort's side and, talking quietly, the two of them leave the dance square:: * Ilarion walks over and sits down next to Mira. * Temire smiles and hugs Roni about the shoulders, "Did you have fun?" <Ilarion> Ow. ::he opens his shirt and pulls it down on one side, looking at his shoulder curiously. A dark bruise is already forming there.:: * Temire shakes her head, "I was afraid of that. I think dancing's probably over for the evening." <Ilarion> ::wincing a bit:: Probably, yes. But I didn't dare dodge him, that last time. He'd have ploughed into those people behind me. * Temire runs a hand lightly over Roni's side, "You didn't break any ribs did you?" <Ilarion> ::takes a deep breath:: No, I don't think anything's broken... * Temire shakes her head, "It was nice of you to end it without having to hit him, but I still wish you'd let me take care of it. Then at least all the bruises would on the right person." <Ilarion> ::the lottery-man comes out again, carrying his jar. He reaches in and pulls out a bead. "Silver bead, please... silver bead.":: * Temire smiles and pats Roni's hand, "You sit tight, I'll be back soon and then we'll see what to do with the rest of the evening." * Ilarion shakes his head. "It's only a bruise, my dear. It will heal quickly, I'm sure. Maybe I should work on strengthening my body, to better meet impact." * Temire smiles, "Don't you dare. I like you just the way you are." * Temire rises and heads towards the lottery man, holding up her necklace with the silver bead and smiling brightly. <Lottery Man> Ah, yes, girlie... silver it is... come this way, please. ::he leads her off into the row of tents, taking her to a small stall:: Silver, Maggie. ::a young woman digs around in the tent for a while before retrieving a parcel and handing it to Temire:: * Temire takes the parcel and begins opening it, "Thank you." * Temire smiles brightly as she reveals two sets of good silver utensils. * Temire closes the package back up and returns to Roni, "So, what do you want to do now?" <Ilarion> ::absently rubbing his arm:: Well, it's a slow dance, if you'd care for one more turn around the square, my dear. * Temire smiles, "Absolutely!" Temire puts the package down with their other belongings and offers Roni her hand. * Ilarion pulls Temire close to him as they move back into the square, swaying to the music. * Temire sighs contentedly and leans against Roni, "I think I could stay like this forever." <Ilarion> ::kissing her on the top of the head:: I think, eventually, you might get sore feet. * Temire giggles, "What would you do then?" <Ilarion> ::smirking:: Oh, I don't know... find someplace nice, quiet, and warm to lay down? <Temire> Mmm...That sounds nice to. * Ilarion leans over and kisses Temire's temple, blowing lightly in her ear. * Temire squirms but doesn't leave Roni's embrace, "That tickles." <Ilarion> ::grinning:: Does it now? ::he gives her a smoldering look:: * Temire smiles and taps Roni's nose, "What are you thinking love?" <Ilarion> ::hugs her as the music comes to an end:: You're just very appealing when you're squirming around like that. Very cute... ::grins and blushes a little:: * Temire sighs, "Over already?" * Ilarion looks up at the stars. "I think it's actually about time to go, my dear. It's quite late. Or early, depending on how you look at it." * Temire sighs, "Home? The only good part about going home on nights like this is that I know you'll come to my window some other night to make me happy again." * Ilarion offers Temire his off-arm, the one without the bruise. "Shall we, then?" * Temire takes the arm, "If we must." * Ilarion smiles roguishly. "If I could think of someplace else we could go, I'd take you, but it is awfully late." The vendors begin packing up their things as the festival breaks up. * Temire picks up her belongings, "I know. I'm just being spoiled, not wanting my time with you to come to an end. Like a child who's just discovered they only have one Midwinter present left." <Ilarion> ::smiles:: Ah, but you'd tire of me quickly enough, if I never went away, I think... * Temire looks questioningly at Roni, "Do you really think so or are you just being humble?" <Ilarion> ::seriously:: Well, perhaps not. But I think it's always good for people to spend some time apart, even if it's just a few hours while they work, or are in classes or something. Can't be together all the time... keeps your perspective about these things, you know. * Temire nods, "That makes sense...I wonder if that's what happened to Meghan and Michelle." <Ilarion> ::shakes his head:: I wouldn't even presume to make a guess at that. You can never know what is wrong with someone else's relationships. ::laughs:: Hell, you're lucky if you know what's wrong with your own. * Temire smiles and hugs Roni, "Nothing." <Ilarion> ::grins:: I'm glad... <Temire> So I won some silver, so we're going to have to have a nice meal together so we can use it. <Ilarion> ::walking along, he leads her back towards Ellesmere:: Oh, that sounds nice. Your cooking, or mine? * Temire chuckles, "I thought I'd ask Michelle. I won't starve, but I don't pretend to be good enough to make the kind of meal this silver requires." <Ilarion> Ah... ::grins:: Probably safer that way... bachelor cooking doesn't tend to be wondrous stuff... usually, if I must do for myself, it's sauteed meats over rice. <Temire> ::As the pair arrive at Ellesmere Mira turns to Roni:: Do you want to come up? <Ilarion> ::rubbing his shoulder absently:: We'll have to use the stairs, I think... * Temire smiles, "Quite alright. I won't even make you carry me." * Temire unlocks the door to Ellesmere and lets Roni inside. * Ilarion follows her, walking quietly. * Temire closes the door behind Roni and quietly leads him upstairs and to her room. * Ilarion shuts the door to Temire's bedroom behind him. * Temire smiles and kisses Roni deeply. * Ilarion returns her kiss, burying his hands in Mira's hair. * Temire sighs into the kiss, pressing her body against Roni's, her hands sliding up his back and grabbing hold of his shoulders. * Ilarion is trembling when he finally pulls away from her, his eyes dark with passion. "I think we should stop right about there." He takes several deep breaths, obviously struggling to regain some composure. * Temire blinks at Roni, then comprehension dawns, "I'm sorry Roni. I forgot about your shoulder. Take your tunic off and let me see how bad it is." Temire pulls Roni towards the bed. <Ilarion> ::shaking harder:: That's not what I meant, my love. ::he refuses to be pulled along:: I'm not in a mood to be put off right now, so it's best we stop before we have to fight about it. ::he tries to smile, but can't quite manage it:: * Temire blinks at Roni a few times, "Ilarion, do you remember the first time you showed me your house?" <Ilarion> ::nodding:: Yeah... ::he runs both hands through his hair, then adjusts his tunic:: <Temire> And do you remember what happened? <Ilarion> ::nods again, swallowing hard:: <Temire> And what did I do the next day? <Ilarion> ::deflating slightly:: You left... <Temire> Do you know why I left when I did? <Ilarion> ::looking like he wants to comfort and hug her, but doesn't:: I think you were afraid. I should go... * Temire reaches out and takes Roni's hand, holding it to her breast, "I was afraid, I still am afraid. But before I was afraid of stepping on Carrie's dream and of never being able to fulfill my own. Now I'm afraid of the unknown...And of losing you." <Ilarion> ::closing his eyes:: Mira, are you... I... ::suddenly he pulls her to him, in an almost crushing embrace, kissing her fiercely, running his hands over her back and breasts:: * Temire gasps, then melts into the embrace, her own hands running up and down Roni's back. <Ilarion> ::breathing heavily on her neck, he stops:: Are you sure about this? I mean... ::leaning back, he holds her at arm's length:: I don't want to hurt you... * Temire spends a moment getting her own breathing under control, "I know it might hurt...but I was the road three weeks before I finally got that last night out of my mind, and ever since I came back it's been haunting me...Yes, I'm sure." * Temire gives Roni a look filled with fear and determination. * Ilarion looks at her, biting his lip. "I... Mira, I love you." * Temire leans forward and lightly kisses Ilarion, "And I love you or else I'd never do this." * Ilarion sits on the edge of Temire's bed, then draws her down to sit next to him. "I... gods, woman, I want to..." He takes a few deep breaths. "Hang on, five seconds." He stands up and goes over to her washtable, splashing his face briskly with cold water. * Temire blinks at Roni's behaviour, clearly confused. <Ilarion> Sorry, Mira... I need to be a little more calm about this, or it's not going to be right... * Temire shakes her head and smiles, "I think I've fallen victim to Glossaria's trap. This isn't turning out at all like the books...Though it might have if I hadn't run that night." <Ilarion> ::smiles slightly:: If I don't relax and calm down, I'm going to rip that dress off you and throw you on the bed, and while that might be exciting, I'm sure that's not what you had in mind. * Temire blushes and looks at the floor, "I'm sorry." <Ilarion> ::blinks, leaning forward and lifting her chin up:: What's to be sorry for, love? That I find you attractive and appealing and that I want you so badly it makes my chest hurt? Or are you sorry that I'm not better prepared for this? Not making it what you want it to be? ::looks a bit worried:: <Temire> I didn't realize I was...That you were...I didn't know I was making this so hard for you. ::Temire trembles some, looking into Roni's eyes:: <Ilarion> It's not hard for me, love ::makes a slight face:: You just need to be ready... and right now, you're not. So, we'll take it slow, and don't worry, I'm not so much of an ass that I won't back off, if you're not ready... * Temire shakes her head, "I shouldn't arouse a desire if I'm not willing to satisfy it." <Ilarion> ::snorts:: My dear, you arouse desire in me every time I look at you... ::blushes:: And I did a bit more than what was proper in looking, earlier. * Temire blushes, "Well you peeping isn't my fault, and the other desire happens when you look at any woman. But when I kiss you like that and flirt with you, then I'm encouraging you...and I shouldn't do that if I'm going to back out." <Ilarion> ::laughs:: It's not an obligation, my dear... and, despite what I said, I can contain my urges, or at least put them off for a bit. ::very seriously:: I mean it, Mira. Don't say yes to me if you don't want to. I couldn't live with myself, if you did. And I will know... eventually... ::he taps her forehead:: * Temire smiles and shakes her head, "I don't know how to put it into words. When you kiss me a certain way...Then I feel like I'm going to burn up with needing you...but right now...I want to feel that way again...Does that make sense?" <Ilarion> ::nodding:: Of course... I know this discussion is not exactly keeping the mood, but... ::looks at her, smiling:: I want for you to be happy... ::leans forward and kissing her on the chin:: You know? * Temire smiles, tears pooling in her eyes, "I know. And it's one of the reasons I love you." * Ilarion starts to say something, then changes his mind, his eyes glinting mischievously. "Nope, no crying... we can't have that." And with that, he promptly pounces on her, tickling her ribs. <Temire> ::A peal of laughter escapes Temire before she bites her lip to try and keep quiet while trying to squirm out from under Roni:: <Ilarion> ::grinning:: Shhhh! You'll wake your roommates... ::he laughs quietly, pulling her into his lap and tickling her fiercely:: * Temire squirms in Roni's lap, an occasional giggle escaping before she finally manages to catch his wrists. * Temire look into Roni's eyes with mock seriousness and whispers, "And who's fault is it that I was making all that noise?" * Ilarion brings his hands together, twisting his hand free. "Yours..." He reaches down, away from her grasping hands and flips her shoe off, tickling her foot. * Temire squeaks out a laugh again before shoving Roni down onto the bed, pinning his shoulders to the mattress, her white lock of hair falling into her eyes as she looks down at Roni's face, her breath coming in gasps. * Ilarion grins up at her, then slips free from her grasp again, catching hold of her and pulling her into a deep kiss. * Temire returns the kiss with equal passion, pressing her body against Roni's, one hand stroking his arm. <Ilarion> ::sliding one hand gently over her hip, he rolls over, half laying on top of her, his legs entwined with hers:: You are beautiful... ::he kisses her throat:: ::fade to black:: |
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