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<Catreenia> ::pulls a small stack of schoolbooks from her satchel and stacks them on the table in her newly acquired inn room in Arabel, regarding them miserably:: Temire knows, by now... I'm sure half the *school* knows by now. Maybe it would be better just to seal that bargain... <Bastian> You've got a whole month of my vacation to attend to, my lady, before I'll consider your request. <Catreenia> ::smiling a little:: Oh, is that your fee from me, then? <Bastian> ::smiling his half-smile:: Indeed, my lady... <Catreenia> Well then... I'd best see I please you, then. ::putting her back to the unpleasant reminders, straightening a little to regard him:: So, tell me, if you will, what it is you like to do? Aside from your work, I mean. <Bastian> ::looking slightly startled:: Well, I like to hunt, and I enjoy horseback riding, dancing, fencing, long discussions about philosophy until the early hours of the morning, fine brandy and good cigars. What do you enjoy? <Catreenia> ::smiling a little:: For your work, you hunt men, and in your off-hours, you hunt beasts? <Catreenia> Well... I've only just begun to learn to ride, I'm afraid, and I know nothing of fencing... but I love to dance! <Bastian> ::raising one eyebrow:: I've been known to hunt women in my off-hours sometimes... ::smiles at her:: <Catreenia> ::smiles archly:: Oh? And what is it you do to them, when you catch them? Do you dress them and stuff them for your dinner, perhaps? <Catreenia> Or perhaps you're a trophy-hunter... I imagine so handsome a gentleman as you would have many... heads... on his wall. <Bastian> ::laughing:: No, generally I undress them... ::he winks:: But I will take you dancing, if you like. <Catreenia> ::smiles:: I would like that a great deal. And perhaps brandies afterward, and a long discussion about-- well, I fear I know little of philosophy, either. ::shakes her head, smiling:: I hope you won't regret having such a grossly uneducated companion for your vacation, Lord Bastian. <Bastian> My dear lady, we shall dance until your shoes wear out, if you wish... <Catreenia> ::giggles:: Then I'd best warn you... I just bought new dancing shoes two weeks ago. It will take quite some effort to wear them past use. <Bastian> ::half-smile:: Then we'd best get started, hadn't we? <Catreenia> ::cocks her head, reaching out a hand towards-- but not quite touching-- his face as she studies him, her tone musing:: I think... I think I will make it my secondary quest, this month, to see you smile with your whole face.... <Bastian> ::taking her hand, he traces one finger very lightly down the palm of her hand before kissing the inside of her wrist very lightly:: Shall I leave you to change into your dancing clothes, my lady? <Catreenia> Well... ::eyes darkening a little as they track the course of his finger down her palm, an impish twinkle still dancing in their depths:: Unless you'd rather watch me change into something else... <Bastian> ::standing, he bows over her hand with elaborate grace:: I shall call back for you in an hour, then. <Catreenia> ::her nod covers a small smile and a sweeping, speculative glance over his form, and she turns away as she stands also, reaching for her bags:: * Bastian exits the room, closing the door behind him. He stands a moment, breathing hard, his hand on the door handle, before walking away. <Catreenia> ::her smile widens a little as she cocks an ear to his departure, noting the brief hesitation. With a giggle, she pulls a burgundy front-laced gown from her pack, holds it to her shoulders, and swirls in a giddy circle before setting it aside and starting to remove her travelling clothes:: * Bastian returns almost exactly an hour later, dressed in black leather breeches, knee high boots, a white shirt and a dark blue velvet longcoat. He raps politely on her door. "My lady, are you ready?" <Catreenia> ::her voice slightly muffled as she holds the end of a ribbon between her teeth:: Just a moment... ::finishes plaiting the sapphire-colored ribbon, a match to the one holding her gown snug to her figure, into her hair, tying the ends around and finishing it off in a bow and a light pat. Surveying the effect in the mirror, she pulls a few wisps free to curl against her neck and cheeks:: * Catreenia slips her feet into her black suede dancing slippers and pirouettes on her way to the door, opening it. * Bastian leans against the wall outside her door, one booted foot against the wall. <Bastian> ::standing straight, he bows, drinking in the sight of her as he straightens:: You are very becoming, my lady. I shall be desperately envied. ::offers her his arm:: <Catreenia> ::smiles and curtseys to him gracefully, the silver-and-garnet daisy-chain around her neck-- a piece of her own making-- sparkling a little in the rushlight in the hall:: I only attempt, with art, to emulate your native style, my lord. * Catreenia slides her hand into the crook of his arm, cheeks pink at the anticipation of dancing. <Bastian> ::turning to lead her from the inn:: Well, shall we collect hearts, then, my lady? I'll wager a silver that your bright eyes win more favors than my brooding charms... we can dance and collect them, leaving them breathless on the dance floor, crushed that we return here, together? <Catreenia> ::smiles slyly:: I think you underestimate both your brooding charms and the number of times such charms have figured prominently in women's romances. You'll have more than your share of fainting admirers, I'm certain, but I hope you'll spare me a dance or two. <Bastian> Nothing would give me greater pleasure, my lady... ::leads her out to the carriage:: <Catreenia> ::giggles a little as she steps up into the carriage, gathering her beribboned skirts and arraying them about her as she sits:: <Bastian> ::the carriage takes them to an elegant estate:: Lucky for you, my lady, the Count was kind enough to add me to the guest list at the last minute. <Catreenia> ::eyes widening slightly as the carriage sweeps up the drive:: The Count? ::touching her hand to her neck:: Oh... my. ::blushing a little:: My father made a brooch once, for his lady. <Bastian> ::stepping out of the carriage and offering her his hand:: Come my lady... I hear even now the strains of music... <Catreenia> ::smiles and takes his hand, stepping down from the coach with a wondering expression:: I know one or two of the younger set in Marsember... but... it's a little different when it's the nobility one grew up with. <Bastian> ::reaching over, he plucks a single white rose from the bush that twines over the gate:: Here, if my lady will permit me? ::he tucks the flower gently behind her ear:: <Catreenia> ::smiles at him teasingly:: Are you trying to get a head start in our little wager by getting me in trouble with the Count straight off? <Bastian> ::laughing:: Not at all, but if I steal a rose now, it shall grant me enough satisfaction so that I might keep my hands off the lady's... brooch. <Catreenia> ::laughs:: You should find enough to keep you occupied, being a thief of hearts tonight. ::she shakes her finger at him, smiling:: I won't let you win easily! <Bastian> ::his eyes gleam:: I dare say you won't. ::reaches into his pouch and pulling out an engraved invitation, handing it absently to the doorman on their way in:: <Catreenia> ::softly to him, with a twinkle in her eye as they step into the ballroom and gaze over the swirl of rich fabrics and bright colors:: Rules? <Bastian> ::smiling, leading her on to the dance floor, his booted feet skipping lightly over the marble:: Only that you enjoy yourself as much as possible. You win one point for each partner, two points for each kiss, and five points for each invitation. I'll trust you to be honest about your score. <Catreenia> ::raising an eyebrow:: "Invitation"? <Bastian> ::twirling her among the couples skillfully:: To... exchange words privately? ::he glances at her:: A quiet "conversation" in dark corners or out in the garden... ::touching her cheek lightly with one finger:: <Catreenia> Ahh. ::blushes a little and nods, her feet skipping lightly through the pattern of the set, following his lead:: We shall see, m'lord. <Bastian> Only one requirement, my dear lady... * Catreenia cocks her head questioningly as she twirls out to extension, fingertips just touching his, and spins back to his arms. <Bastian> ::half-smile:: You go home with no one but me. <Catreenia> ::her light smile slides away for a moment, revealing the serious cast underneath, and she answers softly:: My lord, for the space of a month, I find my life bound up with yours. Never fear-- I'll go home with the man I came with. <Bastian> ::nodding to himself, he leads her through the steps of the dance, his eyes merry as he looks over the crowd:: * Catreenia slowly regains her smile again, cheered by the fast pace of the dance, the fine music, the press of other dancers. She watches shrewdly over Bastian's shoulder as he turns her, eyes scanning the sides of the room. <Bastian> ::in a low voice, he gives her small snippets of details about certain gentlemen in the room, including their predilections:: * Catreenia alternately chuckles and blushes at the flood of occasionally surprising information. "My Lord Bastian... you're quite the font of knowledge. Is this a hobby, or work-related?" <Bastian> ::winking at her:: A little of both, my lady. I find it pays to know as much as possible about people that I may deal with. <Catreenia> ::her smile flickering uncertainly for a moment:: And it doesn't make it... harder? Knowing them as people, I mean? <Bastian> ::shakes his head:: Unfortunately, it does sometimes, if I must *deal* with them, business-speaking. However, there are rules, even in my profession, and if I don't know a man, tis hard to find him outside his home. <Catreenia> ::nods, staring pensively at the fabric of his tunic as they spin through another figure, looking faintly troubled:: I want to enjoy what I can... but... don't want to make it harder for you... <Bastian> ::almost kindly:: Do not fret, my lady... I have no intention of doing business for this month. <Catreenia> ::wry smile, looking him in the eye:: I meant myself, actually... <Bastian> ::shrugging:: I'll burn that bridge when we come to it, my lady... ::he looks at her seriously, then half-smiles:: Til then, I intend to think on it as little as possible. <Catreenia> ::studies him, and nods once:: Well enough. ::smiling back, and freeing one hand to lightly brush the unsmiling corner of his mouth with her finger:: In which case... I shall devote myself to my *other* quest, for the nonce. <Bastian> ::bowing to her as the music comes to an end:: Well my lady, ::he kisses her hand gallantly:: Shall we begin? <Catreenia> Indeed. ::with a devilish smile, she reaches into her belt purse and extracts one silver coin, holding it up between her fingers briefly before dropping it down her bodice and winking at him:: I'll keep it safe, until I can double it. See you at the end of the evening, my lord. ::she curtseys:: <Bastian> ::bowing to her again, he then sweeps off in the other direction, approaching a young red-haired woman with a charming smile:: * Catreenia turns away to the edge of the room, where her eye had earlier picked out a cluster of old, richly-dressed grandames chattering amongst themselves. She offers them a deep, respectful curtsey, a shy blush on her cheeks, and makes a soft-voiced request of them. * Countess laughs playfully, sweeping her fan open and fluttering it about her face. <Countess> Come my dear... ::leads Cat over to a small group of young men, standing about the punchbowl:: * Catreenia smiles and curtseys again to the others before following the dowager Countess towards the punchbowl. * Countess introduces Cat to Captain Cartet, a handsome man, smartly dressed in his regimental coat. * Catreenia smiles gratefully at the Countess, and offers the Captain a graceful curtsey, extending her hand. * Captain bows. "Good evening, Miss Suchart. Will you honor me with the next set?" <Catreenia> I would be delighted, Captain Cartet. ::she smiles:: I do adore dancing. * Captain sweeps her onto the floor, the first of several young men to inquire as to her availability. Occasionally she catches glimpses of Bastian, usually engaged in a dance with another young lady, although at once point she does catch him stealing a kiss from a handsome brunette. * Catreenia smiles over the shoulder of her latest partner at the dowagers on the far side of the room, watching her delightedly, gossiping, and nodding their powdered heads gently in time to the music. <Bastian> ::the evening passes quickly as men compete for Cat's favor, the line of ladies the Bastian parades out onto the floor growing longer:: * Catreenia giggles a little as the fourth partner in a row twirls her behind the potted palms, taking advantage of the blind spot to steal a willing kiss. <Bastian> ::A young woman, about sixteen years old, gives Catreenia a violet-eyed stare of jealousy as a blonde lord's son whirls Cat around on the floor:: <Bastian> ::A moment later, the young woman finds herself lost of Bastian's dark and mysterious gaze as he escorts her onto the floor:: * Catreenia smiles back at her, whispering in the young lordling's ear at the end of the set and sending him to request a dance of the young girl in the next pairing, as she spins away in the arms of the boy's grandfather. <Bastian> ::after several quick-stepping reels, Bastian pauses to get a glass of punch and take a brief respite, chatting amiably with an older woman in a pale grey gown:: * Catreenia heads for the punchbowl from the direction of one of the darker side-parlors, blushing faintly and straightening the shoulder of her gown. A moment later, a smiling old gentleman strolls out of the same room in the other direction, giving a playful twirl to his cane as he returns to his seat by the wall. <Bastian> ::raises his eyebrow a moment at Cat, he excuses himself, standing to help her to a glass of punch:: Having a good evening, my lady? <Catreenia> Delightful... the musicians are just *wonderful!* ::accepting the glass and smiling demurely over its rim at him, her voice pitched to his ears:: What do I get for an offer of marriage? I've had three of them. <Bastian> ::laughing:: T'is not fair, my lady, I dare not ask for fear of ending the evening in a duel with some lady's brother. <Catreenia> ::eyes twinkling:: You think *I* asked *them*? The last was old enough to be my grandfather... ::smiles brightly and toasts her cup to the elderly man seated on the far side of the room, who wiggles his fingers back at her:: <Bastian> ::eying her suitor:: Should you wish to marry rich, he'd be a fine choice, my lady. He's a spice merchant, and I believe clears well over forty thousand a year. <Catreenia> ::smiles:: Wealth has its appeal, but I'd much rather marry for love... besides, I'm not certain he'd even be able to, ah, consummate it... <Bastian> ::giving her a wry look:: All the better, most would consider it... leaves you free to seek entertainment elsewhere. <Catreenia> ::shakes her head:: I might enjoy making him happy for what time he has left to him-- he *is* a sweet man-- but... I don't think I could make marriage a... business proposition. <Bastian> ::nearly spits a mouthful of punch back into his cup:: I'm sorry, my lady. That just struck me as funny for some reason... ::wiping his mouth, he bows to her again:: * Catreenia wrinkles her nose at him, and curtseys before finishing her cup of punch and being drawn away by another smiling young man. * Bastian shakes his head, looking after her for a long moment, before turning and escorting the silver-dressed woman onto the floor. <Catreenia> ::A distinguished-looking gentleman of middle years, black hair just beginning to silver at the temples, taps her partner on the shoulder and smoothly cuts in. She blinks in surprise as she recognizes their host, the Count, and turns her next figure into a respectful curtsey:: Your excellency! <Count> ::smiling at her:: I heard a rumor of a certain wager on my dance floor. <Catreenia> ::blushing:: I hope we didn't offend your excellency... a harmless prank, I assure you. * Bastian watches Cat from the corner of his eye, skillfully steering his partner around in a circle around the Count and Catreenia. <Count> Not at all... ::turning her about the floor smoothly:: I only wished to make certain that such a charming young guest's requirements were met. ::he glances to one side, giving Bastian a brief nod:: May the best woman win, my lady. I wish you luck. ::he kisses her hand, and spins her back into the arms of her original partner:: <Catreenia> ::smiling a little dizzily, she watches over her partner's shoulder as the Count strides across the floor, kisses the hand of the dowager Countess who first aided Cat, and leads her out onto the floor in a stately waltz step:: * Bastian glances down at his partner, twirling her around. * Catreenia practically floats across the floor, giving Bastian a suspiciously sweet smile when next the dance swings them close to each other. * Bastian speaks quietly with his partner and as the dance ends, she leaves the room for a walk in the garden. A few moments pass before Bastian heads out after her. * Catreenia smiles to herself and hides a sigh as she curtseys to her next partner, a young man a few years her junior whose astonished eyes rarely make it farther north than her neckline. <Bastian> ::only a few moments behind Bastian, a very angry and outraged older man follows Bastian out to the garden, his hand on a sword hilt belted around his waist:: * Catreenia looks up, briefly stealing the dance lead from her partner to position herself facing the garden door as the dance sweeps them closer to it. <Bastian> ::through the window, she can see Bastian, the silver-gowned woman in his arms, facing away from the door, his attention obviously on the woman.:: <Catreenia> ::eyes widening in alarm, she hastily begs excuse from her disappointed partner, turning down a stammered offer for a walk on the verandah, and hurries to the garden door.:: <Angry Man> ::drawing his sword:: You have sullied my sister's honor by your rakish behavior. I demand satisfaction. * Bastian eyes the angry man, his mouth twitching slightly. <Catreenia> ::gasps, pressing herself into the shadow of the arbor by the door:: <Bastian> ::in a droll voice:: I fear, good sir, that I am quite at a loss, as I left my sword at home. <Bastian> ::the young lady, glancing back and forth from her brother's face to Bastian's, trembles, putting her hand to her mouth:: <Angry Man> ::holding his sword up, pointing the tip at Bastian's throat:: You are a wretched creature, sir. * Bastian sighs, then reaches up, taking the tip of the man's sword in his left hand. He closes his eyes for a half-second, then twists his hand, spilling several drops of blood to the ground. "There. You win." He turns and bows to the young lady. "Go off with your brother, my dear." <Bastian> ::the young lady bursts into tears, running off towards the gardens. A confused moment later, her brother follows, sheathing his sword:: <Bastian> ::hissing, Bastian shakes his hand, watching the two:: Damn. * Catreenia steps from the shadow of the arbor, pulling her handkerchief from her sleeve and wetting it in a nearby fountain. "Here, you're hurt..." <Bastian> Ah, my lady... ::bowing to her, he squeezes his hand into a fist:: Tis only a scratch... <Catreenia> A bravely-won scratch... ::taking his hand gently and opening it to press her handkerchief against the wound:: I never expected our little game to end in bloodshed. <Bastian> ::extending his hand to her:: Tis nothing more than my effort to not have to kill someone whose concern for his sister is admirable, but badly placed. <Catreenia> ::sighing:: I never thought it would be so difficult... ::looking at him steadily:: You had no sword, but I *know* you were armed. <Bastian> ::nodding:: Indeed, I am armed, my lady. ::touches her face lightly with his right hand:: What is difficult? <Catreenia> ::gesturing to herself:: I play for fun, and a silver. ::gesturing back towards the door:: But for them... some of those girls honestly thought I was here to steal their futures away from them.... ::shaking her head:: And you... ::smiling a little:: our game is not, I think, worth the risk of life and limb. ::she dips her fingers into her bodice, and retrieves the silver coin:: I concede the match, sir. <Bastian> ::takes the silver, pressing it to his mouth before dropping it into his pocket:: So, how many points did you win, my lady? <Catreenia> ::smiles faintly:: Seventy-one dances... twenty-three kisses-- oddly enough, fewer kisses than invitations, I suppose they're more staid in public-- and forty-six-- no, wait, forty-*seven*-- "invitations," (one of which was from another woman!), five offers of marriage... if my figures are correct, that makes 332 points for me. <Bastian> ::gives her his little half-smile again, wincing as he unclenches his hand again:: I think you are three points ahead of me, my lady. <Catreenia> ::smiles, and taps his wrist lightly:: Ah, but first blood to you-- that gives you the match. <Bastian> ::shrugging with one shoulder, eyeing the cut on his palm in the dim light:: Tie game, shall we say? ::taking a silver coin out of a different pocket, he offers it to her:: <Catreenia> ::smiles wryly:: If you insist, m'lord. ::accepting the coin and dropping it into her purse with a faint musical jingle:: <Bastian> ::offering his arm:: One last dance, and then we shall go? <Catreenia> ::glancing anxiously at his hand:: Are you certain you don't need a chiurgeon? <Bastian> ::raising an eyebrow:: I dare say I won't faint from blood loss, my lady. <Catreenia> ::smiling a little, and murmuring:: Well, I suppose you'd know... ::reaches into her purse and slides free a silk scarf of the same deep red as her gown, tucking it into her hand. She holds it out to accept his bloodied one, letting the scarf drape artistically over both their hands to hide the wound:: Shall we dance, then, milord? <Bastian> ::takes her into his arms as the waltz begins, leading her gracefully around the floor:: * Catreenia twirls in his arms, the bit of silk fluttering gaily from her hand. <Bastian> ::watching her from under half-closed lids:: Did you enjoy your evening, my lady? <Catreenia> I did. ::chuckling ruefully:: You know, I originally had in mind to make you fetch the coin yourself, if you won, as punishment for ignoring me so successfully. <Bastian> ::opens his eyes to look at her:: Ignoring you? My lady, please... <Catreenia> ::smiles wider:: As I said, originally. That was before I realized that I didn't once change partners the entire evening without your noticing. <Bastian> ::tilts his head to one side:: There are several things about me, my lady, that contributed. I never hedge my bets, I don't play to lose, and I always watch my interests. <Catreenia> ::still smiling:: And eyes that miss little had nothing to do with it, I'm sure... <Bastian> ::laughing:: Not at all, my lady. A dead man could not fail to notice that you are ten times the prettiest woman in the room. <Catreenia> ::laughing:: Although... you *did* hedge your bet. <Catreenia> Ha! Don't say that too loudly near the other girls, m'lord, or your hand won't be the only thing bloodied. <Bastian> ::looking at her closely:: You think so, my lady? <Catreenia> ::nodding, her eyes dancing:: If I recall correctly, you placed one restriction on our little wager that insured *both* coins would eventually go home with you. <Bastian> Yes, but in whose possession was left to skill and chance. ::he winks at her:: <Catreenia> ::grins and tosses her head:: More skill than chance, I think. <Bastian> ::nodding:: More skill, you are correct... however, I noticed several gentlemen seated for want of an available partner, which made my chances slimmer. I believe I was refused for a prior engagement at least thrice. <Catreenia> ::countering:: And I was refused four times by gentleman not nimble enough to dance... ::rolls her eyes a little:: Tho' one found energy enough to offer me a private game of dice... <Bastian> ::eying her:: For what stakes, my lady? I'd check his dice, before accepting that wager. <Catreenia> ::laughs:: If you don't know what it means to offer a young lady a private game of dice, then you're not as canny as I take you for. But never fear-- I'd take it as a sure bet that *his* dice were not loaded. <Bastian> ::snickers:: Probably holding company among the wrong crowd, my lady... <Catreenia> ::laughs:: I must say, any happy illusions I might have had concerning the nobility were quite shattered this evening... I've had subtler lines from drunken docksiders.... ::shakes her head, smiling:: <Bastian> ::laughing:: The very wealthy have the liberty of being able to give offense wherever they are known. Tis one of the more amusing advantages of it. I daresay only four couples on the whole floor will spend the night in their rightful beds. <Catreenia> ::puts a hand to her mouth, giggling:: Only four? ::looks around:: Who, pray? <Bastian> ::indicates a young couple, who have been dancing together for the whole of the evening:: Baron and Baroness Sonmer, newly wed and still, I think, interested in each other. <Catreenia> ::nods, smiling a little wistfully at the romantic pair:: <Bastian> ::turning her to show a different couple, a much older man dancing with a girl of no more than fifteen years:: Marquis deChandler and his third wife, Andra. I don't think anyone's bothered to inform her that she's not restricted to her husband's bedchamber. <Catreenia> ::frowns:: Oh, dear... poor girl. <Bastian> ::brushing it aside:: I daresay the Marquis's "dice" aren't loaded either... but I'm certain she's quite bored. However, as she was elevated from a chambermaid, she'll enjoy the luxuries that money provides. <Catreenia> ::frowns a little at a sudden memory, looking down at the floor:: A chambermaid... <Bastian> ::raising an eyebrow at her:: I'm sorry, my lady, did I say something wrong? <Catreenia> ::shakes her head:: No, it's nothing... ::looking up again, casting her eyes about the room:: That's two, two more? <Bastian> ::turning her again:: Lord Padric and his lady Macilia. Macilia, who has the grave misfortune to love her husband, made a wager of her entire fortune against his that he could not remain faithful to her this whole year. <Catreenia> ::raising an eyebrow:: I take it her affections have not been-- 'til lately-- returned? ::sighing:: Money can't buy love, either... only a shadow-mockery of it. <Bastian> ::sighing:: Perhaps, in the coming year, he'll learn that the love of one woman is priceless, compared to the shallow affection of several. <Catreenia> ::smiles a little, and nods:: And the last? ::looking around the room:: <Bastian> ::giving her his little half-smile:: Unless I mistake my guess, that would be you and I, my lady. <Bastian> ::glancing around the room at large:: For I have seen no one here who interests me enough to leave the comforts of my inn. Have you? <Catreenia> ::giving him a sly glance, through her eyelashes:: Welllll... the Count our host was *quite* charming... <Bastian> ::laughing:: If you like... <Bastian> ::the music comes to an end and he bows to her, still holding her red silk scarf:: <Catreenia> ::meeting his gaze, she curtseys:: No, milord, I believe you're correct... I don't see any here who would induce me to leave the inn this evening... <Bastian> Shall we go, then? I daresay your shoes are not danced through quite yet, but there shall be other evenings. <Catreenia> ::nods:: I think we've danced enough, for this evening. <Bastian> ::escorts her out to his carriage, making a quick and polite goodbye to the Count and Countess:: <Catreenia> ::steps up into the carriage and settles her self, shivering a little as the chillier night air hits her warm skin:: * Bastian puts an arm around her, tucking the end of his cloak around her shoulders. <Catreenia> ::cheeks pinking a little as she sidles closer into his warmth:: My thanks. * Bastian nods, then looks out the carriage window, lost in thought as they move quickly through the city and back to the inn. * Catreenia huddles in his cloak, tilting her head up slightly to watch him out of the corner of her eye as he looks out the window. <Bastian> ::the carriage pulls up to the inn and he helps Cat out. Tucking her arm in his, they walk up the stairs together. In her room, the innkeeper laid a fire several hours ago, only the cheery red coals light the room:: * Catreenia unlocks her door and pushes it open, hesitating briefly on the threshold. <Bastian> ::smiling his little half-smile:: Good night, my lady. I enjoyed our dances. ::he bows over her hand, kissing her fingertips lightly:: <Catreenia> I also. ::smiling a little in return:: Perhaps next time, we could dance more than two together. ::her fingers linger a moment in the grasp of his injured hand:: Are you certain you'll be alright? Even the smallest wounds are prone to blood-sickness, you know... <Bastian> ::his mouth twitches up in one corner:: I assure you, my lady, I'll clean it well. I've not yet been permanently injured thusly. ::holds his hand out to her, showing several small white scars criss-crossing his palm:: <Catreenia> Oh! ::takes his hand, turning it gently so the dim light of the coals shows up the scars:: It's not the first time you've given satisfaction, then.... <Bastian> Nor likely to be my last... ::he sighs, closing his hand:: As I said, there's no profit in the slaughter of the stupid. I wouldn't kill someone for taking offense at my actions, but I try not to die from them, either. <Catreenia> ::nods, somewhat reluctantly releasing his hand and turning towards the fire to prod the coals to life again:: Good night, then, Lord Bastian, and thank you again for a wonderful evening. Sweet dreams to you. <Bastian> Good night, my lady Catreenia... ::closes the door behind him, walking over to his own rooms:: * Catreenia turns her head slightly to watch him leave her room, sighing a bit in disappointment as the door closes quietly but firmly. * Bastian opens his own door, stripping out of his formal attire hurriedly. Bare-chested, he walks over to the water basin and dunks his head, flipping his wet hair out of his eyes with a gasp. Laying down on his bed, he stares up at the canopy. "I am going to hate myself in the morning." He shakes his head, then blows out the candle. * Catreenia slowly unlaces her gown and hangs it carefully. She frees her hair from its plaits, sitting by the fire in her shift to brush it out carefully. Letting her hand go slack on the brush, she stares into the fire, whispering, "Oh, Roni... what am I doing?" * Catreenia puts the brush down and crawls into bed, huddling into a little ball beneath her sheets and watching the flames. |
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