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* Loria has just finished her last lesson for the day, at the home of her student. As she's putting on her cloak, the housemaid approaches her. "Ma'am, a gentleman come and asked me to give ye this." She offers Loria a small white box. * Loria takes the box with a bit of surprise. "Thank you." * Loria shakes the box curiously, her head tilted to one side. ::Inside the box is a bracelet made of tiny roses worked in alternating silver and gold, and a small piece of heavy paper on which is written an address, and a note which reads, "Show this trinket for admittance." It is unsigned.:: * Loria smiles, taking the bracelet out and fastening it on her slender wrist. She studies the address a moment, then tucks it in her pocket. ::The address is in downtown, a few blocks from the island over to Pleasure Island:: <Loria> ::waiting until she exits the lord's house, she reaches into her back and pulls out her dagger, belting it on over her dress, the sheath's gold sunburst glinting in the afternoon sun:: There. ::she heads down the road:: ::When she arrives at the address, it turns out to be a large bath-house.:: <Loria> ::raises an eyebrow at the building, then looks around for an employee:: Good afternoon? <Attendant> ::smiling professionally:: Yes, m'lady? How can we help you? * Loria displays the bracelet. "I was told to show someone this." She smiles. <Attendant> ::blinks at the bracelet, then consults a small book:: Oh, *yes*, m'lady. Please, follow me... ::She leads Loria to a small, private bathing room, already prepared with steaming hot water and a wide array of bath oils and perfumes displayed on one shelf. Several very thick, fluffy towels wait on a bench. The employee smiles at Loria:: Can I bring you a glass of wine, m'lady? <Loria> ::smiles:: Please. <Attendant> ::She leaves briefly, returning with a glass of chilled white wine, then indicates a velvet bell-pull on one wall, within easy reach from the tub:: Please ring if there's anything you need or desire, m'lady... <Loria> ::takes a sip of wine, then looks around, a bit self-consciously, before picking up the bath oils, sniffing at each one:: <Attendant> ::glances around briefly, making sure everything is in order, then slips out of the room, carefully shutting the door behind her.:: * Loria slips her shoes off, then picks a bath oil that smells like lilacs, pouring a bit into the steaming water. She inhales deeply, then begins to undress. * Loria unbraids her hair, sliding in the water with a sigh of contentment. * Loria picks up a bar of soap, washing off absently. <Attendant> ::There is a soft knock, and the employee slips inside again:: I'm sorry for disturbing you, m'lady. I need to check the towels... ::she hurries over to the bench where the towels wait, counts them swiftly, then hurries out again:: * Loria raises an eyebrow, then counts the towels herself. * Loria shrugs, then shampoos her hair, scrubbing her scalp with vigor. * Loria takes a deep breath, then ducks under the water, rinsing her hair. * Loria snags a towel, drying her face. ::As she picks up a towel, another small white box falls to the floor:: <Loria> ::laughs aloud:: Oh, clever... ::grabs the box, leaning back in the tub to open it:: ::Another note with an address, and a tiny silver rose to match the ones in her bracelet, this time attached to a hair clip:: * Loria reads the note, putting the hair clip on the bench next to the brushes and combs. ::This address is only a few streets away, back toward the center of town:: * Loria soaks for a few minutes longer before getting out of the tub and wrapping a towel around herself. She towels her hair to only moderate dampness before sitting before the mirror, combing out her thick locks. * Loria struggles with her hair for a while before clipping it up in a twist knot at the back of her head, using the rose-clip to secure it. She stands and dresses. * Loria checks herself in the mirror, then dabs a bit of the lilac perfume on her wrists and neck. She checks the address again, and exits the bath-house, smiling cheerily at the attendant as she goes. <Attendant> ::waving cheerily:: Have a nice evening, m'lady! <Loria> ::nodding:: I'm sure I will... thank you. ::she heads down the street, slinging her bag over her shoulder:: ::The second address leads Loria to a tasteful and well-known hair salon:: * Loria looks at the sign, then grins and walks in. "Good evening." <Proprietor> ::looking up with a smile:: Yes, ma'am? <Loria> Hello. I was sent here to show you this. ::she turns, indicating the clip holding her hair up:: <Proprietor> Ah, yes! ::she smiles a little wider:: Come with me... ::she leads Loria back into the shop and seats her in a comfortable chair:: Can I offer you any refreshment? I believe our instructions are to set you up for a night out, dancing - is there anything else you'd like done? ::she eyes Loria's hair:: Dye in the grey, perhaps? * Loria touches her hair a bit hesitantly. She considers the idea for a while, then nods. "Yes. Let's get rid of that, shall we?" <Proprietor> Of course, ma'am. ::she carefully pulls the clip out of Loria's hair and begins to comb it out:: * Loria closes her eyes, relaxing. <Proprietor> ::carefully combs Loria's hair out, then checks its natural color carefully:: I'll be right back with the dye... * Loria nods. <Proprietor> ::leaves for a few minutes, then comes back with a small wooden bowl and a brush, and begins applying the dye to Loria's hair:: * Loria wrinkles her nose slightly at the smell. <Proprietor> ::smiles:: It won't smell so much once we've rinsed it out. And we can put a little perfume in to cover up what's left, for the night. <Loria> ::nodding:: Thank you. <Proprietor> ::finishes applying the dye, then rinses her hands and shows Loria a pamphlet of sketches:: Would you like to pick a style you like, ma'am? * Loria flips through the sketches, finally selecting a style that has most of the hair up, but curled the remainder, hanging down the back, along with a few free curls around the face. <Proprietor> ::nods:: That will be most fetching... ::she checks Loria's hair, then takes her over to a sink:: Lean back, please - let's get this all out. * Loria leans back as requested. <Proprietor> ::uses a dipper to pour water over Loria's hair, rinsing the excess dye out, then adds a touch of sweetly-scented oil:: There we are... ::she sits Loria up again and begins combing her hair out again:: That did the trick! ::she offers Loria a handful of uniformly dark brown hair:: * Loria smiles, delighted. <Proprietor> ::as she combs:: You'll want to come back once a month or so, when the roots start to come in. <Loria> All right... <Proprietor> ::Begins to curl and pin Loria's hair:: <Proprietor> ::Finishes fairly quickly, considering the elaborate appearance of the sketch. She steps back, then leans forward to pull one more wisp free around her face, then smiles and offers Loria a mirror:: Satisfactory, ma'am? * Loria touches her hair, surprised. "Yes, thank you." ><Proprietor> ::smiles, then opens a drawer to put the mirror away and retrieves another small white box, offering it to Loria with a knowing smile:: <Loria> ::laughs:: I wonder what's next on my list... ::opens the box:: <Proprietor> ::grinning:: You're a lucky lady... ::she carries her things into the back of the shop to clean them:: <Loria> ::softly:: I've been thinking so recently, yes. ::This box contains a simple thin gold necklace, with a crystal teardrop-shaped pendant, and - of course - another unsigned note with an address.:: * Loria fastens the necklace around her throat, then slips the box into her bag and heads down the street. ::The new address is a dressmaker's shop. The dressmaker is actually waiting out front, looking up and down the street for her anxiously:: <Loria> ::smiles as she walks up:: I'm sorry. Am I late? <Dressmaker> ::sighs in relief:: Well, he didn't say *exactly* when you'd come, but... ::she flutters her hands, and then opens the door to her shop, ushering Loria in:: * Loria laughs, looking around the shop. <Dressmaker> ::pulls the curtains on the windows, then gestures Loria up onto a small pedestal.:: He couldn't give me *exact* measurements, so I'll have to do a bit of last minute fine-tuning... Take off your dress, dear... ::she opens a wardrobe cabinet and begins rummaging:: * Loria steps out of her plain grey workdress. <Dressmaker> ::emerges from the wardrobe with a floor-length gown. The bodice is black velvet, and the skirt and sleeves are deep green satin. Silver and gold cords tie the bodice and trim the sleeves. She holds it up for Loria's inspection:: This is what he asked for, dearie - do you like it? * Loria smiles. "It's lovely." <Dressmaker> ::smiles, pleased, then loosens the cords and holds the dress out, helping Loria into it.:: * Loria slips into the dress, smoothing the skirt. <Dressmaker> ::steps back to eye the dress on Loria, nodding thoughtfully:: I made it a touch big - easier to take in than work out, you understand... Just need to take a stitch or two, and you'll be done... ::she reaches into the wardrobe and pulls out a pair of black satin slippers, embroidered in green designs:: Put these on so I can measure the hem. * Loria steps into the slippers. <Dressmaker> ::pulls a box of pins out of a pocket and sticks half-a-dozen of them into her mouth, walking around Loria and tugging on the dress impatiently:: * Loria turns obediently, trying not to fidget. <Dressmaker> ::After half an hour of pinning and quick sewing, she stands back to admire her efforts:: There. I think that'll hold for the night, though surely it will need repair come morning! ::she chuckles:: * Loria twitches the skirt slightly, looking at herself in the full-length mirror. <Dressmaker> ::smiles at Loria, her eyes shining:: You're a vision, dearie... Ready to go? <Loria> ::smiles:: Certainly. Where next? <Dressmaker> ::opens the front door of her shop again, revealing a carriage in the street, a footman waiting patiently by the door:: I'm sure I don't know, dearie, but it looks to be fun. <Loria> ::smiles, stepping into the carriage and waving at the dressmaker:: Thank you so much. <Dressmaker> ::smiles and waves:: <Footman> ::helps Loria into the carriage, then climbs into the driver's seat. The carriage pulls away slowly. Inside, the seats are richly cushioned, and on a small table is a silver platter. On the platter is a bottle of wine, already opened and resting in a bucket of ice, a wine glass, and a single red rose.:: * Loria settles into the carriage seat, running her hands over the velvet bodice. * Loria pours herself a glass of wine, taking small sips. ::The carriage moves slowly through the slowly deepening twilight, following a winding path:: * Loria takes the rose, smelling it carefully, looking out the window as she does so. ::The carriage slowly makes its way to the docks, trundling past the tradeships toward the slips reserved for the pleasure-ships of the wealthy:: * Loria finishes her wine, setting the glass down. ::The carriage pulls to a stop, and after a brief moment the footman opens the door, offering Loria a polite hand down:: <Loria> Thank you. ::steps out of the carriage, still holding the rose in one hand:: Is it all right if I leave my bag with you? <Footman> Yes'm, it'll stay inside until you're ready to go home. <Loria> Thank you. ::she smiles at him, then looks around:: ::In front of her is a large pleasure-yacht. The decks are decorated with lanterns and streamers of flowers, and a hint of music wafts through the evening air. A number of people are mingling, laughing and dancing.:: * Loria hesitates, then heads in the direction of the yacht, looking around. ::From behind her, just coming around the carriage, a masculine voice says:: Good evening, my lady... ::The figure that steps from the shadow of the carriage is dressed in black and green to match hers... but not Kevil:: * Loria raises an eyebrow, looking at the man. "Good evening." * Devvyn is the widowed father of one of Loria's more promising students. He stands several feet away from her, looking at her with wide eyes. Finally, he takes a deep breath. "I... hope you will forgive my deception, my lady. I mean you no harm, I swear..." * Loria smiles, touching the dress hesitantly. "You?" <Devvyn> ::smiles faintly:: Do you like it? I... I thought it would look lovely on you. ::he tips his head:: I was right, though the reality so far exceeds my imagination- ::he breaks off, his voice catching, then nods toward the pleasure-yacht:: Would you care to join me, my lady? * Loria takes a deep breath. "I would be happy to join you, my lord, but I would be wrong if I did not tell you that I was betrothed." She smiles again, hesitantly. <Devvyn> ::smiles a little tremulously:: I was... aware, yes. I had hoped... perhaps... ::he offers her his arm:: Well, nevermind. One evening in the company of such a beautiful companion should suffice for a lifetime. * Loria takes his arm, biting her lip slightly, then smiling up at him. "I am... thank you, my lord. This was very extravagant of you." <Devvyn> ::smiles and leads her toward the gangplank of the yacht:: It's the least I could do, really. My daughter adores you, you know. <Loria> Annora's a sweet girl... And she has quite a lot of potential for singing... if she'll practice more. ::she grins up at the girl's father.:: <Devvyn> ::smiles down at Loria. He starts to say something then obviously changes his mind:: I'll see what I can do to entice her to practice more. <Loria> ::laughing:: Tis all right, my lord. I know when I was a girl, my mother had to chase me into the weaving room with a broom, as I'd much rather be playing hide me-seek me with my brother. * Devvyn shows a servant at the gangplank two tickets, then helps Loria onto the yacht. "What would you like to do first, my lady? Refreshment? Dancing? I expect the moonlit stroll will be nicer once we've left port..." * Loria looks around. "I'm a little hungry. I've been teaching all day." <Devvyn> Of course. ::he leads her to a buffet of refreshments, and looks around for a waiter:: Will you have red wine or white, my lady? <Loria> White please... ::she smiles:: <Devvyn> ::bows briefly:: I shall return momentarily. ::he heads off into the crowd:: * Loria looks around for a servant, reaching into her pouch. <Servant> May I help you, m'lady? <Loria> ::nodding, pulling a few silver coins out of her pocket:: Could you please send a messenger? I need someone to take a note to my house, please. <Servant> ::nods:: Of course, m'lady... Where should the message go, and what is it? * Loria takes a nub of pencil out of her pocket and scribbles a quick note on a piece of paper, folding it in half. "Please give this to Master Bard Kevil Talarin." She gives him the address of her new house. <Servant> ::taking the note:: Yes, m'lady. I'll send someone at once. ::he disappears off into the crowd:: * Loria bites her lip and turns around, looking for Devvyn. * Devvyn reappears out of the crowd. "Here we are... they had to find a new cask." He offers her a glass of white, half a glass of red in his other hand." * Loria takes the wine, sipping. "Thank you." <Devvyn> ::sips his red, looking out over the crowd:: Quite a crush... ::he glances at her:: I hope you won't be... inconvenienced, for staying out most of the night? These things usually put back into port an hour or so before dawn. <Loria> ::taking a deep breath:: I sent a messenger to my home, so none would be overly concerned. I hope... ::she bites her lip slightly:: <Devvyn> ::looks concerned, then forces a smile:: Well... If we are to be in trouble for our folly, let us at least enjoy it... Dance, my lady? ::he offers her his arm:: * Loria sets her wine goblet down on a nearby table. "All right." * Devvyn turns Loria carefully into the dancers. * Loria takes his hand, holding her dress up carefully with the other. <Devvyn> I do hope you will forgive me... ::he smiles slightly as he steers her around the floor:: I have admired you for some time, and when I heard you'd been engaged... ::he sighs:: Well, I knew I'd stayed silent for too long. I thought... One heroic attempt, to find out whether I'd ever have had a chance... * Loria blushes, looking at the floor. <Devvyn> ::tips his head, looking at her with a wistful smile:: Might I? If I had spoken sooner, perchance? <Loria> ::looking at him, obviously flustered:: I couldn't say what might have been, my lord. Your pardon, I'm not used... ::she swallows:: I'm not used to being the object of admiration. <Devvyn> ::smiles a little wider:: Now you're being coy... As beautiful as you are? <Loria> ::looking up at him:: I'm perfectly serious, my lord. Before I came to Marsember, I was not much valued at home. <Devvyn> Obviously, an entire town of the blind... ::he closes his eyes briefly, then looks at her seriously:: My lady... Is there any hope for me at all? Engagements have been broken before... ::he swallows, but keeps his eyes on hers:: <Loria> ::taking a deep breath:: My lord, it is not my intent to deceive you, and I have no desire to cause you any pain... <Devvyn> ::lifts a hand, smiling sadly:: Wait... Don't say it. Give me this one evening to... pretend, that it might be. * Loria nods, blinking a few times, then gives him a dazzling smile. "It shall be as you say, my lord, for this evening." <Devvyn> ::smiles and lifts her hand to his lips, kissing the very tips of her fingers:: My gratitude knows no bounds, my lady... ::he takes a deep, somewhat unsteady breath, then smiles at her:: Would you like to stroll around the deck, now that we are underway? * Loria curtseys to him as the dance ends. "All right." [time passes...] * Devvyn bows to Loria as the last dance ends and the musicians begin to pack away their instruments. * Loria yawns, covering her mouth with her hand. <Devvyn> ::smiles:: A long night, I know... Thank you, my lady, for the pleasure of your company. <Loria> ::smiling:: I am sorry, my lord. I have been awake for almost an entire day now. But I have enjoyed it. <Devvyn> I'm glad... ::he leads her toward the gangplank, where the other guests are slowly disembarking, and offers her his arm to steady her until they are once again on solid ground:: * Loria wobbles a little as they step onto the ground. <Devvyn> ::puts an arm around her waist to steady her:: Steady, m'lady. <Loria> ::laughing:: A little too much to drink. And I'm not at all used to boats. <Devvyn> ::looks down into her face with a sad smile:: I will cherish the memory of this evening, my lady... Thank you. <Loria> ::looking up at him:: I... I am sorry, my lord. <Devvyn> ::gently touches the side of her face:: No. The fault is mine. I should not have hesitated, I think... ::he smiles wistfully, then bends to kiss her cheek very softly:: I hope your betrothed knows what a treasure he has... <Loria> ::laughs softly, still looking slightly worried:: Right now, he's probably thinking much less flattering thoughts about me. <Devvyn> ::looks worried:: I hope I haven't gotten you in too much trouble... Please, lay the entire blame at my door, if it will ease things... ::he smiles faintly:: It was my deception, after all... ::he looks up and gestures:: The carriage will take you home. It's too late for you to be walking the streets alone. <Loria> ::squeezing his hand lightly:: Thank you, my lord. I do... appreciate everything you've done. ::hands him the rose he gave her:: <Devvyn> ::takes the rose and looks down at it for a moment before lifting his head and squaring his shoulders to watch her go:: * Loria climbs into the carriage and gives the driver her address. * Devvyn stands in the street, watching until the carriage is entirely out of sight. * Loria fidgets in the coach, her eyes openly worried as she removes the bracelet, necklace and hairclip, putting them into her pocket. <Kevil> ::There is a light burning in the library of Kevil and Loria's home. When the carriage pulls up in front of the house, the light shifts and disappears, re-emerging in the foyer.:: * Loria gets out of the carriage, smoothing her skirt again, then heads into the house. * Kevil is waiting in the foyer, a single candle lighting the room. His shirt is untucked, his hair dishevelled, and his eyes haunted. "Loria." * Loria ducks her head, taking a deep breath. <Kevil> ::hesitates, looking at her curiously:: You are... well? <Loria> ::nodding a little:: I am... <Kevil> ::sighs, some of the tension leaving him. He steps forward and puts his hands on either side of her face, just looking at her for a long moment:: <Loria> I'm sorry... I... ::she hesitates, not really sure where to begin:: <Kevil> ::pulls her into a tight embrace:: I was so *worried*, n'shava... What happened? <Loria> ::resting her forehead against his chest:: I thought... ::taking the bracelet and clip and notes out of her pocket:: I thought it was you... <Kevil> ::looks down, blinking in confusion:: You thought... ::he picks up one of the notes and scans it, then the others:: I think... Va. ::he frowns:: Who was it? <Loria> ::pulling nervously at one of the curls hanging down the side of her face:: One of my student's father... a widower. I... I sent you a note, when I found out... did you get it? <Kevil> ::nods:: Not until... I had gone out, looking... stupid of me - where would I begin? But I could not sit idle... The note was waiting, when I returned. * Loria blinks a few times, her eyes brimming. "I am sorry. I didn't know you... Oh, love, I thought it was you." She displays the bracelet with the roses. <Kevil> ::looks at the bracelet and laughs raggedly:: It does seem like a thing I might do... ::he sighs and pulls her close again:: * Loria takes a hitching breath, then hugs him tightly. <Kevil> ::holds her close for a long moment, whispering:: I love you... <Loria> ::takes a deep breath, brushing at her eyes, impatiently:: I'd best tell you the rest. He... wanted to know if it was too late for him. I... ::she looks flustered:: I didn't really know what to say, I'm not used to being courted. <Kevil> ::raises an eyebrow, then sighs almost sadly:: Ah... The poor man. ::he caresses her cheek:: What *did* you say? <Loria> Only the truth... ::she looks away, out the window:: I would not mislead him, although I felt... obligated to stay and dance, after all this. ::she twitches the skirt slightly:: <Kevil> ::nods slightly, looking down at the dress appraisingly:: Extravagant. ::he frowns suddenly:: Loria, love... What did you do to your hair? * Loria blushes suddenly, putting her hand to the curls. "I... you don't like it?" <Kevil> ::considers, tugging gently on a ringlet:: I like the curls... What happened to the silver? <Loria> ::almost a whisper:: I dyed it. <Kevil> For... him? Or is it what you wanted? <Loria> ::coloring:: The hairdresser suggested it... <Kevil> Ah... ::he tips her face up a little more, studying the effect:: I liked the silver, I admit. But if you prefer this... ::he smiles faintly:: It is only a slight change, after all. <Loria> ::sighs:: I don't know... it'll grow back out though, if you liked it the other way. <Kevil> ::kisses her cheek:: You did not believe me? But truly, it is not such a... I am only surprised, d'va? Certainly it does not affect my feeling for you! ::he runs a hand down her arm, idly enjoying the feel of the satin:: <Loria> ::looking uncomfortable:: Kevil... I... I don't know, I just feel very awkward right now. I didn't mean to upset anyone. <Kevil> ::soberly:: I know, n'shava. <Loria> ::her chin trembling slightly:: No one ever... ::she takes a step away, looking out the window:: I don't know. <Kevil> ::puts a hand on her shoulder:: Loria? <Loria> ::swallowing:: I don't know, Kevil. No one ever paid court to me. It never occurred to me... to think it might be someone else. <Loria> ::hurrying on:: He spent so much *money*. On me. And... ::she blinks several times:: I barely know him... I didn't know what to say. <Kevil> ::slides his arms around her:: N'shava... it was his choice, d'va? To spend the money, to make the attempt? <Loria> ::shifting uncomfortably:: I... I am sorry... I told him so. <Kevil> ::nods:: He was not angry? Hurt? <Loria> ::very softly:: He was sad. <Kevil> I would also be sad, to lose a chance at one such as you... ::considers her for a moment:: Do you regret it? <Loria> ::looking up at him:: Regret what? That he was sad? Yes. That my decision was made long before I ever laid eyes on him... no. I would rather be with you than any other. <Kevil> ::smiles and kisses her gently:: Thank you. I wish I knew what to say, n'shava, for him... It is... I do not know what to do, other than to allow him to come to terms with it as best he may, in his own way and time. <Loria> ::scuffling her foot slightly:: I'm sorry you were worried... <Kevil> ::smiles and kisses her cheek:: I, also. But I will mend, now that you are safe home again, I think. Thank you for sending word, when you could. <Loria> ::twists her mouth into a smile:: I think that's when he knew, no matter what I might have said. <Kevil> ::nods, his eyes sympathetic, and rubs his face in her curls:: This crazy place... ::he says it resignedly, without heat:: <Loria> ::glancing up at him:: What? <Kevil> In Alanis, he would still have hope, d'va? ::shrugs, smiling tiredly:: The old argument. <Loria> ::shrugging:: I would not... not here... it would be misunderstood. <Kevil> ::nods:: Va. It is what we agreed, is it not? ::he sighs, then yawns:: Come to bed, n'shava. It is very, *very* late. I want to hold you in my arms and sleep indecently late. ::he smiles:: <Loria> ::takes his hand:: Yes... ::she yawns:: I am tired as well. ::a bit amused:: And my feet hurt. <Kevil> Ah? ::he scoops her up into his arms, grinning:: Let us relieve that immediately. <Loria> ::laughing:: Ah, I do love you... <Kevil> ::smiles and kisses her nose as he carries her through the atrium:: Good. Get the door for me, n'shava; my hands are full. * Loria leans over, opening the door. * Kevil edges through the door, gently kicking it closed, then sets Loria in the center of the bed before straightening to strip off his clothes and toss them into the corner. * Loria watches him, then undoes her gown, slipping out of it. "Should I return it, do you think?" * Kevil shakes his head as he climbs under the covers. "It was made for you... You know him better than I, n'shava, but if you would honor his sacrifice, I would think you should wear it..." * Loria folds the dress and lays it on the blanket chest, then joins him in bed. "All right. Good night, my love." <Kevil> ::sleepily:: Good night, n'shava... ::he wraps his arms around her protectively, and slips into sleep almost immediately.:: * Loria settles into his arms, but lays awake, staring at the ceiling. |
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