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* Cat steps down from the coach, shouldering her much-worn pack and carrying a second case. She looks up at the facade of the school nervously, commenting softly, "Why is the idea of living making me so much more nervous that the idea of dying did?" * Bastian hauls her trunk down from the back of his carriage. "My lady, I'm quite sure that living is harder. I do it every day. Much harder than dying. Dying is easy." <Cat> ::nods:: I commend your bravery, milord. ::smiling a little:: Will you go with me to report to Master Bluestar, then? <Bastian> ::with a grunt he settles her trunk on his shoulder:: Now *there's* a real test of my courage, my lady. But yes. After we put your things down. That much of a disadvantage I do not wish to be at. ::indicates her trunk:: <Cat> ::smiles and shakes her head a little:: I can understand why he terrifies students, but why he should worry *you* is a mystery to me. ::brushes out her skirts before pulling open the front door and glancing around a little apprehensively:: <Bastian> ::chuckling:: I'm no more immune to being turned into a table than you are, my lady. <Cat> ::smiling:: That's a joke. Mostly. Well, as far as I know, it only happened once, really. ::turning to the right and heading for the staircase:: Come, my room's upstairs... * Bastian nods, shifting his grip on the trunk. * Cat mounts the stairs, tensing a little as a female student starts to descend them, and relaxing again as she only smiles and nods politely to Cat, giving Bastian a curious glance. <Bastian> ::muttering:: Why do I feel like a servant? <Cat> ::chuckling a little:: In *those* clothes? That *would* make me a duchess. <Bastian> ::giving her a quick half-smile:: <Bastian> I did say you could be, my lady... <Cat> ::glancing over her shoulder at him suspiciously as she tops the steps and pushes through the door to the girls' hall:: Aye, you did... I'm not going to be, am I? I'm sure I'm due for changes enough to my way of life. <Bastian> ::shifting his grip on the trunk again:: Not this week, my lady. What have you put in this thing, anyway? Rocks? <Cat> ::holding the door for him, studying the trunk with a small frown:: No, silly... a few gowns, necessaries, a pair of boots... perhaps a schoolbook or two.... <Bastian> ::puts the trunk onto the floor with a thump:: <Cat> ::raising her eyebrows, looking hesitant:: Milord? <Bastian> ::straightening:: Yes, my lady? <Cat> ::points down the hall:: Just a *little* farther, I promise. <Bastian> ::sighs, picking the trunk back up:: <Cat> ::looks meek, and hurries down the deserted hall to her door, digging out her key and pushing inside with a sigh:: Well... they didn't clear my room, that's a good sign.... * Bastian looks around, then sets the trunk gingerly on the bed. "Well... here you are, my lady." <Cat> Here I am. ::looking around her room slowly, absently smoothing her old coverlet with a distant look:: It wasn't so long ago that I thought I was making this bed for the last time... * Bastian looks around the room, his eyes taking in detail with only a glance. <Cat> "Putting your affairs in order." Such an odd phrase... hm. ::sighs and shrugs, dropping her pack and case on the floor beside the bed:: Well... but life continues. <Bastian> ::nodding slowly:: Indeed, it does do that. Usually whether we will it to or not. <Cat> ::smiling a little:: True. ::looking around again:: It's strange... it looks the same. It... feels like it shouldn't, somehow. <Bastian> ::runs his fingers over some things on her desk:: Are you ready, then? <Cat> ::nods a little reluctantly:: I'm just stalling. ::removes her cloak, tossing it with the ease of custom so that it hooks on a peg beside her closet door:: * Bastian pauses a moment, then removes some of his more obvious weaponry. <Cat> Oh. ::blushes a little, and pushes open a small trunk at the foot of her bed:: They'll be safe in here. <Bastian> ::nodding, putting his blades in the trunk:: Precaution only, my lady. I am a guest here. <Cat> ::Firmly:: You are *my* guest. Mutual protection pact? ::smiles and hold out her hand to him as she steps out the door:: * Bastian takes her arm. * Cat pauses to lock her door again, snugging up against him a little as they head for the stairs again. * Bastian pats her hand encouragingly, looking around the school. * Cat points to the left as they turn towards the door out of the girls' quarters again. "Girls' lounge. My friend Prin-- Prinda-- lives back down the other end of the hall." She pushes through the door, and points to the end of the short hall and slightly to the left. "Boys' monitor rooms there." <Bastian> ::raises an eyebrow:: Will I be allowed to visit you, after dark, then, my lady? ::his tone is sardonic:: <Cat> ::smiles a little:: We're treated as adults. Mostly. Except when we try to sneak into the boys' rooms. ::grins:: There's a balcony off the girls' lounge, but... I'm not sure even you could be quiet enough to avoid waking a floor full of psionicists. <Bastian> ::thoughtfully:: Perhaps not. <Cat> ::chuckles softly:: I sense the tone of a man who feels he's been challenged.... ::stops at the bottom of the stairs, taking a deep breath as she faces a door just to the left:: <Cat> ::licking her lips nervously:: Master Bluestar's office is just at the end of the hall, here... funny, I never thought of it before... his and Mistress Tyl's offices are *exactly* below the monitors' rooms... heh. ::opens the door to the short hallway:: <Bastian> ::nodding:: All right. ::he gives her a small nudge, stepping slightly behind her:: * Cat raises a hand to wrap it around the single pearl worn as a pendant around her neck, and takes another calming breath before striding briskly down the hall and knocking on Bluestar's door. <Bluestar> ::a voice issues, unmuffled, from behind the door:: Come in Miss Suchart... and friend. <Bastian> ::raises his eyebrows again:: * Cat gives Bastian a somewhat weak reassuring smile before opening the door. "Good evening, Master Bluestar. Um... I'm back." * Bastian leans casually against the doorjamb, closing the door quietly. * Bluestar is sitting behind his massive oaken desk, and slides a quill into its holder as they enter. "So I gathered, when I saw you exit the coach still standing outside our main entryway. I trust your personal and/or family matters are acceptably resolved?" <Cat> ::nods, swallowing:: Both personal and family matters are resolved, yes, sir. Well... for the most part, at any rate. <Bluestar> Do you anticipate needing another leave of absence, Miss Suchart? I had hoped this would not become a regular occurrence. <Cat> ::shakes her head:: No, sir, I have every intention of finishing out my terms uninterrupted. Well, aside from the standard holidays, of course. ::toys with the folds of her skirts for a moment before folding her hands together rather firmly in front of her:: * Bastian nods in agreement with Cat's statements, crossing his arms loosely over his chest. <Bluestar> Very good, Miss Suchart. I'm sure your professors will be glad to see you back in your classes. * Cat sneaks a glance behind her to reassure herself that Bastian is still there, and that there are no new pieces of furniture blocking the doorway. <Cat> ::nods:: I've been trying to keep up my practices, while I was... away, sir. ::chewing on her lower lip:: There was one other thing... <Bluestar> And, Miss Suchart, that would be...? <Cat> ::releasing her hands, reaching one behind her to Bastian:: I wished to make my fiance, Lord Bastian Hooke, known to you, and ask permission that he be allowed to visit me in the dorms. <Bluestar> ::Bluestar's gaze drifts over:: Hooke. * Bastian removes his hat, bowing gracefully. "Professor Bluestar." * Bluestar looks back to Cat. "I'll inform the hall monitors that he may visit you, and he will be governed by the same rules as all non-students." His gaze moves back to Bastian. "To summarize, as long as the visitor doesn't cause any trouble, or have any complaints lodged against him, he is allowed to visit." <Bastian> ::straightening, he secures his hat again:: Most assuredly, Professor. My thanks. <Cat> ::letting out a breath she didn't know she was holding:: Thank you, sir. Um... ::with the look of one who fears she's tempting fate:: *you* have no complaint against him, do you, sir? <Bluestar> Should I, Miss Suchart? <Cat> ::steadily:: I don't believe so, sir. But then, he saved my life, so I believe I might be biased. * Bastian draws in his breath, letting it out steadily and doing his best to look not entirely exasperated with this. * Bluestar smiles faintly. "Did he now? Miss Suchart, go wait in the lecture hall. Master Hooke and I will rejoin you shortly." <Cat> ::looking faintly alarmed as she takes a step back towards the door:: Both in one piece and breathing? <Bastian> ::giving Cat a long, serious look:: Go on, my lady. <Bluestar> Lecture hall, Miss Suchart. You haven't been gone so long I need to give you explicit directions, do I? <Cat> ::nodding meekly:: Yes, my lord. ::exiting the room:: * Bastian watches her go, his eyes slightly troubled and thoughtful. <Bluestar> ::the door swings shut untouched after Cat passes through it, the lock tumblers turning into place:: * Bluestar stands up. * Bastian turns to face Bluestar, shifting his weight slightly forward onto his toes. * Cat winces a little as she hears the door lock behind her, but doesn't pause, continuing down the hall to the lecture room and taking a seat in the back of the empty auditorium to bite her nails. <Bluestar> I'll be brief, and hopefully crystal clear. I don't enjoy repeating myself. You may see her. If things end, you go away, and never bother her again. If anything happens to any of my students, you should have an airtight alibi that does *not* rely wholly on Miss Suchart. Understood? <Bastian> ::bowing slightly:: I have told my lady repeatedly that I do not desire your enmity, Bluestar. My interest in her is personal, not professional. <Bluestar> Do make sure that it stays that way. Anything else? <Bastian> ::slightly concerned:: I fear... for her safety. She will have to be coached, at least a little, to avoid... certain indiscretions. You will not object? <Bluestar> You are the one exposing her to these dangers, Mace. It seems only natural that you be held responsible for shielding her from them. I would prefer she remain as untouched by your businesses as possible, but ultimately, that is her decision. <Bastian> As much as I am able. ::he glances down, his eyes resting for a moment on Bluestar's wedding band:: My lady would not be the first woman who had the misfortune to love a... ::he gives Bluestar his half-smile:: a scoundrel. <Bluestar> ::Bluestar's expression darkens:: There isn't time enough to enumerate the differences in our situations. I trust that I have made my position clear. This conversation ::the tumblers snick back into place, and the door swings open a fraction of an inch:: is over. Let's go see if Cat remembers where the lecture hall is. <Bastian> ::steps sideways out into the hallway, bowing for Bluestar to precede him:: As you say. * Bluestar walks past Bastian, down the Hall, entering the lecture hall ahead of Bastian. "Catreenia." * Bastian takes up a familiar position, walking just to the left and slightly behind Bluestar. * Cat rises from her seat at the sound of soft footsteps in the hallway, turning at the sound of Bluestar's voice. "Sir?" As Bastian enters, she rushes forward to embrace him tightly, tense shoulders relaxing. <Bastian> ::taking Cat into his arms:: You need not worry so much, my lady. * Bluestar takes a step back from the pair, and idly looks around at the ceiling for a moment. <Cat> ::her voice slightly muffled against his shirt:: I'm merely relieved to learn I'll be selecting my china to eat *with* my husband, instead of *on* him. * Bastian pats her shoulder. <Bluestar> One more thing, Lord Hooke. I should have mentioned it earlier... * Cat releases him with a sigh, but keeps hold of his arm. <Bastian> ::glancing over:: * Bluestar holds out his hand and drops Bastian's long knife onto the podium. "There's a no weapons on campus policy. Do try to abide by it." * Cat looks from Bluestar to the knife a little wide-eyed and, after a somewhat breathless pause, starts to giggle. <Bastian> ::his expression darkly surprised:: Indeed... ::takes a step forward:: I'll bear it in mind. <Bluestar> I can't tell you how glad I am to hear that. <Bastian> ::pressing his fist to his chest briefly, he gives Bluestar a rather curt bow:: * Bluestar returns the bow, his arms stiff at his sides, both hands in fists. * Cat manages to recover herself, coughing into her fist and clearing her throat. <Cat> Thank you, Master Bluestar. For everything you've done. ::smiling a little:: *And* for worrying. * Bastian recovers his knife, returning the sheath to its accustomed location. <Bluestar> I will inform the monitors of your expected presence, Lord Hooke. Good day, both of you. <Bastian> Good day, sir. ::turning to Cat:: I should attend the carriage, my lady. I'll return shortly. <Cat> ::dropping a small curtsey:: Good day, Master Bluestar. ::nods:: I'll be up in my room. ::smiling faintly:: Unpacking my rock collection. <Bastian> ::with a hasty bow to Cat, he turns, leaving the room, his boots ringing off the polished marble floors:: * Bluestar leaves the lecture hall, and heads down towards the stairway. * Cat pauses, her hand on the door, waiting for the trembles of reaction to pass. * Cat takes a deep breath and lets it out, opening the door and exiting the lecture hall, heading up the stairs. * Bastian steps into his coach, his expression flatly neutral. Divesting himself of most of his assorted weaponry, he gives terse instructions to his driver, then heads back into the building. * Cat sags against her door a little as she fumbles her keys out of her pouch again, not noticing the girl exiting the student lounge who does a double-take down the hall. * Bastian takes the stairs two at a time, his long legs covering ground rapidly. * Cat pushes open her door and is halfway through it when a voice from behind stops her. "Well, well. Look who finally deigned to return." <Cat> ::turns, tensing again:: Prin! I just got back... I was going to come find you in a bit... I know, I've got explaining to do, I'm sure... * Bastian pauses just around the corner, tilting his head to listen. <Prinda> ::putting her hands on her hips, her voice cold:: Explaining? *Now* you feel like explaining? A note, Cat. You left me a damned *note*! I thought I was your best friend, and I have to find out from the rumor mill that you've been sleeping with Roni, of all people, because *you're* off gods-know-where on a "family emergency." <Cat> ::weakly:: Prin... I'm sorry... I didn't mean to-- you were in class, and I had to go, and I really *couldn't* explain it... not then... please, come in, we can talk... <Prinda> I am *not* going to be hushed up, Catreenia Suchart! ::despite her words, she lowers her voice to a hiss:: Did it take you a whole month, then, to get rid of his baby? * Bastian stiffens slightly, his eyes narrowing. <Cat> ::covering her mouth:: Prin, gods, is *that* what people think I-- <Prinda> Well, who knows *what* to think, with you gone, and Roni and Mira taking off right behind you? All sorts of rumors! ::snorts:: One of them even says Mira killed you for sleeping around with her man behind her back. <Cat> Roni and Mira-- are gone? They... left the school? ::faintly, as she sags against her doorframe:: Gods.... * Bastian takes a deep breath, his eyes narrowing further, as if to shield off some unwanted thought. <Prinda> Oh, so you care what happened with them, after you ran away? Like you cared about your precious principles, when you and Roni-- ::she stops in a choking sob, turning her head half-away, eyes glistening with tears:: Dammit, Cat, did you forget that I liked him, too? How *could* you? <Cat> Oh... oh, Prin, I'm so sorry... ::hugging her stiff-shouldered friend:: No, I didn't forget, I just didn't *think*. ::soberly:: I didn't think about anyone, and I hurt *everyone*, self included. It was a horrible thing to do... I'm sorry, Prin. <Prinda> ::sniffling into Cat's shoulder for a few moments before unbending enough to hug her back a little:: Damn you anyway... but don't think I've forgiven you yet, not by a long shot. So... are you going to invite me in, and tell me where you've *been* for the last four weeks? <Bastian> ::stepping out from the side passage, he continues down the hall:: My lady? <Prinda> ::turns in startled surprise, releasing Cat and looking at Bastian with frank curiosity:: <Cat> Oh! ::looking from Prinda to Bastian, and smiling at Bastian:: Bastian, may I present to you my best friend, Prinda. ::squeezing Prin's hand lightly:: Prin, Lord Bastian Hooke... my fiance. <Prinda> ::turns her wide gaze on Cat:: You don't *ever* waste time, *do* you? ::looking back and forth between them before giving Bastian a small curtsey:: Lord Hooke. <Bastian> ::bowing again, catching his hat neatly in one hand:: A pleasure, madam. <Prinda> Yes, well... we'll see about that. ::looking back as Cat makes a somewhat strangled noise, and grinning as she turns back to Bastian:: How did you two meet, anyway? * Cat cocks her head at Bastian in attentive interest at Prin's question. <Bastian> ::smiling:: We... crossed paths by chance. <Prinda> ::raises her eyebrows: Oh? * Bastian gives Prinda a long appraising look. "She had business in Arabel, and I offered my services." <Cat> ::tugging on Prinda's sleeve:: C'mon, Prin. *In*side. And don't you *dare* say out loud what I know you're thinking! <Bastian> ::laughs shortly, following the girls into the room:: * Prinda grins, studying Bastian over her shoulder as Cat bundles her into the room. * Cat shuts the door behind them, snicking the lock shut after a moment's thought. "So. Isn't this cozy? Ye gods..." She crosses to her bed, heaving the trunk off of it and thumping it to the floor in front of her closets. * Bastian leans against the door frame, bending one leg and planting his booted foot against the wall. <Cat> ::pulling out her desk chair, and hooking a small footstool from under her bed to sit on herself:: Please excuse the limited seating arrangements. I don't often entertain this many visitors in my room. Shut *up*, Prin. <Bastian> ::raising an eyebrow:: <Cat> ::to Bastian:: My best friend is rather indisposed towards me because of the... precipitous fashion in which I left. So she would no doubt desire to mention, in the presence of my intended husband, that generally I only entertain boys in my room. One at a time, that is. ::cheeks coloring faintly:: <Prinda> ::with an air of great helpfulness:: And sufficient furniture is generally not a problem. <Bastian> ::coughs, covering his mouth with his hand:: I imagine not... <Cat> ::coloring deeper:: *Thank* you, Prin. <Prinda> ::smiling sweetly:: You're welcome, Cat. So-- what *happened*??? <Bastian> ::giving his little half-smile, he gestures to Cat grandly:: I wouldn't dream of interfering. Do continue. <Cat> ::taking a deep breath and giving Bastian a mild glare:: I slept with Roni. It was late, we were both pretty tired and silly and... well, one thing led to another, and, in short, I did something utterly thoughtless and shameless because I... I didn't care anymore what happened. I just... wanted to. ::staring at the floor:: And then morning came, and Roni started having second thoughts, and we... did it again. <Bastian> ::closes his eyes, leaning his head back against the wall:: <Prinda> ::pales somewhat, but says nothing:: <Cat> ::closing her eyes, her voice faint:: I'm sorry... gods, I'm so sorry... ::swallowing:: Then... Roni disappeared, over the weekend, and Mira looked, and I looked, and... well, I found him. He'd gone off and gotten himself potted... he... he loves Mira, really he does. ::biting her lip:: And I couldn't ignore that anymore... I couldn't ignore what I *did* to them, and what that made me... and... we broke it off. * Bastian opens his eyes to look at Catreenia, his expression troubled. <Cat> ::glancing at Prinda:: You said... they went away... they left school-- together? <Prinda> ::frowning deeply, eyes troubled:: I... think so. At least... Lotho saw them come out of Bluestar's office together. The word is "leave of absence," like yours, tho' no one knows for sure. Or why. <Cat> ::sighs, sitting back and looking somewhat relieved:: So... perhaps that's one thing I didn't manage to destroy, after all... * Cat meets Bastian's troubled look, and tries to smile a little. <Bastian> ::half-smiles at her, his dark eyes slightly pained:: <Cat> ::biting her lip, dropping her eyes again as she picks up the story:: So... I was... pretty depressed, and confused, and... not liking myself very much... and I just... I wasn't sure, anymore, what I was doing, who I really was... ::toying with the end of her braid, wrapping it around her finger:: So... I left. And... Lord Bastian, who ran across me in the middle of all of this, was good enough to accompany me and... look after my welfare. <Cat> ::lifts her eyes to smile at Bastian again, more genuinely this time:: <Bastian> ::laying one hand on his chest, repeating the small bow he made to Bluestar:: With my very life, my lady. <Prinda> ::looks back and forth between the two, eyes widening a little:: But... then "family business"-- you weren't... um, in a family way? <Bastian> ::covering his mouth with his hand:: <Cat> ::laughing a little:: Oh! No. No, not at all. ::sobering as she glances sidelong at Prin:: I... went to find my great-grandmother. <Prinda> ::looking shocked:: Cat! Were you *suicidal*? Why-- ::covering her mouth, her face going white:: Oh. Gods. You were, weren't you? <Bastian> ::gently:: No, madam Prinda. She only needed a reason to go on believing in herself. <Cat> ::glances at Bastian again and nods reluctant agreement:: But... you *did* save my life. ::softly:: Without you, milord, I doubt I'd have found that reason. <Prinda> ::looks from one to the other again and then looks away, smiling a little and blushing faintly:: <Bastian> ::moving from his nonchalant pose by the door, he takes a step across the room and drops to one knee, taking up Cat's hand:: Please... ::his voice catches slightly:: I pray, do not mention it again, my lady. I am still tormented by your pain. <Cat> ::curling her fingers around his, and lifting his hand to her lips to kiss it lightly:: Oh my love... don't be. Without the pain, I would never have found what came after. <Prinda> ::blushes deeply, studying Cat's closet, and clears her throat softly:: <Bastian> ::gives a slightly embarrassed cough, directing his eyes at Prinda:: Um... <Cat> ::blushing and clearing her own throat, looking meek, but giving Bastian a brilliant smile:: <Prinda> ::addressing Cat's closet:: But-- your great-grandmother? <Bastian> ::his eyes darken slightly, his hand dropping to where his knife would ordinarily be:: A most unpleasant experience, in my opinion. <Cat> ::sobering, not letting go of Bastian's hand, but nodding:: I found her. But... it wasn't what I'd expected. She... well, it was complicated. Near as I could gather, she had an argument of some sort with my great-grandfather... I don't know if she saw something in the past she shouldn't have, or started to see the future... ::shudders a little:: <Bastian> ::darkly:: Spirits... <Cat> ::shakes her head:: Anyway, they argued, and she fell, and died... it was an *accident*, but my great-grandfather thought he'd killed her. ::rubbing her arms as she stares at the wall:: His shade was there, by the well, mourning her. He was afraid, so he put it out that she'd committed suicide... but his guilt was so strong that he stayed with her, after he died. And he couldn't even *hear* her. She would have been gone, but for his grief. <Bastian> ::shuddering:: And, perhaps, not entirely gone, even now. ::he gestures to Cat's eyes with one hand:: <Prinda> ::gives Bastian a quizzical look, and looks at Cat, leaning forward:: Cat! Your eyes! What-- the shades? ::her own eyes like saucers:: <Cat> Well... all this time, my parents were *protecting* me from her... and... there wasn't anything to protect against. *She* was just fine, she just wanted to go to her rest. And she needed me-- or someone like me-- to get there. <Bastian> ::still dubious:: Yes, my lady, but they almost took you with them. <Cat> ::swallowing:: Great-grandpapa... thought I was her. ::touching her hand to her eyes briefly:: And in a sense, I am, now. I'm her second chance. <Prinda> ::shaking her head:: I forgive you. ::shaking a finger:: Although next time, I want more than a note. Pull me out of class if you have to, but *tell* me. I was so worried, Cat! <Bastian> ::gripping her hand, his eyes bleak, then turns to Prinda:: You had reason to be. <Prinda> But... ::sounding a little dubious:: You were there with her, the whole time...? <Bastian> ::nodding:: Yes. And still, he nearly took her. I am only a man, madam. I cannot fight the dead. <Prinda> ::shudders, and rubs her arms, huddling in the chair:: Cat, you were a bloody fool. But I'm glad you're back in one piece. ::smiling a little coyly at Bastian:: Or... two pieces. <Bastian> ::raises an eyebrow, looking over at Cat:: She does know you well, does she not? * Cat snorts. "Aye, she does." <Bastian> ::touching the last of the fading scrape on Cat's face:: And you didn't even tell her about the horses. <Prinda> ::alertly:: Horses? <Bastian> ::chuckling softly:: Woman damn near stops my heart. Took off at a dead gallop across the fields... <Cat> ::making a face:: I hoped to keep some small shred of my dignity... ::sighs:: We went riding, and I got mad at something and tried to race my horse, and predictably enough... I fell off. <Bastian> ::snorting:: I'd break your dignity into a hundred pieces if that's what it takes to keep you from doing that again. <Prinda> ::shakes her head, looking disgusted:: Get used to it, Lord Bastian. That's classic Cat, I'm afraid. ::grins at Cat:: <Cat> ::sniffing:: Well, I'm certainly not going to be running from *you* again, my lord. <Prinda> ::grins wider:: Cat, you sound like one of Roni's novels. <Cat> :laughs:: Do I? <Bastian> ::looks moderately grouchy:: I hope *not*. <Cat> ::grins wickedly at Bastian:: That's right... Roni told me he doesn't write rake-books. <Prinda> ::chokes on a laugh:: <Bastian> ::raising his eyebrow at her:: I'm under no illusions about your morality either, my lady. * Cat sticks her tongue out at him and grins. <Bastian> So very genteel you are, my lady. ::turns to Prinda with mock despair:: You see how I am besieged. <Cat> <Prinda> ::chuckling:: Lord Bastian, it's going to take a great deal of work to turn *her* into a lady. I hope you know what you're in for. <Cat> ::with mock-outrage:: *PRIN!* <Prinda> ::grins at Bastian:: See? <Bastian> ::gives Prinda one of his rare smiles:: Ah well... <Prinda> ::blushes suddenly at his smile, looking at Cat:: Well! Good choice. <Cat> ::smugly:: *I* thought so. <Bastian> ::tugging on her braid lightly:: Subtle, my lady. <Prinda> ::shakes her head, smiling:: I would tell you two to find a room, but since you're already *in* one... ::rising:: Cat, it's good to have you back. I'll give you the dish later. ::curtseying:: Lord Bastian, it was a pleasure to meet you. <Bastian> ::standing and bowing exquisitely:: Madam. <Prinda> ::blushes again, covering her mouth and glancing back at Cat:: Oh, keep this one, definitely. He's got nice manners. <Bastian> ::half smiling again:: <Cat> ::smiling a little goofily at Bastian:: I'll try my best... tho' honestly, I'm not certain how I got him in the first place... <Prinda> ::chuckles:: Come by later, Cat. When you've unpacked. ::unlocks the door, and slips out, closing it behind her:: <Bastian> ::turning to Catreenia:: And, my lady, having been left so conveniently alone... <Cat> ::grins and gets up, locking the door again:: Yes, my lord? ::smiling innocently:: You're going to help me unpack? <Bastian> ::catching her about the waist, he hoists her up:: No, my lady. <Cat> ::smiling down at him, guarding her head against the ceiling:: No? <Bastian> ::dropping her lightly onto her feet:: Well, if you insist, my lady. ::he turns towards the trunk:: <Cat> Ah! ::teetering a moment for balance and sighing:: When will I learn not to play games I can't win? <Bastian> ::reaching into his vest, he pulls a small tool from a pocket, then makes a few passes at the lock of her trunk, opening it neatly:: If I have very good luck, never. <Cat> ::blinks a little at the ease with which he opened her trunk:: Locks are just a formality, aren't they? <Bastian> ::nodding a bit:: They are only advertisement that there is something interesting within. <Cat> ::raises an eyebrow:: So what's a "keep out" sign? <Bastian> ::holding up his tool a moment:: If I may? <Cat> ::nods, and gestures permission:: <Bastian> ::lightly, he makes a small scratch near the lock, almost random in design:: There, my lady. <Cat> ::frowns at the scratch in puzzlement:: And that is...? <Bastian> ::calmly:: Guild marker. It's... *rude* to steal from your own. <Cat> ::blinks:: Oh. <Cat> ::frowning a little in thought:: So... what would happen if someone *did* steal from a Guild member? <Bastian> ::shrugging:: Depends on the theft... ::raises an eyebrow:: In the end, it is generally not worth the risk... <Cat> ::nods:: fair enough, milord. <Cat> In any case... since you *insist* on unpacking... ::smiling a little as she opens her trunk:: <Bastian> ::laughs shortly:: Your rocks, my lady. <Cat> Mm? ::frowns, noting a lumpiness under one gown:: I didn't... ::pulls out a bottle of wine, and another:: I didn't put those there.... <Bastian> ::taking out a bottle, he examines the label:: He likes you, my lady. ::hands her the bottle:: Andello vineyards. <Cat> ::studies the label, and laughs:: So it is... ::shakes her head:: My lord, I can't *wait* to meet the rest of your friends... |
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