Blind Dates: Nasku and Metarie

[Nasku]

“Isn’t it?” Nasku replied wistfully. He was still staring off into the distance, lost in thoughts, and only once he had actually spoken the words did he realise that someone had addressed him.

Pulling back from the railing a little, he instantly burst into a smile as his eyes fell on Metarie. “You look stunning! If I may say so,” he added, his cheeks growing a little warmer. The champagne had apparently not even lost a little of its effect. Or maybe it was just her glow that made him nervous – once again.

When his eyes briefly slid past her, they captured the lovely sight on the table on the patio. “Ah, our dinner has already been served, I see.” And what a presentation it was! Everything was hidden under silver dome-shaped serving dishes so the taste and heat would not escape, keeping everything fresh until the both of them were ready to dive into their culinary adventure.

“Would you prefer to eat straight away or would you rather enjoy another glass of bubbly before dinner?” The bottle with its little cold mist playing around it was still out on the patio as well, seemingly not even sweating in the sun. Either they employed special methods here or the staff was as good and attentive as he had been promised earlier. Either way, it looked as though they weren’t going to lack anything and wouldn’t have to worry about anything at all.

[Metarie]

The moon had risen and its light sparkled on the dark sea. Ree's gaze dropped to her glass and a small, pleased smile appeared at Nasku's compliment.

"Thank you. You look very nice as well."

When his gaze moved beyond her, Ree turned to see the table.

"Yes."

The setting was lovely. Candles flickered in the breeze, but stayed lit. Ree placed a hand on her stomach and chuckled. "I think if I drink anymore, I won't eat and that would be a disaster!" She grinned and moved to the table.

"Shall we?" Leaning slightly, she lifted the first silver dome. "Oh, it smells heavenly..."

On the platter was a local dish of mixed grilled fish paired with chard boiled with potatoes. Garlic, parsley, and tartufi mushrooms garnished the fish. Under another dome lay soft rolls and butter.

"Here, let me... " Ree smiled as gestured for Nasku to sit. "It is the least I can do."

With that she prepared a plate for him and then herself. "Isn't the blatant use of magic strange? Because I have some skills, I am not disturbed by it. But, it seems so odd to be surrounded by it." Ree took her seat and waited for Nasku to join her. "Please..." again she gestured for him to join her.

[Nasku]

Nasku joined Metarie at the table without hesitation. “I think you’re right. More alcohol would indeed be devastating, and I really do want to taste these dishes.”

The smells that suddenly wafted towards him when Metarie removed the first dome only added incentive to digging in as soon as possible. And he couldn’t agree more to her statement. Nodding happily, Nasku remained standing, inspecting the dishes and watching her put their dinner together. It was only when she gestured to him again that he finally took his seat as she had asked him to. He felt a little self-conscious letting her serve him but at the same time it was a nice gesture. Though he was glad that she now moved to her chair as well.

“It is indeed a little strange. I wasn’t sure at first whether it really was magic, but it had to be. Do you think they use magic for everything in their daily lives here?” He had heard a fair bit of it but for some reason he hadn’t really translated that into magic actually being omnipresent. Magic was a far more normal component of lives, unlike in Marn where it was sadly frowned upon.

When he put the fork in his mouth and his tongue was assaulted by a myriad of amazing tastes, Nasku paused all conversation – he had completely forgotten again what he had wanted to add anyway as soon as food had moved to the forefront – and let himself be carried away by the savours on his plate. “This is absolutely fantastic,” he muttered around a mushroom. “The fish is delicious.”

He cocked his head to the side as he peeked at Metarie from behind a strand of hair. “Are you content? Is the food to your liking? I’m sure we can have something else sent up if you’re not completely satisfied.”

[Metarie]

Ree watched Nasku take a bite and completely loose his train of thought. She looked amused.

"It must be good!"

With knife and fork, she gathered a little bit of everything together on her fork and took a bite. Her eyes closed involuntarily and and "mmm" escaped.

Opening her eyes, she shook her head. "Mm," she swallowed the bite. "Oh no, this is perfect." Taking another bit she savored the textures and flavors - sweet chard, earthy potato and mushrooms, spices, fish. "Amazing, actually." Taking up her glass, Ree took a sip.

"Ooh. The champagne compliments it well." She took another sip and nodded in satisfaction, looking over the table and at Nasku. "I couldn't ask for better."

After another bite or two, she picked up their line of conversation once more.

"It has to be magic. Look at these markings. I think they use them to keep the food warm and the champagne chilled." Ree touched the lid.

"Amazing, it's not hot, but when the lid is on the serving plate you can feel the warmth coming from it." She shook her head. "They must. The lighting, the heated bath water, can you imagine living somewhere where magic is so... so... " Ree frowned a little, looking for the word she wanted.

"...Omnipresent?" She leaned forward eyes widened slightly. "Doesn't it seem like that might stifle innovation?" Ree took another bite and chewed as she waited for Nasku to reply.

[Nasku]

He hadn’t noticed the marking on some of the items before but when Metarie pointed them out, he nodded. “Must be.” It was an interesting observation, yet it didn’t quite reach the level of interest the food held for him at the moment, though he was more than willing to engage in this slightly more unusual conversation topic.

“It does seem a little... odd, not to mention unusual.” Nasku agreed. Magic was always a delicate topic but he felt like he could speak freely around Metarie. Besides, they were nowhere near Marn and the city’s rules couldn’t get at them here. “I wouldn’t be surprised though if it was something to get used to fairly quickly.”

He couldn’t help but wonder if this might be one of the reasons why magic was so very frowned upon in Marn, the fact that it could make life so much easier and that people started relying more on magic than on their knowledge and their own two hands.

“I think I could imagine living in such a place, yes. Though I would just as happily not completely rely on it. Having magic at your disposal is all nice and well but I wouldn’t want it to take over completely. Some things are better enjoyed without the help of magic.”

His eyes lingered on Metarie as he spoke, the mushroom he had spiked onto his fork forgotten for the time being. Innovation… maybe she was right, yes. But that kind of thing was certainly not what he had in mind when he considered certain aspects in life which the use of magic could only ruin.

[Metarie]

Ree nodded. "I wonder about it. It's been proven over and over again that humans go mad with extended magic use." Ree tilted her head to the side and smiled bemusedly.

"Like what?" She meant, what things were better enjoyed without the help of magic. Ree reached for glass and drained what remained. She realized now, that some how she'd finished her meal and her drink without thinking about it. Her gaze met Nasku's and she felt her whole body flush.

[Nasku]

When she locked eyes with him, Nasku felt the heat in his own body rising. Her flush was starting to be noticeable, too, and he couldn’t deny that it pleased him – maybe more than it should.

There were many things he could have replied, and there actually were many things magic should not be used for, but there really was only one thing on his mind, only one thing that should never be abused and which was vital for this particular situation.

“Magic should never be used to kindle desire, lust or love. Magic should not be a factor in anything where intimacy is concerned. It could never replace the true power of a simple touch, or look.” His eyes briefly moved to her lips before flickering back up to catch her gaze once more. “Intimacy could never be entirely real if it were tainted with magic to arouse emotions.”

[Metarie]

For some reason, Ree hadn't expected that answer. It made perfect sense, of course, and was completely correct. Her thoughts were short-circuited, though, by the obvious look he gave her lips. She licked them without thinking.

"Well..." Ree scrambled to get her brain functioning properly. "Couldn't the same be said of alcohol, drugs, or natural aphrodisiacs?" She played with her champagne glass, rotating it in her fingers by the stem.

[Nasku]

“Mmmh, I guess so,” Nasku admitted, the corners of his lips lifting a little at her unconscious movement.

“Though there is more free will involved no matter which substance is used than if the will has been altered through the use of magic. Ultimately, even with drugs or alcohol or some kind of aphrodisiac in your system, it is still you very own will that drives you to do certain things, to feel certain emotions, even if you may not consciously have been aware of them before or the stimulant brings them out only then. They play with what is already in you, not with what something else has planted there.”

“Besides, aren’t aphrodisiacs merely used to enhance certain drives rather than induce non-existent ones?” Once again the smile on his face expanded a little as he took in Metarie’s slightly flustered state, but he couldn’t deny that he was starting to feel the effects of the alcohol and their conversation himself.

[Metarie]

"I think that is debatable. I think when inhibitions are lowered by substances, it is not will, but instinct. I have seen instances in my practice where substances have led to encounters that would not have occurred without them. People who claim to love someone end up with another just because the other was available. I would argue that it is not free will but a suppression of will." Ree felt the flush. Her skin felt unusually warm in all the usual places, but also low and deep. Whatever the feeling, it certainly wasn't due to the champagne. This was different.

"To be fair, though, I have not studied aphrodisiacs extensively. Naturally occurring ones probably just increase bloodflow and skin sensitivity." Ree reached for the bottle of champagne and offered it to Nasku, pouring for both of them.

"Goodness. Is it warm in here?" It couldn't be that warm given the tautness at her chest. Why was she so aware of the fabric there? Ree felt the need to cover up or at least move. "Perhaps we could move to the patio?"

Yes, the cool breeze would be nice.

[Nasku]

Nasku cocked his head to the side while he contemplated Metarie’s statement for a while. “Mmh, you’re right. I guess I’ve never considered it from that point of view.” He picked up his own glass and turned it between his fingers for a while. “Suppression of will...,” he repeated in a low voice. “Interesting way of putting it.”

When Metarie offered to refill his glass, he smiled. “Oh, thank you!”

He took a sip from the chilled drink and heaved a sigh. It felt good to have something cool in his hands and on his tongue, even if the relief from the heat was brief. “It really is a little warm.” Without further ado and without putting down his glass, Nasku got up from his chair and moved to Metarie’s side, offering his hand to help her up if she so wished.

“A little bit of fresh air would indeed be nice. Maybe we really should have had our entire meal on the patio. It might have been somewhat more refreshing. But at least the champagne will help a little.” He grinned at the woman, feeling a little giddy all of a sudden.

At least most of their meal had been polished off and he was sure there would be some sort of dessert served soon. He only hoped it would be something cold to counter the flush he could feel on his own skin.

As soon as they stepped back onto the patio where they had had their first drink, Nasku sighed again. The little breeze that was instantly greeting them felt astonishingly good. “What a blessing,” he muttered contentedly as he closed his eyes and ever so lightly lifted his face into the caressing wind.
Without changing position or opening his eyes, he inquired: “What would you like to do with the rest of our evening, my lady?”

[Metarie]

Ree slipped her hand into Nasku’s and was surprised. She hadn’t noticed his hands before, but now… another flush followed by a shiver ran through her. Ree stared at his hand for a moment, then looked up at him. He was so… close. She blinked and stood. And now, he was closer... He grinned at her. Ree stared at his mouth and blinked again.

Was she… was she really already drunk?

“Oh, my… that champagne has gone right to my head.” Ree laughed sheepishly and allowed Nasku to lead her outside. The breeze brushed over her skin, but did little to ease the heat that pooled low in her belly. Instead, it felt sensuous. At Nasku’s murmur, Ree turned to look at him.

In the soft light of candles and stars, his white hair was as luminous as the moon. One might even go so far as to say beguiling. Assuming, of course, he was a mirror image of the ancestor whose genes he’d received, one could imagine how a woman might succumb to him. Unaware of her thoughts, Nasku innocently asked,

“What would you like to do with the rest of our evening, my lady?”

Ree nearly stumbled over her words but was saved by a knock and a voice. What if he’d noticed her staring like that?!

The knock on the door and a voice preceded the concierge team, who quickly cleared the table and placed another metal covered, rune marked dish on the table nearby on the patio.

“A little champagne sorbet to finish your evening’s meal, my Lady, my Lord. I trust the meal met to your satisfaction? It included a natural, local specialty many believe food for lovers.”

Ree immediately blushed and looked away from Nasku. That might explain it… was it common practice to lace their guests food with aphrodisiacal properties?

“It was a lovely meal.” Ree took the dessert and the spoon the server offered.

“Something cooling is just what we needed.”

“Indeed, my Lady. Please feel free to leave the tray outside the door when you have finished. We will collect it without further interruptions.”

Ree nodded and waited for the servers to leave before tasting the sorbet.

“Amazing…” Iced treats like these were never served in Marn. The cold pantries just weren’t cold enough. Ree closed her eyes as she savored the taste, her mouth curving into a smile.

“You know, I’m so warm I think I could bathe in this stuff.” It took Ree a moment to realize that might have sounded like an answer to Nasku’s prior question.

“Oh…” Ree smiled at Nasku uncertainly, unsure how to progress. Ree took a few more bites in quick succession, which was definitely a poor idea. Her sinuses felt as if they had frozen up and she gained a quick headache.

“Oh!” Ree put the cup and spoon down and pinched the bridge of her nose, eyes squeezed shut. “Don’t eat it fast!”

She felt like an idiot. Here she was on a moonlit patio overlooking the ocean in a silken dress with an attractive man with a brain freeze. I am, she thought, an idiot. This sort of thing is exactly why she was still single after 95 years. Well, that and her work ethic. But still!

[Nasku]

Nasku’s eyes flew open at the sudden knock on the door and he felt strangely exposed. He hadn’t realised he had been standing in the breeze for that long, just letting it play around him and with his hair. What had Metarie thought? Hopefully she didn’t think he had forgotten to attend to her. Though from the way she was talking to the waiters now, she didn’t seem at all like she was dissatisfied by anything, so he should probably take that as a good sign.

He accepted the cup he was offered as well as the spoon and nodded in response to their instructions but didn’t say anything else. His eyes were on Metarie, who seemed unusually flushed. Was everything alright?
It was hot, he couldn’t deny it and even the lovely breeze hadn’t altogether removed the heat he felt himself but to such an extent? Were his cheeks reddened as well?
In order to hide the horror of that thought, Nasku preoccupied himself with the sorbet he had been handed. At least they stuck to the theme were alcohol was concerned, so he wouldn’t have to worry about the mix.

The taste was once again incredible and Nasku enjoyed the feeling of the cold sliding down his throat, providing a bit of relief.

At Metarie’s comment, his eyes flicked back up to her again, a mischievous grin on his face. “You know that could be...”

He didn’t get further than that when his companion suddenly put down her cup and pinched her nose, obviously suffering from something. “Are you alright?” He instantly put his cup down and moved to her side, his hands hovering around her, not quite sure what to do to make her feel better.

“Is there anything I can do?” He finally put his hand, the one that had been holding the cup and was thus a little colder, on her cheek. “Anything at all?” His eyes were searching over her face, but he was completely at a loss. He didn’t know what to do, and he wasn’t quite sure what the problem was. She had eaten the sorbet too quickly, that much she had said, but... Nasku was confused.

Despite his confusion and his worry, he was soon distracted by the feel of her skin underneath his hand and he suddenly felt like every nerfending his in hand was on edge, tingling with anticipation and want. Her cheek still felt a little warm despite the cooling effect of the dessert and he couldn’t help but notice the smoothness. Abstractedly, his thumb started lightly caressing over her cheek while he kept looking at her, hoping she would be alright.

[Metarie]

“Is there anything I can do?”

Nasku neared and placed his hand on her cheek. His hand was cool to the touch and it felt good. “Mmm… no. I think I just have to wait it out. I didn’t know if you ate cold things too quickly it would do that! How odd.”

Nasku’s thumb smoothed over the skin of her cheek softly.

“Anything at all?” The question seemed more intimate when coupled with the caress of his thumb on her cheek.

The hand she held to the bridge of her nose fell and she looked into Nasku’s eyes. Her heart skipped a beat and her breath quickened, too. Chill bumps rose on her skin and even the tips of her breasts reacted, pebbling under the thin, silken fabric of her dress. In other circumstances, a part of her might have noted her reactions with clinical fascination.

Her lips parted, “I… no. I’m fine. It was just the cold of the dessert. If you eat it too fast it gives you a sinus headache.” Ree gestured to the areas on the face where sinuses were found. “Probably because the sinuses are directly connected to the throat…” Ree’s voice trailed off. She blinked a few times, looking away and back at him again with her gaze. Inwardly, she cringed. She was talking medical things again.

[Nasku]

Nasku could feel the goosebumps race across her skin and wondered whether he should remove his hand but at the same time, he didn’t even want to. He didn’t want to break the connection, afraid what would happen if he did.

At the same time, he couldn’t help but wonder what would happen if he didn’t remove it. Her cheeks still felt flushed but she was obviously almost shuddering, and he wasn’t quite sure why. In the end, he just kept his hand where it was, his thumb still continuing its motion. He felt heat race across his own skin and his heart rate quicken at the realisation that they were close. Very close. How could he do anything else? How could he not admit that he was captivated by her presence, by her beauty?

The smile on Nasku’s lips spread when Metarie began explaining the more medical consequences of eating the sorbet too quickly. Ah, the doctor’s nature – she couldn’t help it, and he found it oddly endearing.

“I shall remember that for future cold dessert occurrences,” he replied, his voice a little rough. It was exciting to feel her so close to him, intoxicating almost, and the flicker of her gaze away and back to him made him want to hold her even closer. When she turned his gaze on him again, he made sure their eyes were fixed on each others, though what to do then, he wasn’t quite sure.

His eyes briefly flickered to her lips before they returned to her eyes. Could he risk it? Should he risk it?