"Tease," she murmured through a little smile for his ears only.
Ivone's eyes widened and she turned to look at the crowd. "Do you think? Oh my..." This was followed by Ivone's leaning foward, chest nearly in Aurelio's face as she reached around his head with the towel.
"But can't they see that your hair is so wet from the rain? What sort of compassionate Lady would I be if I left you to catch cold?" This was said a little louder.
"How fortunate for them that they missed the heaviest of the rain fall." Ivone squeezed the last of the water she was able to get from his pony tail.
"Alas, it won't fully dry for a while yet, but this will at least keep your lovely coat from getting ruined. Now," Ivone stepped back and held out the towel to the young boy, who dutifully took it from her. Then she held out her hands to Aurelio, to ostensibly help him up.
"Shall we see who else decided to brave the rain?"
The Black Widow and the Peacock: Second Date
Re: The Black Widow and the Peacock: Second Date
"Forgive, sounds good.
Forget, I'm not sure I could.
They say time heals everything, but I'm still waiting."
Thread Tracker
Forget, I'm not sure I could.
They say time heals everything, but I'm still waiting."
Thread Tracker
Re: The Black Widow and the Peacock: Second Date
Aurelio was well acquainted with Ivone's breasts. Even so, he could not help his instinctual fascination with the tops of them as they drew close to his face, the cut and shape of her dress keeping them modest even as they strained against the cloth that kept them bound. He blew cool air at them, and watched her skin pebble. A brief, private thing, likely unnoticeable to all but the very most determined of voyeurs. A touch that was not a touch; a promise of things to come.
"A cruel mistress," he murmured back to her, letting the rest of her comments go without responses, all but the last one. "Whatever your desire, my lady."
He stood, and held out his hand to her to draw her into the gleaming throng, with their silvered, edged tongues and sharpened claws. They glittered with cruelty, and preyed upon misery with the very worst of intents. They lived for their pleasures, and stepped on the bones of those who had fallen before them. This was how Aurelio maneuvered between them, a predator among predators, though these were the minnows in the pond, the fry that had been begotten by that which lurked in the deepest, darkest parts of their city-sea.
Synevives.
Of those numbered, only two were of Descendant bloodlines: one Oslun, no doubt slumming, and a Moryldar. Not just any Moryldar, but one of the more ambitious of the lot, a beautiful harpy who insisted she be called Sparrow by her friends, among which no small number of the upper class counted. She'd public history with Aurelio, as she had public history with any number of men and women whom she'd deemed pretty enough to court her. She was as twisted, as ruthless, as any of the cabal controlling the Merynir family. Aurelio had always been polite in public, polite enough to cut where only those who had interacted privately with her would be able to see. Since then, they had existed only in the periphery of each others' dealings, each wielding enough influence to do serious damage should one or the other be pushed into defensive measures.
Aurelio steered Ivone away from her, angling instead towards a cluster of young men and a young woman: one Calder scion, two Elys cousins, one Soliv, and one fallen Cottrel. He knew all of them fairly well except for the Cottrel (couldn't stand the lot of them on most days, though he'd heard rumors of this boy's clash with his grandfather and his subsequent, petulant foray into the less reputable side of upper class shenanigans and business ventures -- though whether or not his new bent would remain as it was was yet undecided. Aurelio had money that the boy would return to his betters within another month and a half, tail tucked firmly between his legs).
"Are you ready, my dear?" He asked of Ivone, cutting her a sideways glance as they neared this first collection of Marn's finest; two of the men were already eating her up in their brief glances, speculation at seeing her on Aurelio's arm carefully hidden.
"A cruel mistress," he murmured back to her, letting the rest of her comments go without responses, all but the last one. "Whatever your desire, my lady."
He stood, and held out his hand to her to draw her into the gleaming throng, with their silvered, edged tongues and sharpened claws. They glittered with cruelty, and preyed upon misery with the very worst of intents. They lived for their pleasures, and stepped on the bones of those who had fallen before them. This was how Aurelio maneuvered between them, a predator among predators, though these were the minnows in the pond, the fry that had been begotten by that which lurked in the deepest, darkest parts of their city-sea.
Synevives.
Of those numbered, only two were of Descendant bloodlines: one Oslun, no doubt slumming, and a Moryldar. Not just any Moryldar, but one of the more ambitious of the lot, a beautiful harpy who insisted she be called Sparrow by her friends, among which no small number of the upper class counted. She'd public history with Aurelio, as she had public history with any number of men and women whom she'd deemed pretty enough to court her. She was as twisted, as ruthless, as any of the cabal controlling the Merynir family. Aurelio had always been polite in public, polite enough to cut where only those who had interacted privately with her would be able to see. Since then, they had existed only in the periphery of each others' dealings, each wielding enough influence to do serious damage should one or the other be pushed into defensive measures.
Aurelio steered Ivone away from her, angling instead towards a cluster of young men and a young woman: one Calder scion, two Elys cousins, one Soliv, and one fallen Cottrel. He knew all of them fairly well except for the Cottrel (couldn't stand the lot of them on most days, though he'd heard rumors of this boy's clash with his grandfather and his subsequent, petulant foray into the less reputable side of upper class shenanigans and business ventures -- though whether or not his new bent would remain as it was was yet undecided. Aurelio had money that the boy would return to his betters within another month and a half, tail tucked firmly between his legs).
"Are you ready, my dear?" He asked of Ivone, cutting her a sideways glance as they neared this first collection of Marn's finest; two of the men were already eating her up in their brief glances, speculation at seeing her on Aurelio's arm carefully hidden.
Re: The Black Widow and the Peacock: Second Date
Ivone sucked in a breath between her teeth and squeezed her hands in his hair a little tighter at the brush of his breath against the tops of her breasts. The response was unintentional, but she'd already been honest enough with him about how he affected her.
Ivone clasped his hand and allowed him to lead her into the fray. She resisted the urge to cling to him. As his date, she couldn't show fear. If she did, she'd be eaten alive. She was a Synevive masquerading under the name of a Descendant and had been allowed into the fold by association. Ivone recognized some of the faces from events she and her husband had attended. She was no stranger to the dealings, but Tian in his kindness had chosen to attend mostly garden parties with his older friends and parties that supported the arts of which he had been so fond.
Simply put, Ivone was fresh meat. She was beautiful. She was known by name, yet unknown in any other way. She had been completely faithful to her husband (how boring!). She was untested, untried, and as such, oh so delectable. Add to it that Aurelio Merynir deemed her worthy enough to grace his arm, well there must be something worthwhile in that innocent looking little package.
Sparrow's cronies noted the pair of them and murmured among themselves. Too, Sparrow's sharp eyes did not miss how attentive Aurelio was nor the way Ivone looked up at him. She also did not miss how Aurelio steered Ivone away from her. A coy, little smile curved Sparrow's mouth. This looked like a fun game to play.
Lo, Caroline and Prudence were there. Ivone inclined her head in greeting when their eyes met. Caroline's mouth drew into a line as she looked away. In another clique, the prerequisite hangers on were in attendance, as well. None other than Tian's former lover was there and if looks could kill, Ivone would have died on the spot. Where Ivone blamed the Judges and Battlemages, Jaime blamed Ivone.
"Are you ready, my dear?"
"I'm terrified," she murmured through a polite smile. Ivone was observant enough to notice the looks the two men gave her. She felt naked and a little violated under their gazes. Any other woman would probably bask in the attention, but Ivone couldn't help the pink in her cheeks. Her skin was too fair and she too new to such things to hide it. The effect just made the men's visual attention that much keener.
Ivone clasped his hand and allowed him to lead her into the fray. She resisted the urge to cling to him. As his date, she couldn't show fear. If she did, she'd be eaten alive. She was a Synevive masquerading under the name of a Descendant and had been allowed into the fold by association. Ivone recognized some of the faces from events she and her husband had attended. She was no stranger to the dealings, but Tian in his kindness had chosen to attend mostly garden parties with his older friends and parties that supported the arts of which he had been so fond.
Simply put, Ivone was fresh meat. She was beautiful. She was known by name, yet unknown in any other way. She had been completely faithful to her husband (how boring!). She was untested, untried, and as such, oh so delectable. Add to it that Aurelio Merynir deemed her worthy enough to grace his arm, well there must be something worthwhile in that innocent looking little package.
Sparrow's cronies noted the pair of them and murmured among themselves. Too, Sparrow's sharp eyes did not miss how attentive Aurelio was nor the way Ivone looked up at him. She also did not miss how Aurelio steered Ivone away from her. A coy, little smile curved Sparrow's mouth. This looked like a fun game to play.
Lo, Caroline and Prudence were there. Ivone inclined her head in greeting when their eyes met. Caroline's mouth drew into a line as she looked away. In another clique, the prerequisite hangers on were in attendance, as well. None other than Tian's former lover was there and if looks could kill, Ivone would have died on the spot. Where Ivone blamed the Judges and Battlemages, Jaime blamed Ivone.
"Are you ready, my dear?"
"I'm terrified," she murmured through a polite smile. Ivone was observant enough to notice the looks the two men gave her. She felt naked and a little violated under their gazes. Any other woman would probably bask in the attention, but Ivone couldn't help the pink in her cheeks. Her skin was too fair and she too new to such things to hide it. The effect just made the men's visual attention that much keener.
"Forgive, sounds good.
Forget, I'm not sure I could.
They say time heals everything, but I'm still waiting."
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Forget, I'm not sure I could.
They say time heals everything, but I'm still waiting."
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Re: The Black Widow and the Peacock: Second Date
That first clash was met in a hail of salutations, the curve of eyes and lips ordered in rows of faces who were as prepared as any battalion. The first sally, then, was meted out by Felice Soliv. "How nice to see a new face to liven up our sordid little gatherings!" She was pretty, not beautiful, average in shape. Her charisma was born of the games she played, and her careful sense of profit and fun. Hers was an earthy charm, but dangerous for all its apparent simplicity.
"Indeed, indeed, always lovely to see someone escape the painted box." This from Rafe Elys, a pudgy, thickset man in his thirties whose skill with his hands had him sought out both for pen and other things throughout the upper class. His words formed a needle-thin jab at Ivone's late husband -- box seats at the theater were often painted with family colors or personal crests when their owners were longtime patrons. In this case, it had a double meaning, for those who owned such boxes often refrained from participating in private parties.
"As you say," Aurelio nodded, smiling to match the sharpened smiles gathered before them, "I am pleased to introduce you to Ivone, late of Malatrast, who I am quite pleased to be able to escort this evening. Ivone, darling, these are Felice Soliv, Rafe Elys, Gyles Elys, Reese Calder, and Molher Cottrel, though perhaps he'll soon be late of that family, himself."
There were a few chuckles, polite. Each had bowed, nodded, or curtsied (in the case of Felice) to Ivone as they were introduced, most refined as they watched her but Rafe, whose gaze was both hot and curious.
"Indeed, indeed, always lovely to see someone escape the painted box." This from Rafe Elys, a pudgy, thickset man in his thirties whose skill with his hands had him sought out both for pen and other things throughout the upper class. His words formed a needle-thin jab at Ivone's late husband -- box seats at the theater were often painted with family colors or personal crests when their owners were longtime patrons. In this case, it had a double meaning, for those who owned such boxes often refrained from participating in private parties.
"As you say," Aurelio nodded, smiling to match the sharpened smiles gathered before them, "I am pleased to introduce you to Ivone, late of Malatrast, who I am quite pleased to be able to escort this evening. Ivone, darling, these are Felice Soliv, Rafe Elys, Gyles Elys, Reese Calder, and Molher Cottrel, though perhaps he'll soon be late of that family, himself."
There were a few chuckles, polite. Each had bowed, nodded, or curtsied (in the case of Felice) to Ivone as they were introduced, most refined as they watched her but Rafe, whose gaze was both hot and curious.
Re: The Black Widow and the Peacock: Second Date
Ivone followed suit with her own curtsy, head bowed to hide the little, pleased smile Aurelio's words brought forth. Lifting her head, she did not feel the need to respond to the comments. Aurelio had handled it already. Propriety dictated, though, that she say,
"My pleasure to make your acquaintance." She met gazes and as Ivone's gaze flickered to Rafe, she stared back accompanied by a small rise of her brows. Her look was neither hot or curious. She turned her head, to look up at Aurelio.
"Oh?" Ivone smiled at Mohler, "Goodness, what have you been up to?"
Already the effort was tedious. These were not people who wanted to discuss spring plantings and cross-pollination. She did not want to ask too many questions, either. She was worried she would embarrass Aurelio.
"My pleasure to make your acquaintance." She met gazes and as Ivone's gaze flickered to Rafe, she stared back accompanied by a small rise of her brows. Her look was neither hot or curious. She turned her head, to look up at Aurelio.
"Oh?" Ivone smiled at Mohler, "Goodness, what have you been up to?"
Already the effort was tedious. These were not people who wanted to discuss spring plantings and cross-pollination. She did not want to ask too many questions, either. She was worried she would embarrass Aurelio.
"Forgive, sounds good.
Forget, I'm not sure I could.
They say time heals everything, but I'm still waiting."
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Forget, I'm not sure I could.
They say time heals everything, but I'm still waiting."
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Re: The Black Widow and the Peacock: Second Date
Reese snorted, tipping his glass towards Molher. "These days it would be more pertinent to ask what he hasn't been up to." His look towards Molher was knowing, and proprietary.
Molher held up his free hand, warding Reese and the others off before the gathering quips could be released; each nearly spilling over with the chance to have a turn in front of the fresh blood. Innocence was a heady quality for many in the crowd who attended such parties, and that the chick in question had been lead in by Aurelio guaranteed certain assumptions would be made. Aurelio had never been terribly shy about sharing his various conquests, and his generosity when it came to participating in after-parties was well known.
"I only sought to bring the Cottrel family into modern times," Molher said, lifting his palm up up towards the ceiling. He shook his head, "Some families are determined to remain mired in tradition. Malatrast -- could it be that you have been freed of your jesses?" Molher retracted his hand, his gaze landing on Ivone. His interest was flippant; his intentions were hidden behind the sympathy he offered for Ivone.
Felice made a scoffing sound, drawing Gyles' attention. The two exchanged a look as slow as molasses while the rest looked towards Ivone for an answer.
Molher held up his free hand, warding Reese and the others off before the gathering quips could be released; each nearly spilling over with the chance to have a turn in front of the fresh blood. Innocence was a heady quality for many in the crowd who attended such parties, and that the chick in question had been lead in by Aurelio guaranteed certain assumptions would be made. Aurelio had never been terribly shy about sharing his various conquests, and his generosity when it came to participating in after-parties was well known.
"I only sought to bring the Cottrel family into modern times," Molher said, lifting his palm up up towards the ceiling. He shook his head, "Some families are determined to remain mired in tradition. Malatrast -- could it be that you have been freed of your jesses?" Molher retracted his hand, his gaze landing on Ivone. His interest was flippant; his intentions were hidden behind the sympathy he offered for Ivone.
Felice made a scoffing sound, drawing Gyles' attention. The two exchanged a look as slow as molasses while the rest looked towards Ivone for an answer.
Re: The Black Widow and the Peacock: Second Date
The glance Reese gave Molher did not go unobserved. "Oh, I see I should have asked who not what," she said, with a mischievous little smile, beating the others to the punch. Mohler dissuaded further responses with a gesture.
"Some families are determined to remain mired in tradition. Malatrast -- could it be that you have been freed of your jesses?"
Ivone chose to ignore Felice's scoff. She could see Felice and Gyles in her peripheral vision. She knew that gossip of her fleeing the patisserie might have made it to this crowd. Despite her best intentions, the color crept into her cheeks again. Proof of her innocence if there was any needed. She was hearing Aurelio's words when he'd chided her for being childish. The memory also helped her rein in the boil of emotions that threatened to erupt. Training won out. Ivone's chin lifted a little.
She knew she also wore mourning blue. But, perhaps, her husband's death was of no consequence to this crowd even if Jamie Peris did attend the soirees. But. But... her voice held and she smiled and raised her brows.
"Ah me... nothing lasts forever, you know. Jesses can break on occasion." A means to allude to her husband's death. "Although, much can be said about having a well-trained falcon on your arm. Are you a falconer, Master Mohler?"
Ivone had no idea if she'd made it through the first sally. Only years of training, allowed her to keep herself still and attentive with a smile on her face. She had her limits, though, as Aurelio knew very well.
"Some families are determined to remain mired in tradition. Malatrast -- could it be that you have been freed of your jesses?"
Ivone chose to ignore Felice's scoff. She could see Felice and Gyles in her peripheral vision. She knew that gossip of her fleeing the patisserie might have made it to this crowd. Despite her best intentions, the color crept into her cheeks again. Proof of her innocence if there was any needed. She was hearing Aurelio's words when he'd chided her for being childish. The memory also helped her rein in the boil of emotions that threatened to erupt. Training won out. Ivone's chin lifted a little.
She knew she also wore mourning blue. But, perhaps, her husband's death was of no consequence to this crowd even if Jamie Peris did attend the soirees. But. But... her voice held and she smiled and raised her brows.
"Ah me... nothing lasts forever, you know. Jesses can break on occasion." A means to allude to her husband's death. "Although, much can be said about having a well-trained falcon on your arm. Are you a falconer, Master Mohler?"
Ivone had no idea if she'd made it through the first sally. Only years of training, allowed her to keep herself still and attentive with a smile on her face. She had her limits, though, as Aurelio knew very well.
"Forgive, sounds good.
Forget, I'm not sure I could.
They say time heals everything, but I'm still waiting."
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Forget, I'm not sure I could.
They say time heals everything, but I'm still waiting."
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Re: The Black Widow and the Peacock: Second Date
"Me? I'd have nothing to do with the sport. Such a drag. If I wanted to pretend at martial endeavors I would have stayed on with the Guard, pack of vicious mongrels that they are."
Felice's eyes narrowed slightly. "Ohh? It has not escaped my attention that you are not entirely unfamiliar with ruthlessness, yourself." There was a light lilt to her voice, a note of teasing that couched other things.
"Business is where the real battle takes place in Marn," Rafe said, still staring at Ivone. "There're so few flowers who escape."
"Spoken like the award-winning gardener that you are." Aurelio tsked, and then looked to Ivone, "Have you ever entered into the competitions, my dear?"
"Seeing to the survival of one's family name is important, Lady. Though I suppose some choose to forget that." Mohler's words to Felice came on the tail end of Aurelio's, and for a moment there was tension.
Gyles briefly touched Felice's lower back, and grinned at Ivone. "Competitions is it? Tell me, Miss Ivone, now, do you enjoy gardening?"
Felice's eyes narrowed slightly. "Ohh? It has not escaped my attention that you are not entirely unfamiliar with ruthlessness, yourself." There was a light lilt to her voice, a note of teasing that couched other things.
"Business is where the real battle takes place in Marn," Rafe said, still staring at Ivone. "There're so few flowers who escape."
"Spoken like the award-winning gardener that you are." Aurelio tsked, and then looked to Ivone, "Have you ever entered into the competitions, my dear?"
"Seeing to the survival of one's family name is important, Lady. Though I suppose some choose to forget that." Mohler's words to Felice came on the tail end of Aurelio's, and for a moment there was tension.
Gyles briefly touched Felice's lower back, and grinned at Ivone. "Competitions is it? Tell me, Miss Ivone, now, do you enjoy gardening?"
Re: The Black Widow and the Peacock: Second Date
Ivone still had her hand on Aurelio's arm. It was what she would have done with her husband, so it did not occur to her that doing so might be odd. Her fingers tensed slightly, then eased, an indicator to him of the state of her inner thoughts.
Ivone glanced at Rafe, whose continued stare was becoming more and more unnerving. Why was he staring at her like that?
Ivone broke the tension, hers and the moment's, with a soft laugh.
"Oh, Master Mohler! You almost had me convinced you were seriously trying to get out of the mire of tradition." She flashed a smile at Mohler as she finished her sentence. With another chuckle she looked up at Aurelio before looking to Gyles, who had grinned at her.
Did I do well? Her fingers asked.
"One or two, and yes, I do... a quaint and boring hobby, or so I've been told." Ivone's gaze cast down briefly and the little memory smile flashed in and out of view, before she glanced around the group with a brighter, more social smile curving her lips.
Rafe was still staring. Mohler was eyeballing the room. Reese was eyeballing Mohler, and Gyles was more focused on Felice than Ivone.
"And what of you, Master Gyles. Do you enjoy gardening, too?"
The musicians had finished setting up and the strains of the first dance had begun.
Ivone glanced at Rafe, whose continued stare was becoming more and more unnerving. Why was he staring at her like that?
Ivone broke the tension, hers and the moment's, with a soft laugh.
"Oh, Master Mohler! You almost had me convinced you were seriously trying to get out of the mire of tradition." She flashed a smile at Mohler as she finished her sentence. With another chuckle she looked up at Aurelio before looking to Gyles, who had grinned at her.
Did I do well? Her fingers asked.
"One or two, and yes, I do... a quaint and boring hobby, or so I've been told." Ivone's gaze cast down briefly and the little memory smile flashed in and out of view, before she glanced around the group with a brighter, more social smile curving her lips.
Rafe was still staring. Mohler was eyeballing the room. Reese was eyeballing Mohler, and Gyles was more focused on Felice than Ivone.
"And what of you, Master Gyles. Do you enjoy gardening, too?"
The musicians had finished setting up and the strains of the first dance had begun.
"Forgive, sounds good.
Forget, I'm not sure I could.
They say time heals everything, but I'm still waiting."
Thread Tracker
Forget, I'm not sure I could.
They say time heals everything, but I'm still waiting."
Thread Tracker
Re: The Black Widow and the Peacock: Second Date
"Am I not being serious?" Mohler's voice was mild enough, but his eyes were sharp.
Aurelio put his free hand on top of Ivone's. He glanced at her, but soon transferred his own attention to Rafe. He was smiling, but despite its congeniality it had edges. Reese had looked away from Mohler to study Ivone and Aurelio.
Gyles waved off Mohler. "You're supposed to be having fun, lest you've forgotten. Ah, but my dear lady Ivone, gardening should never be described as 'boring'! It is an art that requires both diligence and patience -- things such boors as these cannot appreciate. I, myself, quite enjoy gardening. I find it to be a quite distinguished and under-appreciated skill."
There was scoffing, but none took offense to Gyle's words. He was the oldest among them, though not by much, and he carried with him the air of a man insulated from their pettiness.
"As such, I will remove one of these boors from your presence, Master Gyles. Master Reese, would you care to escort me to the dance floor?" Felice extended her hand to the other man. He looked at her, but not before glancing at Mohler.
"Of course," he said, and the two excused themselves from the small group.
Rafe watched them go, satisfaction of some sort curving his lips into a slight smile.
Aurelio put his free hand on top of Ivone's. He glanced at her, but soon transferred his own attention to Rafe. He was smiling, but despite its congeniality it had edges. Reese had looked away from Mohler to study Ivone and Aurelio.
Gyles waved off Mohler. "You're supposed to be having fun, lest you've forgotten. Ah, but my dear lady Ivone, gardening should never be described as 'boring'! It is an art that requires both diligence and patience -- things such boors as these cannot appreciate. I, myself, quite enjoy gardening. I find it to be a quite distinguished and under-appreciated skill."
There was scoffing, but none took offense to Gyle's words. He was the oldest among them, though not by much, and he carried with him the air of a man insulated from their pettiness.
"As such, I will remove one of these boors from your presence, Master Gyles. Master Reese, would you care to escort me to the dance floor?" Felice extended her hand to the other man. He looked at her, but not before glancing at Mohler.
"Of course," he said, and the two excused themselves from the small group.
Rafe watched them go, satisfaction of some sort curving his lips into a slight smile.
Re: The Black Widow and the Peacock: Second Date
Ivone had made the comment as a jest and a jab at Descendant families, and Mohler's reply showed she'd hit a mark. Mohler had made a jab at her, as had Rafe. But still... how frustrating to not understand the undercurrents in this incestuous little group! Ivone felt as if she was mincing on glasses that might break and cut at any moment. Aurelio would have to explain these things later. Having some information going in would make her feel less uncertain.
Aurelio touched her hand and she was grateful. She squeezed his arm tighter and shared the glance with him before looking to Gyles. Ivone wasn't looking at Rafe or Reese, but instead, had engaged conversation with Gyles. He seemed to float within the undercurrents, but was impervious to them. How she envied him!
At Gyles' final comment, Ivone gave a genuine smile. She was warming to Gyles because of the commonality and his seeming kindness.
"I have my own bee hive as well to help with natural pollination. I find even that is fascinating - just as cross-pollination can affect the look and scent outcome of the flower, the type of flower creates subtle flavor differences in the honey and base scent of the beeswax, which makes things interesting when making candles."
Ivone's smile faltered a little as Felice took her leave. She didn't appear to be offended, yet weren't she and Gyles the pair? is that why Mohler was so annoyed? These people made her head hurt. Ivone's gaze swept the group quickly before returning to give Gyles her full attention. She noticed that Rafe had finally turned his attention away from her and felt suddenly relieved. The man's attention was too intense. Aurelio's touch was an anchor. The look he gave Rafe didn't go unnoticed either. It made her feel buoyant.
Aurelio touched her hand and she was grateful. She squeezed his arm tighter and shared the glance with him before looking to Gyles. Ivone wasn't looking at Rafe or Reese, but instead, had engaged conversation with Gyles. He seemed to float within the undercurrents, but was impervious to them. How she envied him!
At Gyles' final comment, Ivone gave a genuine smile. She was warming to Gyles because of the commonality and his seeming kindness.
"I have my own bee hive as well to help with natural pollination. I find even that is fascinating - just as cross-pollination can affect the look and scent outcome of the flower, the type of flower creates subtle flavor differences in the honey and base scent of the beeswax, which makes things interesting when making candles."
Ivone's smile faltered a little as Felice took her leave. She didn't appear to be offended, yet weren't she and Gyles the pair? is that why Mohler was so annoyed? These people made her head hurt. Ivone's gaze swept the group quickly before returning to give Gyles her full attention. She noticed that Rafe had finally turned his attention away from her and felt suddenly relieved. The man's attention was too intense. Aurelio's touch was an anchor. The look he gave Rafe didn't go unnoticed either. It made her feel buoyant.
"Forgive, sounds good.
Forget, I'm not sure I could.
They say time heals everything, but I'm still waiting."
Thread Tracker
Forget, I'm not sure I could.
They say time heals everything, but I'm still waiting."
Thread Tracker
Re: The Black Widow and the Peacock: Second Date
"You make candles, too? I know some few layabouts who could take lessons from your industriousness, my dear." Gyles winked broadly at Ivone, and grinned at his brother.
"Some of us have actual business that keeps us busy," Rafe said with an oily smile.
Aurelio's hand tightened on Ivone's: a quick, reassuring squeeze. He dropped his own hand. "Surely you do not intend to bore us with such mundane details now, Rafe? We are at a party. Do lighten up." Aurelio softened his words with a smile that was not all too reassuring.
"We could speak of more. . .interesting topics," Rafe said, turning his eyes back to Ivone.
"Come now, you'll give her cause to fly away if you put her in the spot like that." Mohler's words were couched in kindness, but his eyes hid barbs.
"She does make the most divine scents, however," Aurelio smoothly interjected. He leaned a little closer to Ivone, tipped his head down to look at her. He was staking his claim, making it known. "Don't you?"
"Some of us have actual business that keeps us busy," Rafe said with an oily smile.
Aurelio's hand tightened on Ivone's: a quick, reassuring squeeze. He dropped his own hand. "Surely you do not intend to bore us with such mundane details now, Rafe? We are at a party. Do lighten up." Aurelio softened his words with a smile that was not all too reassuring.
"We could speak of more. . .interesting topics," Rafe said, turning his eyes back to Ivone.
"Come now, you'll give her cause to fly away if you put her in the spot like that." Mohler's words were couched in kindness, but his eyes hid barbs.
"She does make the most divine scents, however," Aurelio smoothly interjected. He leaned a little closer to Ivone, tipped his head down to look at her. He was staking his claim, making it known. "Don't you?"
Re: The Black Widow and the Peacock: Second Date
Ivone smiled winsomely and nodded at Gyles when he winked at her. When Gyles looked to his brother, Ivone looked, too. Gyles’ wink was a friendly gesture, unlike the smile on his brother’s face. Ivone immediately wondered what Rafe’s ‘actual business’ was and resolved to find out later. Then, he turned to stare at Ivone, once more. The look made her skin prickle. Little did Mohler know how right he was. If she had been accompanied by anyone else, she would have left immediately.
When Aurelio moved closer, Ivone looked up at him. The curve of his face was … The shape of his lips were… memories surfaced of the pleasure she’d experienced the day before. Little tells appeared, like the way she invariably leaned in toward him. It wasn’t much, but enough for someone with sharp eyes. Or, like the way her pupils dilated and the unwitting parting of her lips. Or, even, the deeper breath she took that made her breasts push against the modest cut of her dress. And, damned if she hadn’t left her fan in the coat room. Ivone smiled up at Aurelio. Some might even say she lit up beautifully.
The remaining members of the group noticed as did others from across the room. Eyebrows raised. With a gesture, a member of Swallow's group moved toward them.
“You’re too kind. ”
From behind Ivone and Aurelio, a voice spoke.
"My Lady, I wonder if I might have this dance?" Ivone turned to look over her shoulder. The man in question was closer to her age than Aurelio and certainly one with a much better reputation. His hair was black and his eyes were platinum blue. The cut of his clothes and the quality of them indicated he had money, or at least his family did.
"James?" Ivone blinked, surprised. She and James had attended her final year of school together. James smiled at Ivone. His teeth were even and white. For the first time since their arrival, Ivone's grasp on Aurelio's arm slipped slightly.
"Ivi, so good to see you again." James' gaze drifted to the others in the group. He gave a bow to each.
"James Appollini, at your service." Caroline Demarest's lips went into a thin line.
Extending his arm to Ivone, James continued with another smile for Ivone, "About that dance?"
Ivone smiled back but demurred. "I promised to save my first dance for Aurelio."
When Aurelio moved closer, Ivone looked up at him. The curve of his face was … The shape of his lips were… memories surfaced of the pleasure she’d experienced the day before. Little tells appeared, like the way she invariably leaned in toward him. It wasn’t much, but enough for someone with sharp eyes. Or, like the way her pupils dilated and the unwitting parting of her lips. Or, even, the deeper breath she took that made her breasts push against the modest cut of her dress. And, damned if she hadn’t left her fan in the coat room. Ivone smiled up at Aurelio. Some might even say she lit up beautifully.
The remaining members of the group noticed as did others from across the room. Eyebrows raised. With a gesture, a member of Swallow's group moved toward them.
“You’re too kind. ”
From behind Ivone and Aurelio, a voice spoke.
"My Lady, I wonder if I might have this dance?" Ivone turned to look over her shoulder. The man in question was closer to her age than Aurelio and certainly one with a much better reputation. His hair was black and his eyes were platinum blue. The cut of his clothes and the quality of them indicated he had money, or at least his family did.
"James?" Ivone blinked, surprised. She and James had attended her final year of school together. James smiled at Ivone. His teeth were even and white. For the first time since their arrival, Ivone's grasp on Aurelio's arm slipped slightly.
"Ivi, so good to see you again." James' gaze drifted to the others in the group. He gave a bow to each.
"James Appollini, at your service." Caroline Demarest's lips went into a thin line.
Extending his arm to Ivone, James continued with another smile for Ivone, "About that dance?"
Ivone smiled back but demurred. "I promised to save my first dance for Aurelio."
"Forgive, sounds good.
Forget, I'm not sure I could.
They say time heals everything, but I'm still waiting."
Thread Tracker
Forget, I'm not sure I could.
They say time heals everything, but I'm still waiting."
Thread Tracker
Re: The Black Widow and the Peacock: Second Date
"Ahh, is it that time? I apologize, I fear I must monopolize the Lady Ivone for this evening. You know how very selfish I can be when a lady has captured my interest." Aurelio winked at James. He offered a short bow to those who remained within the group they'd been conversing with. "Gentlemen."
He pulled Ivone away from all of them, leaving behind distinct intrigue in the faces of some of the men. He seemed unaware, sliding past a few others on the way to the dance floor with the ease of long practice. It was standard behavior from him; he always played coy to encourage attention and jealousy his way. It was simply how Marn worked that there was always someone to nibble at the bait; they all played into each other's hands with eyes wide open. That was the game they played, one and all. Pretty distractions, and meaningless devilry.
This time, though, Aurelio had in hand more than some simple and naive new plaything. As he pulled her to him to begin the steps to the dance that was being played, he murmured, "now they will be after you in earnest. Can you handle it?" His voice was teasing, but his eyes were serious.
He pulled Ivone away from all of them, leaving behind distinct intrigue in the faces of some of the men. He seemed unaware, sliding past a few others on the way to the dance floor with the ease of long practice. It was standard behavior from him; he always played coy to encourage attention and jealousy his way. It was simply how Marn worked that there was always someone to nibble at the bait; they all played into each other's hands with eyes wide open. That was the game they played, one and all. Pretty distractions, and meaningless devilry.
This time, though, Aurelio had in hand more than some simple and naive new plaything. As he pulled her to him to begin the steps to the dance that was being played, he murmured, "now they will be after you in earnest. Can you handle it?" His voice was teasing, but his eyes were serious.
Re: The Black Widow and the Peacock: Second Date
“I envy you your monopoly, my Lord.” Replied James as smoothly as you please with another semi-bow and a smile. James watched them leave before turning to the assembled crew. With another smile he gave each another bow and said, “I hope my future wife didn’t hear that.” He didn’t care really, but it was a jest as would be expected at parties like these. “My lords…”
With that James took his leave and moved to Caroline Demarest. “Would my future wife care to take a turn with her future husband?” No interest piqued the look he gave her. Their marriage was one of convenience, a rather large sum of bishani, and his connections. He knew it, she knew it, and so did everyone else. James had already spent time with Caroline before moving off to his regular crowd. But, he thought it prudent to salve her wounded pride. He remembered well Caroline’s jealousy of Ivone and had heard about her actions at the patisserie.
James kept a pleasant smile on his face as he listened to Caroline grouse, but considered what he had heard and observed. Ivone had not viewed him with enmity. Apparently she remembered him as a pleasant young man. She wore mourning blue, adhering to the strictest convention by wearing it, but also apparently quite ready to make her debut in society. Her appearance with Aurelio Merynir took some further consideration.
So far as anyone knew, Aurelio had been the complete bastard everyone knew him to be and made Ivone flee from him. Yet, somehow... somehow Aurelio managed to go from that fiasco to escorting the woman and her rather large bank account to a dance. James admired Aurelio for that and did actually envy the man his skill. He also wondered if it was just sheer luck and timing, and if so, if the timing would allow for a sway of Ivone's attention. That, of course, was why Swallow had picked him. He had known Ivone before and represented a continuity of her life before her marriage to Tianthalus Malatrast.
Other eyes followed Aurelio and Ivone. Words were spoken. Wagers were made. The looks of intrigue were lost to Ivone and probably shouldn't have been. Truly, the only one she'd noted was Rafe Elys' and that was because he was so obvious about it. Ivone glanced around, but they didn’t concern her. Ivone curtsied to Aurelio and stepped into his embrace. They moved well together with no awkward or lost motions. Her hand rested on his shoulder.
Ivone looked up at Aurelio as if no one else existed in all the world. When he swept her around the room, she felt as if she were floating. She felt as if she were thirteen again. The ends of the green ribbon she’d tied around her neck fluttered this way and that, brushing the skin of her collarbone with a soft, silken touch.
“My Lord,” she replied, “I think if you applied the same approach to my candles and scents, I would be a merchant princess in no time at all.”
Ivone’s lips curved into a little smile and heat sparked in her gaze, a gaze that dropped to look at the little bit of his throat she could see before slowly raising her gaze to his lips, his face, and finally returning to his gaze. They were close, but only as much as would be expected. Aurelio spoke and gave her a look. She appreciated the seriousness of his gaze. It allowed her to think he was actually concerned. Her hand tightened on his shoulder for a moment and a flicker of uncertainty appeared in her gaze, but was stifled. With the same voice that had proclaimed she would go anywhere with him, said simply,
“Let them come.” Because, she thought to herself, no one else will do.
“They will find themselves disappointed, however. Anyone else is sure to be a lesser man.” The look she gave him was flirtatious as was the smile that accompanied it, but her tone was serious. The best part was that she meant it. Being in his arms brought memories back to her body. He smelled good, he felt good, he looked good. Ah me, she thought. Ah. me. I am one of the lost. How long will it be before he tires of me or asks me to do something I will not be able to do?
When the music ended, Ivone moved to step back and give polite applause. Another tune started up, this one a set where partners faced one another at the start, but wove among others and came back together only to part again. Should Aurelio wish to continue dancing, she would dance.
With that James took his leave and moved to Caroline Demarest. “Would my future wife care to take a turn with her future husband?” No interest piqued the look he gave her. Their marriage was one of convenience, a rather large sum of bishani, and his connections. He knew it, she knew it, and so did everyone else. James had already spent time with Caroline before moving off to his regular crowd. But, he thought it prudent to salve her wounded pride. He remembered well Caroline’s jealousy of Ivone and had heard about her actions at the patisserie.
James kept a pleasant smile on his face as he listened to Caroline grouse, but considered what he had heard and observed. Ivone had not viewed him with enmity. Apparently she remembered him as a pleasant young man. She wore mourning blue, adhering to the strictest convention by wearing it, but also apparently quite ready to make her debut in society. Her appearance with Aurelio Merynir took some further consideration.
So far as anyone knew, Aurelio had been the complete bastard everyone knew him to be and made Ivone flee from him. Yet, somehow... somehow Aurelio managed to go from that fiasco to escorting the woman and her rather large bank account to a dance. James admired Aurelio for that and did actually envy the man his skill. He also wondered if it was just sheer luck and timing, and if so, if the timing would allow for a sway of Ivone's attention. That, of course, was why Swallow had picked him. He had known Ivone before and represented a continuity of her life before her marriage to Tianthalus Malatrast.
Other eyes followed Aurelio and Ivone. Words were spoken. Wagers were made. The looks of intrigue were lost to Ivone and probably shouldn't have been. Truly, the only one she'd noted was Rafe Elys' and that was because he was so obvious about it. Ivone glanced around, but they didn’t concern her. Ivone curtsied to Aurelio and stepped into his embrace. They moved well together with no awkward or lost motions. Her hand rested on his shoulder.
Ivone looked up at Aurelio as if no one else existed in all the world. When he swept her around the room, she felt as if she were floating. She felt as if she were thirteen again. The ends of the green ribbon she’d tied around her neck fluttered this way and that, brushing the skin of her collarbone with a soft, silken touch.
“My Lord,” she replied, “I think if you applied the same approach to my candles and scents, I would be a merchant princess in no time at all.”
Ivone’s lips curved into a little smile and heat sparked in her gaze, a gaze that dropped to look at the little bit of his throat she could see before slowly raising her gaze to his lips, his face, and finally returning to his gaze. They were close, but only as much as would be expected. Aurelio spoke and gave her a look. She appreciated the seriousness of his gaze. It allowed her to think he was actually concerned. Her hand tightened on his shoulder for a moment and a flicker of uncertainty appeared in her gaze, but was stifled. With the same voice that had proclaimed she would go anywhere with him, said simply,
“Let them come.” Because, she thought to herself, no one else will do.
“They will find themselves disappointed, however. Anyone else is sure to be a lesser man.” The look she gave him was flirtatious as was the smile that accompanied it, but her tone was serious. The best part was that she meant it. Being in his arms brought memories back to her body. He smelled good, he felt good, he looked good. Ah me, she thought. Ah. me. I am one of the lost. How long will it be before he tires of me or asks me to do something I will not be able to do?
When the music ended, Ivone moved to step back and give polite applause. Another tune started up, this one a set where partners faced one another at the start, but wove among others and came back together only to part again. Should Aurelio wish to continue dancing, she would dance.
"Forgive, sounds good.
Forget, I'm not sure I could.
They say time heals everything, but I'm still waiting."
Thread Tracker
Forget, I'm not sure I could.
They say time heals everything, but I'm still waiting."
Thread Tracker