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Into the Icy Darkness: The Great Demon War
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<blockquote data-quote="Emperor Valerian" data-source="post: 1350842" data-attributes="member: 15043"><p>The following is Part Six of the adventure on 1-30-04, entitled</p><p></p><p></p><p><strong> Thou Shalt Schmooze Thy Noble, Part One</strong> </p><p></p><p></p><p>Siabrey was the first to return to the Temple, and she found, in the Temple courtyard, Lucius and Xanadu sitting across from each other in the middle of a spot of clear dirt. Both had small rocks of varying colors arrayed in front of each other, and both had frustrated looks on their faces.</p><p></p><p>“No!” Xanadu suddenly snapped as Siabrey approached, and she watched as he rapped the end of Lucius’ extending hand with a stick. “Cavalry does NOT charge formed infantry! You should know that by now!” </p><p></p><p><em>He’s beating the poor boy down,</em> Siabrey thought as she watched Lucius get smacked several more times for mistakes. Pitying him, she decided to move in to intervene.</p><p></p><p>“Xanadu, go easy on him! He has never commanded before!” she said coming up alongside the two. Lucius looked up with a look of thanks, Xanadu with one of annoyance.</p><p></p><p>“If being harsh on him teaches him how to properly command troops, then I shall be harsh. An actual battlefield is a very unforgiving teacher, far more than me.” Xanadu then looked back towards the battlefield, and shifted a red colored rock forward, till it contacted the lone blue rock on Lucius’ side. “There! See... you left your spellcasters wide open, so my cavalry rode them down! You just lost the battle, boy!”</p><p></p><p>Lucius gave a sigh, one mixed with frustration and sadness, as the two realigned their forces of stones into lines closer to themselves once again. More irritated at Xanadu’s behavior, Siabrey spoke again.</p><p></p><p>“Oh, its his first battle! He can learn! I bet you lost your first battle!”</p><p></p><p>Xanadu suddenly stopped resetting his pieces, and looked off into the distance, some far off and distant war raging again in his mind. After a few seconds, he shook his head back into the present, and looked at the malcontent that dared interrupt his lessons.</p><p></p><p>“As a matter of fact, yes, I did win my first real battle.” He then returned to setting his pieces right. Siabrey huffed, and then looked at Lucius.</p><p></p><p>“Hon, don’t get down... you’ll catch on. Here, I’ll go get you a cream pie... you know you want one...” she grinned, hoping to improve his dour mood. He grunted as his pieces can back into place.</p><p></p><p>“I’m not hungry, hon,” he said, concentrating on the pieces in front of him, “I’ll eat later.” He then broke his concentration on the dirt field long enough to look up at her with a small, wan smile, however. “Thank you for asking, though.” She bent down and was about to kiss him when the voice of a returning Shaun broke the moment.</p><p></p><p>“Siabrey! Don’t you know that being a mattress general and a field general are two entirely separate things?” A muffled snicker rose from Xanadu, and Lucius even grinned, suppressing laughter. Siabrey, however, was not amused. She clanked over towards Shaun, and smacked him in the side of the head.</p><p></p><p>“What?” Shaun said, in an annoyed and hurt voice, “it was a joke! C’mon!”</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>After everyone had returned, the party compared notes, and the full danger was slowly beginning to appear in their faces. The governor had changed suddenly, and was now going after the major temple of the Imperial army officers. The Princess was sent to investigate him in person, and most alarmingly, Ilia was apparently headed to the kingdom of Ak Konylu, in all likelihood trying to raise another army.</p><p></p><p>Further searches the next day, their last free day before the ball, confirmed many of these hypotheses... though the most alarming one, the one regarding Ilia, remained a mystery...</p><p></p><p></p><p><em>The next evening</em></p><p></p><p><em>Oh... he looks perfect</em> Siabrey’s mind purred as Lucius walked out and took her hand, leading her towards the carriage that would take them to the Governor’s Palace, even as she felt a slight bit of anxiety. Even as she glanced at him, her hand reflexively gripped her dress sword... well... the Temple of Pelor’s dress sword. It wasn’t her normal katana, and it wasn’t a field grade weapon (It would likely break after a few strikes), but it would be enough to provide them with some defensive striking power in case something went bad... something to last long enough they could flee, hopefully.</p><p></p><p>Shaun walked by, looking smart in his newly refurbished outfit, his hat, and a dress rapier at his side. Tess, meanwhile, was able to carry Fa’rallan herself, as her gilt handle and guards made her look exactly as the other, weaker dress blades.</p><p></p><p>Lucius walked over to Siabrey, and with a deftness that was no doubt drilled into his head through etiquette training as a boy, helped her into the carriage. She and him, as the Lord and his Consort, would ride alone, while a second carriage picked up Shaun, Elenya, Tess, and Pellaron.</p><p></p><p>“Lucius, honey?” Siabrey said quietly as the carriage rocked slowly, trundling down the streets, “I have to tell you.... this is a moment I’ve dreamed of.” She let her wings give a happy little flutter, and a thin cloud of electrum dust rose into the air around her. The image was nice enough that Lucius had a grin on his face that signified more than joy.</p><p></p><p>“All my life, I’ve been told I cannot show my wings in public... but now... because of you...” she started to finish, before looking at him, and seeing his grin had changed to a blinding smile. He put his arm around her and kissed her on the cheek lightly.</p><p></p><p>“Now, everyone can see you in your true, devastatingly beautiful form,” he flirted, and she blushed deeply. </p><p></p><p>The trip seemed, in her mind, to last far too short a time. While the carriage ride was private, romantic, and just heavenly to her, as much as she looked forward to the gala, she dreaded it, as her bodyguard instincts rose again. Lucius saw the look on her face as the carriage pulled up to the entrance to the Governor’s Palace.</p><p></p><p>“Hon,” he said quietly, “You don’t have to stand beside me the whole time. Run around. Enjoy yourself. Show off your wings!” he grinned. She smiled lightly.</p><p></p><p>“I’d feel more comfortable if I was next to you... at least to keep you safe.” Lucius nodded an ok, and clambered out of the carriage to deftly help her out of it.</p><p></p><p></p><p>As the party entered the Imperial Ballroom, all of them, even Lucius, had to gasp at its side and dimensions. The room was massive, nearly 400 feet long, 50 feet high to the tops of its rafters, with enormous chandeliers and paintings hanging from the ceilings and walls respectively. Towards the front of the already crowded room was a throne upon a raised dais. It was gilt, inlaid with precious stones, with two large dragonheads facing each other at its top. No one sat in it yet... the Princess had yet to arrive.</p><p></p><p>Lucius immediately hightailed towards a group of chatting noblemen, all puffing on pipes or sipping wine, and immediately he delved into a deep conversation with them. Pellaron did much the same, clanking over in his ceremonial paladin’s armor and crest to talk with other, more minor looking nobles.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><em>I want to stay by you, don’t run so fast,</em> went through Siabrey’s mind as she followed Lucius’s trail through the crowds as he approached and then entered conversation with the nobles in question. As she drew nigh, however, her plans were thwarted.</p><p></p><p>“Oh... my! Adelaine! Look at her dress! It is absolutely <em>gorgeous!</em>” a voice, annoying in accent and high pitched in nature, began. Siabrey turned to see an elderly looking lady, dressed in puffed up finery, with no less than eighteen peacock feathers coming from her hair. Siabrey recognized her as the Baroness of Tor, a noble Lucius had pointed out at the parade for particular disdain.</p><p></p><p><em>My God, woman, is it humanly possible to add a single feather to that array of puffery?</em></p><p></p><p>“Oh... and Marel! Her <em>eyes</em>... where did you find those eye colorings? I should dye my eyes red as well, to match the rubies in my chaffron!” another voice added, and soon more surrounded her, and Siabrey found herself unwillingly dragged away from Lucius by the fettering wives of the petchulent nobles he was talking to.</p><p></p><p>“My God! Arabel, I know this is <em>not</em> a costume ball, but by Pelor, her wing costume is absolutely <em>darling</em>. Madame, please inform me of your name, and your tailor!” the Baroness of Tor burbled with entirely too much glee.</p><p></p><p>“I am Siabrey,” she said quietly. “My tailor was... a man from the desert,” she said quietly. <em>Oh god I want to punch these people!</em> part of her mind screamed. She kept it well in check, knowing that decking one of these annoying creatures would undoubtedly hurt her love’s cause.</p><p></p><p>“Ah... oh! Well, young lady, if an elder shall impart to you any advice... take a look at that hunk of flesh right there, beside my husband,” the Baroness pointed with an over decorated finger. “He is absolutely luscious... I would marry him in a second if I could get away with it! Riches, lands, and <em>single</em>...”</p><p></p><p>Siabrey’s face fell as she realized the woman was pointed at Lucius, who was standing next to the apparent Baron of Tor. <em>You fat bar wench, looking at Lucius that way...</em> her mind snarled, yet somehow its fury did not enter her voice.</p><p></p><p>“Yes, I know him. Lord Lucius Caladron... I know him quite well.” <em>No sense in embarrassing them by blurting out who I really am to him.</em></p><p></p><p>“Well then... if at all possible, could you steer him my way?” the Baroness asked, before laughing, “though don’t tell my husband. He’s in a foul mood about having to get another peacock farm. Our old one just doesn’t suit my needs... not enough peacocks!”</p><p></p><p><em>Oh God woman,</em> Siabrey groaned. <em>Now, I don’t know whether I like galas that much or not... too many annoying people!</em> </p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Tess, meanwhile, began circulating through the party, attempting to find likely sources of information.... nobles paying too much attention at her chest and waist, and not at her face. Her search for likely prey was interrupted, however, as she literally ran into someone.</p><p></p><p>“Oh! Excuse me!” she apologized, and for a second her heart stopped. </p><p></p><p>”I’m terribly sorry,” the young man replied, “I should have watched where I was going.” His blue eyes danced with more than an apology, however, and his jet-black hair was cut at a rakish angle that complimented his dangerously perfect face. His voice was a sonorous tenor....</p><p></p><p><em>Probably centered on A flat</em> Tess’ musical mind chimed in.</p><p></p><p>“Oh... my manners,” the young man said. “My name is Shivalas... and are you... Tessoren the Harper?!” His eyes grew wide, and Tess could not avoid a slight blush.</p><p></p><p><em>So people do remember me from my last time here four months ago... and people invited to an </em> Imperial Gala <em>no less!</em></p><p></p><p>“Um... yes. I am know as that,” she smiled shyly. The man gibbered for a second, before launching into a nervous spout of words.</p><p></p><p>“Well... um... you see, I’m a musician as well. An... an amateur to be sure, compared to your beautiful skill,” he added quickly. “I... I sing, however. I would consider it the deepest honor if you would allow me to sing as you play one of your songs.”</p><p></p><p><em>He wants me to play!? Here!? YES!</em> Tess’ mind cheered, now only mostly for the chance to show off in front of an audience... the rest for a chance to show off in front of...</p><p></p><p>“By all means,” she said, managing to keep her voice somewhat level. Her grabbed her hand gently but firmly and led her towards the front, onto the dais, where he clapped his hands loudly. The crowds went silent, and he struck up, in perfect key, the first notes to Tess’ favorite song... <em>The Harpist’s Dream</em>. Tess grinned, and added her flowing music to his musical voice, and musical sounds worthy of the gods wafting through the room, prompting a standing ovation when they were finished.</p><p></p><p><em>He held PERFECT key... he either is no amateur, or he has more raw talent than I’ve ever seen before in my life... I need to find out more about this man... perhaps he could provide some information?</em> Her mind didn’t admit it, but the possibility of something more also floated there as well.</p><p></p><p>“So, Shivalas, what do you do? What is your title?”</p><p></p><p>“Title? Ha!” he laughed. “My father is a relatively minor noble, north of Irulas. I am here on the Princess’ staff. Her original dwarven translator fell ill four days ago, and after some inquiries showed I knew dwarven, I was invited to join. So here I am.”</p><p></p><p><em>Good... I can get some information from him then... possibly...</em> Tess tried to focus her mind. Her bodyguard instincts kept trying to tell her to watch him, but she just couldn’t... he was witty, he was handsome, he was nobility....</p><p></p><p>“Tess, to celebrate the wonderful music we made together, would you care for a drink? A bit of punch, or perhaps some of the wine?”</p><p></p><p><em>Tess... keep your eyes about. Just in case he tries something funny.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>What would he try funny? People that are as gorgeous as him don’t need to try funny things to get l...</em> As the thought entered her head, she immediately blushed, and saw Shivalas give a broad smile.</p><p></p><p>“What, does the thought of drink embarrass you?” he asked gently.</p><p></p><p>“No! No... no no... drink doesn’t embarrass me at all. I would be delighted to share a glass of wine with you. Then we can talk some more... wine always helps with the talking.... yeah...”</p><p></p><p><em>Tess, you twit!</em> her mind shouted at her, <em>Was that cool? Was that debonair? Was that suave? No! It wasn’t!</em> Her minds rant stopped when she saw him chuckle a little.</p><p></p><p>“Oh, so true. Iskeldrun Red, Irulas White, or Holstean Blue?” Tess stiffened slightly at the mentioning of Holstean, before remembering that the name was indeed a type of wine.</p><p></p><p>“Um... Irulas White, please,” she said as he poured a glass for her, and one for himself. Her eyes were far to busy staring into his to notice him tipping his signet ring over her cup, and the whitish yellow powder that fell into her glass and dissolved almost immediately.</p><p></p><p>Tess lifted her glass, and circled the wine under her nose like a pro, noting with some delight that he seemed a little impressed.</p><p></p><p><em>Good. More ways to get information... out of you.... yeah</em> her distracted mind thought, as she sipped away with Shivalas by her side. They talked for a bit, and she found to her delight that he regarded many of the noble’s here as pompous fools... the same as she thought.</p><p></p><p>As their conversation continued, her world steadily began to grow more colorful, brighter, and more vivid. She began to concentrate on Shivalas, and him alone.</p><p></p><p><em>All the feathers... all the clothes... they look so pretty</em> her mind, now in a muddled haze of drugs, managed to stumble out. <em>And Shivalas is the prettiest... so pretty...</em></p><p></p><p>Shivalas gently guided the now clearly affected Tess over to a small table to the side of the room, and leaned over to her as her head lolled to one side.</p><p></p><p>“My dear Tesseron Keldare,” he smiled as he used her full name, “you will now explain to me the things I need to know. Your friends, where I can meet them, and the like...”</p><p></p><p>For the next hour, Tess talked, and talked a lot. After she had spilled as much information as her befuddled brain would allow, the man called Shivalas, with a flash of his dark hair and a wide grin, placed a rose in front of her, and gave her a kiss on the forehead. Then he rose, taking leave from her table, and the ball...</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Emperor Valerian, post: 1350842, member: 15043"] The following is Part Six of the adventure on 1-30-04, entitled [b] Thou Shalt Schmooze Thy Noble, Part One[/b] Siabrey was the first to return to the Temple, and she found, in the Temple courtyard, Lucius and Xanadu sitting across from each other in the middle of a spot of clear dirt. Both had small rocks of varying colors arrayed in front of each other, and both had frustrated looks on their faces. “No!” Xanadu suddenly snapped as Siabrey approached, and she watched as he rapped the end of Lucius’ extending hand with a stick. “Cavalry does NOT charge formed infantry! You should know that by now!” [i]He’s beating the poor boy down,[/i] Siabrey thought as she watched Lucius get smacked several more times for mistakes. Pitying him, she decided to move in to intervene. “Xanadu, go easy on him! He has never commanded before!” she said coming up alongside the two. Lucius looked up with a look of thanks, Xanadu with one of annoyance. “If being harsh on him teaches him how to properly command troops, then I shall be harsh. An actual battlefield is a very unforgiving teacher, far more than me.” Xanadu then looked back towards the battlefield, and shifted a red colored rock forward, till it contacted the lone blue rock on Lucius’ side. “There! See... you left your spellcasters wide open, so my cavalry rode them down! You just lost the battle, boy!” Lucius gave a sigh, one mixed with frustration and sadness, as the two realigned their forces of stones into lines closer to themselves once again. More irritated at Xanadu’s behavior, Siabrey spoke again. “Oh, its his first battle! He can learn! I bet you lost your first battle!” Xanadu suddenly stopped resetting his pieces, and looked off into the distance, some far off and distant war raging again in his mind. After a few seconds, he shook his head back into the present, and looked at the malcontent that dared interrupt his lessons. “As a matter of fact, yes, I did win my first real battle.” He then returned to setting his pieces right. Siabrey huffed, and then looked at Lucius. “Hon, don’t get down... you’ll catch on. Here, I’ll go get you a cream pie... you know you want one...” she grinned, hoping to improve his dour mood. He grunted as his pieces can back into place. “I’m not hungry, hon,” he said, concentrating on the pieces in front of him, “I’ll eat later.” He then broke his concentration on the dirt field long enough to look up at her with a small, wan smile, however. “Thank you for asking, though.” She bent down and was about to kiss him when the voice of a returning Shaun broke the moment. “Siabrey! Don’t you know that being a mattress general and a field general are two entirely separate things?” A muffled snicker rose from Xanadu, and Lucius even grinned, suppressing laughter. Siabrey, however, was not amused. She clanked over towards Shaun, and smacked him in the side of the head. “What?” Shaun said, in an annoyed and hurt voice, “it was a joke! C’mon!” After everyone had returned, the party compared notes, and the full danger was slowly beginning to appear in their faces. The governor had changed suddenly, and was now going after the major temple of the Imperial army officers. The Princess was sent to investigate him in person, and most alarmingly, Ilia was apparently headed to the kingdom of Ak Konylu, in all likelihood trying to raise another army. Further searches the next day, their last free day before the ball, confirmed many of these hypotheses... though the most alarming one, the one regarding Ilia, remained a mystery... [i]The next evening[/i] [i]Oh... he looks perfect[/i] Siabrey’s mind purred as Lucius walked out and took her hand, leading her towards the carriage that would take them to the Governor’s Palace, even as she felt a slight bit of anxiety. Even as she glanced at him, her hand reflexively gripped her dress sword... well... the Temple of Pelor’s dress sword. It wasn’t her normal katana, and it wasn’t a field grade weapon (It would likely break after a few strikes), but it would be enough to provide them with some defensive striking power in case something went bad... something to last long enough they could flee, hopefully. Shaun walked by, looking smart in his newly refurbished outfit, his hat, and a dress rapier at his side. Tess, meanwhile, was able to carry Fa’rallan herself, as her gilt handle and guards made her look exactly as the other, weaker dress blades. Lucius walked over to Siabrey, and with a deftness that was no doubt drilled into his head through etiquette training as a boy, helped her into the carriage. She and him, as the Lord and his Consort, would ride alone, while a second carriage picked up Shaun, Elenya, Tess, and Pellaron. “Lucius, honey?” Siabrey said quietly as the carriage rocked slowly, trundling down the streets, “I have to tell you.... this is a moment I’ve dreamed of.” She let her wings give a happy little flutter, and a thin cloud of electrum dust rose into the air around her. The image was nice enough that Lucius had a grin on his face that signified more than joy. “All my life, I’ve been told I cannot show my wings in public... but now... because of you...” she started to finish, before looking at him, and seeing his grin had changed to a blinding smile. He put his arm around her and kissed her on the cheek lightly. “Now, everyone can see you in your true, devastatingly beautiful form,” he flirted, and she blushed deeply. The trip seemed, in her mind, to last far too short a time. While the carriage ride was private, romantic, and just heavenly to her, as much as she looked forward to the gala, she dreaded it, as her bodyguard instincts rose again. Lucius saw the look on her face as the carriage pulled up to the entrance to the Governor’s Palace. “Hon,” he said quietly, “You don’t have to stand beside me the whole time. Run around. Enjoy yourself. Show off your wings!” he grinned. She smiled lightly. “I’d feel more comfortable if I was next to you... at least to keep you safe.” Lucius nodded an ok, and clambered out of the carriage to deftly help her out of it. As the party entered the Imperial Ballroom, all of them, even Lucius, had to gasp at its side and dimensions. The room was massive, nearly 400 feet long, 50 feet high to the tops of its rafters, with enormous chandeliers and paintings hanging from the ceilings and walls respectively. Towards the front of the already crowded room was a throne upon a raised dais. It was gilt, inlaid with precious stones, with two large dragonheads facing each other at its top. No one sat in it yet... the Princess had yet to arrive. Lucius immediately hightailed towards a group of chatting noblemen, all puffing on pipes or sipping wine, and immediately he delved into a deep conversation with them. Pellaron did much the same, clanking over in his ceremonial paladin’s armor and crest to talk with other, more minor looking nobles. [i]I want to stay by you, don’t run so fast,[/i] went through Siabrey’s mind as she followed Lucius’s trail through the crowds as he approached and then entered conversation with the nobles in question. As she drew nigh, however, her plans were thwarted. “Oh... my! Adelaine! Look at her dress! It is absolutely [i]gorgeous![/i]” a voice, annoying in accent and high pitched in nature, began. Siabrey turned to see an elderly looking lady, dressed in puffed up finery, with no less than eighteen peacock feathers coming from her hair. Siabrey recognized her as the Baroness of Tor, a noble Lucius had pointed out at the parade for particular disdain. [i]My God, woman, is it humanly possible to add a single feather to that array of puffery?[/i] “Oh... and Marel! Her [i]eyes[/i]... where did you find those eye colorings? I should dye my eyes red as well, to match the rubies in my chaffron!” another voice added, and soon more surrounded her, and Siabrey found herself unwillingly dragged away from Lucius by the fettering wives of the petchulent nobles he was talking to. “My God! Arabel, I know this is [i]not[/i] a costume ball, but by Pelor, her wing costume is absolutely [i]darling[/i]. Madame, please inform me of your name, and your tailor!” the Baroness of Tor burbled with entirely too much glee. “I am Siabrey,” she said quietly. “My tailor was... a man from the desert,” she said quietly. [i]Oh god I want to punch these people![/i] part of her mind screamed. She kept it well in check, knowing that decking one of these annoying creatures would undoubtedly hurt her love’s cause. “Ah... oh! Well, young lady, if an elder shall impart to you any advice... take a look at that hunk of flesh right there, beside my husband,” the Baroness pointed with an over decorated finger. “He is absolutely luscious... I would marry him in a second if I could get away with it! Riches, lands, and [i]single[/i]...” Siabrey’s face fell as she realized the woman was pointed at Lucius, who was standing next to the apparent Baron of Tor. [i]You fat bar wench, looking at Lucius that way...[/i] her mind snarled, yet somehow its fury did not enter her voice. “Yes, I know him. Lord Lucius Caladron... I know him quite well.” [i]No sense in embarrassing them by blurting out who I really am to him.[/i] “Well then... if at all possible, could you steer him my way?” the Baroness asked, before laughing, “though don’t tell my husband. He’s in a foul mood about having to get another peacock farm. Our old one just doesn’t suit my needs... not enough peacocks!” [i]Oh God woman,[/i] Siabrey groaned. [i]Now, I don’t know whether I like galas that much or not... too many annoying people![/i] Tess, meanwhile, began circulating through the party, attempting to find likely sources of information.... nobles paying too much attention at her chest and waist, and not at her face. Her search for likely prey was interrupted, however, as she literally ran into someone. “Oh! Excuse me!” she apologized, and for a second her heart stopped. ”I’m terribly sorry,” the young man replied, “I should have watched where I was going.” His blue eyes danced with more than an apology, however, and his jet-black hair was cut at a rakish angle that complimented his dangerously perfect face. His voice was a sonorous tenor.... [i]Probably centered on A flat[/i] Tess’ musical mind chimed in. “Oh... my manners,” the young man said. “My name is Shivalas... and are you... Tessoren the Harper?!” His eyes grew wide, and Tess could not avoid a slight blush. [i]So people do remember me from my last time here four months ago... and people invited to an [/i] Imperial Gala [i]no less![/i] “Um... yes. I am know as that,” she smiled shyly. The man gibbered for a second, before launching into a nervous spout of words. “Well... um... you see, I’m a musician as well. An... an amateur to be sure, compared to your beautiful skill,” he added quickly. “I... I sing, however. I would consider it the deepest honor if you would allow me to sing as you play one of your songs.” [i]He wants me to play!? Here!? YES![/i] Tess’ mind cheered, now only mostly for the chance to show off in front of an audience... the rest for a chance to show off in front of... “By all means,” she said, managing to keep her voice somewhat level. Her grabbed her hand gently but firmly and led her towards the front, onto the dais, where he clapped his hands loudly. The crowds went silent, and he struck up, in perfect key, the first notes to Tess’ favorite song... [i]The Harpist’s Dream[/i]. Tess grinned, and added her flowing music to his musical voice, and musical sounds worthy of the gods wafting through the room, prompting a standing ovation when they were finished. [i]He held PERFECT key... he either is no amateur, or he has more raw talent than I’ve ever seen before in my life... I need to find out more about this man... perhaps he could provide some information?[/i] Her mind didn’t admit it, but the possibility of something more also floated there as well. “So, Shivalas, what do you do? What is your title?” “Title? Ha!” he laughed. “My father is a relatively minor noble, north of Irulas. I am here on the Princess’ staff. Her original dwarven translator fell ill four days ago, and after some inquiries showed I knew dwarven, I was invited to join. So here I am.” [i]Good... I can get some information from him then... possibly...[/i] Tess tried to focus her mind. Her bodyguard instincts kept trying to tell her to watch him, but she just couldn’t... he was witty, he was handsome, he was nobility.... “Tess, to celebrate the wonderful music we made together, would you care for a drink? A bit of punch, or perhaps some of the wine?” [i]Tess... keep your eyes about. Just in case he tries something funny. What would he try funny? People that are as gorgeous as him don’t need to try funny things to get l...[/i] As the thought entered her head, she immediately blushed, and saw Shivalas give a broad smile. “What, does the thought of drink embarrass you?” he asked gently. “No! No... no no... drink doesn’t embarrass me at all. I would be delighted to share a glass of wine with you. Then we can talk some more... wine always helps with the talking.... yeah...” [i]Tess, you twit![/i] her mind shouted at her, [i]Was that cool? Was that debonair? Was that suave? No! It wasn’t![/i] Her minds rant stopped when she saw him chuckle a little. “Oh, so true. Iskeldrun Red, Irulas White, or Holstean Blue?” Tess stiffened slightly at the mentioning of Holstean, before remembering that the name was indeed a type of wine. “Um... Irulas White, please,” she said as he poured a glass for her, and one for himself. Her eyes were far to busy staring into his to notice him tipping his signet ring over her cup, and the whitish yellow powder that fell into her glass and dissolved almost immediately. Tess lifted her glass, and circled the wine under her nose like a pro, noting with some delight that he seemed a little impressed. [i]Good. More ways to get information... out of you.... yeah[/i] her distracted mind thought, as she sipped away with Shivalas by her side. They talked for a bit, and she found to her delight that he regarded many of the noble’s here as pompous fools... the same as she thought. As their conversation continued, her world steadily began to grow more colorful, brighter, and more vivid. She began to concentrate on Shivalas, and him alone. [i]All the feathers... all the clothes... they look so pretty[/i] her mind, now in a muddled haze of drugs, managed to stumble out. [i]And Shivalas is the prettiest... so pretty...[/i] Shivalas gently guided the now clearly affected Tess over to a small table to the side of the room, and leaned over to her as her head lolled to one side. “My dear Tesseron Keldare,” he smiled as he used her full name, “you will now explain to me the things I need to know. Your friends, where I can meet them, and the like...” For the next hour, Tess talked, and talked a lot. After she had spilled as much information as her befuddled brain would allow, the man called Shivalas, with a flash of his dark hair and a wide grin, placed a rose in front of her, and gave her a kiss on the forehead. Then he rose, taking leave from her table, and the ball... [/QUOTE]
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