| Logs |
2001-06-11
| Starfall |
| Realms |
Retired
| Reality Fault |
General Info
 |
"I Could Have Danced all Night...!"
- The announcement of the queen's arrival was the signal for
the music to begin, and the small orchestra hired for the occasion
begins an incidental piece preparatory to the dancing. The ambassadors
mingle, holding wary conversations with each other, as do the Maidstone
nobility. Several of the younger females are looking carefully in the
direction of Sten and Horatio, and some of the young men are obviously
pondering approaching Alex.
Sten watches his brother flirt with the Queen, and muses once again what an odd clutch of nobles he's fallen into. He traces the rich browns and golds of his own velvet attire tonight thoughtfully. Carroll smiles and makes sure to linger a moment, to be certain all of the guests are greeted properly. As the first dance prepares to begin he looks across the room, thinking, I wonder who might be available as a partner at this late moment. The Queen, perhaps, or Alex. Or the Baroness-Captain, or even Duchess White Haven, although I expect she's rather happily found our father.
Alex is relieved when the last of the guests have been greeted, and happily patters into the ballroom on her father's arm, looking around in unconcealed delight at the colorful panorama before her. Gorgeous attire, lovely dancing music, fun people to dance with... she sighs happily. What more could a vixen ask for? Sten watches the room for signs of trouble, noting the positions of his guards and siblings. Alex glances around, cheerfully wondering when the Duchess will swoop down and claim her father... and more to the point, who can she herself grab- er, whoops, she meant persuade... to dance with a cheerful and enthusiastic vixen?
Horatio is, for the most part, blithely unaware of whatever discrete looks he may be getting -- he wouldn't believe that he was garnering such, as it is. For the time being the only sight he has is for Jessie's eyes, though he does remember (to give him time to build up the moderate courage it takes to ask Jessie to dance) to approach Sten. "Erm... Sten? Ah, excuse me... I, ah, just wanted to thank you, I mean, I don't think either Jessie or I would want any sort of special treatment because of... erm.. because we were, are, I mean, ah... I mean, uhm, thank you for giving Jezebel permission to come here. Tonight..."
Sten smiles down at his newfound brother. "Horatio, there's no reason she shouldn't be here -- think how much safer you are with her close to you. If something happens, this just means I know one of my sibs has a bodyguard close by already. The fun is incidental." He keeps a straight face and serious tone until the end, when he winks.
Horatio blinks to Sten, and tries not to be flustered. "Oh! Ah, good point, I hadn't thought of that! Thank you!" I really do like him. This is going to be great! Then: And it's a good thing he missed some of the... uhm... incidents back home. Blowing up the garden shed four times was probably my nadir... Jessie has been waiting in the wings, and when Horatio has finished with his duties in the receiving line she swoops in on him. The mink is gorgeous in a pale blue gown with a gold necklace -- someone has obviously been helping her with her wardrobe tonight.
Horatio blinks in surprise at the sudden presence of Jessie upon him. Just like her namesake...! a part of him thinks startledly. And another part of him: How are things in Ettore? We should visit there again soon... We haven't forgotten them. He's even more startled when he sees her fully. "Ah... oh my, you... you look-" -and then he manages to recover some of his stance, and bows to Jessie. "You look wonderful tonight, Jessie!"
Duchess White Haven has been waiting for the same opportunity, and moves toward Count Timothy as the queen moves off to circulate with Carroll. She gives her fellow mink a sly grin as they pass on their separate tracks. Alex looks amused, and whispers, "Have fun, Daddy!" as she steps politely away from her father. She knows that predatory look in the Duchess' eye. Sten notes the impressive Duchess bearing down upon his father, but decides the Count probably isn't in any danger... unless he intends to plead a headache tonight.
Carroll smiles at the picture of Jessie and Horatio, he rather obviously happy and her also quite pleased -- and quite firmly attached to the fox, lest some other try and steal him away from her. I wonder, he thinks to himself, -if she has anything to worry about on that score. Another moment passes before he concludes, I doubt it. A moment passes as he idly thinks, I'm pleased I was able to help her find more appropriate clothing. The fact he enjoyed it is irrelevant. The thought, cheerful as it is, is interrupted by the Queen's approach, to whom he says, "Good evening, Your Majesty," and smiles.
The queen smiles and nods to Carroll. "It certainly seems to be, Captain." She offers her hand. "Shall we talk to a few of my subjects before the dancing gets too far along?"
Carroll smiles and offers the Queen his arm, saying, "I would be pleased to escort you, your Majesty." He moves easily by her side, letting her lead as he asks, "Was there anyone in particular you were looking to talk to?"
Arianna smiles. "Oh, a few folks. I think I shall start with some unimportant chats, though. Don't want them to think I'm eager."
Carroll smiles. "It's good for their egos to let them wait a little." He smiles at everyone as they walk, and keeps a quiet eye on how people react to them together, particularly the three Dukes, if he sees them.
The queen nods at Carroll's comment. "Exactly. Besides, I'd rather make it more confusing as to who I actually want to talk to." She smiles as she approaches Matthew and Talia, exchanging greetings and a few friendly remarks before moving on.
Jessie smiles happily and insinuates herself into Horatio's arms somehow. "And I thank you as well, Major. I won't let anything happen to him. Anything bad, at least."
Horatio's ears stand out on end, even as he nods to Sten. "Thank you again, Sten..." Sten grins quickly to Horatio and nods, before looking around the room again. Everything seems... well, very peaceful. He looks for Lucrezia -- the nice, slightly insecure cougar... is she finding dance partners?
Several of the young ladies are gravitating in Sten's direction, not quite sure how he fits into the picture, but nonetheless intrigued by a handsome young officer who appears to be associated with the St. Genevieves. A young leopardess is the first to approach him. "Lord Sten? May I ask if you are on duty tonight, or are you attending the party?" Sten is almost completely surprised. She wants something. What could she want from me? He smiles and bows to the leopardess. "Lady Greenwold. A bit of both, my lady. Are you enjoying yourself tonight?"
Greenwold smiles at Sten. "I am, and I'll enjoy it even more if someone would ask me to dance..." She smiles at him expectantly.
Sten smiles and resigns himself with good and well-hidden grace to a bit of socializing. "My lady! Though I can hardly believe that you were not immediately swept away upon uttering those words, may I offer my paltry self as a partner?" He holds a gallant arm out to Lady Greenwold.
Lady Deborah smiles and murmurs, "I would be honored, milord." She lets him lead toward the dance floor.
Sten thanks his dearly departed mother and certain generous and talented women as he walks beside the Lady Deborah Greenwold. Y'know, I don't think I really even count as a Lord. I wonder how much that would matter to these ladies. Probably a lot. If I'm terrible at dancing, maybe I can pass the info around and not have to dance again. He mentally crosses his fingers. Okay, Mom... gonna be proud, or will your son trip over his social feet?
Don Carlos is still making the rounds in his diplomat role, and his absence encourages others to approach the young vixen. A young buck whitetail in an army lieutenant's uniform and a badger in civilian dress approach Alex almost simultaneously, and when they reach her they are exchanging glares as often as they are smiling at the vixen.
Alex smiles faintly to herself. If Mikhail's any indicator, badgers are a lot of fun to dance with... but she'd guess it's not Mikhail's species so much as his caring about what he does that makes him so nice. She nods and smiles politely to the two young men, "Good evening, Lt. DeVere, Lord Underhill. I do hope you're both having a lovely time."
The buck sweeps a bow, careful not to bump his velvety antlers against anything. "It's a delightful affair so far, Sir Alexandra. You're not planning anything exciting, are you?" Underhill is a bare heartbeat behind in his bow and greeting, and gets a rather odd look on his face at DeVere's comment. "I'm sure she didn't plan all those incidents, Lieutenant."
Alex curtseys politely in return, then curiously asks, "What incidents do you refer to?"
DeVere chuckles. "Oh, minor things like attempted assassinations and kidnappings. Nothing too troubling."
Alex raises an eyebrow, her earrings tinkling faintly as her ears flick back, "'Minor'...? yes, I'd have to agree with Lord Underhill that I didn't plan them... or particularly enjoy them while they were occurring." She tilts her head as she turns to look at the badger, "I don't suppose you were about to ask me to dance, good sir?"
The badger suddenly looks much more cheerful. "Indeed I was, Sir Alexandra. If you would do me the honor..?" Alex smiles graciously and accepts his arm... and doesn't look back as she sweeps off to the dance floor. Hmf... minor indeed. Did he think that was funny?!
Carroll is happy to escort the Queen, letting people come up and have a few words with her. He tries to be the perfect balance of approachability and presence, to allow people who would speak to the Queen to do so unworried by his being there, but to keep some of the suitors at bay for a while. He too greets people as they speak to him, and exchanges pleasantries, but he mostly enjoys Arianna's company.
The queen, though apparently drifting aimlessly around the room, does seem to be aiming in a particular direction. As she breaks off with yet another minor noble, she murmurs, "And now for something with a little more meat on it..." and steers Carroll in the direction of Duke Redtail. Carroll chuckles softly at the Queen's words and continues to escort her, letting her get used to him being nearby and getting used to being there for her. The thought, I could get used to this, does drift through his mind.
Redtail nods to the queen as she approaches, and bows. "Your majesty. Baron Carroll. Thank you for the invitation."
Carroll smiles, "I am honored that you were able to join us, Baron Redtail. It is a pleasure to see you again."
The musicians begin the first dance, and couples begin to move on the floor in a simple waltz. Redtail and his duchess smile. "It's a pleasure to be here." The queen looks apologetically at Carroll for a moment, then switches her gaze to the elk. "Things have certainly changed in the last year or so... and I understand that you assisted in that, in spite of our differences. Thank you."
Redtail nods, acknowledging the apology implicit in the queen's words. "It was nothing less than my duty to you and to the kingdom, your majesty. Personal differences are unimportant compared to that." Carroll nods quietly at the Duke's words, smiling his agreement. I hope, he thinks, that the Queen will remember that. And that one of them will remember to thank Alex for her persistence.
Horatio glances to the orchestra as they take up their instruments, and smiles up to Jessie, into her bright eyes. "May I have this dance?" he asks her cheerfully and warmly.
Jessie grins at her fox. "I was certainly expecting you would. Shall we?" The mink seems equally anxious to spend time with Horatio and show off her dress.
Horatio bobs his head cheerfully, and whirls onto the dance floor with the mink. His dancing style hasn't improved terribly much -- slogging through the mountains of Hamasura and rappelling down mountains in Maidstone didn't leave much time to practice dancing, but in that time he managed to learn which was his left foot and which was his right foot. Even so, if Jessie looks like she's leading, he will cheerfully follow suit. Why ruin a good thing? he wonders. She's much better at this than I, after all. And he proceeds to loose himself in the dance, much as he had at the party at the Costa Yermo embassy... but with only a little luck this time will be better. This time it will just be a wonderful evening, himself and his siblings and Jessie... Jessie, with her flashing eyes that seem to fill his entire field of vision.
Sten finds to his relief that his feet go where they should, and the dance -- a waltz -- comes back to him with ease. He leads Lady Deborah Greenwold through the dance with a feeling of actual satisfaction, smiling faintly. The lady Deborah is quite good at dancing and unobtrusively helps Sten keep up with the dance. "Are you related to the St. Genevieves, or are you a friend of theirs?"
Sten keeps his polite-enjoyment face on, despite the rise of cynicism. Heh. I wondered how long you'd take to find out if I belong here. That thought is quickly followed by What would my family want me to say? Well... they introduced me to the Queen... and had me stand in line to greet guests with them... and... I guess they can't really want folks not to know, then. He smiles to Lady Deborah, "I have the honor of being related. Count Timothy is my father."
The leopardess processes that bit of information, then nods. "I see. Were you in the army until now?"
Sten nods to the leopardess Greenwold. "Almost... I'm a member of the Mercenary's Guild, and came only recently to this city." Greenwold's ears twitch, and a moment later she gives an almost imperceptible shrug, as if thinking He seems to be part of the family now. Sten's curiosity pokes him at Greenwold's shrug, and he decides to see if she has a sense of humor. "And how do you amuse yourself, my lady?" He smiles cheerfully at her.
Greenwold smiles. "Oh, the usual things. Parties, dancing, banking..."
Sten's smile widens. A brain! Hey, these nobles aren't bad folks, so far. With the notable exception of the one they just executed, I suppose. "Is banking a family occupation, or a personal interest?"
Greenwold smiles. "Both, really. Finance is a family interest, and I find it intriguing. A good thing, really, since my father insists we all learn about it. My older brother hasn't figured out yet that Father doesn't have to leave him anything more than the title..." Sten nods with sincere respect to the leopardess, impressed by a talent for math, and says as much to her. He grins inwardly and muses that he may be dancing with the next head of the Greenwolds, if the lady's brother doesn't move quickly enough.
Underhill seems to be a passable dancer -- he doesn't step on Alex's feet, at least, though she can tell he's not an expert. Alex dances skillfully and politely with the badger, smiling and politely inquiring as to his family. The badger chats about his family, and also politely inquires about Count Timothy's health. He smiles at the answer, then continues, "Are you planning to stay on here, then?"
Alex answers politely also, then adds in reply to his question, "That depends on where my captain decides we're going next, actually, Lord Underhill. And yourself?"
The badger smiles in a self-deprecating fashion. "I have to stay close to the capitol, Sir Alexandra. I take care of the family interests here, while my father and brother run the estates."
Alex nods, "Makes sense. Do you have a third sibling in the army then?"
Underhill nods. "My younger sister is an artillery mage. She's just been promoted, in fact."
Alex's ears perk up in fascination, "Oh, is she? How interesting! What kind of artillery does she do? Is she in the capital currently too?" She blinks, then wonders with sudden sympathy if the poor guy realizes the lady he's dancing with currently finds his sister more interesting than he... she hopes not -- that'd be rude of her. She smiles faintly, and wonders if the earlier buck is recovering military also... or if his verbal clumsiness is just part of being young and inexperienced.
Underhill affects a mournful look. "We should be talking about you, Sir Alex. But if you insist... she's a captain now, a telekinetic talent. She's quite good at it."
Alex chuckles, "I'm afraid I'm not that interesting, really... er, well..." She pauses, thinking. Is she interesting? Or is it just that the folks around her keep doing interesting things and she gets carried along? Abruptly Alex decides that trying to do personal introspection during a waltz with a less-than-brilliant partner is doubtless a bad idea, and changes tacks, "Is she now? How interesting! I'd love to meet her!"
The badger looks surprised. "Not interesting? Sir Alexandra, there are very few furrs around who have been successful privateers and who have saved the queen's life. You would be fascinating even if you had just been lucky, and the stories say that it was all skill."
Alex thinks about that a moment... then grins a little ruefully, "Well... okay. I guess I have done some interesting things."
The badger nods emphatically. "You certainly have..." he breaks off in disappointment as the dance ends and deVere and others start towards his partner.
Alex grins in cheerful mischief as the dance ends, "Thank you, Lord Underhill, that's rather sweet of you. Perhaps you can introduce me to your sister some time, hm?" She wonders if the young buck will try being a bit smoother this time around... or if he doesn't, perhaps she can sidestep him entirely and find another, more interesting and intelligent partner. She grins wryly to herself at the thought.
Jessie has been happily dancing with Horatio, and looks surprised that the first dance is already over. "Now that was a quick one..."
Horatio grins merrily to Jessie. "I'm not an expert in dancing, but I think that was just as a warm-up..."
Lady Greenwold thanks Sten for a delightful dance. "We shall have to make sure I am on your dance card later this evening. Sten thanks the Lady Greenwold sincerely for the honor, in turn, and assures her he would be delighted. He thinks his small parting bow is appropriate... once it's polite, he heads for a quiet spot to look over the party and relocate his siblings again.
The queen chats with Duke Redtail and his wife all through the first dance, nothing of obvious importance being said, but with an undercurrent of rebuilding bridges that had long been burned. Carroll is happy to see the Queen reconnecting with her Dukes. He does his best to make sure the conversation continues and doesn't get bogged down or difficult, sort of tending the conversation rather as a shepherd might tend a flock of sheep. When this metaphor occurs to him, he thinks wryly, Great, I'm the Queen's conversational sheepdog. The thought makes him smile, and he really doesn't mind. The queen smiles as the first dance ends. "Shall we dance the next one, Captain?"
Carroll smiles and says, "I would be quite pleased to dance with you, Your Majesty." He looks to the Duke and Duchess and says, "Will you excuse us, Your Graces?"
The elks nod. "Certainly, Captain, your Majesty." The Duke claps a huge but gentle hand on Carroll's shoulder. "And thank you for your help."
Carroll smiles and tells the Duke, "You're welcome, your Grace. It was our pleasure to be able to help. You should really be thanking my sister Alexandra, though." With a polite nod, he says, "I hope you both enjoy the evening," and makes good his escape with the Queen. As soon as they're a little away from the Duke and Duchess, Carroll asks quietly, "Your Majesty, you managed to give me a rather apologetic look back there, and I didn't quite understand why." He smiles at her, "I've been wondering why?"
Arianna blushes a bit. "I wasn't sure what you'd think. I needed to make sure I was talking to Erenos again, and that meant I'd have to be a little soft with him after all my unjustified suspicions. I was hoping you wouldn't be too upset with me for messing up that way in the first place."
Carroll smiles, and says, "I am mostly simply pleased that you are working to reconcile those differences." He glances up at where he's walking, making sure not to step into someone, then adds, "A strengthened Crown and nobility is always reassuring."
Sten tries to be an unobtrusive part of the wall, moving now and then, as he tests the mood of the gathering and tries to be a good head of security. He keeps an eye out for Lucrezia, after spotting his siblings. DeVere and a few other males are waiting for Alex as the first dance ends. "Sir Alexandra. I should apologize for my verbal clumsiness... I did not mean to make light of your adventures."
Alex smiles faintly at the young buck, "Of course you didn't," and glances curiously at the other men there, checking to see if she can put any names to the faces.
The military attaché to the Hamasuran ambassador is in the bevy of young males vying for Alex's attention, his kilt and dress tunic standing out from the others. "Buenas tardes, señorita."
Alex blinks, her ears perking up, "Colonel Villejo! Goodness, I'd heard you almost died protecting your ambassador during the assassin attack at the Costa Yermo embassy!" She tilts her head, studying the healthy-looking armadillo, then grins, "How nice to see you looking fine again!"
Villejo chuckles, and shows off a few new scars along one armored forearm. "These reports have been, shall we say, somewhat premature? An armadeello ees not easy to hurt, after all."
Alex grins, "So I've seen, in my admittedly limited experience with armadillos." She cheerfully takes his extended arm, her eyes dancing with mischief, "Why yes, I'd love to dance!" A mutter of "But he didn't even..." is rapidly shushed behind Alex and Villejo as they head for the dance floor.
The musicians that have been hired are the same ones that were at the Costa Yerman embassy -- Alex was insistent that they be able to do a tango. She has a brief word with their leader on the way past with Villejo, and they strike up a rumba beat, to the armadillo's delight. Several couples leave the floor, not sure what to do with this music, but White Haven is still there with the Count. Alex beams cheerfully at the armadillo, "So... is this a good choice?"
In another part of the room, Carroll smiles and asks the Queen, "Do you know how to dance to this?"
Arianna smiles and leans close to whisper to Carroll. "I think I can manage it... I was watching over at the Embassy party."
Carroll says, "That's just the answer I was hoping to hear." He finally becomes a bit more assertive, leading the lady to the floor with probably a little more flair than is called for. He looks very pleased.
Sten tries to fade into the crowd, lest partners seek him out for this unfamiliar music. Horatio blinks a bit at the music. He remembers dancing this with Jessie at the embassy, and he looks to her, smiling quietly, "Would you like to dance this one, or save our strength for other dances?"
Jessie just grins. "This one isn't that bad. Just save enough energy for after the party." Horatio blinks to Jessie, and simply can't get anything coherently resembling a question formed before he's swept out onto the dance floor by the mink.
Elsewhere, Alex concentrates... the rumba was easier than the tango, but she still can't dance it with casual abandon, like she can the more familiar waltz. She carefully remembers what she was taught... strong eye contact, keeping a light, almost trailing, but constant touch on her partner, leaning back into his arm, letting her hips sway gracefully and lithely... she laughs softly, just for the joy of it, as the dance's insidious beat swirls mesmerizingly around her and her excellent partner -- this is what dancing is all about for her -- joie du vivre! The colonel may have been injured in the battle, but he seems to have made a full recovery by now, and he is still as light on his feet as Alex remembers -- it seems somehow odd in the naturally armored soldier.
Carroll is not nearly as purely full of energy as Alex, nor does he apparently have the stamina of his father -- who is keeping up with White Haven so far -- but he does the rumba well, letting the Queen relax into an expressive and energetic dance, lending his only-slightly-more experience and skill to her enjoyment.
Viscountess Lucrezia is in a dark mood, apparently, standing near the bar and going through drinks more rapidly than is perhaps healthy. She nods curtly when Sten looks in her direction. Sten alters his quiet russet course upon seeing Lucrezia's situation, and slips easily through the guests to arrive at her side. He smiles and obtains a drink for verisimilitude. "Lady Lucrezia, I hope you will not deny me the pleasure of your company."
Lucrezia looks suspiciously at Sten, but finally nods. "If you find it so, milord, I shall not gainsay you." She waves to a seat beside her own.
Sten takes the seat Lucrezia offered with quick grace, lest she change her mind in this mood. "I hardly presume to know you, my lady, but I've had only good impressions thus far. May I be candid, and say that I am surprised to see you drinking here alone?"
Lucrezia just twitches an ear at that. "Surprised? With my father executed only a week ago for high treason? There will be opportunists flocking around, I am sure, but this soon after? Those vultures are still circling to make sure I don't become any worse out of favor than I am."
Sten's ears flatten for a moment with dismay before he can straighten them. Right. Good job, Rivard. Salvage her evening, you clumsy fool. He says frankly to the viscountess, "Well, I think they're all foolish then, to drop the pretty language for a moment. In the meantime, while the timid are away, I'll enjoy your company myself as long as you let me. You seem to be a very nice person. I'd be happy to dance with you, but I'm afraid your skills are far beyond mine, and I wouldn't want to make your mood worse before I can get some kind soul to spare me a lesson in the harder dances. A tango, for example, might trample my slight social standing in the mud."
Lucrezia shakes her head at that. "I'm not much of a dancer at the best of times... I don't recall seeing you around before. You came in with His Excellency?"
Sten shakes his head cheerfully. "Not exactly. I'm a mercenary who wandered into town and met his half-siblings by accident... Count Timothy's my father as well."
Lucrezia nods judiciously. "I see the resemblance. You're a bit taller, though. You haven't spent much time with them?"
Sten smiles to Lucrezia, "My mother was a wolf, and my time with the St. Genevieves has been counted in days, so far. So you see, no one has anything social to gain from me... and I'm free to talk to whom I please, being equally unconcerned with my status. I'd be perfectly happy to sit and be unpopular with you." He dares a wink.
The cougar snorts, amused in spite of herself. "Still sounds like an improvement. At least it means you can actually trust the ones who offer their company not to be after your status."
Sten grins to Lucrezia, quietly delighted. A snort is a good start. "What are you drinking, O lady whom I am failing to fawn upon for status?"
Lucrezia shrugs. "Brandy. Care for some?"
Sten nods politely to Lucrezia. "I wouldn't mind a little." The cougar motions to one of the servers, who brings another snifter of brandy over to her. She seems a little relieved when Sten takes it rather than the viscountess. Sten sips his brandy. Well, I do have security personnel keeping watch other than myself, and I suppose in a way, this is helping keep the party safe... she could get violent if she got more drunk and depressed. Right? Sure. This is practically familial duty.
Lucrezia sips her brandy as she watches the rest of the party. She's not gulping it down, but even small sips add up after a while if there is no interruption. After a quiet interlude, she asks the half-wolf, "So what changed for you? You were obviously on your own if you were in the Mercenaries Guild -- why did the family suddenly acknowledge you again?"
Sten gratefully seizes the opportunity to interrupt those sips of brandy, even if it does involve explaining to yet another stranger that his mother is dead... "My family, or this part of it, had no idea I existed until several days ago. We met quite by accident, and they ended up hiring me... I still belong to the Guild, but I wandered here through my work after my mother died, and my usual geographical territory lost its appeal."
The cougar looks at Sten more closely then, obviously sympathetic to such a loss. "Ah. They didn't know? How did you prove it to them, then?"
Sten gives Lucrezia a thoughtful look, then slips the chain of his pendant off and hands it to her to examine, tracing the relevant parts with a claw tip as he explains quietly. "The Count my father gave this to my mother, Joiselle, as a parting gift after he helped her escape an arranged marriage in the Empire. The coat of arms on this side meant nothing to me until I came here, and my siblings stopped the street thief who had taken it... and challenged me to describe my belongings. I described it... they found it on the thief's person... and in the process found me, so to speak."
Alex finds herself enjoying the dance tremendously, her skirts flaring as she whirls with the colonel. It's not as deeply, excitingly satisfying as that tango with Don Carlos... but it is a pleasure to have a good enough partner that she can let both him and the lively dance sweep her away.
The queen manages a creditable performance with the rumba, ending up panting and a little disheveled, but quite pleased with herself. Baroness Morgana looks a bit scandalized, as do some of the other older nobles, but Duke Redtail nods approvingly, and White Haven grins enthusiastically to her as the two couples pass each other on the floor. Alex giggles and winks at the queen cheerfully, should she ever catch Arianna's eye.
Horatio is more likely somewhat more out of breath than Jessie -- too many long months in front of a blazing athanor, mixing fulminates and salts and whatnot -- but he enjoyed the dance thoroughly, with a cheerful (if somewhat dazed) smile on his face. I don't think I'll ever get used to that dance, he thinks. In fact, I hope I don't! Jessie takes pity on Horatio, and lets him lead her off the floor and toward the refreshments. Horatio gratefully goes with Jessie to the refreshments, letting his breathing return to something approaching normal. As they walk, he glances around the room, picking Father and his siblings out to see how well they are doing.
Carroll finishes the dance, completely aware of the scandalized looks and completely ignoring them, rather concentrating on the Queen. As she seems happy, and he enjoyed the dance as well, Carroll is quite pleased. He asks the Queen, "Would you like something to drink, your Majesty?"
Arianna smiles breathlessly at Carroll. "I think I would very much like that, Captain. Nothing too large; perhaps a nice bucket of water..."
Carroll laughs cheerfully, "Silly me, thinking about fruit juice," as he escorts the Queen towards refreshment. He tells her as he walks, "I enjoyed dancing with you, your Majesty. Your company is always pleasant."
Arianna smiles, a bit lopsided. "Sweet of you to say so, Captain, but I know it's not always true. The Crown is a heavy burden, and I sometimes get short-tempered with the ones I need the most."
Carroll flags down the bartender and negotiates for something cool to drink. Considering he is the host and is escorting the Queen, this doesn't turn out to be a problem. Having collected glasses and offered one to the lady, he finally replies to her statement, saying, "We all do this sometimes. Strive not to, and learn to apologize with grace when you do." He shrugs and adds philosophically, "Heavy burdens are easier when shared."
Arianna looks grateful for the understanding ear. "Thank you, Captain. I do forget sometimes."
Carroll sips his drink a little bit, then asks Arianna curiously, "Was there anyone else here you wanted to talk to tonight?"
Don Carlos finally finishes his obligatory round of his fellow ambassadors and comes to look for Alex just as the second dance ends. His ears stand straight up as he sees her leaving the dance floor with the armadillo. Alex brightens slightly as she sees Don Carlos -- maybe they can do another tango- no, wait, she can't have two Boveyan dances back to back, that wouldn't be right. Well, maybe she can grab him for a tango in a few dances, if he's not too busy being a good ambassador. Don Carlos waggles his ears extravagantly after Alex has thanked Colonel Villejo for the dance. "I am devastated, Sir Alexandra. I leave you alone for a few meenutes, and I find you consorteeng weeth the enemy..."
Alex blinks startledly at the don -- then suddenly has to struggle with a bad case of the giggles! When she recovers, she grins, "You have wonderfully expressive ears, señor!" She snorts amusedly, adding, "He's hardly the enemy, and that was hardly consorting!"
Don Carlos chuckles. "He ees not your enemy, true. But Hees Highness eenseests that he ees mine. Are you sure thees was not consorteeng? Perhaps I have the wrong word here?"
Alex puts her hands on her hips and mock-glares in amusement up at the don, "I have no idea... but if you consider standing around and just talking as the best way to change my mind, during a perfectly lovely ball... well, then you've just got another think coming, señor!"
Carlos smiles and sweeps an elegant bow to the vixen. "Thees ees certainly truth. Alas, though you are a feeckle one, I cannot reesist your charms. Weell you do me the honor of a dance, Sir Alexandra?
Alex blinks in astonishment, taking a moment to translate that... then laughs in incredulous amazement, "'fickle'? Me?!" She points a finger at him and opens her mouth to say something -- then remembers where she is. She straightens and raises an eyebrow, "You're just darned lucky we're in public, mister... or I'd have done what I'd do to my brothers when they get mouthy!" With dignity (and some internal struggle to not giggle) she firmly takes the don's arm, then marches out for the ballroom.
Don Carlos lays his ears down and does his best to look intimidated. "Not the attack of the seester! You would not do thees to a guest een your country, Sir Alexandra?"
Alex glares sternly at the don again... although the effect is slightly spoiled by her giggle at his expression! She tilts her head, her eyes dancing with mischief, "Well... I don't know. Hmmm... maybe... maybe I could be persuaded you weren't being fresh..." she grins delightedly, "-if you danced a tango with me later tonight?!"
Carlos looks puzzled. "I would gladly dance weeth you, Sir Alexandra... but how would a tango persuade you I was not fresh?"
Alex grins cheerfully as she whirls lightly into place in the don's arms for the next dance, and answers lightheartedly, "It wouldn't -- it would just be a blatant bit of manipulation on my part to get a fun dance in with you!"
Don Carlos looks chagrined. "A masterful beet of negoteeation, and I have fallen eento the trap like a rank noveece. Perhaps I should resign my post and go home where, no doubt, I could find someone to nurse me in my dotage." He risks touching the tip of his muzzle to Alex's. "Or perhaps I should seemply make sure you are on my side, si?"
Alex giggles and cheerfully flicks her tongue lightly across the tip of the don's nose, just like she used to do with Dimitri -- then she blinks in sudden, horrified shock, realizing what she just did! A bright flush rushes across her skin as her ears flatten in mortification, "Oh, I can't believe I just did that!" She winces, looking down and adding, "I'm so sorry, don Carlos... that was terribly rude of me."
Carlos is surprised, but not at all upset. "Thees ees notheeng to apologize for, milady. I was hopeeng I was not being too forward, and you assured me that I was not."
Alex's ears are still back in mortification, but she risks a careful sideways glance to see if the don's just being polite, like he is with the rampaging duchess... or if he really means it. The coyote appears to be completely sincere... and he did make first contact, after all. Alex sighs faintly, still relieved, and nods, "All right. I am sorry though... it's just you did something that was very much like a game one of my brothers and I had, and um... well, I just uh, reacted like with him..." Her blush brightens, and she decides hastily to change the subject! "So, um... were you jealous that I was dancing with the Hamasuran military attaché, or just worried?"
Carlos shakes his head. "Truly? I was not worried, and I know I cannot be jealous of you... though eet ees sometimes a struggle. I believe I am honored that you were able to theenk of me as that trustworthy, that you would treat me as a brother." He grins, then. "I must admeet that my ultimate designs on you are not at all brotherly, however."
Alex laughs, relaxing, then grins at the don, "I... kinda figured that part out, yes..." She dances quietly for a moment, relaxed and lost in thought and sure that the don will lead well... then she finally looks up and says quietly, "I hope our... respective people get along okay with each of us though... well... I mean, I know my family's people like you, but um... I hope your people don't end up hating me because I'm so... so different from your first wife."
Carlos tries to reassure Alex as they dance, "Thees would be no reason to hate anyone. Your sailors all love you, and I am theenkeeng that thees ees at least partly because you worry about them. You weell care about the campesinos as well, and they weell respond just as your sailors have done. My daughter weell love you, of thees I am sure. She already tries to eemeetate her brother weeth hees toy sword."
Alex smiles quietly at the don... then sighs softly, "Um... I hope so..." She waltzes silently for a bit, just letting herself and her thoughts drift with the music and her partner... then asks curiously, almost trepidatiously, "What was she like? Maria, I mean?"
Carlos sighs. "She was lovely, een her way... loveeng and affectionate, and a doteeng mother. But... she was not strong. Teemeed in some ways, perhaps, and pheeseecally frail as well. She never really recovered from our daughter's birth, and when she became eell... eet was almost as though she had not the speereet to fight." The diplomat in him comes to his rescue then, letting him shut down his emotions until he can recover his composure.
Alex looks faintly surprised, realizing the don is still deeply moved by this... and then, as soon she realizes, she just casually happens to need to pause and catch her breath for a moment in some discreet corner... and unless the don objects, she also just happens to stand facing the room, so the don can keep his back to everyone for a moment. She quietly and gently presses a hankie into the don's paw... and keeps a thoughtful eye on the room behind him for a few moments, so no one comes up from behind and surprises him. Carlos recovers his equilibrium after a few moments and dabs at his face with the handkerchief. "Gracias." He continues dancing with Alex, though he is less lighthearted for a while.
Alex whispers softly, "Um... I'm sorry... I didn't mean to upset you..."
Carlos nods. "Eet ees not your fault, Sir Alexandra. And... eet ees sometheeng you have the right to know, eef I am courting you."
Alex looks faintly relieved, "Oh, good, I'm glad I didn't offend you. I was um, kind of wondering how to, er, ask you about her." She hesitates, wondering if the children or the servants will really like her... or if the don is being a bit too optimistic about the reaction to someone coming in to, in effect, supplant the children's mother... "Um... might I ask how long Maria has been, ah... deceased?"
Carlos sighs. "Eet has been... four years now. Teresa never really knew her mother. Juan Carlos ees seven, and barely remembers her either, I fear."
Alex nods quietly, her whiskers drooping slightly. "Poor kits... how long have you been gone? -er, I mean gone to here, from there?" She wonders if Juan Carlos feels about his now-deceased mother the same way Alex felt about hers -- as if she were somehow larger than life, angelically beautiful and irreplaceable.
Carlos sighs again. "A leettle over a year now. I meess them terribly... I need to go home."
Alex tilts her head to study the don's face quietly... then pats his shoulder gently, "Maybe you could dash..." She pauses... then sighs. No... a two-month-each-way journey just isn't a 'dash' -- by any stretch of the imagination. She falls silent again and just dances with the don, gracefully and smoothly, giving him the only thing she can think of to offer -- a pleasant moment of peace and quiet, where he can perhaps let his worries go for a bit.
The queen makes another round of brief greetings and conversations after Carroll brings her a drink, ending up at the buffet table this time. She takes a moment to talk just to him. "Thank you for inviting me, Captain. It feels good to get out of the palace again."
Carroll smiles at the Queen, "I'm quite pleased to have you here, your Majesty. I am enjoying this as well." He sips his drink and adds, "The only pity might be that it's quite so public, but that has its charms too."
Arianna smiles. "It does, at that. I can show off a very handsome fox to my subjects." She sighs. "Besides, it's not like I ever have much privacy. Bodyguards make it difficult to be alone."
Carroll smiles a little, and offers Arianna a bit of cheese from the buffet. After she has accepted it he says, "I'm certainly enjoying your company." Looking across the room, spotting the guards around and through the crowd, he comments, "That's something I'm still getting used to. The ship either makes it easier or harder. There is almost no privacy at sea; the quarters are very small. Conversely, there is no one around but the crew, all of whom one quickly learns to know and trust." He looks at her and says, "Harder to do with a whole country full of people."
Arianna nods, a bit rueful. "And especially in a realm as large as this one. Still, I suppose I'll manage it somehow. Ludmilla insists that I should, as she puts it, 'insure the succession'."
Carroll says to Arianna, "Does Ludmilla seem to think there is a hurry to do this?"
Arianna nods. "Ludmilla seems to think I am not in nearly enough of a hurry."
Carroll considers for a moment, then says, "I can see how she could feel that way, but I think it would be a mistake." He sniffs at another bit of cheese, whiskers twitching energetically, before he eats it, considering. He says, "This may seem a terribly callous question, but have you a will? If you named a regent for Katrina in it, it might forestall some of that pressure. Also, has Katrina had any training in what it might take to be a Queen? Even if something horrible happened to you, there would be a well-understood path to follow, and a regent would be less powerful with a trained princess." He brightens, adding, "Or if you took a year to go abroad and see some of the world."
Arianna nods. "I have thought of that. The Regency Council is set up for that contingency, and Kat is getting far more training than I had at her age. Still, she is several years shy of her majority."
Carroll shrugs, "She may be several years younger than her majority, but if she were aware of the issues at hand she could certainly be involved in government... especially if she knew, trusted, and liked the possible regent, working with them instead of being supplanted by them. If at least the nobility knew this preparation and planning was in place, it might make them feel more comfortable with the immediate lack of an heir." He sips from his drink, then says, "And I recommend travel, both for you and for Katrina. Seeing other places and people truly does broaden the mind. I could tell you all sorts of exotic stories... or you could go and see for yourself."
Arianna sighs. "I suppose I could make a state visit somewhere, but would that be much help? Sometimes I wish I could just be the raccoon girl and run off with a handsome young captain. Katrina, though... that's a very good idea. I could send her along with a diplomatic mission or something, perhaps?"
Carroll asks seriously, "Why couldn't you? Tell the people you're going on a state visit and go... but don't go as Queen Arianna of Maidstone. Just go as Lady Dunbarton. Go places it won't matter, or don't use that name." He looks seriously at her, adding mildly, "I'd suggest doing it while things are relatively stable at home, and before there are any more responsibilities to handle here."
Arianna chuckles. "An incognito queen? Sounds like a folk tale. Besides, I think most folks would recognize Lady Dunbarton. Ludmilla's not exactly inconspicuous, either."
Carroll says, "Some would recognize it. Those would be members of state -- ambassadors and such -- most of whom would certainly understand the desire to meet the people and see the world." He smiles and adds, "Ludmilla is much harder, yes. The obvious suggestion is not to travel with her." He considers, then says, "That alone might make it unworkable. I, for one, wouldn't want to tell her she wasn't coming." He grins cheerfully, and is teasing the Queen now. He does finish by saying, "I'm sure a way could be found. Lots of people travel all the time, even nobility. If it's something you really want, I'm sure it could be arranged." His eyes twinkle, "I might even know something to tell Ludmilla and Morgana."
Arianna looks very skeptical. "If you could persuade Ludmilla to let me out of her sight long enough to use the privy since that kidnapping business, I'll put you to work negotiating treaties for me."
Carroll says, "Oh my... that bad, is it?" He shrugs, "If you would like, I can discuss it with them. They may come out with a flat, resolute, 'No!' and that will be the end of it."
Arianna chuckles. "That's what I'd expect, but you're welcome to try if you want. We have very good healers at the palace..."
Carroll says, appearing serious, "Nothing proves one's valor like the undertaking of an impossible task," but either ruins the effect, or saves himself, with a wide grin and a little chuckle.
Lucrezia chats with Sten for a bit, drinking less as she does so, though not abandoning her brandy completely. It is mainly of inconsequentials after the initial intensity -- weather, music, and fashions -- though the cougar is quite passionate about the last.
Sten finds himself greatly enjoying Lucrezia's company and conversation. He has no way of knowing if it's her usual state or the alcohol, but she's refreshingly frank, and it certainly doesn't hurt that she knows his lack of status and he has no worries she's expecting to gain anything from him because of his father. His brandy intake is limited to the first snifter, but he relaxes far out of proportion to the alcohol, and hopes she's still willing to chat with him by the time she's sober again.
Carlos seems to understand what Alex is doing, and by the end of that dance has recovered his usual good spirits. This is a good thing, for the next number is a tango... White Haven heads back from the buffet, corralling Count Timothy on her way. A few other adventurous couples stay on the dance floor, and Don Carlos smiles. "Sir Alexandra, weell you geeve me the honor of thees dance?"
Alex smiles slowly up at the don, her eyes sparkling, "I thought you'd never ask."
Carlos looks apologetic. "I had to wait for eet to be played, after all."
Alex laughs softly, teasing, "Oh, sure, you say that after I have to practically manipulate you into asking! Hmf... I bet you say that to all the girls!"
Carlos snorts in amusement. "I was not, after all, tryeeng too hard to avoid thees outcome." Alex giggles at the don, and lightly reaches up to very gently tap the don's nose... although she's watching him carefully to be sure he doesn't appear to mind.
Carroll smiles and lightens the mood by asking, "Your Majesty, would you do me the honor of dancing the tango with me tonight?"
Arianna gets a devilish glint in her eyes. "Oh, yes, let's. Did you see how stuffy Morgana was over the rumba? She'll really hate this one."
Carroll smiles, "And I shall really enjoy it." He offers his arm to the lady, to escort her to the floor.
Sten tilts his head at Lucrezia. What the hell. "Lucrezia? I'd be honored if you'd try this dance with me."
Lucrezia chuckles at Sten's suggestion. "You've got to be kidding. I've heard about that dance. Supposedly it's been banned in Mahonik."
Sten grins at Lucrezia. "What if I'm not kidding? I admit I'm not a great dancer, but what have we got to lose if we try?"
Lucrezia just shakes her head. "My dignity, and your toes. I'm a terrible dancer even when I haven't been swilling brandy."
Sten smiles, "My toes say they wouldn't mind... but I'd never want to interfere with your dignity, my lady. Shall we sit this ill-reputed dance out, and try a safer one?"
Lucrezia gives Sten an odd look, but eventually nods. "Something safe, like a waltz, perhaps."
Sten savors his small victory very carefully, behind respectful but friendly eyes. "An excellent idea. In the meantime, we can watch the antics from a safe distance." He speaks quietly with the next passing server, and in a few minutes has a carafe of cold water and two glasses at the table he shares with Lucrezia. He pours them both a glass, and sips from his.
Horatio's ears perk as he hears the next number is to be a tango. He considers... then mentally shakes his head. There's no way I can do that justice, he decides. Logically speaking, I don't know it nearly as well as anyone else, and it's not a dance you can just lead someone else in. And, Elements help me, if I tried it I'd be flustered out of my mind. He glances to Jessie, and is more than a little surprised to find himself thinking, Though... it seems like a lot of fun for all the dancers involved... I should try to learn it... He smiles quietly to Jessie. "I... guess I've found what the next subject I should study is..."
Jessie looks intrigued. "It is a tough one, isn't it? We'll have to practice it somewhere private until we get it right." She winks at Horatio.
Horatio opens his mouth... then blinks and closes it. The tango, eventually connects with private somewhere in his mind. "Ahhh... well..." He glances out to the dance floor, and can only nod slowly, still a bit startled. "It, ah... does seem... very involved..."
The music begins for real this time, and the brave couples still on the dance floor begin the story/game/dance in earnest.
Alex is far more relaxed this time, dancing the tango with the don. She's not worried he'll try to take advantage of her preoccupation with the dance... and that knowledge has an interesting, albeit unwitting, effect on her performance. Being more confident in her partner, she doesn't make any effort to keep a safe distance between them, letting herself rest against him when the dance calls for that, and always keeping an arm, or at least her trailing fingers, lightly resting along his arm or shoulder or ruff. Her intense eye contact is less aggressive this time; now more sure, more quietly inviting... her small, up-tilted face is close enough that he can feel her breath light and warm on his fur, while her slight, lithe form is also more supple and willowy in his arms as she lets the don move her gracefully about, swaying together in the dance's intricate steps.
Carroll dances carefully and skillfully with the Queen, salaciously getting as close to her as the dance and the Queen will allow. Not knowing the skill level of his partner, or having that level of trust with her, Carroll is a little bit stiffer, and has to move carefully and cautiously so as to keep with her and not to make her uncomfortable. The comfort level of the audience isn't his concern, but his own comfort is related to the enjoyment of the lovely lady he shares the dance with, so that is what he pays attention to.
Don Carlos notices the difference in Alex's movements, but carefully doesn't say anything. Her increased comfort level and experience with the dance make it a magnificent performance, intense and sultry. The other couples on the floor, even the Duchess and Timothy, are unable to match it.
Arianna doesn't have any practice with this dance except the brief observation at the embassy party, but she seems to remember enough of the steps in spite of her inexperience. Her eyes are bright as Carroll whirls her through the paces, letting herself be led by someone she trusts -- for one of the few times in a stubborn life. Carroll dances the dance, and enjoys himself and the company and relaxation of his partner. He leads her through its moves, and at the end stands beside her and looks over to smile at Morgana and Ludmilla, waving cheerfully before leading the Queen in that direction.
The tango ends to wild applause from most of the spectators, although Morgana gets a 'wait until we get back to the palace' look in her eyes. The queen just grins impudently at her, though, and lets Carroll lead her off the dance floor as the musicians continue with a much more sedate and traditional tune. Carroll rather casually ignores the evil eye from the Queen's adviser, saying, "I enjoyed that a great deal, your Majesty. I hope you liked it too." He smiles down at her and adds, "Would you like something to drink, perhaps?"
Arianna nods. "I would like that very much. That's quite an energetic dance, isn't it?"
Carroll smiles and offers the dark vixen his arm, "Yes, it is. Full of energy and sensuality."
Arianna mrrs appreciatively and takes the proffered arm. "Shall we find out what there is to drink?"
Carroll smiles again at the Queen and leads the way to the bar. He's looking out for a table, a waiter, or people that either he or the Queen should see or avoid, saying, "I think Alex particularly throws herself into the dance, much to the excitement -- and then dismay -- of her partners." He spots his brother and notes who he is drinking with, saying casually, "Oh, look, there's Sten."
Arianna follows Carroll's glance. "So he is. And the Viscountess, as well. Good. I'm glad someone is talking to her."
Carroll says, "Unless you object, your Majesty, perhaps we should as well." He smiles, and begins moving that direction, easily leading the visible and well-watched Queen to the table. She follows Carroll's lead as he moves in the direction of the cougar and the fox-wolf. Arriving there, Carroll says, "Hello, Sten, Viscountess Westmark. May we join you?"
Lucrezia looks up from her tete-a-tete with Sten and blinks, then stands up with a little bit of unsteadiness and a touch of bitter sarcasm. "Captain. Your majesty. We are at your service." Sten smiles and adds his own brief affirmation as well.
Carroll also smiles, ignoring the touch of unsteadiness and sarcasm, and says, "Thank you, your excellency." He pulls back a chair for Arianna, and smiles to her. While she sits, he says to the cougar, "I'm pleased to see you came to the ball. I was afraid you would feel unwelcome."
Lucrezia looks even more bitter at that, then sighs. "A bit. Some wonder if I intend to follow in my father's path, and of those, some are fearful and some are hopeful. I'm just starting to attempt to find out which of his business partners were also partners in his... other activities. It can be wearing."
Carroll waves down a waiter before he sits down, and asks for some cold juice for he and the Queen. Having coped with those details, he looks back at the Viscountess and says, "Yes, I'm certain it would be. I expect that if you brought any information you found, concerning dishonorable acts your father's old contacts were interested in undertaking against the Crown, that the Crown would be all too pleased to help you resolve those issues." He smiles and adds, "And they would shortly stop asking, as it would become visibly obvious that you weren't interested."
Lucrezia just snorts. "The accounts are a mess. I think I'm looking at a set of false books, in fact." She looks at Carroll, realizing that he's riding point for the Queen's interests. "I have worked out his diary code, but even so there are people who are unidentifiable. Who is D.R., for instance?"
Carroll considers this for a moment, distracted by the arrival of the drinks for he and the Queen. The conversation must wait for him to have a long drink, before he replies to Lucrezia, "The only 'D.R.' that springs to my mind is 'don' Rivera, the Costa Yerman Inquisitor, but I'm sure there could be many others." He sips again, then says, "As far as the books go, you have my sympathies. Our family has just had someone causing havoc with its accounts, as you may have heard. You might consider an independent inventory of properties and accounts to compare to the books, if you cannot be sure. Either way, a daunting and unpleasant amount of work. I would suggest that finding help you can trust would be paramount."
Lucrezia nods. "Which means an outsider, almost certainly. None of my father's associates can be trusted at this point." She looks intently at Carroll, then at the Queen. "Anyone you can recommend?"
Carroll sips his drink, then says, "The people who I would recommend, and to whom I have turned while in trouble, are in Starfall, your Excellency, so a bit inconvenient. Do you know of anyone to recommend, Your Majesty?"
Arianna smiles. "I have a few people I'd recommend, your Excellency, but I'm not sure that you'd want my people looking through these things at this point. It would look like I didn't trust you to clean house yourself. Perhaps a true independent... get some people who weren't associated with your father. Get two or three, so they can check on each other." Carroll nods supportively at the suggestion, but remains quiet, merely drinking his after-tango drink.
Lucrezia nods to herself. "I'll have to do it that way, I think. And... thank you, your Majesty. I appreciate your confidence."
Sten smiles quietly at Lucrezia and offers her a fresh, cold glass of water without being obtrusive about it. The big red half-wolf leans back and says cheerfully to the cougar Viscountess, "See, someone with real social standing likes you too. Maybe you're not contagious anymore."
The cougar coughs after her first sip, then glares at the waiter. "I suppose. I'm torn, though... it's a nasty situation, no matter how you look at it. I'll work on it, your Majesty." She takes the water and eyes Sten speculatively. "I'm pretty sure this isn't what I was drinking."
Sten grins at Lucrezia as charmingly as he can, and says "Oh, Madame Viscountess?" in an innocent tone.
Carroll hears another dance ending and finishes his drink. Seeing Arianna has finished hers and looks revived, he asks her, "Would you like to dance again, your Majesty? I would be very pleased to have that honor."
Arianna stands, and Lucrezia and Sten stand as she does. "I would be very happy to give you that honor, Captain." She smiles, a wicked gleam in her eyes that belies the stilted formality of her words. "Is there another tango coming up?"
Carroll chuckles and answers, "It would delight me, your Majesty; however I don't expect another so soon." He turns to the Viscountess and smiles, saying, "It was a pleasure to have a moment to speak with you, your Excellency. I hope you are able to straighten out your House's accounts. If there is anything we may do to assist you, please do not hesitate to call on us." He grins and adds daringly, "And I urge you to try talking Sten into a dance, as I expect he is a lovely dancer. Most swordsmen are, dexterity being a prerequisite for either." Grinning mischievously at his half-brother, he cheerfully escorts the Queen away.
Lucrezia actually smiles at Carroll. "Thank you. I may take you up on the possibility of a Starfaller to check the books, too." She sits down as the Queen and Carroll leave together and turns her attention back to Sten. "I'm sure there were grapes involved in my previous drinks..."
Sten decides to keep a bland, cheerful face on after his brother's comment... after all, he was trying to tease Lucrezia into a dance and out of her mood earlier, was he not? There's no reason to suddenly want to blush because someone unexpectedly helped him... the red half-wolf oozes innocence at the Viscountess. "Would my lady desire fresh grapes for a garnish? This poor soul would be only too happy to serve your whim." He grins cheerfully.
Lucrezia just shakes her head and signals a waiter over. She puts the water glass back on his tray and asks for another brandy. "Try that again, and I will dance with you. I hope your toes are up to it."
Arianna dances with Carroll most of the evening. Eventually the guests return home, having been seen out, led out, or in extreme cases carted out to their carriages. The party is later held to be a great success, at least by those who can remember it.
- The estate house boasts a number of possible private bedrooms,
a luxury to furrs used to shipboard living. The one Alex has claimed
is a spacious one on the second floor, overlooking the stables and the
paddock. Not much furniture is present yet, but there is a bed off to
one side, her sea chests, a desk, and a couple of simple chairs.
Bryn is slouching in one of the chairs at the moment, cleaning her claws with a knife and giving Alex a quizzical look. "Okay, Miz Alex, we're private. What do you want to talk to me about?"
Alex has been wandering a little nervously in the room, fussily straightening things that don't really need straightening and trying to figure out how to ask this... but she can't think of a smooth or subtle way to do this. She sighs -- Carroll could do it, but she doesn't know how -- and fwomps down on the bed, bouncing slightly and looking faintly dejected. The ferret watches the vixen without appearing to look directly at her. "Something to do with Sten? Or with Carlos?"
Alex takes a deep breath -- then just starts. "Um... well, yeah. I mean, well, I have this problem, Bryn, and I don't know how to fix it, and I was hoping you could help me." She looks down at her small paws, fingers twisting together a bit nervously, and continues, "I... remember how you always said I should pay more attention when you talked about um, men and sex and stuff? -and how I always laughed and said there'd be time for that later, and now was the time to learn about important things -- like riding and dancing and fighting?" She looks up, her whiskers and ears drooping slightly, "Um... well... you were right."
Bryn chuckles. "I usually have been since I was not much older than you are now, dear. It's later, isn't it?"
Alex turns faintly pink and looks back down at her hands, nodding, "Yup. I found out from Carroll that Don Carlos is looking for more of a partner than they usually get over there... uh, you know, like a woman that's actually a person, and not a fashion accessory? And well, um... well, he's got two kids, so I know he's gotta know something about sex..." she sighs, then adds, "-so, well... um, I thought I better learn pretty darned quick, or I wasn't going to be much of a partner at all there, y'know?"
The ferret looks critically at her claw tips, then flips her knife back into its sheath. "So. Are you going to listen this time?"
Alex sighs amusedly at the ferret, "Yeeeees, you already know I wouldn't be asking if I wasn't prepared to listen, Brynnie! And I wouldn't have bothered you, but I can't ask anyone on the ship -- it'd be too easy for it to sound like a command, y'know?" She wrinkles her nose a bit, looking disgusted, "That'd be... ikky. And mean. And I couldn't ask Carroll..." she sighs again, then adds mournfully, "-'cause he'd just laugh at me again." Alex sits sort of cross-legged, then wraps her arms around them, resting her chin on her knees. She looks a bit more perked up and less depressed already... if Bryn says she'll help, things will work out, Alex knows... Bryn always solves problems!
Bryn smiles. "I don't know about that. He doesn't laugh at you very often when you're asking for help. Let's see..." She leans back, stretching a bit, then looks seriously at the vixen she's helped raise from a kit. "You've helped breed horses, so you know the basics already. What goes where, that sort of thing... for us, the mechanics are the same, but the details ... ah, yes, the details make all the difference in the world." She grins. "First off, there's no guarantee he'll know that much more than you do."
Alex looks faintly surprised, "Er... how could he not, Bryn? I mean... he's had sex! Well, I mean, it's not that... no, well, I mean, I understand the basics, but I've not -- well, you know -- and he has... er, so how could he not?" She blinks... then grins ruefully, "Um... did that make any sense at all?"
Bryn chuckles again. "Aye, it did. Think about it, Alex. How much expertise in lovemaking does a stallion need to cover a mare?"
Alex blinks again, considering that... then 'eeew's softly, then blinks again, looking up at the ferret in surprise, "Whoa... are you saying he might not know how to have any fun? -that I might not be as um... inexperienced at it as I'd feared?" She looks suddenly very relieved, her ears perking up -- then looks curiously at Bryn, "Wait... how do you know if he does or not, Brynnie? How do you tell?"
Bryn looks more serious now. "Ah, that is a better question. It's fun, don't worry about that, even if you're both rank novices. But the more experience you have, the more fun it can be..." She continues for some time, explaining some tricks to determine what a male likes, and how to lead him into doing things that he might not think of that his partner would like. She's very direct about things, and Alex's ears are pink most of the time.
Alex listens carefully, despite her embarrassment, with her usual intense focus when someone's talking about something she really wants to learn. She's not sure she'll be brave enough to suggest all this to a partner... but maybe, she thinks hopefully, if she gets some practice ahead of time it won't sound so... so... well, kinda emotionally scary. She sighs internally. She's going to need some practice, actually. Otherwise she won't know what she likes... and if she can't tell her partner what she likes, how can she be an equal partner in such an endeavor?
Bryn pauses after several minutes of increasingly intimate pointers. "Of course, what I like might not be right for you. I'm not sure whether to suggest you practice or not... some males think it's appropriate to be a wife's first partner. A culture like Costa Yermo's, it's practically a point of honor. Of course, the same males usually think they should have experience beforehand. Silly idea, if you ask me, but there it is. You know the boy better than I do, so I'll leave that decision to you. If you do want to practice... hmm..."
Alex looks faintly indignant, "Why on earth would I want to go into a partnership as less than a full partner? That's silly -- I certainly shan't be doing any that foolish." A moment later she looks fascinatedly curious, "Do they really?! Why?!" She adds worriedly a second after that, "Oh dear. No, wait... how do you tell?"
Bryn chuckles. "If he has two kits, he definitely has at least a little experience. I'd bet that he'll expect a Killimaran to be experienced, though... we're shameless and licentious, according to them."
Alex brightens, "Oh, good point! Yes, we're supposedly all like Duchess White Haven, to his countryfolk, he said." She covers a grin, wondering how the good don would react if she really did act like the duchess... she's watched the duchess carefully a few times now, so she's pretty sure she could pull it off!
Bryn winks. "So take advantage of that. Find someone you like well enough who's not going to risk impregnating you, and find out what you like ahead of time."
Alex sighs in faint relief, "Okay then." She thinks a moment, then nods to Bryn, worried again, "So... that brings up the second problem, Bryn. I need some practice... but I can't think of anyone I could ask." She looks a bit wistfully hopeful, "Um... so I was wondering if you could suggest how one finds an appropriate leman or partner to practice with, without hurting their feelings?"
Bryn shrugs. "In my experience, Alex, there's not too many males who would be offended if you asked them, even if you told them it was a one-time thing. Not young ones, anyway. The only real question is whether or not you want to ask someone from your chain of command."
Alex nods and sighs, "Yah, that's kinda the point. I know they'd be safe... but I don't know if that'd be a smart thing to do. I don't want them to feel forced, y'know? And... I'm rather leery still of going anywhere without guards. I know the former viscount is dead, but still... what about his partner? That person's still at large." She grins ruefully, and her ears flick back slightly in embarrassment again, "And I have no idea how I'd explain, er... explain practicing to guards, y'know?"
Bryn chuckles. "Well, I can be your bodyguard while you work on this, Miz Alex. That way you don't have to tell anyone else. Let's see... there's that nice bobcat from the embassy, Van der Berg. Or maybe young Matthew from the palace. Mikhail's still sweet on you, too."
Alex turns really red, then almost squeaks, "Me? Ask them?!"
Bryn sighs. "Not ask. Encourage them to ask you. That way you have more control of things. Haven't you been listening, girl?"
Alex blinks, realizing just how silly that sounded, then takes a deep breath, "Okay, okay, no, that makes sense... no, wait, how could I ask Mikhail?" She looks unhappy, "Bryn, I'm sorry, I'm trying... I just... well, this isn't easy, you know!" She glares at Bryn, still embarrassed, "I bet you weren't any paragon of smoothness your first time either, you know!"
Bryn just smiles. "No, but I wasn't asking, either. Just did, as part of a victory celebration after we'd finished wiping out a nest of pirates." She grins then, seeing a scene long vanished. "He wasn't the most handsome buck, but he was brave and dashing and good at what he did. And he didn't play favorites afterward, either. That's the tricky part, you know... not favoring a subordinate you've been intimate with afterwards. It's bad for discipline if you do."
Alex nods glumly, her irritation vanishing just as fast as it had flared up, "I know that, Bryn -- that I can handle. Mikhail would be great, except I -- it's the actually getting him to ask that I keep getting tangled up on." She sighs, putting her chin in her hands, "And I don't want to ask Matthew -- he's interested in that little Talia girl, and that'd be rude to her. I think van der Berg is nice, but... I just don't know him that well!" Her whiskers droop again as she glumly considers how to turn around the carefully professional demeanor she's so consistently done with Mikhail -- like all the other crew members -- but not in such a way as to seem like she was playing favorites -- but just enough that he- "ARGH!" she throws up her hands in frustration, barking, "Bryn, this is impossible! I don't get it! How can you be friendly enough without being too friendly but enough so that you really are friendly!?"
The ferret shifts in her chair. "That is the tough part to explain. Jessie doesn't have much trouble, since Horatio doesn't directly command her section. Let's see..." Alex nods glumly again... but is still listening intently! This she does not want to miss...
The crew of the Mare is spread thinly around the new estate, particularly when a few of them are still on the ship as caretakers. Alex's interest in the stables means that she doesn't always practice with the rest of the crew, and the extra distance makes it impossible for the Don to meet with her every morning. Bryn and Mikhail are the only two present for her workout one day, and when Alex heads off to wash up, Bryn winks at Mikhail and finds something to do somewhere else.
Alex heads for the baths and sheds her clothing with a soft sigh, then climbs into the steaming, slightly scented water. She smiles faintly when her nose catches the pleasant scent -- looks like Pablito's still working on prettifying her up -- then sighs again. She's done everything Bryn suggested! -making sure it's just Bryn and Mikhail as guards, letting Pablito leave early, all that stuff... she's even tossed in a few things she's seen other women do that didn't seem too high pressure, like letting her gaze linger a bit longer than usual on Mikhail... but he doesn't seem to be responding much. Well, except smiling a bit nervously at her... maybe she's doing it wrong? Maybe she's being too impatient? She lies back in the water and splashes fretfully... this sex stuff is hard!
The badger isn't as innocent as he was when he joined the crew of the Mare any more, but he seems nearly as tongue-tied as he was that first night when Hildegard encouraged him to dance with his liege lady. He watches, then looks away, as Alex gets rid of her sweat-soaked practice clothing. "Sir Alexandra, may I say something?"
Alex looks over to the badger, hastily shoving her train of thought aside, "Um, what? Yes, what is it, Mikhail?"
Mikhail is obviously embarrassed, but he charges gamely ahead. "It was something Bryn was telling me, ma'am. She said that it's usual for officers to have a... well, a partner. Someone to help them relax from the pressures a leader has."
Alex is just listening idly, initially -- but at Mikhail's words her eyes widen, she sits up suddenly, and her ears go straight up! "She did?!" She sighs gustily, relaxing, "Whew! What a relief!" She beams at the (probably by now confused) badger, "What did you think of what she said, Mikhail?" A moment later she looks around at the situation, then smiles at Mikhail, sitting up in the tub again and patting the side in invitation, "Want to come sit here while we talk?"
The badger glances up, looking at her, then looking at the floor again. "Made sense, I thought... though some of the things she told me about herself and..." He looks panic-stricken as he realizes he's about to comment on the Count's relationship with Bryn when he's not even sure Alex knows it herself. "Well, she's Bryn. She said you weren't sure if it would be right to ask someone to do that for you, though. But if you need someone... that maybe you might even want me to..." He trails off as Alex invites him over, but smiles in relief and joins her. He offers a hand as he sits by her. "We all love you, you know. Any of us would be happy to help you out." He grins. "Well, not Jessie."
Alex sighs again, although this time in relief, then grins and nods, "Yup, she's Bryn. Personally, I wonder sometimes if Mother gently encouraged Daddy to have her as a leman -- that way she knew Daddy would always be with someone safe." She pauses, listening to Mikhail, then looks faintly pink at the compliment. As she takes his hand she says earnestly, "But in a way, I suppose, isn't that the problem, Mikhail? You don't want to abuse people you care about... and it's not like I can just ask Daddy how he managed to ask Bryn to be his leman without his making it sound like a really strong hint that she'd better, you know? -and so I was really worried about it, and oh hell, I'm babbling again, aren't I..." Her ears, now getting steadily more flushed, tilt back in embarrassment. She studies the water carefully -- probably far more intently than it really needs -- and mumbles, "So, um... I was wondering what you thought..."
Mikhail nods as he listens. "But that's the point, ma'am. You do care about your people, you worry about us. So we're not worried that you'd hurt someone that way. If you'd rather have someone else, just tell me who... but... if you want me to be your partner, don't worry about it sounding like an order. We know you wouldn't do that." He looks earnestly into the vixen's eyes, his basic honesty shining through his embarrassment.
Alex sighs in relief again... then impetuously hugs the badger tightly, "Thank you, Mikhail! You don't know what a relief that is to hear." A moment later she adds, still hugging him, "If you don't mind, I like... I mean, I think, well, um, if you didn't mind, I mean, I know you said that already but, er..." She sighs in amused exasperation at herself, sitting back but still holding Mikhail's hands, if he doesn't seem to mind, and tries to straighten out her thoughts. So this is how poor Horatio must feel in these situations! "Um. You. Mikhail. Stay. Wait, no, I don't mean that, but if you'd like, you stay? -and, er... well, wait, that sounds awful!" She takes another deep breath, trying to get it right and not stutter, "M-Mikhail, w-would you..." Concentrate, you twit! "-uh... wouldyouliketobemyleman? Please?" Alex is currently so tense she looks like one good "BOO!" from Mikhail would cause her to burst out of the tub! -but she waits, her ear tips almost quivering with the intensity of her regard.
Mikhail stands up again, but maintains his grasp on her hands, and bows in an attempt to mimic the courtly graces of those he's been watching at the fancy parties recently. "Alexandra, it would be my honor." He looks a little nervous about using her name without a title, but he seems unapologetic about it.
Alex blinks as he stands... then beams delightedly at him! "Oh, Mikhail, that's so nice of you! Thank you so much!" Her own unabashed enthusiasm is as honest as his statements... and, in a way, more infectious -- she waits until he sits down again, then happily scootches over to sit right next to him. "Okay then! So... what do we want to try first?"
The badger nearly falls into the tub in shock as Alex pounces as eagerly as the proverbial mink. "You mean right now? I... I thought..." He stops, then leans over to touch muzzles with her. "I have no idea, actually. I'm not sure how many of Bryn's stories to believe..."
Alex grins cheerfully, rubbing her cheek lightly against his, and whispers, "Let's not worry about Bryn's stories... let's make up our own."