Kiko had no trouble reading the signs. She knew them as well as she knew her response, should he decide to ignore this polite dance. She was almost sorry she'd tempted him. Almost.
Her skin was on fire beneath the surface. All it needed was the right spark to set everything to flame.
Still, he settled back into the chair and she had to stuff down the little mewl of distress when he did so.
Oh? Why would she be surprised?
Eternity
“Put some clothes on, you weird, yellow-eyed, table-dancing, werewolf-training, cryptic, stare-me-right-in-the-eyes-and-don't-even-blink wench.”
Grayell was still chewing his lip and was rocking back in his chair now, glass of wine in his hand, sipping it to try and battle his agitation. He chuckled but it hinted at danger, ferocity and recklessness... she had only seen him quite this aggressive a few times. Or more. A lot more. But at any rate, it was not his usual demeanour.
He looked at her then, leaned a little closer and his voice lost all humour.
Because my sweetest delight... I am afraid such an invitation might be too hard to ignore.
He placed the glass on the table, his finger dipping in it's content quite gingerly. That finger then rose lazily, lighting on her lips with a delicacy that did not reflect his tension. The wolf was stalking her now, ready to take it's prize.
I am going to get you. As soon as we're done, as soon as the party permits. And I won't be satisfied... until your scream my name.
Alec [M:118:6:][D3v:http://rpgmenagerie.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=cs&thread=412&page=1#1242]"I see," said the blind man to the deaf lady.[0:Wandering the stacks.][1:Present and accounted for.]
"Now is that really the sort of thing to be discussing in public?" Alec asks, seating himself and his escort next to Grayell after stumbling his way through the dance without making too many terrible mistakes. "Sorry, sorry. It's obvious the two of you were in the middle of something. I'll just...sit here and try not to drool."
Come in under the shadow of this red rock, and I will show you something different from either your shadow at morning, striding behind you, or your shadow at evening, rising to meet you. I shall show you fear in a handful of dust.
She inhaled an unsteady breath when his voice changed. That tone brought her up short and she wanted to tuck her head under his jaw or placate him with an offer of submission.
She didn't get a chance to do either of those things. He was tracing her lips and she could not pull her gaze away from him. And the words? Well, that was the spark.
Flames hit low in her body. He'd get the scream. He knew it. She knew it.
Eternity
“Put some clothes on, you weird, yellow-eyed, table-dancing, werewolf-training, cryptic, stare-me-right-in-the-eyes-and-don't-even-blink wench.”
He smiled, the tip of his tongue resting at the corner of his mouth... and then Alec decided he'd share their company. Grayell gently snapped at her, a hint. He then relaxed some and faced the table in order to speak to Alec.
Alec. Marvellous timing once more. But... they do have napkins if you're prone to drooling.
Grayell chuckled.
You are a little late though, you should be dancing. No doubt the Queen will ask you for a performance of sorts once the music is done as well.
Margrett was silent for a while, alternating between sleepily watching the dancers and closing her eyes, enjoying the music. After a moment, she noticed Grayell and the others down the table some. Specifically, he and Kiko whispering back and forth. She raised her head but didn't let go of Faloren's hand, subtly jerking her head towards them.
They look like they're too occupied by each other to care about the party. Does the magic not work if you...have someone else?
Kiko sunk back into her chair, grateful for the reprieve. It was way too easy to get lost in Grayell's presence.
Afternoon, Alec.
Was it afternoon? How long had they been here? Did it matter?
She took another sip of the wine and had a piece of fruit from the closest serving tray. It looked like an apple; but one with a golden color she had never seen before and the taste was sweeter than her wine.
Eternity
“Put some clothes on, you weird, yellow-eyed, table-dancing, werewolf-training, cryptic, stare-me-right-in-the-eyes-and-don't-even-blink wench.”
Alec [M:118:6:][D3v:http://rpgmenagerie.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=cs&thread=412&page=1#1242]"I see," said the blind man to the deaf lady.[0:Wandering the stacks.][1:Present and accounted for.]
"Oh, you know me," Alec says loftily, leaning back in his chair. "Always arriving at just the right moment to kill your perspective moods." Nodding at Kiko, he smiles. Turning to Gray, he shrugs. "I'm not much for dancing, truth be told. Am terrible at it, in point of fact." Cocking his head, his eyes change shade slightly. "Perform? Perform how? I'm not much of a performer. Hell, you know, you heard me stumble over myself in front of three people."
Come in under the shadow of this red rock, and I will show you something different from either your shadow at morning, striding behind you, or your shadow at evening, rising to meet you. I shall show you fear in a handful of dust.
Faloren only smiled a little and spoke plainly once again.
"Those two only have eyes for each other. They share a bond that is very rare within your world, quite magical in fact. I imagine either would be quite immune to such glamor and charm."
Grayell meanwhile was about to speak up but Queen Mab saw fit to so so instead. She smiled at Alec, which he found entirely disarming and incredibly beautiful.
"Alec is it not? I would ask that you give us a performance, I would consider it a kindness."
The dancers promptly left the floor and the music died down to a more subtle tone once more.
I see. Something about that amused her, but kept it to herself and waited for Alec's story.
Alec [M:118:6:][D3v:http://rpgmenagerie.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=cs&thread=412&page=1#1242]"I see," said the blind man to the deaf lady.[0:Wandering the stacks.][1:Present and accounted for.]
Standing, Alec walks to center of the ballroom and bows deeply. "Certainly, Your Majesty. If it would be acceptable, I'd like to spar or box - your choice, naturally - your best martial artist."
Come in under the shadow of this red rock, and I will show you something different from either your shadow at morning, striding behind you, or your shadow at evening, rising to meet you. I shall show you fear in a handful of dust.
Grayell's eyes widened before anyone else so much as reacted... what the hell was he thinking? Alec had just taken a BIG bite of getting his ass whooped pie.. but Grayell wasn't about to interfere.
The queen looked at Alec almost a little amused.
"Oh my. How very... crude. Are you certain you'd like to perform such a spectacle? I cannot say I shan't be entertaining..."
The queen grinned then, a hint of malice and anticipation in her expression. That didn't help Alec feel comfortable in the slightest.
Alec [M:118:6:][D3v:http://rpgmenagerie.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=cs&thread=412&page=1#1242]"I see," said the blind man to the deaf lady.[0:Wandering the stacks.][1:Present and accounted for.]
"My story telling abilities are hardly worthy of note," Alec says, still bowed, but fidgeting. "And I've got no other skills that would be of interest to a crowd. And really," he says, standing, "who doesn't like a good boxing match every now and again, your Majesty?"
Come in under the shadow of this red rock, and I will show you something different from either your shadow at morning, striding behind you, or your shadow at evening, rising to meet you. I shall show you fear in a handful of dust.
The Queen's demeanour remained almost smug... and cunning.
"Very well then Alec, we shall see this boxing match you propose. I'll be sure to have your opponent be gentle with you."
The queen looked about now, eyes wild and dangerous, perusing who was present and in all likelihood imagining what horror she could conjure for such a spectacle. Alec was entirely out of his league here and Queen Mab held complete dominion over he many subjects... subjects that were very rarely harmless. She clapped her hands and spoke aloud.
"Rise if you would like to be considered to complete in this match. The winner shall earn my favour."
A few odds and ends stood up here and there and none of them seemed intimidated by the prospect. Some were lithe creatures of questionable physical ability whilst others were massive, having unquestionable strength and power.
And then Grayell stood up.
I'd offer to be your champion your highness.
Gods damn you Alec, you're liable to get your ass kicked here....
The Queen looked upon all who seemed eager... and then looked directly at Alec with that smile, now exuding a vicious fascination.
"Well then Alec, I suppose you shall choose who you will face."
Alec [M:118:6:][D3v:http://rpgmenagerie.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=cs&thread=412&page=1#1242]"I see," said the blind man to the deaf lady.[0:Wandering the stacks.][1:Present and accounted for.]
Looking over his possible opponents, Alec's eyes finally come to rest on Gray. "You know, for a while now I've been wondering what would come of a match between us." Turning his head to the Queen, Alec holds a hand out to Grayell. "To sate my own curiosity, and to satisfy the Court, I must choose Grayell."
Come in under the shadow of this red rock, and I will show you something different from either your shadow at morning, striding behind you, or your shadow at evening, rising to meet you. I shall show you fear in a handful of dust.