Ophelia had left the garden in search of servants to send back into greenhouse to help assist with the cats, and a member of the, what she assumed, was military or police force, had taken her immediately to be questioned, gently of course, the man seemed to be just a bit younger than her as he had escorted her back to her rooms and then taken her statement of events. She was familiar with the process itself, she had to give statements in the past in Orlais, so she had been fully expecting the whole thing -- what she hadn't expected was that her's be taken in the comfort of her rooms. She expected her chaperone would be by any time to also check in on her, since they had been separated when the estate locked down, and it was that same chaperone that had her so familiar with the process of reporting something to the authority back home.
Typically she had to go to the main branch or station to give her statement and evidence, at least that was how it went in Orlais, and now, after the evening she just had, she was wondering just who her friend was here in Tevinter. She thanked the man, when he went to take his leave, long black hair from under the black mask should make him easy enough to identify later -- the man had hair almost as long as hers. But she was finally left alone in her rooms when the sheer exhaustion of running on hours of adrenaline finally made itself known to her.
It was late, or by some's measure, early -- far too late for her to go to sleep, and way too early for her to just dress and continue into the day as if nothing had happened. She needed rest, she knew. Normally she would have fallen asleep over her stack of research, accustomed to doing the majority of her work well into the midnight hours, simply because that happened to be the quietest times to work. So after she was left well and truly alone, she worked at the knot of under fabric she had used to fashion pants out of her dress, letting it loose so that the fabric spilled back down over her legs, a relieved sigh leaving her as she did. The skirt wasn't as filled out anymore, the fabric heavy, so it draped down over her body as she moved towards her bedroom, intent on being free of the ruined number so that she could change into something more comfortable and maybe sit with a book until it was socially acceptable enough to start the day.
She knew she'd need an obscene amount of tea to make it through the day, and then there was the matter of the fact that she had seen her friend, but needs had dictated that she hadn't had a chance to say anything, or.. to ask for a kiss. But there had been that moment that his hands had held her legs around his waist, which was only going to add to the fuel of her day dreams, now that she knew exactly what it felt like to have him wedged between her hips, just so. And she had felt the shiver that had worked it's way through them both when her breath had just barely grazed along his earlobe. What had been shared that night in Orlais, was still there between them now, and she needed to seek him out, if not for anything else but to return his robe to him.
The robe that she pulled from her travel trunk, the fabric placed on the bed as she rid herself of the ruined dress, the green piling around her feet as she released the single button that kept the entire thing on her frame -- beneath she was bare as the day she was born, a dress like that couldn't truly be worn with anything underneath, the modiste had told her when she had it made -- there would be lines, and no one wanted to see lines under such beautiful fabric. But now, now that she was free of it, and the chill of the open balcony pebbled her skin with goose flesh, she reached for the robe and pulled it about herself.
It was not meant to sleep in, but she had taken to it, none-the-less. It was soft, luxurious, and even after the few weeks since she had last saw him, still held the smell of him within it's folds. She thought nothing of it, as she worked to close the buttons, working from the bottom up, so that she could lounge around in peace. She paid no mind to the open balcony and whether someone could have just seen her, no mind as she took her hair down, abandoning the buttons when they were enough to keep the robe about her body, but no more. No mind as she took a book, and finally started towards the balcony where a comfortable couch awaited.
Where she could try not think about how perfectly his waist fit between her legs, and how excited she had been for such a thrilling adventure. How excited she would be later, in day dreams, but now, now she needed to sit down, and try not to think about how disappointed she was that she didn't have her companion there, right then to help alleviate some of the same said disappointment with a few tender kisses, perhaps, even, where she could ask him to hold her for a little while as all the excitement wore off....
Mal’s investigation had swallowed his attention for the remainder of the evening into the early hours. By the time he had organised his men and the assailants sent to the dungeon’s for later questioning the Chancellor saw no point in returning to his chambers. Mal took a contemplative walk. His steps retraced the path he and his search party had taken, from the kitchens where the servants had been talking, to the terrace he and the lovely dove from Orlais had scaled down. The night's events had been pressing, preventing him from indulging in the allure she exuded. He chuckled to himself, imagining what might have transpired if circumstances had allowed. There were other things he’d wish to press her with, but all in good time, he’d muse.
Yet it was that thought, and the knowledge that Malik had already taken her statement, that eventually guided his feet across rooftops towards the townhouse she had taken temporary residence in. Magic eased his path, helping him scale the walls onto the small balcony just in time to see her, illuminated by the contrasting moonlight and flames from inside. His footing slipped, pulling himself onto the smooth stone, and for a moment he just watched her, feeling an immense swell of possessive pride as his robe then covered her naked form. Part of him believed her to be aware of his presence with the way she so leisurely buttoned up from base to middle, yet Ophelia's attention appeared obviously weary and distracted. Mal smirked to himself, aware that she was likely replaying every touch, word, and event of the evening she was close to him.
By now, he'd managed to plant his feet onto the balcony, keeping to the shadows as he peered in covertly before moving and letting the shadow of his frame fall through the window to land across the ground before her. Mal gave it a moment before reaching up to knock softly against the door frame, despite staring at her with a knowing smile. Once opened, Mal filled the doorway, hands remaining tucked behind him. His head tilted, brows steadily rising as he spoke, You should be more aware of where you stand when doing that. That's a view the Gods would go to war over.
Sometime later in their knowing of one another, she would confess to him that she had viewed an image like this before, staring up at her from a tea cup, the amber hues washing the scene in a more sepia tone, but she liked it as it was now, both moons in their respective quarter phases, hanging there making it seem like he was the full moon in the trio -- a powerful premonition, gut instinct, she called it. At best, intuition kicking in to guide her easier. So ignorant of the type of magic in the world, she had no idea that she had a skill some dreamed of, and she so readily denied. When the knock came, she had known, her blue eyes rising from the lines of the book to find him there, brows raised, knowing he had already taken time to drink in his fill before having alerted her.
One day.
But today she gathered the edges of the robe, the book forgotten for the moment, as it slipped down onto the couch there at the balcony that she had been heading towards. And now you've seen it, rather naughtily, I might add, sneaking onto a single woman's balcony in the middle of the night, thank goodness no one tends to terribly much about my spinsterhood here.. Are you going to now wage war and keep me as a war spoil? After a few moments she turned, to go and get the tea set and bring it over to the couch. Since you're here, have a cup of tea with me, and sit, you have to be exhausted, were you questioned as completely as I was? Leave the door open, I like the breeze at night, and simply cannot sleep if it's too hot, if you would please
She went to take his hand to pull him over to the couch as she brought the tea set over with her in the other hand, depositing it on the couch side table and going to pour them both a cup from the pot, the shoulder of the robe sliding down her arm, the fabric barely hanging on for dear life by it's edge on one firm, and rapidly hardening in the night air, nipple. It was no more skin that her dress that evening had shown, so she wasn't exactly worried as she finished pouring, and handed him a saucer. A young man came and questioned me, asking for details and any observations I could remember. Very professional, do you allow visitors to put in good words for your soldiers? The Orlais guard always scoffs when I bring them reports. "A woman shouldn't be out helping with investigations", yes well, I'm usually the one that helped Vince find conveniently missing shipments, wasn't I? She pulled one leg up onto the couch, it vanishing into the robe that she arranged over her lap, but leaving the other bare up to her hip as she made herself comfortable on the sofa.
I hope you weren't coming to find a bed to pass out in, I see no use in sleeping at this point since dawn is in less than three hours.. Unless you insist, at which point I will demand you join me, for if I have to sleep, you must as well. She rolled the robe up to her elbow as she reached over and dropped two sugar cubes into her own tea and then brought the cup up to her lips to sip, eyeing him over it's edge. I'm too excited from having a proper adventure still, but I know the crash will happen soon, as it usually does. She lifted the bare leg up to the sofa now, her foot on the edge of the cushion as she leaned back along the arm, so that she could sit sideways there, and face him completely, before a thought struck her. Or are you here for a goodnight kiss?
One couldn't blame her for being receptive to the idea of kisses, after all, their last time spent alone had been cut all too short, in her opinion.
Malachai leaned against the doorway, a smirk playing on his lips as she teased him about sneaking onto her balcony in the middle of the night. Naughty? I prefer bold, especially when the spinster in question seems far more entertained than scandalized, he replied, his tone warm with amusement. Wage war, though? he’d gaze off, focusing on something in the distance. Now that's an interesting offer. I suppose I'd have to start by claiming a prize, wouldn’t I? A wink tossed before the warm deep tones of a chuckle rumbled in the mans throat.
He moved closer, pausing her before she settled the tray. Fingers reached out to gently fix the shoulder of her robe where it had slipped down her arm, digits briefly grazing her skin before he settled it back into place. Though if I were a proper gentleman, I’d start with something small—like ensuring this stays where it belongs.
As she handed him a cup of tea and mentioned the interrogation, Malachai chuckled softly. Malik. I know he projects the rabid dog persona, but that’s just the pinning of youth. He’s one of my most loyal and determined. If you cannot, for some reason, are unable to reach me, he will protect you or provide you with whatever assistance you should need. He took a sip of the tea, his eyes twinkling. The secret of his true identity had been revealed some hours ago, the facade of a simple diplomat had been more than thoroughly shed. Abroad, I like to call myself an ambassador, but back in Tevinter? My role’s a bit more... hands-on. Let’s just say I handle things personally, like tonight.
When she mentioned the idea of sleep, Malachai set his cup down on the table beside them. You should rest, you know. It's been an eventful night for both of us, and there’s still a little time before dawn. He lowered his voice, a touch more serious now. I didn’t come here just to pass out, but you won’t be able to enjoy tomorrow’s adventures if you burn out before it begins. Their visit was already a short one, could her curiosity really afford to miss Tevinter’s wonders?
He met her gaze, his expression softening slightly. Besides, my presence alone should be enough to help you settle down, shouldn’t it? His lips curled into a playful grin. I could lull you to sleep by reading to you, but I’ve a feeling that’s not enough contact for you. Be it from exhaustion, the soft ease he found in her company, Mal decided to sink more comfortably into the couch behind, brows wiggling.
It can’t be that I am too much of a distraction for you?
When he finally joined her on the sofa, she shifted, pulling the robe back closed over her bare leg, and then turned so that her back could settle into his side, her legs going to stretch out over the ret of the sofa. It allowed her to stretch out, almost like a cat, over the expanse of the lush furniture. She noticed his word choice as he explained just how far up the ladder he was in terms of rank within Tevinter -- higher than she had imagined in her wildest dreams -- he had said an old soldier and ambassador, both these things were entirely true, and it was not a lie not to expand more upon what she needed to know. At the time of their meeting, she didn't need to know that his role was more.. senior than first alluded to. Now, that she had witnessed first hand what he had to do, well, it made sense that he wouldn't have wanted to share all that over the first couple meetings. This party had accelerated his plans to tell her, if ever, most likely.
If she were a spy, or a right hand to a ruler she wouldn't be going around telling just anyone. She'd have kept to being a scholar and ambassador slash diplomat herself, it just made more sense than not. I think the personal touch is a good thing in most cases, you've never struck me as a man of many, many words, more a man of action in our time together. Her eyes followed as he set the tea aside, even as she brought the cup back to her lips, blowing first on the hot amber liquid inside, before taking a small sip to test how hot the water was finally. She needed to remind him at some point that he was going to show her that ice work, which would have helped so much in cooling off the tea to a proper temperature to drink. She knew it had to be brewed hot, but she never liked the wait to imbibe. And then he was dangling a carrot, and she went after it with reckless abandon.
An adventure you say? In just a few hours? That would require sleep? She chewed over this new information for a few moments before he continued on, her head turned back some, so she could watch him as he spoke, even as she settled further back into his side, the warmth coming from his body, and the tea, doing a fine job of trying to lull her off to sleep as it was. I have no need to settle down, the mystery is solved now, thief and murderer caught, all wrapped together in a nice bow for the evening, I even got to meet some of your associates, she wouldn't call them friends yet, she wasn't entirely sure, other than since Malachai trusted them, she had felt at ease in their presence. She was looking forward to tracking the men down separately, if she could, and picking their brains on their respective disciplines. If she wasn't mistaken, one had used necromancy.. something she didn't like the idea of, but at the moment it had been of the utmost practicality. The other, she knew had done magic, she had felt it in the air, the charged electricity, ionized air, and almost oily taste of it had left her with a impression.
And they said curiosity killed the cat... but satisfaction brings it back -- she would need to sate her curiosity then, she decided, as she felt his body relax, and crush back into the softness of the sofa a bit more, You're always a distraction, Sir, was her murmured reply over the edge of her teacup, before she took another sip and set it aside to enjoy the warmth he provided instead, But try not to let it go to your head, I like it how it is currently, and reading would be fine, but I insist that it be more hands on than it normally is. Lia paused to think a moment, before adding another stipulation, And nothing too racy, I'd had to get very worked up right before bed, only to not be able to sleep before this grand adventure you have planned, no hints, as to what it is? Maybe a little hint? To help temper the excitement?
Malachai settled comfortably beside her, feeling the gentle weight of her back against his side as she stretched out, feline-like, across the sofa. He glanced down at her, catching the flicker of curiosity in her eyes as she processed his earlier comments. When she mentioned his being a man of action, a faint smile curved his lips.
Action comes naturally, but you’d be surprised how much of my day is spent talking, he said, his voice low and smooth. Meetings, discussions, negotiations... there's more than a fair share of it. But talking has its uses. Sometimes, it’s all it takes to get someone to say exactly what you need to hear. He didn't elaborate further, letting the weight of those words hang between them. It was well past the time that more macabre tactics were alluded to.
At the mention of their adventure, Mal’s smile deepened, but he gave nothing further away. I do have something in mind, yes. It is very basic I’ll admit, but I think you’ll enjoy it. Where’s the fun in ruining a surprise? He tilted his head, watching her reaction as she tried to tease more information out of him. Mal’s voice lowered to a deep rumble, Patience, Lia.
Shifting slightly, his arm moving to rest along the back of the sofa, his fingers brushing lightly against her shoulder. As for Tiberius and Enzo… it wasn’t quite how I intended to introduce them to you. But under the circumstances, I’d say they did well. Tiberius has a… unique way of handling things, and Enzo is… he paused, his eyes narrowing slightly, well, practical. I’m glad they made an impression.
I am marvellous, aren’t I? His eyes twinkled with mischief. It’s why I wear the mask. People just can’t handle it, he said with a half-hearted shrug, adopting a mockingly grand tone. It’s a burden, being this charming.
He felt her body settle against him, her warmth mingling with his own, and for a moment, Mal simply enjoyed the closeness, letting the gentle quiet of the night fill the space. But her playful insistence on reading something more hands-on piqued his interest, and he carefully eased himself off the sofa, moving over to a bookcase. As he ran his fingers along the spines, he muttered her conditions to himself. ‘Nothing too racy… can’t get worked up right before bed…’ You do make this a challenge, you know. That was a jest. I neither have the energy nor am I in any rush. He scanned the shelves, his fingers finally pausing on a worn, leather-bound volume. He pulled it free and turned back to her, one eyebrow arched in curiosity.
Now, before we settle into this, a question. He held up the book, a faint smile on his lips. Would you prefer to stretch out on the couch, or shall we move to the bed? I’m flexible, but I imagine it would be far easier for you to drift off with me close.
His voice softened, a subtle hint of affection threaded through the words. I did promise to help you settle, after all.
Piecing things together was a little slow for her this evening, she was still recovering from the extra use of her intellect, but he was beginning to paint in more refined strokes, the picture that his role within Minrathous, and perhaps even Tevinter as a whole, was much more involved than merely an ambassador. It made a brow raise slightly, but it could help explain some of glimpses she had caught before in her tea, in dreams, and then someone like this Malik he spoke of, had seemed to be very regal himself, yes, things were falling into place, in a manner of speaking. I assume that those words are ones that would have monumental importance put upon them, to require needing to hear them, especially in negotiations.
Ophelia's lower lip pouted for just a second before she nodded, she knew patience was a virtue, but she did so love surprises, and she was, after all, much too old to sulk like a spoiled child for more than a moment or two -- that ran into a matter of immaturity that not even she held much patience for herself. No, she would enjoy sitting there with him, the brush of his fingers over the bare skin of her shoulder curling a delicious heat low in her abdomen that absolutely would require her to later revisit, the timbre of his voice, the way it dropped into a sinful purr only adding to the fuel that had her, much for the first time in her long life, imagining what it would be like to have a lover. Specifically him, as a lover. None had ever pulled any sort of reaction from her before, not those she would later be told had flirted with her, not women, not any of the races of Thedas, no, only he had been able to illicit such a reaction, and such a strong one at that; there could be no mistaking it as an error, she was slowly growing more open to the idea that perhaps sex wasn't as useless as she had believed it to be her entire life.
I can imagine it must be very exhausting being that charming as well, Lia quipped back as he left her there on the couch, he perused the books that the room held, a feature of the room that had instantly made her feel welcomed, at home, at ease with being somewhere that tended to fall rain most of the day, and at night, the glow from thousands of spells in the lower levels of the city made the view from her balcony rather amazing. She was in love with Minrathous as much as she was Orlais, except, she felt, a little more at ease in Minrathous, here it didn't matter that she was a bastard child, or had spent a good portion of her life as a servant, or that she had magical ability -- here that magical ability was what made her accepted, bastard lineage and all.
The bed, please, but I sleep in the nude, far more comfortable than fabrics clinging to the form and getting twisted about the body when I shift at night. But since I suppose that would be difficult to get comfortable for the both of us if only one of us was nude, I either have to insist we both stay partially clothed or, we both strip down and slip under these covers before either of us get an eyeful of the other, you'll forgive me if I peek though, yes? She teased gently as she rose up off the couch, coming around from where it faced the balcony and into the darkened room, only the few candles doing their best to keep enough light for her to turn in for the night still casting their rosy hues across the walls as she padded towards him.
I did say you were a distraction for me, and yes, you did promise to help me settle, and my request for hands on would indicate a bit of an implied cuddle. I think even if I were to invite you to settle between my legs again this evening, neither of us would be awake enough to enjoy it, as you said, there's no rush. She paused in her advance towards him, and instead changed her path towards the bed instead, her fingers working the same buttons she had spent time slipping into place undone again, So perhaps you'd humor me instead with helping me find a more appropriate garment to sleep in? This robe is comfortable beyond measure, but it tangles around my legs as I sleep.
Malachai chuckled softly at her comment about words carrying monumental importance. You’re not wrong, he replied, his voice tinged with amusement. Some words have the power to tip the scales of entire negotiations. But the trick is knowing when to let them out and when to hold them back. He turned back to the bookcase, his fingers trailing over the spines, though not before catching her pouting. Patience, as you’re learning, is more than just a virtue. It’s a weapon. But don’t worry; I’ll teach you.
At her quip about his charm being exhausting, he smirked, shaking his head. Ah, but the mask has its uses, he teased, glancing over his shoulder at her. It shields the world from my full, devastating magnificence. It’s really for everyone else’s benefit. It was a mask that had
After a few moments of searching, he plucked a volume from the shelf. This should do, he said, holding up a modest book of poetry. Something quiet, with just enough rhythm to lull us both to sleep. He turned to see her rising from the couch, her playful words about sleeping nude stopping him mid-step. He tilted his head slightly, admiring her boldness and the way she was teasing him back. The more bite she had, the more intriguing she became to him. Still watching, an amused glint flashed across his eyes. I may have promised to help you settle, but you’re making it increasingly difficult to keep things… simple.
Still holding the book, Malachai crossed the room to where she stood near the bed. Setting it gently on the bedside table, he began unbuttoning his outer robe. All the while his gaze stared into hers. The fabric fell away from his broad shoulders, revealing the crisp lines of his waistcoat beneath. With practised precision, he unfastened the vest as well, draping both pieces over the back of a nearby chair.
Now bare-chested, his toned frame caught the flickering light of the candles. He lifted his undershirt from where it had been tucked under the vest, holding it out to her with a wry smile. This should do nicely, he said. Better than an outdoor robe for sleeping, don’t you think?
He stepped closer, lowering his voice. Turn around, Lia. Let me help you into it.
As she turned her back to him, he’d slip the shirt over her head, then shoulders, his hands brushing lightly against her skin as he adjusted it. His cloak either fell away at her own accord, or he waited, his undershirt following her pace. It would be too large, oversized on her smaller frame, and fall just above her knees. He straightened the fabric with deliberate care, lingering for just a moment before stepping back.
There, he said, his voice soft but steady. Much more practical. And you’re forgiven for peeking. I haven’t given you much option. His smirk returned as he gestured to the bed. Now, shall we? I believe I owe you some hands-on reading.
