Kaczor was tired, but she was up, with the sun, so much not per usual. She usually liked to sleep until about nine in the morning, but today she needed to be seen in town, needed to get out and "assure" the gossip mongers that she was alive, and very much in a position to be throwing her considerable wealth around frivolously. The problem was, she didn't want to leave the comfortable bed with her wife, whom she had kissed gently, as she had untangled herself to get ready. Nor her daughter, Annie, who was so close to saying mapa right that it physically hurt her insides every time it came out as bapa. But for now, she was so thrilled, beyond ecstatic, that Annie was so close to talking. Her free time let her watch the memory crystals over and over, so those memories from when she was gone, she had them still. Maybe not as vivid in her head had she lived them herself, but vivid enough.
A bath, and dressing later, she was in the nursery, picking Annie up out of her crib and bouncing her gently, since the little one had also been awake, just not crying yet. I bet, your name sake has your bottle coming, my girl. Should we go see? She took the rucksack that had been sitting in the rocker, and slipped it up over her shoulder, Annie held easily in the other, as she took the servant stairs at the back of the house down into the kitchen, and as predicted, the woman she viewed as her own grandmother, was there, fixing bottles and making breakfast. Don't go through too much trouble on my account, Sari, I'll be taking breakfast in town today.
The older woman gave her an admonishing look, as she took the baby from Kaczor, the child easily going to the older woman, happily going to the other woman. "Of course, Kaczor, but your wife still needs to eat, and this precious little bundle does too, I'd be making all this even if you were here. Silly. Kaczor smiled and then leaned down, a kiss on the forehead for the older woman, and then one for her baby. Alright, alright, this isn't gang up on me morning, you two. I'll be home soon, if Ella wonders where I am, nothing clandestine, just, being seen. Being in prison a year means I have a ton of "friends" to get back in contact with and learn all the new gossip about. So morning rounds to some of the families, and then tea or coffee with a couple, the club somewhere in there, if they still let me in. They've never had a problem with letting me in before but you know how "gentleman's" clubs are. And maybe today would be a good day, maybe she'd meet some new people.
And she didn't want too. She had everything she'd never known she wanted right there. A child, a loving wife, servants that she could depend on as if they were her own blood, a roof over her head, food in her belly, and still able to best most in a fight. Nothing more she needed at this point. But she had too -- appearances were everything.
So she left, early on, skirting around to some families to call on heads of household for those that were long standing family friends. And then as the day turned over into afternoon, she made her way to the club, skipping tea time entirely. She was tired, and wanted to sit next to a fire, read a book, and sip a whisky neat, and see if anyone gave her a reason to engage. And to her surprise, the club, less so a gentleman's club now, and more, if your family was the right name. Her brow had raised at that as she made her way into the White Room. She wasn't sure why it was named that, the entire room was a moody wood color, and the leather arm chairs with small side tables were just as dark. But, it was the room that had multiple exits, and most people typically gathered in to be quiet, or quiet conversation.
Taking a seat, she pulled out the daily paper, reading over the "facts" that had come down the lane recently, the gossip, the outright lies. Made her wonder if it would be prudent to pen a few juicier little bits of gossip under a pen name -- that would be hilarious. Her whisky was delivered, as well as a board with meats, cheeses, and small vegetables. Good to see that they were keeping up with changing tastes. She poured herself a two fingered glass, and then popped an olive in her mouth, chewing thoughtfully as she looked over the paper edge to the people in there. Some she knew, some she didn't. Now..
To see if anyone would get curious and come have a little chat.
It wasn’t often permitted, but with her increasing popularity as the entertainer for any real party or event Malachai had allowed the young ward a pass. If her events were after sundown she was permitted to go nowhere but her engagement and then return once convenient and polite to excuse herself. While The White Room had a reputation, certain conditions had been met to oversee the girls safety, be it a certain black cat or the man himself cloaked in some disguised corner.
Fortunately her performance was not a solo one, joined by two others of the Palace household as accompanying dancers though of far less calibre than the Lady Salvo. Their piece had gone down well, filling a dull lull in the evening’s repotier with a captivating and graceful performance. It was a quaint, romantic piece and the fluidity and pose of her movements left no doubt that she would be a fine addition to the prestigious Royal Arcadia for Dance.
After accepting the applause and kind words however, the new attraction would retreat to change, swapping out the modest outfit for one of finer, but just as simple robes. Being on stage was different than in amongst a crowd, and she hanged back from joining the other girls as they began mingling and accepting the accolades of a fine example of budding talent. Hanging around the edges seemed best and she’d discreetly order a drink from the rounding server once finding a booth to hide in, missing the occupant who sat behind the man. Only when she’d ordered and made herself comfortable did Seraphine look up to finally realise she was not completely alone.
Please pretend you haven’t seen me. Crowds overwhelm me a little. Being secluded for much of her life hadn’t helped and while there were more people passing through the archon’s estate, being the centre of attention was nothing she was used to.
Kaczor shuffled her newspaper some, seeing a dark shadow slip into the room along the edge. Ahh, her brother in law. Bothersome man, but the woman, well, she was a treat. A Dancer who had just preformed. What claim did her brother in law have on the woman that would bring him about and not come to say hello -- after all, if he had been there for her, he would have already approached and said hello. No, that means either someone here was due for a chat with her wife and her brother, ooor..
Of course, I find that I like to hide from this riff-raff myself, all the time. Kaczor, of House Tilani, and you are, my dear? She made sure then that no one else would join them by throwing her leg up and over the side of the chair, clearing her throat and getting more comfortable -- lady spreading, as it were. She took up space, so that no others could join them, and it would make sure that the lady didn't have anyone try and slide in beside them later on. But she tugged a few pages from the newspaper and slid them over to Seraphine.
Hold these, dear, I find that when I want stupid old men to go away, I can hide behind a news paper and only the truly dense ones continue to press their luck. And I think you have an exceptionally dense one following you. I could throw fruit at him to try and make him go away. She offered, spoken low as she nudged the fruit and cheese tray closer to the center of the table now, to share, and then poured another glass of whisky and sat it near Seraphine. And if anyone comes along that bothers you, well you're my guest now. And she still followed the old rules of hospitality. She had no problem leaving someone out by an ear, or fighting a duel, down to setting up a 'deflowering' scandal to free her wife from the clutches of her blood family -- a blanket privilege that had now been granted to Seraphine -- Kaczor liked the woman almost immediately after all, even with the sudden appearance of her brother in law.
The line of worry smoothed out across her brow and as she watched the Lady spread nestled back into the booth to slouch a little. Not too much, posture for a dancer was everything.Thank you, Seraphine, of Hou… House Salvo. While she had relaxed, heavy dread began churning. Wards of the state were not always warmly welcomed, even accomplished ones.
Her few ventures outside the estate had ill prepared her for the nuances and bloody plots of politics, this was a circle she had so far been sheltered from. Saffy understood her position was a poor one, but believing it best to follow Kazcor’s instruction the dancer did as told, taking the paper from the edges to draw in shielding them further. Her eye caught a familiar shoe as her eyes glanced around their secluded nook looking out, but only sought to chance a glance to confirm their owner when Kaz casually dropped the ’he’.
She ducked her head down behind the paper rather abruptly once catching his eye. Body sliding a little under the table in an effort to shrink though knew it would be impossible to shake him. The paper fell against her face with a groan. I’m afraid fruit wouldn’t get rid of him. Not when his mission is sitting with you.
Saffy chewed her lip, irritated by the fact her heartbeat had elevated upon their eyes briefly meeting. Sitting up, the young woman accepted the whisky without much hesitation. Do you think he knows how to crack a smile, or his face permanently like that? A foolish question, yet it was unnerving, cold… and lonely, she realised.
House Salvo, didn't your family.. have a gruesome mass murder about a decade back, Kaczor thought to herself, remember that the news had been quick to spread through some of the higher houses. Another minor house had gone in and completely slaughtered.. Oh! I seem to remember that your house would occasionally come by for my mother's balls in the summer time, I must bring you out to the manor to take you around the gardens. Do you remember attending any of them? Of course, this was the girl that had been the lone survivor, there had been rumors, of course. And the perpetrator? House Vrai. Oh, Kaczor was suddenly very happy she had come to the club today, this was going to give her all sorts of things to needle her brother-in-law with over the dinner table on family dinner nights.
It was bad enough the townhouse next to her had sold recently and it seemed that it had been signed over to Malik, so Kaczor was sure that was her wife's doing. Hmm, the dour fellow, no, I can assure you his face is permanently like that. I think the only time I've seen him smile is at my daughter, and even then it looked more like a grimace as he realized she shat her diaper on him. Kaczor sniffed, before grinning and waving at her brother-in-law. Hello Malik.. she's quite safe here with me, you can go glower elsewhere now.
She shooed him away and if looks could kill -- Kaczor knew she would pay for that later. But the man did move around the corner, still where he could see the two of them, but around the corner none the less, leaving the two women relatively alone in the alcove. I'll pay for that at Saturday night dinner, I just know it.. she breathed over her whisky and then smiled. Now, tell me dearest, where do you normally study dance, you've such an exquisite command of your body. You sword fight too, don't you?
Seraphine’s smile faltered a little when Kaczor hesitated, nodding slowly at the unspoken open secret. She was kind though, redirecting the usual uncomfortable silence for a positive interaction with the orphan’s house. I’m afraid I didn’t have the pleasure. I was quite sickly as a child so my parents thought it best I didn’t leave our estate too often. Keeping up appearances had been crucial for the family’s survival and while their attendance were few and far between, the Salvo’s made their connections well. Their few positive alignments counted among some of the powerful or well connected, allowing their dominance over the Vrai until it collapsed in the run up to the barrier’s establishment.
She’d choke on the whisky though, coughing as the woman revealed the one and only time Malik seemed to crack a smile.
Turning her face to one side, Seraphine attempted to hide the smug smirk bursting across her face while the Lady Tilani called out to Malik, teasing him so openly he’d got up and retreated. The confidence in the swift rebuttal of the glowering Eye had the dancer nod in quiet awe, I won’t get you into any trouble now, will I, Lady Tilani? She hoped not, but the woman’s casual comments hadn’t gone unnoticed either. Saffy just didn’t understand the connection yet.
So… you are related to him? a mixture of horror and sympathy flickered through her expression, and pulling her legs up the dancer sat meditatively, nestled deep into the corner. She gestured with the whisky glass, facetiously exaggerating, Here I thought his diet consisted of the blood of his enemies and… well babies. She took a sip, eyes still trailing occasionally over to the corner.
I’m hoping at the Grand Arcadia, I’m not classically trained mind you, so it might count against me. That or the sword fighting. My tutor for that has been recalled however, back to their post on the border… how did you know I.. not many people outside the Archon’s Palace know that.
We'll have to remedy that, since it seem my brother in law has his eye on you, I'm going to assume that he's tasked with keeping an eye on you, so it would make it a whole hell of a lot easier if I were to invite you over for dinner one night. My wife and I would enjoy the company I feel. And if we're lucky, we'll get the rest of my small and grumpy family for dinner at the same time. And then I can take you around the garden to your hearts content. See if we can't get that one to have a heart attack. Kaczor pointed her glass towards the retreating Malik's back, two fingers held out with a small "woosh" sound, much as if she were pretending to throw a fireball at the man's back.
Don't worry about me dearest. We need to make sure to keep appearances though, you know. What's the absolute worst Malik can do to me, hmm? Throw me back in prison? She chuckled deeply and nodded. My wife's adopted brother.. battle buddies, what not. They were in military service together and seemed to have bonded together in a way that I wish worked on blood siblings. Maker knows my brother and I never got along as well as they do. She popped an olive off the tray in her mouth, chewing thoughtfully as she did. Babies, ... Well, he does tell Annie all the time he's going to chew her hand off. It's quite adorable honestly. I hate it so much, but for my wife and my daughter? I'll endure till the end of time for their family.
As the glasses ran low, Kaczor would refill them periodically, but the woman also made sure to keep pushing food at the both of them. She didn't want to send one of the Archon's wards back home drunk off her ass, as funny as it would be, she knew better than to play too much with her wife's family. Do you really want to know? She asked with a small teasing smile, as if there was a little secret there. The Arcadia -- Kaczor filed that little bit of info away in her brain for later. She would go and have a talk with the proprietress about making sure Seraphine's tuition was in order in perpetuity. Believe it or not, dance is an amazing way to learn blade-work, it was how I learned how to duel properly, many of the movements are the same, but it was your eyes. A dancer spots a single place, they almost beat it into you, make sure you spot so you don't fall; a swords-woman makes sure to take in the entire field of play. Their eyes never stop moving. That's how.
Seraphine's eyes wandered with every revelation. Brother in law. Dinner. Family. It caused her to swallow her whisky in a single gulp. Her attention was steered towards the man’s retreating back, hastily moving off to roam, quickly finding the platter. Dinner is a little intimidating. Lord Vrai and I are not exactly on good terms, I wouldn’t want our… differences to spoil the atmosphere of your home. Though she could be easily convinced his current level of scowling would be nothing compared to being forced to attend a formal dinner. Then again, it would be enjoyable to watch that, it would also save her the trouble of bloodying her hands. Her family would be avenged over the second course at this rate.
The smirk beginning to crawl across her face halted, furrowing into confusion at the mention of prison, unsure if the Lady was teasing but fully believed her given her own circumstances and how jovial she laughed. At least make it count, don’t get sent back for a nobody. If he comes for you, you need to promise to curse him so he can’t help but smile all the time. He’ll hate it.
Pulling herself up to sit, Seraphine began loading a cracker with some cured meat and cheese while listening to more fragments sprinkled in the Lady’s relations. Wife. Siblings. Military. Lord Vrai had made many curious connections, expertly embedding himself in the upper echelons of power. A second family. Biting down on the cracker couldn’t take the sting away from the hypocrisy, the audacity that he inflicted such violence, yet built relationships to the point of being named kin. She masked that pain in between chewing and grinning apologetically. A measurable sip was taken once her glass became refilled and with Kaczor’s encouragement she ate more, her Nameday had taught her much and already she felt her cheeks warm.
Saffy tossed her a pitiful look following it with a bob of her head. The following explanation only cemented her companions' impressive capability in Seraphones mind. It’s a different form of grace, and while I hope I never need to use it, it’s still a valuable skill to hone. But dancing. Dancing is where I can just be… lost, free. Even in silence I can find some current to move to. I feel my most true self in those moments.
The atmosphere of my home right now is ruled by an eighteen month old, she's about to start talking in more than a few words at a time here any day now and I think we all could use the distraction, you'd be doing me a favor, in actuality. And as you said, it would be enjoyable as hell to watch him squirm across the table. And I'm a willing party in this, we should be the best of friends, just to make his life hell. Of course, that could potentially make her life a living hell if her wife decided she didn't like Kaczor making fun of her brother. Ahh, but that was life, was it not? She would deal with that when and if it happened, for now though, she liked to think she was actually about to make her first friend since she had left prison.
I actually think I have a curse like that I could use. You've inspired me, Miss Salvo. Now, to make sure I do it to where it can't lead back to me and have me sleeping in Annie's bedroom for a week. Not like she wasn't almost doing that. Ella had cooled off some towards her, after the barrier fell, and she understood it. They were doing what they could to reconnect after a difficult period, and it was neither of their faults. The best they could do was to move forward together, to whatever future that was, but of one thing Kaczor was certain; she still loved her wife so much, that she would wait until Ella was ready, no matter what it was they were ready for, together.
She sniffed as she rolled her own now refilled glass along her lower lip. Tell me what he's like towards you, I know he has duty there in the Palace sometimes, but I see him when he's with my daughter, I know he's a rat bastard of a man though.. I can smell it on him. He often times smelled of blood, and her heightened senses caught it, often. Blood and Death.
And finding one's true self takes continuous acts of courage to find your way there, I know. Her fingers absently went to the ends of her hair, just now starting to touch the edge of her jaw line, feminine enough that she had stopped wearing the headscarf and such obvious makeup. She had hated getting her face used to plucking and shaving again, had hated the ingrowns and breakouts that happened until she was able to get back to waxing off all the hair, until it was fine again, not the course curls that had grown from her cheeks for over a year. Natural looking makeup now graced her gentle features, a wash of color on her lips, and kholed eyes -- little more was needed to make her look feminine enough in her own eyes, now that her hair wasn't cropped short any more. It's still good to know though, I think every woman should be equipped to protect herself from the males of our species. Nasty things, the whole lot of them. She took a drink and then set the glass down. Where did you learn your sword play?
It was out her mouth before she thought about it. All he’d teach her is how to grunt in various pitches… and glare. Her chuckle was light, but Sera nodded, Alright, if only because I’ll have an ally and the opportunity to see Lord Vrai outmaneuvered. Until either the Chancellor or Archon decided her fate the Salvo’s schedule was quite free. The Lady Tilani was being kind, nurturing her like she would her own child and while Sera felt a little guilty in using her kindness for her own means, she had to understand the Vrai and his connections to undo him.
I don’t have much talent for magic, she’d tried, but it seemed her limit had been reached and though it hadn’t failed her during a performance it wasn’t something she could rely on.
He is… complicated. Cold. Focused on his duty by all accounts. Her head dipped for her to check for herself. Again he had moved, his new table offering a clearer perspective of the pair and the exits. Her brow wrinkled though, did Tilani not know? He’s the Death Dealer. When the Archon, or the Chancellor decides on an enemy of the state they send him… fitting no? He’s had plenty practice. Her shoulders bobbed and while the chuckle lacked humour there was nothing wrong about her comment.
My middle brother taught me the first few principles. I’d try and practise them when I was well… maybe when I wasn’t too, she’d grin a little, lifting the glass back up. I’d spar with one of the old guardsmen, the old men are always too quick to offer a pretty face a favour if they get seconds. Lady Hess, the housekeeper, eventually found out, but since it hadn’t affected my other work she allowed me a tutor. He’s rotated out now though.
Of course he is, that makes perfect sense, Kaczor murmured quietly as she listened to the other woman talk about her brother in law. Information that could be put to good use against the man, even if he was currently taking her daughter home every night with him. Something to worry about at another time. Kaczor wasn't really the best with people, she tried of course, for the sake of her family, and being the soon to be head of the family, once her father finally decided to hand it over to her and Ella -- but people was not her strong suit.
Nor was it his. Orion, who hadn't made himself known to anyone since that night, several months back now. He seemed to disregard people with enough vigor that it bled over into Kaczor's personality here and there, even if the woman liked to talk with others. Perhaps.. it was a bit of loneliness on her part. With her family life at home? She needed a friend.
I see, sent to the front lines or retired? Maybe we could see about rotating him back in, if you'd like to continue your practice with him? I hold no say over anything, but I've found that money can help spin the gears of the world a little easier. And I have more than I'll ever be able to spend in one life time, and that was no joke. Tilani was money, and not as old money as they portrayed at times. No, their family fortune was more recent than not, but thankfully Kaczor hadn't had to step in to any real responsibility yet, and could still enjoy spending that money.
Soon enough, she'd have to follow in her mother's footsteps and play the political game, but in the mean time, Or you could always come practice with me, it's been a long time since I've been able to spend some time with a rapier in hand and no one wanting to split me throat to navel for stealing someone's paramour, or parent.. sister.. brother. She chuckled as she watched Vrai shift seats again as someone sat down at a nearby table and block the clear view of them. She knew enough not to put it past her brother in law to be reading their lips from across the room. The man had an uncanny ability to know just what exactly was said about him at all times.
Seraphine listened to Kaczor intently, her expression thoughtful as she considered the implications of the conversation. She’d always appreciated how candid Kaczor could be, even if it was layered under a smooth exterior of charm and politeness. The mention of money caught her attention, but she held her thoughts close, masking them with a light smile.
Ser Rodger has retired, she began, her tone polite but firm. Truthfully, I was beginning to grow beyond his instruction even before his departure. His teachings were thorough, but... well, a student eventually needs more than repetition. New challenges. Her fingers brushed absently along the edge of her glass, pausing for a moment before continuing. Unfortunately, fencing in the estate is... restricted. Permission is required, and even then, the weapons are strictly monitored. My voice wouldn’t carry much weight.
Seraphine's eyes flickered briefly toward Malik, who had shifted seats once again. A faint, knowing smirk tugged at her lips as she caught sight of his new vantage point. So, I am certainly taking up your suggestion, she said, her voice brightening slightly. If it pleases you, we could take turns. One week in the Palace, the following at the Tilani estate. It would be... discreet, and it would give me the freedom to practise without having to jump through quite so many hoops. You could annoy your… brother in law, both at home and during his duty.
With that, she reached out, offering her hand to Kaczor, her smile sharpening with a touch of mischief. What do you say, Lady Tilani? Shall we shake on our conspiracy and give him something to stew over? She made no effort to disguise the flicker of amusement in her eyes as she tilted her head slightly in Malik's direction, the motion subtle but deliberate. It was a small gesture, but one meant to provoke, to make him wonder what agreement had just been struck between them understanding they had his full attention.
Old Ser Rodger, I remember him, back before I transitioned, he was my first instructor, it's good that you've been under his tutelage though, it helps me understand how much of a fight I'm getting myself in for! She laughed as she filled their glasses once again, smirking over at the sulking man across the room. She was certain that later she would be in a world of trouble for being so blatantly rude to her brother in law, but that was her prerogative at the moment, she liked pushing his buttons, especially since her daughter had started to call him "unka". Only so many insults a woman could take to her pride before everything seemed to fall apart around her.
Restricted? How's restricted it? And how difficult is it to gain permission, get me a list of people who I need to go speak with, I'll be heading to the Palace soon enough to talk to the Archon about.. the rights of people like myself, and how to better accommodate our place in society, so if there's someone I need to speak to while I'm there, I can accomplish the both in the same visit. As for weapons.. let me see if I can work on the scowler over there at dinner one evening. Maybe the suggestion that his charge would be better prepared not by him glaring at her all day long, but by having regular lessons appropriately more often.
It would be a hard sell to Malik, Kaczor knew, and there would be the questions of why she suddenly had such a vested interest in Salvo, but the truth was Kaczor needed a friend, and while Salvo was young, she was still someone who knew what it was like to be part of the machine that was Tevinter's elite. She stuck her hand out for the gesture, a quick up and down, before Kaczor drew Seraphine's hand over and placed a chaste kiss on Seraphine's thumb. My word as oath to you. The added made to enrage her brother-in-law as much as possible, but also because it was a formal agreement, and one that Kaczor took seriously. Mostly to annoy Malik though.
Really? Ah, well that should make things fun. Maybe once we get a few rounds in, we invite him to spectate. I think he’d enjoy that… Her mind pondered fondly over the shared acquaintance, then nodding sagely at the renewed glass.
As Wards of the Archon, our movements are carefully watched. I’m permitted out, but I’m not allowed to leave the City unless authorised. I also have my duties helping to manage the Archon’s estate, the Housekeeper would need to release me from the ones I picked up since my tutoring ended. Her shoulders stiffened upon hearing Tilani would speak to Malik. We duelled once. Though it wasn’t really a duel, he… eyes narrowed a little, You know, I think he cheated… it was… an experience she couldn’t quite describe nor had been able to fully understand as of yet.
Thoroughly cheered from the kiss planted, the young woman giggled. Her head bobbed and to add insult to injury, offered her glass to clink in toast. Tilani’s refreshing air and worldly advice was quickly becoming a regularity that Sera wished to continue. Young and sickly, the child had barely seen her parents, their visits often fleeting and when Seraphine was well enough, the forced distance was firmly upheld. No real form of comfort was offered until she grew some, but when her magic was revealed to be stunted, chaotic at best, it was back to being sequestered.
Friendless. Alone. But no longer?
Sera took a sip, casting a glance over to Malik to find his brow heavy with disapproval at the continued imbuing of alcohol. Sera couldn’t help but narrow her own in challenge, continuing to drink from the glass until it was empty. Her tongue stuck out towards him and setting it back onto the table the young woman sighed, lamenting to her new friend.
I think, judging by his darkening look, we might not have much time left.
Kaczor felt decidedly that having Malik buy into Seraphine having regular lessons would go much smoother if he was a spectator, perhaps even to be able to occasionally challenge the tutor head on, and she knew exactly whom to call up for just a thing. A Dalish she had met recently, lovely singing voice, she'd have to get in contact with the man and arrange things, just to piss her brother in law off. She enjoyed poking fun at him too much to let such an opportunity go by. Probably, I think he has an unnatural fondness of fighting, honestly, it's a good thing for men to get all that energy out before they come home, just, his joy in the fight is .. unnatural. Like he wants the challenge more than the outcome. Silly.
She sniffed at the idea that Malik would have cheated, she knew the man had some scruples, even if he was a prat, so her brow raised some as she looked over, Then all the more reason to get you those lessons so that we can force him into a rematch that he can't cheat on. That would do, if she could get a tutor in to help teach Seraphine enough to fight, and win against Malik? Well then, that would make her most happy. Mind you, I'm doing this because it amuses me greatly, I need to make sure you know that as well. I don't think you'd mind that either, so as long as our fun is aligned, we're allies in this.
She quietly drank at her glass as she watched the exchange between the two, a tongue stuck out, and an elegantly raised brow followed by arms being folded over a chest, perhaps that was a hint of an exhausted sigh as well? Oh, this was rich, the man made of ice might like the woman to her side, this would actually be a fun game to watch develop then. I think you're right, that's usually the look he gets at me over the dinner table when he's about to abruptly walk out. I'll send a note to the Palace when I secure a teacher, and when I'm there to talk to our illustrious leader I'll ask around some, after all, a trip up to the floating palace should never go to waste, I'll need to speak to a couple of magisters while I'm there anyway, could put in a visit to my Auntie.., a trip was being formed in her mind at this point, how she'd get everything done in one day.
Alright then, my darling new friend, I'll talk to you soon, here he comes now, just smile at him just so the whole time and answer as vaguely as you can, I often find that infuriates him to no end. Kaczor stood from the table, folding her newspaper up and laying it casually back on the table. Fine, Fine Vrai, you can have her back now, I'm satisfied fully, and I rather think the lady is too, no thanks to you. She took her stole off the back of the chair and gathered her walking cane from where it had been leaning against the chair. Miss Salvo, your company was a breath of fresh air, and I will call again on you soon.
And with that, Kaczor left the woman to Vrai, her walking stick casually swung with each step, knowing Vrai would most likely collect Seraphine back to the castle, boring! She had things to set up and set in motion now that would be far more entertaining.
