Tiberius had long downed the gifted glass of whiskey and made polite inquiries into the health and fortunes of far too many bland acquaintances. More than he cared to speak to, to be sure. The night was proving fey, slightly unreal. Perhaps to do with the Archon’s cats constantly underfoot? He did not want to admit the source of the strangeness was internal, a tangle of complicated emotion and nerves.
“I’d like some air.” He gave Lyric a weak smile. “Perhaps you’d accompany me for a turn around the gardens?” Unfortunately, he did not yet know her well enough to say for certain whether she’d have any interest in the gardens themselves. Her skill with nature magic did not guarantee an interest – aptitude not being the same as destiny, etc.
But it was likely. And it could hardly be worse than more of all that, that being gently smothered to death by polite strangers with judgmental eyes.
He led the way outside, looking back once to see if she was following. It was a clear night, and music drifted out onto the lawn. It was a popular retreat for couples seeking privacy – in that regard they would fit right in. Though Eyes in their black leathers stood about like observant statuary, surely marking everything and everyone. Perhaps there would be fireworks later.
“How are you bearing up?” Tiberius chose a path at random, lined trellised jasmine in first bloom. He wanted to ask if his home lived up to her cautionary tales, all blood sacrifice and orgies, but something made him bite his tongue.
“I’d like some air.” He gave Lyric a weak smile. “Perhaps you’d accompany me for a turn around the gardens?” Unfortunately, he did not yet know her well enough to say for certain whether she’d have any interest in the gardens themselves. Her skill with nature magic did not guarantee an interest – aptitude not being the same as destiny, etc.
But it was likely. And it could hardly be worse than more of all that, that being gently smothered to death by polite strangers with judgmental eyes.
He led the way outside, looking back once to see if she was following. It was a clear night, and music drifted out onto the lawn. It was a popular retreat for couples seeking privacy – in that regard they would fit right in. Though Eyes in their black leathers stood about like observant statuary, surely marking everything and everyone. Perhaps there would be fireworks later.
“How are you bearing up?” Tiberius chose a path at random, lined trellised jasmine in first bloom. He wanted to ask if his home lived up to her cautionary tales, all blood sacrifice and orgies, but something made him bite his tongue.
05-13-2024, 09:40 PM
