Traveling up from the Marches to Tevinter, as a minstrel, was easy enough, he had stopped along the way, gathering information as he went, his mind on home, on his father, on Haulean, on the woman. But collecting information was his aim, his ultimate goal in the trip, just establishing if there was a foot hold for the C there, if there even was a chance they could get a foot hold in, and performers had the easiest chance of slipping in and out unnoticed and unaccosted. And so his evening had him sitting in a smaller bar in the city, away from the fancier parts, where the poorer folk where, well calloused fingers plucking notes as he sang, love songs, of course -- everyone loved a love song.
Say you'll see me again, even if it’s just in my wildest dreams ah ah-ha, wildest dreams, ah ah-ha, I tell her “No one has to know what we do”, my hands are in her hair, my clothes are in her room, and her voice is a familiar sound, nothing last forever.. His fingers missed the chord progression as the woman walked in, but he easily recovered. She reminded him of Haulean, a bit lost at first look, in need of someone close, and he felt a sharp pang in his chest as he moved towards her, still crooning as he went, his strut confident and obviously a line towards Seraphine. But this is getting good now, I’m so tall, and handsome as hell, you’re so bad, but you do it so well, and when we’ve had our very first kiss, my one request, it is, say you’ll remember us, dressed up in nice dress, staring at the sun set,
He circled the woman, making sure to turn the charm up extra special, and even if it was just a performance for the sake of performance, Red lipped, rosy cheeked, say you’ll see me tonight, even if it’s just in my wildest dreams. The rest of the band that he had met there in town kept playing as he stopped there, seeing if she’d let him take her hand and place a kiss on the knuckles. Not to be forward, m’lady, but if I was a cat, I’d spend every single one of my nine lives with you.
She was supposed to be with friends, well, other minor nobles who had the misfortune of being fellow prisoners of the Archon. They were permitted to roam the City as long as no-one attempted to leave without permission so the group had enjoyed moving between the various favourites until now. Now she had lost them, striding into the next bar alone and unsure, gaze searching for her friends but attracting the attention of the bard, or minstrel that was performing.
There was a confidence in his stride, the song falling effortlessly from his lips and as he circled. Seraphine found herself following, feet easily turning in place and offering a shy grin. He was bold, certainly. She played up to his game, leaning in and then turning her head away in a flirtatious dance of glances and grins.
Allowing him her hand, the young woman laughed, You’re a performer, if you weren’t forward, how would you feed yourself? Besides, don’t cats always get the cream? She’d hum, hand giving a gentle squeeze before slipping free to turn, eyes again on the search.
Yoonjie dropped his lute, letting the strap that held it to his form catch the instrument, leaving his hands open to try and draw her back in for a dance. Oh, a woman after my own heart with a perfect bit of word play there. Don't leave, stay here with me a little while, huh? He didn't put hands on her once she had broken contact, he had his own rules after all, but he would be annoyingly persistent, as was expected of a bard. Charm the pants off and then back on just about anything that could enthusiastically consent and was humanoid, and for some of his brethren, humanoid didn't much matter either.
They all in pretty dresses like this? He asked as he caught a finger on one of her sleeves, grinning widely, trying to catch her eyes again. I don't know, I probably would have missed them if they weren't in cute silks like this. But Palace huh? How many girls are we talking about here? He shot his questions in rapid fire, lips puckered together as he looked confused, playing at being a little dumb about noticing a group of women.
Probably other lesser Nobles from the palace, which meant if he lost her, he could always go and try to find the others. But this one looked like an adorable little lamb, lost. Especially in this, the seedier part of town, far too innocent to be out and about on her own. I probably shouldn't let you wander off alone without them, they might get lost. He teased, the grin growing a bit wider. Or you could stay here with me, until they catch up to you. If you keep moving you'll probably miss them, especially if they're looking for you at the same time. Makes sense to stay in one place, he said with such seriousness, that he could barely keep in place for more than a few seconds.
But really, if you've lost your companions this evening, at least sit here for a little while to see if they find you here, and if not, I'll help walk to the other three bars within this area to check and see if they had the same idea of staying still and waiting for you to find them, sound like a deal?
She was searching and then his face came back into view, catching her attention with a double take and a shy grin. Her gaze lowered to his hands and playfully, she let hers hover over his, matching their movements yet keeping a distance apart.
His finger drew along her sleeve and the young woman padded closer, following with a laugh. Oh, I don’t know.. this is very simple.. hand tugging at the fine fabric skirt, dropping it with a shrug. She tried not to draw attention to herself by wearing the latest fashions, preferring simple designs and nothing fussy. Dorothy has much better tastes, once again looking around the tavern to no avail, turning back to the bard.
Lips pursed in thought, Seraphine took a moment to think on his offer, feet following the light sway and gentle spin he’d set for them. Staying put was safer than wandering out alone, his offer of help walking her was too kind hearted, grin returning to teasing, brows wiggling. And in this walk you’ll what? Lure me into the shadows, ravish me like some wild animal, I think not. Best I remain here, where eyes can keep their gaze on you, so you behave some.
Giggling, she’d shift their direction towards the bar and walk ahead of him. What’s your poison minstrel? You must be thirsty with all those questions.
Yoonjie looked over the dress one more time, the look of incredulity, followed by the shy smirk had him chuckling. I don't think I'd like Dorothy. She sounds fussy. He continued the dance, making sure that their movements were just so that there was no inappropriate touches nor chance for someone to say that there was anything that happened that didn't. He knew better than to ruin a young woman's reputation for a simple chance for some information. Besides, he couldn't come on too strong in the beginning, had to woo her properly -- too strong and he'd lose her, not enough and he'd lose her too. It was finding that balance that was the part of his work that took time.
Only with your permission of course. I have no desire to become a wild animal, unless the partner I'm with wants it just so. He sniffed dramatically and then tilted his head back, drawing his long hair back. Besides, does this look like the face of a ruffian that would impugn someone's honor? He let the hair fall and leaned back in, letting a thumb come up to ghost over her lower lip -- close enough to press the touch if she wanted, but far enough that it was obvious he wasn't actually touching her, his voice dropping into a lower register, Do you want to be ravished, fair lady?
And then he was being brought towards the bar, and he nodded, Poison, any old rot gut for me, my lady, but you certainly shouldn't drink the swill here, I fear it'll upset your sensibilities, he explained, before leaning in a little closer, his words hushed for her. Besides I think they water the drinks down, better to stick to the beer, at least watered down beer still tastes like beer. He was thirsty, of course, he was always thirsty, but the prospect of drinking too much when he might need to perform at another place, or with another woman made him question if he should drink. Then there was always the potential that she was looking for an easy mark to roll in an alleyway herself. Just because she looked innocent didn't mean she was. Tell me you have the fortitude for beer and I'll match you drink for drink. He leaned against the bar as he drew the barkeep over with a wiggle of his fingers. A pale for me and for the lady...? He smiled back to her, offering a wave of his hand to indicate that the choice was hers and hers alone.
Seraphine grinned, bending her upper body a little to lean into him as if conspiring. She’s very fussy, yes. Their hands continued to play along with the game, dancing mid-air but never touching, never stepping over the boundary of inappropriate touching. The Archon was her guardian, any dishonour she brought on herself was also his to bear and if the discretion warranted it, her life would be forfeit for besmirching the ruler’s name and reputation.
My, my, a Gentleman Bard? How very quaint, how rare in these parts. It explains your unmarred face though, not one for wooing a claimed lady? Saffy teased, her head tilting back and forth while she looked him over.
Teeth nibbled at her lower lip, stifling another shy giggle as she decided on how best to answer. He was handsome, eyes watched how he brushed back his mane of hair to then be caught completely off guard by the same hand that came to faintly trace her previously caught by her teeth. Um… I. I, ugh, her voice breathed, flustered but Saffy quickly recovered. I need a drink first. Swallowing, Saffy smiled, turning to the bar and shifting her gaze away in an attempt to ease the itch, the desire she’d had to not just nip, but bite down onto his ghosting digit.
Every time he drew close, his breath falling against the skin of her neck had her forcing to shift her lingering gaze from looking at his neck. She was certain she could hear the man’s pulse over the noise of the tavern, but attempted to shake it off as her own. Her ears were simply adjusting from being outside, that was it, nothing else. Half-listening, Saffy stared at him blankly when he asked the question, finally noticing the barman. Oh right, um… well since I don’t think I’ve ever had it, and it’s my day, let's go for a beer.
We do exist, but are exceptionally rare, and usually not of this Age.. Yoon teased back as the beer was deposited in front of him, and he picked the mug and took a long drink. Water. It was so watered down that it was just water at that point. But a common thing that happened in these parts, especially in a mid-level establishment such as this. And a married woman is off-limits. She made a commitment to someone, and that should be honored, cherished. Those of us who don't respect that oath, well.. I don't think very highly of them in the first place. He wasn't going to complain about the drink, it would make sure the lady didn't lose her head to drink, and that was a good thing. He had no desire for that "gentleman" part of him to demand he walk her home, or worse yet, carry her home drunk if she slipped too far into drink, because he knew he would. There would be no leaving her to her friends, or companions if they showed.
Your day? Is this my lady's name day then? Is this why your companions have taken you for the rounds of the local taverns then? A time honored tradition of getting three sheets to the wind and the hangover the next morning that never ends. Stick with the beer then, your head will thank me for it tomorrow morning. He nodded to the bar keep and then motioned for his to be filled again. It was weak enough that he had no such fears for himself. But that was neither here nor there.
You're flustered, not used to attention are you? Yoonjie asked, a hand coming up to move a stray bit of hair back behind her ear, his fingers again just ghosting, never directly touching, he knew what was appropriate, and he knew the rumors and tales about his profession were usually true. Blessed with an unnatural amount of charisma, they tended to be flirts, lovers of one night stands, and gone with the morning light. He was certain a good majority of the world's bastards were because of those in his profession, so.. Since it's your name-day, if you feel uncomfortable just say stop, I promise you, you'll be safe. He smiled softly to her, his eyes roaming her face. She was quite pretty. Do you like having a boisterous name-day celebration, or is it just a day like any other, and you'd prefer to have it pass un-marked, I know not everyone is keen on a celebration.
Saffy listened, or it appeared so between her careful sips of the ale presented to her. Some of it filtered through the high pitched whine, offset by the telltale thump pattern of a heartbeat, enough she would come off as aloof, shy and a little unsure of how she ended up here. Wow, so… you’re a unicorn then? chuckling into her glass as she emptied it. This isn’t so bad… it’s not good either but it’s better than terrible. Like life, but she was trying to keep the mood light.
Scoffing, she’d turn to search each side of her in turn, behind him, then peering over the bars counter to then shrug at him. Do you seen any of them? shoulders shrugged lightly while she played with the empty cup, pushing it forward for a refill. Dorothy probably convinced them to go elsewhere… adding with a sigh, They are probably somewhere laughing at me. I’m used to it, but I wasn’t going to give up a pass into the City.
His faint touch was doing nothing for the distracting whine, the drumbeat of his heart beckoning her to lean in closer before retreating hastily again. Well… I …uh … I don’t get out much. I…. and blinking she realised. This is my first time out on my own.
Her cup was refilled two more times, the dancer draining the watered beer easily, fanning recklessness to begin rearing its head. Her gaze had shifted from his face to the organ behind his ribs, it’s beating a lullaby to the craving coiling from somewhere, infecting her enough to take a long draw of the pint. A third cup still lacked the ability to quench this thirst… hunger… and straightening Seraphine’s brow arched, the empty cup planted deliberately.
I’m gonna ask you to promise something else, cos you don’t make me uncomfortable.. Just… I’m not used to it. But back to my point, her hand gestured playfully, Let’s not talk about my previous name-days. I’ve shed enough tears over spilled milk.
Hey now, just because I don't chase after married women.. or men, doesn't make me a unicorn. He acted like the implication hurt him, but in reality he knew that someone like him, especially someone like him, didn't really pay attention to a wedding ring most of the time. When the mood struck, it struck, and was acted upon, with no never mind to the repercussions. He didn't like that, not after how his own family had been broke up; even if it hadn't been sex, they had still been broken.
Dorothy doesn't sound like much of a friend if she convinces the others to leave you behind. Now I'm very glad that I found you. I'll be your companion the rest of the evening, so that your pass into the City isn't wasted. More to drink, or would you like to walk to another bar? Is there a show you want to go see, a song I could sing you, or would you like to dance some more, fair maiden? He kept count of her drinks, and the amount of people in the bar. Poor thing was going to have a headache in the morning, but he'd make sure she got home safe and sound. He didn't like the look of a guy over in the corner, but that was neither here nor there, at the moment, it was the lady's name day, and he was determined to make it a happy one for her.
When that third cup went down, and she playfully asked not to mention her name day, he nodded his head, the corners of his mouth tugging downwards a moment, as if he were tasting the words and trying to decide what to do with them. In reality, he had to frown to not immediately tease back about having a bad name-day. It was almost cliche, but she hadn't done anything to deserve that observation being voiced, and he wasn't far enough into his cups to let his filter down enough for it to even be a drunken slip. So instead he made a grab for that hand of hers that was flopping around, and he turned the appendage over, so that her palm was up, before he leaned down and pressed a kiss to the skin there. Deal. He rose back up, grinning, if you'll forgive a little flirtation from here to where ever this night leads us.
Saffy tapped the mug against the bartop, punctuating her words. She is not. While he kept count of her drinks, she’d stare ahead at the blackened mirror reflecting her sad hazy self. His offer had her blink, swivelling her head to meet his gaze with a chuckle and widening smile. Really? A line of guarded surprise still lined her brow though vanished instantly at the offer of more dancing. Her posture straightened, hands drummed fingers excitedly over the wooden top, Dancing. Always dancing.
He made for her hand and Saffy’s dark eyes followed how he conducted it palm facing, fingers absently playing, bending and brushing against his in the movement. The action leading up to the kiss against her skin unfolded like in slow motion and yet the shudder that rolled across her body left her quavering, teeth nipping her lower lip to stifle an innocent giggle.
Pulling her hand away the dancer nervously brushed a lock of hair behind an ear, nodding, Just as long as you forgive my red cheeks…. I… I’m uh, hesitating to reach for his hand, but then deciding to go for it, the sensation of skin to skin and brushing against his pulse point as she took his wrist. I’m a very good dancer. Do you want to play and watch or… is there somewhere we can dance together? Maybe there was another bard about, or one of the nearby taverns had one, but she found herself playfully using his hand to leverage her swaying.
Lure him… whispered from somewhere, ignored for rising back up from the bar.
Did you just offer to dance for my entertainment? I may take you up on that Miss. Especially if it might lead to naked dancing, Yoongie's eyebrows waggled suggestively as he let his hand pulled forward, his finger along his pulse point, and he would be a liar if the touch hadn't sent a jolt of pleasure down his spine and straight to lower regions, but he reigned in the small spike in his libido, it would do no good to try something too early in the evening, he liked to draw the moment out, before a kiss, before a knee sliding between legs, a tango that eventually ended up in a tangle of bed sheets.
But the chase was the part he enjoyed the most, especially when it came with such a innocent little giggle. You seem to already have music happening in your mind, chere, you lead, and I'll follow then, can show me the ropes until you're ready to slide into dancing I'm more familiar with. He circled his hand around her arm, and gently guided the hand up to his shoulder, his other hand going to hover at her hip, not touching though, he would leave it to her if she wanted to be touched.
Seraphine’s lips curled into a teasing smile, her eyes glinting with a mix of amusement and something darker, a hunger that even she was beginning to struggle to suppress. She let Yoon guide her hand to his shoulder, but as he hovered his hand near her hip, she took a small step closer, closing the gap between them. She was hyper-aware of everything about him, the soft, steady rhythm of his pulse, the way his scent wrapped around her senses and tugged her further under the curses spell. The unfamiliar feeling stirred, an ache blooming within her, reminding her instinctually of what she needed. Her gaze flickered to the line of his throat, the bare skin just under his collar.
Her fingers moved up, curling around his shoulder as she adjusted their hold, guiding his hand to the small of her back, pulling him even closer. Their bodies now brushed against each other, the space between them almost non-existent. If you want to dance with me, you’ll have to get a little closer… like this.
The dance began with a gentle sway, a slow rhythm as they found their footing together. Her movements were graceful, fluid, as if she was gliding across the floor rather than stepping. But with every shift, every step, she found herself leaning closer to him, her lips hovering near his skin, teasing the air near his ear, his jaw, the corner of his mouth. The temptation gnawed at her, made her breaths uneven as she fought to keep her composure. The unaware would think her growing more flustered, aroused by the combination of well oiled flirting and enrapturing footwork.
It was a delicious game, and she felt herself slipping deeper into it, her hunger pushing her to see just how far she could go. She let her lips linger near his cheek, his jaw, her breath a soft whisper against his skin, before she finally pulled back just enough to meet his eyes. Maybe… we should find a less... public place?
Under any other circumstances, Yoon would have already been trying to guide the woman to an alley way, to steal as many kisses as he could, perhaps even bury himself deep between creamy thighs until he came, but when Seraphine pulled his hands and put them on her body he had a sense of foreboding that would not shake, as if some cosmic shift had taken place and he was no longer in semi-charge of their time together. The dynamic between them had been upended, and he wasn't sure if he was upset by it or not.
The dance was as much a feast of the flesh as it was for the eyes for him, seeing her lips part seductively, feeling her breath along his skin, the way her limbs undulated with a rhythm only the two of them could feel now -- the music was gone -- Yoon didn't think they had been dancing to anything with a discernable beat for minutes now as he took in her flushed cheeks and fully dilated eyes, her rapidly rising and falling chest. He teased back as much as she did, a lip catching at the fine hairs along her neck, but never skin, his hand splayed wide along her lower back to help their hips stay in time with one another, and yet all of it was laced with a niggling fear that ate at the back of his skull, trying to worm it's way in, even as his body screamed yes.
You strike a hard bargain, Lady Seraphine.., he started, body screaming at his brain to go with the flow, to let it happen. She was admittedly single, and he would be leaving the city soon enough, home to his "wife" and a myriad of other conquests he would and could have if he wanted -- but this, a taste of the forbidden, and it was the woman's name day, perhaps a few kisses before he took her home would ... But you've drank far too much for me to think that you'd really want me to take you somewhere 'less public', so let me offer to dance you home instead, hmm? There was no denying that the dance had an effect on him, so he was just as keen as her to leave bright lights that would highlight just how affect he was. A hand disappeared into a pocket to make a minor adjustment, before he took out enough silver for their drinks, leaving the money to the bar keep, and going to guide Seraphine out into the cool of the night -- a walk would help cool some of that ardor, maybe get rid of that feeling that they were being watched.
As soon as he had them out the door, he offered her an arm, a black tom shooting past his feet and into an alleyway around the corner, What's a cat doing here.. he chuckled, as he folded Seraphine under an arm, Now, let's see about that dance, we can keep to the shadows, and dance you a night to remember, Yoon pulled her back close, along the edge of the alley way's shadows, And if you decide it's kisses you do want along the way, well, dearest, you'll have to claim them for yourself.. That didn't sting his sense of honor quite as much, even if it really was no different.
Seraphine swayed in Yoon’s hold, giggling, her lips curling into a playful pout. Alright, you win. Take me home… she murmured, but her eyes glinted with something darker, something the night seemed to draw out of her. She clung to him, letting him lead her, but her focus wasn’t on the path, it was on him.
As they stepped into the cool, night air, a shiver ran down her spine. The darkness was thick, almost palpable, and she felt it cling to her, wrapping around her like a shroud. The curse she carried unknowingly, stirred, stretching awake, hungry and impatient. The shadows seemed to deepen around them, as if they too sensed the rising tide within her, yet everything was sharply clear as if the night sky had no effect on her vision. Seraphine ignored the darting black tom that caught Yoon’s attention, her focus entirely on his pounding heartbeat. The way he guided her, so sure and steady, made something inside her pulse, and not just with desire. Her fingers tightened around his arm, pulling him closer, her body brushing against his with each step they took.
She let out another laugh as they moved into a playful, improvised waltz, the rhythm of their steps echoing softly down the alleyway. Her vision sharpened, the way the world seemed to narrow to just him, his voice, his scent, his heartbeat. It drummed loud and steady in her ears, drowning out everything else, a tantalizing promise that made her pulse race, made her mouth water. Fear and exhilaration mingled in her chest, creating a heady, electric cocktail that made her grip on reality slip.
Without warning, she stumbled, knocking them both into the rough stone wall of the alley. She gasped, the sound almost a giggle, tilting her head up to look at him through her lashes, pretending to steady herself against him. Oops, she murmured, feigning clumsiness, though her eyes shone with something sharper, almost predatory. She slid her arms up around his neck, her fingers tangling in the dark fabric of his collar, and nuzzled into the curve of his throat, her lips brushing his skin as if she were whispering a secret.
You’re so warm, Yoon, she breathed, her voice low and velvety, almost a purr. Her lips hovered there, just above his pulse, feeling the life thrumming beneath the surface, hot and inviting. I don’t think I want to go home just yet… Her words were barely out before her hands tightened, tugging his collar down, exposing more of his neck to her.
Seraphine’s breath hitched as her lips pressed against his skin, the need crashing over her in a wave that made her dizzy, made her reckless. The darkness around them seemed to coil tighter, urging her on, and she could feel the voice whispering in her ear, urging her to take what she needed. She hesitated, just for a moment, but then the steady, rhythmic thump of his heartbeat drowned out that hesitation, and she could resist no longer.
With a sudden, swift movement, she pulled his collar tight, forcing him closer, and parted her lips, her teeth grazing his skin. So… hungry she murmured, her voice barely a breath, before she bit down, sharp and deliberate, the world falling away as she finally gave in to the dark, hungry pull inside her.
Yoon curled around her when she noted that he was warm, trying to share the heat he could in the Minrathous rain, soon enough he'd have them under an overhang so that they'd not get wet, and the only light in the alley way was the red glow of a sign that advertised some paper, otherwise, they were pushing further into the alley, into the darkness, and any sense of self preservation was gone when they crashed into one of the walls. Are you okay?
He asked gently as she pulled him down to her, and he got lost in the moment, a hand going to turn them so that he could pick her up against the wall. I see you're after kisses then. He whispered quietly to her as he hooked an arm under one of her legs, raising her up so that she was pinned between his hips and the wall, making sure that her leg was up around his hip as he reached down for the other. God's, she was warm, and he could feel the heat radiating off her as he tugged her over dress up so that it was just the under slip they might make a mess of -- maneuvering them both so that he could pull his rough cotton pants open to the silk under garment and adjusting himself so that as he wedged his hips between hers he could feel even more heat along his skin.
He made no move to undress either of them further, his hips still as he tilted her chin up, moving those teeth away from his neck, Is this okay, Seraphine? He didn't find any drunkenness in her eyes as he rocked upwards against her, angling his thrust in such a way that he knew it'd give her as much pleasurable friction as it did him. When she said she didn't want to go home just yet, he thrust up again, the silk over silk, the heat, the feel of her body against his, her lips...
Her lips along his throat, even as he tried to hook a finger back under her chin, to bring her lips to his, his thumb teasing at her lower lip as his tongue slid along the curve of her upper lip, teasing her mouth open, so that he could ravage her mouth as badly as he wanted to the rest of her body, Gods, he needed to have more than just friction, he decided as he swept his tongue over hers, tasting the beer they both had drank, trying to tease her tongue into twining with his before he broke the kiss, Hungry for what, Seraphine? He asked as he tried to get his hand under her underdress, to bare skin, to feel if she was as wet as she felt, or if that was him leaking and spreading the wet warmth between them. He ached, from brain to balls, to be inside her, as he rolled his head to the side, feeling teeth on his skin. She bit, but it wasn't.. it wasn't pain, no, it was more pleasurable than he expected, as he bucked hard against her, hips fully in motion now as he tried to get the fabric between them gone, he needed, everything in him, needed to be inside her soon, even as the sharp pain of her teeth started to throb a little bit.
He tried to bring her face back up to his, to bring her lips back to his as he closed his eyes and just let blind instinct and need take over, Say no, Seraphine, now, if you don't want anything, at any time, just say no and we stop, no questions.. fucking Gods you feel so good, he finally got the edge of her underdress up, so he could get a hand underneath, hips pausing as he slid a finger through her folds, realizing the silk garments were still between them, but it didn't matter, he groaned as he circled his thumb over where he knew would have her hips jerking, alternating between thrusting against her with each downward grind, and his thumb circling with a lighter touch. Gods, he really was going to fuck her in an alley way like he said he wasn't going to, and neither of them seemed to really care about that fact at the moment.
