He chuckled at Shen, crouching slightly to scratch behind his ears and under his chin, unknowingly drawing closer to Ivone in the process. The Stones were an unknown, but he knew what their agenda was, and with a little push here and there, they could be harnessed for other things. Maudeen was a sweet thing, but a little inexperienced, and he knew a few people who would be ideal to open her eyes. Not too much, mind, but enough to add a little spice to those wonderful stories of hers and whet her appetite for more. He knew that the Osluns had their eyes on her for the Stones' connections to the Quarry, and it wouldn't be a bad day's work if he robed them of their prize. He could rely on Cisme for help there.
He was so preoccupied with his thoughts that he hadn't realized how close he'd drawn to Ivone, and when he looked up to answer her question, suddenly there she was. He bit his lip, slightly lost for words in the moment, and, bereft of other options, simply smiled. Her mouth was open, her eyes were alive and her face was adorably flushed, and there it was too, the temptation. So close, and yet, he reminded himself, he was determined not to be That Man, wasn't he? But was he being That Man if she wanted it too? Did she? Did he want her to? Come to think of it, did he even want it, or was it just the moment talking? That was it too, wasn't it? He tried to pull back and found it surprisingly difficult.
"Yes," he said, softly, "I'm told dogs dislike being able to smell themselves. Something to clean and remove odours might be better."
Thankfully, Shen once again came to the rescue, breaking the tension with some well-timed licks, and while Tius was honour bound to scold him for being over eager, he was grateful for the distraction. Straightening, he whistled sharply and commanded Shen to sit, fishing out his own handkerchief in the same motion and wincing at the idea of damage to Ivone's dress. Of course, things were meant to be used and appreciated, but that was going a tad far. He shook his head quickly, forestalling any action on Ivone's part.
"Nonsense," he said, raising his kerchief, "you said it yourself, the actions of an animal are a reflection of the owner. I'll not have it said that I let my dog run amok, thank you. May I?"
Waiting a moment for her response, he winked and gently wiped her cheek, trying not to linger any longer than necessary. Too much pressure would put her off and look very bad to anyone watching, while too little would give the impression that he didn't care to touch her. Neither idea was ideal, but it was all about style, and the laws of style demanded that he act, so act he did.
"And I will pick up the bill for your dress repair," he said, "it is the least I can do."
Straightening, he wiped his own cheek and tucked his handkerchief away, inclining his head to her in respect.
"Did you still need to go in?"
The Sunny Side of the Street
Re: The Sunny Side of the Street
Ivone gave a slight nod of her head and lifted the veil from her face as she turned her cheek toward him. The skin on her cheeks prickled. She was sure, the look on her face was the same she’d worn the night before when he’d pulled her close out of “harm’s” way. Ivone searched his face, looking at him from the corner of her eye, searching his gaze for some hidden agenda, but he was too good at this game. Of politics. Better than she and that was a terrifying prospect. He winked and Ivone dropped her gaze, watching his fingers as they neared her cheek, wiped it, and withdrew. She watched as he used the same side to wipe his cheek as well. She didn’t think that was done without thought, though Ivone did not think the gesture had been done for her benefit.
“You’re too kind,” softly said. She could have been responding to his offer to pay for the damages. It would sound that way, but she meant it in more than the one way. Ivone looked down at the skirt, then at the window of the shop. The ladies who had been shopping had seen the gesture. If there weren’t truth to the gossip, he would have handed Ivone the handkerchief, not wiped her cheek for her. The women exchanged knowing glances with each other and resumed shopping.
“No, I think it can wait, after all.”
With deft fingers, she tucked the tear under the waistband, giving the skirt an asymmetrical look. Checking her reflection in the window glass, Ivone adjusted the hat so that the lift of the skirt’s hem was opposite from that of the angle of the hat. A single blonde strand of hair was loosened to rest in a curl against her shoulder on the side of the hat’s downward tilt. Smoothing her hands over the skirt once more, she gave herself a critical once-over, turning left then right. An “I dare you” look seemed to settle on her features as Ivone lifted her chin slightly, still looking at the window. She turned, then, to Tius, and slipped her arm through his, effectively putting the torn side between them.
“Shall we head to Markham’s?” This was said with a pleasant smile for him. Her brows raised slightly. The look in her eyes, though, was possibly more complex: amusement, challenge, and awareness to name a few.
“You’re too kind,” softly said. She could have been responding to his offer to pay for the damages. It would sound that way, but she meant it in more than the one way. Ivone looked down at the skirt, then at the window of the shop. The ladies who had been shopping had seen the gesture. If there weren’t truth to the gossip, he would have handed Ivone the handkerchief, not wiped her cheek for her. The women exchanged knowing glances with each other and resumed shopping.
“No, I think it can wait, after all.”
With deft fingers, she tucked the tear under the waistband, giving the skirt an asymmetrical look. Checking her reflection in the window glass, Ivone adjusted the hat so that the lift of the skirt’s hem was opposite from that of the angle of the hat. A single blonde strand of hair was loosened to rest in a curl against her shoulder on the side of the hat’s downward tilt. Smoothing her hands over the skirt once more, she gave herself a critical once-over, turning left then right. An “I dare you” look seemed to settle on her features as Ivone lifted her chin slightly, still looking at the window. She turned, then, to Tius, and slipped her arm through his, effectively putting the torn side between them.
“Shall we head to Markham’s?” This was said with a pleasant smile for him. Her brows raised slightly. The look in her eyes, though, was possibly more complex: amusement, challenge, and awareness to name a few.
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Vicentius
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- Name: Vicentius Morrington
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Re: The Sunny Side of the Street
"Miss Malatrast, a gentleman can never be too kind," he said, with a smile.
He often wondered at the nature of gossip, because truly it had to have a nature all of its own. There was no stopping it, and every action, no matter the intention or result, would be commented on in depth by all interested or bored parties. He didn't quite understand the logic though; if he touched her, then clearly they were involved in some way, but if he didn't he was a boor. Oh, some held that one could offer one's kerchief, but he didn't see the point. If one was uncomfortable touching another person then one should not offer to help them. Still, Ivone's reaction lead him to believe that had passed the test, whatever it was, and he let her slip her arm through his without comment, his eyes traveling across the window display briefly.
"As you say; I've known the Stones to have that affect on others too," he said, with a straight face. "Tea sounds lovely. Well done, by the way."
The constructed look was a triumph, he thought, with only the slightest traces betraying its origins. To any other, it would appear a careful fashion statement and perhaps a comment on the expectations of others, which, he reflected, it doubtless was. They were, after all, such complex people that anything they did could be interpreted as almost anything, and more than a few people made a successful living guessing what those things might be. Meeting her look with a raised eyebrow, he whistled for Shen to follow and set the pace, leaning in to speak conspiratorially to Ivone.
"Of course, now I'll have to dig up those books," he said, lowering his voice, "but finding a date for Maudeen should be interesting at least."
He patted her forearm and gave it a gentle squeeze. Honesty was a rare thing in their circles, but it had its uses, he'd found, and it was surprisingly difficult for some of their contemporaries to figure out, which was a definite plus.
"May I ask what changed your mind?"
He often wondered at the nature of gossip, because truly it had to have a nature all of its own. There was no stopping it, and every action, no matter the intention or result, would be commented on in depth by all interested or bored parties. He didn't quite understand the logic though; if he touched her, then clearly they were involved in some way, but if he didn't he was a boor. Oh, some held that one could offer one's kerchief, but he didn't see the point. If one was uncomfortable touching another person then one should not offer to help them. Still, Ivone's reaction lead him to believe that had passed the test, whatever it was, and he let her slip her arm through his without comment, his eyes traveling across the window display briefly.
"As you say; I've known the Stones to have that affect on others too," he said, with a straight face. "Tea sounds lovely. Well done, by the way."
The constructed look was a triumph, he thought, with only the slightest traces betraying its origins. To any other, it would appear a careful fashion statement and perhaps a comment on the expectations of others, which, he reflected, it doubtless was. They were, after all, such complex people that anything they did could be interpreted as almost anything, and more than a few people made a successful living guessing what those things might be. Meeting her look with a raised eyebrow, he whistled for Shen to follow and set the pace, leaning in to speak conspiratorially to Ivone.
"Of course, now I'll have to dig up those books," he said, lowering his voice, "but finding a date for Maudeen should be interesting at least."
He patted her forearm and gave it a gentle squeeze. Honesty was a rare thing in their circles, but it had its uses, he'd found, and it was surprisingly difficult for some of their contemporaries to figure out, which was a definite plus.
"May I ask what changed your mind?"
Re: The Sunny Side of the Street
Ivone knew better. A gentleman could be too kind. Ivone inclined her head at Tius' compliment. She couldn't help the smile that appeared when Tius spoke.
"Butterfly, I think they think you will be the date." She sounded amused. Inside, though, she did feel a twinge of jealousy. That little nugget would require some consideration when she was alone and could drag it out and examine her motives a little more thoroughly. Before she could school her tongue, she said in a murmur, "I wouldn't mind seeing those books." To cover herself, she continued on in a more conversational tone in keeping with their usual patter.
"Though, I don't think Maudeen would be able to contain herself were you two left alone. I'd fear for your safety and would insist you have a chaperone." The walk to Markham's was only a block and didn't take long to traverse. His opposite hand came to rest on her forearm, warm through the fabric of her sleeve.
"What made you change your mind?"
Ivone smiled beatifically and spoke honestly.
"Because I wanted to."
"Butterfly, I think they think you will be the date." She sounded amused. Inside, though, she did feel a twinge of jealousy. That little nugget would require some consideration when she was alone and could drag it out and examine her motives a little more thoroughly. Before she could school her tongue, she said in a murmur, "I wouldn't mind seeing those books." To cover herself, she continued on in a more conversational tone in keeping with their usual patter.
"Though, I don't think Maudeen would be able to contain herself were you two left alone. I'd fear for your safety and would insist you have a chaperone." The walk to Markham's was only a block and didn't take long to traverse. His opposite hand came to rest on her forearm, warm through the fabric of her sleeve.
"What made you change your mind?"
Ivone smiled beatifically and spoke honestly.
"Because I wanted to."
"Forgive, sounds good.
Forget, I'm not sure I could.
They say time heals everything, but I'm still waiting."
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Forget, I'm not sure I could.
They say time heals everything, but I'm still waiting."
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Vicentius
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- Name: Vicentius Morrington
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Re: The Sunny Side of the Street
"Oh, they certainly do," he said, chuckling, "but that's the fun of it, isn't it? Managing and subverting expectations into something useful. Maudeen has quite the imagination, but in some ways, I think Keltaris would disappoint her."
He laughed at her suggestion, feeling Shen tug slightly on his leash, and considered the words he had clearly not been meant to hear. She would like those books, he thought, although he suspected that she would enjoy the city itself more than Maudeen would. Ivone seemed to be very practical in many ways, while Maudeen was entirely romantic. He wasn't sure what he was, but he was certain that worldly experience could extinguish romantic fires almost entirely, unless there was a certain resilience there. Ivone, he suspected, was every bit as passionate as Maudeen, but she was much better at hiding it. If it ever broke free, however, he doubted that anything would contain it.
The walk to Markham's was short and pleasant, with little in the way of company to trouble them, though the looks persisted. He liked Markham's, very much so, in fact. The design was classical, but softened by foreign influence, warm inside and always smelling of tea, coffee and fresh bread, with clean stone and polished wood in evidence, with soft, well-supported chairs and enough splashes of colour to enhance the sense of space, but not enough to appear gaudy. The indoor seating spaces were well proportioned and matched by outdoor seating with partial screens and parasols to protect the diners. It was a beautiful spot to people watch and had almost unrivaled views of the Memorial Garden. HE knew the staff of old, and he knew the clientele, just as they knew of him.
"Well, that would be unfair, Miss Malatrast," he said, "then I would have Shen, and a chaperone to watch my back. Who would she have?"
He smiled softly at her statement.
"Yes," he said, nodding to a staff member for a table, "what's your pleasure?"
He laughed at her suggestion, feeling Shen tug slightly on his leash, and considered the words he had clearly not been meant to hear. She would like those books, he thought, although he suspected that she would enjoy the city itself more than Maudeen would. Ivone seemed to be very practical in many ways, while Maudeen was entirely romantic. He wasn't sure what he was, but he was certain that worldly experience could extinguish romantic fires almost entirely, unless there was a certain resilience there. Ivone, he suspected, was every bit as passionate as Maudeen, but she was much better at hiding it. If it ever broke free, however, he doubted that anything would contain it.
The walk to Markham's was short and pleasant, with little in the way of company to trouble them, though the looks persisted. He liked Markham's, very much so, in fact. The design was classical, but softened by foreign influence, warm inside and always smelling of tea, coffee and fresh bread, with clean stone and polished wood in evidence, with soft, well-supported chairs and enough splashes of colour to enhance the sense of space, but not enough to appear gaudy. The indoor seating spaces were well proportioned and matched by outdoor seating with partial screens and parasols to protect the diners. It was a beautiful spot to people watch and had almost unrivaled views of the Memorial Garden. HE knew the staff of old, and he knew the clientele, just as they knew of him.
"Well, that would be unfair, Miss Malatrast," he said, "then I would have Shen, and a chaperone to watch my back. Who would she have?"
He smiled softly at her statement.
"Yes," he said, nodding to a staff member for a table, "what's your pleasure?"
Re: The Sunny Side of the Street
Ivone gave a chuckle, though she stored the words away. Managing and subverting expectations… yes, he was much, much better at this game than she. “She does. I wonder if she is a contributor to those supposedly underground stories written about Descendants as if they were some celebrities. I swear Luca Abernathy had a hand in writing a few about poor Doctor Sehkhara.”
Sparrow had found the stories so amusing she’d shared them at some of her more intimate house parties, engaged Luca to read them with his usual flair. Parties which Ivone chose to attend no longer. Aurelio could have those to himself. Ivone had never desired to participate in the activities that went on, but seeing who did what with whom was interesting. Small, silent, and observant had its virtues. But, once they’d decided she needed to maintain a more clean image, she’d stopped attending - a fact that hadn’t bothered her much and a fact that led others to try and seduce her and fail. It also ensured she had invitations to all the right parties.
Ivone’s brow arched and she gave Tius an appraising look, partly because she wanted to look at him. She couldn’t imagine him being overcome with passion and abandon (which was probably for the best). He was too careful and controlled for that. Like her, he seemed practical, though she wondered for a moment what would set him off.
“I think you would be too kind a gentleman to lead her on.”
Her pleasure? Freedom.
“A light breakfast and tea, I think. You?”
They were shown to table with a lovely view of the Memorial Gardens. Ivone took her seat.
“Thank you,” spoken to the staff member. She carefully removed the hat and her gloves. She could have left it on, but she was tired of the veil in her face. Plus, there was a certain fun in tripping tongues when she was in the mood for it. Showing her face was as intentional as taking his arm.
The tables were wrought iron inlaid with tiled art. Ivone stroked her fingers over the tiled design, enjoying the sensation cool of the tile. Her lips curved up in a slight smile. The design was of a purple iris. Ever hopeful, Shen leaned against her leg.
“Oh, not this side, too, Sir!” Ivone’s admonishment was good-natured as she adjusted the skirt so Shen’s paws weren’t on the hem.
“I think he likes me.” She murmured, looking down at the dog with a soft smile. Ivone scratched at Shen’s head as he rested his chin on her thigh.
“I’m glad.”
Sparrow had found the stories so amusing she’d shared them at some of her more intimate house parties, engaged Luca to read them with his usual flair. Parties which Ivone chose to attend no longer. Aurelio could have those to himself. Ivone had never desired to participate in the activities that went on, but seeing who did what with whom was interesting. Small, silent, and observant had its virtues. But, once they’d decided she needed to maintain a more clean image, she’d stopped attending - a fact that hadn’t bothered her much and a fact that led others to try and seduce her and fail. It also ensured she had invitations to all the right parties.
Ivone’s brow arched and she gave Tius an appraising look, partly because she wanted to look at him. She couldn’t imagine him being overcome with passion and abandon (which was probably for the best). He was too careful and controlled for that. Like her, he seemed practical, though she wondered for a moment what would set him off.
“I think you would be too kind a gentleman to lead her on.”
Her pleasure? Freedom.
“A light breakfast and tea, I think. You?”
They were shown to table with a lovely view of the Memorial Gardens. Ivone took her seat.
“Thank you,” spoken to the staff member. She carefully removed the hat and her gloves. She could have left it on, but she was tired of the veil in her face. Plus, there was a certain fun in tripping tongues when she was in the mood for it. Showing her face was as intentional as taking his arm.
The tables were wrought iron inlaid with tiled art. Ivone stroked her fingers over the tiled design, enjoying the sensation cool of the tile. Her lips curved up in a slight smile. The design was of a purple iris. Ever hopeful, Shen leaned against her leg.
“Oh, not this side, too, Sir!” Ivone’s admonishment was good-natured as she adjusted the skirt so Shen’s paws weren’t on the hem.
“I think he likes me.” She murmured, looking down at the dog with a soft smile. Ivone scratched at Shen’s head as he rested his chin on her thigh.
“I’m glad.”
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Vicentius
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- Name: Vicentius Morrington
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Re: The Sunny Side of the Street
"But the Descendants are celebrities, Miss Malatrast," he said, taking his seat, "the greatest examples of Culture, Order and Nobility in the world. I believe that more than merits celebration. The same for me, thank you, Terryk."
He spoke the last with a beatific smile and removed his gloves, settling into his seat. Terryk nodded, and bowed slightly to them both before departing. They had been fortunate to arrive before the rush, he felt, watching Ivone get settled. Had he seen those? No, he hadn't. The stories had certainly done the rounds but he'd abstained from reading them out of respect for Doctor Sekhara. She was a good woman, if a little misguided, and he felt she deserved better than to have her name dragged through the mud by Abernathy and his ilk. Even if she wasn't, she was a useful figure to keep the peace in hard times and distract the likes of Isyrion the rest of the time. A good player knew better than to throw away a piece before it could reach its potential.
Luca Abernathy, he thought, watching Ivone get comfortable, now there was an interesting waste of space. He still chuckled occasionally, when he remembered the callow dandy's threats to go elsewhere for his narcotics rather than risk buying from Morrington contacts. It was an impressive threat, it had to be said, and one that would require a great deal of planning to carry out, which was why he doubted that Luca's legendarily short attention span would let him follow through on it. Tius tended not to frequent those kinds of parties unless invited, preferring to get his information from the guests for a more complete picture. His presence tended to make people uncomfortable for some reason.
He smiled at her appraising look, see it and raising her an eyebrow when she removed her hat and veil. It was an invitation of sorts, and possibly a display of trust , depending on how one chose to interpret it. Was it a game or was it genuine? He had no way to be sure, but that too was the fun of it, as far as he was concerned, and he let his smile warm slightly, biting his lip and clicking his tongue to bring Shen back to his side.
"What's that old proverb? One might trust when a person doesn't like a dog, but one can always trust when a dog doesn't like a person?"
He commanded Shen to sit, quietly, and scratched behind his ears, chuckling fondly. Shen was a good judge of character, but sometimes he was a little hungry for company, as Ivone's dress had found out to its peril. He often wondered whether he should have gotten a second dog to keep him company, but that would necessitate a larger home, and frankly he wasn't willing to go that far without a better reason.
"I'm glad you like him too," he said, "I wish he liked me half as much."
Tyrekk arrived with their food, a platter of meats, fruits and cheeses, along with a steaming silver pot of tea, two porcelain cups and saucers, and a dainty water bowl for Shen.
He spoke the last with a beatific smile and removed his gloves, settling into his seat. Terryk nodded, and bowed slightly to them both before departing. They had been fortunate to arrive before the rush, he felt, watching Ivone get settled. Had he seen those? No, he hadn't. The stories had certainly done the rounds but he'd abstained from reading them out of respect for Doctor Sekhara. She was a good woman, if a little misguided, and he felt she deserved better than to have her name dragged through the mud by Abernathy and his ilk. Even if she wasn't, she was a useful figure to keep the peace in hard times and distract the likes of Isyrion the rest of the time. A good player knew better than to throw away a piece before it could reach its potential.
Luca Abernathy, he thought, watching Ivone get comfortable, now there was an interesting waste of space. He still chuckled occasionally, when he remembered the callow dandy's threats to go elsewhere for his narcotics rather than risk buying from Morrington contacts. It was an impressive threat, it had to be said, and one that would require a great deal of planning to carry out, which was why he doubted that Luca's legendarily short attention span would let him follow through on it. Tius tended not to frequent those kinds of parties unless invited, preferring to get his information from the guests for a more complete picture. His presence tended to make people uncomfortable for some reason.
He smiled at her appraising look, see it and raising her an eyebrow when she removed her hat and veil. It was an invitation of sorts, and possibly a display of trust , depending on how one chose to interpret it. Was it a game or was it genuine? He had no way to be sure, but that too was the fun of it, as far as he was concerned, and he let his smile warm slightly, biting his lip and clicking his tongue to bring Shen back to his side.
"What's that old proverb? One might trust when a person doesn't like a dog, but one can always trust when a dog doesn't like a person?"
He commanded Shen to sit, quietly, and scratched behind his ears, chuckling fondly. Shen was a good judge of character, but sometimes he was a little hungry for company, as Ivone's dress had found out to its peril. He often wondered whether he should have gotten a second dog to keep him company, but that would necessitate a larger home, and frankly he wasn't willing to go that far without a better reason.
"I'm glad you like him too," he said, "I wish he liked me half as much."
Tyrekk arrived with their food, a platter of meats, fruits and cheeses, along with a steaming silver pot of tea, two porcelain cups and saucers, and a dainty water bowl for Shen.
Re: The Sunny Side of the Street
Ivone made an amused noise. “Culture, Order, and Nobility…” The acronym for it would be “con,” and an accurate one at that. She watched as he drew the gloves from his hands. He had large hands, which she already knew from dancing the night before. In the light of day, though, she could see faint, silvery scars on his knuckles and maybe even a callus or two. His nails were neatly trimmed, but not overly manicured. She watched his fingers move, but didn’t stare. There were ways to look without seeming to look – a time-honored Lady’s way that had been drilled into her.
“Don’t stare, Ivone, that’s too bold. A lady should be demure! Look from the side. Again!” She did look at him, though, when he smiled at her and did that little thing where he bit his lip. Did he even know he did it? He must know. He had to know. Not knowing would make it that much more distracting in its attractiveness.
“Yes,” Ivone replied. “I do believe that is how the saying goes.” She smiled and glanced at him from the corner of her eye. “I’m sure he likes you twice as much as your conquests from last night do.”
“Tea?” Ivone's brows lifted as she lifted the pot, offering to pour for him. It was the polite thing to do. The lady should pour the tea. The host should pour the tea. And, since she had invited him out, that made her the hostess, once again. As she poured the cups, she glanced around. Taking a page from his book, she leaned in conspiratorially. Glancing first left, then right, she let her gaze travel from his lips to his eyes.
“Do you suppose we have enough of an audience for me to make my public apologies, yet?”
“Don’t stare, Ivone, that’s too bold. A lady should be demure! Look from the side. Again!” She did look at him, though, when he smiled at her and did that little thing where he bit his lip. Did he even know he did it? He must know. He had to know. Not knowing would make it that much more distracting in its attractiveness.
“Yes,” Ivone replied. “I do believe that is how the saying goes.” She smiled and glanced at him from the corner of her eye. “I’m sure he likes you twice as much as your conquests from last night do.”
“Tea?” Ivone's brows lifted as she lifted the pot, offering to pour for him. It was the polite thing to do. The lady should pour the tea. The host should pour the tea. And, since she had invited him out, that made her the hostess, once again. As she poured the cups, she glanced around. Taking a page from his book, she leaned in conspiratorially. Glancing first left, then right, she let her gaze travel from his lips to his eyes.
“Do you suppose we have enough of an audience for me to make my public apologies, yet?”
"Forgive, sounds good.
Forget, I'm not sure I could.
They say time heals everything, but I'm still waiting."
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Forget, I'm not sure I could.
They say time heals everything, but I'm still waiting."
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Vicentius
- Citizen
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- Joined: Sat Feb 01, 2014 9:47 pm
- Name: Vicentius Morrington
- Race: Human
Re: The Sunny Side of the Street
She was watching him again, he knew, though she was careful about it. There was a way to watch without being seen to be watching and Ivone was a master of it. Any small move he made or word he used was carefully observed and catalogued before being tucked away for later use. She was fond of touch, he noticed, watching as she followed the movement of his hands and her own hands seemed to move in sympathy.
"You give me too much credit, Miss Malatrast," he said, chuckling at himself, "I think they simply live quiet lives and yearn for the illusion of danger. They know all the words but few of the steps."
To hear her tell it, one would think he had pranced into their nethers, sword in hand, and slain the demons of their resistance in a feat of derring-do. It was so incongruous an image, that he had to catch himself before he laughed aloud, and he looked down under the pretense of accepting her offer to pour the tea, his tongue darting out to moisten his lips before he looked up again.
"Thank you, yes."
Adopting an open, receptive posture, he raised an eyebrow as she leaned in, her eyes promising and tempting him, and smiled, eyes twinkling. She was enjoying this, wasn't she? She had to be. He let his mouth open slightly, and chuckled, low in his throat.
"I'd have to defer to my colleague from the theatre for that," he said, "but it's never too early to give someone a show, is it?"
"You give me too much credit, Miss Malatrast," he said, chuckling at himself, "I think they simply live quiet lives and yearn for the illusion of danger. They know all the words but few of the steps."
To hear her tell it, one would think he had pranced into their nethers, sword in hand, and slain the demons of their resistance in a feat of derring-do. It was so incongruous an image, that he had to catch himself before he laughed aloud, and he looked down under the pretense of accepting her offer to pour the tea, his tongue darting out to moisten his lips before he looked up again.
"Thank you, yes."
Adopting an open, receptive posture, he raised an eyebrow as she leaned in, her eyes promising and tempting him, and smiled, eyes twinkling. She was enjoying this, wasn't she? She had to be. He let his mouth open slightly, and chuckled, low in his throat.
"I'd have to defer to my colleague from the theatre for that," he said, "but it's never too early to give someone a show, is it?"
Re: The Sunny Side of the Street
"I think you don't give yourself enough credit, Mr. Morrington."
A little smile played around her lips as she was rewarded by that low chuckle.
"Indeed."
Despite her proposed intentions, Ivone reached for one of the plates and filled it for him, glancing now and hen at him in question to see to which he'd nod yes or no.
No, that wasn't proprietary at all. No more so than his use of the handkerchief earlier. Once he was served, she served herself.
Yes, she was enjoying herself. For the first time in months she felt... light-hearted. So long as she kept the hounds at bay in her head, that is.
"Good appetite!" A toast of sorts, when sharing a meal and indicated all were ready to eat. The portions she cut were small and dainty, manners well maintained, as to be expected. Her napkin was placed just so on her lap.
Shen was looking between the pair of them with soulful eyes while still maintaining his good dog posture.
A little smile played around her lips as she was rewarded by that low chuckle.
"Indeed."
Despite her proposed intentions, Ivone reached for one of the plates and filled it for him, glancing now and hen at him in question to see to which he'd nod yes or no.
No, that wasn't proprietary at all. No more so than his use of the handkerchief earlier. Once he was served, she served herself.
Yes, she was enjoying herself. For the first time in months she felt... light-hearted. So long as she kept the hounds at bay in her head, that is.
"Good appetite!" A toast of sorts, when sharing a meal and indicated all were ready to eat. The portions she cut were small and dainty, manners well maintained, as to be expected. Her napkin was placed just so on her lap.
Shen was looking between the pair of them with soulful eyes while still maintaining his good dog posture.
"Forgive, sounds good.
Forget, I'm not sure I could.
They say time heals everything, but I'm still waiting."
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Forget, I'm not sure I could.
They say time heals everything, but I'm still waiting."
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Vicentius
- Citizen
- Posts: 231
- Joined: Sat Feb 01, 2014 9:47 pm
- Name: Vicentius Morrington
- Race: Human
Re: The Sunny Side of the Street
"Were I to start giving myself credit, Miss Malastrast," he said, smiling, "we would truly have abandoned propriety, and I would be simply another rich boy with a big mouth. No shortage of those around."
He reached to serve himself, only to have her beat him to it, and his hand brushed hers quite by accident. He wasn't sure if it was a game or not, but he played along, reaching, only to be politely swatted away each time. He made sure to look mildly flustered, but he could see the smile she was hiding, and before long he had a full plate which Shen was eyeing longingly. Giving him a warning look, he bowed slightly to Ivone, a task made slightly more difficult from his half seated position.
"Now it is you who are too kind," he said, smiling, "we are becoming rather adept at this game, are we not?"
Waiting until she had seated, he raised his cup in acknowledgement of her words and inclined his head.
"Good appetite and good health, Miss Malatrast," he said, "and thanks for a fine morning in finer company."
Taking a sip of his tea, black with no sugar or honey, he closed his eyes a moment and savoured it like the elixir of life that it was, and returned the cup to its saucer. Only then, once Miss Malatrast had taken her first bite, did he turn to Shen, slipping him a slice of bacon from the tray as a reward. Setting his napkin in place, he settled in to eat, sectioning his food and cutting into it cleanly and quietly. One could learn a great deal about a person by watching them eat, he'd been told, and it was true, so he'd learned many different ways to eat for many occasions and partners. So many, in fact, that he couldn't remember how he would eat if he was being genuine. He wondered if Ivone thought along similar lines, then dismissed the thought, hoping to simply enjoy the meal.
He reached to serve himself, only to have her beat him to it, and his hand brushed hers quite by accident. He wasn't sure if it was a game or not, but he played along, reaching, only to be politely swatted away each time. He made sure to look mildly flustered, but he could see the smile she was hiding, and before long he had a full plate which Shen was eyeing longingly. Giving him a warning look, he bowed slightly to Ivone, a task made slightly more difficult from his half seated position.
"Now it is you who are too kind," he said, smiling, "we are becoming rather adept at this game, are we not?"
Waiting until she had seated, he raised his cup in acknowledgement of her words and inclined his head.
"Good appetite and good health, Miss Malatrast," he said, "and thanks for a fine morning in finer company."
Taking a sip of his tea, black with no sugar or honey, he closed his eyes a moment and savoured it like the elixir of life that it was, and returned the cup to its saucer. Only then, once Miss Malatrast had taken her first bite, did he turn to Shen, slipping him a slice of bacon from the tray as a reward. Setting his napkin in place, he settled in to eat, sectioning his food and cutting into it cleanly and quietly. One could learn a great deal about a person by watching them eat, he'd been told, and it was true, so he'd learned many different ways to eat for many occasions and partners. So many, in fact, that he couldn't remember how he would eat if he was being genuine. He wondered if Ivone thought along similar lines, then dismissed the thought, hoping to simply enjoy the meal.
Re: The Sunny Side of the Street
Ivone, eyes downcast as she looked at her plate and cut her food, smiled again.
“We are. Should we, I wonder, find other games to play? I rather like backgammon. Very cozy on a winter’s evening by the fire.” Ivone’s gaze flicked to Tius as he savored the cup of tea, eyes closed. She knew that feeling. She’d made that same face just this morning. It dawned on her that perhaps this was his first cup. How kind of him to delay on her behalf. More kindnesses…
They ate in companionable silence. Ivone saw no need to disrupt the meal with small talk and hoped Tius did not find her lacking, for its lack. Sometimes, knowing one could be quiet beside another was just as important as knowing one had things in common or to engage the mind. She snuck Shen a little treat as well, just a small piece hoping Tius wouldn’t mind, because the look on Shen’s face was so sorrowful. Through-out, she made sure their tea cups stayed warm and ready to drink.
Placing her knife and fork on the plate to indicate she’d finished, Ivone lifted her cup and sipped. Tius still had several bites left on his plate. So, wondering if she’d given him too much, she directed her gaze to the window to allow him further privacy. She didn’t want him to feel he had to rush or quit just because she’d finished first. Placing the cup down, she spoke.
“Pardon me for a moment.”
With that, she moved to stand. Tarryk appeared and pulled out the chair for her, for which he was thanked. Ivone disappeared further into the interior of the restaurant. In the Lady’s room, the women had the option to check themselves in a mirror amongst other things.
“It’s just not fair, Lily. She’s had two husbands already. She’s just horrid with her old, dead husbands. And he’s never had breakfast with anyone else but his sister before this!”
The girl stopped her words, clasping a hand to mouth as soon as she realized Ivone was there. The other girl, Marguerite, giggled.
After washing her hands, Ivone checked her reflection, fixing the torn skirt and making sure her hair wasn’t misbehaving.
“Ladies.” The girls hastily curtsied. Ivone did not. Chin up, she passed through the restaurant, pausing only to stop Tarryk. Ivone wondered if she had ever been like that. She didn't think she had. That would have required friends.
“Please make sure I’m sent the bill, thank you Tarryk.” The waiter didn’t bat an eye.
“Yes, Ms. Ivone.”
Passing through the restaurant, Ivone felt a sense of relief she hadn’t run into Aurelio yet. She paused for a moment, to look at her breakfast companion. All seemed right, nothing seemed amiss, and for that Ivone was grateful.
"Did you enjoy your meal?" She asked as she resumed her seat.
“We are. Should we, I wonder, find other games to play? I rather like backgammon. Very cozy on a winter’s evening by the fire.” Ivone’s gaze flicked to Tius as he savored the cup of tea, eyes closed. She knew that feeling. She’d made that same face just this morning. It dawned on her that perhaps this was his first cup. How kind of him to delay on her behalf. More kindnesses…
They ate in companionable silence. Ivone saw no need to disrupt the meal with small talk and hoped Tius did not find her lacking, for its lack. Sometimes, knowing one could be quiet beside another was just as important as knowing one had things in common or to engage the mind. She snuck Shen a little treat as well, just a small piece hoping Tius wouldn’t mind, because the look on Shen’s face was so sorrowful. Through-out, she made sure their tea cups stayed warm and ready to drink.
Placing her knife and fork on the plate to indicate she’d finished, Ivone lifted her cup and sipped. Tius still had several bites left on his plate. So, wondering if she’d given him too much, she directed her gaze to the window to allow him further privacy. She didn’t want him to feel he had to rush or quit just because she’d finished first. Placing the cup down, she spoke.
“Pardon me for a moment.”
With that, she moved to stand. Tarryk appeared and pulled out the chair for her, for which he was thanked. Ivone disappeared further into the interior of the restaurant. In the Lady’s room, the women had the option to check themselves in a mirror amongst other things.
“It’s just not fair, Lily. She’s had two husbands already. She’s just horrid with her old, dead husbands. And he’s never had breakfast with anyone else but his sister before this!”
The girl stopped her words, clasping a hand to mouth as soon as she realized Ivone was there. The other girl, Marguerite, giggled.
After washing her hands, Ivone checked her reflection, fixing the torn skirt and making sure her hair wasn’t misbehaving.
“Ladies.” The girls hastily curtsied. Ivone did not. Chin up, she passed through the restaurant, pausing only to stop Tarryk. Ivone wondered if she had ever been like that. She didn't think she had. That would have required friends.
“Please make sure I’m sent the bill, thank you Tarryk.” The waiter didn’t bat an eye.
“Yes, Ms. Ivone.”
Passing through the restaurant, Ivone felt a sense of relief she hadn’t run into Aurelio yet. She paused for a moment, to look at her breakfast companion. All seemed right, nothing seemed amiss, and for that Ivone was grateful.
"Did you enjoy your meal?" She asked as she resumed her seat.
"Forgive, sounds good.
Forget, I'm not sure I could.
They say time heals everything, but I'm still waiting."
Thread Tracker
Forget, I'm not sure I could.
They say time heals everything, but I'm still waiting."
Thread Tracker
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Vicentius
- Citizen
- Posts: 231
- Joined: Sat Feb 01, 2014 9:47 pm
- Name: Vicentius Morrington
- Race: Human
Re: The Sunny Side of the Street
Markham's, Tius reflected, had that rare quality that not many restaurants possessed; the ability to marry simplicity, elegance and good cooking to make even the ordinary appear quite special. Too many assumed that better quality meant extravagance in everything and Tius felt that the whole experience suffered for it, while others assumed that expense and quality were one and the same. Having had to make do with little or nothing many times on his travels, he was no longer one to quibble about food, which had only benefitted him in society with the endless, often tedious, dinners and luncheons. Still, he appreciated good food all the more for it, and knew the little touches of quality for what they were, and his breakfast was a very good meal, satisfying without being too rich and refreshing without being harsh.
He smiled, pretending not to notice when Ivone slipped a morsel to Shen, and resisted the urge to roll his eyes as Shen then proceeded to sidle hopefully in his direction. Sometimes he wondered if that dog was a better manipulator than he would ever be, and he gave Shen a very pointed look when he had the temerity to whine. Afterwards, the look said, then you will get your tteat. He didn't doubt that it was all quite amusing to Miss Malatrast, who was amiably quiet opposite him, and he took a moment to enjoy the feeling of simple company with no motives. Oh, he was certain that every interested eye was turned their way when opportunity presented, but then people seemed to find everything he did fascinating these days, and the less he did, the more fascinating it seemed to be. It boggled the mind.
He ate at an easy pace, neither fast nor slow, but she still finished before him, and he sipped his tea, leaving her to her thoughts. There was s sense of discomfort there for a moment as she waited, which he understood quite well. Eating alone predisposed one towards activity, and, once a meal was finished, the impulse was to pack up and clear the table for other diners. He appreciated that she was waiting for him, though, and was about to speak when she begged his leave, which he granted with a nod. Tarryk was there in a blink to help her up, and Tius added his thanks to Ivone's. He took another sip as he watched her depart, and Tarryk cleared her plate. Taking one last bite of his own meal, he slipped another morsel to Shen as a treat and passed his plate to Tarryk as well.
Finishing his cup, he poured himself another while he waited for Ivone to return and topped up her cup as well. Already, the breakfast crowd was filling the tables proper, and more than a few of them had a familiar newspaper and a curious glance for him. For his part, he simply smiled and exchanged pleasantries with those he knew, which, when he thought about it, was most of them. None of the polite conversation even approached the curiosity in their eyes however, and so intent were they on not asking that he was unable to resist putting them off balance with a few well placed questions. It was an old game, of course, but it never ceased to amuse him, and he was pondering over a few interesting tidbits when Ivone reappeared to retake her seat.
She paused to look at him, and he got the impression that something was on her mind. There was a tension in the way she held herself, and a certain set to her mouth that her smile couldn't quite hide. Was she looking for someone? Or had she seen someone she'd rather not have? It was difficult to say, he thought, smiling at her question.
"Oh, I always do," he said. "One never knows what meal will be the last, so all should be savoured, I think. You?"
He smiled, pretending not to notice when Ivone slipped a morsel to Shen, and resisted the urge to roll his eyes as Shen then proceeded to sidle hopefully in his direction. Sometimes he wondered if that dog was a better manipulator than he would ever be, and he gave Shen a very pointed look when he had the temerity to whine. Afterwards, the look said, then you will get your tteat. He didn't doubt that it was all quite amusing to Miss Malatrast, who was amiably quiet opposite him, and he took a moment to enjoy the feeling of simple company with no motives. Oh, he was certain that every interested eye was turned their way when opportunity presented, but then people seemed to find everything he did fascinating these days, and the less he did, the more fascinating it seemed to be. It boggled the mind.
He ate at an easy pace, neither fast nor slow, but she still finished before him, and he sipped his tea, leaving her to her thoughts. There was s sense of discomfort there for a moment as she waited, which he understood quite well. Eating alone predisposed one towards activity, and, once a meal was finished, the impulse was to pack up and clear the table for other diners. He appreciated that she was waiting for him, though, and was about to speak when she begged his leave, which he granted with a nod. Tarryk was there in a blink to help her up, and Tius added his thanks to Ivone's. He took another sip as he watched her depart, and Tarryk cleared her plate. Taking one last bite of his own meal, he slipped another morsel to Shen as a treat and passed his plate to Tarryk as well.
Finishing his cup, he poured himself another while he waited for Ivone to return and topped up her cup as well. Already, the breakfast crowd was filling the tables proper, and more than a few of them had a familiar newspaper and a curious glance for him. For his part, he simply smiled and exchanged pleasantries with those he knew, which, when he thought about it, was most of them. None of the polite conversation even approached the curiosity in their eyes however, and so intent were they on not asking that he was unable to resist putting them off balance with a few well placed questions. It was an old game, of course, but it never ceased to amuse him, and he was pondering over a few interesting tidbits when Ivone reappeared to retake her seat.
She paused to look at him, and he got the impression that something was on her mind. There was a tension in the way she held herself, and a certain set to her mouth that her smile couldn't quite hide. Was she looking for someone? Or had she seen someone she'd rather not have? It was difficult to say, he thought, smiling at her question.
"Oh, I always do," he said. "One never knows what meal will be the last, so all should be savoured, I think. You?"
Re: The Sunny Side of the Street
Not long after Ivone emerged, the two girls followed. One sent a guilty glance in Ivone's direction as they joined their mothers at a table.
One might imagine the curiosity that sparked in gazes that had read the column when Ivone appeared and not only approached Vincentius Morrington, but sat at his table. She ignored the increased buzz in voices, but took notice that Tius seemed pleased about something.
"An equitable approach to meals." The smirk returned to her lips and she took a sip of the tea. "Thank you for refilling my cup." Ivone considered the source of his comment. Had he gone without during his travels?
"That reminds me. You traveled quite extensively and mentioned last night you could recommend me to someone in ... Yulong..jing was it?" Ivone's expression turned quizzical as she attempted to recall the name he'd spoken. Placing the cup back on its tray, she turned her attention fully to him.
"Is Marnian bishani accepted outside of Marn?"
One might imagine the curiosity that sparked in gazes that had read the column when Ivone appeared and not only approached Vincentius Morrington, but sat at his table. She ignored the increased buzz in voices, but took notice that Tius seemed pleased about something.
"An equitable approach to meals." The smirk returned to her lips and she took a sip of the tea. "Thank you for refilling my cup." Ivone considered the source of his comment. Had he gone without during his travels?
"That reminds me. You traveled quite extensively and mentioned last night you could recommend me to someone in ... Yulong..jing was it?" Ivone's expression turned quizzical as she attempted to recall the name he'd spoken. Placing the cup back on its tray, she turned her attention fully to him.
"Is Marnian bishani accepted outside of Marn?"
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Vicentius
- Citizen
- Posts: 231
- Joined: Sat Feb 01, 2014 9:47 pm
- Name: Vicentius Morrington
- Race: Human
Re: The Sunny Side of the Street
"You're most welcome," he said, his eyes never leaving hers, "it is an exquisite blend, isn't it?"
He didn't need to look at the girls to know that they were the source of Ivone's discomfort. He knew the type of old and from his ongoing conversations with Cisme, and they were nothing if not petty and vindictive in the extreme. Not that they called it that of course, but a tree by any other name was still a tree, after all. He took another sip, swallowing and raising an eyebrow at her question.
"Yes," he said, "Yulong-Jing is the capital of Imperial Tian Xia and seat of their government. Magnificent city. Truly breathtaking. I have business interests there of...various origins and a number of associates I trust to oversee my affairs there. Miss Mei Lei Tsang sources herbs and tinctures, lovely woman, you'd like her."
He stopped, taking another sip of his tea while he thought.
"Yes, I believe they are. Bishani are accepted across Pal Tahrenor as legal tender, though gems and precious metals are also accepted in places. Have you reconsidered travelling?"
He didn't need to look at the girls to know that they were the source of Ivone's discomfort. He knew the type of old and from his ongoing conversations with Cisme, and they were nothing if not petty and vindictive in the extreme. Not that they called it that of course, but a tree by any other name was still a tree, after all. He took another sip, swallowing and raising an eyebrow at her question.
"Yes," he said, "Yulong-Jing is the capital of Imperial Tian Xia and seat of their government. Magnificent city. Truly breathtaking. I have business interests there of...various origins and a number of associates I trust to oversee my affairs there. Miss Mei Lei Tsang sources herbs and tinctures, lovely woman, you'd like her."
He stopped, taking another sip of his tea while he thought.
"Yes, I believe they are. Bishani are accepted across Pal Tahrenor as legal tender, though gems and precious metals are also accepted in places. Have you reconsidered travelling?"