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 Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 6:53 am
Fauve sat on a bench in her bedroom and looked wistfully at the slippers she usually wore. She couldn't help but think about how much she wished she could slide them on as she finished lacing the ankle boots she wore when she walked outside. The cobblestone streets in the city were nice, but there were places that were still muddy. Fauve was fond of the way the slippers felt but she knew if she wore them outside they would get destroyed. The blond stood and tapped the toes of the shoes against the ground so her feet settled comfortably inside them. The woman was dressed very nicely, in a knee length dark mauve velvet dress with white petty-coats beneath. It clung nicely to her upper body, but left enough to the imagination she didn't feel uncomfortable. Her lovely, long, wavy honey blond hair tied up under a matching kerchief so something didn't accidentally get into it during her meandering walk. The deep blue eyes caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror and she smiled quietly as she exited her rooms, heading for the palace exit.
She loved getting out into the city, but it seemed she didn't get much of a chance to do it much anymore. On top of formal education her adoptive parents insisted she and her sister have, she had taken up some extra curricular activities. Juggling was definitely one of her favorites, Fauve had begun to drag Ashirha around with her to practice and the two were getting quite good at it.
Fauve paced down to the service exit of the palace closest to the market and nodded merrily to those she passed on her way. The girl was not a castle native, but she had been there almost as long as she could remember. The King, Nika, had adopted her and her sister when they were both fairly young and she didn't care to remember her life before that. She pushed through the doorway and into the fresh air outside. One of her hands came up to shield her eyes long enough to allow them time to adjust to the brilliant sunshine outside. It was such a beautiful day, the clear blue of the sky was dotted occasionally by a puffy white cloud. A light breeze blew down the thoroughfare she'd intruded into when she had freed herself from the quiet of the large building behind her.
All in all she couldn't have asked for perfect weather for her spending spree.
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Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 7:31 am
He leaned against the wall not far from the open market, though the corner he had chosen was not one of the ones with a better view it had something the others didn't. He was dressed in fine black slacks and a white shirt that had sleeves that flaired dramatically at the cuffs. Today the girl of his dreams would walk by and he would sweep her off her feet. The dream however was not centered on the girl it just started with her. He'd been watching and as things went she was possibly his first class ticket into the palace and to the ear of the King. The sweeping was also important, because those besmote were more often the easiest to manipulate.
Kasai had found often the most power could be had by the one speaking to the one that everyone spoke to, rather then being the one in the front. It was also much safer to be the power in the background... his musing trailed off as he saw the lady descending the stairs. Grinning a little to himself he indulged in watching her movements. No matter how things went, he had decideded that dream wise she could fill at least one of the spots he had reserved for ladies when it came to such.
Pushing away from the wall, he walks past a flower cart and pulls a red rose from a corner display while the merchant is busy with another and hastily goes to intersect with the blonde; her name if he remembered correctly was Fauve. Resting near the edge of the stairs she was almost finished walking down he stood just out of sight, taking a moment to tossle his hair so it fell in such a way he knew was becoming he took a pose rose held out so when she came around the corner it would be the first thing she saw.
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Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 7:48 am
Fauve walked down the steps into the busier section of the market, her excitement contained under a facade of grace. She had been saving up, and she was going to buy at least two new dresses. A quick pause at the bottom of the stairs to flick her hands over her skirt and straighten any wrinkles she might have gotten from her walk here, and an adjustment of the kerchief and she was off. Rounding the corner Fauve was confronted with something that threw her entire day off kilter.
He.. was.. gorgeous. Fauve caught her breath instinctively and put a hand up to her (rather ample if you ask me) chest. Gorgeous might not have been the word. Rakish was more the word, but her eyes were drawn to the red rose held in his hand. He was impeccably dressed and it was something that the girl couldn't let go unnoticed. She considered it her duty to look nice when seen in public, it was the least she could to to prove that the King hadn't taken in a ragamuffin.
He must have been here to meet his girlfriend, or.. Fiance.. hell even a wife. She tilted her head to look at him and give him a polite nod as she faltered only slightly in her graceful steps. She sidestepped to get around him, whoever he was waiting for was rather a lucky lady she thought. Red hair and red eyes, clothing to perfectly offset his looks. She afforded him a sideways glance as she attempted to pass by him and get to the vendors.
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Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 8:04 am
Realizing that the girl didn't think the rose was for her, Kasai grinned slightly and took a small step in her direction. "Ah, lovely maiden. I would perhaps compare you to a ray of sunlight or a beam of moonlight; but neither would do you justice." Kasai bows slightly and holds the rose up offering to her. "I must confess I have seen you from afar and waited here, if only but to ask you your name fair one."
Kasai's garnet colored eyes swiftly took in the appearance of the girl in front of him. She was indeed lovely, though there was something very pre planned of the loveliness. He let his mind wander some and indulged in more risque thoughts of the blonde before coming back to the present. Just because he had plans didn't mean he couldn't indulge in thoughts of other desires while he put them in motion and one never knew what they might be allowed to learn of. If it came to it, he decided he'd definantly explore this avenue more...he had his eye on true royalty for a more permanent stop but side trips always made things more exciting.
Giving her another smile he still held the rose out and drew closer to her, enough to give the illusion of intimacy without actually crowding her and then he waited to see how she would respond.
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Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 8:44 am
Fauve stopped walking when he moved, and her skirt swayed with the motion. It took her a moment to realize just exactly what he had been saying and a small blush crept up her cheeks before she could do anything to stop it. He'd been waiting for her? Her hand went up to touch her cheek and she ducked her head when she knew she was blushing.
What kind of idiot was she anyway?! This very attractive man had been waiting for her, and all she could do was blush and drop her eyes? A picture of her sister rolling her eyes and slapping her in the back of the head rolled through Fauve's mind as she forced herself to look up into his eyes. Her voice was not quite as steady as she would have liked it to be, but it wasn't trembling as much as she had expected it to. "You are very flattering sir. My name is Fauve. I'm afraid that, I think you must be confusing me with someone else. I am far from the beauty of the sun or moon."
She did however reach out and take the flower, her fingers just barely brushing against his hand as she did so. The blond girl brought it up to her face so she could smell it, and use the petals of the flower to try and at least hide how red her face was.
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Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 9:29 am
As the girl shyed some and took the flower a small pull in his loins told Kasai that her initial reaction had been more of a distraction then he thought it would be. It may have been the way the blush lightly colored her cheeks or seeing her carefully prepared beauty up close; though it was not overly expected he found it pleasant. And as he considered before side trips on this little endeavor could be taken; and this was one he intended to fully enjoy should the chance present itself.
"Ah but perhaps you only say it is not so because your own beauty is ever blinding when reflected in a mirror. So that you may truly understand what it is that others admire." He reaches his hand up close to her face just barely not touching it, "it is a sadness fair one that you cannot see such that is yourself the way that I have seen it." Kasai spoke his lines well, he'd been watching some of the actors at the play house down the street and the lead although an overbearing sod was very good at delivering lines to the ladies. "If you would give me a chance to, I will introduce myself. Though in comparison I am naught under your gaze." Kasai then chanced brief contact by brushing his fingertips lightly over her cheek where she was blushing.
All things considered, as plans went at least this one was becoming entertaining.
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Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 9:39 am
Fauve almost started when he touched her cheek, but she didn't reprimand him. The touch was brief, gentle, and honestly she hadn't minded it at all. She moved the flower away from her face when she felt the blush had receded enough to no longer be immensely embarrassing. "I would like to know the name of the man who seems to be so intent on flattering me into silence."
The way he looked at her was different then the way anyone else had really ever looked at her. She wasn't exactly sequestered, and was allowed to wander as she pleased, but her lifestyle had kept her away from anyone that might be a possible suitor.
Not... that he was.... Well, he could be maybe.
She decided that was probably not a good train of thought to have about someone she just met, and whose name she didn't even know yet. She took a deep breath and let it out. "And then perhaps I should be about my business." She didn't exactly want to leave him, but she was sure hanging off someone she just met wasn't appropriate behavior.
There was just something about the twinkle in his eye, the mussy hair, and the disarming smile that made her not want to leave him quite yet.
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Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 9:47 am
He gives her a brief wink and moves taking her hand in a rather theatric gesture, leaning he kisses her knuckles with a soft brush of lips. "My name, lovely Fauve is Kasai. I'm pleased that you would allow me to share even that with you." He had watched her and well the palace in general for sometime looking for the best possible route inward. So he knew her routine and could guess what she was after this day.
"And your business fair one, I am guessing that it is to shop." He stepped back some and let his gaze linger over her form, she seemed rather easily flattered. He wondered how long it would be before he got to see what was under that velvet dress. Blinking his eyes slightly he casts his eyes to the side in a show of embarrassment as if caught watching her. In truth he had been caught but he wasn't one to embarrass over such. "I would accompany you if you would have me. For the streets are indeed dangerous."
He steps back and lets her hand go slowly, giving her space for proprieties sake and hoping to make her feel a bit of 'loss'. It wouldn't be much at first, but Kasai had a feeling if he played this right, this one would be dreaming of him this night...which worked out perfectly for him. Once he had her snagged, suggesting entrance to court where he could catch the ear of the king wouldn't be too hard.
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Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 10:06 am
She allowed him to take her hand, and the blush threatened to creep up her cheeks again when he kissed the back of it. What was wrong with her today? He wasn't doing anything improper, yet for some reason she couldn't stop turning red. She averted her eyes and tried to will herself to act like a normal human being and not some twitterpated idiot. "It.. It is truly a pleasure to meet you Kasai."
Fauve moved her deep blue eyes back to look at him, she couldn't help the slightly teasing tone that edged it's way into her voice. "I have to say it is very astute of you to guess I am in a marketplace to do shopping. If you care to come with me you are however very welcome." She lost a little of the smile she had just donned when he took his hand from her. Honestly she was worried that something she had said would have bothered him.
She'd only known him for a few minutes, yet for some reason she felt comfortable. Fauve clasped her hands in front of herself, holding the rose between her fingers, the girl turned toward the booths to survey the layout. The Marketplace was an ever shifting arrangement of stalls set up by those that had wares to sell. Some of these people couldn't afford permanent storefronts, and Nika was considerate enough to provide a rather healthy area for the promotion of commerce in the city.
The rose rolled in her fingers and she hissed and pulled her left hand away from the stem. One of the thorns had pricked her finger and she cursed herself nine kinds of idiot. The blood drop welled on the tip of her index finger, and she instinctively put it in her mouth to suck the blood away. She wasn't about to wipe it on her dress...
Why is it that things that seemed so perfect, usually hurt so badly?
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Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 10:16 am
Kasai watched her eyes and the uncertainty in them, yes this one was indeed getting hooked. Another pull within himself told him that he was going to enjoy it greatly; but he intended to be careful. Not too much to give and not too much taken; so he didn't run her course out too soon. He took on a tragic face when the thorn bit her flesh and she put her finger to her mouth - though the view was inticing he couldn't dwell on it but rather put the small wound to better uses.
"Ah, the rose was so jealous of your beauty that it bit you." From the hip pocket of his pants he pulls a hankerchief, shaking it out he reaches for her hand. Already an experianced lover when he took her hand he let his fingers linger in such a way it was almost intimate as he wraped the cloth over the small wound, "I'll have to remember to chose better behaved flowers next time." He runs his thumb over the wound and up her hand, letting his fingers linger lightly over her flesh. If he was correct this should have the sheltered flower tingling at least slightly.
"I insist now that I come with you on your trip." He turns finally taking his hand from hers and gestures grandly toward the market, "to protect you from jealous flowers and other horrible dangers." After his slightly dramatic gesture he turns and offers a courtly bow and then his arm.
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Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 11:44 am
Fauve caught her breath and held it, without even knowing she was doing it. something about the soft way his fingers brushed against her skin made her want to do full body shivers. It was such a simple little touch, just her hand and she felt like she was going to be weak in the knees. If Ashy could see her now, she was sure there would be at the very least name calling and laughter. "No, it wasn't the roses fault. I should learn to treat things with the respect they deserve." Her voice was definitely less then even, and she had to swallow to get it in the correct range again.
She hooked her arm through his offered one and she felt suddenly like the lady she always played at. Until now it had just been another shtick, but, with him treating her the way he was, she could honestly finally believe the role.
A ghost of a smile trace her lips and she started forward through the throng of people toward the clothing booths.
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Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 12:04 pm
Ah he could feel her tremble as he lead her through the shops. Some of the best parts of the acting was indulging in the reactions of his audience. And for now Fauve was a lovely audience, what sights he could show her and what things he could teach her; in fact what things he intended to teach her. Spying one of the nicer shops ahead Kasai guided Fauve with him to the store, "Don't pass it around but I happen to know this shop has a dress the same startling blue as your eyes." Kasai smiles slightly and winks to Fauve, holding the door for her to walk through.
As Fauve walked into the shop Kasai lingered a moment at the door considering his next move. He was having fun with the game so far and intended to continue having fun, but his business must also go on. He decided at least a week before he got her to introduce him to court life; that way he wouldn't over extend...though he had a feeling he could make a meer week seem like much longer to Fauve. Smiling he walks into the shop after her, this promised to be interesting.
"Ah Margret," He greeted the woman behind the counter, he had chosen this shop not only because of it's designs but also because he knew the shopkeep on duty. "This lovely flower here needs some attention." Smiling slowly Kasai gives Margret a slow wink, "and such a beauty deserves treatment like royalty. I knew you would give her such." Kasai turns to Fauve and guides her toward the mirrors by her hands lightly, Margret trailing behind...he then saw that she was pampered just like he had suggested - royalty.
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Posted: Thu Aug 09, 2007 5:34 pm
Fauve tried to stop at one of the booths she frequented, but Kasai kept walking. She didn't want to seem rude so she just kept walking with him. The girl chanced a look up at him, matching him stride for stride. He was so confident, and she didn't know what, but something about him was just so compelling. He was someone with purpose, drive, ambition. Fauve was just a jumble of confused emotions, and she didn't speak much on their walk through the bizarre.
She liked him, she couldn't really deny that, he seemed like a very nice man. Kasai was also very glib, some of his flattery put her on edge but it also made her feel remarkably feminine. She had never had as much individual attention as she had with him around. Despite all this, Kasai also made the blond girl feel inferior. She didn't like that feeling, it was one she hadn't had it since she was very little. It was probably just because he was so sure of himself, and Fauve had never really been sure of anything in her life.
He ushered her through the door, and the comment about her eyes brought her back to the present and out of her own mind. The shop was very nice, it was actually one of the more permanent additions to the ever changing market. She had been here before once if she remembered correctly, but she had never received the kind of treatment she got with him there. Margret as he called the nice lady, rolled out the red carpet. She was fitted, and the dress was altered to fit her needs.
She just stared at herself in the triple mirror, and she turned so she could see the back. The sleeveless dress draped all the way to the floor, dipping down in back to show off her back. The blue was just a shade lighter then her eyes, and the color made her skin look porcelain. She couldn't help a very happy smile. With the fitting she was given the dress fit her like a glove. In the mirror she could see Kasai standing behind her, watching everything. Something about the look he had made her momentarily uneasy, like a moth dangerously close to the flames.
Margret stepped in the way of her view and Fauve closed the transaction and paid for the dress. It had been a little more then she had hoped, but even if she couldn't afford another dress she could get accessories for this one. She traded the money and went back into the fitting room to get changed. When she came out, minutes later, he was waiting for her. "I just need some shoes, and some jewelry to go with the dress. There is supposed to be some sort of function soon and I wanted something new to wear for it."
Fauve realized she was babbling and she offered him smile. "Are you sure you want to accompany me for all of this? It must be quite boring for you."
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Posted: Thu Aug 09, 2007 11:53 pm
Kasai smiles and looks to Fauve, she had been beautiful in the dress. As Fauve speaks Kasai closes the distance between them some, leaning close almost intimately he speaks softly into her ear his breath catching on the small hairs of her neck as he does. "You were absolutely lovely in that dress..." Kasai moves back after the brief whisper, he knew that if he frightened her his work could be undone; but he couldn't resist the urge and oppurtunity to get close.
Smiling brightly he breaks the mood intimate mood and moves to the door, "I would love to and I rather insist." Holding his arm out for Fauve he stands as a perfect gentleman, "and after pulling you to such a shop I rather insist that you allow me to get you a necklace to go with that dress." The gift he knew would do wonders to keep her snared, even if the coin had been hard to come by. Luckily Kasai thought to himself as he glances out to the busy market; he was better at cards then his father had been. "As for the occasion, I believe you mean the King's Feté if I am not mistaken." He smiles slightly looking to Fauve again, "you'll be very distracting to all that attend I can tell." Kasai let the talk of the Feté hang in the air, for now that was his target. The Balrathi family was not one of the inner circle noble families; his father's excesses had more then easily seen to that. So now it was up to him to see that it rose again.
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Posted: Fri Aug 10, 2007 5:22 am
Fauve held her breath, the hairs on her neck standing on end. Her lips parted just slightly and her eyelids drooped when she felt him breath on her. It gave her butterflies in her stomach. The compliment alone made the extra money she spent on the item so completely worth it. When he moved away she almost protested, and then realized how she was behaving. She flushed and took his arm, "Thank you Kasai... But I think you flatter me a bit to much."
She nodded to the shopkeep and gathered the parcel before they stepped out of the shop, having it tucked under free arm. When she heard his plans to buy her jewelry she looked up at him, slightly startled, "There is no way I can allow you to do that. You have already given me the rose." Which was being carried along with the parcel, "That was gift enough. Jewelry is for those you are courting." She paused at the cobbler she usually frequented and showed him enough of the fabric he would be able to cobble a matching pair. She paid him the coin and arranged the delivery to be made to the palace. "He makes the most comfortable shoes, and after a night of dancing I swear they are a life saver."
Looking at his attire one would think him of a least moderate wealth, but even so she wouldn't accept such a personal gift from someone she may have known two hours. "Arn't you going to the Feté?" As soon as she said it she realized she had never seen him at any of the functions before. She realized he must be some sort of merchant, or perhaps just a wealthy individual with no title. Fauve was horrified with herself.
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