The Hunter On Prowl

[Xennai]

The air was cool, soft, the light from day already mostly extinguished beyond the horizon. All that was left was streaks of lavender and violet that reached beyond the rim between earth and sky. Above that was inky navy liberally peppered with the shining light of stars. It was perfect. Absolutely perfect.

Alder strode through the humanity that was bleeding away, headed to their homes, headed to warm dinners and making play with their children and sharing kisses with their mates. Or they were headed to the inns, to fires that crackled, to women that were loose, to games of cards, to drinks if you had the money and music if you had the ear. Alder grinned, thinking of it all, headed to an inn himself. There’d be a few games, a few drinks but what he was looking forward to most was women. Delicious, soft, beautiful, pleasant and willing women.

The bronze handler had found out just how limited the wher hold’s resources were since the two or three days since he’d first arrived. There were few females, even fewer of them something he would go for. And Alder most definitely did not want to bleed that stock dry before its time. So, he’d decided to venture out to the actual Caspian Hold and look at the pool there. He was sure it’d be better. And since Aldesk had given him permission, the night had been perfect.

Alder stopped slightly under the door to the inn, ducking into a wheeling and cavorting world that the bronze handler much about. There were the men with serious marks, the men with few pretending to have many, the women who wanted, the women who only thought they wanted. Alder scanned it all briefly before he settled to a table and ordered wine.

An hour later, Alder was surrounded by men and women, fast made friends that he’d probably never see again after that night. Alder didn’t mind it. He was loose from wine, pleasantly so, and had won quite a few games of cards, as well as lost quite a few. He glanced over to the corner, where played a pretty little thing. She looked like she’d just be getting her break. Alder downed the rest of his glass, picking up two new ones. He nodded to his new friends, promising to be back.

He made his way over to the woman, gauging her age at a little less than his own. She had soft blonde curls and a face that was beautiful, pixie-like, very cute. Alder smiled, thinking of other expressions he could see that face in, and bowed before he, not spilling a drop of wine as he offered a glass to her, pouring on all his charm.

He looked different, taller, his hair darker, his teeth gleaming in a smile that had made hearts swoon. He only hoped it would do the same for this female. His eyes glowed with a soft, inner light, seeming to turn dark green eyes liquid. “A glass for the woman with the magic fingers and voice. I only wish I could offer you something worthy of your skill. I hope wine will do, however.” His voice was soft, appealing, almost liquid honey. Oh yes, Alder knew what he was doing.

[panther]

She sang sweatly to the unappreciative crowd. Well, unappreciative save for a few at the front who were all former students of hers. She felt a little under appreciated, but they’d notice if she wasn’t there this night. The fourth night of ever sevenday, she was here, she was generally the reasons the crowd came here. Their audible reasons usually, something along the lines of “She’s relaxing” But, generally, she knew, they came as much for the scenery, and a couple of them had made it quite obvious in her fledgeling weeks here, she’d been but a girl then, and daintier than she was now.

She played softly, her sitar this night, eyes playful as her tune reached only the ears of those who wanted to hear. Her pan pipes sat beside her on the floor, a small vacant circle was left around her. Enough to fit a few instruments and a couple of books.

But she would break soon, drink, socialise, be merry and listen to the privy tales of the bar maids, the ones who would know who was doing what, and why. It helped to know the ins and outs of the holds gossips, it let you know who was who and what was what, what to expect and how to advise. Not that she ever judged anyone on it.

She finished her tune, last not a pure note that would have rung clear over somewhere with good acoustics. She sighed. She felt like she was a little under appreciated here, yet she would stay for it was home. Resting her Sitar against the wall, she ruffled her skirts. Tundra looked up at her mistress, eyes brown and gleeful to see movement. Tundra was the only canine allowed in the inn, for Tundra went wherever his mistress went, and a few escapades occurred where the canine managed to find her way in, despite being locked outside. It had proved quite comical to the drunken, and since, she was allowed to sit in with her mistress while Hester played.

She ran a hand through her hair, and began to make her way to the bar for a drink, but a gent stepped before her, she smiled politely, and made to make her way past him, but then, noticing the drink proffered, and his attentions resting on her. She took the drink, and settled against the wall, looking up at the much taller man as he spoke. He had an accent, northern, likely western, around High reaches. But his tone was smooth, rich and decadent. She could tell almost instantly he appreciated himself. But that didn’t stop her appreciating him.

She’d noticed him when he came in, he had managed to get quite a swelling of friends in here, but the locals flocked to a new face, especially if it was young and attractive.

“Thank you.” She smiled warmly friendly, “I appreciate it, singing and playing certainly dries the throat and gives you a thirst.” She drank from the glass, tasting it, savouring it, “Mm, it’s a nice one, you’ve got some taste then…

---

Admin's Note:[/hr]” She paused, realising she knew not his name, it wasn’t often she didn’t know the name of a newcomer. Unless they were a fleeting guest, But Caspian rarely got fleeting guests, or passers through, and much less common where they to this particular inn. “I apologise good Sir, I don’t know your name, but Faranth where are my manners!” She giggled haplessly, “I’m Hester, Master Harper.” She smiled warmly as she introduced herself. “But, you probably guessed that. And she’s Tundra,” Tundra looked up at the newcomer, a happy mindless canine grin upon her features as her black tongue lolled from her mouth. Hester smiled gently as she silently and slyly assessed him.

[Xennai]

She’d tried to step past him. Alder knew that, but didn’t let it get to him. She’d had her mind set on one thing, he’d seen it in her eyes, large hazel pools that seemed to be drawing him in as no other female had this night.

No matter that she’d had her mind set on something else—surely a drink, she’d been playing long—she took the wine he offered her and settled against the wall. Alder felt like a monster compared to her, tall and gangly against her diminutive size. She was like a fairy, with her fair skin and golden hair, not to mention her voice—it had been soft, haunting and utterly enchanting. Though Alder was sure of himself and how he looked, he found that this female was bewitching, with her cute beauty and her gorgeous voice.

Lips tilted to one side and Alder listened to the little Harper talk, enjoying the sound of her voice, speaking now. He enjoyed the fact that she seemed to ramble and had to remind herself of her manners.

Dark head bowed as he accepted the little compliments she gave him. “Hello, Hester,” he murmured warmly, voice just loud enough to be heard over the general babble and cavorting, but soft enough that only she and those within a small area could hear him. “I’m Alder and it’s indeed a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

Lips quirked, eyes gleaming. He was liking her. Oh, yes, he was liking her a lot. He glanced down as she mentioned her dog, taking in the sight of the canine. She seemed quite used to the noise and people. He figured that she must be with her mistress at all times then.

Alder bent, proffering a hand to the dog, not sure that the creature would let him pet her. He wasn’t sure he’d go around letting people pet him willy-nilly either. Alder glanced up at Hester, smiling broadly, eyes gleaming. He’d always loved animals. “She’s a beauty, Master Harper Hester.” Eyes twinkled with humor as he took a draught of his wine. “And thank you for the compliment about my taste. I can’t enjoy swill readily, it’s true.”

[panther]

She gave a small effort at a curtsey, pulling her skirts to the side quickly as she did, rising quickly too, “the pleasure is mine good sir. Alder, you say? You are the new transfer Bronze Handler to the Wher Aldesk, no?” She asked, eyes dancing with mirth at the fact just his first name had revealed information to her. Tndra sniffed at the hand offered to her, wet nose twitching as she scented the man.

Hester smiled as she took another mouthful of her drink, “I must ask, how are you finding it here?” She smiled winding her way past him deftly, a table cleared about two tables down, specially for her, she smiled to herself, perhaps she wasn’t totally under valued here. She slid into her seat, Tundra loping in after her, the canine took a seat closer to the wall.

He seemed very sure of himself, not that that was a problem to her, she liked a confident man who would challenge her every step of the way. But She would be easily bored if he proved to be just a looker, and not a thinker.

Tundra looked up the male as he sat, placing her head in the Handler’s lap.

Hester smiled, casually ignoring the mild ambiguity he left in the words. “She’s a good one, keeps me safe, but sometimes she’s too friendly for her own good.” She smiled fondly at the canine, “And please, simply Hester is fine, it is why I told you my name first, and my rank second. I am a person, not a rank.” She smiled, taking another mouthful of wine, her throat slowly starting to feel a little refreshed, despite the fact that wine – as alcohol – dehydrated you. She would have to go to water after this, just to quench her thirst, it was what she had intended on getting at the bar, but she wouldn’t disregard the offer of a pretty gent.

She smiled at his next words, eyeing him from under her lashes, “hmmm,” Her smile grew a little wicked, “I wonder does that extend to your taste in company?” She knew for a fact one of the people who had adorned his table prior to his extracting himself, was a master in thievery and debauchery. But she would not mention this to him. She kept her knowledge privy, unless there were greater need for the information.

She eyed the crowd surreptitiously, though no caution or fear in her eyes, she was just surveying, keeping her eyes on her people. It was the job of a Harper to know all, and she took pleasure in it.

[Xennai]

A brow arched and Alder chuckled, surprised about her knowledge and pleased as well. He hadn’t told people he was a handler—he didn’t want to start a fight because someone insulted Aldesk and his kind by using words such as ugly, grotesque or other, foul words. He’d done it before and would happily do it again. He was glad, however, when he didn’t have to.

“Yes indeed, my fair lady. I am he. Alder, handler of bronze Aldesk.” He bowed, smiling, as he introduced himself once again, rank included now. He laughed as he came back up, following her to the table and sliding in comfortably, sipping at his wine in reflex.

Good taste indeed.

Brows rose and Alder leaned forward, glass cupped between his elbows as he pressed closer to her, interested. She was cute, and seemed to find a mind along with it. Beauty and brains. Well well well. The night was going much better than he’d planned.

“Ah, well, usually I do.” He glanced back to his companions for the night. Rowdy, obnoxious. Fun as all get out. He laughed softly, the sound liquid, and turned to her, eyes alight. “Tonight, I seem to be hit or miss. Though, Hester.” Head dipped as he acknowledged her easier words. “I seem to have hit it famously here.”

Alder leaned across cautiously to finger her curls, the strands of her hair soft and silky against callused fingers. He laughed, drawing back, sipping at his wine. “Yes, famously indeed, I think,” he murmured.

[panther]

Her smile broadened, she took a deep breath and polished off the glass of wine, she asked one of the bar staff to be a dear and grab her some water, bring it back to the table, they always obliged, she tipped quite well.

“Mmm, I always found wher’s fascinating creatures, Pernese history seems to omit them where ever possible, for no reason at all, other than the fact they defy convention.” She shrugged, “But I’ve always managed to find myself fascinated by things I shouldn’t be.” She shrugged, leaving her sentence open for interpretation, “Tell me, Alder, How are you finding the Wher Hold? And Danae, I hear she’s quite the character.” She smiled pleasantly, she’d not met the queen handler herself. But she’d heard words, but she always had heard something.

She didn’t shirk back as he narrowed the gap between them, her eyes averted as she thanked the barman for her drink, took a good long, but ladylike draught, “Hit or miss indeed,” She smiled, a small giggle echoed from her, “Famously? With little old me? Surely not, I’m a harper, nothing more, my music is my life, well, that and Tundra.” She smiled down at the Canine, messing the fur between the canine’s ears fondly. He reached forward, caution present, fingers soft against her hair, her eyes showed a hint of darkness as he acted, but it vanished just as quick as it appeared.

She turned her head, taking a good mouthful of water, hands meeting about the glass, highermost finger slowly playing with the condensation that was forming there, wiping the glass relatively clean of moisture before more formed in it's place.

[Xennai]

Alder was thunderstruck. More than that, he was shocked. He’d rarely heard of anyone thinking whers were fascinating. He always had, but he was a bit biased. Emphasis on the bit. To find that that this girl, who was attractive, and intelligent, and not turning away his advances liked whers…Well, he thought that this night would turn out very well.

“I’ve always been interested in things I shouldn’t be as well.” Smile was bland, his words purposefully vague. It could be in mention to anything, but the way he looked at her, eyes dark, head tilted so he was looking slightly up at her, his words hinted at things of a more…lascivious nature. Alder sipped at his wine, watching as she got water. Good girl. Smart thing. But he’d stick with his wine and not follow her example. “Ah, I’ve but been at the wher hold a few days, my fair lady, so I can’t say with total assurance, but I like it so far. I like it a lot. It’s much better than the mines.” Lips quirked as if to say me? In mines? Preposterous. “And Danae is-“ Beautiful. Smart. Sexy. Strange. Victim of mood swings. Afraid to take chances. Soft. Warm. A great kisser. “-very pleasant. She’s been very welcoming, not only to me, but the other transfer Fyg…and Fygwesk.”

Alder leaned across the table toward her, near intense but just a few shades off. “Oh, Hester, please, kid me not! Little old you? Little old you is a Master Harper and, from my judgment, you more than deserve it. Your voice is absolutely radiant.” He watched her as he pulled back, watched the dark light in her eyes. Something rose, twisting in his stomach. Oh. Oh oh oh.

The bronze handler smirked, finger running around his lips. He licked the wine from the tip of the appendage and laughed. “Music and Tundra is your life?” A brow rose. His voice was questioning, not condescending or disdainful. Merely questioning. “Well, darling, I’d say that you’re entitled to some fun, mmm?” Eyes glinted, twinkling as he rose his glass to her in a small toast and downed it.

[panther]

She smiled armly, Well I very glad to hear Danae is treating you, you both well,” She corrected herself, she was aware of his pause, “I can’t imagine you working in a mine Alder, you don’t seem suited to that. Perhaps the politics of the Wher-hold will do you well.” She commented idly, moving on to the topic of Fyg, “Fyg, and Fygwesk, Brown pairing, if I’m not wrong.” She nodded, “I hope you will be good to both of them, one man tending two women must be stressful for you.” She smirked, words intoned with mild suggestion. “Though, your pause when talking of Danae was noted,” She smiled, “Holding a penchant for our queen wher handler are we?” She smiled, mischievously. Hazel eyes dancing with spirit and vitality.

She caught a pale form of intensity from him, she nodded to the praise, silent thanks that was chased by sincere words, “Thank you Alder, I am glad my work is appreciated. But I’m not certain Radiant is quite a correct term for my voice.” She burst into a grin, musical enthusiasm burning through once more, “Though, surely you will be at the hatching at the weyr? They don’t have a Harper, and I have agreed to attend. A Dragon will be helping me over there with my harp. And I’ll play there, that you could revere in.” She smiled, she was proud of her harping skills.

She flushed a little, “mmmm, perhaps I am entitled to fun, but, what I think you are missing Bronze Handler, Alder – is that I get enjoyment from my music.” She shrugged, “I’m not sure anything would quite manage to stand up to it.” She smirked, hiding it with the glass raised to her lips, drinking down the water.

“Oh, and,” She paused, wiping her lips, delicately, “Do excuse my leaving you to drink alone, Alcohol - though wonderfully tasty – is not something I can partake in too regularly, it dehydrates, changes the voice, and all sorts of boring other pieces of trifling information that I shall not bore you with Alder. But mainly? Singing makes me thirsty.” She smiled, taking another mouthful, “I hope you do not find it rude Alder.”

[Xennai]

Alder noticed her slip and winced internally for the pause he’d allowed. He knew by now that Hester was no wherryheaded female happy for a drink and a tumble should it come. He was finding he liked that less and less and was leaning more toward the intelligent women who he had to work at. Ah, how one matures.

He laughed, very much amused to hear her mentioning his tending of two women. Alder thought if he tried that with Fyg, she’d hack him up with her sword after she emasculated him. He mentioned as such and added, “A pendant for the Queen handler?” he mused, glancing down at his empty glass speculatively, wondering just what he should tell Hester. She seemed to know everything about everyone. Being a Harper he did that, he supposed. “Mmm. Well, she is a pretty one, but she’s made it clear she doesn’t enjoy my—attention.”

Shrugging off that small bit of truth, he settled on another topic. A hand ruffled at dark hair and he laughed softly. “You’re right, Hester, radiant isn’t the word. Beautiful, haunting, enchanting, bewitching. Take your pick.” He smiled and it only widened when he heard she was attending the Hatching Feast. “Indeed I am! It was just confirmed the other night that a little coterie of the handlers were going to make an appearance. Warn the villagers so they can grab their torches and pitchforks.” He laughed, amused, knowing that most people didn’t exactly hold well with the people who worked closely with whers.

“Oh?” A dark brow arched, lips pulling to a side at the inherent challenge that was being issued. “Well, Hester,” he glanced down, looking nearly demure, “music is very beautiful and I know what you mean, in a diluted form. I’m not happy in an inn without a happy tune to keep me company.” He shrugged, metaphorically shuffling his cards and laying them on the table. “And a pretty woman definitely does help the evening along too.” He glanced up, smile just off of wicked.

A glass was given to him, full of wine. He’d bought well and frequently that night and he didn’t exactly remember when they’d started coming without his prompting. He picked up the glass and glanced at the woman as she apologized. He laughed, waving it aside. “Oh, don’t even bother about it, Hester. I’m fine with my wine here and do not begrudge you your water. I might switch over eventually myself.”

[panther]

Hester smiled kindly, “Perhaps she shall warm to you, I hear she is quite a cool headed one. But we’ve yet to see her, she’s quite isolated in that courtyard of hers. I think it doesn’t help that she keeps the moon’s hours, as opposed to the sun’s like the rest of us.” She smiled, almost apologetically. But there was naught she could do for the handler really. Though she wasn’t dismayed to find that he held a small flame for the Queen, she rarely played, and when she did, it was even less times for keeps.

She blushed a little, she was always close to the surface with her emotions where her talents and music was concerned, “Thank you, your praise is appreciated, though, I’m not sure I am quite that good, perhaps if you visited the Harper Halls you’d hear a boy with the voice of an angel, or a girl who sung so wonderfully, you’d cry at the opening verse.” She informed him, “Though I’m sure a fine Bronze handler like yourself wouldn’t cry to a melody.” She smirked, drinking down again.

She giggled thoughtlessly at his next words, “Oh, you’re no monster Alder, you’re just misunderstood” She teased, her hand coming to rest on his strong arm, in a placating sympathising motion, but she smirked, showing her intentions. She enjoyed to play too. And she’d jut show that little. She removed her hand flexing her fingers through chords idly, before pressing her fingers into her neck, easing stiffness from a small amount of stress.

Hester kept her smirk at his next words, his smile was so close to being lined with perversions it was beyond funny, “well then, perhaps a small snip of girl, that some would call pretty, who can also play would be just perfect for you.” Her words earnest, then her own smile almost mirrored his former one but a lot more brief, it faded back into an earnest smile, “Perhaps I have a journeywoman I can recommend to you to keep you company.” He cheek was bold and forward. But she didn’t mind, she only played once every now and then, but she did play hard.

She smiled graciously, “Thank you for showing me a kindness Alder, I shall’nt forget good sir.” She took a nice mouthful of water, contented by how it was sitting within her. “though by all means, continue drinking, I think you might be quite an amusing drunkard.” She posed with a mildly mocking edge, hand held limp, flicking out like how one might shoo a child, dismissing his words easily, but amusement lingered in her eyes that showed different to what her movement said.

[Xennai]

A brow arched and Alder laughed. “Cool-headed? Perhaps I see a different side of her than you do, Master Harper, because I have not seen Danae as cool-headed as you claim. She’s a good handler though and very much suited to the Queen. I will give her that.” He laughed softly, leaning forward as if he were telling her a secret, voice low. “And if you didn’t notice, darlin’, I’m a handler too and this is daytime to me.” He smirked, drinking some of his new glass of wine down and leaning back.

“Of course I wouldn’t cry.” He affected a tough, masculine look and then laughed, sitting straight, nose wrinkled. “Though, I’ll have you believe you almost made me cry a time or two tonight. And I wouldn’t lie about that or your talent.”

Head turned to one side, brows folding down in bewilderment. He was just misunderstood? He’d never heard an outsider, an outsider to the world of whers, say that before. He frowned, speaking slowly. “Are you sure you were never a handler before, Hester? You…understand a lot about whers and the lives of handlers than most people. And I’ll tell you, most people think we are monsters…” Voice drew off and he glanced into his glass, unaccountably affected by this topic in their wide and wending conversation.

She lifted him out of his mood though. Brows rose and he grinned impishly. “Well, that journeywoman does sound like a pretty lass.” He glanced down and back up, gaze burning from beneath dark lashes. “However, I think I prefer a pretty, girly, intelligent, Master Harper with a killer smile is more along the lines of what I’m looking for right now, truth be told.” Alder grinned, sipping at his wine. Let her take that how she would.

Alder laughed, setting down his glass and leaning forward. “An amusing drunkard, eh? Well, too bad for you I hold my liquor well and I’m only about…halfway toward being full on drunk.” He twirled his glass. “These glasses are rather small as well so, though I’ve had a lot, I really haven’t.” He nodded assuredly, his logic making sense to him if it did no one else.

[panther]

She mused over his comments on Danae, and decided to let the topic drop, he was obviously not too keen on the topic, judging by the way he used her rank, despite her asking him not to. She snickered as he told her his ‘Secret’, “Aye, a creature of the night I daresay even before the blood pact” She dared. And boy did she.

“Hmmm,” She mused, he classified his crying and her talent differently. She could play on that, a feral looking smirk caught her lips fleetingly, but she returned to her façade. “Mm, perhaps you did cry at my cause, but it would have been for its closeness to laughter Alder, naught else.” She smirked.

She giggled, “I’ve never been a handler, to cut my palm deep as to make a blood pact would impede my playing, I couldn’t take such a risk to my craft.” She upturned both her palms, “See? No such scar.” She smiled, her hands cradling her drink once more. “Aye, I understand whers, but, that it because it is my duty to remain open minded handler, “ She shrugged, “Besides, I pulled a few late night study sessions back at the Halls, the Wher keeper was the only one awake when I went for a walk in the night air.” She explained, “I guess I sympathise a little” She smiled.

Her brows furrowed, she refused to rise to it, “Hmm.” She said pensively, “That is a peculiar one, I’m not sure I fathom to whom you could be referring.” Dainty smile spreading to a pristine smile, “I know no one like that, most master harpers I know are male, and surely you aren’t referring to them? And, would you know? I could swear to Faranth I am the only master harper in the area… ohhh. Shards,” She raised a lonely pointer finger, to press against her lips, feigning innocence. “Surely you don’t mean me now do you Alder? I’m flattered, I really am.” She chimed, smile lingering in place.

“Yes, I think so, you’re amusing in this state, usually drink makes a man either amusing, terrible or a ruffian, you, border close to all three – likely dependant on your mood and company. But, in present circumstances? I’d guess amusing.” She smiled, “Though, it can be easily arranged for you to get a bigger glass Alder, I’m sure I could fix that problem for you.” She smiled, leaning forward, elbows either side of her drink, hands together, fingers woven together, her cheek coming to rest on the back of her hands as they tilted to her left.

[Xennai]

Conversation continued in much the same way it had been. It was idle, sometimes dipping into deep pockets of intensity, only to fan back out, into the open air of lightheartedness. Alder found Hester fascinating, something that he liked quite a bit. She was pretty, near beautiful, but she had a mind and a heart and skills. She understood things most didn’t and she was good at joking and ribbing.

Alder thought he’d hit paydirt.

She played another set and he watched, listening, thinking only more of her skill now. Eyes would meet, smiles would bloom, but it was secretive, soft. They were flying under the radar here. When she’d finished playing, he’d coaxed her to have another glass of wine while he switched to water and then they shared a late meal.

Afterward, another Harper came, freeing her. They talked more as the night drew later, the occupants within the inn fluctuating from one extreme to the next. There were always people though.

Late, very late into the night, with stars shining bright. They’d be waning soon, about to be extinguished, but for now they still endeavored, shining bright, like diamonds in the inky sky. Alder was loose now, but still kept his wits about him. Thankfully.

He’d finally been able to coax her into a dance. It’d taken much hemming and hawing, but he’d finally been able to convince her. It’d been hard, but he had. Good thing to. He’d felt the rightness of it when he took her hand and pulled her to her feet, leading her to the cleared piece of floor.

A soft song came on and he silently thanked the Harper now playing. He drew Hester close, enjoying her feminine curves and smell. Enjoying it very much. He laughed softly, pulling her closer, inhaling the scent of her hair. “Now, this is different,” he laughed softly.

[panther]

She enjoyed the passing conversations, the way they danced about each other with words and pleasantries, insinuating, leaving ambiguity, creating an air of the aloof and the mysterious. And as she smiled, joy, mischief and laughter crept to her eyes too.

But alas, she was called to play, again. He played heartfelt songs, her fingers swift on her pipes between the verses of her melodies. Making the room swim with music, muted voices of the drunk, and the tones of an almost lullaby. She gained applause, but the rabble before her were lapsing into a state of docile intoxication, where every man was agreeable, soon, it would turn, it always did. One man would have too much, maybe two, and war would break out, skirmished would be fought, men and women would be injured, hurt, sore, impassioned by the actions of one. But, for now, she played.

But as the night drew in, another Harper, one of her underlings, came to free her from the inn, as was regular, Uloria spent her night, protected by her brother Wesfer, Wesfer would keep her safe from the brawl, as always, as Uloria gained an audience. Uloria enjoyed music, she had an ear for it, an she could write wonderful pieces, but her playing wasn’t fantastic. Hence the reason Danae took the stage first, allowing the sobriety populus the above average music, and then the rabble lesser skilled music.

But, she stayed in Alder’s company, he pressed another glass of wine unto her, she drank it with good will, despite the fact she had to teach tomorrow. She drank it, as he took water. That, she wasn’t too happy upon. But nevertheless, he had managed to persuade her to dance. Not that she didn’t dance – narry the point, she loved it – she just didn’t want to particularly be seen to be dancing with him here, tongues would wag for those who would remember, but, she gave way to the consequences. And joined him for the dance. She cursed to herself mentally, as the song Uloria began on was a slow tune. Alder pulled her closer, she was so very petite against him.

“mmm… very different Brown handler…” She cooed softly, dulcet tones virtually whispered to him. Her head began to lean against his shoulder, caution was to the wind now. And what was a dance? Yet she still felt the prickle of jealous eyes heat her neck, making her very acutely aware of what was going on. “Alder… do you mind, if we go outside, I don’t like the tension this is creating…” She said, pulling away from him, angling her body towards the door.

[Xennai]

He’d enjoyed the feeling of her against him. The soft, scented skin, the curves, the clouds of hair. It’d been a fair while since he’d had a woman, or even enjoyed one as she was meant to be enjoyed. He didn’t count Danae. She hadn’t wanted to. There’d been kisses, but she hadn’t wanted what he’d offered. So, no, she didn’t count, shard it.

But she wanted to go. He could sense the eyes on his back and understood after a moment. She didn’t want to be seen, didn’t want the gossips to grab hold of this. Wouldn’t leaving just spark the gossip even more?

Alder shrugged the thought off. If she wanted to leave, that was fine. He didn’t mind. Soft smile graced his face and he nodded, hands dropping from her waist to hang at his side. But he reached for her hand, fingers twining with hers, and led her off. Before stepping into the dark, cool night, he reached into his pocket and laid several marks on the bartop. The bartender nodded thanks and then Alder, towing Hester along with him.

The night was cool, silky, the air seeming to glide along flushed skin and suppressing the heat he’d felt being in a small space with a mass of humanity. Alder inhaled deeply, blood on fire. This was his time. This was his element.

He turned to Hester, a blur of a person in the darkness. Arms slipped round her waist again as he brought her close to him, head bending so he could look into her eyes. Hands stroked material softly, running fingers up and down her back. “What now?” he whispered.

[panther]

Exiting the door, she hummed the tune from inside, her mind enveloped in music. Raising their joined hands, she twirled under his hand, lithe and graceful. Her smile didn’t falter all the while. Pulling away, she dropped his hand, an curtseyed slightly.

The night air enveloped her like a cloak, the sudden change made her shiver. She looked above; the night sky was dark, twinkles of stars shining overhead. She smiled, wrapping her arms about her waist in a small effort to keep warm. His hand slipped behind her, pulling her body closer to his. She felt the warmth of his body close to her now. It made her feel a little more at ease against the cold of the night.

“Now?” She smirked, “Why, dear handler, were you expecting something?” She giggled, looking up at him from under her lashes, She began to hum a similar song, lower, yet sweeter in its pattern, “You know, there will be word of you tomorrow.” She informed him, “Words involving my name and likely seduced, though quite as to which context it will be depends on whether they say that I bewitched you, or you seduced me.” She began to sway with the rhythm that beat throughout her. “I hope that’s not a problem for you. Holderfolk have little else to occupy their social lives, or lack of, thus they replace it with, and seek solitude in the social lives of others.” She grinned haplessly. "Oh, and thank you for the drinks, and the dance." She began to pull away from him a little.

Tundra too left the inn, she sat by the door though as her keeper danced on. Knowing as a canine she would not join the dancing.

[Xennai]

He listened to the sound of her humming and it seemed to increase the feeling of aloneness that wrapped about them. There was something intimate about it, something very intimate that he liked.

She wrapped her arms about her waist before he pulled her in, and he could feel the sharp press of elbows and wrists imprinting against his middle. It wasn’t uncomfortable, not really. It just seemed like another barricade he had to get over.

Dark brows rose, look of surprise crossing his face. “Expecting something? Me?” His tone was innocent, but the glimmer in his eyes, the glimmer of mischief and wickedness, belied that. She hummed a different song and he shook his head, eyes rolling. “Ah, Hester. You act as if I had never been in a hold.” He snickered softly, pressing slightly closer to her. “If I minded any of that drivel, dear heart, I wouldn’t have even approached you. Believe me, I don’t care.”

She began to pull away, thanking him for what she’d received this night. Brows folded down and he frowned, arms catching about her waist, one hand slipping down her wrist to grip her hand, fingers twining with hers. Their arms dropped before he wrapped them about her waist, making sure her arm wasn’t twisted too far. His other hand rose to her face, thumb brushing across her cheek lightly as dark green eyes bored into her. “Don’t go,” he whispered. “Don’t go. There’s more to tonight than just drinks and a dance.”

He waited for a moment, testing the air, and bent, slowly but surely, with no hesitation, to seal his mouth over hers. He dropped her hand, his own fingers gripping in the material of the top of her skirt. He dragged her closer, feeling the heat from her own body in the cool night air, as he bent down, kiss turning hotter, potent, bordering on fierce. He didn’t pull back. Not yet. Not when she tasted just absolutely delicious, the wine still lingering on her breath.

[panther]

She gave him a knowing smile, at his protest of innocence, “I never said you hadn’t Alder, simply remarking, but so long as you are fine… Then all is well.” She smiled, lighting her face under the darkness of the skies.

But, as she made to move, he caught her, one catching her hand, wrapping about her waist, yet it wasn’t uncomfortable. The other, enormous hand came level wit her face, his calloused thumb running over her cheek, hazel eyes met green and she leaned to his touch. Shards it had been too long since she had been held by another.

He implored her not to go, telling her there was more to the night than drinks and dance. She opened her mouth to reply, but, the words didn’t form in time. His lips caught hers, his fingers caught her skirt, pulling her closer than she had been. Passion, neatly packaged with a bow, was what the kiss delivered, skill and power displayed too, she melted for a moment, not thinking about anything but the moment.

She rose to his touch, to his heat, tiptoeing to make it last those few seconds longer. But she pulled away, teeth worrying his lip for a moment as she did. Hazel eyes warm, with all manner of evil intentions lingering behind the warmth, she spoke words of whispers, “Down boy…” She chided playfully, “there may be more to the night, but, my handler, you shall return to your dig, and your bronze, I, on the other hand shall return to the inn, pack my instruments, and make my way home. I intend to attend the lesson I plan to teach tomorrow.” She smirked, pressing a kiss to his lips, a quick, chaste kiss, “I, I shall see you at the hatching feast Alder.” She smiled gently, pulling back from his hold with more force, more resolution than prior.

[Xennai]

Her taste was heady and he didn’t want her to go. He didn’t want her to go at all. A woman with a brain and this level of heat was something to hold on to, especially with a voice like hers. No matter that he wanted to stay in this lip lock with her, he could feel her pulling away, prolonging contact for a few moments more before she was gone, her heat and softness gone.

His eyes were soft, melted, shining with his own intentions as he listened to her. His lips crooked and he laughed softly, stroking her face with his thumb again. He sighed softly, pouting a little, when she said that they were going to go their separate ways and not see each other until the feast.

He sighed, fingers gripping her wrist lightly as she pulled away once more. Head dipped, cheek rubbing along hers as he whispered words to her that only she was to hear. “You’d leave me like this, Hester? Oh, what a temptress.” He sighed again, a waft of hot breath. “I’ll see you at the feast. I won’t press this. But…may I have another kiss, so I can remember? So I can memorize your taste?” His arm wound lightly about her waist, giving her the room to detach herself from the situation should she want it. “You won’t regret it, I promise.”

[panther]

She smirked, she enjoyed the fact that he was allowing her passage, many would have enticed her into staying. But he didn’t He could see she intended on leaving him.

“Mmmm, it woul appear so Alder.” She replied, giggling sprite-like at his temptress comment. Pouting at his request, she weighed up her options. Should she kiss him again? He could take it completely the wrong way if she denied him, but she wanted to feed his interest, just enough for the kindling to smoke, she didn’t want to set it alight. Smoke lasted longer than fire, and sometimes, it made for a better blaze.

She moved slightly, just the weight between her feet, so her body was just a touch closer than it had been. “Hmmm, I’m not so sure you deserve it Alder.” Teasing she placed a single finger on his lips, like one might to hush a child. Then, tiptoeing, she raised herself, wet her lips a little, removed the finger upon his lips, and kissed him,

She danced away swiftly though, twirling as she did, making her skirt flare out. She grinned wildly, winked at him, added a final comment; “The feast, You’ll find me I’m sure.” before disappearing into the door of the Inn – which was slowly kicking people out of the door – she guessed that it was closing time now. She hummed gaily to herself. She enjoyed men chasing after her. Every part of it was fraught with excitement.