Alone for the evening.

[Troy nó Jasmine]

It'd been a few nights since my assignation with Gabriel, and I was still glowing over it. Having rested up until now, I couldn't still my feet any longer and subsequently made my way from Jasmine and to the Adepts Inn in hopes of finding some company. Gil and Isra couldn't be found, otherwise I'd have dragged one of them along with me.

Taking a seat along the southern wall, I ordered a mug of ale and sat back, lounging at my table and watching those around me mingle.

[Esmee nó Alyssum (I)]

I was sent to get some fresh air before my first assignation. I some how felt my feet pull me toward the inn. I stood outside a few moment, then decided to go in. I had time before I had to be back up to the house and be made over. Once inside I pushed my hood down and looked around the room.

[Troy nó Jasmine]

My quiet musings brought my eyes around towards the front of the building again, catching sight of a hooded - check that, previously hooded figure make its way in. I couldn't quite tell, but from here her cheeks looked flush, her posture quiet. Hmm... That could belong to near any House.

I took a drink of my ale and glanced around again before looking back once more, wondering idly if she were alone, or if she was meeting someone else.

[Esmee nó Alyssum (I)]

I wrang my hands looking almost like a scared rabbit. I felt ready to bolt. I should not be here... I should be everywhere but here. I caught a few people looking at me and I looked down flushing a deep pink.

[Troy nó Jasmine]

Oh, gods, the poor thing. Her face turned scarlet, and I wondered why. Modesty? Alyssum, then. Not Dahlia; no, much too shy for that.

I stood and carried my ale with me, my demeanor relaxed and open, a charming smile on my face. "Hello," I said cheerfully once I was within earshot of her, my smile not dimming.

[Esmee nó Alyssum (I)]

I darted my eyes up at the greeting and offered a soft smile. I flushed once more and moved my dark eyes to the floor once more. I nodded to him then offered my own.

"Hello sir." At least no one in my house could not say I was respectful.

[Troy nó Jasmine]

"Sir?" I asked, grinning. "Oh, no no. We're all adepts here, or most of us anyway. I'm Troy no Jasmine. Might I have the pleasure of yours?" I ducked my head a little, my grin tapering to a soft, pleasant smile.

[Esmee nó Alyssum (I)]

Clearing my voice, my fingers still twisting part of my cloak into a knot, I spoke looking up a little turning my head to the side. "I am Esmee nó Alyssum, and its a pleasure to meet you." I offered another soft smile managing to keep my flush down this time.

[Troy nó Jasmine]

I was glad to see her opening up more; I hated to see people so shy that they ended up missing out on things. Giving her a dashing smile, I held my arm out, trying to disarm her and encourage her to open up a little more. Care to have a drink with me at my table, Esmee no Alyssum?"

[Esmee nó Alyssum (I)]

My head shot up and my dark eyes got larger as he offered. Biting my lip softly I placed my hand on his offered arm. I managed a soft smile looking up at him then quickly down once more before speaking. "I would be honored to have a drink with you."

[Troy nó Jasmine]

I grinned in response and led her to the table I'd previously sat at, motioning for the server to come over as I did so. I pulled her chair out for her before seating myself, setting my mug back on the table. The server came up with a smile, questioning Esmee with what she'd like to drink or eat.

[Esmee nó Alyssum (I)]

I slipped into my chair slowly. Once I was settled I looked up to the server and with a small wave of my hand answered. "Just water for now please and thank you." I folded my hands carefully on the table, one over the other. I flicked my dark eyes up to his face once and found myself flushing once more.

[Troy nó Jasmine]

I barely caught the glance of her eyes and the deepening red of her cheeks; instantly I changed what I was going to say, keeping a more indirect, relaxed tone of conversation. "What's a pretty girl like you doing in a joint like this?" I asked, grinning. "Seriously, though, anything in particular bring you here tonight?"

[Esmee nó Alyssum (I)]

I smiled to the server as he brought my water, I thanked him once more before taking a sip. Hearing the question I twisted the mug on the table thinking it over. Clearing my throat I allowed my eyes to drift higher once more and linger on his face. "I was informed to get fresh air before I fretted to death before my first assignation. You?" I dared to ask a question.

[Troy nó Jasmine]

I made an intrigued noise, my grin widening slightly. "You have your debut tonight? Congratulations on that." I enjoyed the way she looked at me, shy, yet not so much so that she was acted mortified. "I don't doubt whomever it was that contracted you considers themselves very lucky indeed. Would you like a glass of champagne to help celebrate?" Damn, I'd have ordered one before had I known. Hopefully she wouldn't be put off by my suggestion.

[Esmee nó Alyssum (I)]

I raised my hand before myself and shook my head. "I want to keep a level head since I will be with a peer." I really did want to keep my head and had not had anything to really drink before. I offered him another soft smile and slightly longer look. He was easy to get comfortable with.

[Troy nó Jasmine]

"Respectable enough," I responded, taking a drink of my own ale. "Well, in that case consider the water on me." My eyes twinkled as I winked at her, jesting.

[Esmee nó Alyssum (I)]

I giggled softly placing my long fingers against my lips studying him from my hooded eyes. He was sweet and it was a lovely gester. "Thank you very much then." I offered him a kind smile this time minus the blush.

[Troy nó Jasmine]

"Anytime," I said, grinning charmingly as I leaned back in my chair.

"You look very collected," I observed, my tone easy and relaxed. "I remember how I was before my debut - I was a complete and utter mess. I think I drove the two people that room on either side of me absolutely insane with my antics. I kept knocking on their doors to ask them inane things; what I should do, how I should act, all things I already knew."

[Esmee nó Alyssum (I)]

I laughed softly replacing my fingers on the table. "That is why I am out... they pushed me out telling me air would help. I have butterflies and all." My hand went to my stomach at once to put focus on my words. My dark eyes softly traced the sweep of his jaw before I took another sip of my water.

[Troy nó Jasmine]

I nodded, fighting away the urge to brush her hair over her shoulder. Had she been of another House, I might have done it, but Alyssum were notorious for shyness, and I didn't want to fluster her.

Instead I kept my smile, my demeanor open and friendly. "Are you going to the Hunt fete, then?"

[Esmee nó Alyssum (I)]

I nodded my head and slowly rose from my seat. "On that note I believe I must go get ready." I offered him another smile and bowed to him. Clearing my throat I spoke again. "Thank you very much you have been delightful."

I smiled softly once more to him before slowly turning and heading toward the front. I paused at the door for a moment, turning to look back at him, before slipping out into the street.

[Troy nó Jasmine]

And as quickly as she'd came, she was gone again, disappearing into the oncoming night. I watched her with curious eyes as she slipped out the door before turning back to my ale, continuing on with my evening alone, and wondering idly if Isra was contracted for the night.