Attending a play

[teo]

“Imported goods from everywhere,” I said, smiling wider. “I have bought a couple items from there for when I was decorating my house. I got a Ch’n vase that is one of my very favorite pieces.”

[Mercedes de las Aragonia]

"Really?" I asked, interested. "Perhaps I should go and peruse, see if they have a decent Aragonian selection," I teased him with a smile. "Mayhap even some Ch'n silk so I can look as fabulous as my queen."

[teo]

“I’ve never met your queen, but I am rather certain it would take less than Ch’n silk to make you look so lovely,” I said, smiling softly at her.

[Mercedes de las Aragonia]

I blushed, having just meant the comment in jest. But I found entirely too much satisfaction in the knowledge that he thought so highly of me.

"You'll turn my head with your compliments sir," I said with a shy smile.

[teo]

Oh gods I hope so, was all I could think.

I returned her smile and then also returned to the topic of shopping so as not to push the conversation too far. “Anezka Collections is a fascinating store, I do recommend a trip,” I said.

[Mercedes de las Aragonia]

"Then I'll be sure to visit," I replied. I might be blushing, but I had seen no reason since meeting him to disregard his judgement. "Where is it?"

[teo]

“In the Temple District,” I replied. “It’s a very lovely shop, you can’t miss it.”

[Mercedes de las Aragonia]

"Thank you," I said with a smile. "It's very thoughtful of you to suggest such things. Gives me an excuse to explore a new part of the City."

[teo]

“There are some very nice places there, lovely shops and fine restaurants. I find it fun to wander there, and in the Artist’s District, those are my favorite business areas,” I told her.

[Mercedes de las Aragonia]

"But I hear the Night's Doorstep can be a... rowdy place," I said, thinking of the different districts.

[teo]

“Oh yes,” I said, nodding. “I wouldn’t suggest visiting there alone.”

A little melody of sound sprang from the stage area and people began hurrying to their seats. “That’s supposed to be a warning of some kind, I think.”

[Mercedes de las Aragonia]

"Wonderful," I said with a smile, excited for the beginning of the show and the prospect of his whispers of translation, breathed into my ear.

[teo]

Some of the lights were beginning to dim, and I stole a last glance at her while I could still see her fully. Her beauty still struck me and it was always hard not to stare. But I managed and looked back at the stage, smiling.

[Mercedes de las Aragonia]

The lights dimmed above the audience and brightened on the stage, and I turned my attention there for a time.

***

We clapped with the rest of the audience as the performers bowed. There was a smile on my face from the laughter the play had elicited, and a blush on my cheeks. The tiny hairs on my neck still prickled from the wash of his breath, and thinking on it made my cheeks redden even further. So I tried not to, now that it wasn't masked by the darkness.

"Thank you for that, that was quite enjoyable," I told him once the clapping had died down and we could speak again without yelling.

[teo]

Dear gods I felt drunk. Leaning in to whisper the translations in her ear had nearly undone me. It had been all I could do not let my lips down and closer, placing a tender kiss on her neck. Somehow I’d managed though.

“Yes it was,” I agreed, smiling. “I am so pleased you enjoyed it.”

[Mercedes de las Aragonia]

"I'm so pleased you invited me," I said with a shy little smile, looking down at my hands as my blush spread further.

[teo]

“And I am so pleased that you accepted,” I said, my voice grown a little softer as I looked at her. I could still feel the heat of her skin and the silken caress of her hair.

My thoughts were interrupted by the scraping of chairs as people began to leave. “Shall we leave now or wait until it clears out a bit?”

[Mercedes de las Aragonia]

"Let's wait. I've never relished pushing my way through a crowd," I said with a soft smile, taking in his face in little glances. I didn't want to be caught staring.

[teo]

“Me either,” I said, smiling and turning in my seat slightly to look at her more easily.

“The woman who played the lead, she was very good,” I commented.

[Mercedes de las Aragonia]

"Oh yes," I said with a smile. "I loved how she denounced the man who would be her lover, it was so flippant." The memory of the scene made me laugh again.

[teo]

I grinned and nodded, recalling that moment. “Her delivery was so smooth. The part in market where she haggled with the fruit merchant, it was so seamless. I was very impressed.”

[Mercedes de las Aragonia]

"Yet another talent I do not have and must envy others for," I said with a mock sigh, then grinned. "At least I might come here and envy them. Truly, thank you for introducing me to this place. We shall have to return for that musical."

[teo]

“I would like that very much,” I told her, smiling happily.

The crowd had thinned considerably and I stood, offering her my hand, for there was no real way to offer her my arm while we made our way out of the row. “Shall we?”

[Mercedes de las Aragonia]

I took his hand tentatively, fan dangling off my outstretched wrist. "Yes, of course," I said, trying to sound like I knew what I was doing. We moved toward the aisle, his hand blissfully warm in mine.

[teo]

Her hand was so soft and warm in mine, I was loathe to let it go once we reached the main aisle. I did though, offering her my arm then and even managing an honest smile.

I wasn’t sure where to take the conversation. I wanted to ask her back to my house and spend the night with her, but it never occurred to me to actually do so. We’d not made plans for anything after the play either. I was content with having been able to spend even this time with her.

[Mercedes de las Aragonia]

We began to walk up the aisle, and one thing was very clear in my mind. I didn't want the night to end.

"Is there a cafe nearby?" I asked tentatively. "Unless of course, you have to turn in. I wouldn't hold it against you."

[teo]

“Oh no, I would love to go to a café,” I replied, my smile growing immensely. “In fact, there’s one just down the street that stays open for people coming from the Playhouse. My friend said they have wonderful after meals and sometimes the players stop by.”

[Mercedes de las Aragonia]

He accepted, even though I had given him a clear out. My heart leapt in my chest, and I smiled girlishly. "Sounds like a perfect place to wind down," I said.

[teo]

“Yes it does,” I agreed as we reached the main entrance. “Would you care to walk or take a carriage?”

[Mercedes de las Aragonia]

"If it's just down the street we can walk," I replied with a smile, stepping out into the cooler air of outside.