Mischief and Mayhem: A Jaunt Through The City

[Faolan mab Ceallach]

I walked with Sandrine, hand in hand, my dress swishing in teh mild breeze and my loose curls moving gayly across my cheeks. I couldn't help but to sneak glances out the corner of my eye up at her. I was glad we had had our conversation, and that that topic had been aired. As we left the clothier, I spotted the bookstore just across the street and kitty-corner to us. Giving her hand a squeeze, I turned us to the proper direction. We walked in silence, both of us still smiling as I pushed open the door to the bookstore, still grasping her hand as I let her enter ahead of me. The bells jangled at our entrance, the bookkeep looking up from his counter to smile at us as in welcome as we entered the store. The smell of books permeated the air, of old tomes and dust. It was a comforting smell.

"So Sandrine," I started, stopping in front of one of the few front store isles, "what is it you are looking for?"

[Sandrine nó Orchis]

I ran my fingers over the leather of the books. "Well, my father is Jebean, as you well know. And I am curious about his culture. Every once in a while I come here and read." I didn't tell her that I was too poor to buy any book. Every single coin right now went toward my marque. And then every single coin would go toward my trip to Jebe-Barkal. Unless my father took me first.

"Eventually I would like to travel to his homeland," I said, voicing my thoughts. My voice felt small, swallowed up by layers of paper and leather. "It will take years to save, but one day I will do it. And then, mayhap a trip to Alba." I grinned. "If Alba will have me."

"What are you looking for?" I asked, standing on the tips of my toes to reach a book. It hadn't been there the last time I visited, and I couldn't quite read the title.

[Faolan mab Ceallach]

I watched as she ran her fingers over the spines of various books, and smiled at the mention of Alba.

"Of course we will have you in Alba. If I am still here, and you are still here, we could go back together, make it a nice little trip. Or if I am there, well, you could come visit me, you would be welcome in my home. And I think that that is lovely, the want to see your father's homeland, to go the Jebe Barkal. I have always wanted to travel, though right now I am just trying to master Terre D'Ange," I explained as I watched her body stretch, she perched on her toes, her arm stretching above her head, lengthening her body. I watched her move with what I'm sure looked like very hungry eyes. I cleared my throat before speaking.

"Which brings me to why I am here. I wanted to look for anything to help me aclimatize myself better to the ways of Terre D'Ange. The customs, the people, the politics, the language, everything." I looked around, since what we were looking for would be in the same area, I moved around her, passing gently beside her, my hand just brushing the small of her back as she continued to reach for her book.

[Sandrine nó Orchis]

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw her watching me, her gaze hungry, and I felt my excitement grow. I was surprised at her offer--we had only just met, and she already wanted me to come to her home. It was quite a change from the shy girl I had met a few hours earlier, blushing at the slightest touch. I was glad that I had been able to bring her out of her shell. I made my stretch just a little bit more theatrical, if only to further fuel her imagination.

"When I am ready to go to my other homeland, Faolan, I will let you know. I would love for you to come and keep me safe." As she passed by me, her hand brushing my lower back, I settled back down and grabbed her hand, pressing it to my lips for an instant. I looked into her eyes, giving her a smile that promised satiation to her hunger.

"I suppose that some might find Terre d'Ange difficult to understand," I said, my voice low and husky. "I am only an Adept, but I can tell you that this land is not to be experienced through reading. I must read because I do not have the luxury of travel. You, on the other hand, have a golden opportunity. You must throw yourself into our culture, our way of life. Then, and only then, will you understand what it truly means to be a d'Angeline."

"For example, when you greeted me, you stuck out your hand, like so," I said, demonstrating. "Besides your accent, that was one way I could tell you were new to this land. D'Angelines give each other the kiss of greeting, like so." And I leaned over and kissed her on the cheek, lingering a bit longer so I could be close to her. She smelled so lovely.

"Of course, you could read about such a thing," I murmured, looking into her eyes again, brushing where I had just kissed with the back of my hand. "But it's so much better to experience it for yourself."

[Faolan mab Ceallach]

I laughed at her declaration of need of a body guard, but stopped the moment she stopped displaying herself for me and took my hand up, pressing it to the warmth of her lips, the look in her eyes matching mine, or at least matching how I felt. It was comforting to know I wasn't alone in my desires.

"I suppose you are right, Sandrine," I murmured low, the kiss from her demonstration burning still on my cheek, her hand brushing over it gently, making my eyes close as I attempted to steady the beat of my heart and the want burning in my stomach. "I suppose the books are just my way to understand academically the way things work here, and so if I go back home, I don't go back completely empty handed."

[Sandrine nó Orchis]

The way she reacted to my touch was intoxicating. Books held no interest today for me, not with her nearby. I had to have just a small taste of what was to come.

The store was quiet, and indeed, who would come to a bookstore on such a lovely day? I set my book down without looking at it. "Come with me," I said, not waiting for an answer. I pulled her back, away from the front desk, until we were in some dark corner of the store. "Academics can only take you so far, my beauty," I said, my hands on her shoulders, my eyes meeting hers. Slowly I moved my hands down the soft skin of her arms, watching her carefully for any reaction. If she felt uncomfortable in anyway, I would immediately stop. I would never hurt her if I could help it. As my hands reached hers, I lifted her right hand, and gently kissed her open palm. My other hand reached for her slender waist, pulling her close to me. With greatest care, I kissed her again, feeling drunk with the taste of her, my tongue gently sliding between her lips as an invitation. She was not the only hunter in the City of Elua. I felt a fluttering in my stomach, a pull of desire that was so strong I near fainted. Without thinking, I ran my shaking hand down her side, exploring the curve of her breast and backside through that beautiful dress. She was both hard and soft at the same time, and I reveled in the feel of her.

"I...I hate to be so forward," I said, moving away from her reluctantly, "but there is so much I want to teach you, and I cannot...unless you contract me from my House." I didn't know how much she understood of the Night Court, and I felt foolish explaining it to her. It was my turn to blush, though the color barely showed through my darker skin. I fair burned with shame. I didn't want her to think I only wanted money from our relationship. I just didn't want to break the rules, the sacred tenets of the Night Court. But, oh, I wanted her...

"That is...only if you will have me," I said, uncharacteristically shy. "There is no rush, but I wanted you to know..." I trailed off, I couldn't help it. I didn't want to scare her with the magnitude of my desire for her. I wanted to play with her all the bedroom games I knew, making her laugh as I made her moan with pleasure...none of which would happen if I pushed her away.

[Faolan mab Ceallach]

She grabbed my hand and tugged me down the aisle and out of the way of prying eyes. My heart started to beat instantly, and before I had a moment to even start blushing or formulate a response to her words her lips pressed softly against my hand, and I was lost in her gaze, unable to think coherently at all, let alone voice anything, though my chest rose with each quickened breath. Then, her arm was around me pulling me to her and her lips were on mine. The kiss was soft, her taste was marvellous, like nothing I had tasted before, her scent filled my head, clouded all senses making me feel lightheaded, like I were floating. I felt her tongue part my lips, and I allowed it entrance, tasting deeply of her ambrosial flavour. I let out the softest moan as her hand made its way down my body, her touch was gentle, but the want was obvious, as I was sure mine was as I kissed her back, my lips soft as my hand went to her hair finally, touching her tight curls, so soft to the touch, I absentmindedly started to wrap a lock of it around my finger when she pulled away. I nigh frowned. Then, looking into her eyes, I listened as she stumbled over her explanation. I understood that much about the Night Court, but she was so... well... cute... when she was like this, although it seemed she was out of her element.

Still with her hair wrapped around my finger, I gingerly placed a kiss on her cheek. Then, pulling back and looking deeply into her mesmerizing eyes, I smiled.

"Sandrine," I whispered, not at all certain of how these things were supposed to be done. I felt my cheeks heat again. "Will you do me the honour of being my first contracted adept. Will you let me have you for an assignation?" I asked. I felt my cheeks burn as I blushed furiously. "Will you ... have me?"

[Sandrine nó Orchis]

Her moan excited me, and when she kissed me back I didn't think I would be able to make it out of the store without breaking my most sacred vow.

At her words, I let out a breath that I did not know I was holding and somehow it turned into laughter. I couldn't help it. I knew how big of a step this was, for both of us, and yet I was so happy. My mind ran through a thousand silly responses before I finally said, "Of course I will have you, Faolan. And I am so glad you will have me." I leaned in close to whisper, pressing my body against hers, arms around her neck, my tongue dancing around the delicate curve of her ear. "Will you have me now...or later?"

[Faolan mab Ceallach]

I smiled at her laughter, at the relief that washed over her, and me as well. Now that that part was settled, it seemed that we would be more able to express ourselves. She pressed her body to mine, and I could feel the soft mounds of her breasts press to me, smell her scent that sent my head reeling again, her body heating mine in a tantalizing way. Then I felt a shiver run the course of my spine as she asked waht I wanted, the touch of her tongue making me moan again involuntarilly. I was so new to this, and did not know much with regards to spontanaity, but I thought that this should be special.

Turning my head slightly so I could whisper back in her ear, I ventured a kiss, placing it on her neck, right over her pulse. "Later," I murmured. "You have much to teach me."

[Sandrine nó Orchis]

I almost groaned with frustration. Her moan and her kiss on my neck made me shiver in anticipation. Did she mean later that day? Or in a week?

I couldn't think of a way to ask that didn't make me seem desperate or weak. I prayed to every god I could think of to give me control, to remember that this was a sacred creature that I was holding in my arms, and that she deserved to wait for when the time was right for her.

The time was right for me.

Before I could say anything in reply, I heard the sound of a throat clearing and looked up to see the bookseller, watching us. I had been in here several times, so he knew my face.

"Even though this is quite the pretty sight," he said, a hint of amusement in his voice, "and an old man like me enjoys to see love in the summer air, I don't know if this is the place for your dalliances." He didn't seem upset, but I could understand his concern. With a reluctant and overly theatrical sigh I removed my arms from Faolan's neck and sauntered over to the man. I hoped she was watching the roll of my hips as I walked.

"A thousand pardons, sir," I said, smiling, "but could you help me? I was looking for any new books you might have on Jebe-Barkal? I tried searching in the back of the shelves, but as you can see," and I shot Faolan a playful look, "I couldn't find anything on the subject."

The old man chuckled and shook his head. "Come on, my dear. I'm not sure if we have anything new since the last time you were here but I'll show you what we've got."

As I followed him I glanced back at Faolan, a smile that spoke of my desire on my face. Whenever you are ready, I wanted to say, I will be waiting...

[Faolan mab Ceallach]

I heard the deep sound of a man clearing his throat and nearly jumped. I immediately started blushing as Sandrine moved, her hips swaying gently under her dress, my eyes following, mesmerized, to the front of the store, making quick work or the bookkeep's mild way of telling us to either behave or leave as the two made their way down an aisle, Sandrine peeking around the corner before disappearing with a soft smile and a remnant of the want we were both experiencing. I wanted her, now, Gods, right now, but I couldn't have done it here. I wanted to go back with her to the Night Court, I wanted to do this properly. Nearly lost in my thoughts, I trotted around the corner to find them going over a few tomes. I walked up to them slowly, noiselessly, listening to the exchange.

"Did you find anything new and helpful?" I asked, my voice a touch deeper than usual, but not as husky as before as I fought the urge to take a curl between my fingers and play with it.

[Sandrine nó Orchis]

I turned to face her voice. "No." I shook my head, a bit sadly. "But then, Jebe-Barkal is a farflung place from here. I do not really expect to find new things very often. And I already have what is here." That was a lie. I never had money to buy something as frivolous as a book. Usually I would take one of the books about Jebe-Barkal and retreat to some corner of the store, reading in a clandestine fashion and pretending I was still looking around when the owner happened to pass. Obviously this wasn't something I wanted to share with the man, but I didn't want Faolan to know either. I knew that even though she was not technically royalty, she probably had much more money that I had seen in my life.

"So you won't be taking anything, then?" the man asked me.

"No, not today. But maybe you could help my friend here?" I touched Faolan's shoulder unnecessarily. Who else would I be talking about? I just wanted to feel her skin under mine. "She's new to Terre d'Ange and wishes to learn our culture."

[Faolan mab Ceallach]

I smiled back at her, shrugging softly, then turned to the man, her touch not lost to me as I felt my skin tingle.

"Yes, I was wondering if you had something for translations and learning the language. Also, a detailed map, especially of the City, would be very helpful... and something on the laws and politics as well," I listed off, closing my eyes and trying to clear the haze in my mind, trying to see past my arousal. "If you have something on those topics, that would be greatly appreciated."

The shopkeep looked at me, smiling. "Right this way," he offered as he walked us a little farther down the aisle, taking a few books off the shelves as he did. He had four in all, one for language, one on politics, a book of detailed maps of the City and the provinces of Terre D'Ange, and one on customs. They were perfect. I nodded in thanks as he moved towards the counter.

Shuffling my books under one arm, I took Sandrine's hand, when an idea sparked.

"You know, I am not sure the protocol, but I know that the Palace has the best stocked library I am sure, in all of Terre D'Ange. Mayhap you could find something there on Jebe Barkal?" I questioned, walking slowly to the front desk.

[Sandrine nó Orchis]

I followed her, my eyes on her backside. I heard her talking, but none of it registered until she suggested the Palace. "Yes, I'm sure there would be something there I haven't seen before...old scrolls or other artifacts." Some of my most treasured possessions were the trinkets that my father had brought me on his few trips back to Terre d'Ange. I would have done anything to see more.

"But how could I get inside?" I pursed my lips, thinking of the extraordinary circumstances it would take to get me into the palace. "I suppose I would have to bed a prince or something to see the library."

The shopkeeper took her books and started to total them up. The sum sounded exorbitant to me, but seeing as I had never bought a book before it was hard for me to judge.

[Faolan mab Ceallach]

I listened to her words, when a sly smile came to my face. I handed the shopkeep the amount totalled and thanked him for all of his help. Then, taking Sandrine's hand, I darted out of the store, barely hearing the shopkeep's goodbye.

"Sandrine," I said, turning to her, my sack of books in my other hand, and the one I grabbed her with still holding her hand tight. "You like a bit of mischief, no?" I asked. What I was about to suggest could get us both in a great deal of trouble, but it was worth a try.

[Sandrine nó Orchis]

I squeezed her hand and gave her the smile I had used to save my own hide countless times over the years. I loved the light I could see in her eyes. "What do you think?" I said. "Didn't I just kiss you in the bookstore in front of a man old enough to be your grandfather?"

[Faolan mab Ceallach]

I blushed at that, "yes, and as I recall I kissed you back," I whispered, turning towards her, nearly getting sidetracked.

"But you did mention something... about getting into the palace. Well, mayhap you wouldn't need to bed a prince, but maybe, become a princess?" I asked, an eyebrow raised. "The guards are not terribly easy to get by, but what if we enter together. They know me well enough, I stay on the grounds in the foreigner's wing. And I could introduce you as the princess of Jebe Barkal, newly arrived...." I wasn't sure how she felt about impersonation, but I was excited by the thought. "I could contract you for the day," I said a little softer. "And we could infiltrate the Palace library, and... maybe ... I mean... I have private quarters.. and..." I started blushing mightilly then. I didn't want her to think that this was just some ploy to get her into my bed, but I wanted to help her in her pursuit for knowledge, and well, to be honest, yes, I wanted to feel her skin against mine, her tongue, her lips, everything. I wanted to learn her.

[Sandrine nó Orchis]

My eyes widened at her idea, and I laughed at her cleverness. I thought instantly of a hundred good reasons not to follow her plan. But then I looked at her, at her excited expression and beautiful eyes, and found one very good reason to do it.

"Faolan," I whispered teasingly, drawing out the syllables of her name, "if you want to get me into your bed, all you have to do is ask." I paused, pretending to consider. "Though this would be an interesting diversion." I slid my hand into hers, my eyes looking her up and down, letting her know that I was more excited to see her private quarters than almost anything else. "When did you plan to set this into motion?" I asked.

[Faolan mab Ceallach]

My eyes closed gently at the way she said my name. It sounded so beautiful coming off of her tongue, out of her luscious lips. "I believe that I just did," I said teasingly. I knew not where this sudden fire came from, this sudden brashness, and I felt my cheeks warm again. Quite the dichotomy, the forward words, then the timid blush. I shook my head, thinking on our little game.

"What better time than the present?" I asked. "I like what you are wearing now, it is so gorgeous against your skin," I murmured, nearly sidetracking myself yet again. This was going to be difficult if I couldn't stop admiring her beauty. "But if you wish," I continued, dragging my eyes back to hers, "we can head back to the seamstress and have something made, something that screams ridiculously of royalty, and have it made in whatever style you deem fit, or make a trip to Porte Etranger... I went there once looking for Alban garb and found some. They may have something there that is of your homeland, or if you wish something in the D'Angeline style..." I continued to ponder, knowing full well that I was rambling, but we had little time to put this all into effect. "And then we could head back to the Night Court so that I may sign whatever I need to in order to have you all to myself for the day, and then we can put our plan into full motion..." I looked to her. I hoped that in suggesting she wear something different I didn't insult her. I blushed anew, worrying that I might have said something wrong in my rambling.

[Sandrine nó Orchis]

"I couldn't buy a new dress now, I have so many," I lied, smiling at her. "I'm sure we could find something fine in my closet. That would save us some time, too, because we have to return to sign the contract."

"Jebeans are not much on finery, anyway. We could probably wrap a sheet around me, the guards won't know the difference."

I looked curiously at the flush in her cheeks. Sometimes she could be rather confusing. I wasn't sure if she was embarrassed or if something else had her feeling so warm. Quickly I smiled again, then started to walk, leading her toward Mont Nuit. I was excited at the danger, the chance to see more of my father's homeland, and...Gods help me, Faolan's quarters.