|
Post by Liana nó Valerian on May 20, 2009 11:41:16 GMT -5
Now? I hadn't expected anything now this minute! I thought it'd take days in the planning and thus give me time to work myself up to it, but she was already swaying her way to the couple we'd talked about earlier and was talking in a voice loud enough to carry to me. I wanted to hide under the table, but she was indicating that I should join her.
With my heart pounding, a dry mouth and my knees shaking so bad I thought it must be visible through my dress, I approached Sandrine and stood alongside her. Summoning up some courage I brought myself to speak. "Yes, I've seen many of your sort around the Valerian House." I hoped that my voice wouldn't give away my nerves. His companion was looking daggers at us and I could just tell that we'd hit a nerve somewhere. I prayed to Elua that we could get through this unscathed.
|
|
Sandrine nó Orchis
Adept
Orchis House
A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.
Posts: 776
|
Post by Sandrine nó Orchis on May 20, 2009 15:38:18 GMT -5
I nodded once at Liana, giving her a small smile before turning back to the gentleman. He was looking between Liana and I, his mouth slightly open. I gently ran a finger down the skin of his cheek before I leaned in to whisper in his ear, my eyes fixed on his companion. "Next time you come, you can bring her too," I said, theatrically, and saw the man swallow hard.
"J-jasmine," he stuttered, turning to look at me. "I prefer Jasmine." I could see why his companion was upset. She was young and looked typically d'Angeline--gorgeous, but not exotic in the least. Definitely the jealous type. My lips curved into a sensual smile.
"Of course you would prefer her," the companion spat loudly, startling us enough that we looked at her. "That Jasmine adept looks nothing like me!"
My smile grew even wider, and I gestured toward Liana. "Liana, tell her about our other bet," I said, wondering what Liana would come up with. I was already holding back my laughter.
|
|
|
Post by Liana nó Valerian on May 21, 2009 14:12:03 GMT -5
I turned a wide-eyed gaze to Sandrine. What in the name of Kushiel was I meant to say? Frantically, I cast about for something, anything, to say.
"I..we..wagered that your lovely companion here" I stammered slightly as I turned to look at her, "also likes to visit the Night Court, for the attentions of the Mandrakes in particular. What do you say to that?" With an effort I schooled my face to stillness and I hoped my voice remained calm although I was sure everyone could hear my heart beating. Sandrine looked as if she was all set to stuff the tablecloth in her mouth to keep from laughing.
I was so going to have words with her about this afterwards....at a considerable distance from this establishment!
|
|
Sandrine nó Orchis
Adept
Orchis House
A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.
Posts: 776
|
Post by Sandrine nó Orchis on May 21, 2009 17:31:24 GMT -5
Not what I would have said, but it didn't really matter. To my amusement, the prank seemed to be partially on Liana as well.
The woman's expression of jealousy changed to...something else? Maybe longing, or excitement, I wasn't quite sure. That was unexpected. The man looked at the younger girl, his eyes wide. "Is that true, love? Would you like to go to Mandrake?"
The girl blushed brightly. "I...well...yes. I always have, and yet I was ashamed to tell you."
The man reached out and held her hand, a tender expression on his face. He had completely forgotten Liana and me. "You never have to be ashamed to tell me anything, darling. If you would like to explore those desires, I would be happy to join you."
His companion smiled brightly and stood. "Let's go right now," she purred. The man started to follow, but then he stopped and whispered something in her ear. She looked at him and nodded, and he ran back to us. Quickly he pressed a coin into each of our hands.
"Thank you so much," he said breathlessly. "You've no idea how...how much I've wanted this."
And then he was gone, his companion too.
I looked at the coin in my hand, and then at Liana, a bit bewildered. "Well," I said, starting to chuckle, "that didn't happen at all like I had expected." I pointed at Liana. "You must be good luck."
|
|
|
Post by Liana nó Valerian on May 22, 2009 7:24:21 GMT -5
I sat down hard on one of the chairs they'd just vacated. "That was....how do you do that?" I asked incredulously and took a deep breath. "I thought everyone could hear my heart beating! I so did not expect that to go well." I playfully aimed a slap at her. "And you! I thought you were at least going to give me some time to work up to it!"
I fanned myself, sure I was flushing bright red. Who'd have thought that the woman really did hanker after Mandrake? Though I could see the attraction. I felt a smile cross my face at the thought of that House.
|
|
Sandrine nó Orchis
Adept
Orchis House
A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.
Posts: 776
|
Post by Sandrine nó Orchis on May 22, 2009 12:22:28 GMT -5
I laughed, taking the slap good-naturedly. "How do I do it?" Quickly I struck a pose, hand on my hip, weight shifted to one leg, affecting a high-toned accent. "I am the finest and most proficient dissimulator, equivocator, and fabulist that this City has ever seen, love! And I have had plenty of practice." I took an elegant bow, curls almost brushing the floor.
"Actually, when I saw your face," I said, voice normal, "I didn't think it would go well either. But you proved me wrong! You see, if you had had time to think about it, you would have been nervous. And look at you, now they will be deliriously happy due to your actions." I gave Liana a round of applause. "You've got a natural talent for mischief. The key is to use your powers for good and not for evil." I threw an arm around her shoulder, grinning. "Won't your Dowayne be proud?"
|
|
|
Post by Liana nó Valerian on May 22, 2009 14:20:20 GMT -5
I cracked up at her pose and little speech. I was beginning to really like Sandrine, for all the trouble she kept trying to land me in. "I'm not so sure about that!" I responded the humour evident in my voice, as she threw her arm around my shoulders. "Now can we go back to our table? I feel the need for a dessert, not to mention a strong drink of something!"
I rose and went back to our table and sank into the chair with a sigh before picking up the menu. "What do you want for pudding?"
|
|
Sandrine nó Orchis
Adept
Orchis House
A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.
Posts: 776
|
Post by Sandrine nó Orchis on May 22, 2009 15:29:10 GMT -5
I sat back down with her, picking up a menu and glancing through it. "I'm happy to eat anything with chocolate in it. Everything looks very good." I pointed. "How about this cake? Hopefully it won't be too big."
|
|
|
Post by Liana nó Valerian on May 24, 2009 14:30:58 GMT -5
"Oh, that looks divine!" I exclaimed, "How about we share a cake between us, then we won't have to worry about it being too big." I enquired of Sandrine.
|
|
Sandrine nó Orchis
Adept
Orchis House
A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.
Posts: 776
|
Post by Sandrine nó Orchis on May 24, 2009 19:16:27 GMT -5
I smiled. "That was my secret hope. I like sweet things...but not too much."
We placed the order and as the waiter left I looked across at Liana. "So, can I count on you as an accomplice the next time I need one? As you can see we work very well together." I winked, mostly teasing.
|
|
|
Post by Liana nó Valerian on May 27, 2009 8:43:47 GMT -5
I looked at her in mock seriousness, fully aware of her teasing. "Only...and I mean only, if you give me at least a days warning and it's not too dangerous!" I winked and took a sip of my drink.
Then the waiter arrived with our order and two spoons. "By Elua, this looks divine!" I exclaimed, then added with a teasing grin "You'd better eat fast or else I'm liable to devour the lot!"
|
|
Sandrine nó Orchis
Adept
Orchis House
A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.
Posts: 776
|
Post by Sandrine nó Orchis on May 27, 2009 12:41:53 GMT -5
I shook my head as I took a bite of the cake, letting the flavor spread across my mouth. "No, if I let you know ahead of time then you'll have the chance to get nervous. It's much more fun if we do it spontaneously. Well, it is for me at least." I chuckled. "That's quite good."
I was feeling rather devious, and so I leaned in close. "Don't you have anyone who deserves a comeuppance? Anyone at all who deserves a bit of our special brand of fun?"
|
|
|
Post by Liana nó Valerian on Jun 6, 2009 15:47:33 GMT -5
"Err.." I thought hard, trying to think of anyone that deserved a prank. "I can't think of anyone...unless...." I paused thinking of someone in particular and wondering what the outcome of that particular prank could be. "Unless you fancy tangling with a Shahrizai again?" I grinned.
|
|
Sandrine nó Orchis
Adept
Orchis House
A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.
Posts: 776
|
Post by Sandrine nó Orchis on Jun 6, 2009 16:22:28 GMT -5
I blinked before I looked at her, running my hand through my hair. "I don't fancy it," I said, slowly, a smile spreading across my face, "but I think it could be interesting." I leaned forward, resting my elbows on the table, eyebrows raised. "What did you have in mind? Or, who, rather?"
|
|
|
Post by Liana nó Valerian on Jun 9, 2009 18:05:50 GMT -5
I smiled. "Well any one of them would do - I mean they all seem to think themselves all powerful, don't you think? Maybe it'll be nice to see one of them taken down a peg or three." I paused then continued. "I've no idea what we can do, or to who specifically, but I'm sure with your penchant for pranks we could figure out something suitable. Are you up for it?"
|
|
Sandrine nó Orchis
Adept
Orchis House
A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.
Posts: 776
|
Post by Sandrine nó Orchis on Jun 24, 2009 15:43:56 GMT -5
I drummed my fingers on the table. "That is true...I do enjoy humiliating others, as you well know...but unfortunately nothing comes to mind. Not yet, anyway." I tapped the side of my head. "Give me a few days to start this fertile imagination churning, and you figure out which Shahrizai we should...entertain." I reached in my purse for a few coins as I took one last bite. "Gods, but that was delicious. I can't wait to start."
|
|
|
Post by Liana nó Valerian on Jun 24, 2009 15:55:15 GMT -5
"I can agree to that. I'd need more than a few days to come up with something!" I looked at her fumbling in her purse. "What are you doing! Put that away - I said I'd pay and I meant it." I called the waiter over for the bill and paid sticking out my tongue at Sandrine's expression.
|
|
Sandrine nó Orchis
Adept
Orchis House
A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.
Posts: 776
|
Post by Sandrine nó Orchis on Jun 24, 2009 18:07:17 GMT -5
I rolled my eyes at her, but I put my purse away. "I thought you Valerians were supposed to yield, Liana," I said, laughing a bit at her speed. "You're very quick." I stood finally and stretched. "Thanks, my friend."
|
|
|
Post by Liana nó Valerian on Jun 26, 2009 8:40:41 GMT -5
I grinned at her teasing. "Some time it's fun to have the boot on the other foot for a change." I chuckled. "And you're most welcome. We must do this again some time, I've really enjoyed myself. " I stood and stretched too and stifled a yawn. "What is it about good food that is so tiring?"
|
|
Sandrine nó Orchis
Adept
Orchis House
A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.
Posts: 776
|
Post by Sandrine nó Orchis on Jun 26, 2009 12:02:35 GMT -5
I winked and poked her exposed stomach gently. "It's so good, you've got to lay down and really let your body enjoy it. We'll do it again, except next time I'll pay." I took her arm in mine. "Onward, dear Liana?"
|
|
|
Post by Liana nó Valerian on Jun 26, 2009 17:29:21 GMT -5
I linked arms with Sandrine "Onwards and upwards! I might take up your suggestion of a lay down too." I grinned and continued teasingly "If you insist on paying next time I suppose I can yield...just this once." I laughed.
|
|
Sandrine nó Orchis
Adept
Orchis House
A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.
Posts: 776
|
Post by Sandrine nó Orchis on Jun 26, 2009 22:41:13 GMT -5
"You'd better," I said threateningly, shaking my finger at her. "Or I'll tell your Dowayne. You know how I love to get people in trouble." I grinned and kissed her on the cheek as I started walking to the door. "You're my friend, but you're not exempt from my special brand of punishment, if necessary."
|
|
|
Post by Liana nó Valerian on Jun 27, 2009 17:26:15 GMT -5
I laughed and spoke, the amusement plain in my voice. "I shall consider myself warned!" I returned her kiss with one of my own and felt the most relaxed and carefree that I had for weeks. Sandrine was definitely a balm for the blues.
|
|
Sandrine nó Orchis
Adept
Orchis House
A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.
Posts: 776
|
Post by Sandrine nó Orchis on Jun 28, 2009 2:51:40 GMT -5
I opened the door for us both. "You know, I'd bet you'll see that man in Valerian, getting new ideas for his submissive lover." I thought for an instant. "Actually, I'll guarantee it."
|
|
|
Post by Liana nó Valerian on Jun 28, 2009 6:31:06 GMT -5
I burst out laughing. "I'd totally forgotten that!" Then a thought struck me. "I hope I don't bump into him!" I walked through the door and linked arms with Sandrine again. "Where to now?"
|
|
Sandrine nó Orchis
Adept
Orchis House
A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.
Posts: 776
|
Post by Sandrine nó Orchis on Jun 28, 2009 16:47:39 GMT -5
I laughed with her. "I'm sure you'll run into him. That will be the funny part. Perhaps he'll ask for you." I imitated his voice. "Can I please have that funny little Valerian? The one I met?" I shook my head. "Won't that be fun?"
I followed her out. "Well, let's see, we've had food, entertainment..." I covered my mouth as I yawned. "A nap?" I grinned. "Your bed or mine?"
|
|
|
Post by Liana nó Valerian on Jun 29, 2009 15:16:38 GMT -5
I smiled at Sandrine with a sly expression. "Well since you've seen my place....." I left the sentence hanging and gave her my cheesiest grin.
|
|
Sandrine nó Orchis
Adept
Orchis House
A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.
Posts: 776
|
Post by Sandrine nó Orchis on Jun 30, 2009 2:34:51 GMT -5
I flirted with almost everyone, including my friends. It had become a habit, but most of the time I didn't expect anyone to flirt back. Therefore I was delighted when Liana grinned at me.
I looked up at her through my eyelashes, as coy as I could possibly be, and smiled. "Why, Liana, you naughty thing. Hope you've got enough room for two, because I like to cuddle." I giggled and poked her gently.
|
|
|
Post by Liana nó Valerian on Jul 1, 2009 15:40:29 GMT -5
I returned the poke gleefully. " I think I have enough room for another dessert!" I replied giggling. "Lead on, Sandrine, lead on!."
|
|
Sandrine nó Orchis
Adept
Orchis House
A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.
Posts: 776
|
Post by Sandrine nó Orchis on Jul 7, 2009 15:08:12 GMT -5
"I meant in the bed, darling," I said, as the door closed behind us. "But if you want more sweet things, I'm sure we could find that too." I smiled at her wickedly.
|
|