Making a gamble

[Noelle d'Aubigne]

No reaction. Damn; either I was being too subtle in my little flirts with Joras, or he really wasn't interested in women. Hm. Only one way to really see if he liked us, though it wasn't something I relished doing very much. Not unless I thought it'd get me somewhere rather... pleasurable, anyway. This Walid, he I couldn't figure out, and I dared not lose whatever respect I had saw flicker in his dark eyes.

Subtly, I shifted my arms so my elbows were tucked closer to my lap, causing my upper arms to press my breasts together and up a little. It was a small move, well versed through many years of practice and honing; it was designed to look as if I had a chill, which, incidentally, I did. I looked at Joras quietly as I waited for him to answer the Umaiyyatt prince, goosebumps prickling across the skin of my arms, shoulders and chest.

Hmm. Cards or dice. I preferred cards myself, caring more for patterns and being able to decipher than the random rolls that dice brought. I kept my peace though, as the question was not directed to me. Glancing at Walid, I brought my gaze across his face, learning it, before looking back at Joras again.

At least I was lucky enough to have two handsome men, even if it didn't go further than simple admiration.

[Joras Timbule (I)]

Maybe... maybe she was... flirting... it seemed a bit too good for reality. I pretended to think about which game I would choose next. While I 'thought', I took in her looks again. This time I looked her over more scrutinizingly than when we had met. I allowed my gaze wander for a short while, over her face, hair, and eventually her breasts and the rest of her body. She truly was beautiful, but all denizens of Terre D'Ange are. I meant more, above that natural beauty. She looked like she spent much time preparing, even for a shopping trip.

I finished 'thinking' and announced my choice: cards. Any game would suit me as fine as the next, but I decided to take the initiative and choose for them this time. We would play a simple game meant for fun, not gambling. I had first heard it called as "1000 blank cards" I pulled out a handful of blank cards and let them think of what the rules would be. I handed them each one of my long-lasting quills that almost never needed to be dipped, and left the cards in the middle as I watched their reactions.

[Walid bin Kasseem(D)]

Well, this was getting more interesting by the minute. For a moment, I realized I was studying the situation like some shamans observe the wild beasts in the savannah of Jebe-Barkal. Their mating habits, anyway.

The woman Noelle visibly had a need for some attention, and she targeted, visibly, my young and naïve tablemate. She was good at it, moving in ways that allowed her to flaunt what she had to offer without being tacky for it, and I dare say it was a rather pleasant spectacle, even for an outside observer. She seemed to have a chill, I noted idly, for her flawless skin was covered in the flakes of cold, making her look even more vulnerable. Either she was truly a fawn in the woods, or she had consummate skill. I was, more and more, tempted to buy the latter theory. Her eyes did slide on me, and I wondered if she had an inkling of desire for me. Not that I was particularly in need of a bedmate, but… I sensed in her a maturity and potential wit I’d admired in another, and appeared somewhat… innocent, not unlike her either. Thread with care, was all I could think.

The man Joras was oblivious to her maneuvering, or so it seemed. His gazed flickered to her body, almost undressing her in that same operation, analyzing her appearance, even as his face had a thoughtful pout. Interesting. Either he was an idiot for not reading her, he was socially inept or he didn’t like women. The possibility that he wasn’t attracted crossed my mind and I had a hard time considering it – Noelle was attractive as hell, it was her wit that made me concerned.

My anthropological observations came to an end abruptly as he picked the came of 1000 blank cards, and I gave him a wide grin. It had been a long time, and I remembered vaguely the early stages of the game. My eye estimated he’d taken six cards, and I did as well, proceeding to draw a sketch on the first carton. I lent the woman a look of askance, not exactly pity, though I was curious if she knew it. It wasn’t particularly common outside of Caerdiccas Unitas. “Have you played this game before, My Lady?” I asked as I was still sketching.

[Noelle d'Aubigne]

Mmhm. Both looked me over, which gave me a nice lump of satisfaction in the pit of my belly, and Joras lingered, though in the end he turned away without comment. Or even a flirtatious look - I'd have been more satisfied with that. The lump dissolved as I stifled an indignant look and accepted the quill, my fingers lightly brushing Joras'. Almost an accident, but not quite. I'd be damned if I'd be considered a trollop. Time to stop playing the cat, and begin a second phase as a mouse.

"Thank you," I murmured as I took a few cards off the pile, sitting back and glancing up at Walid as he spoke. "As a child, yes," I responded with an easy, pleasant smile. "I haven't played it in years, though. Another game my father taught me." Father, tutor, what was the difference? They didn't need to know that I'd had private tutors since the time I was able to walk. But that particular tutor... My cheeks grew rosy thinking back on it. He'd taught me a few different things. I wondered where he was now.

A few cards drawn onto later, I glanced up at Joras with a curious expression. "It occurred to me, my lord, that you had three quills on you. Do you generally carry them on you for a particular reason? An author, mayhap?" I glanced at Walid to help include him in, though my attention remained on Joras. I felt the urge to lick my lips and rewetten them and stifled it - too much cat. I prefered to be a tiny, velvety mouse, waiting to feel the ivory teeth as I was caught.

[Joras Timbule (I)]

My skin prickled as her hand brushed off of mine. Her skin was very soft. I blinked and the shock was gone; I was myself again. I absentmindedly scratched on my cards with the quill. I usually carried the quills for my mercantile needs. They were extremely useful for writing down sales, and other knowledge I deemed worthy of putting in my small archive. The cards suited the same purpose. I decided to lure her further, by simply replying "No, not an author My Lady." I hoped the thoughtful look on my face would encourage probing. I liked to be coaxed.

[Walid bin Kasseem(D)]

More observing for me, it seemed, I mused with an inward smile. This wasn’t bad training, in fact, since those D’Angelines lived by the art of love and seduction. I had lifted my head to speak just in time to see her hand brush his coincidentally – purposeful or not, the move was well received – he seemed unsettled by the contact, his eyes blinking. He didn’t play the game, or he wasn’t sure what to make of it. Interesting. I resumed preparing the cards

On the first card, I drew a pulley, and named it “The helpful hand.” Its property would be to give whoever drew it an additional 100 points, and to make them draw 2 cards. On the second, a sketch of a carriage was applied, and it wad deemed, “Take me home”. Its only effect was to force the player who drew it to trade cards with the person sitting to their right. Lady Noelle’s reply was heard and noted, and I absently observed, “So many things he taught you, your father. An enlightened man, then…”

There was a moment of silence where only the scratch of quills broke the relative quietness at the table, considering the business around the inn. For myself, I was drawing a set of interesting figures. The third card was turned to “Long view.” It was illustrated with a pair of spectacles, and allowed a peek into the player sitting to the left of the person who drew it. I etched on the fourth card a hammer, and called it “Heavy hand”. It forced everyone to empty their hand and take a new set.

She spoke at length one more, to Joras, and I looked up, curious of his answer. I smiled wryly for his mysterious reply. He seemed to indeed be playing cat and mouse. With an amused grin, I observed, “So many mysteries…” It amused me a great deal.

I resumed my work, and thus card number five as imprinted with a sketch of a dancing figure. I baptized it “The Bayadera” and decided it would have no effect, other than to force the player to perform something artistic. I had my whimsical moments. I drew a sand storm on the last card, and wrote “Armageddon” atop it. It simply had the effect of ending the game.

I turned the set down onto the table, indicating that I was ready.

[Noelle d'Aubigne]

Blast. He was playing coy with me, trying to make me draw information out of him; the dazed, distant look on his kissable face was telling enough of it. Alright; if it was how he wanted it, I'd play along. I did enjoy games that didn't include anything tangible, and it wasn't often that people played coy and mysterious with me.

"If not an author, then what?" I asked rather sweetly, a small, interested smile curling the corners of my mouth. Walid was making little comments of his own and I glanced over at him, my expression not changing before I glanced back. Well, it was obvious he didn't like games. What fun was that? Always knowing what was coming, never any twists. Mayhap that was how things were in his country, how he expected others to treat him. Pompous, that. Respectable only when coupled with a sharp mind, otherwise it was like deferring to a fence post. Phreya, mm, my delicious Phreya, she had a a mind to go with her station. I rather enjoyed any amount of time spent with her. Mayhap this Joras would be filled with more than first appearances; after all, the little cat and mouse game he was playing of his own was surprising. I had expected a straight answer. And Walid? I still wasn't sure about him. No, not sure at all.

[Joras Timbule (I)]

I glanced up from the final card I was drawing as Noelle began to speak. The card had a picture of a puppet, it let you play a card from another person's hand.

"If not an author, then what?" she asked? Well, then, I guess I should play some more. She seemed to enjoy it.

"I do many things. Most notably, I am a merchant." Perhaps the clothing she wore right now was made from fabric that passed through my hands. It might be a bragging right for later on.

I took another sip of wine, and arranged my cards. Aside from "Puppet of the Gods", I had one that was titled "Trap!" it made a player lose all of their points and cards. One that I was particularly amused by was "Drunken Sailor". It forced a player to down an entire glass of their choice and sing a sailor's song, but they got 1000 points as compensation.
My fourth card had a picture of a large angry man, that said "choose a player to give you a card". I titled that one "Little Tim" as a joke.
The fifth one was a picture of a Cassiline guard, which I titled as such. It allowed you to stop any card from having an effect as long as you played it with 3+ cards in your hand.
The final one was called "Favorite Adept". It made a person unable to play cards for a turn, but let them play an extra card the next turn.

[Walid bin Kasseem(D)]

It was clear that there was a great deal of assessment at this table – Noelle kept on stealing glances my way, even if her visible interest was Joras. I wondered if it was another game – expressing interest in another to draw my own. Not impossible – women’s wiles are ever changing and unpredictable. I leaned against my chair, toying with my glass and looking at both of them absently, but I was in fact studying both her and him. She was playing the game, asking him to tell her more, and I waited with the clear appearance of distraction for his reply.

It didn’t surprise me much that Joras be a merchant, but the way he mysteriously mentioned many things was interesting, if not intriguing. I rested my hand on the table, covering my cards. I gave Noelle a look of mystery, and a little smile that was almost, but not quite, a smirk before I turned my attention to my drink, ostensibly ignoring the conversation. As long as the focus was on Joras, it was away from me, and that suited me just fine.

I was starting to be rather intrigued by the girl, though. She oozed innocence, but was too intelligent for her earlier lapse to have been voluntary, I’d decided. It might have been an act, and that made her… interesting.

[Noelle d'Aubigne]

How mysterious, indeed. His reply was a bit more clarifying, though still vague enough that it nearly begged for more questions. I gave an interested sound before lapsing into silence, showing just a little interest in his game as I drew out my cars. The first had a simple drawing of a star on it, titled "Wishes," and it allowed you to ask a small, but interesting favor of one of the players, though it also worth a negative one hundred points.

The second was titled Bearly There, which showed a picture of a bear and a few trees. It was designed to make you growl, and take off an article of clothing or footwear at the same time. Had we been in more intimate settings, or if I'd been wearing more than just a dress, I'd have not tacked on the footwear aspect, but as it was I had to save myself from having to strip naked in the middle of the Cockeral.

The third amused me to no ends, titled simply "A kiss." You gained one thousand points, and you were able either recieve a kiss from a player of your choice, or force two others to kiss. I was really interested to see that one played out; if it were mine, I was nearly tempted to attempt to get the foreign prince and Joras to lock lips. d'Angeline as I was, I rather enjoyed the sight of two people kissing infront of me.

The fourth and fifth were smaller cards; one had you tell a small, unimportant secret, titled simply "Secrets", and the other forced you to drink whatever the person to the left of you has in their glass, then order a replacement. Both were plus two hundred points, and the latter was labeled "Down it."

The sixth forced everyone to rotate cards, picking two out of their pile and giving it to the person on their right.

I smiled and laid my cards down, folding my hands over them and looking at Joras. "Ah, well, if not an author, a merchant. Among other things, of course." I tilted my head, my dark eyes looking deeply into his own, then dropping to look at the curve of his lips, his cheek bones, before back up again. "An artist as well, mayhap? It would explain the choice of games as well as the amount of quills."

[Joras Timbule (I)]

Mas'ud seemed to be trying to ignore and be ignored by us. He was quite the character. I wondered if he had worse mood swings when he wasn't in public. Noelle, however, covered for Mas'ud's lack of interest with what I saw as genuine curiosity.

I chuckled a little when Noelle finally guessed my profession. She was a clever girl, not only at riddles, but in applying that knowledge to life. That was something I never took for granted, even after so many years in Terre D'Ange. "You seem to have steered the ship right, milady. I am, in fact a merchant among other things."
I emphasized that last part for humor. My next statement finally bit off my avoidance, "And I do fancy myself as a little bit of an... artist. I know for certain that d'Angelines do truly make an art of clothing as well, as might be evidenced by your exquisite choice." I laughed.
"I don't know if you're familiar, but the Caerdiccan Ambassador, Gillermo Stregazza and his sister were wearing thread bought, sewn, and designed by myself to the Coronation of Our Queen."

Nothing was wrong with bragging, I guessed. Nothing helped a man's chances than a chest full of air. But then, it always makes is worse when you are hit in the chest by another misfortune. I would play more than one card game this afternoon.

[Walid bin Kasseem(D)]

I remained silent, content that the situation remained this way as Noelle and Joras bantered. Noelle made a deduction that was very logical, confirming my intuition that she was a tigress in a kitten’s skin. Inwardly, I was grinning wryly, amused beyond words at the situation. Outwardly, I was drinking some wine, fiddling with cards, displaying infinite patience as I apparently waited for the game to start. This was an excellent exercise.

It took a lot of self control as I heard the name Stregazza come out of his lips. Then again, there was no surprise there – he was Caerdicci himself, if my eyes weren’t betraying me, and so there was nothing more natural for his compatriot to assist him in his business. Neverthelesss, it reminded me of many things, of a fete with subtle flirting and love-making at the top of a lush inn where the tide of La Serenissima provided soft music to our indiscretions. It had been a lovely night, one of the most sensual experiences I’d lived to taste.

I couldn’t remember the young Duca’s name, though I remembered his sister quite well, and so I remained quiet, wondering if Noelle would do my own questioning for me.

[Noelle d'Aubigne]

Now that did intrigue me. I looked at him with a stronger interest; he was handsome, true, but if he also coupled his features with an ability to make clothing... "That's rather impressive, my lord Timbule," I commented, smiling at him. I glanced to Walid to see what his reaction was and found him apparently thinking, though little showed on his face as to the quality of those thoughts.

"I've heard of the Ambassador, though there's little enough gossip about him. Apparently he hasn't been involved in too much politically yet for rumors to begin swirling." I lifted my glass and finished it off, then gestured off handedly to a waitress to come to the table. "You design clothing, then? That's rather unique to stumble across." I smiled serenly, leaning back in my chair as the server came up.

Ordering another of my wine, I glanced at the other two, wondering if they wanted to give their orders or not.

[Joras Timbule (I)]

Noelle seemed to be appraising me, and from the looks on her face I was doing pretty well. Maybe I could arrange a second meeting between us... I grinned at her compliment. As always, I was very glad to receive praise. I figure I looked a little abashed then, though there was nothing really for me to be abashed about.

"He is a very kind man, and I seemed to get along with him. It might be that we don't get much human contact that we were friendly, but I have my doubts of that." All I seemed able to do was crack jokes tonight. That was fine in itself, but gave me little chance in other matters... Particularly the fine specimen sitting at my table that had her eye on me.

I ordered another round for myself, my own glass having been empty for a good while without my noticing. "Shall we begin now?" I asked, "Or do we wait for our friend here to emerge from his dream-land?"

[Walid bin Kasseem(D)]

So this Stregazza had managed to keep a low profile, if I heard what Noelle had to say. Per Joras, he was kind and friendly. It could be Gillermo Stregazza, it could be another. I expected him to have some rumors about him, at least about his flamboyant ways. In La Serenissima, he had been one of the most eligible bachelors, and there was much speculation about his marriage wishes, way back then. Maybe he'd married, since, though he'd struck me as rather adoring of his freedom.

There were others of his kin at the Palace Immortali that were pleasant to interact with, though some were more scheming than others. I had an impression, though, that the young Duca was more honest than was wont to be for one of his kin - it was rumored so in La Serenissima, that the descendants of Ricciardo were more trustworthy than Marco's.

Still, there was no way to be sure with the information they were dropping. I would find out at the Fete, likely… the same way that quite possibly, Noelle would find out about me, if she hadn’t figured me out already.

I took a last sip of my drip, and shook my shoulders, weary from being so immobile. It hat all been interesting, but it was time for some action. I stretched, and said nonchalantly, “I’m sorry, were you talking to me?” I tapped my hand on my stack of cards, and added, “I’m ready when you are.”

[Noelle d'Aubigne]

I gave a tiny, amused smile as Joras lightly threw a jest at the foreign prince, though I kept my tongue from saying anything too... unneeded. "Welcome back to the table, monsieur. I was beginning to wonder myself if you'd prefer to be alone with your..." My eyes drifted over his chest and towards the table where his manhood lay below before coming back to meet his, "...thoughts." I flicked an eyebrow at him, not flinching from meeting his gaze. What on earth could he have been pondering that entire time? He had looked preoccupied; far be it from me not to tease someone who was so obviously not with the present conversation. My smile was light and teasing as it lifted, giving obvious indication to a jest.

Turning my attention back to the matter at hand, I lightly tapped my index finger on my cards. "I'm ready as well. Your lead as instigator, my lord Timbule." My smile was slightly more seductive with him, and as I gathered my cards in my hand again, arranging them neatly, I spoke again. "If it would please you, mayhap I could invite you to my townhome to discuss the possibility of designing a few new dresses for my wardrobe. That is, supposing you're not solidly booked, of course."

[Joras Timbule (I)]

I was outrightly stunned when she suggested I design for her. I'm sure it showed on my face too. "Uh, yes I would love to Noe- My lady. I haven't had anything booked since the coronation." It sounded wrong now to address her by name.

"So, I guess we'll start now" I stated. I glanced at my cards again, and decided I would play the "Favorite Adept" card on myself. I made it for this purpose anyways. I could play 2 cards next turn, according to the card. Otherwise It gave no advantage. I took another blank card and started sketching away.

I passed the initiative to Noelle, after whom Mas'ud would go. At least this game could get my mind off of what Noelle looked like under that dress...

[Walid bin Kasseem(D)]

I said no more as they concluded the deal with gusto, never saying what needn’t be said. Had I had to place a bet on it, I would have wagered that Joras would never go beyond taking a few measurements. It was none of my business, I decided.

“I enjoy company, My Lady,” I told her at length, giving her a wry smile for her allusion to my private parts – that was of poor taste, and I wouldn’t dignify it. “Far from me the desire to force myself upon a discussion which is not mine to interrupt, however.” I didn’t want to give myself up, and so I’d turned the table on her. They had been flirting, and I had no place in such a discussion. It was as plain as that, but best to pass my silence as courtesy.

I noted Joras’ move, and waited for the lady to play with a magnanimous gesture. He would be playing two cards next round. Best to wait to see what the woman would do before I planned my own strategy.

[Noelle d'Aubigne]

"Wonderful," I replied to Joras, giving him a genuine smile. "How does two days from now sound? Whatever your earliest convenience is." I paused, my smile growing a little more. "And call me Noelle, please."

Walids voice spoke up, and I turned, listening to his reasonings impartially. Once it appeared he were done, I had to do my best not to let the high level of amusement show on my face - he hadn't acknowledged my tease. A foreign princeling whose culture coveted harems of girls was here in Terre d'Ange, and he wouldn't acknowledge a sexual tease. "You wouldn't have been interrupting, my lord Mas'ud." My face and tone both hinted at nothing; I had practice enough at controlling my appearance not to make such a silly mistake. Humor, though, was admittably my weakest emotion to cover. I was lucky this time that it didn't poke through.

I watched as Joras played one of his cards and began drawing away, then looked at my own to decide. Just as I was about to choose one, the waitress came with a new round of drinks, and I changed my mind.

Laying the "Down it" card, I silently slid my wineglass towards the Mas'ud character, my brow flickering up. It was just too damn bad I hadn't ordered something sickly sweet to drink - it would have complimented this little game much better.

[Walid bin Kasseem(D)]

Her face was calm and without expression as she told me something that was clearly untrue – so she could dissemble, perhaps. The second round was served, with a bonus to my attention, curtesy of Noelle. A challenge? Arwa! It would take more than a few glasses of wine to loosen my tongue. I felt like laughing for it, and would have in other company, but in these parts I mere chuckled, taking the glass of wine and emptying it down my throat in one clean gulp.

I wiped my lips clean of the droplets of wine that stained my stuble as though it were an afterthought, and gave her a devilish grin. I was thinking of my next turn, and had just in mind what card I would play. “Then I won’t allow myself to pass on such opportunities in the future, My Lady,” I replied at length, looking at her with quiet, unhidden appraisal.

By all the grains of sand the Desert, that made me wonder, what in the world did she want with me? Did she expect any type of attention? Gods knew, for all my travels, I’d had my share of bedmates, and as of now still, had my share of women to cater to. I didn’t think I could deal with one more. It wasn’t an abnormal situation, though – for one such as me on quest for a wife, courting was a second nature. It just so happened that for now, I was occupied enough. What a waste, I mused.

With that, I played the Bayadera, and placed it in front on Noelle with a whimsical grin. “You have made me drink, perhaps now a spectacle to go with it?” My smile was amused, I let my mirth show at last, not really bothered as I was by the situation. I felt my eyes crinkling for it - this cat and mouse game was highly entertaining.

Without taking my eyes off the woman, I took a card from the stack.

[Noelle d'Aubigne]

I checked the tsk that formed on my tongue as he placed the card infront of me, forcing me to come up with something creative to entertain them both. I was used to being the one observing rather than performing, but I wouldn't back down from this, either.

"I fair say drinking is by far easier," I commented idly, giving him a dry look. "I should have ordered something cheap and revolting to give to you." Amusement quirked my lips, hinting at my humor, as I placed my cards face-down on the table.

Glancing around, I looked at what I had to work with. I wouldn't get up and dance a jig for them, and I'd prefer not to sing unless I didn't have another choice. After assessing my options, I settled on an old trick I'd learned in my youth. "I haven't done this in a while," I forewarned as I reached across the table, taking the ashtray and setting it infront of me. Neither Joras nor Walid were smoking anything, so I looked about the room, picking out a large, burly man to our left who was puffing at a cigar. I stood and moved to him, bending to speak into his ear, then came back a moment later with four uneven matches, having spoke to a waitress on my way back. Four coins were produced from the purse at my belt as I sat back down and I set them in the middle of the ashtray.

The waitress came back a moment later, giving me a clean, empty glass and another with water in it. I grimaced a little; the water was slightly discolored, but it would work. My eyes flicked up to Joras and Walid and I gave a small, knowing smile. "I learned this from a tutor," I commented idly as I worked, pouring some of the water into the ashtray. "It was a reward, for getting a series of questions right. Now," I said, looking up at them squarely, my attention undivided. "The trick is to remove the water from the ashtray without tipping, tilting, or pouring."

I sat back, letting them see everything I'd done clearly. There was little point to asking if they had questions or the like, and thus I moved on with the trick. Four matches were laid ontop the coins. I lit the fifth with a quick swipe of its head atop the table and moved it to the other four, igniting them. A quick flash of my wrist and the fifth was out and dropped smoking to the table, my other hand taking the empty glass and covering the coins and matches. The four matches burned brightly before going out, and in the end, the water was removed from the ashtray and inside the glass neatly.

I set the glass down infront of the foreign prince, repicking up my cards. "A drink, a trick, and now dessert," I commented, plucking the kiss card out and placing it infront of Joras. "Yours to choose whom you'd like to act it out upon." A smile curved my lips more; as much as I'd love to feel his mouth on me, the idea of he and the foreign prig sharing a kiss was by far an amusing idea.

[Walid bin Kasseem(D)]

Her comment about sickly sweet liquor was met with a chuckle, but her demonstration, I followed with avid interest… in truth, I was impressed. That trick was worthy of the best engineering scholae of Tiberium, and that, I knew for a fact, having visited them some years back. I gave her an appreciative nod, and waited patiently for the card to be played out.

Would I allow myself to be kissed by the Caerdicci? Likely not – I’d sooner leave the table. Would I suffer to watch them kiss? That was little my business – and such things, I cared little about. To keep countenance, I had a drink, and nodded in appreciation. “Could not have picked a better card to play on you, My Lady,” I told her with a smile. “Very well done, indeed.”

That set me to wonder what tutors she had, once again. She was, to say the least, very intriguing.

[Joras Timbule (I)]

Noelle's trick amused me to no end, I hadn't seen any magic in my life, having grown up in a superstitious part of Caerdiccas. I sat in amazement, trying to figure out how she did that.

Then I heard her speak up afterwards. Dessert? What does she mean, Dessert? I looked at the card she placed in front of me, taking in every bit of it. Dread welled up in me. Not about who I would share the card with, as it was obvious whom I would choose, but about the actual resolution of it. I could play my 'Cassiline Guard' card, but I didn't really want to waste it. So I was left with one choice. Noelle.

Where I grew up, men were supposed to be trustworthy in their relationships, as were women. This felt to me like Noelle was breaking that trust with whoever special she might have. But this was Terre D'Ange, and a mere kiss was nothing, right? Ah, but I was running into a moral crisis here. I recalled a saying my father used to tell me: When in doubt, stomp.

I said "Noelle". My eyes were lowered and my head was bowed, hiding my expression, but the rest of me hadn't moved. I tensed myself, fighting my mind and morals. If she wishes to make it more than it has to, so be it, but I will not take it farther. I steeled myself, looking up with a genuine smile, albeit weak, and leaned over to Noelle. I put my arm around her shoulder...

But before I locked lips with her, I whispered in her ear "Amused as I am, and am sure you are as well, my morality lies here. If you truly want me, and have no commitment otherwise, you can take this as far as you want. Otherwise, a simple peck is all this requires."
I then surrendered the lead to her in the act, not moving.

[Noelle d'Aubigne]

Mas'uds compliment I gave a smile to, surprisingly genuine. He didn't seem malicious when giving it, and I was rather pleased that I'd managed to pull it off after having not done it for years.

Joras, though... I held back a sigh, seeing clear marks of resignment etched in. Disappointment, mayhap it was, or simply just not wanting to - all three were close together. I watched him as he moved, noting how he carefully slung his arm about my shoulders, the way he tilted his face away so I couldn't read it. Had I been a wolf, I was sure I could have smelled wariness.

And then he spoke.

I pulled back enough that I could just look at him, my dark eyes searching his. My voice was a whisper as well when I answered, rudely hushed against Mas'uds ears, but I was caught between that and possibly betraying Joras' trust by blurting out an answer that would reveal what he obviously did not want anyone else to know. If he had, he'd have spoken plainly.

"I have a commitment to no one," I said softly, my voice barely considered a hum. "If I had someone elsewhere whom I was committed to and we agreed on monogamy, you can be assured I would not have created such a card."

Joras didn't know me, and I wouldn't hold this against him, as hard as it was to remind myself of that. "Nevertheless, consider yourself released from the card. Besides, I never specified where the kiss must take place."

I smiled kindly at him and waited patiently, assuming he would take me up on it. Besides, I was thirsty... I needed to flag down a waitress and reorder my drink. I should have done that when I talked to her about the water.

[Joras Timbule (I)]

A wave of relief passed through me as she spoke. She had nobody that she would have to keep such a thing secret from, then. She followed it with a disarming smile, and I decided to let up on her.

"Released?" I replied, "For now, maybe, but I will take you up on it sometime." I returned with a similar smile and released my arm from her shoulder. I took a hearty sip of my wine and felt myself cheer up near instantly.

I had finished my 'masterpiece' during Mas'ud's turn. Not really thinking, I had created a card that I dubbed "Drat! Foiled Again!". It made a player discard all of their cards, and had a cute picture of a child being caught eating sweetmeats by it's mother.

My first choice of action for this round was to play the 'puppet of the gods' card from my hand. I decided to play it on Noelle, because I was sure she would have something similarly entertaining as the Kiss card. Choosing at random, I selected the one entitled "Secrets". I decided it was boring, and confronted her playfully over it.

"Noelle, is the wine affecting you that quickly, or did you not have any other ideas? This card is dreadfully dull." I remarked at her.

"Well, I guess I'll play this one on Mas'ud here. Maybe he'll unlock his past for us?" I joked, smiling at him.

I could play another card because of the 'Favorite Adept' card, so, feeling like a revival of mirth, I played the 'Drunken Sailor' card on myself.

I recalled a ditty I heard from my earlier days in ratty taverns dominated by thugs. I downed my wine, and replaced it with a mug of ale for the mood. I cleared my throat, and began softly, rising as people began to enjoy it. No skill is needed to serenade a drunk.

She rounded the corner, she caught my eye
At first I thought that I might Die
She looked me up with an icy stare
She left me just a-standin' there!

Never trust a woman that you can't fight
She'll rob ya blind in the middle o night
In the mornin' you'll see her smile
And Let her stay a little while!

Waking, I remembered naught
except I'd had a good ol flop
I must have been out of my mind
At Night, she must have robbed me blind!

Never trust a woman that you can't fight
She'll rob ya blind in the middle o night
In the mornin' you'll see her smile
And Let her stay a little while!

She sank me with her vicious teeth
Since then I haven't gotten Sleep
And if ya See her raunchin' round
Tell her that she's just been found!

Never trust a woman that you can't fight
She'll rob ya blind in the middle o night
In the mornin' you'll see her smile
And Let her stay a little while!
Never trust a woman that you can't fight
She'll rob ya blind in the middle o night
In the mornin' you'll see her smile
And Let her stay a little while!

"There- My rendition of it at least." I took a swig of my ale. "And pardon for the singing, I haven't had much practice lately"

[Walid bin Kasseem(D)]

There was an interplay between them that somehow resulted in the kiss not being given, somewhat to my surprise, since Joras had picked Noelle – then again, that he pick me would have been… uncomfortable, and so his choice had been greeted with a restrained sigh of relief.

His song, I enjoyed greatly, but the mirth it conjured was soon quelled by the card he played on me, for it was… cumbersome if any. I picked up the card and read the instruction, smiling nonetheless pleasantly, not letting my displeasure show for it. “A small, unimportant secret,” I replied with a grin. “Fair enough…” I drummed on the table, smiling rakishly, and then made an announcement. “I have a fondness for raw fish,” I declared with a whimsical grin.

I’d never quite told it – most Ummayyatti hated it. But some merchants for Ch’n had presented the way they prepared it to the Sultan, and I had not resisted my curiosity, and had found this Shouzhi to be rather addictive, to the dismay of both my father and his seneschal. It had remained a concealed truth, and I’d found myself reduced to slumming in the merchant’s quarter to sate my desire for it. That was how I’d come to like places such as the Cockeral, in truth.

With that, I played Take me home, and after I’d put my cards down on the table and pushed them towards Joras, I extended my hand to Noelle. “Your cards, please?”

[Noelle d'Aubigne]

He will take me up on it sometime? I watched him as the amusement slowly came back to my eyes. Brash, that, to assume I'd offer myself in such a fashion again. I'd tasted rejection once, and it was not a thing that sat well with me.

My eyes strayed to Mas'uds as Joras began his rendition of what sounded like a drunken sailors song. What was that arrogant ass thinking? I looked over his face, unabashedly before turning to observe Joras. "Well done," I applauded as he finished, my head bowing nobly to him.

When the prince played his turn and demanded my cards, I handed them over without vexation. It mattered naught to me - I was displeased with how they were turning out anyway. A more vivacious crowd would appreciate them better. Or maybe even just a d'Angeline crowd. "Of course," I replied, then looked at Joras and extended my hand wordlessly, idly wondering what he was holding.

[Joras Timbule (I)]

I handed Noelle my cards, looking over the ones I received from Mas'ud. I had 3 cards; one called Heavy hand, one called The Helping Hand, and another called Armageddon. It was my turn, so I chose to play The Helping Hand. I took another two cards and set to drawing as I let Noelle take her turn.

[Walid bin Kasseem(D)]

I accepted the cards with a smile, and set to examining them. Bearly There – I chuckled, amused by the original pun. I usually didn’t like those play on words, but this one had the merit of being a little bit surprising. Something called Wishes – I liked very much. I’d definitely put that to good use, though how, I had not decided just yet – it called for a few amusing ideas, though. The other card wasn’t overly interesting – a tamer version of my own.

I picked up two blank cards and set to drawing on them something new. One bore a star, and was called “Shooting guide”, and gave 200 points per turn as long as it was on the table, along with the ability to play a second card (I’d liked that technique of Joras, and wasn’t unpleased with my modification of it.) The other, bearing a jumping rabbit with long hair was called “Skippety-Hair,” and prevented any player from playing their turn.

The table was growing silent, and I felt the need to stir the conversation – whatever had transpired between Noelle and the merchant, it had her cold, somewhat. She’d wanted her kiss, perhaps. Too bad for her – I’d have given it without regret. She had picked wrong, apparently.

“So,” I said, playing with my drink, “I assume you have your drawing skills for being a couturier yourself, my Lord Joras?” I englobed Noelle in my gaze. It was her turn to play, unless my guess was wrong.

[Joras Timbule (I)]

Finally, Mas'ud broke the silence. It had been getting uncomfortable for a while. "Yet even still, I am nothing to brag about." I responded, "but you, friend, are still shrouded in mystery. I will not press, but I confess it would be interesting to know."

My wine had been sitting untouched for a while, and I took a sip of it. I waited for Noelle to play her cards as I sat back, cradling my wine.