Fantasy The best laid plans .. [Golden Spider X rainingxme]

[Golden Spider]

For a night that he would look back on in fond memory and never forget, it was unassuming. The sun was just setting over the tops of the line of trees a couple acres away. Though from and viewpoint within the building the trees seemed to be the start of a lush and vast forest, in truth it was only a scant couple feet of foliage, providing a proper sense of privacy to the lands of the Valmont’s home in the city. While the half an acre of land surrounding the home itself was compact compared to their ancestral home in the south. Most people were lucky to find an abode bigger then Evond’s bath.

The Shadowghast estate was busy, everyone who is anyone and even some who weren’t, invited by the grace of their betters, were currently in attendance of one of the Valmont clans epic balls, the occasion tonight was that of his own mother’s 50th birthday, for the 5th year in a row if your counting but that was simply not spoken of. The ballroom was filled with dancers, of gowns and suits, music wafting from the podium where the single best band in all the city performed for the enjoyment of their guests.

Evond however stood at a balcony watching the sun set slowly. His fake smile absent from his face in a rare moment of solace away from the party as he slowly sipped his scotch, he would rather be anywhere else in truth, but appearances had to be met by the heir of the Valmont Estate.

As the song faded from below he drained his beverage in a single swallow, straightened his posture and once again put on the smile as he strode out of the study. Fashionably late to his own party aught to make a fine statement

 

[rainingxme]

Wolf in Sheep's Clothing

[/table]

Her heels thudded on the marble floor as she adjusted a hidden blade shoved between her breasts. The dress had movement, much to Mor's dismay. A stunning shade of red that hugged her chest and hips before billowing in to wispy layers of diaphanous soft tulle. She had been under strict instructions to blend in, and she will, mostly. A small smile played at her lips as she made her way to the grand hall. This was Lady Valmont's sixth? Fiftieth birthday party? Hell she wasn't complaining, let the old broad celebrate fifty for the next two decades, she always heard the parties were stellar. She of course had never been invited to one, hell she wasn't even invited to this one, but alas the Duke of Hastings didn't know that. He only ever saw her pretty face and asked little else. It had been easy enough to slip away by then. The music was loud and the people were merry. As he sat and talking with other gentlemen she found he'd stopped paying no mind to her, so into the halls she slipped.

It was imperative that this didn't fail. Aaron and Xander had been trying to find their way into Shadowghast estate for years, and they were always thrown out on their ass, or on the worst days, behind bars. They had little faith in her being the one to finally infiltrate and yet, here she was. Further than any of them had made it yet, and if she was being honest, was more attune to marking details than either of those brutes. She'd already surveyed most of the first floor when she began to make her way towards the servants stairs, in an attempt to map out the upper floors.

 

[Golden Spider]

Evond was glad that the facade he wore was already securely in place as he exited the study. Despite the main proclivities of the ball were always focused on the ballroom and dining room the remaining of the first floor was of course always open, and frequently found a handful of groups drifting through the various rooms having private discussions, of business and of personal type. As well as some just genuinely touring the veritable museum of art and artifacts that the Valmonts boasted

So while it was not unusual for him to come across the young woman in red, it was however most unusual to have almost bowled her over as they both approached the corner at the same time. With a sidestep and small spin which told of trainings in melee combat beyond what most would expect from a noble heir, he managed to just scantly avoid knocking the poor girl prone. “My goodness! My sincere apologies Miss,” he gave her a small formal bow, as expected. “I must’ve been a bit lost in my thoughts.” He said examining her, both with an eye to ensure she she was unharmed but appreciating her attire as well

For reasons that not even The 6 Divines would be able to comprehend the style that had been chosen for this years choir of court consisted primarily of pastels and floral tones, that she would wear such a bold red was a quite loud statement of contempt against the court, one that brought an honest grin to his face as seeing someone with thoughts mirroring his own

“But I must say I do not recall having seen you before, and that is very rare for me to say.” Evond blinked then spoke again “aghast! My manners! First I nearly run you over then I neglect to introduce myself, Evond Valmont, heir to these fine halls at your service.”

 

[rainingxme]

A startled gasp as her hands flew up to her chest, near where the blade rests but this stranger didn't know that. "My word, come sailing around corners like that and your bound to topple one of us over!" The blue gaze flicked to the man before her "I suppose I am just as guilty..." Her words trailed off as she actually took in the man before her and her eyes widened in recognition. Mor realized he was speaking before she could stop herself from giving a small curtsy, head low in subservience. "Apologies your grace, I spoke out of turn." It was bit dramatic, he wasn't a prince, but the last thing she wished to do was anger him. Given her past experiences she learned inflating ones ego seemed to cause them to look the other way, and she desperately needed Evond to look the other way.

"Natalia, it is an honor to meet you." There was no way in hell she was giving the heir her name. For good measure she took a few steps back, allowing a bit more space between them. She forced a flush to rise to her cheeks keeping her gaze lowered. "I apologize your grace, but I seem to have gotten turned around on my way to the powder room. Could you possibly redirect me?"

 

[Golden Spider]

His grin at her subtle statement by wearing the bold crimson dress was unabashed at her honest words. “She is certainly blunt” he thought to himself, what a breath of fresh air to have someone so honest about themselves.

His grin did die however when she dropped into a curtesy. He allowed a small frown to break through “no please none of that, I’m certainly not a grace, nor one deserving such a thing. And believe me I wish more people spoke out of turn, it’s always much more honest then the usual courtly drivel.”

He examined her again, he was certain that they had never met before even in passing, and that by itself made him intrigued, his tutors had always drummed into him every young lord, lady and merchant before he started attending these events, and since his own keen memory, relationships and networks kept him abreast of any new ones that ever ascended high enough into society to warrant an invitation to a Valmont ball.

“Of course Miss Natalia,” he said offering his arm in the gentleman fashion “I will do you one better then mere directions and escort you myself, even to me this place can be a maze sometimes.” He said with a soft inviting smile hoping to have a couple more minutes of conversation

 

[rainingxme]

Mor's brows furrowed as she looked to the man. That was a far cry from what she'd expected and now she was sort of stuck. Most of the young heir's she met were happy to have their ego's stroked. "It is drivel, isn't it?" A smile tugged at the corners of her lips, the blue eyes sparking with a bit of mischief as she began scheming a new plan. Originally she'd plan to keep well enough away from the Valmont's, not that they'd recognize the girl. Very few actually knew what her face looked like, or that she was even a girl. Evond though, has turned out to be not quite what she expected.

A glance at the offering and a demure smile on her face she slid her hand into the crook of his arm. "It would be an honor to be accompanied by you, Viscount. Even if it is to the ladies room. Though I must ask, you are a host?" There was a pause as she looked to him, in her heels they were close to the same height. "Why were you hiding in the back of the house?" That light of mischief still lingered, the promise she wouldn't tell a soul but was honestly curious. She'd met quite a few Duke's and Duchess' most would be flourishing in this environment.

 

[Golden Spider]

His smile was genuine when she slipped her hand past his to the offered elbow. This was already the most enjoyment he had gotten out of one of these things in a couple years.

As they walked he pondered her question and whether to answer truthfully, if it were any other day or any other person he likely would not have, but there was something about this woman that made him want to be open, despite the risks that it may get back to the ever present courtly rumor mill, or worse, his father. “To be honest I hate these things, and always make it a point to be as fashionably late as I can get away with.” At that moment they passed a grand portrait of the family taking up and entire wall, the figures in the painting much bigger then the actual individuals; his father Weston Valmont, His Mother Yessabelle Valmont, Evond himself standing to his fathers left and to his mothers right a young woman, much younger then Evond even in the whenever time this painting was created. “My mother, though I do love her dearly; it’s incredibly vain is it not, throwing your 6th 50th Birthday ball, like age is something to be ashamed of.” He shook his head.

“As I answered your question it is only fair to ask you one myself no?” He spoke again as they continued past the family portrait. “Who exactly are you Miss Natalia. I say with all humility that I am very familiar with all those who receive invitations and I have never seen you at one of these events before, are you not from the city?”

 

[rainingxme]

Mor laughed softly as they walked. "How un gentlemanly of you, what of all the prospects you might miss?" Her gaze snagged on the massive portrait and she paused in her steps. She wasn't entirely sure how she missed this grand display to begin with but there was something almost menacing about the giant portrait. Still faces vindictively staring from a high post. The little girl though, she didn't recognize. She was informed the Valmont's only had a son. A slight shake of her head to clear her thoughts as she began to walk again. All thoughts taking place in merely a moment. "Come now, a ladies age is always something to mourn. We are only as useful as our beauty and breeding last. Seldom see the beauty of any lady past the age of thirty-five as the stress of life begins to set in and the ability to conceive becomes less likely." Mor leveled a look on the Viscount as if he was delusional for thinking such a thing. It was clear she didn't entirely realize the blatancy of her words or just didn't care.

After her tangent she considered his question and then decided a mostly truthful answer it the least she could give. "I'm not from a large house, so it's no surprise you know not of who I am. I am Duke Hastings new plaything." There was no reason to give it another title, that is exactly who he planned her to be. This was part of the 'Look how powerful and somebody I am.' It was common knowledge that Duke Hastings was married, but they'd not been seen together through the social circles in years. "Another prime example of a lady is only worth her beauty." She flashed him a charming smile but her gaze lacked any warmth. Indeed the cruelness of the world shone there for a moment before she turned away.

 

[Golden Spider]

He frowned again slightly at her words. But couldn’t deny their truth to most of society. He shook his head “I can’t deny the truth of that but I can still disagree with it, especially with men like my father, I can see how vanity is all they have left.” If Evond cared about her bold and inflammatory statements he did not show it beyond remarking upon them as if they were discussing the weather.

“Mm well Hastings is a lucky man if I may say so to have the privilege of your company,” such an arrangement was not unusual, and Duke Hastings was far from the only one who did so, all the invitations included an implicit plus one and many noblemen used it to lure young and impressionable but beautiful women of the lower classes to show them a night of luxury with the implied promise that many more nights could be theirs if they paid, and a man like that only knew one currency. It had gotten so bad at one point that Evond had instructed his personal guards to take any particularly vulnerably woman off to the side upon entry and provided them a warm meal, purse for their troubles and a safe escort home. “Well if I may be a bit bold and maybe slightly insulting begging your forgiveness. You do not seem like the usual kind of woman that Hastings goes for, you seem comfortable here , at least so far, and you certainly aren’t afraid to speak your mind. I must ask one last thing though since you are not a usual courtier, was the red intentional, or just an amusing coincidence?”

 

[rainingxme]

"It is one thing to be vain and another thing to be vain and callus." They were approaching the ladies room and originally at the mention of the idea she'd wanted to be rid of him, and now she wasn't so certain. Mor glanced to him, giving her attention as he spoke more, and this time she didn't need to force the blush that came to her cheeks. "That is quite bold of you to say. Though he cares little for what I actually have to say." Unlike you, is the line she didn't tag on and instead slowed him to a stop. "It was a coincidence, men are.. well men, I was informed floral, not floral pastels. Nothing is more splendid than a blood red rose in winter. So alas I matched the white of my companions suit."

Mor slipped her arm from his and moved to stand before him. "I might have lied, I was embarrassed you caught me snooping... I've not actually seen a home this grand... I was curious how one might live.. " The flush had crept down her neck as she looked down. This was easy to fake as it was mostly true, she was curious as to the home. Just not as a star struck child.

 

[Golden Spider]

"That is a shame, even just out short conversation has been the most refreshing one I have had in a while, but that certainly sounds like Hastings" he then chuckled as she further explained her predicament, with the dress colors. "I must admit to being equally clueless, thankfully men's fashions only tend to change once in a century or so instead of the almost daily carousel you ladies have to deal with. I truly do not know how you keep up. But even so that makes me almost regret not being there to see the reaction people had to you entering the room, it must have been glorious" he said with a chuckle then sobered up again "ah but I assume it may also have been somewhat embarrassing.

He stopped when she disengaged herself from his arm and spoke her final piece "I see, well first thank you for telling me the truth, It is not something to be embarrassed of, in fact I admire curiosity." He could easily see the question within her statement, and he dearly wanted to accept and spend the rest of the long evening ahead showing her the estate, perhaps even the second or third floors that were off limits to mere guests as well, just for the sake of her company. "I would love to give you a guided tour, but I am afraid that I cannot at the moment, as I mentioned earlier I have allowed myself to hide away for as long as I reasonably can, I must make my presence known as the ducal heir and even if he does not deserve it, Hastings must be growing amiss of your company as well. In fact it likely would be best to part here anyways, no need to send the rumor mill into a flurry by ah 'Hasting's latest plaything' as you eloquently put it on the arm of the most eligible bachelor in the city of Marsol." He smiled wryly "But that being said, I know Hastings better then I would wish to, if he gets... ungentlemanly notify one of my guards and they will keep him away from you."

 

[rainingxme]

A wicked grin flashed across her face. "Quite the contrary it was gloriously delicious to watch it all. I never said that I myself was not vain." She winked. "Though I do believe your mother was less than pleased, I apologize on that front."

Mor's brows furrowed as he spoke, that was the last thing she wanted, but she knew he'd understood the underlying question. She chewed her lip trying to find a way in keeping his attention a little longer, than cursing herself when she realized that should be the exact opposite of her worries. With considerable effort she calmed her expression and smiled dipping into another small curtsy. "It has been a pleasure Viscount.. I suppose you are right in I returning to my keeper. I appreciate the time you allotted me. Though I do love to set the rumor mill ablaze." A blue gaze rose to meet his and she let a little of the disappointment show despite the small smile she kept. "I assure you Hasting's is nothing I can't handle." She turned on her heel and left him on that note. Knowing he was watching she made a show of entering back into the ballroom.

Hasting was in fact still speaking with the same fellow she'd left him with. Duke Perrington if she remembered correctly and seven hells if she wasn't bored out of her mind from just watching them. "Hastings, my lord.. Wouldn't you like to dance." She interrupted, which was probably quite stupid on her front but alas here they were.

"Whores should be seen and not heard. Count your stars your lucky to even be here." He seethed under his breath to her and she merely rolled her eyes and found herself wandering away yet again.

 

[Golden Spider]

He shrugged "she will get over it I trust." he was unable to prevent his grin from matching hers. With effort though he schooled it back under precise control finding it strange how it now felt difficult to put on the mask he wore so often in these events. "I assure you the pleasure was all mine." he said and gave her a small bow "I have no doubt that you can handle him, but you shouldn't have to, please just keep it in mind." he watch her leave, his eyes transfixed upon her until she was swallowed by the crowds teeming within the ballroom.

He waited a couple of beats to ensure that nobody would think to associate their arrival back in the ballroom as related before entering himself. his face once again concealed behind a careful expression a mix of vague pleasure, aloofness and haughtiness. His next multiple hours were completely engrossed in the mixing and mingling that was expected of him, pleasantries and compliments as vapid as those who heard them. and stories he had told and heard more times then he could remember. In the rare moments when he was between the various groups and gatherers that demanded his attention he could not help but try to seek out that beautifully brazen dash of crimson in the seas of pastels.

At ten minutes to midnight, the band ceased and as one the crowd turned to the high table where his mother had stood to give her speech. "Thank you again one and all for coming to my this wonderful ball to celebrate my 50th Marking of years, that I am blessed by the Six with so many close friends and acquaintances leaves me dazzled every day. Alas the hour is growing late. and as i am no longer a woman of my 40s I must take my absence from you all, but before I go, let us make our way outside for the light show that we have prepared for you all as we do every year, a brilliant mixture of magics and firework. And of course, feel free to continue to eat, drink and be merry for as long as you wish!" There was a polite applause before the throngs of people starting to move like a sea out of the many doors to the front lawns, courtyards, and gardens surrounding the estate

 

[rainingxme]

Mor was over the theatrics of the evening, she'd attempted to make it to the upper level of the house but the later the evening became it seemed the more guards were stationed about. She had eventually found herself back to Hastings side and thought a bit brazen with his touches he stayed mostly in line. Mor also attempted to keep mostly out of Evond's sight when she was not next to Hastings, though she had found herself searching for the warm gaze. She hadn't expected to like Evond as much as she did and found herself scheming through the idle chatter on how to go about seeing him again.

The silence that fell over the room was instant as Lady Valmont called for their attention. Mor watched on from just behind Hastings, her gaze searching for Evond's. She wondered if maybe he would take his mother's departure as the permission to depart himself. Before she could find him though a strong hand fell at the small of her back and began herding her with the throng of people. She tried to use the crowd to slip away but the hand was heavy with promise. She didn't believe she was going to get away with evading the Duke's advances this evening.

The night air was cold and pricked at her exposed flesh coaxing gooseflesh to the surface. The Duke held her fast as the sky began to spark with glorious lights and colors. Mor leaned back into the Duke and whispered playfully in his ear. "Allow me to fetch us some refreshments my Lord, I do believe we still have a long night ahead of us." The man grinned wickedly and Mor hid the disgust and shudder as he allowed her to go.

Making her way back inside she was glad for the warmth and the quiet of the manor with everyone out enjoying the show. She beelined for the table lined with drinks and downed a flute and then began rifling through her skirts looking for a little sewn in hidden pocket.

 

[Golden Spider]

Evond was planning to make is departure as well once his parents did, the party itself would continue to whimper on for a couple hours until the last couple people who got too drunk off the free libations were founds and thrown onto the street at around 3. He had no desire to see the light show, he had seen many of its like dozens of times before. The one thing that had stopped him however was the sight of Hastings and Natalia among those flowing out to the courtyards. More specifically, the way Hastings was almost frog marching the young woman. Many seemed to be all too aware of what the oaf had likely planned for her, finding a dark corner of the gardens while everyone else was preoccupied with the light show and demanding his payment for allowing the girl to attend the ball on his arm. The fact that most other members of the court just looked the other way incensed him and he soon found himself following

The crowd was cast though and though the estate was vast as well, there was only a couple of doors leading to the lawns, and by the time Evond had made his way outside he had lost the pair. as the skies overhead started to shine and sparkle with the brilliant lights he scanned the crowds for the telltale red. Much to his chagrin when he wasn't able to locate it. but he did soon enough find Hastings himself, and vowed to keep an eye on him. He would not prey upon another woman while he could help it.

 

[rainingxme]

"Finally!" She whisper shouted as she pulled a small vile from the pocket and tapped a few dashes into one of the flutes. She was careful to hold the drugged one in her left hand as she made her way back to Hastings. Thankfully he'd moved towards the outskirts of crowd and Mor found him easily.

"My lord, let us toast. To our fortuitous union." She passed the glass in her left hand over before they clinked. Those ocean blue eyes held the hateful duke's as she slipped her arm around his in a lovers toast and drank deeply. The powder wasn't instant but it did work fast.

"There is somewhere we can slip away to, is there not?" A promising smile graced her lips as she watched the duke's eyes darken with the promise. He grabbed firmly around her wrist and began pulling her from the large crowd.

"I'm glad you know your place girl. My status is not free for harlots." His breath was hot as he spoke close to her ear and her stomach roiled with it's stench.

"Of course my lord." She agreed not wanting to anger him before the powder could take effect.

The gardens were beautiful at least from what she could see in the dark but he led her towards the hedge maze that would block them from view of anyone possibly wandering by. He pressed her against the hedge, the twigs scraping against her exposed flesh and was brazen with his exploring hands. Mor began to count backwards starting from 50.. 49...48..

 

[Golden Spider]

Again he watched as the crowd looked everywhere but at the scene that was obviously playing out amongst them, this time however the light show made for a suitably distracting delight that they could lose themselves in while the more lecherous among them started to enact their final plans

Evond knew full well that Hastings wasn't the only one doing that sort of dance this evening but Hastings had always been a special case. he followed them, staying far enough away so they they would not notice, but still close enough to intervene when necessary

it was when Hastings had pressed her up against the hedge that Evond stepped out of the darkness. "I thought I told you what would happen if i saw you assaulting another girl on my estate Hastings" He spoke as he loomed seemingly out of nowhere, his voice cold and hard, much different then how Morrigan would remember from meeting him in the hallway, this was the voice not of a man but a Duke as he one day would be.

"Fack off you insolent lard!" Hastings shouted as he whirled around on Evond. "This whore is just fulfilling her end of the deal, besides its all willing she knew what she was getting into now its time to pay up."

 

[rainingxme]

Mor cursed silently. "Viscount.. All is well here..." She didn't need Evond getting into a mess because a horny noble thought he was entitled to any lady.

"See the Harlot knows her time is up. So why don't you run along now and let the grown man have his fun." Hastings spat as he turned his attention back to the pretty blonde before him.

20...19...18.. Morrigan continued her silent counting until one of Hastings hands came a little to close." Bloody hell." With practiced efficiency Mor swung her elbow back cracking Hastings right in the nose. "As much as I appreciate-"

"You poor bred bitch." Hastings cursed and lunged for the girls throat. Mor ducked and watched as he went crashing against the bushes.

"The heroics.. I believe I told you I had it handled." She didn't dare take her eyes off of Hastings though. "4..3...2..1.." The Duke swayed as he reached for her again before falling flat on his face and she made a tsking sound. It was then she looked to Evond. "We can't keep running into each other like this." She grinned as if a man didn't just pass out at her feet.

 

[Golden Spider]

Evond shook his head and had started to again approach despite her words having stepped forward when Hastings all but ignored him. A mistake that he would have used to teach Hastings how a real man behaved had the next couple seconds not exploded into sudden action, Soon ending with Hastings eating the dirt. he looked at Morrigan, his face still closed and eyes still furious, though a crack had started to form. "That must have been some punch." Was all he said before bending just to check to see if Hasting was still breathing.

As he stood the mask seemed to have fallen almost completely for her. but he still took the opportunity to kick the man in the stomach before turning to her. "I'm starting to not mind the matters in which we meet, for at least it means that I get to see you again. You certainly did have it handled, But I saw him dragging you away and could not stand idly by. Besides he would have been no match for me, I may not be the best in fisticuffs but he was drunk and is an oaf."

He shot another disdainful look at the prone body, barely resisting kicking him once more, before turning and shooting a brilliant ball of light out of a finger, the light colored in the deep forest green and gold of the Valmont's colors. Within a couple minutes a small group of guards had rushed over to their master's signal for aid. "Stand down fellows, the matter is over, but our friend Hastings has had much too much to drink, get him a carriage, and I do not care much if he gets back home safely." the guards nodded and grinned slightly as well, before hauling the man up and starting to manhandle the unconscious oaf to the drive. His final statement was more of a suggestion then an order, but that too was understood, in that while the guards would of course do nothing illegal, they would also possibly not tell the coach driver to drop him off at the man's own estate, but rather some random street corner. Nothing would be harmed except his dignity and wallet.

As the guards left he turned again to Miss Natalia "now that is over, were you harmed? and ah, I do know something about where Hastings and his ilk tend to find their evening companions, do you have a bed for the evening?"

 

[rainingxme]

A laugh an a shake of her head. "Such flattery Viscount, seems you live quite a boring life if the sight of a common whore is enough to make your day." The words were teasing. A few stray tendrils of blonde hair had fallen loose with the carelessness of the Duke. She used the toe of her shoe to poke Hastings, as if to be sure he was out. When the magic flared Mor pushed herself against the shrubs, shying away. She'd seen magic used before but only from a distance, and part of her wondered if he was signaling for the guards to take her away as well. She did just take out another Duke and it would be in his best interest if he did have her hauled off. She chewed at her bottom lip, a nervous habit that was usually covered by a mask as Evond instructed his guards. At his mention of not caring if the Duke made it home safely she smiled and looked down and toed at the ground. She listened to the departure of the guards before finally looking up to Evond.

"My knight in shining armor." There was a teasing smile but a gratitude shown there. It was clear she'd never been 'rescued' from such a situation, or at least an attempt. "I'm okay." She assured as she stepped a little more out of the shadows of the shrubs. She slid her fingers through her hair, righting some of the loose pieces. "I- hmm" She pondered his question. She did technically have a bed, but with Hastings now gone it was at least an hours walk back to the guild and that wasn't in evening attire. "I suppose I do not.."

 

[Golden Spider]

Evond smiled wryly at her words “ah but you are far from common, you have been the bright spot in an otherwise dreary and boring evening.” He winced slightly as he noticed her shy away from the magic, he should’ve realized how she would have reacted to that, magic was rare nowadays but still common among the upper class, and there were bad apples like Hastings I’ll even among those who had the ability. He took it as a sign of the impression they had already made on each other though that she did not bolt away immediately.

When she revealed that she did not have safe quarters for the evening he had already made up his mind it may have been selfish and slightly possessive but he wanted to ensure that she was safe, at least for the evening, so he just gave a nod. “Then if you wish you can stay the night in one of our many guest rooms. And a driver will take you whenever you would like on the morn. Looks like you will get your tour after all.” He grinned

 

[rainingxme]

"You doth flatter to much Viscount."

There was a bit of a nervous titer. She wondered if she didn't return this evening if Aaron or Xander would actually look for her. "I don't want to impose." She also really didn't want to walk. "If it's not to much trouble.. That would be wonderful." She finally amended.

She let Evond guide her back to the manor. Now that the excitement had calmed the cold had finally settled in. Mor wrapped her arms tight around herself. She examined the garden, it was dark but she could see the beauty in it. She paused by a red rose bush and glanced down at herself. "My mother had a green thumb, she could coax anything to grow, even in the dead of winter." She reached out and brushed her fingers a long the petals with sorrowful smile. "Don't ask me how, I didn't inherit the gift. Quite the opposite actually... It seems all I touch is doomed to die.."

Mor cleared her throat and as if snapped from a trance gave and apologetic smile and started walking again. "Apologies, I'm not entirely sure where that came from." Truth was she hadn't thought of her mother and father in years. She wasn't that young when they had gotten sick and passed, but was young enough that she had to turn to other means of survival. It hadn't been long after that when she met Aaron, and he'd introduced her to Xander. They'd all been smaller then, taken in by Thane, or well, employed by him. Children fit into smaller holes than his grown men, but it was a home which was more than what she had.

 

[Golden Spider]

Evond lead her wordlessly to one of the side entrances back to the estate, while some where straggling off back to their own homes and estates after the light show there were equally as many that had returned back inside for more food, drink and merriment. Indeed the Valmont's parties had a reputation for getting a bit wild after the patriarch and his wife had retired for the evening, even more so back in the days before Evond had become jaded to the whole thing. He smiled slight in the dark, remember one year where there was an incident with a flamingo.

He shook his head slightly to stop himself from going down memory lane, somewhat belatedly realizing that Natalia had paused behind him at a rose bush. After she spoke her looked over at her, suppressing the desire to take her hand, despite how he wanted to it was improper, they still hardly knew each other. "we all have our shadows, I find the rose the perfect metaphor for life sometimes, capable of both beauty and pain"

He shook his head again as they started walking "no need to apologize, after what just happened I am not surprised that you are feeling reflective, that you are not more so speaks of a hard life, where such deeds and encounters are not uncommon, and for that I am truly sorry."

They entered back into the house back within the maze of hallways that he had found her in earlier, before leading her to an otherwise nondescript door revealing a small tight stairwell, obviously intended for servants. As they emerged on the second floor he swept an arm before them "now your promised tour, in truth I don't think you will find it much exciting, the first floor is for the guests for that is where we keep the ballrooms and our little museum of sorts. The second floor here is mostly for various guest and servants quarters. While I am afraid to also insist that the 3rd floor is strictly off limits, being only for family and the closest friends." They started to walk down the hallway, their shoes almost sinking into the plush rug adorning the floor. His word was pretty true, and they passed numerous doors, which he insisted were bedrooms, "Honestly too many of them even on our most crowded we have never had more then a third of them occupied." some small studies intended for use for those temporary guests. and a sitting parlor or two.


Evond then picked a door seemingly at random and ushered her inside to a nicely appointed bedroom, a king size four poster bed took up one end, and the other a small vanity dresser with another door beside it that he quickly explained led to a bedroom. the furnishings were all decorated in the same forest green and gold that made up the Valmont crest. "Since we were not expecting to host anyone tonight the bed is unmade, my apologies" he said then pulled on a servants cord to summon someone. "I will have someone in to make it up." he said before examining her body "and I believe you are likely the same size as Madame Tesbin, I will see if she has nightgown she can lend to you, don't want to get your dress crumpled from sleeping in it"

 

[rainingxme]

“Indeed we do.” Mor was glad when he didn’t make a big deal of the small glimpse into her past, and was grateful as they continued their trek up to the house.

As she glanced around at party goers she made it a point to walk a bit behind the prince. She may plan to steal from him but that doesn’t mean the rumor mill needeth overflow with the scandal of them having been alone with one another. She could see the gossip sheet now. “Viscount Valmont seen with A lady in red.” Which would then follow how she’d arrived on one duke's arm only to go for a Viscount of higher standing. She also didn’t need a rendition of her liking in the paper.

It was only once inside Shadowghast on the second floor that Mor finally stepped a bit closer so they could speak. She listened to his rundown and the fact that the third floor was closed off which as a guest she understood, but as a thief.. She decided to press lightly.

“Are we not good friends?” She mock gasped and placed a hand over her heart. “You wound me, Viscount. After all we’ve been through this evening?” When he turned to look at her he’d see a teasing smile on her face.

The look fell though as he spoke of the rooms never being filled to capacity. “What’s the point of having a space so large then?... Doesn’t it ever get lonely?”

The question came just as he paused to open up a door, the room was massive. Just for the fact it could fit a king size bed. “Are you sure it’s alright if I stay?”

As he went to ring the bell she threw her hands out to stop him but it was too late. Her hands fell to her sides and she flushed. “Sorry, I just don’t want to be an inconvenience. You’ve done much for me already.”

 

[Golden Spider]

“Aye we have been through a bit tonight, but that doesn’t change the fact that we did only just meet tonight. My father will have my hide already for allowing you to stay in the first place, let alone if I allowed you upstairs.” He smiled and put a hand up to ward off the protest that he knew was coming “and before you say anything, I can handle him, he can’t do much after all being his only heir, and I am insisting you stay anyways, I cannot in good conscience let you wander the streets alone at this hour, especially if you have nowhere to go.”

His smile fell slightly as well when she inquired about the size of the estate “it does, our ancestral home up north is even bigger. We had an entire wing to ourselves in childhood. But the bright side is it’s also so large I can easily void our grand duke and duchess if I want to. And most days I do.” He grinned again and gave her a wink

Moments later he once again found himself smiling as he observed her reaction to the room. It was a rare moment that he got to see just how outstanding his position was, this room was ordinary to him, in fact it was one of the smaller rooms in the house. “Again I insist, at this point I would take it as a personal insult if you decided not to stay. And truly it is no inconvenience. The bed must be made, and you surely do not wish to sleep in that dress. And if there is anything else you need or desire you only need to pull that cord yourself, you are a guest.”