The Hand We're Dealt [Lion] [M]

[DragonSong]

"And quite a good job you're doing of it too," she said a little cheekily, flashing him a quick smile. Turning her attention to the dealer, she gave him a much more demure smile and shook her head, politely gathering up what she'd won.

"No, thank you. I think I'd like to try something else." Her interest had been piqued and she looked around the room curiously before switching her gaze back to Maxxen. "What do you suggest?"

[Lion]

The dealer looked glad to be rid of such a small little woman, and her seat was soon replaced with another patron.  Maxxen helped Yvaine cross the room, and though there was laughter and friendly chit chat, in other parts of the room, not to far from them, there was tension brewing.

Maxxen heard them before the fight actually broke out, but even he knew that when alcohol and money mixed, it made a volatile cocktail that was sure to explode at some point.  As much as he liked watching the fights, getting this newcomer involved probably would not prove very prudent for him. 

"You cheating sonuvabitch!  I'll put a fucking hole right through you!" said one man, and he took his glass of brandy and slammed it against the other man's head.  There was a squeal from the woman behind him.

"What a waste of brandy."  Maxxen sighed, grabbed his coat and gestured to Yvaine.  "Shall we get out here, dear?"

[DragonSong]

Yvaine's eyes widened a bit at the sudden coarse language, then she gasped, hand flying to her mouth where there was actually physical violence.

She nodded quickly at Maxxen, eyes still wide, and automatically took his arm. "Yes, that seems like it would be prudent."

There was more shouting and the sound of a scuffle behind her and she flinched, resisting the urge to turn and look. "Is it always like this?" she asked her companion mildly, proud that she managed to keep the surprise and twinge of fear from her voice.

[Lion]

Maxx escorted her from the smoke infested room.  Without looking behind him, he instead observed the ballroom before them, giving a small grin.  That room was starting to stink anyway.  "More or less," he said, chuckling.  He cut his eyes to her.  "You mix booze with money, and it's almost guaranteed.  But I'd say we got out just in time.   And not to mention a woman playing.  Not many men can stand losing to a woman."

With a wink he lingered on the sidelines.  "As fun as that was, I'm glad we both got out with our skins.  Now, shall we cool them out on the dance floor?"

[DragonSong]

She nodded, lips twisting in a bitter little smile. "Yes, I've noticed that about men," she murmured. shaking her head, she glanced between him and the dance floor.

After a moment of hesitation, she took his hand with her demure "little lady" smile. "I would be honored, sir." She actually almost meant it, which was intriguing in and of itself.

[Lion]

He was glad for it, and took her hand, leading her out onto the dance floor.  "I would ask who should lead, but, darling, the way you've handled those cards, I think the answer is obvious isn't it?" he chuckled and whirled her around, as the song began.

It was a lively jig, one that was akin to a waltz but faster and sent them both spinning on their toes as they weaved between crowds.  "My, you're awfully light on your feet!"

[DragonSong]

Yvaine laughed, a light tinkling sound, as he whirled her along. "As are you," she replied with a smile- this one was almost entirely genuine.

She couldn't remember the last time she'd actually had fun dancing. "I must say, I find it a great pity we've never bumped into each other at one of these events before," she told him, eyes glinting. "It's rare to find such an accomplished dance partner. And one so willing to indulge my curiosity."

[Lion]

A laugh escaped him, although it was a tad empty, and he hid his hesitation with a smile.  "Admittedly, I've been between parties for some time," he said, turning again and bouncing lightly on his feet as they turned again.  "Although, I am glad to say to have met you now.  And to restore your faith in dancing partners.  Have many disappointed you in the past?"

[DragonSong]

She glided through the steps, spinning away from him for a moment and then back. "Alas, disappointment in partners seems to be a lady's lot in life," she said without thinking.

Her cheeks flushed and she almost missed a step, but she recovered quickly. "Ah- forgive me. That was rather forward, think nothing of it." Not her smoothest cover up, but she hoped it would do.

[Lion]

He only chuckled at her fumble in words, perhaps not something another gentleman would have done.  "You needn't worry about that, darling.  I admire your spirit, and you shouldn't ever have to suffer disappointment.  Not in the league of dancing partners, mind you.  I hope I can't scavenge whatever remains of the dignity of all men.  That's all I can ask."

[DragonSong]

Yvaine smiled. "Well, you're doing a fine job of it so far, I assure you," she said, eyes sparkling. Letting her head tilt just a fraction to the side, she continued, "Admire my spirit? You know, usually that's just a pretty way of men telling me they think I'm too much of a handful."

For some reason she just couldn't stop saying things she knew she shouldn't.

[Lion]

Her comment was met with another laugh.  It was in genuine humor for Maxxen knew quite a few men just like that.  "If a man can't, how can I put it- tolerate- a lady's synchronicities, then I'd say he isn't worthy of your time.  I can only hope I've proven pleasant company so far."

He smiled and whirled around.  "When I say I admire your sort, the comment is genuine."

[DragonSong]

Giggling a bit as he spun them around, Yvaine found herself smiling at him, a real smile. "Then I thank you for the compliment," she said lightly, eyes glinting. "And you've been the epitome of pleasant company, truly."

It was strange to say something like that and actually mean it. When the dance finished with a a flourish of music, she actually gave a little, disappointed, "Oh..." Tilting her head back and offered a small smile, she murmured, "Thank you for the dance, Mis- Maxx."

[Lion]

At the end of the song, Maxxen bowed deeply and tilted his head at her.  "It's my pleasure, Yvaine.  But just because the music is over, doesn't mean the evening has to end does it?"

[DragonSong]

Dipping into an automatic curtsy, she glanced up at him in surprise for a fraction of a moment, then smiled, nodding. "No, it doesn't," she agreed easily, straightening and taking his arm. With a tilt of her head, she asked, "Did you have something in mind?"

[Lion]

At her question, Maxxen's smile widened, and brow quirked up in a show of white teeth in contrast to the darkness of his beard.  "Do you want to get away from here?"

[DragonSong]

Her eyebrows crept up. "Away from the ballroom?" she asked quietly, "Or..." She gave a gesture of her hand to indicate the party at large. "Away from here?"

She knew what her answer should be, if that was the case, but somehow she found herself considering it. Surely one small act of impropriety wouldn't matter too much...

[Lion]

"Here of course.  This entire party is a bit of a drag.  How anyone can stand these anymore is beyond me, but tonight's lusters has been redeemed only by you, Yvaine.  I'd be glad if you would accompany me.  Your choice of course," he said.

[DragonSong]

Yvaine bit her lip, glancing around. "Well..." She licked her lips a little nervously and looked back to him. Determination suddenly lit her eyes and she nodded. "I would be honored," she said with an easy smile, taking his arm again.

She'd just tell their coachman she was leaving on their way out so her parents wouldn't worry too much. She could get away with that, right?

[Lion]

"Great, shall we?"  he grinned, taking her along with him outside.  The carriage ride away from the estate set them off into the evening, away from glinting lanterns and torches.  Maxxen got comfortable in the seat and took out a cigar

"Oh, sorry.  Do you mind if I light?  Have you ever smoked a cigar before?"