The evening was already alight with laughter and drink, the big event having drawn crowds from all over Adela. A quartet played in one corner, joyful music erupting through the room as guests talked and danced. This wasn't April's first big event at The Randy Peach, oh no, she had been here long enough to know what these nights were like, people got drunk, danced till their feet ached and matched with fellow strangers.
She strolled into the main dining area, the biggest room in the premises having been decorated elaborately as tables displayed food and jugs full of wine made there way from one guests hand to another. Her auburn hair was left down and curled, small white flowers dotting around her hair here and there. Her masquerade mask was black and gold, tendrils of black feathers floating from the top of it, above her head. Her dress matched the mask, the gold lace upon the basque intricate as it cinched her in, the skirting equally as beautiful.
She knew her role here, of course it was another night at work, just...different. She had to make sure all guests were fully...entertained, the smile upon her lips reaped of excitement. But alas, she had no idea who her fellow colleagues were, a few of the regular Peaches easily distinguished from their actions and voice. But it was the more ambiguous ones, those she had not yet met or rarely saw. Tonight would be very interesting.
Schlagen sighed heavily and fidgeted with his mask, the small facial adornment causing him more discomfort than it really had any right to in his opinion. It was just a simple comical demon face, red and black, but it was very heavy for its' size.
Though tonight, he could barely feel comfortable in his own skin, Schlagen held up as best he could. He looked the part of high-end entertainer, but he was nervous about how he would be received by the other Peaches and their customers on his first big event at the establishment. Male courtesans weren't very common from what he understood, and their number might dwindle down by one if he were to slip up or upset any of the patrons in any way tonight.
Wearing his fanciest white dress shirt and having donned a beautiful black leather vest over it, on top of the tight-fitting tan breeches and black leather boots, Schlagen was feeling quite hot in the main dining area. It wasn't cloistered, not just yet, but nevertheless there were enough bodies to make the heat in the room quickly rise.
His eyes darted over to the glint of gold on the other side of the room. An especially attractive courtesan had sauntered into the room, and most of the men in the establishment without women to distract them gazed hungrily over at her. He couldn't remember her name, but her curves and sense of style immediately registered as familiar to Schlagen. Courtesan? Customer? He could not remember. Not that it mattered; making friends is what was primary.
He stopped fidgeting with his mask and ran his hands through his slicked-back hair, making sure it was still in place, then made his way over to the other side of the room. Many of the smaller courtesans and patrons were having trouble getting around in the rapidly filling room, but due to his size he was able to get to where he wanted very easily.
He extended a hand in greeting to the beautiful woman. "Hello, miss. How are you this evening?"
The gentleman who approached her was charming, that and rather, dashing; perhaps it was the leather vest. Her eyes glided over him, face to feet, then back again before they met his, her eyelashes hugged her cheeks as she leant forward ever so slightly. "I am fine, sir." She purred the formality, the man unknown to her, which made the situation all the more interesting.
Of course she knew all men's real intentions in talking to her, it was all small talk, like foreplay to keep the night flowing, keep the tension rising and the steady heat in the room that much more intense. She wasn't naive to scenarios such as these, in fact she relished in them, being a Courtesan for so long has taught her many wise things; skilful things.
"How about yourself? Enjoying the party?" She reached for a goblet on a nearby table, red wine already filled with it. Bringing it to her lips she sipped the liquid, the warm fruitiness filling her senses.
It was hard for the large man not to be instantly spellbound by the woman. Though he prided himself on self-control and coolness even while hot under the collar, beyond being beautiful this woman was exactly Schlagen's type, right down to her voice. Shaking his head as if to clear it, he flashed a winning smile her way in an attempt to combat her charms.
"I'm doing just fine, thank you for asking." He grimaced lightly, a sweaty man behind him nudging up against him lightly and coating his back with foreign body fluids. "Though, it certainly heated up in this room quickly. I'd have thought it would be cool in here this time of year."
He made like her and grabbed a goblet off of a passing server's plate, taking a generous first sip. "So, is this your first time coming to one of these gatherings? I've never been to a masquerade before, I must say it's a little unnerving despite the excitement."
There was something about this man that got under her skin, in a very good way of course, his smile did not go unnoticed and she couldn't help but flash her own. The smile was feminine, playful but mature, the feature to the keen eye would show experience but fun with said experience.
April nudged out of the way from a small group, eager to raid the table of food as they giggled and swooped like hawks at the feast. She came closer to Schlagen now, the smell of her perfume gently permeating in the space between them. "Ah no, I have been to a few. It's unnerving for those less experienced, relax and you'll enjoy it more." She nodded at his drink, that was the culprit of loosening up everyone, the bait for the patrons, it made an evening that much more eventful.
Most would leave when the evening reached its peak, but here, at The Randy Peach, people didn't leave till early dawn. The song changed into a more joyful tune, one April knew well and even knew the dance to, it was tradition at festivities for the song to play and most would know of its origin. She gave a small smirk as she spoke loudly over the music and the guests cheering. "Say, you wouldn't be a man who could dance?" Of course, dancing was just a ploy, an excuse for people to get closer to those who have caught their eyes. An excuse to touch tenderly where in any other situation would be deemed inappropriate, but not here, and not now.
Schlagen nodded enthusiastically, being driven both by the familiar tune and the scent of the perfume that was wafting through the air. "As a matter of fact, I would love to dance." Looking around, he saw the already crowded room was filling up more as the musicians played in earnest, seemingly saving most if not all of their energy for the song.
Downing his cup with great haste and nearly grimacing as he felt it catch in his throat, one gulp too many almost causing him to choke and sputter, he extended his hand to the woman for her to take. "I hope you don't mind if I lead. It's the most familiar position of the dance to me."
What he said was a half-truth. He was more familiar with the lead, but more desired to see what kind of woman she was; how a woman danced was a good example of how she was in other aspects in his experience. And Schlagen was very interested in seeing how she was.
"Of course, I wouldn't expect anything less." She bowed her head slightly, a smile playing on her lips as she took his hand, her fingertips gently caressing his palm as they waltzed out into the already dancing crowd. The dance wasn't difficult, nor was it entirely exciting, but the closeness and the hands gliding on the curves of bodies made the dance a spectacle.
She guided his hand to her waist, modestly placed not too high but not too low, while one clasped his shoulder. It wasn't long before she found his hand again and the movement was innate as they stepped and swayed to the music, in unison with the other guests.
April found herself pressing into him slightly, the dance requiring occupants to be close, and as they stepped backwards together it wasn't long before she found her rhythm, her feet matching his. She looked up at him under long eyelashes, taking time now to take in details, from Schlagen's chiselled jawline, to the blonde slicked back hair.
"You've done this before haven't you?" Her voice was laced with mild surprise at his dancing ability, usually she was good at reading people, but he was turning out to be a slight dark horse.
Schlagen followed suit with her bow, and continued onto the floor with her.
As they placed their hands, Schlagen couldn't help but feel a little thrill climb up his spine at the touch of her hand. It was firm, but gentle, and he could tell that she knew what she was doing as soon as she began to move. Not wanting to be outstripped, he fell into rhythm as best he could, making sure not to be too swift or too lagging.
He gazed down at her as she looked up at him, her mask forcing him to take in what pieces of beauty he could perceive; her eyes, her hair, the curve of her body... he told himself not to get distracted, and continued the dancing with enthusiasm.
Knowing that the whole purpose of the masquerade was to not let on to your identity, Schlagen chuckled a little lowly as he thought of a response to her query. "Yes... err... a hazard of my... profession. It's good manners to be a somewhat decent dancer." Due to already showing interest in her beauty, he was sure that he could pass off his stammering as nervousness or some other thing.
She could tell from how he looked at her, he was trying to clock everything he could, after all that was the fun of a masquerade, you could be anyone you wanted to be for one night. She took note of his stammering, finding it strangely comforting, showing that the situation between them was very much so real. What she wouldn't give right now to know what his profession was, however, it would ruin the whole façade of this evening.
"In my profession, dancing is practically essential." She gave that small smirk again, swaying to the music as it tapered to its climax, the song demanding more from them as they danced. "And before you ask, no...I am not a dancer." She couldn't help but drop him little hints here and there, it would make for a long evening, and one thoroughly enjoyed by both, that she was sure of.
As the dance was leading into the last few movements, Schlagen could feel himself beginning to exert a little. "You may not be one, but you could fool anybody in here as to otherwise."
As the dance came to an end, Schlagen halted before her and panted lightly, the dance taking more out of him than he thought when coupled with the ascending heat. A nearby server passed with goblets of wine once more, and Schlagen praised his good fortune as he grabbed one for both himself and his partner. He made a small face of discomfort as he wiped away light sweat from around his mask, the little thing annoying him with discomfort once more.
He glanced over at her, not knowing what to say. Extending the second goblet to her, he just said whatever first came to mind; "Your mask is very well-made. Mine has been bothering me all night, and doesn't look nearly half as good. I'll have to have you recommend me a maker next time one of these gatherings occurs."
She offered a smile at his compliments, as she sipped from the goblet. "Why thank you, but I am sure you are more tempted to see what is underneath." She teased by playing with the edge of it, her fingers gingerly tugging on the mask, making it slide every so slightly down her nose before she pushed it back up.
She loved exciting evenings like these and with April being an experienced Courtesan, she knew a trick or two to get what she wanted. As she sipped again at the red wine, she looked at the man straight in the eyes, not quite a stare, but not a glance. "I do believe we have no names to go off of? Or are we going to stay strangers for the whole evening?" She gave a small smirk, brushing past him as she moved off the floor as another song sounded, more couples coming to dance.
"I'm not so sure about that," he replied. "The mask adds a sense of... mystery, I suppose is the best word." He took a couple small sips of his own goblet, savoring the taste as it coated his tongue lightly. In his head he remarked at the surprisingly good quality of the wine, the male courtesan assuming that it was cheap swill beforehand due to the volume that was being passed around.
Schlagen nodded to her inquiry, offering a mischievous smirk as he locked eyes with her. "I suppose that's fair. My name is Schlagen, though to get any more information than that from me fair lady, you'll have to work at a lot more than a light dancing session."
He looked around, gazing at all of the guests and watching them in their merriment. "Though, since this is my first gathering of this kind, I'm not really sure what else there is to do around here. Are there any entertainers or the like around?" Thinking for a moment, he flashed another smile at her. "How do you feel about the wine, by the way? I think it's a fantastic vintage."
She found herself agreeing, the mask did add that sense of mystery, everyone here was anyone they wanted to be, of course she was just April, the courtesan, a whore. The wine had already begun its effects on her, the liquid going down a treat as her mind fogged over ever so slightly, her tolerance to alcohol usually fairly substantial.
At his name, she offered her own smirk in remark to his own. "Schlagen you say. The name's April, I do hope this evening proves to be useful in us getting to know each other and I ensure you... dancing isn't my only talent." She lead them to a more secluded corner of the room, able to watch the guests from afar without being in the middle of crowds of people.
"Usually there's a jester or the like that comes around and performs a few tricks, the parties vary every year, each one as spontaneous as the next." At the mention of wine, she looked down at her goblet, then back at Schlagen. "It's your standard wine, unfortunately they haven't got the really good stuff out, too pricey to be sharing you see." Of course The Randy Peach would only offer a very classic vintage nothing too expensive but something that tasted as such.
Schlagen took her hand as she told her name, and he kissed it lightly in a very gentlemanly kind of fashion. "April is a wonderful name, and I look forward to getting to know each other well through the course of the evening."
He scoffed a little at her mention of a jester, though not to be rude he didn't vocalize his displeasure of the sort, but then she said something of interest to him. Her knowledge of the wines the Peach offered alluded to her knowing the ins and outs of the establishment. However, Schlagen brushed it off. No use worrying about something as trivial as the standard wine they had if she knew they had better beverages, especially when the large man had yet to feel the full effect of his drinking.
"Well then, madam April, would you perchance have any way to procure said 'really good stuff'?" he inquired with a small bow and a ready smile, knowing that if she couldn't he could very possibly get it himself. However, if he were to get it himself, he would give away his occupation and likewise his identity, and that was something he didn't want to do.
She cocked an eyebrow as he kissed her hand the chasteness of it sending small shivers up her arm. His compliments just kept coming and she couldn't help but smile, in her profession most men weren't as...gentlemanly, but then they were paying customers, what did she expect?
At his mention of the more vintage wine, she smirked, folding her arms as she did so. "Ah, I do but it's a secret." She gave a wink before taking off through the crowd, slowly enough for him to keep up but fast enough that if he wasn't careful he'd lose her through those who were dancing. She liked to be illusive, a mystery, it made everything more interesting.
Of course she equally liked those who were dark horses themselves, one night of fun usually brings out the spontaneity in people.
Following the mystery woman, Schlagen allowed himself to take in their surroundings for the first time since meeting her.
Everybody was making merry. Dancing and drinking abounded, with people from all walks of life reveling in the merriment. A smile came unbidden to Schlagen's face as he thought that maybe The Randy Peach was all he needed in his new life. It was a wonderful place full of wonderful people. Despite all the pain that many of these people had suffered over the years for one reason or another, they all found solace in each other's company. And the kicker was that none of them even knew who the other was!
Schlagen focused his thoughts again on the woman before him, making sure not to lose her like a fool after having invested so much of his interest in her. "So, April, I must say that so far I'm glad that I chose to spend the evening with you. But curiosity has gotten the better of me; what made you show interest in me as opposed to the other... erm... masked patrons?" He had almost said 'men', but that wasn't always the case at social gatherings and he wanted to keep on her good side.
As he followed her it confirmed her initial thoughts, he was definitely interested in her, despite the mask over her face. "You look like a man who knows what he likes..." She spoke nonchalantly as she reached for a cherry on the table, popping it in her mouth. "And what he wants." She shot him a small glance from above her goblet before taking another gulp.
It was then the room shot into darkness, all lanterns out of light and everyone let out a few audible gasps. A voice rang out in the darkness everybody fumbling and reaching out for the nearest stable thing to hold onto, which for April was Schlagen as she held his arm tenderly. This was the pinnacle of the evening and as the mysterious voice told everyone that they would be in complete darkness for an unprecedented time it added an extra buzz to the already exciting atmosphere.
As people grew more comfortable in darkness, they began to wander, using their other senses to aid them in manoeuvring around other patrons, doors closing here and there as they explored the premises. But all April could do was chuckle lightly, closer to Schlagen than she first had initially intended and spoke audibly. "Well, this is interesting."
Schlagen gently folded his arms around his companion, concerned about the sudden turn of events as the room was plunged into blackness. "What's going on? Do you have any idea what this is about?" His eyes darted around suspiciously despite the fact that he could see nothing. "Why is..."
Before he could say anything else, he was nearly bowled over by other people in the room that were moving about rather rapidly. Grunting with exertion, he pushed back against the unseen patrons and planted his feet firmly so as not to get pushed around. It was difficult, though; the people were moving around him like a stream around a rock, and it was all he could do not to get swept away.
After a couple agitated moments, Schlagen took a deep breath and calmed down. "Interesting is one word for it." He said with the last bit of frustration in his body, only just now noticing the proximity of the beautiful girl in his arms. It didn't matter that he wanted to look at her; something about holding her in the darkness made her even more desirable. Since his arms were already around her, he decided he'd test the waters a bit and squeezed her in a light embrace as he waited for the situation to resolve. "I hope this is over soon."
His embrace, although not sudden, was slightly unexpected. The warmth he emitted and the equally hot atmosphere in the room meant sweat started beading upon her forehead, everyone bumping and brushing up against each other. Some couples took the opportunity as a good one and left to find the rooms of the establishment, after all, they were in complete darkness.
"Not scared of the dark are you?" She teased as she leaned into him, the evening turning into more than just casual drinks and dancing. Of course, that was the incentive when it came to these particular evenings, everyone knew that The Randy Peach didn't have 'randy' in its name for nothing. They expected people to get coupled off, have that one night on the prowl, and resume the next like nothing happened.
It then occurred to April being plunged into total darkness could only mean one thing. Can masks be taken off? Their identities would still be concealed but their faces only 'seen' by touch, it made everything more tactile, more...intimate. Her hands raked up Schlagens chest, as she kept them there, her voice heavy and lingering. "You know...you don't have to wear that dreaded mask any more?"
"The dark isn't what scares me, I'm more concerned of any men or women with sticky fingers prowling about in this gloom." As he said that, he brought his arms back to himself and checked all of his pockets for his belongings quickly. Couldn't hurt to check. Thankfully, nothing was gone, and he breathed a sigh of relief as she implied for him to remove his mask.
Schlagen felt a small rush of excitement and anticipation go through his body, stretching out through his extremities. He smiled and nodded, despite both things being unseen by the subject of his attention, and lifted the mask off, pocketing it in his leather vest.
After the deed was done he brought her hand to his face to feel the lack of a mask, so that she had absolute confirmation in the darkness. "What about yours? Though your mask is a bit more appealing, I'm sure the face beneath it is many times more." He drew his arms around her once more, bringing her a little closer this time, and allowing his hands to roam a little lower on her body to 'test the waters' in a way. He still wasn't quite sure where the night was headed, but things seemed like they were working out well.
The feel of his face sent electric through her fingers, she saw through touch and even though the darkness was added exciting element, so was this, maybe they intended for this. She felt a little overdressed with hers still on, the mask now becoming very irritating and at his compliment she felt herself smiling, the words allowing the sides of her mouth to tug upwards.
"Ah, I wouldn't be too surprised if I were you." She chuckled as he pulled her closer, her fingers wrapping behind her head to undo the straps holding her mask in place, she let it fall to the floor with a small click, no pockets to keep it to her.
"I have a feeling you're the curious type..." She felt like she was close to him, so close that when she spoke he could probably feel her breath upon his skin, her touch was delicate and now that her face was exposed, she found herself guiding his hand to her face. "I take that back, in fact I know you're the curious type, otherwise you wouldn't have come here tonight." Despite the darkness blurring all features she couldn't help but smirk, slowly she was breaking him down, finding out his persona and the way he looked. So far, she liked what she 'saw'.
Schlagen was growing restless in the dark room.
Though he could feel April's breath on his face (which pleasantly smelled of the wine they had been drinking), he still could not see her clearly and the darkness was quickly wearing out its' novelty. He smiled at her words, her observant nature being evident as she dressed his personality down with ease. "Curiosity has always been a trait of mine, I suppose. I'm just glad it hasn't turned out to be a weakness as of yet. Though your own curiosity is apparent, madam."
Peering through the dark, Schlagen thought he could make out the outline of a doorway in a hall not ten feet from where they stood. Taking the initiative, he grasped April's hand and began to walk towards it. "There appears to be some light at the end of this hall, maybe we could find a room and talk about further matters a bit more... privately."
Turning the knob, Schlagen was very pleased to find it was not locked. The room was reasonably spacious and simple in furnishing, but had a nice feeling to it. Adorned with a queen sized bed, two nightstands upon which dimly glowing lanterns and a decanter of wine sat, and a dresser with a vanity mirror on it, the room was clearly one of many set up to pair off the guests visiting the establishment this evening.
Schlagen did not turn around to view April, feeling it was only polite to wait for her go-ahead, and instead uttered "Would you mind staying with me in here, so that we could discuss things further?"
She followed him into the room, if it weren't for him guiding her along by her hand she would be lost in the darkness, bumping into God only knows what. There was something about the way he said privately that made her insides swell, perhaps it was a simple getting to know her but she knew even that lead to 'other things'.
"Of course, what other things are we to discuss?" She closed the door behind them with a click. The dim glowing lanterns offered silhouetted lighting against cabinets, the bed and themselves. She approached Schlagen now, a hand tenderly touching his arm and her auburn hair almost seemed on fire in the dim lighting.
She knew why she was here and what she were to do tonight, she was here for pure entertainment value as were the other courtesans. Still not having seen his face she grew ever more curious, the masks had been exciting, but this took excitement onto a new level. She waited for him to turn, to face her, to see the face she had been speaking to this whole evening.
Feeling her hand on his arm, Schlagen turned around to see her, his anticipation getting the better of him. Though he fully expected April to be beautiful, his breath was taken away as he observed that no mask in the world could have done justice to the visage before him. As some sort of unspoken courtesy, Schlagen took the hand from where she had placed it on his arm and tenderly kissed it, this time indulging her with a deep bow so they were eye to eye as his lips touched her skin. "You truly are unparalleled in beauty, madam." Was all he was able to squeak out, a smile playing across his features as he savored the sight of her.
Breaking off the encounter before anything further happened, Schlagen deemed that despite her looks it would be wise to learn more about this woman. He crossed the room to get the decanter of wine, sat upon the bed, patting the empty space next to him as a signal for her to sit, and opened a bottom door in the front of the nightstand to find glasses for their drinks. Much to Schlagen's delight, two fine crystal goblets with ornate swirls of dusted silver and gold sat within the stand. Picking them up with great care, he filled both cups about three quarters of the way with a slow, practiced pour before saying anything more.
"So... I don't even know where to begin." Schlagen let out a nervous chuckle, not wanting to turn the situation awkward. Figuring even a simple question would be better than silence, he blurted out "Do you have any hobbies?". Immediately thinking the question was rather silly, he mentally winced at himself and hoped she wouldn't think ill of him.
As he looked at her, she too looked at him. She had to say, his looks did indeed catch her breath in her throat making her eyes scan everything from that chiselled jawline (that she has grew to love) to his cerulean eyes. There was something incredibly alluring about him, and she found herself drawn to him, as if she were someone being captured.
At his kiss and his words she offered a thankful smile, her eyes dancing over his form in the dim light. "You are too kind, although I wouldn't say unparalleled." She was being modest now, the exchange between them like electricity, sparking the room with flattery. She looked at him under thick lashes and as he moved signifying for her to sit upon the bed, she did so, with simple grace.
She crossed her legs and leaned back, her nails scraping across the silken fabric of the sheets. As she took her goblet from him, she sipped it with a smile, the wine much more of a finer vintage than what they had been drinking previously. "My hobbies?" She looked at him quizzically, bringing a finger to her mouth in thought as she looked up at the ceiling, more of those ornate swirls in gold embellished over it.
"Well, I don't have many, I guess dancing, but you already knew that." She threw him a playful wink before chuckling. "What about you? I am sure you are far more interesting." She sat straight, drumming her fingers against her goblet in patience, awaiting his answer.
He took a gulp of wine as they continued their stare down, and made a mental note to get this particular wine delivered to his room when he had clients. Other than the fabulous taste, a slight tingle on the tongue and rush of blood to the head let the male courtesan know that the alcohol content of the beverage was nothing to shake a stick at. Schlagen chuckled a little. "Well, truth be told, I was a carpenter before my current profession. I'm pretty handy with a set of tools, though I'm not quite as in practice as I used to be. I'd have to work some rust off."
He almost reflexively began stretching his back out, rotating his shoulder blades as he felt a ghost of an ache on his back. After a life of hard labor, relaxing made his body sore in a strange way, almost as if his muscles were pleading with him to use them as he once had. Doubtlessly fit and trim to any that set eyes upon him, he was not in the best shape of his life.
Letting his eyes roam across the room (and across her, pausing at her legs several times), Schlagen continued. "I'm sure you weren't born into this either. If it's not too much to ask, do you have any old jobs before your current occupation? I'd hate to pry, but I definitely would remember you if I had met you before. I wouldn't know anything about your past, so we could still be... strangers." He said this last with a smile that held a hint of mischievousness within it, his face making it clear it were something more sensual than charming now.
She smiled in thought, and listened to his story of his past, and as he reminsced she too could see him picturing everything from the smell of a carpentry to the hard labour that came with it. She noticed how he stretched out, the action almost like something from the past as he remembered and she couldn't help the smile that creeped up onto her lips, as she looked at him with a tender gaze. "You seem to miss it." She too found herself leaning back, more out of relaxation than reminiscing.
"As for I, sorry to disappoint, my past pretty much started with my current profession." April was a closed off person, sure she could flick her hair, bat her eyelashes and let her smile consume another man, but it was all a facade to hide a dark past, something even she tried to forget. She brushed it all of nonchalantly, shrugging her shoulders and chuckling. "My life has always been about what I do as a job, and I ensure you, I am quite good at it." She gave Schlagen that look, she noticed his tone, the way he looked at her, she wasn't stupid, being observant was all part of the trade and if he could play at this game, so could she.
Finding his glass to be running down, Schlagen made sure to refill his own and to top off hers. "I do miss carpentry, it was... fulfilling work. Not that my current profession isn't, I mean, it's very satisfying. In completely different ways, of course." He ran a hand through his hair and inched closer to her on the bed, their legs almost touching. "Carpentry just had this power to it. It makes you feel strong, like you can rely on yourself to do things. I'm sure tailors and blacksmiths feel the same way when they craft their works." He took a swig of the wine, smacking his lips a little loudly as the alcohol began to effect his actions. He made a little frown for a moment, saying "I really hated making doors, though."
He glanced at her for a moment, then burst out in a little laugh. "Sorry, so sorry. I didn't mean to ramble like that. Mentioning you were good at your job got me to thinking is all. So, umm... ramble to me about something. I hate to be the only talker in a conversation."
As he talked, his arm snaked its way from his side and found its way behind April, circling behind her but not wrapping around her. He wanted to put it on her shoulders, or to play with her hair... but as relaxed and confident as this woman was, was it really okay to just hold her without a go-ahead? Schlagen considered it for all of two seconds before deciding to throw caution to the wind, and wrapped his arm around her shoulders in a tight but painless squeeze.
She smiled as the vintage in her glass reached the top once again, causing her to sip it impulsively, the rich, fruity flavour tingling her lips. As she listened to him, she found it comforting to know he was passionate about something, carpentry was not a labour to be taken lightly, it meant long days of work and often physically demanding, at that she couldn't help but let her eyes flutter over his frame.
"Perhaps you'll have to show me some time." She smile, placing a hand over his with a reassuring squeeze. She loved ramblings, it made people themselves, got onto more detailed subject, it let her get to know the person. "Hmmm, ramble eh?" Although she wasn't much of a rambled herself, more of a straight to the point type of lady, she racked her brain for a subject to pluck from one of the many.
"So, be honest, what drew you to this party? Most people are here for the same reason." She sipped from her glass, sighing as she leaned back into his arm. "And more importantly, what drew you to me?" She couldn't help but add it in, with a little smirk.
Schlagen felt a bit panicked for a moment. He couldn't tell her that he was at this party as one of the entertainers the Randy Peach had organized to be present, as that would give away everything and completely destroy the mystique and wonder of the evening. Not one for thinking on his feet, Schlagen wracked his brain for a possible explanation as he hurriedly drank his wine, the alcohol doing very little in the way of helping his thought process.
"Well, you see..." He began, figuring he'd just throw out the first thing that came to mind and trying to make it convincing, "My... father is a... traveling merchant who has business Ketra, which we took care of earlier today. We heard about the masquerade going on tonight and couldn't help but stay an extra evening." Schlagen took another deep gulp of his wine to calm his nerves after the hopefully convincing story, then covered all his bases cleanly. "My father went off with a courtesan an hour or so before I met you, so that's why I was in the room looking lost when you came in."
Smiling down at her, he added, "As for why I was drawn to you, not to be blunt but I think that's readily apparent at this point." He locked eyes with her and stared with intent, the hand placed on her shoulder squeezing lightly and his thumb rubbing her shoulder blade in a slow and methodical massage.
"I see." The taste of wine grew less noticeable, especially when at the very precipice of her mind was the fact that the methodical motions of his thumb was strangely very relaxing. She found herself arching her back slightly, allowing him access to marvel at the curve. "You have flattered me ample amounts this evening." Long lashes looked at him above the curve of the crystal goblet, the dazzling colour of her eyes flickering against the dim light.
"I'll have to repay you somehow." She was almost toying with him, a careful balance between being alluring and tastefully flirtacious. She liked the conversation, how sentences slowly drew smaller and smaller through the evening until there was nothing left to say apart from two bodies entwined in the nights activities. This wasn't foreign to her, and she could tell nor was it to him, how bold he were to touch her, despite it being cavalier and careful, yet forward.
Her hand gently found his, as her palm caressed his hand and her eyes roamed his body, slowly enough so that he'd notice. "Have you travelled far to be here today? Or a local?"
The male courtesan froze up for a moment, combating his drunken state to think of an appropriate response, ironically taking a sip of the strong wine to buy more time. "Well, I did travel far to get here, but as of a couple hours ago I'm an established local." He smiled at her, the rubbing of her shoulder becoming more involved, his entire hand engulfing her slender shoulder and massaging it with a graceful strength born of years of carpentry experience. "I don't flatter you, madam, only speak the truth to you. You don't have to repay me for anything."
Downing his wine, Schlagen decided against drinking for a little while. Though he loved to drink to be more social with his clients, he didn't want to be sloppy with this woman, and he was dangerously close to the point where he'd be making an ass of himself. As it stood, it was impossible for him to keep his eyes off of her face or her body. With a little rush of excitement, he realized that she was stealing a glance or two at him as well, albeit a lot more reserved and slyly than himself.
Ceasing his massage, he wrapped his arm fully around April and shook her lightly to get her attention, locking eyes with her immediately. It was hard not to be pulled in, the pools of darkness with flickering candlelight having a nearly gravitational appeal. Without a thought, Schlagen blurted out, "You're beautiful, you know that?"
Ahh, so he travelled. Which also meant he may be foreign to the Adelan ways of...seduction. Although, the touch of his hand upon her shoulder suggested otherwise and she round herself slowly being drawn to him, like a moth to a flame.
His sudden words caught her by surprise, a small blush creeping up upon her cheeks. Of course, the action was innate, but the words were not unique to her. Many men had told her of her beauty, the way she presented herself, a strong, effortlessly graceful woman. Being a whore meant one thing, and that was if you didn't look the part, acting the part made it a whole lot more difficult.
"Thank you Schlagen, I have to say, your words drew the breath from me for a second." She spoke after a few creeping seconds something about his faded silhouette rousing something deep within her. She cleared her throat, bringing her hand to her mouth. "I wonder when they plan to light the place up again." She was speaking without thinking, and even though she knew the answer already, it was something to keep the conversation going, something to hear his voice another time.
Schlagen actually paused for a moment, having been wondering the same thing at the back of his mind. Not that being caught with a woman of such beauty was anything but good, he suddenly remembered that tonight he was supposed to be helping the other new courtesans relight everything in a few hours' time, eliciting a small groan. "Probably in a couple hours." He muttered with a heaviness in his heart.
The weight upon his breast lifted as soon as he looked upon her again. He didn't know what it was, but this woman was something special. It certainly wasn't the drink, he thought to himself, though it would be nice if clients could be half as beautiful as the creature before him whilst he was drunk.
A sudden impulse occurred to him. He knew he shouldn't, but maybe... He knew her reactions fairly well at this point, or he would like to think he did. Why not, what's the worst that could happen?
Craving more than her voice, Schlagen moved in swiftly and placed his lips upon hers, surprisingly tender in relation to the amount he had drank. His hand upon her shoulder clutched lightly so that it felt more like comforting squeezes as opposed to a grip meant to keep her in place, praying that she would reciprocate as a cavalcade of emotions ran through him.