A Spoonful of Sugar Helps the Medicine Go Down [Goblin]

[Juno]

Still not realizing what she was to the province nor whom she was Akakios could only frown at the emotional chains that so obviously bound her. It was truly such a shame that such a beauty be so unhappy and unfulfilled when there was so much more to the world than one single province. He had nothing constructive to offer concerning her choice so he let it lie, there was no reason to prolong something that seemed to so obviously bother her as a topic of conversation.

That she reached out to him again was encouraging, at least, the proud smirk returning as he seized her hand with his own. "A whole night? You spoil me, Lady Dvorak," the vampire murmured, the curl of his lips quite predatory as he bent to press a kiss to her hand and then another to her cheek to seal it as a promise.

He hovered there, though, lingering far longer than any proper gentleman ever should have as he drank in the sight of the slight, milky column of her throat. It was so delicate, so easily damaged or broken and yet so easily accessible to such a damned creature as he.

"We could even slip away now," he suggested throatily, his hand firmly grasping hers with no intention of letting her go. Caught up in his weaknesses, though, Akakios was oblivious to how long they'd already been away from the other attendees. He was completely unaware that the host and hostess of the event had already exited the hall and were searching for their guest of honor.

"Lady Dvorak!" came the distant call of the lady of the house, the sound leaving the vampire gasping and refocusing on the present situation and how close he'd been to latching on to his prey.

Straightening, Akakios loosened his hold upon her hand so that he was not so nearly crushing it as he cast a curious glance over his shoulder. The sound of hurried footfalls approaching them caused him to drop her hand altogether with one last, regretful glance to the High Lady's throat.

[GoblinFae]

She stilled as he pressed a kiss to her cheek, her lashes fluttering lower as a shadow of a smile tugged at her lips. With her brother literally close in mind, Amleah felt safer than most women against a gentleman's private affections. After all, she was never truly alone. However, that is not to say that she did not recognize the predatory quality of the nobleman before her. Although she could not exactly put her finger on it she did see that he was different than other men who sought her attention. It felt as if he was hunting her in a way not so different than she had seen her own twin hunt others in his pursuit of greater and grander. She knew then not only to be keen but that their game included a most worthy adversary.

Amleah sighed softly in put-upon disappoint at the call of her name, her head turning to the side and her lashes fluttering as if to gather herself once more. Her hand was dropped from the man's grasp moments before the lady of the house rounded the corner and came upon them.

"There you are, Lady Dvorak!" the woman exclaimed, clapping her hands together. "We thought we lost you." Amleah gave the woman the small, bored smile of the aristocracy before replying, "and Akakios was kind enough to find me. He was just escorting me back. I hope that I have not ruined your evening my dear and that you can forgive me."

"Oh no, no my lady! Please think nothing of it! We all know how jealous men can be about their shinning ladies," the older woman simpered, offering Akakios a wink. "But come, come the select guests have already gathered in the parlor to hear you! Oh I must say it truly is an honor. I can barely contain my excitement!"

Amleah nodded along politely as she was escorted by their hostess, her arm linked with Akakios' by her own design. The High Lady purposely maintained the required distance of etiquette as she allowed him to lead her. However, she did manage to offer him a gentle squeeze of the forearm before they entered the small room where not only where their host was awaiting them but also her brother, a few of the more distinguished guests, and the man Amleah was nearly certain had been seated beside Akakios and conversing at length with him.

[Juno]

Had he been a younger man Akakios might have been embarrassed to be found out, but he was more agitated than anything that his potential meal had been ruined. Those emotions remained firmly locked away, though, as he smiled politely to their hostess as though nothing had happened at all.

He used the moment she turned away to recover and collect himself and flash a smirk at the unknown High Lady. He would have his chance later, he was sure.

Akakios led Amleah confidently, quite proud that she'd wanted them linked so badly still. He glanced down to her for the squeeze before they stepped in as if it were nothing at all and he was not making an entrance with the guest of honor. Looking about the room he saw many of the same people that had been gathered near their head of the table at dinner. One particular individual caught his eye, though, and the vampire firmly made eye contact with Ro'or.

He gave a short pat to Amleah's arm while maintaining it, leaning to whisper a few words of promise at her ear to meet her later before releasing her to her duties. As soon as he was free, though, a familiar arm was swiftly yanking him away from the High Lady as a light smack connected to his well-cushioned shoulder.

Lucas leaned around his friend with the an apologetic smile, ushering the vampire lord away towards their pair of empty seats as if he was scolding a naughty child. "Please forgive him, Your Ladyship. He is not from the west and seems to have forgotten his good manners upstairs with his luggage. Again. My sincerest apologies for his behavior."

The younger noble shot his friend a no-nonsense glare and while Akakios did not always abide by Lucas's warnings he thought better of challenging him in front of so many others. A scene was not what he wished to cause when he had intentions of sneaking away with the mysterious beauty once her obligations were realized.

Akakios allowed himself to be herded and seated properly. He did not understand the reason for the few snickers and bit of muffled whispering he heard from the other guests but he did not trouble himself over it. For all he knew they were simply jealous that he'd managed some private time with their special guest, though he'd yet to realize just how special she was to her people.

"You're despicable," Lucas hissed at his ear, the harsh words only earning him a smile from the vampire. "Have you no shame at all? You're going to be thrown out if you aren't careful. And me by association," he warned. Akakios merely grunted in acknowledgment, not truly wishing to engage his friend in any heated conversation over something he saw as silly.

Why should anyone care that he sought a bit of fun with a singer?

[GoblinFae]

Amleah smiled knowingly at his words before allowing her attention to alight upon his companion with a small amount of amusement. She even tittered slightly at his jest before she was forcefully moved away by her dark twin. Ro'or leaned down to his sister's ear, drawing her in close as if trying to reconcile with her when he was instead commending her on her little play-acting.

"You have done quite well, little sister," he whispered into her ear.
"He is not what he seems."
"Indeed."
"He wishes to meet with me later."
"Proceed with caution," he directed, "I'll intervene if necessary."
"As you wish," Amleah responded demurely but a bit louder, stepping away from him to face the room as the lady of the house hurried to hush them and gain their attention. Ro'or slid his arm down to wrap loosely but possessively about her waist.

"Ladies, Gentlemen please may I have your attention," the woman called, continuing only once the room had fallen quiet. "Now as you all know our ball this evening has been held in honor of our esteemed guests Lord and Lady Dvorak." The woman motioned towards the couple who nodded politely in acknowledgement as a small amount of clapping echoed about the room. "Now, what you may not be aware of is that the lady of the hour has been so gracious as to accept an invitation to sing for us this evening. I'm sure you all remember her lovely voice at the induction ceremony, right?"

Many of the guests murmured in delight at the news. "Now then without anymore fanfare, let's give her ladyship newly-elected High Lady the respect and attention she deserves." The clapping in the room grew louder as Amleah smiled warmly and give a small curtsy before drawing away from her brother whose eyes remained firmly upon Akakios.

"Thank you Lord and Lady Wechsler and company. I am most honored by your kindness and hope to serve this province proud, and not only with my singing," she jested, much to everyone's amusement. "The song I shall sing for you tonight is a very old one called The Rose and The Sword," Amleah stated, knowing that it would entice the man interested in her more to hear her sing in the old tongue.

After taking a deep, calming breath the High Lady let the notes slowly and softly flow off her tongue like dew of a blade of grass then faster and louder as the passion of her singing and the words consumed her. Amleah gave it her all as she sang without accompaniment and still managed to captivate the room into pure silence and stillness with the beauty of her song that spoke of pain and loss, of bittersweet love and longing.

When at last it came to an end though, her eyes fluttering open it was to a room that echoed expressions of awe and wonder. She even spotted a few tears in the corner of some eyes as she surveyed the room with a serious expression. Amleah knew that the song was not well-known among the nobles as it had fallen out of popularity long before she was born but it was still one that she had loved her mother to sing in her youth.

Her brother's strengthening touch at the small of her back drew her back to the present though and allowed her to look away with a shy smile that broke the spell about the room as guests clapped and stood to crowd her once more in a clamor for attention. She answered every question as expected of her but her dark stranger was never far from her thoughts as she searched for him out of the corner of her eye.

[Juno]

Akakios turned amused eyes upon Ro'or for his blatant staring. It seemed clear enough to him that Lord Dvorak was not pleased about his interest towards his fairer half, but it was the sort of jealousy he was used to. He'd been through similar rituals enough to care very little what was personally thought about him or whatever rifts he assumed he was exacerbating between the assumed couple.

There was very little that surprised the vampire anymore, but Lady Wechsler's announcement about the woman who'd caught his attention had his eyes flickering to land on the one who was to perform. The briefest look of panic crossed his eyes as he swallowed, a little nervous for the first time that night. Honestly, for the first time in recent memory. No wonder Lucas had been so antsy. He should have known there was something more to her.

Glancing to meet the proud "I told you so" smirk of his friend the nobleman glowered briefly before Amleah drew his attention again with her use of the old tongue and the particular song she would be singing for them. It was one he knew well and had a good bit of nostalgia towards for its popularity in his younger years.

Those feelings did not spark the same emotion from him as the rest of the room, but he could certainly acknowledge that she held a talent of rare quality and natural beauty. His entire being was filled with an unusual warmth, his expression changing subtly from stoic to one of pride and admiration for its duration.

The pair looked on as she was swarmed once more, patient and willing to wait for the chance to speak more privately with her. They clapped politely for her performance and Akakios turned to whisper at Lucas's ear. "My friend you have harmed me terribly by not making the presence of a High Lady more clear. I'm afraid I've soundly embarrassed myself to her already," he told him, though he certainly did not think his chances with her ruined. Far from it.

"Perhaps your ego should have wondered what sort of guest was more important than yourself or I," Lucas pointed out, chuckling as he tilted his head to cast a brief, admiring glance at Amleah.

"I thought it was your job to inform and not mine to wonder," the vampire jested.

Once the crowd began to thin the lesser nobles were bid their well wishes and farewells as they left them to return to the main hall for their gathering. Akakios leaned back to lounge relaxed and comfortable in his chair as his eyes trained upon the younger noble, watching as he rose to approach the High Lady before his dark eyes lingered upon the woman herself.

"What a beautiful performance, Lady Dvorak," Lucas praised warmly, bowing his head briefly out of respect. "You are so talented, and dare I say I've never once heard a song that could match yours."

[GoblinFae]

It was a great relief, though she did not show it, when the majority of the guests returned to the party and left the High Lady in a more tranquil room. The appearance of Lucas drew a true smile to her lips as she greeted him eagerly. "Many thanks, Mister Renwick. You flatter me with such unwarranted praise. I am glad you were able to enjoy it though, that is a great relief." Amleah smiled, leaning in conspiratorially before continuing. "I do believe Mister Renwick that that formal introduction you were wishing for can be arranged now." She giggled slightly behind her hand, her eyes darting over his shoulder to where Akakios remained. "Unless of course you no longer wish to do the honors."

[Juno]

Her reminder caused a flash of realization across his face and the nobleman turned to follow her gaze. He gestured for Akakios to join them with the most sickeningly-sweet smile the vampire had ever seen from him. Lucas was enjoying himself, though perhaps a little too much at his own expense for his social floundering that evening.

"Of course, Your Ladyship, long overdue as I'm sure you're already quite well acquainted. This is Akakios Reolaras, my business partner and dear friend," Lucas introduced, his hand outstretched towards his friend as the vampire rose to approach them at last.

"A pleasure, My Lady," he greeted, unable to hide the mirth from his eyes despite how polite his smile was. The taller man bowed to her deeply from the waist as though they hadn't been joined for the better part of the evening already. Perhaps he could make up for lost ground on the formalities if she really saw them as so important. Somehow he doubted it, though, if a High Lady was willing to bestow her people with song.

Lifting his eyes to her dark-haired twin he was unable to hide the smirk twitching at his lips. "Lord Dvorak," he greeted gently, bowing his head in the much smaller display.

[GoblinFae]

Amleah smiled knowingly, her eyes crinkling with her silent mirth as she leaned back into her stuff brother. Ro'or only raised his chin at the greeting, a look of smug satisfaction clearly displayed across his own features. "In your absence, Mister Renwick here was just telling me all about your business ventures together," he began, addressing Akakios without so much as a 'how-do-you-do.'

"Would your reason for coming here tonight then be that you are looking to expand your holdings into Tirial? Or are you searching for stock to suit your personal tastes? I cannot imagine why else you would travel so far for a lesser nobles ball unless of course it was on the off-chance of meeting our precious High Lady whom you seem to have known nothing of."

Aforementioned High Lady placed a restraining hand on her brother's chest, looking up at him in a silent plea to behave. "Ro'or dear you're beginning to sound quite rude. Please don't insult my new friends. They're my only company for this evening now that you've scared everyone else off," she teased, causing the other man to look down at her and kiss her forehead. "I do hope you can forgive him Mister Renwick and Mister Reolaras," she apologized smoothly, smiling at Lucas indulgent glimmer and a slight rolling of her eyes.

"As her ladyship commands," Ro'or murmured softly though there was a knowing glint to his eyes still as he met Akakios' gaze and pulled his twin against his chest. "Gentlemen perhaps if you are not opposed and as the lady has noted already I have seemed to scare off her other company, would you both be so kind as to join us for a drink and a sit down? Unless of course you are quick to wanting to return to the dancing and gossiping?"

[Juno]

Akakios was unfazed by Ro'or's blatant rudeness and blunt questioning. He wasn't required to answer any of it, after all, and a quick glance to Lucas confirmed to him that his friend had not revealed all that much to the Tirialian man.

"It's no trouble at all, really," Lucas assured her, smiling kindly as he shot an amused look Ro'or's way. So long as he didn't anger the vampire he thought they might get along quite well. Both had a gift for banter, it seemed, and Lucas was quite comfortable sitting back to let them hash it out. It seemed the adviser would be winning this round.

Akakios smiled politely enough as he watched the exchange. Frankly he was surprised Ro'or was not being any worse to him after all the time he'd spent with his assumed lady, province leader or otherwise. "That would be wonderful," Akakios agreed. As much as he hated the thought of consuming anything in their presence he knew he could handle wine quite well. He'd done so at the table so what harm could a bit more do?

"I certainly don't mind. A bit of a rest from all that would be nice," the younger noble sighed, smiling goodnaturedly as he glanced to the door. "Is there somewhere more...private we should go, then?"

[GoblinFae]

"Excellent," Amleah declared as she took control of the conversation and looped her arm with Lucas' arm, "our hostess has been kind enough to allow me access to one of her private sitting rooms during my stay here should I feel the need to conduct state business or retire from the rigors of my position. I believe it should suit us all quite nicely at the moment. Shall we?" she more commanded rather than asked the group before allowing the young nobleman on her arm to walk with her.

Ro'or nodded to Akakios as if to politely invite him to follow first but there was none of his sister's warmth in the gesture. She on the other hand decided to ignore the silently warring pair and instead turned her attentions to Lucas. "Now Mister Renwick it seems that while I have spent a great deal of my evening with your companion I have not been as fortunate as to speak long with you. I dearly hope you do not mind sharing the honor of your company with me." Her expression was that of innocent worry as she looked at him with wide eyes and a slightly furrowed brow.

[Juno]

Lucas led her effortlessly enough, quite familiar with the layout of their hosts' home already. He paid no mind to the presence of the vampire falling into step to walk directly behind them and instead turning a beaming smile to the High Lady for the special attention she deemed to bestow upon him in the moment. "I would be delighted, of course," he assured her, reaching quite comfortably to rest his hand upon her arm.

"Though I assure you it is I who has the honor of your company," he chuckled, ignoring the sudden, barely audible growl of the man behind him. "I hope you've had a pleasant evening thus far, though. I promise I only hope to improve upon it."

"What do you know of our business?" Akakios finally asked Ro'or bluntly. "Truthfully Mister Renwick is quite the distracted little chatterbox so I cannot even begin to assume I know a thing he's possibly told you."

[GoblinFae]

The High Lady chuckled, leaning into the man holding her arm as she did. "Now, that is a high order to live up to. I certainly hope you can make good of your promise, Mister Renwick. Improvement on an already delightful evening would be quite a feat. Then again you seem like a delightful individual yourself. I think we may have quite a bit in common actually that can spark some even more enjoyable conversation." With a slight glance behind herself to her brother and Akakios she then leaned in to whisper conspiratorially to Lucas. "I do hope my Ro'or has not grilled you in my absence. I know he does not always have the gentlest of dispositions."

Meanwhile, Ro'or himself remained unaffected by the other nobleman's brusque attitude and instead focused his amusement and attentions upon his sister sashaying ahead of them. "Women are quite fickle don't you think?" he commented nodding towards Amleah as she leaned closer to Lucas giggling and whispering like a little bird. "Always flitting about from man to man, never staying resting for long."

He shook his head as if brushing the thought aside. "Now, I don't think that's a fair assessment of your business partner. I found Mister Renwick to be far from distracted. On the contrary he seemed to be a rather focused and concise individual in both manner and speech unlike someone else who has seemed to have taken an interest in things that can belong to him."

[Juno]

"Oh, no, not too terribly," Lucas chuckled, glancing over his shoulder at her darker twin. His eyes quickly returned to her, though, twinkling for the challenge. "I am curious what you think we have in common, Your Ladyship. Besides, of course, enjoying pleasant company. Have you...heard much of me, then?" he asked, remembering her implication at the dinner table.

Akakios chose not to comment on his observations. It was bad taste to voice his opinions, after all, with a lady right in front of them and very clearly within earshot. "He does that when he's serious," the vampire sighed, shaking his head before giving Ro'or an appraising look. "I can only guess he holds you in high regard for some reason or another." His eyes flicked to Amleah, only to imply that it was not that Lucas respected him but his relationship with the High Lady.

He did take notice of the way he seemed to speak of possession again. He was curious how honest Lucas had been about him or if this Ro'or was just fishing with gossip. "I came to your lovely Tirial as a favor to Mister Renwick. He seemed to feel I would do well to meet a few people here and- Well, I believe introductions have been properly made now." His lips curled in a smirk, eyes still wandering to Amleah with a vague glimmer of hunger.

[GoblinFae]

"That is excellent to hear then," she replied softly. "I am ashamed to admit that I am afraid I have only heard bits and pieces in passing of you. I am looking forward however to hearing more directly from the man of mystery himself. That is of course," Amleah added with lowered lashes and a coy blush, "if said gentleman is willing to share."

"Yes," Ro'or replied to Akakios, dryly, "some reason or another." He had no missed the jab but took it in stride with a pinch of amusement rather than linger on it. "And do you find you agree with Mister Renwick's assessment then? Was it worth your while to travel to our humble little province?"

[Juno]

"Oh don't be ashamed!" Lucas laughed softly and patted her arm gently with a quick wink.

"It speaks to the quality of the company that you keep if they are not huge gossips about me. I am of little importance compared to a fair lady of the ruling class." It was out of the question in his mind that he was simply not well-known, even in Tirial which was so distant from his own homeland. "I would certainly be willing to share. I only wonder what it is you would like to know. Did anything in particular pique your interest?" he crooned.

"Of course. He always chooses well," Akakios murmured, eyes lingering on the back of the High Lady's head and sweeping down the column of her neck, "and this is a beautiful province. Though...I would not call it humble." He finally broke his spell to glance at the man at his side. "At least not all of her people... Perhaps only the ones that matter."

He waved a hand dismissively as he followed Lucas through the open doorway he was leading them through to the promised parlor.

[GoblinFae]

The High Lady blushed lightly at his touch, looking down and to the side to hide it before she was able to compose herself enough to answer. "Or perhaps they're just very poor informants," she quipped back with a knowing smile. "As for the rest well," Amleah sidled her head side to side slightly as they entered the room, "I suppose you'll just have to figure that out now won't you?"

Ro'or waited until everyone was inside before following last and closing the door quietly behind them all to afford them the desired privacy. He waited stiffly until the only lady in the room delicately alighted upon a sofa before seating himself in high-backed chair within reach of her.

"Well that being said," he continued, brushing aside Akakios's earlier comments that lingered darkly towards his fair twin, "perhaps you can discuss more in-depth your business then as it seems I only have been informed of bits and pieces of it by your Mister Renwick." Ro'or bobbed his head in acknowledgement to the aforementioned gentleman before looking to Akakios intently.

[Juno]

"That's all fine and well with me, I do love a good challenge. I would be honored, but mind I'm not all that good at guessing," he admitted with a playful pout. "Do forgive me if it takes some time."

Once they were inside Akakios attempted to brush his friend aside so that he might take the remaining space beside the High Lady but was quickly shut out with an over-friendly smile from the halfling, the light-haired man slipping past the vampire to take a seat with her. It left him with no other choice than to find another seat and as he settled into a lone chair he was unable to hide the fire in his eyes for being turned away without so much as an apology.

"My friend here has sizeable holdings in trade and shipping. Imports especially, though it is costly business," Akakios offered, nodding to Lucas who only met his gaze with an even, unaffected look. "Our dealings are a bit shared in that regard. Or at least- We cross paths often enough for it to matter.

"My work lies in the brokering of slaves mostly," he stated plainly, already conditioned by centuries of reactions to know he could handle whatever might have been sprung at him from the pair for owning to that fact. There was no reason to lie or beat around the bush with people that Lucas seemed to believe would be important to their work, but he was not naive and knew that there were definitely varying degrees of acceptance across the kingdom.

Lucas hummed in acknowledgement, accepting Akakios's words as a fair assessment of their work. "He gives me too much credit. I just invest, but he prefers a more hands-on approach," he offered.

[GoblinFae]

"You needn't worry so, Mister Renwick," Amleah replied sweetly, "I am sure that in time you will come to find that I am well accustomed with the virtue of patience." Her gaze drifted from one man's face to the next as she noted with veiled amusement the silent battle for a place beside her from the two gentlemen.

Amleah's attention lingered further though on Akakios as she listened with rapt attention to his discussion with her twin regarding his business. The mention of slaves while having no outward affect upon Ro'or, instantly caused a reaction in the High Lady as she dove into the conversation without waiting for a queue from her darker half.

"Exactly how hands-on is your approach, Lord Reolaras?" she queried with a curious tilt of her head and a keen gaze that spoke of her intelligence beyond the facade of a lighthearted and carefree noblewoman.

Ro'or in turn waved a servant over to give a quiet order for the desired drinks and refreshments so as to contain his own amusement. He too had seen the looks between the noblemen. It was not the first time men had vied for his sister's smiles and it would certainly be far from the last. If anything seeing that she would be a possible dividing factor for the two men only served to make him more pleased. He decided to not wade in immediately as Amleah took charge of the conversation. Few were ever truly gifted with the opportunity to discuss such potentially delicate matters with the High Lady of Tirial as most public outings had been presided over with meaningless banter and fluff, completely lacking any true politics. If she wished to discuss such things with the two gentlemen in the room then far be it for him to stop her when it would suit his own desires to know more about the outsiders.

[Juno]

For a moment the vampire actually took on a look of surprise, eyes widening as he glanced quickly between the High Lady and Lucas before narrowing them at the gentleman. He'd gotten him into it and offered up information he hadn't been particularly eager to share with her or her advisor. Now he couldn't even brush it off to him with her being so direct.

He didn't even look to Amleah when he answered, eyes burning into his friend even as the light-haired noble smiled innocently enough. Akakios knew better. "He speaks too highly of me," he tried to assure her, a faint, fake smile gracing his lips that didn't quite reach his eyes. Of course, he ignored that Lucas hadn't spoken highly of him at all.

"I simply handle the paperwork. Finances and all that. Boring stuff, Lady Dvorak." He paused briefly in thought before continuing, "In my younger days I did handle a bit of the...conditioning. But that is handled elsewhere now, except for the few personal slaves I take in." That sounded pleasant enough, didn't it? He thought so.

[GoblinFae]

Amleah's eyes closed briefly in disbelieving amusement as she smiled at Akakios. "Now I find that hard to believe. If anything I would say that Mister Renwick here understated based on my short time with you Lord Reolaras." She smiled winsomely at him with her eyes dancing with affectionate mirth. "Younger days," the High Lady giggled as she accepted her drink from the attending servant, "how far behind those must be," she jested, relaxing back against the cushions. "I'd be interested to hear more about your business Lord Reolaras if you're willing to share. I must admit I've always had a bit of curiosity towards the running of such affairs."

"Have you now?" Ro'or muttered under his breath as he gulped down the dark amber liquid in his glass and accepted a second in return.