It had only been a day since the Grand Ball (http://www.spiritsoftheearth.net/smf/index.php?topic=15587.msg156752#msg156752), and considering he had quite the lengthy journey to make back to the duchy of Hellvion in the north, Lord Davishire Callister had saw to it that he'd use this week he spent at the capital to at least indulge in a few things he actually did like- (since dancing and the likes were hardly among his top favorite!). So the first thing that crossed his mind- was visiting the library.
Though not as lavish as the Library in Uthlyn, the Great Library in Reajh was nothing to scoff at- and though the man was no longer in costume, he prowled the halls like a wolf anyway, his shaggy brows furrowed and those dark eyes moving with predatory hunger through the shelves. As the man moved past, the other patrons in the library felt the room grow a bit colder; for Davishire was a man known for his stand offish behavior, but thankfully, he did not have to be social when scouting for books and here- here he could simply indulge in the scents of leather bond books and the information bound to their pages.
It wasn't difficult for him to find the history section of the library, but once he got there, he was simply appalled!
"The condition of some of these books is atrocious!" he howled, face red with anger as he bellowed out his contempt towards the poor librarian who was stationed in this end of the hall.
"Do you not see the tatters on these pages?" he remarked, holding them out for the man to see."The broken spines? The loose pages and worn ink!? Who runs this place? By Ansgar's name, they ought to be fired!"
And he was so upset, the large man was positively shaking- and the tightness of his clothing seemed as if it could almost rip at the seams he was so upset!
"Confounded, man, stop apologizing to me and simply file the complaint! I want the Grand Duke to know, as well as the other noblemen in his country, what a nightmare this is! To think, Reajh, our capital, would be the home to these uncouth conditions! It's a crime!" And he was positively frothing the words and as the librarian paused and went back to gaping at how terrifying Davishire was, which made Lord Callister so angry he was nearly seeing red!
"Stop pausing in the middle and just write it all down!" he roared, jabbing a large finger onto the piece of paper the man had been using to write up Davishire's complaint. "By God, man, before you give me a real reason to be angry!"
There wasn't much that would distract Illi from a book. People had shouted her name, danced around her, and tried various other things to get her attention while reading. The only things that worked, everyone eventually learned, was to either wave their hands in front of the book or to make physical contact with her. Most of her siblings preferred the method of jabbing her sides to make her jump.
Davishire's shouting voice, however, took Illi out of her dreamworld in seconds. She had been in the library since the minute it opened, and found a nice little corner where she could sit in a plush lounge chair while she read. After mentally confirming that by some miracle it was, in fact, Davishire's voice, Illi got out of her chair. She put the book back into the bookshelf (it would be easy enough to find again when she needed it) and excitedly went to go find her taller than normal companion.
Given the volume of which he was shouting, it hardly took anytime at all. She quietly laughed at what he was saying, feeling bad for the poor librarian. It seemed like anyone could end up victim of the man's wrath if books were involved.
Illi's elatedness at somehow seeing Davishire the day after the ball was temporarily combated by her sudden realization that she didn't look anywhere near as elegant and fancy as she had the day before. She had on absolutely no makeup, her hair was down in a messy bun, and her simple green dress was, well, simple! But after a moment of fretting passed, Illi decided that it didn't matter at all.
She was just about to call out Davishire's name from the end of the hall (after all, surely that wouldn't disturb the library any more than he already was) when she got a better idea. Now that she no longer had on heels, Illi could walk smoothly and quietly. So she did. Barely managing to keep herself quiet, she walked all the way across the hall and behind Davishire before doing just what her siblings loved to do to her—she jabbed his sides and waited for his reaction.
Davishire had never seen it coming- and the moment her little fingers poked at his sides, he let out a howl and jumped several feet into the air- and whirled around, all in one quick motion and rage blinded him as he grabbed the woman behind him and held her roughly by the arms and growled.
"Why you -" and suddenly his bared teeth were much less bared as his snarl dropped and he was found gaping as he peered back at. "Miss Illi!" And immediately his hands retracted from the woman's arms.
"M-miss Illi!?" He stammered, his face red and he, obviously more than flustered. "What on earth are you doing here? I thought you were going back to Uthlyn?"
Illi burst out laughing the second Davishire jumped and kept laughing harder and harder as he flustered about. Once she calmed down enough to speak, she gazed up at him with her big and (currently) blue green eyes, breathily explaining, "I convinced Redly to let me stay behind for a little while so that I could see the libraries!"
She barely managed to say the whole sentence before she imagined his howl again and started laughing. Illi tried to cover her mouth to hide her amusement, but the shaking of her body and the twinkle in her eyes more than gave her away.
Davishire stared at her in disbelief, his mouth gaping before he calmed down enough that his internal feathers stopped ruffling and he set his jaw. He laughed a bit himself, though it was more out of embarrassment than anything.
"So you've decided to enjoy your time here at the capital as well? Though I was excited to pursue some reading myself, I was apalled at what I found. Did you get a chance to glance at the history section? It's atrocious! It's probably best that you don't!" he said, howling again about the books' misfortune! "I'm filing a formal complaint as we speak. To think- our capital's library would let books fall to such rotten conditions! It's criminal! Positively criminal!"
Illi looked bemusedly at Davishire as he started ranting again, and she shook her head. Laughing, she wondered what sort of libraries he went to. Actually, she decided, he probably just owned his own and took care of everything himself.
She flung her hands into the air and repeated, "Positively criminal! Oh yes!" Smirking, Illi continued on as animated as always. "Oh how dare the books in a library, the place of sharing, show signs of well usage! That is just... atrocious! I'm appalled that these books were loved as much as they were. Surely the library must be shut down for letting people read!"
"Yes! I-" Davishire went on, his rage still evident, that was, until his expression dropped and he floundered on his words. His face twisted in anger. "That.. that's not what I meant! The keepers here could at least take the time to add extra care to preserving the condition of some of the historical volumes! Some of the works here are one of a kind! What if these were to get ruined!? It is our duty, as those whom share in the borrowing of such gifts to preserve them and make amends where we can! Do you think I can simply stand idle while I know there's something I can do about it!?"
"This is a library, not a museum," Illi replied gently. "But if you really want to help the books and 'make amends where we can', how about we do some work with them? I know how to touch up books... and I'm sure you do, too, given your 'light' criticism. So wouldn't that be the right thing to do?"
Davishire stared at the woman for a time, attempting to start a sentence, but unable. Eventually, he closed his lips and stared at her before grinning. "Are you offering to help, my lady?"
But it was the librarian behind them who cleared his throat that broke their little moment as he interceded, "Yes, well, volunteers are always welcome. I can find the paper work if you wish to apply."
"Apply? Paperwork?" Davishire's brows dipped sharply and it looked as if he were about to get angry again.
Illi looked up at Davishire with a light in her eye. "What, is paperwork too much work to help the poor and atrocious conditions of these books? I didn't know your dedication was so low... And yes, my sir, I was offering to help. Is that forbidden?"
Twisting around, she starting walking away. "Oh, well, I guess I'll just have to go then. Seeing as I'm not wanted."
Davishire blinked.
"Ah..." and words could barely sputter from his lips, and in fact, his mind rolled with incomprehensible rage and confusion. His emotional constipation was getting the better of him, but after watching her walk off, he blindly rushed after.
"Miss Illi!" he shouted, dashing after her form. He took her by the arm and moved to stand before her. "I never meant any offense!" he went on, in a huff, soem of his hair becoming loose from where it had been slicked back and tied into a tail, keeping it out of his face. "I would never say you are not wanted."
Illi looked up at Davishire and barely managed to stifle her laugh. If she was truly cruel (or a better actress), she would have tried to keep up her appearance of anger. Even still, the fact that her words got him even more flustered was adorable.
A smile broke through her lips as Illi shook her head. "Oh Davishire, you know I was only teasing you. Anyway, I am nearly positive that I was not wanted at the beginning of the night yesterday, and I followed you around like a lost puppy anyway. Getting rid of me does not prove to be easy... unless you are able to distract me with book, of course."
Davishire had so many words to say to her, but each time he tried to, he fumbled and in the end, just simply clamped his mouth shut.
"Miss Illi, sometimes I think you were put on this earth to torment me." Though the grin on his lips spoke other wise, or, at least if he meant it, the grin said that at least he was enjoying it.
Grinning back at her tall companion, Illi responded, "Perhaps it's true! Now would you like to be tortured in this library, fixing the books, or at a café nearby?" The words just passed through her lips before the realization of what exactly she had said came to her. Hadn't she practically just asked him on a date? Blushing, she lowered her gaze in shyness.
Davishire stared at Illi a moment before his grin widened.
"If you're trying to get me to make less of a fuss here at the library, perhaps I can oblige. But only on your behalf, naturally. It will at least keep my mood all the more sated. I am a connoisseur of tea, after all and if memory serves me right, there's a little garden cafe just at the end of Rampton street." And here, his eyes brightened a bit, his grin widening even further as he added, "So I suppose it's a date."
Illi opened and closed her mouth three times and she still didn't know what to say—which, for Illi, was not a normal occurrence. She knew he was probably just teasing her... after all, he seemed to enjoy seeing her so flustered the night beforehand. And it wasn't like he was asking to court her. Even still, her scrambled thoughts didn't seem to be listening to her logic and her face wasn't getting any less red.
After a small sigh, Illi finally looked up and shook her head with a wide smile. "You leave my speechless, my King. It might take me a while to think of a response to that one..."
Davishire gave her a wolfish grin.
"Ah, my queen, but the day is so young- I'm sure I can find other ways to upset you," and he kissed her hand lightly and took her arm into his and guided her outside of the the library and into the street.
The Rampton street cafe wasn't too far, and the morning glories outfront were in full bloom, causing the city air to smell pretty, of flowers, as he guided Illi along and got both of them a small, cozy seat int he outdoor garden patio. Once the tea was served, Davishire took the dainty saucer to his lips and enjoyed his first cup of tea of the day, and sighed pleasurably.
"I don't think there is anything more grand than Connlaothian tea, don't you agree?"
Though one could state Davishire might love books a bit more... though the way he was admiring Illi in that moment- one could even argue she might be becoming a close second... or first. After all, it took a lot of convincing to drag Davishire away from a fight- and... books. ANd she had successfully done both.
Illi smiled gleefully as they walked to the cafe. The day was going so well! But, as she learned soon enough, it was only going to get better.
She stared at Davishire with a wide grin as he drank his tea. The longer she looked, the more amusing the image became. Eventually she started giggling to herself, not caring how rude that might seem to some. It was just so perfect!
Before he could question what she was laughing at, Illi decided to explain it. "Yes, I would have agreed with you before. Well, I find books, and family, and... well, a whole lot of things more grand. But tea is quite nice. Even so, I must say that you, a man of great stature in all meanings of that word, drinking a tiny glass of fresh tea is the grandest thing I've seen in quite a while. It's like a scene out of a picture book!" And with that, Illi was giggling to herself again.
Davishire rose a single, shaggy eye brow at the girl as he held his half drank cup of tea. He looked from her,then to the tiny cup, before he scowled and smirked at the same time.
"They don't exactly make tea in Connlaoth for men.. so tall," he said, clearing his throat, but continued to sip at it none the less.
"But I'm glad it brings you amusement, Miss Illi." he said, and his smile was now hidden behind his tiny tea up that he brought to his lips yet again.
Laughing, Illi nodded in response to Davishire's words. A teacup for a man as big as he was? Why, it would practically be a pot! Looking at his teacup, Illi watched her imagination transformed it into such a thing. She shook her head, clearing out the image... though it did seem like the pot would be much more fitting.
Lifting up her tea, Illi asked, "Cheers? To books, perhaps?"
Davishire flashed her a grin and lightly tapped his tea cup to hers.
"To books... and queens," he said, nodding towards her before drawing the tea to his lips then set down his finished cup with a sigh.
"So what else does Miss Treyburn like to do in such a city? I heard there's a lovely display of Connlaothian antiquities being shown at the Grand Hall. I don't suppose that would be of any interest to you? I heard they have a series of antique guns being on display- and even some samples of the crude beginnings of our black powder we use for them and our canons."
At the mention of guns and cannons, Illi's eyes lit up. "Really?!" she exclaimed. "You'd take me?" Her big brother and her sister and... well, just about her entire family seemed to love weapons. So whenever they went out to go see a display, Illi stayed home. Not because she didn't love the things (though she certainly wasn't as into them as some of her other siblings), but because she never seemed to be able to actually see the weapons with her siblings all flocked around them. And viewing them alone never seemed like it would be much fun.
So a chance such as this was one Illi had longed for yet never expected. "I'd love to!"
To say Davishire was taken by surprise was an understatement, and the left-ward grin on his face attested to that. His dark eyes were positively sparkling at her phrasing, and his chest swelled with more affections towards her.
"So then it's a date?" He said, then when the waitress walked passed, he raised a large arm and called over to her, "Some more tea, my good lady! And some more sugars, too!"
With that smile of his and his second declaration of a date, Illi's heart couldn't help but flutter. This time, however, she at least had enough sense to reply. "A date it is!" she said joyfully. "I'm surprised though, Davishire. You didn't strike me as the type to enjoy lots of sugar in your tea!"
"Bah!" he waved off the idea, but was still smiling. "You would presume I'd want my tea unsweetened. But the fact is, Miss Illi, once we are done here I was hoping we could swing by the chocolatiers. There's a very famous shop just a few blocks over. That is, if you're into those things. You know.." He gestured with one large arm. "Chocolates."
Illi had been taking a sip of her tea when Davishire started talking about chocolate. She felt as if she was going to simply drop the cup, but instead she managed to put it down safely before freaking out. Leaning towards him, Illi's eyes seemed to grow double the size as she exclaimed, "Chocolate! Why, that would be just perfect!"
Leaning backwards, she laughed and added, "You know, your appearance and your personality don't match much. At least not today. You really aren't the big bad wolf, are you?"
Davishire made a face.
"And what are you implying, Miss Illi? That you thoroughly believed me to as bad as those rumors?"
Though truth be told, he knew at times- he was.
Illi paused, wondering how much she could tease him. Perhaps against the better part of her judgement, she decided that she could push it. Talking overly dramatic to make sure he didn't actually take her seriously, she responded, "Oh, well, let's see... I met you yesterday. Since then, you have made me cry, scared away another gentleman, and probably made my siblings forever spiteful of you. Hmm... to be honest, I don't listen to petty rumors, but surely they give you too much credit."
Davishire gave a smile as he looked down at his tea cup. He almost appeared as if he were about to crush it.
"Forgive me, my Queen. Sometimes, it's hard to tame the wolf in me. He can be.. quite harsh."
Illi froze for a second and stared at Davishire. Seemed like she took it too far, after all. After a moment of hesitation, she set down her tea cup and pushed back her chair. Standing up, she walked around the table to Davishire and planted a light kiss on his cheek.
Smiling foolishly, she looked down (though the height difference, despite him sitting and her standing, wasn't that large) and continued, "Ah, but the wolf also has his good moments, does he not, my King? Why, it seems to me like you also managed to make me smile, laugh, and get out of having dreadful conversations with my mother's friends. We shared an exquisite dance and I got to see your lovely sister drenched in wine. Plus, tame or not, wolves are known for being loyal."
Davishire scowled at the mention of his sister.
"She deserved more than wine spilled on her," he growled.
Illi tapped Davishire's nose and spun around, returning to her seat. "Tsk, tsk," she started, still smiling. "Lighten up, won't you? Plus, she would've gotten more than wine spilled on her if any of my siblings walked in. I'm not even positive that my brothers would have held back on her, lady or not. And I think you noticed yesterday that Cherie has quite a deadly punch."
She took a sip of tea and smiled mischievously at Davishire. "Hmm, if I hadn't been so flabbergasted by those words she was spouting, perhaps I would have smacked her with a book! Oh my, I forgot, that would harm the poor book, wouldn't it?"
At the mention of Cherie and the punch, he rubbed lightly where he had been struck. A small, noticeable bruise had been forming, and it only seemed to sour his mood as he turned his attention bitterly back to his tea.
"Well, we can't all have perfect families."
Though at the mention of harming a book, he gave Miss Illi a scrutinizing stare.
Illi opened her mouth, closed it, and slumped to the back of her chair. Apparently talking wasn't a good idea. She drank her tea with a pout and started to listen to other people's conversations. While she knew eavesdropping wasn't polite, Illi stopped caring long ago. After all, she could make up stories to go along with what she heard. And it distracted her.
After a while, Davishire felt the awkwardness of the moment and gave a snort before rising from his chair.
"So we talked about chocolates," he said, hoping to change the mood with something far more charming than his damn sister. But just speaking of her really soiled his mood- and even for Miss Illi, it was hard for him to control it to get back to the more amicable moment they had shared but a moment ago.
"Shall we?" he said, awkwardly offering her his arm. "I don't think I could drink anymore tea anyway." He then added with a sniff.
Davishire's low voice startled Illi, causing her to jump in her seat and almost spill some tea. She set the cup down, joyfully hopped out of her seat, and took his arm gracefully. "To battle we go!" Illi exclaimed with a wide smile. "And yes, before you ask, chocolate is a battle." And so is love. "After all, you must stare at it all and restrain from eating it!"
"Restrain yourself?!" Now Davishire was red with rage. "None sense, Miss Illi! If we're going to the Chocolatiers we will get you all the chocolate your heart desires! And eat it all for supper if you wish!" And at such an idea his grin grew as he hastily began to lead Illi towards the shop.
Illi gasped in surprise and burst out into laughter, almost causing her to fall as they continued walking. "That sounds like quite a lot of chocolate!" she exclaimed merrily. "But I suppose I could allow it... ah, but only if you enjoy the sweet delicacies with me!"
"What do you take me for? Of course I'd enjoy some with you!" Davishire said, his voice rumbling loudly. "Jaque's Chocolatier is just the next block over." And he gestured with a large hand towards the end of the way. "Have you ever been?"
Whether Davishire realized it or not, Illi had basically just made him promise to have dinner with her, as well! That meant she got to spend all afternoon with him. Giggling to herself, she responded, "Never been there! To be completely truthful, I have never been to any Chocolatier. I find it much easier to stay home and read than to try to go places with my siblings."
Illi looked up at Davishire and curiously added, "How about you? It sounds like you've been, but I wouldn't be surprised if you read about it somewhere. Or maybe it got mentioned to you by one of your friends? I should have asked around yesterday at the ball to figure out good places to visit while here... ah, but people are so scary!" She subconsciously stepped a little closer to him. "Strangers are terrifying sometimes, don't you think?"
"Why of course I've been. I wouldn't trust my servants to fetch me some. Besides, I like to sample the new flavors when they come in. Autumn time offers a rare variety of chocolates. We should come back here again so you can see."
And her flashed her a devilish grin- seeming to be quite happy with his idea to reserve her for a future date.
But as she leaned in closer, he tried not to act rigid, but he was. He wasn't used to having a woman he actually wanted on his arm and well- at her notion, he couldn't help but grin again.
"Aye, but when you're in such a position, you have no choice. But I find it easier to just plain ignore it. I've been burned too many times letting others get close. Our positions in the world thrive among cut throats- though I'm sure you've seen your fair share?"
Illi's smile mimicked Davishire's own as she replied, "Oooo and again for the winter flavors! I heard that they were simply sublime." She even winked at him playfully before moving on to the darker subject.
"To be honest, I'm not quite sure what you mean by 'cut throats'," she replied. If he was referring to political betrayal and falseness, as her current assumption was, she knew little of the matter. Illi knew that her mother in particular was in favor of using people for power. But she stopped paying attention to her and the other political rumors long ago, instead favoring the drama in books.
"However, it does seem like you're letting me get close!" Illi exclaimed, hoping to lighten up the mood. For the sake of fun—and, she realized with a start, perhaps even a little bit of desire—Illi took another step closer to the rigid man. "Are you not afraid of me hurting you, the strong and ferocious woman that I am?"
Davishire's eyes widened a bit more before he narrowed them at her with a smirk and shook his head.
"You've already done enough damage, I'm afraid. But it's damage that's welcome." His grin became more toothy as he looked her over. "Though I dare say ferocious is not a word I'd use to describe you."
Illi paused, wondering if maybe she was going too far. Unlike the previous night, she knew very well that she was flirting with Davishire. And she understood that her family would not appreciate such things. But after a restless night full of many thoughts, she also realized that she might have started to gain feelings for this strange man... and in such little time. And that, just maybe, she had met her prince at the ball after all. He just wasn't the kind of charming and sociable prince she had been expecting. Even still, the butterflies in her stomach and the pull at her heart spoke the truth.
"So then," Illi started with an innocent smile, "what word would you use to describe me?"
"Well, I er.." Davishire's expression grew sheepish as he lowered his gaze. "Why, I'd only ever think to describe you as Miss Illi." Though other words came to mind, Davishire held them back on his tongue. He, lke herself, was afraid of over stepping his bounds- and with such a position he was in- he had to be quite careful. He also did not wish to offend her, though, at least for now, it seemed he was doing a good job of avoiding that!
Well that was rather anticlimactic. It seemed like Davishire was done playing around which, considering they were almost at the store, was probably for the best. After all, it would be hard to focus on the chocolates if his words were ringing through her head. If he had said something like "smart" or "beautiful" or even "interesting", well, Illi would not be able to forget it! Even still, his sheepish look was more than enough to pinken her cheeks. To think that she, a plain girl of little standing, could make Lord Davishire grow sheepish was quite something!
Her smile widening, Illi happily replied, "Then you must be Lord Davishire. Ah, but as I said yesterday, that sounds awfully stuffy! So simply Davishire. Unless you have a nickname you'd prefer?"
Davishire scoffed. "I'm not a man of nicknames, no." And the very idea elicited a frown.
Illi was tempted to respond with various nicknames that he was sure to hate... but then she realized that might sour his mood once again. So instead she kept her words sweet and harmless. "Okay, just Davishire and my King then! Though perhaps it's strange to call you a king in a country of Dukes and Lords."
Illi let less than a moment of silence pass before she started speaking again. "So, Davishire, how about you tell me about yourself. Do you have any pets?"
At the mention of him being a king, however, he found himself smiling towards her.
"Ah, but I think a King suits me, don't you agree? Especially one of the wolves," he nearly purred. And guiding her along, his long strides didn't take him long before the pair were infront of the Chocolatiers. At her question however, he shook his head.
"Nothing aside from a few Connlaothian trackers. But those, my mother refuses to let in the house. And we have a few cats in the stables."
Opening the door, he gestured for her to enter first.
"Ladies first."
Illi, with wide eyes and an open jaw, stood right in front of the entrance to the Chocolatiers. She hardly seemed to notice that she was blocking the path as she stared up at him. Her open mouth slowly transformed into a wide smile.
With incomparable enthusiasm, Illi replied, "Trackers?! Does that mean you hunt? Oh please, say you'll take me hunting!" It wasn't a lady's sport, but she didn't care. The thrill of the hunt always seemed so incredible in books. What a dream it would be to experience it herself!
Davishire nearly tripped over her as he stumbled to a halt in the door frame.
"Er...?" he blinked down at her and her sparkling green eyes.
"You.. you want to go hunting?" And for the life of him, he could not help but laugh!
Illi nodded frantically, unwilling to let her spirit be beaten down by his laughter. "Yes! I promise I won't bother you. I can just follow behind, stealthy as a snake!" She paused and frowned. "That was a terrible simile. Give me a second... I can be as stealthy as a kit, learning to chase down its prey for the first time! That's a little better." And more accurate. Any animal learning to hunt for its first time would surely make a racket... but such thoughts didn't pass through Illi's head as her hopeful self kept staring up at Davishire.
Davishire shook his head. What a crazy notion indeed!
"I'm afraid the guns I use might knock you off your feet, Miss Illi. Perhaps we can discuss this at another time." And he gestured forward. "We're consuming the doorway, and there are many chocolates for us to see."
And smell, as the scents drifted out around them and were so tantalizing it made his stomach rumble fiercely.
Illi cocked her head to the side, confused. She hadn't asked to actually use the guns... she just wanted to watch him! Even still, she sensed it wasn't the right place or time to argue about it. Maybe she could get one of her brothers to bring her, instead.
Finally noticing that they were, indeed, blocking the path in and out of the Chocolatiers, Illi gasped and quickly scurried inside. Her eyes were filled with stars as she gazed around the place. There was so much chocolate!
"It's wonderful!" Illi exclaimed with a clap of her hands. "Truly, I've never seen anything like it before!"
Davishire was delighted she was gushing, and his own eyes sparkled for it as his chest swelled with pride.
"Take all the time you need to look," he said, sweeping a hand towards the glass cases consuming the store front. "And feel free to ask for a sample. I'll buy several dozen of which ever type you like."
"I couldn't!" Illi quickly responded. "If you're buying, then surely you should choose the chocolate!" She paused before sheepishly adding, "Though... I would love something with raspberries... if you wouldn't mind." A light blush spread across her cheeks. Illi wasn't used to asking for things from anyone—especially anyone outside her family—but the thought of chocolate and raspberries together was mouthwatering.
Davishire had his hands clasped behind his back hunched over her now as well, and he positively looked like a devil. A handsome devil, or perhaps something resembling that of a wolf. It was then the man who owned the shop came around and Davishire lifted his gaze with a sparkle to his eyes.
"Might I help you?"
"A dozen with raspberries."
"The ones with or without the cream?"
"We'll take a dozen of each."
Illi stared at Davishire, clearly in deep thought. Her appearance wasn't at all phased by the ordering of the chocolate, but a few moments later she gasped and said, "I know! For the next masquerade party, you should go as a devil and I could go as an angel! I've always wanted to dress up as an angel!" She spent a couple more seconds imagining herself as an angel before what she had just implied processed in her head.
Her face quickly flushed into a bright red and she spouted words as quickly as she could, "Oh, I mean, that is, not like we'd be going to the next masquerade party together or anything. It was just a passing thought. Unless you wanted to, but of course not. Um, just ignore everything I just said." Now completely out of breath, Illi was forced to pause to breath. Regrouping her thoughts, she sighed in defeat and finished, "That is, thank you for the chocolates."
Davishire's face went long at her sudden out burst. But once he realized what she meant, he gave the young woman a smirk.
"Yes, I'm sure everyone would presume you to be the angel among us," he mused, and took the chocolates beneath his arm as they were presented to them as he gave a half-cocked grin now to her. "So now that we've got you your chocolates, my angel, shall we get some devil's food as well? I heard they have some exquisite candied pinafores."
Davishire's smile to her did nothing to quell the redness of Illi's face. The more time she spent with him, the more attractive that clever little grin looked. She just resembled a fool with her red face and drab clothing.
Even still, Illi kept talking with a big smile. "Oh yes, my devil, candied pinafores sound delightful! And then we go to the gun show? Ah, but you know—I could always be the devil and you the angel... in fact, I think people would find that rather amusing!"
Davishire gave a laugh.
"I could take you to a gun smith, my lady, but there are no current gun shows at the present. It seems the current market trend are that all guns and black powder are to be sold exclusively to the military, so a man, such as myself, has a difficult time purchasing some for sport."
And at her suggestion of devil's and angels, his grin grew.
"I don't think anyone could see you as a devil, Miss Illi."
Unless she were to carelessly tear a book again!
Illi gasped, bringing both of her hands to cover her mouth. "I'm sorry! That was simply a blunder of words! There are so many words floating around my head that I do that quite a lot. I meant to say the gun display... though, now that you mention it, I will admit that a gun show would be quite interesting."
Her smile became mischievous as she continued, "And I doubt anyone at that kind of a party would see you as an angel, Davishire. But that's why it would be perfect! It would be like that one story—The Devil's Corsage! I assume you, the protector of all books, have read it?"
Davishire made a face.
"My sister has read that book," he said with a light tone of disgust in his voice. "Though I have glanced through the pages.."
And dare he admit he actually found the story intriguing? But Miss Illi did not have to know!
Illi laughed at the tone of disgust in his voice but then smiled playfully up at him when he said he had glanced through it. The book was good enough that there was no way, in her mind at least, he could just 'glance'. He probably had read it fifty times over!
"Oh yes, I'm sure you just glanced through it," she teased lightheartedly. "But tell me, you do know exactly what I am talking about then, correct?"
Davishire grew flushed and became unsettled in his stance.
"Yes." He finally informed her, avoiding her gaze.
"Mmk!" Illi responded enthusiastically, happy that he at least admitted so much. "We can be the angel and the devil then... you the angel and I the devil! We would startle the heavens out of everyone there."
Laughing, she took his arm and added, "So shall we take our chocolates and head on our way? They look as if they're just about done."
As all good things go, it had to eventually come to an end. The two had had their fair share of chocolates now anyway from the famous Jaque's Chocolatier. And the tea before hand, and all the idle chit chat they could handle without interruption. Unfortunately, it seemed now their time was coming to an end as the obviousness of the setting sun began to crest over head.
"Well, I should be heading back now, Miss Illi," he said to her, giving a rigid bow. "Though the day, I dare say was quite lovely, thanks to you. I can't recall when I've had a more enjoyable afternoon with another person." For most of his afternoon's were spent with his family- who, as far as he was concerned, was the bane of his very existence. But letting himself forget about that for now, he bent over to retrieve Illi's hand and kissed the top of it lightly.
"Am I allowed to call on you again, Miss Illi? Perhaps for another date?"
Illi looked up at the sky, admiring the pretty orange and red hues. She had always loved sunsets—first off, they were romantic; but even more than that, she loved imagining that someone stroked it with a giant paintbrush. At this point, however, there was also a feeling of sadness that accompanied the admiration. After all, a lowering sun meant that her wonderful day would be ending.
Davishire's words confirmed just that and Illi turned her gaze to him. His sweet words made her blush, especially when she realized that what he had said was true for her, too. She loved many people, but more often than not she preferred to have her nose in a book. Not today... today was something different.
"Of course you can, Davishire," she replied with a sweet smile. "I would be delighted. Always feel free to stop by my manor in Uthlyn... I'll do my best to keep my siblings from hitting you again." Illi laughed lightheartedly before curtsying and finishing, "I hope to see you soon, my king!" Then she turned around and headed back to her inn, humming lightly to herself and wondering when she would be able to see Davishire next.