Spirits of the Earth

OOC: For goblins!

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Lassius Kar'meht was a merchant lord who had been falling on hard times even before his wealth had been bestowed upon him. But one bad trade after another had him fumbling through his fortunes as every gold piece he ever owned sifted through his fingers like the waning dusts in an hour glass. Now, without a penny to his name, and with a debt that reached up to his ears, he had nothing he could do left but sell everything.

So when his estate sale commenced, just about everybody who was anybody had showed up at the Kar'meht Palace- a grand place located several miles to the east along the Niafi River. Miss Evelyn Gray was no exception. Though as she pushed her own small caravan of servants and slaves through the gathering masses outside of Kar'meht's, she found it difficult to pass since, despite her own authoritative voice commanding others to move aside, most saw her gold spun hair and ignored her, believing her a slave. No one of high standing in Essyrn was a foreigner, even one as wealthy as The Woman.

It was because of this irony she had been called simply that, The Woman, and each time someone who knew of her whispered that term in Essyrni, she gave a mean glare their way. She wasn't even addressing those of her same financial standing and independence. All of the men in this crowd were the middle class who were curious to see what sort of treasures would be sold and taken out of Lassius's home.

Sighing with frustration, she grabbed onto the reins of her camel and pushed through, using the pointed end of her parasol (that for now, no longer shaded her), but was used more or less like a cattle prod for men. She, no longer caring to be civil, now began to slowly swim her way through the crowd. It probably seemed like quite the sight when Evelyn's caravan finally arrived to the other side of the palace, where there, the upper class and merchants had gathered nad parked in a more controlled location, blocked off from the chaos of the lower crowd.

Now within the more refined gates, she let her slaves tend to the animals, and the servants, she asked them to fetch up her things and go inform the auctioneer that Miss Gray had arrived. Her cheeks were now thoroughly pink from all this exertion, and her golden hair, a pretty mess about her face. But she didn't have the time or energy to fuss over herself, at least not yet. She still had to collect herself mentally as she stood before her entourage with a tired sigh.

Getting to Lassius's better be worth it. She had only ever been this frustrated when her one major trade deal went south- and she, left with tons of worthless Connlaothian cargo- and no one there to buy it. She had a bad tip off, and she was still sore about it. And the fact the man who shafted her had such a smug grin, oh yes... she would never forget Emyr Kasabian for as long as she lived. Nor forgive him.

Once a tent was sent up from her entourage, she took a seat in a gilded travel chair and began to fuss over her hair infront of a mirror two slave girl's held, and when their hold began to waver, she glared up at them, but before she had a chance to tell them to 'Hold the Mirror Still'- she saw his face in the mirror.

Glaring at his reflection, she turned around, but he was already gone. Lost in the sea of merchants. With a huff, she turned back around, but kept her eyes upon the vacant spot she had once seen Lord Kasabian standing. But she could see nothing, and idly her green eyes traveled through the mirror's reflection from the sea of merchants over towards the nearby river bank, where, despite there being a lot of human activity, still housed a shore full of crocodiles and could not help but begin to compare some of these cut throat men to those patiently waiting hungry sharp teeth of the reptiles of prey.

Emyr had arrived early to the auction in hopes of scoping out any worthwhile perspective purchases. While he found very little that peeked his particular interest he paid heed to what other known buyers might find interesting. He was a businessman and a cutthroat one at that. He had no qualms about taking something from someone else simply because they desired it and could turn a profit with it that he himself would not have been interested in.

His earliness worked in his favor in other ways too as it allowed him to observe the entrance of one if the city's merchant princesses, Evelyn Gray, or The Woman as many locals called her. That never ceased to amuse him either. For while he too was not entirely if the land he at least had enough his mother's blood in him to pass by relatively seamlessly in all the right circles.

He passed behind her on his way to his own seat, a knowing smile tugging at his lips. At last his true competition, and the fun for that matter, had arrived and the true games could begin. Emyr lounged back in his chair, long legs before him and crossed at the ankle as he took on the expression of a lazy predator waiting for the entrance of its next kill.

The event seemed to be taking forever to start. How long did it really take to organize and begin the selling of Lord Lassius Kar'meht's things? Evelyn was already growing anxious, as well as those around her, but she had very good reasons to be getting upset, and so early. Not only was the journey irksome, but now her slaves were having a hard time getting one ornery camel to behave.

So with a huff and snap of her fingers, she had her female slave Tietta follow closely at her heels, with the parasol bobbing over her head while her own blonde curls bobbed as well. And she moved to  step in, trying to get the reins from the male slaves when the camel reared up and slammed his head into the far left leg of her tent- and with a gasp, she watched in horror as the tent billowed up before  it's fabrics deflated and collapsed in on themselves and down it went-knocking a heavy wind from it's fall in her direction as down she went into the sands, the camel practically ontop of her-
while all of the rest of the tents near by her were falling too- as her tnet fell ontop of theirs, and that one on top of the next until an entire row of colorful tents were in the sand. And Evelyn just sat there in there in her skirts, completely dismayed.

A shout and several following cries along with the sounds of things falling, brought Emyr from the comfort of his tent and not a moment too soon as it the tent to the side of it sent it crashing down into its neighbor, narrowly missing the man by a hair's breadth. He blinked for several moments taking it all in as his eyes traced back along the line of already collapsed tents back to their source. There he saw the most amusing sight of all. It could not have been better if he had planned it himself, for huddled in the hot sands was none other than Evelyn herself, looking every bit the misplaced confection melting in a hot summer sun.

Moving quickly along in a circle he was able to loop back behind her. In a voice that just barely hid his amusement he spoke to her, a hand offered to help her back to her feet. "Take care my lady you do not hurt yourself. The sands are not a lady's resting place as they can be filled with the most unsavory of creatures."

Taking his hand, she was pulled to her feet- and far too quickly, for she had to steady herself on him, lest she topple back over and bring him down with her ontop. And she blushed when she realized just who had come to her rescue, and grit her teeth about it openly.

"Yes, alot of unsavory creatures," she said, yanking her hand away from his as she looked around in a huff. Hakeshna's name! What a mess this was! And without missing a beat, she began to bark out orders, demanding her slaves begin to go around and to help those who were now in disarray- and she did so purposefully. After all, if she was busy commanding the clean up of all this, she wouldn't have to pay attention to a certain merchant prince who was standing far too close to her for comfort.

"Hahk-muhl! Be careful of the camels! The camels! OH!"S he threw her hand of it, and rushed forward with a half propped parasol in hand and found herself snatching onto the camel's reigns, while still wrestling wtih her own.

He found that he was greatly amused by her discomfort. Emyr followed her closely, keeping ever in her shadow or by her elbow as she flitted from place to place giving orders like the matriarchal head of a Connlaothian household.

Knowing that it would rile her up he told her as much. "I must admit your efficiency is to be commended my dear. You'll make a fine bride for some lucky man one day."

Evelyn was just about in the middle of finally organizing this chaos when his words hit her ears and she turned to him and cut him a glare that could cut clean through glass.
"I'm not exactly worried about my marriageability right now, Lord Emyr," she said in a huff. And how dare he cut in with such words without so much as even offering a finger to help! Turning away from him, as she hardly had time to bicker, she went back to shouting out orders, both in common, then having to do it again in Essyrni. Oi, this was tiring work!

"Of course not Evelyn," he purred darkly. Observing from beside her with loosely crossed arms, Emyr found he simply could not keep from further irritating her. She was just too much fun red-faced and out of breath!

"You know," he drawled lazily, "you could just have someone else do that for you. It isn't becoming for a lady of your station to be screaming her head off like a chicken before the chopping block. I must say it's simply not attractive."

Having had enough of Emyr's advice, Evelyn whirled around used the dull but sharper end of her parasol to prod him.
"And it's also equally unattractive for a man to follow a lady in such a manner." ANd then spotting one of her slaves getting out of line and not pulling his weight, she gasped and hefted onto her skirts and began to shout commands to him in Essyrni. Then, red faced again, she shook her head and cut Emyr a glare- hoping to cut him off at the pass before he could give her any more snide remarks.

Emyr laughed loudly. "Oh my dear I did not know you cared so!" Taking further amusement in her failed attempts to bring about order, he found himself drifting away from her again and back to his own once more erected tent.

It was there that he received the very lord whose property was to be auctioned off. Together they observed the woman's commanding presence, both passing silent judgement and not in her favor. She was an outsider to their people  that even Emyr with his half-blood status had managed to overcome. They lounged this way for a long while, drinking tea and conversing lightly on everything but their purpose there that day as the final preparations for the auction were made.

It felt as if it were taking forever for her to get anywhere in this mess, but after a while of barking commands, eventually she had everything under control- and all of the tents were set right again. Unfortunately, that did not stop the entire upper class to glare at her for her buffoon-ness, and after making sure things were at least 'not broken completely' she whirled around and headed back to her own tent, where she found herself, though exhausted, unable to sit down as she commanded her slaves to fan her off, prepare herself a drink as she paced about.

And it was only during her pacing did she notice where Emyr had disappeared to- and though she had been thoroughly upset at him for harassing her, was equally upset at him for abandonning her as well. These Essyrnis- how barbaric. Not a single one of them knew how to treat a girl. Thankfully, she was NOT in this place to seek a husband- just a life- and perhaps some goods from the man hosting the auction- and noticing that man was conversing with Emyr made her simmer with an unrealized hate and rage.

The merchant prince could see the exact moment that Evelyn realized whom he was conversing with. An amused smile graced his lips however it was not long before he was saying his goodbyes to the gentleman as it seemed the auction was at last ready to begin.

Emyr reclined back on his chaise, a watchful eye never straying too long from the ever-amusing blonde woman several tents down from him. He stared impassively as the first item, a replica of a supposedly ancient piece of pottery, was brought forward and the bidding began. Every merchant there that bid was noted as well as those that did not. In his head, Emyr kept a long catalog of his competitors that he would later review in the privacy of his own home for use at a later date. After all, he was here just as much for the auction as the sideshow the bidders presented.

His smile. She hated his smile, and everything it meant. These Essyrnis were so prideful. Well, she'd show them! Fallen tents or no fallen tents, so the first moment anything feminine showed up for biding, she raised her marker.
"Ten gold!" Ahhhh- and the hair piece she was bidding on was quite lovely.

"Fifteen," Emyr drawled, raising his fingers lazily. He had not even glanced up to see what he was bidding on. The sound of Evelyn's voice was enough to cause him to react. He could only imagine the look on her face as he bid against her. It took a measure of restraint to not look over to see just yet.

'Best to let her steam a bit. The hot sun should be good for that though.'

Evelyn's eyes went wide when it was Emyr of all people that lazily threw out a bid against her. And not a single peep came from anyone else. SHe was fuming mad and cast a glare the man's way. He wans't even looking at the pulpit where the man now stood, asking if anyone else was to bid higher. In a huff, she tore her gaze away from him and spat out, "Twenty-five!" Let's see him top that!

The man yawned disinterestedly as he brushed off imagined dust from his clothes. "Forty," he bid, finally turning his gaze to Evelyn so that he could tip his head playfully towards her with his trademark smirk curling his lips.

Forty gold!? Was he insane? That hair piece was not worth anything close to that! But before she could stop herself, she shouted, "Forty five!"

"Fifty!" Emyr shot back, feeling quite pleased with himself as he settled back into his settee. Let her stew and drive the price up for his sake. He knew that once it reached the point when she finally was ready to give up he would quit in time for her to claim victory moments before realizing just how pathetic it was to spend such an enormous amount of money on such a little thing.

Panic set in, adrenaline rushing, heart pumping, as she tried to weigh pride against the objects for sale. And against her better judgment, in the heat of the moment, the heat of the day, she bid even higher.
"Seventy five!!"

Both hands raised, palms outward in defeat, Emyr shook his head that he would not be furthering the bidding. With no other bidders, the auctioneer declared the item sold and the next lot was brought up. The affluent male made sure to watch Evelyn openly as he waited, hoping for the look of realization to set in. It was quite possible though it might take several more rounds of bidding, not that he was opposed, before she would realize what game he was up to.

She felt her hands grip in the tense moment the auctioneer rang out the words, "Sold!" And a smile consumed her weary face. She was red cheeked from the moment, her body tense as she stood, and it took her a few minutes to realize she was still standing as she awkwardly moved to take her seat. And though she was victorious, part of her felt a bit hollow, but also giddy for it. She had won, and though she tried not to look at him, she snuck a glance Emyr's way.

He chuckled openly at her attempt to not look at him even as small bids were made on a redware replica storage jar meant to date back to the foundation of the oasis. Emyr recognized it for a fake on sight, knowing for a fact he had seen the original in pieces in his father's office years ago as a boy. He yawned boredly, his chin falling into his hand as he waited for the bidwar to end as he had no initial intentions of joining the throng.

Oh, the nerve of him! He didn't even appear displeased! In fact, now the scoundrel seemed down right bored. She could not believe this, and in a huff, she forced her eyes away from him and on anything else, but as the auction went on, she stole another look his way. Could he really feel no remorse for his loss? Or should it be, she wondered, if she should feel the fool for her victory. The piece she bid on wasn't worth anything near what she was going to pay, and as the men came to collect the money, it broke her from her spell. Her eyes fluttered momentarily as her lips remained a gape before she gave a ginger, rigid nod, then fetched up her purse and produced the gold coins.

It was only after counting through her money did she realize what he had done,a nd soon she was glaring daggers at the back of Emyr's head. Oh, if only her green eyes could burn holes in that damn skull of his. He'd be sorry! But perhaps she'd get him on much later, but as the auction proceeded, it seemed nothing else was of interest to the man, and after refinding herself, though her pride was still so very injured, she saw something else of interest to her.

She stole but one glance to Emyr before standing up to join in the new bout of bidding-
for a opulent vanity, that once used to be used for one of this former wealthy man's wife. Yes, that vanity would do very well in her home- so she concluded, and purchasing it would make her feel that much better about her other purchase. After all, what use could Emyr have for such a thing anyway? And she could only hope he was still so very distracted in his boredom to pay her and her bidding any mind.

Her voice broke through his reverie like wildfire, instantly causing him to blink himself back to attention. A quick perusal of the offered wares and current buyers told him all he needed to know. Emyr continued to sit back and relax as he waited for the other buyers to drop out.

When at last the moment came that only The Woman was left, he made his own bid against her, smug in the profit of the game, he eagerly awaited her reaction. In his experience she had such the expressive face. He wondered to himself if she would try to ignore him at this point or possibly come over to berate him.

'Now that would be a sight.'

Evelyn set her jaw. The nerve of him! Joining in the bidding battle now of all times. But she tried not to let it ruffle her feathers, and rather drew in a heated breath before raising her hand to bid once more.
"Two hundred and twenty five gold!" Twenty more than his bid. A large sum to be sure. Hopefully.. it was enough to deter him, because unlike the hair piece... she actually really adored this vanity. And she would never forgive herself if he won such a thing!

"Five hundred gold pieces," he called back slowly in a deep rumbling voice akin to thunder as he more than doubled her former offer. His eyes never once left her form as he said it, a predatory grin taking up most of his features.

Despite her desire for this man to never see her so weak, the second his bid escaped his lips, her jaw slackened and she gaped. And she found herself unable to utter a single word, be it in refute, or even to attempt to out bid him. Such a piece of furniture might be worth near four hundred gold new, but at 500? She swooned, and thankfully one of her slaves was near enough to catch her. She stood there a moment, her vision sparkling and nearly blinding her as she tried to remain on her feet, but as the final announcement was made as to who just won the bid, she was snapped back into reality when it was announced the piece of sold to Emyr- Of all the luck!

She could not believe herself, and her face wrinkled incredulously. Her slaves had brought her a drink, and a second fan to cool off her face, but before she had a chance to compose herself, he would have seen the sparkle of tears within her eyes. And then she turned from him, taking a seat so as not to swoon again, but she refused the drink and found herself reeling over what had just occurred. And despite all of the thoughts screaming inside her head, she could not stop herself from glaring over at Emyr. How could he! What use did a man have for such a thing?

And after her seering gaze left enough of it's mark, she turned away and blinked back tears, and reached for her kerchief as she tried to discretely brush away her tears.

Emyr could not help himself. If Evelyn was shocked that he had spent so much money on a used vanity, then he in turn was shocked she had thought it so extreme that she had first fainted and then burst into tears. Her misery brought him unprecedented joy and he found himself laughing first as a quiet rumble but it quickly built into a deep belly laugh.

He soon was able to quickly reign it back in before waving a slave over to handle his purchases as he slowly rose from his settee and moved to quietly approach her, an expression of concern gracing his features.

"You needn't cry so little woman," he murmured, crouching down beside her. "It is but a silly thing to shed such glistening gems over. You're far too fair to be fretting your pretty little head on a beat up vanity. Here," Emyr offered, handing her a piece of blue silk. "Dry your eyes and enjoy the rest of the auction. I shall be retiring first."

"You may keep your cloth," she told him through her teeth, not even bothering to grace him with a glance when he approached, nor even the appropriate Essyrni hello. "I will have no need of it. Once you leave, however, I might shed tears of joy."
And still, she kept those eyes away from him.
The nerve of him to approach her and try to pretend he cared!

"Then save it for then," he chuckled, catching her wrist as delicately as if it were a butterfly and as quickly as a viper strikes before tucking the silk within her hand. "Until we meet again." Fluidly, Emyr rose to his feet and bowed over her hand, knowing she would not offer it to him. "Many you have all the luck in the world with your future endeavors."

He moved like the winds, so subtle and swift; and before she had a chance to protest, the silk was in her hands and her lips, still gaping as she finally narrowed a gaze upon him.
"Yes, luck indeed," she told him with a sniff, and tore her eyes away again, and waited in agonizing agitation for him to leave.

"Until we meet again precious," he bid, wishing to get the last word in before he disappeared back to where his slaves and servants had already packed up his belongings and were waiting only for his word to head home. A wave of his hand and they were all off, though his knowing smile never left his face as they went.

Like the desert sun, her anger was hot and merciless, unrelenting as she tried to chew and swallow down her pride. But to think, the object that caught her affection most had been purchase by him, it grated on her deeper than she could have imagined, and while she should have just let it go, things were not so simple, for starers, as the bidding went on the for the remainder of Lassius Kar'meht's things, there wasn't a single item of interest to her, and she came back with only a few mere trinkets to show for her time spent on the West Bank.

She preferred the city life, for the West Bankers were far too frilly and egotistical for her own taste, so when she did finally return to the city, it was the evening, and she was happy for it, and drew out a bath and let herself soak for a good many hours. Though she felt more like she was stewing tan anything, Evelyn Gray could not get that damn merchant prince out of her head.

Not only was he smug and arrogant, but he had her vanity now in his possession! What on earth could he possibly use it for? It was evidently carved for a woman, and unless her sources were incorrect (and they rarely were, though there was that one time with Lord Sahlt'uhn...) but never the less, she did not think he was married or was taking a bride. And who would accept such a proposal willingly? She'd rather eat glass!

And that night she tossed and turned fitfully upon the bed, and when she fell asleep, his smug face was there, and what was he doing? Burning the precious vanity!
She awoke with a start, her body sweaty as she raked a hand through her curly, blonde hair. She needed to walk, and threw on her robe and paced about her home until she managed to get at least some semblance of sleep, then it was off to the market, first thing in the morning-
and without much sleep, she hadn't been paying attention, so it was of the utmost, unfortunate of things when she ran into him.

She had been in a half, tongue twisted reply to apologize to the man she had run into, but the second she recognized him, her breath caught in her throat and instantly her lips snapped shut and she did nothing to hide her glare.
"Emyr.." she said, narrowing her gaze and adjusting the single strap of her dress that had fallen from her shoulder when the two 'met'.

Unlike the woman he had done economic battle with, Emyr slept without a care. He had not even given a second thought to the purchase of the vanity since making it and had continued on with his daily life as if nothing was out of order, for truly for him it was not.

It was while he was out and about in the marketplace the next day that he had spotted a blonde head of hair weaving its way through the crowds. He cracked a bit of a smirk before ensuring their paths would meet eventually as he too made his way towards her. It was obvious to him that it could be none other than Evelyn given how few people in the desert oasis were born with hair the color of straw.

Amusement caused him to chuckle, a deep rumbling from within his chest when she collided headon with him. He certainly had not been expecting that but took it in stride as the look of realization on her face was without a doubt worth the surprise.

"Evelyn," he purred back in greeting, his dark eyes glittering in the light of the high noon sun.

Lady Gray wasn't about to spare him any more words than that, as her dagger glare spoke enough for her actions as she turned away from him and tried to push her way through the crowd, commanding her entourage to move about faster. She was too angry to talk to him now anyway-
Well, more angry than usual.

Emyr could not help himself. He snorted and commented loudly so that he could be heard over the din of the crowds. "Well someone certainly woke up on the wrong side of the bed. Or was it perhaps the fact that it was an empty bed?"

At such a retort she would have kept going, but when the last set of words reached her ears, she spun around on her heels and gave him a most deadly glare.

"A large and most exotic bed, one that no man around here is worthy to share."

"One that no real man would even wish to lay in," he drawled back with sure fire ease. "Who knows what one could catch in such an exotic environment."

Narrowing her gaze, she whirled away from him with fire in her step. She was not about to waste anymore breath on him. And with a wave of her hand, her entourage gave one last look the man's way before hurrying to move about with their mistress.

Emyr chuckled to himself, enjoying how he could make her squirm and flee like a rat before a flood. He went back about his business, eying up competition and prospects as easily as a fish breathes water. Thoughts of his brief encounter were quickly forgotten as he allowed himself to become fully immersed in his role as a businessman.

It was the itch she could not scratch, the shade of a tree at highnoon that was tucked away, or the flea inside your dress you could not see-
That was Emyr, and as the day went on, and each hot hour passed, she finally calmed down enough not to be chewing on her tongue (or the inside of her cheek). In fact, she was finally able to enjoy herself a little, finding a pretty little white dress to buy that she instantly fell in love with, and some gold jewelry to match.  She was also opening a new trade partner, so as far as she was concerned, Emyr no longer existed unto her!

So with her ego in check, and her pride back in line, she and her entourage began to make their way home- and as far as she was concerned, no one could mess up this day-
that was, until she passed by the wood workers tent, which was now closed, and noticed a new vanity on display-
and instantly her heart sank as she recalled the auction-


and most unlike her, she felt the faint prickling of tears before she turned away, blinking them back as she told her party to keep moving forward.
The last thing she wanted was to have the end of this day ruined by  the memory of him.

He had nearly forgotten about his encounter with Evelyn as he bargained late into the afternoon when even the most indecisive customers had already made all their purchases and moved on. It was only as he was on his way home that Emyr once more bumped into the testy woman as she was staring longingly at a handsomely carved vanity.

"My, my," he gleefully mused aloud. "I never figured you to be quite so vain as to tear up in awe at the sight of your own reflection. Careful you don't catch your reflection in a pool of water or else you fall so in love with yourself you drown yourself."

Evelyn nearly leaped out of her skin at his voice.
"You!" She narrowed her gaze at him and turned her nose up towards the sky. "There was sand in my eye, if you must know. But you Essyrnis... I believe you are all so immune to your desert that you wouldn't understand."

"Not so much immune as built with stronger constitutions meant to withstand such small irritations that a delicate flower like yourself would struggle fiercely to overcome. Call it what you will I consider it a compliment nonetheless.

"Now then," he restarted with a bit if a smirk. "If you're quite done attempting to insult me and my pride, I was about to invite you to the comfort of my home for the evening meal if you would be willing that is to grace my humble abode with your presence."

Evelyn had a tongue full of words she could through after him, but when he went on to confess an invitation, her words fell short, and she found herself gaping at him like a fish. Her eyes flicked up and down his form.
"You would never."

Really, who was he trying to convince?

Emyr tutted and threw his hands in the air. "Well I would if you would stop insulting me," he replied sounding extremely vexed. "Are you quite done now, Evelyn or do you still have some ill-placed jibes left in there for me?"

Miss Gray went quiet, face going long and tongue becoming dry. Her left brow twitched a little at him before she took a step back, drew in a long breath and released it as she looked him over.

But when she opened her mouth to speak, nothing came out but a puff of hot air, and words that never formed. She opened her lips again, lashes fluttering before trying again.

"I shall still my tongue long enough to humor you."
And keeping her shoulders back, she lifted up her chin and waited for him to go on. But the second she smelled anything fishy from him, she was not going to hold back those comments, or her huff attitude towards him, for long.

"Oh how magnanimous of you my dear," he whispered mostly to himself. "Now then, as I was saying I would like to invite you to the comfort of my home for the evening meal if you would be so willing that is to grace my humble abode with your presence." Emyr smirked as he quite literally repeated himself verbatim. "It would be an honor to serve The Lady."

Evelyn tried to keep cool, to keep calm, so she worked on slow and steady breathing first. Propriety dictated that she accepted, but she was still skeptical as to why the invitation was extended, and the little jab by using her nickname among the Essyrni's made her brow twitch just once more.

After a moment, she sighed and took a moment to recompose herself for the thousandth time that day.

"And.... if I were to decline this evening... if I were already with plans?"

Emyr put on a solemn expression as he replied very quietly. "I would be deeply offended as my people seem to be under the impression that the Lady Evelyn is too good for the likes of us. I believe this to be untrue and seek only to disprove such a baseless rumor. But perhaps I was...mistaken?" he whispered the last word, his tone challenging even as his face remained dejected and remorseful.

Her lips tightened as she fought against the thousand of tiny voices screaming inside her head. And it was after just half a moment's time before she finally conceded.

"Well, I suppose you are in luck, Lord  Kasabian, as I am free." And she gave a sigh and rigid nod. "Now if you don't mind.... I have many things to attend to." And she moved to turn from him but paused and turned back around. "Oh, and about those... rumors," she went on, tightening her lips again. "It is not that I feel too good for the Essyrnis, just to clarify."

For in truth, no one even truly bothered to invite her- except for those who were known to invite everyone. Then again, there were also a select few- but they tended to be at the lower end of the pool of the wealthy.

'On the contrary, it is what you know to be true,' he thought to himself, his face not betraying even an ounce of his thoughts. Instead, Emyr bid her farewell until the evening and returned to his own business before arriving home and giving the orders to make arrangements for his guest.

Evelyn could not believe what she had agreed to do! And she was flustered all afternoon and found herself with clammy hands as she prepared. Her golden hair was curled, her body thoroughly washed, kohl lining her eyes- and just about anything that was expected of a lady guest. She even wore perfume, and made sure it was a local one, just incase the man dare scrutinize her smell as well. And once she was re-dressed in a more appropriate white, evening gown, she finally made her way to Emyr's estate.

She knew exactly where it was, so as her carriage rolled down the way she simply sighed and stared out the window towards the passing palms and the glittering, setting sun cast across the Niafi. She knew this place well enough cause she always tried to avoid this area. It left her with a bad taste in her mouth, and the second she was moving up the street, just about everyone turned to look.

Evelyn pretended not to notice or care, keeping her head up high and to appear as regal and arrogant as she could. She was not about to be brought down by simple stares- even if it ruffled her feathers. But she remained composed and when Emyr's manor stretched into view, she waited for her carriage to come to a halt before stepping out and examining the small garden he had outfront. Not many Essyrni's could boast a garden, but she supposed a man like him was inclined to have one- to show off his wealth, naturally.


While she waited, she idly rubbed off the clammy sweat that kept collecting on her palms. Damn humid night...
Why couldn't the air be dry like it normally was? Peering up at the sky she noticed dark clouds.


How peculiar-
It rarely rained in the desert. And she couldn't help but wonder if it was some sort of a sign.

Emyr himself was there to open the door for Evelyn, having shooed away the servant whose job it normally was. "Good evening, my dear," he purred, bowing lowly before sweeping his arm back to allow her entry. "Allow me to welcome you to my humble abode. I trust the ride here was pleasant?"

Evelyn gave him a skeptical once over before giving a rigid nod and stepping into his home. Though she felt this tightness within her, as if she were stepping into a cell, she tried to keep herself level headed. After all, she didn't need to give more fuel to the public to mar her name anymore than they already have.

"Humble? I suppose you could call it that, but it seems you live in a place that's as grand as any other home I've visited," she simply replied, and paused to turn to him. "And yes, my ride was pleasant."

"I would not doubt you have seen finer homes in your own homeland, my dear," he chided playfully. "Now come, come," Emyr beckoned her further into his home as they made their way towards the dining room where the evening meal was already laid out for them. "Does my presence bother you so much, my dear? You look as if you've entered an asp den and are waiting for one to strike."

Still blushing, Evelyn was tongue tied into no reply. Really! His comment was rude yet... did he think that little smirk of his could cover up what he really meant? She knew there was ulterior motives here. She just wasn't sure just what they were yet. Perhaps just to mock her, but he could do that in broad day light. And in fact, he recently had.

And as she followed along, very rigidly, mind you! and was actually called out on it, well that was a bit more than she could accept and she stopped in midstride to glare at him. And with a sigh, she tried to calm herself as she kept all of her dignity in place.

"I assure you, it is not your presence that is the bother. But it is not good to talk of unpleasant things when in the company of another. So let's talk about how your evening is going and what sort of dinner you have prepared." ANd as they moved further into the house, she could begin to smell it.

"Is that crab?"
She was rather fond of crab...
And only a little bit of her rigidenss softened at the smell.

Emyr chuckled softly, not at all offended by her brusk comments that others of his people might have been. He had grown up away from his mother's kind for many years and knew exactly the brand of cruelty of those further mainland.

He quirked a brow though at her question and turned his head enough to peek at her from the corner of his eye. "It is possible. We did recently receive some merchandise from the coast. It would not surprise me to learn there were some delicacies included as gifts. Would that be a problem if it was? I suppose I could speak with the cook about changing the menu," he murmured the last allowing the statement to trail off as he awaited her answer.

"Change the menu?" And all of the flowering tongue that came up before that proposal made her frown. "That would be absurd. Crab is quite delightful. Though if you're proposing it was a gifted meal, and not meant to be prepared to be seen as a gift to me, then I suppose I could not argue with your logic if you wished to change it."
But such wordy tongues made her tired, and she sighed, her shoulders drooping ever so slight.

"But honestly, I am your guest, and I suppose I am the victim of whatever awaits me for this evenings festivities?"
And she immediately regretted her choice of words.. but really, how was a woman to think when the man kept looking at her, head cocked to one side much like a hawk studying a mouse in the valley and growing hungrier for dinner.

Speaking of hungry, she hoped any obvious signs of her own hunger weren't noticed, as her stomach softly rumbled as she averted her eyes from his and began to look around his home.

"Well, are you going to show me around your home?" As was at least the etiquette in most places! "Or offer me a drink?" Thoguhs he couldn't believe she was spewing out such demands instead of letting him get to it-
But Kia! She needed a drink!

His eyes narrowed slightly in displeasure and hurt. "I said nothing of the kind. Such cruelty you hurl at me when I have been nothing but gracious to you in my own home. What great offense have I done you to deserve such venom? I merely suggested a change to better suit your tastes if they do not match my own. I will leave it as it is then," he informed her tightly, refusing to even look at her as she repeatedly insulted his pride.

It was one thing that Emyr had invited her as a bit of fun for himself to throw her off kilt but to have her cast his generosity back in his face as if it was nothing more than second-hand filth was another thing entirely. If she was so intent on playing the victim then he would let her see who the true victim was in the face of all her flailing accusations.

"The dining hall is this way," Emyr began formally as he led her away, "Perhaps then you can find a drink appease you though I suppose with your apparent opinion of me, nothing will."

Well! Feeling like utter crap for presuming the obvious which wasn't obvious or had been intended by her host at all, really made her re-think the evening. She grew quiet and followed after him, muttering only a single, soft, "Yes."

Keeping her eyes to the ground, she tried to think of some way to remedy this. Still, the thoughts twisted inside her guts as to being the butt of some sort of joke here, but he was right when he called her out against him, and so far- the only ones there to observe anything where...

Him.. and her.

The second the pair made it to the dining hall, she found herself suddenly catching his wrist before he entered.

"I.. want to apologize for my hostilities. I didn't intend to.. well, make the mood for the evening so soured so soon."
And need she add that was what she had expected though? No, it was best not. She didn't need to add more insult to injury.

Emyr froze at her touch as if burned as he looked at her over his shoulder, unable to completely turn to face her and risk some further attack upon his person. To say her apology was unexpected was an understatement. It was however, not unpleasant for him as while he expected her pride to win out, he could not help the bubbling feeling of victory from blooming within his chest.

"So you intended for it to go sour nevertheless. How unfortunate," Emyr murmured, refusing to let her off the hook as he pulled away and moved to take his seat at one end of the table. A motion of his hand silently ordered a servant to pour drinks though he had no interest in partaking in his own.

Evelyn internally deflated. She couldn't even rebuff that because well...
He was right. And damn her for that pride of hers, it could be bigger than the Kilanthro mountains. With a sigh,s he tried to swallow this all down, perhaps the evening could start over again....
After all, the dinner hadn't even begun!

Once she was seated and given something to drink, she drank it a lot more hastily than she'dve liked. But well, she still felt as if she were trying to survive a walk through a lion's den- yet somehow... how was it she was starting to feel sorry for the 'beast'?

"So.. how is your trade business going?" Perhaps talking about business would iron out the unease that hung heavily in the air.

"It goes as expected," he replied neutrally. "It is ever the balance of right words and confident decisions. I'm sure you understand that though, it is after all the same business you yourself dabble in, is it not? Or was the auction yesterday more for personal interests?" Emyr sipped his wine while keeping his face expressionless. Let her think what she would but he was most certainly circling the little mouse, waiting for the trap to spring.

She nearly choked on her wine.
"Business?"
The anger that flashed in her eyes was hard to curb, as her lips twitched in want of a scowl. Instead, she suffered with a simple frown.

"Hardly. Not every outting I attend is for business. That one, I assure you, was simply out of pleasure." And she looked away, too flustered to keep up her look as she downed more of her drink.

Emyr pretended not to notice her harsh attitude as he pressed onward. "Ah, I see then. Well I hope you enjoyed your outing as it were. I'm afraid not all of us are gifted with such luxuries and must continue to work in order to maintain our livelihoods. It must be nice to have some time to spend petty cash on trinkets."

It took every ounce of her person not to blow up in retaliation.  And she was equally afraid she might bite her tongue off as she released a hot breath through her nose, and went to finish her drink.

"So.." she went on, clutching her goblet tightly as she set it upon the table. "You aim to simply sell it on the market?"
Ha! The best market had been that auction! She hoped he'd be eating worms for breakfast on that one!

"Oh, no!" he hurried to assure her. "No it would do much better to sell it as scrap materials and collect the profits that way. It really is not much use to anyone in its current state. It's far too out of fashion and damaged to be of much interest to the current market. It's a shame really because in a better condition I'm sure it could have fetched a better price. Why I got it for a steal to be honest. I was certainly prepared to pay much more. I'm glad I didn't have to though. It's always a relief when you can save what little funds you have for the simple pleasures in life." Emyr chuckled as he finished his glass of wine and signaled for another as if to prove his point.

At such a notion, Evelyn visibly paled and felt her stomach churn and twist in on itself. Perhaps she shouldn't have drank the offered drink so quickly, for as much as she wanted to hide behind some alcohol, it was making her swim in a most uncomfortable way. Or..
Perhaps it was the way he looked at her.

She thought she might faint, but instead of even registering any of that, she held up her goblet.
"Do you have more to drink?"

And felt her palms growing sweaty at how any hidden feelings she was trying to mask over, were just pouring out of her like rain, or the fresh rays of the morning sun.
She was never at all that good at lying.

A discreet nod of his head had her glass filled as well before the slave returned quietly to his post. Emyr continued to observe his guest from over the rim of his glasses. "Is something troubling you, dear? You have gone awfully quiet. Is the wine not to your liking? I could have something else brought for you. Water? Lassi? A different vintage perhaps?"

Evelyn opened her lips to speak, but then promptly closed them as she ground her teeth. No, it was better to swallow any words she'd regret.

"N-no, the wine is fine,"s he went on, blinking back any emotions her eyes might give away.
"I was just.. quietly observing your home. You have good taste."

And she was still a terrible liar.

"You must have excellent vision then my dear as I do not believe your head let alone your eyes have moved around enough to clearly take in the pleasures of my home. Or is that a northerner attitude to keep from gawking? Please feel free to enjoy the simplicity here," Emyr told her waving his hand about the room in an arc. "It was my mother's home. I'm sure she would be pleased to know one such as you found pleasure in its beauty."

She could have scowled, but stopped herself short and lifted her glass to take a sip again, then lifted it to him.
"Then perhaps I ought to praise her for its value?"

His eyes darkened somewhat as his lips twitched in an humorless semblance of a smile. "I am sure her spirit would be delighted with such praise," he told her quietly as he too raised his glass before taking a secondary sip. As they drank the first course arrived, a cold vegetable soup and a favorite of Emyr's. "Please, eat," he urged his guest.

Well!
That was awkward. Evelyn went quiet. She just about forgot his parents were not alive. And was thankful for the appearance of the soup, but made small, lamed attempts to eat it. But after a few bites, she smiled towards him.

"It's very good. DO you know what vegetables your cooks use in this?"

Yes.. small talk. Small talk was good. Maybe she couldn't blunder that up, at least.

"Kale and cucumber," he answered automatically, his eyes trained on the spoon he was bringing to his lips. "An interesting mix, if I do say so myself. My cook did not know what exactly to do with the vegetables when she first arrived and we ended up with this. It has been a family favorite ever since. I take it you like it then?"

Relieved it seemed the conversation was going somewhere more pleasant, she allowed herself a reprieving smile.

"Yes. I'll have to keep the recipe in mind when I next speak to my own cook."

Emyr ate in silence, comfortable with it as he was used to meals spent alone in such a fashion. It did not even occur to him that he should be making small talk as he mused on the many ways he could annoy his dinner guest while remaining seemingly innocent of the trouble he was causing her. He motioned for their glasses to be filled again before sitting back in his chair to savor the dry flavor of the wine on his tongue while his eyes stared at Evelyn in a rather appraising fashion as if to judge her worth.

Well, things were growing awkward again. And Evelyn had just finished her soup.
Her mind was ever calculating any sort of small talk, and found herself asking, "So, as a man at your age, how come you haven't taken on any wives?"
As a woman, she didn't think the topic of conversation was at all rude. After all, it was a social query and perhaps she could blame drinking the wine on this one.

He snorted softly into his drink. 'Typical.' Emyr smirked darkly at his guest over the brim of his glass. "Why take a wife when you can have a concubine for a fraction of the hassle?" The mirth coloring his features spoke of what discomfort he hoped to cause her. "Why were you thinking of applying?"

"Hardly. It just seems the nature of the business. All merchant lords I know have at least three wives. You're just the exception. Besides, there's a certain freedom without it, don't you agree?"

"Of course! Why else do you think I am without one? You don't honestly believe that I am incapable of having a wife do you? I have had several offers over the years yet no contract has peaked my interest of yet. When you're a king among peasants there really is not much that can intrigue your interest I must say. But you must know as a foreigner and a merchant in your own right I suppose what is like dealing with the masses. Or do they just usually avoid you?" he asked with a quirk of his brows as the soup was removed and the next course was placed before them.

Well, this topic was quickly becoming uncomfortable. Then again, everything about this arrangement was uncomfortable.
"I'm not exactly looking," was all she would answer before working at finishing her drink before even attempting to look at her plate.

He looked up at her in genuine surprise, pausing in raising a bit of succulent crab to his lips. "Why ever not? Pretty woman like you should have a breeze acquiring one with enough money to support you over the years, especially if you continue your little profitable hobby to bring in some extra spending money. Would see quite advantageous for you if I do say so myself."

Evelyn could have scoffed.
"Being married is highly overrated," she went on, cutting into her own crab meat as it parted open and released gentle puffs of sweet steam from it's middle.

"And what praytell leads you to that conclusion my dear? I would think that marriage would greatly appeal to you. I'm sure you could any manner of man you wanted if you so much as gave him the time of day of course."

At that, Evelyn raised one pointed brow.
"Though many women of the North cry and throw themselves over the prospect of being taken by a husband, I, myself, like the idea of not having myself so preoccupied with something so superfluous when I haven't even the desire for it, nor the consequences it pertains in regards to," she went on, with a wave of her wrist, "children."

Emyr smirked and shook his head. "But my dear it would be you doing the taking in this case. But, are children such an awful thing? They can be so delightfully entertaining after all. Surely it is not your figure that concerns you!" he continued to protest with good humor.

Evelyn stiffened.
"No, hardly, but if I were to consider children I want to be there as afigure in their life, not some maid, and this life styleI have chosen hardly allows for such freedoms. More or less, you could say I'm married to my profession." And she hastily drank after that reveal.

"I would beg to differ on that opinion but perhaps my more heathen upbringing leaves me at a disadvantage for understanding your northern values. Forgive me if I have offended you. That was not my intention for inviting you here this evening."

A sip of his wine and he was quickly changing the subject. "Is the crab to your liking? I know you were looking forward to it."

At such a response, she bristled.
"I never called you or any other Essryni heathen," she countered, and was quick to add, "And yes, the crab is just fine."

"I never said you did," he replied, clearly amused. "But it is true all the same. It is something we sport with pride and honor." Emyr nodded his head, pleased with her response while he continued eating.

Well! Clearly ruffled, she went silent and simply enjoyed the crab. It was good. She just wished her stomach wasn't trying to twist itself into a knot. That would definitely help it go down better.

He continued his silence, clearly amused by her discomfort as he believed his attitude to be nothing but peaceful and gentile. If she wanted to dig herself into bigger and bigger holes then that was completely her prerogative. He would just keep stirring the pot for her as it were.

The silence only caused her awkwardness to escalate, before eventually, she finished what she could of her crab and sighed as she leaned back some in her chair. Though her posture was still rigid, she eyed her evening's entertainer and so very much wanted to ask him, 'Why me?'
What sort of games was he playing here? She couldn't entirely believe his innocence here, though part o fher had to wonder if it was truly just to have her here to squirm. She knew it was not for his reputation, for clearly if the public knew, they might begin to look down upon him too. And while all of these thoughts were running through her head, she didnt' realize she was simply just staring at him.

Emyr ate his meal happily, pretending for a while not to notice the way she stared at him. It was not an unusual for him to be stared at given his position without the community. He often found himself "on display" as it were and Emyr would be lying if he did not admit to enjoying it as well.

However, there was a particular brand of amusement all of its own that came from Evelyn succumbing to the same uninhibited staring. Instead of verbally drawing attention to her actions though, he opted for a subtler approach. Slowly placing his eating utensils down on his plate he moved to rest his chin in the palm of his hand, a brow raising and corner of his lips raising with his mirth as his eyes met hers in a quiet challenge.

It took her a moment to realize he was smiling. And though caught off guard, she cleared her throat and looked elsewhere.
"It seems I finished my crab much quicker than I'dve imagined."

"So it seems," he murmured back, his eyes darting down to her plate and back up to her face. "Would you care for more? I spare no expense when it comes to my whims." Without waiting for her answer, he sat up straight, snapping his fingers and motioning a slave over to refill her plate and his glass.

Not sure she could eat more if she wanted, she had finished her drink and got some more. This meal would definitely require more drink! Though the crab smelled divine, she hesitated.

"You have strange whims,"s he told him, coolly. "Though I suppose who am I to judge?" And she lightly picked at her second plate of crab. She was Connlaothian, after all. So she did have some manners. Leaving half to remain, she dabbed her lips clean with a clothe and cleaned the grease from her fingers, too.

"So what other things do you simply get whims for?" she found herself asking, well before she realized the wording for that was in poor taste. Though perhaps it was just the alcohol.

Emyr lifted his glass in a silent toast to her when she declared him strange before draining it in one go. "Many things my dear," he rumbled in a deep voice with a dark smirk. "I'm not sure you truly wish to know though. They might offend your prudish northern sensibilities. Can't have that now, can we? Goody-miss-two-shoes can't be sullied by us more baser beings."

She wasn't sure why she blushed. That in itself was embarassing. But she took stock, 'It's the alcohol.' which she hoped to prove by finishing her glass.
"By now I think I'd be Essyrni enough to know, but I suppose one can not help how they were raised. However, I am very interested in more to drink- though do you have anything stronger?"
She knew she'd need it to survive this outting.

"You'll never be Essyrni, my dear. You are not of this land and nor were your parents before you. You can live your whole life here and learn all our customs but that doesn't make you one of us. No it is definitely best to protect your innocent eyes and ears from my whims lest you find yourself in quite a predicament."

Emyr smiled and wordlessly signaled for her request to be fulfilled. The slave darted off like a shadow and was at her elbow in no time with a dark amber liquid that he first poured into her glass then his master's. "Perhaps this would be more to your liking," the merchant prince offered, smirking once more with mischief dancing in his dark eyes. "That is of course, if you can handle it."

Evelyn was heated so much it turned her ears red. But she swallowed her pride thickly and snatched up her cup.
We shall see.

It was an inward jab but made evident in her eyes. But as she knocked back her drink, she coughed a little before she laughed and cleared her throat.

"Now that's a proper drink!"

Emyr snickered behind his hand, barely able to contain the sound and certainly not capable of hiding his oily smile. "Oh do forgive me, my dear. I never would have intentionally given you such an inferior drink had I known you were so displeased with my hospitality. How ever will I manage to reclaim my honor in your eyes?"

There was a glaze of anger as she looked at him, and a new swimming sensation rolling about inside her head. She was able to at least compose herself enough to sigh before taking another drink, this time, just a sip before she shook her head.

"Your hospitality suffices enough." She frowned a little, and felt soured all over. "It would be rude of me to presume to much over shut an occasion, as brief as this one might turn to be." She was already itching to get out of there. Instead, she had more to drink. The glass less than half full.

"So then my honor is not threatened. Is that what you are saying, my dear? That would certainly be a relief it was." He smirked, already guessing at her intoxication level even as he motioned his people to fill her glass more. The more drunk she was the more fun she could be to him. Emyr was almost positive that at any moment, the woman would finally lose the stick up her ass and the sparks would fly. The impending inferno would be glorious regardless of what it burned in the process.

Her displeasure of his word choice (or just words in general!) was plastered all over her face. She gave a disgruntled sigh.
"I hardly believe anything for You could be threatened HERE." Her words were said with a bit more bite than she ought to have, but for the sake of things, there it was. And so was another drink of wine. "One should always feel at home in their home."
A notion that made one hand clench into a tight fist at her side, the other doing the same as she held onto her wine cup.

"They should, shouldn't they? Is that why your family ended up here, because they didn't feel at home in their own country? I don't believe I ever heard the reason why your people came out here. Must be an interesting tale." Emyr signaled for her glass to be refilled as if he had not just thrown more barbs her was and was the most perfect host.

Emyr was a thorny, slimy, bastard of a man- and if her eyes could chew him out- oh how they would. But she wouldn't get a chance to really ream him out, for a loud clap of thunder startled her as she looked towards the window.

It was an omen- a very bad one. And storms were not likely in the desert of all places. They were more catastrophic here than most of the world- with little in the ground to soak up water....
Rains meant a flood, and unless you were on higher grounds, you could get carried away too in the sudden torrential flooding.

Evelyn hadn't realized she was standing and looked around before frowning.
"We should call it an early evening. It threatens rain."

"Is that wise?"

Everything about his posture was relaxed and unfazed by the apparent impending storm. Already dark storm clouds were rolling in and flashes of dry lightening soundlessly danced across the sky.

"Would be a travesty if you found yourself just....swept away."

Whether it was his words, or her own apprehensions that stopped her, it may never be said, but she hesitated at the enclosing darkness. Storms weren't much of a threat up North, but here? They could easily bring death.

Her hands were clenched into fists, her entire body tensed, but even she wasn't so arrogant to chance her luck against a dessert storm. Sighing, she returned a heated gaze back to Emyr.

"I suppose I could wait it out with more drink."

Being drunk might at least make things more bearable.

"By all means go though if you feel you will manage. Far be it from me to deny you a hasty exit. Who knows it will last this time. Desert storms after all, so unpredictable. Always dredging up the worst of the worst from the depths of the earth as all things fight to escape the oncoming flood."

He dabbed at his mouth as mouth as moved to stand casually. "Or shall I see to a set of rooms prepared for you though? You'll have to take care to check for fleeing scorpions before you sleep of course," Emyr chuckled as he claimed the entire decanter for himself leaving none for her refills and sauntered out to watch the oncoming storm from the safety of his balcony.

Oh the sort of words she chewed down for him from deep within her throat, unspoken. Such anger heated her veins and stained her cheeks red. But even she wasn't about to just let the anger explode, like the sudden on coming storm. No, oh no.  He just extended a stayed vacation in his home, a charge their kind take none too lightly. To host a guest in such a manner painted one's reputation for years. And colorful as her choice of words may be, she swallowed them down and waltzed lightly in a saunter to his side, arms folded casually as she too, looked out at the oncoming storm.

The swell of winds, the coppery, yet still dry taste of promised winds and the clearing of the moving airs had an uplifting affect, tickling her own heart and veins with excitement. And the way the clouds rolled in in great, powerful waves. And the subtle, tickling dance of colored lightning across the skies was almost...

A sudden, bright, blinding flash of light and cracked of thunder had Evelyn jumping near clean from her skin, and the crescendoing thunder after shook the very grounds around them, so much so that the light decor had to tinkle musically as it settled.

It was only as the thunder rumbled away to almost nothing did she realize she had jumped quite intimately close to her host, and nervously laughed as she took a polite step away.

"It's.. quite the loud thunderstorm."
Beautiful too, in its own intoxicating and mysterious ways. Her eyes were already back on the clouds, but her heart was still beating from that loud clap of thunder.

"I suppose the storm has declared itself here and you.." she went in, delicately clearing her throat, "I suppose have a guest who can't refuse such a.. hospitable invotation."
She forced a smile as she kept pale eyes trained to the skies.

And the world was becoming quite dark, and the swell of rain; eminent.

Emyr side-eyed The Woman as she practically jumped out her skin and into his. "While I have indeed invited you into my home, I do not believe I had invited you into my bed, dear. But if that is what you prefer, I suppose that too can be arranged."

He smirked as he viewed her still from the corner of his eye, completely unbothered by the approaching storm or its chaotic display of lights and percussion.

Naturally, such words would cause for a haughty reply. Her eyes cut towards him, but she kept a smile curled upon her lips.

"Oh, whatever do you mean? Surely you would not presume I am the sort to invite herself to share a host's bed? I was only grateful you had given me the option of my own bed, I assure you."

How dare he presume! And openly! What a cad! She hadn't actually jumped into his lap! Simply.. Simply closer. Even still, her cheeks colored pink.

"Is there more to drink as we watch the storm?" She asked, enjoying the strong winds to cool off her face.

"It is not I who presumes, my dear, when it was you who is all but climbing me and in my own house at that." He chuckled, a deep rumbling sound reverberating up from his chest while bringing the decanter up to his lips and drinking deeply from it directly.

"Are you going to drink me out of house and home? At this rate I worry I'll have need to carry you to your bed myself." All the same he offered her the decanter of the dark amber burning liquor to drink from as well.

A single brow rose sharply.
Still your tongue, don't fuel him.
Still,  the winds felt wild, cool.. refreshing. She closed her eyes and just listened. That's when the rain came, a soft sound at first but then in a roar, the skies opening and plummeting all landscapes into water.

A harsh wind blew the rains upon them in a hungered maelstrom, causing Evelyn to gasp at the sudden assault of water. She all but dropped the decanter offered to her before rushing into a dryer perch, inside, peering back over her shoulders as her hair and dress hung tightly against her wet form, wondering if her host was mad enough to stay outside or was he going to join her where it was much dryer.

Emyr grinned as the rain hit. A genuine, broad, expression of relaxation broke out across his face as he raised his arms out to the sides and let himself become soaked. His head fell back, eyes closed and mouth open to catch the cooling drops that splashed across his face and tongue. He laughed then as a crash of thunder boomed right overhead and a flash of lightning touched down within his courtyard. There was something beautiful and powerful about the unyielding wrath of nature. But, he did not a simple woman, not even one such as nature herself.

Only after turning slowly in the rain while still laughing did he finally return indoors, positively drenched to the bone in what was no more than a handful of minutes.

"Afraid of a little rain, dear? You shouldn't be, you're not that sweet."

There was a certain, feral attraction as she watched the rains ravish the man's body, suctioning his clothing to himself like a second skin and plastering even his short cropped beard to his face. But it wasn't just his appearance that was do captivating, but his spirit. There was something beautiful and virtuous in the freedom birthed from laughter, danger, and the rain.

She had all but forgotten her own attire was slickened by the rain, not nearly as much as his torrential down pour, but enough to make the front of her white dress spotty, with translucency, and parts sticking closer to her own chilled body where the rain had assaulted her quick.

She clenched the decanter a bit more tightly as he approached, for she nearly dropped it as she was scrambling to get her thoughts to return to a sense of normalcy. But at his remark, she couldn't hide her smile as she shook her head and turned away.

"I hate to admit you are right." She sighed and took the moment to tuck back her smile,  to recompose herself- because heavens,  maybe she had too much to drink if she was suddenly attracted to Emyr.

She was of northern stock. The rains shouldn't be putting her as off guard as she was.

Or maybe it was something else entirely.

He stared her down, taking in the splotchy fabric of her clothing and the hungry look in her eye as she fumbled with his carafe. Emyr was far more concerned with its safe return however than any amount of scheming or daydreaming she was caught up in, though he was not oblivious to it.

A snort escaped him with no attempt made to politely hold it back at her agreement. "If you seek pity, you will not find it here, dear," he commented, brushing past her to accept a towel from one of his slaves, using it to draw off his face then hair.

Emyr tossed the towel aside and held out his hand to her. "You can return my drink now. You've had quite enough."

She all but thrust the decanter back into his hands in agreement, then accepted a towel from another slave as she dabbed at her hair, all the while listening to the rumble of thunder and sound of rain. 

It seemed it wouldn't be a quick storm, and she wondered how many of the local shops would be ruined for it.

He snorted at the speed at which she had clumsily passed off the decanter. Emyr took a long drink, gulping down the nectar greedily before smacking his lips with a pleased sigh. Now that was much better. It really was quite lovely and therefore a shame that it was sullied by touching her northern lips. Nothing for it, he supposed though. Fate and Fortune were playing with him this evening by trapping The Woman with him. Perhaps though he could have some fun with it. Why should Hakeshna be the only one entertained?

"Isn't it near your bedtime? Little girls should be all tucked away safe and sound in their beds come nightfall lest the djinn come for you."

"Unless you can spare a boat, I'm afraid nothing can be done until the storm has passed."
Shr sighed and turned away from him, peering over towards the rains with a frown. So many thoughts bubbled inside her head, and the only proof was the movement of her eyes. 

"So I suppose I'm at your mercy yet. I hope you're not too put off with it," She went on, dryly.

"If I was truly put off by it my dear do you think I would not have already offered you a room in my home to wait out the storm? Or has the drink addled your mind so far now that you no longer recall what was ordered for you? Or perhaps," he paused eyeing her knowingly, "it was something else that caught your eye and drove what few thoughts flit in your cavernous head away?"

Something else? She cast him a glare. No, it wasn't anything like that. She was just disgusted in herself for admitting the man was attractive. She shook her head as if to shake it off.

"Just on edge because of the storm," She said dryly. Obviously not serious, but she used the natural feminine excuse od the fairer sex.

"Perhaps an early retirement from the day would be best." And she looked to him expectantly. 

"Clearly," he intoned just as dryly, not believing her for a second. With a wave of his hand he summoned one of the slaves. "See that the lady is given a room to stay in. And not too close to your own. Wouldn't want her voracious appetite to gobble the staff whole." Emyr snorted with a slight smirk before waving again as if to dismiss her.

Evelyn tossed a hard look his way. He wasn't worth her breath, she needed to remind herself.

She inclined her head and turned, nodding towards the servant.

Yes.. an early night would be wise. Especially if she suddenly developed any abilities that let her looks kill.

She followed the servant without giving a second look back and only relaxed when she was left alone in her room. Sighing, she peered towards the window and approached and peered out at the rains.  Atleast the thunder was subsiding. 

Emyr did not spare a look her way either choosing instead to finish his drink and wave the staff into cleaning up as he abandoned the room to retire for the evening. While the woman was busy enjoying the evening and the softening rains, the other man was occupying his time with a loud early night and three very talented and attractive bedwarmers.

Although the place was luxurious, it was difficult for her to get much sleep.  It seemed... ahem.. her charge faired no better.

She had taken a stroll, seating herself within the study and began to draw her attention towards his wall of books. She had considered reading one or two, something to help pass the time, when she noted an unassuming, leather bound book with something.. a piece of paper, poking out from one of the pages.

Curious, she slipped the book from the shelf and flipped open to the page, where it seemed a letter was presses in-between the pages. She hadn't even sat down at one of the chaise lounges when she moved to open the book and something heavy dropped onto her foot. 

She looked down, grimacing , when she noticed the small, strange metal object upon her sandle, glinting faintly in the pale light of the room.

Unlike his unfortunate guest, Emyr had gotten quite a restful night's sleep after his early evening antics. He was up before the dawn to recite his prayers with the rising sun. Only once complete did he venture to his personal study in time to find a rat in the shape of The Woman pilfering through his property. 

Leaning quietly in the door way with arms crossed he watched as she went through his books and attempted to delve further. "Do you often make it a habit of invading spaces where you do not belong, or do you just feel entitled to other people's property?"

The woman nearly jumped clean out of her skin, the object that had fallen onto her foot getting kicked aside. She also nearly dropped the book as well as she spun around to face Emyr.

She sighed , but the act hardly calmed hee, heart thumping near clean from her chest.

"I couldn't sleep so I was looking for something to read," She replied curtly.

"And a habit of damaging other people's property?" Emyr sighed and approached her swiftly to scoop up the metal object as well as pluck the book out of her hands.

"This is not your home, Little Woman. You can't just go barging into private spaces," he intoned deeply, standing toe to toe with her so he was forced to look down at her. "Surely your parents had the grace to teach you that at the very least."

She squared off her shoulders and looked up into his eyes. She wasn't about to let him intimidate her first thing in the morning.

"The door was open. How was I to know your library was meant to be private? In Connlaoth, our libraries and studies were open to our guests so that they could entertain themselves while staying at our home."

"Are you implying Essryni are more selfish than the northerners?" She pressed, not about to let him push her around with his ilmanners so early in the morning. 

And she hadn't slept. So patient was not on her top of the list.

Emyr looked first left, then right. "Last I looked we weren't in Connlaoth. I do not care what your  barbaric customs are. You are in Essyrn now. You follow our rules here. Your place is at home. Go cook, marry a husband, bear him sons. You're far better suited there. Or is your purpose here the hope of those sons being mine?"

Emyr smirked. "You'd make a suitable concubine. A fourth wife at best I suppose."

She hadn't been prepared for that remark and huffed indignantly. Her face had turned a bright shade of pink.

"I'm no so far from my kingdom to fall into such desperation," came her snappish reply. "Four wives.." she wrinkled her nose. "Men here are selfish pigs. "

She would never get used to nor accept that costume.  Marrying many women... now that was barbaric. 

How pink she turned. It was such an amusing color these Northerners made, much like the pigs they were. If Emyr was offended, he did not show it. His smirk did not once falter nor did his pose tense in the face of her vitriol.

"But far enough that none could help you should you have cause to scream. Isn't that right? Connlaoth has no standing in the Empire. You voice nothing but idle threats in the home of your gracious host. You would do well to mind your tongue before you end up in a sheer veil."

Evelyn's eyes held so much anger, like the fury of the storm from the night before.

"Then I suppose I should thank you for your hospitality and I can see myself out," She said, inclining her head in a curt bow of a nod. She'd never fully bow to this man. 

"I would hate to offend you further. "

And she'd push her way past him, as he was blocking the doorway.. but she'd rather not touch him.  Or give him any more fuel.

"I did not say you could go." The smirk gracing his face could be heard in his tone even with her back to him. A simple incline of his head and his guards stepped forward to block her path. "Theft is a very serious crime in this country. Or have you forgotten?"

Evelyn was taken back.

"Theft?" Was he serious? She stared at the guards. When had they arrived? She narrowed her eyes at him. "And what exactly do I stand accused of stealing?"

Her surprise at the guards amused him. Emyr took great pride in the staff he had procured for himself. Out of sight, out of mind, but always present for whatever task was asked of them. A merchant prince could never be too careful, especially it seemed when it came to dealing with The Woman. 

"Knowledge for one. My property for another. Had I not come in when I did I have no doubt this would have remained in your possession," he briefly showed the metal object she had dropped earlier now secured in his hand. "Who knows what else you've stashed away in your pockets. You will be searched and reported to the necessary authorities. I suggest you comply."

Evelyn scoffed, although it was obvious she was nervous.

"You can search me all you want but that item you hold fell from that book."

Really! What kind of argument was that?

"I wasn't here to steal. You were a terrible host and I was bored."
Although it was likely unwise to push him, she was angry and well.. even a little scared.

"And now you insult me in my own home after I fed you and gave you shelter from the storm instead of sending you on your way? My you are brazen.

"Do you think because you are passably pretty in your own country that you can get away with whatever you want here? This is not your home, this is not your land. You are not Essyrni, and you are not a man."

Oh how she wanted to scream at him for his own insolence! But she couldn't argue that part of his statements weren't true.

"You're right," came her sharp reply., eyes twinkling with anger.  "But I will not stand here being accused falsely. Connlaothians enjoy scholarly things.. civilized things such as reading from books! "

Seriously, what man would dare through a woman into a dungeon for reading!

"What could I have possibly done to harm you in a library!"

"So you admit to your theft then." Emyr immediately looked to one of his slaves and ordered commandingly, "fetch the city guards. Inform them I've caught a thief. They can carry out punishment in my courtyard or the city square, I have no care. And do not waste time dilly-dallying."

Only once one of the men took off did the Essyrni drag his eyes back to her. "It is not a library but my private study. I am a business man who deals in the same business as you. I invite you into my home and you come here to steal? This is how you treat the hospitality of your betters? You look through my ledgers, touch my artifacts, and gather information to ruin my business and steal my clients? Do you think me so stupid as to take this laying down? I am no fool, Evelyn Gray. But you certainly seem to be. How many of our other competitors have you done away from the business in the manner? How many other secrets and business ventures have you snaked your way into and stolen?"

Evelyn couldn't believe this.
"How was I even to know this was your study and not simply a library?" She argued, growing more flustered, more agitated. "And that's quite an imagination you've got. Why would I even want to touch your things? If anyone here ought to be offended, it's me. Accusing me of wanting to marry you, then Accusing me of trying to ruin you? What's even your game here, Emyr? Are you just trying to prove the rumors that you're a snake? Or do you have something I've stumbled across that's illegal and you're trying to cover it up?" She shook her head. Honestly.. what was his game? 

"Because," he replied icily, "it is in my home and not a public place. And it is your game I am refusing to play. I invite you into my home as a guest, you insult me, you disrespect me, you make demands of me, and then I find you going through my things and caught in the act of trying to take things that  most certainly do. Not. Belong. To. You.

"Save your sob story for the guards. I have no further interest in your lies, pig-skin," Emyr sneered before turning his back on her in disgust. 

Oh how she wanted to strike at the man. He struck a nerve so very deep within her and the blood inside her boiled. The heat was evident in her eyes, hands clenching into fists.

"And I have not stolen a thing!" she snapped. "An item falling from a book hardly is grounds for stealing! And I will not continue to take on this accusations. You can search me all you like. But I haven't stolen a thing!"

She should have taken her chances in the rain, in the flash flood. She knew this was a mistake- and now Emyr was set to condemn her.

Damn him. 

She felt herself begin to shake, and it took every ounce of control in attempts to subdue it. She would not give him the satisfaction to know she was terrified. Stealing was a grave offense... and she wasn't even sure what she could do in her defense. It was her words against his own- and they were on his property...

No, no no..
She had to remain calm.. had to...
But her blood was absolutely boiling- and she feared were she a man-
she would have struck him across the face.

The city guards arrived swiftly, taking in the sight of a furious and stormcloud faced Emyr and recognizing the dangerous, quiet anger of the man before them. Their shoulders tensed and they stood a little straighter as he stepped aside to reveal Evelyn. "I caught this thief in my study going through my personal documents trying to steal items off my desk in her book after I dared to invite her into my home. Clearly a mistake I won't make again."