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A Little Night Music

Started by DragonSong, August 15, 2016, 04:28:10 PM

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DragonSong

Tara hesitated a moment more, then sighed and offered him a slightly wry smile. "In that case, I think I'll take you up on that," she said softly. "I meant no offense, really, it's just...a girl has to be careful, y'know?"

Her smiled turned a little lopsided and she nodded at him. "I should be thanking you. I rarely get the chance to just talk with someone like this- particularly someone who has such an appreciation for music. Not to mention everything else you've done for me," she chuckled.

Zero

"Expressing gratitude is generally a good thing, but I do understand. It is a dangerous world and who really knows what a stranger will do?" Tatsu wasn't really offended. Years ago it had offended him when a female thought he might harm her, but he had simply grown used to the fact that with humans it just wasn't the same as his kind.

He stood from his chair, smiling warmly to Tara. "It has been a very pleasant evening, Miss Tara, and I thank you deeply for that. If it makes you more comfortable, a servant will show you to your room. Ask any of the staff if you find you have need of anything at all."

DragonSong

"Well...thank you again." Tara paused, then admitted almost grudgingly, "I actually- might be more comfortable if you would show me. If it's not too much trouble."

She had no idea who the people working here really were. And if anyone knew how easy it was to ingratiate oneself into a serving position she did- strategically it could be useful.

Zero

"Oh?" Tatsu questioned, raising a brow. She'd seemed somewhat suspicious of his motives, he'd assumed Tara wouldn't want him coming directly to her door. Still, if it made her more comfortable for him to escort her then who was he to refuse? "Very well, it would be no trouble at all."

He moved around the table and offered her his hand with a smile. "I think you will be very satisfied with the accommodations."

DragonSong

She gave a small smile of her own and took his hand gently as she stood. "I'm sure I will be, thank you."

Once on her feet, she gave the table a quick look and bit her lip for a moment. "Should we, um...clean up?"

Zero

Tatsu glanced at the table and shook his head before reaching into his coat and pulling out a silver coin, which he set next to his empty wine glass. "The staff will see to it."

Tip taken care of for the late service, he gently lead her from the dinning hall and up the grand staircase to the upper floor. It was a long hall with heavy double doors gilded in gold designs leading into suites on either side. Tatsu brought her to a set of doors on the side of the hall with an ocean view. "Here we are. This will be your room until you decide to leave. As you are a guest, please do call on the servants for anything you need. They will gladly provide for your every request."

DragonSong

"Right. Thank you." Tara smiled, just a tad strained, and nodded at him gratefully. Her eyes kept flicking toward the view over the water, still in awe of the beauty of this place, even if it wasn't quite to her usual tastes.

Zero

"You are most welcome. I suppose I shall take my leave of you for now. Have pleasant dreams, Miss Tara." Tatsu stepped back so that he could bow deeply to her once more before doing just as he said - walking further down the hall towards his own room. It was getting late and he would hate to further disturb her resting hours.

DragonSong

Tara relaxed slightly as he left, sinking into the edge of a bed that was far more luxiourious than anything she'd ever say on before.

Well. This was happening, apparently.

With a huff, she flipped back onto the mattress. She was still a little wary, but tired enough that her eyes were only closed for a few moments before she was unconscious.

Zero

Tatsu did not sleep, but he rarely did.

Instead once in his room he settled into a lounge chair on the balcony and made himself as comfortable as he could. His eyes were barely open, and he was not moving, but he didn't sleep. Not in the sense a human would use. When Tatsu relaxed like that his mind expanded. It could encompass and touch every living thing for miles and miles - if he let it wander so far.

Tonight he preoccupied his mind beneath the waves of the ocean, observing the predators beneath the surf. It was a way to pass the time.

At first light he was up and moving, heading down to a dinning veranda. Tea and breakfast were promptly served, and even a few of the other guests - all wealthy nobles and traders - also had their morning meal out overlooking the ocean.

DragonSong

Tara was up relatively early, and her constant need to know her surroundings as much as possible had her exploring the upper floors of the building.

Soon enough, her grumbling stomach urged her back to the room where they'd dined the night before and she poked her head inside cautiously, glancing around.

Zero

The room was much the same as it had been the night before, except now some of the tables were actually occupied. A few of the other guests glanced at her, but for the most part no one paid her the slightest attention.

Except one of the serving staff.

"Good morning, Miss! Shall I show you to a table for breakfast or were you going to be joining Master Tatsu on the veranda? It's just through those doors there." The man gestured to the open doors that let the morning breeze into the dining room.

DragonSong

Tara resisted the urge to tense and glower, giving a sharp nod instead. "Ah, right. Thanks." Ducking her head, she quickly made her way out onto the veranda, wishing she felt more comfortable in this place.

Zero

Tatsu was seated comfortably at a table that afforded him the best possible view of the ocean and beach. There was a gentle morning breeze teasing at his white hair.  On the table were fruits, bread, butter, jam, and honey.

"Good morning, did you sleep well?" He inquired when she drew close enough.

DragonSong

Tara approached cautiously and took a seat. "Ah- yes, actually. Thanks... You?"

She was totally out of her element, and she had no idea how to behave.

Zero

"My night was restful." Tatsu mused, pointing at the food. "Please, help yourself. Breakfast is such an important meal."

It was true, and he watched her curiously. "You should relax. So much tension is not good for you."

DragonSong

The bard smirked wryly. "I don't really do "relax", but I appreciate the concern," she said with a quiet laugh, carefully taking a plate and starting to fill it.

Zero

"Everyone needs to relax sometimes." Not an accusation, just an observation of fact. If you were under constant stress you could lose your mind. Tatsu had done so before, although not violently. He had simply allowed himself to wallow in his misery and self-pity and had slept for years without waking.

"Will you be staying long? I understand if you have other places to be, but you are welcome to keep me company as long as you like. I have no immediate travel plans." Not that he kept strict plans.

DragonSong

Tara's smirk settled into a softer smile. "I can stay a while," she said softly. "It's not as though I have any pressing issues to attend to," she added with a quiet chuckle.

There was something to be said for the freedom the life of a bard provided. A lack of security sure, but freedom nonetheless.

Zero

"Splendid. I will enjoy the company immensely and I hope you find your time spent here enjoyable as well." It truly was a very fine place to stay. Tatsu did prefer a touch of luxury when it was available. "Would you care to take a walk along the beach after breakfast? Walking aids digestion, you know."

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