Spirits of the Earth

OOC: This thread is a continuation of "A Chance Encounter" (http://www.spiritsoftheearth.net/smf/index.php?topic=13902.msg118660#msg118660) (that featured Dekka Blade (http://www.spiritsoftheearth.net/smf/index.php?topic=13837.msg117335#msg117335), and Kathryn Chandos (http://www.spiritsoftheearth.net/smf/index.php?topic=13896.msg118588#new))

IC:
An opportunity like this was too good to pass up.  After all, how difficult could it be to impersonate the Duke of Allar?  Duke Calent Allarick was snobbish and reserved, at least from what he learned on his studying- for he paid enough attention to politics and royalty in Connlaoth and surrounding areas as he could. After all, they were the wealthiest pockets to pick.

And it was a masked ball.  A masquerade.
He smiled at the invitation as his green eyes roamed over it.

"Gods, these royals are getting stupider and stupider," he commented, repocketing the official invitation as she stared at himself in the mirror.  As the pretend 'Duke of Allar', he'd have to make a few adjustments.  It had been a good week since he'd shave as he stared at his scruff, lifting his chin up as he made a face, turning to the right, then left, than began lathering up his face with water and soap.  He needed to shave.

Calent, from what he knew and had seen, kept himself clean shaven. He, on the other hand, did not. He liked his goatee, and after drawing the blade over one cheek, then the other, contemplated shaving his signature beard off.

Swallowing his pride, he lathered up his beard and cleared it all away.  Splashing water across his face, he ran his fingers across the smooth part of his face and smirked, admiring his work as he moved his head to the left, then inspected it on the right and went about grooming his brows and trimming some of his bangs.  He wasn't going to go all out, and left his braid as it were, tucking it up ontop of his head.
He'd figure a way to hide his locks later, for now, he twisted open a yellow jar, dabbed some oil on his hands and began tapping the scented oils onto his cheeks and neck.


Calent's clothing wasn't hard to come by, neither was his carriage or horse, for that matter.  He wondered why these dukes were making his job too easy. Not that it mattered... as he began to lace up his clothes, full of layers and dark colors of black and greens, rich and royal as the forests.  When he was done, adjusting the tall, stiff collar about his neck, he turned around to gaze into the gold, filigree framed mirror in his room and was shocked to see another man.


He stood tall and imposing, righting his shoulders- he fit near perfectly into his costume.  Though this wouldn't be his costume for the ball, rather, a costume to acquire a costume. It was an odd circumstance, but he wanted to choose, and to be wise about it- what mask and hat and clothes he'd wear to the masquerade.  After all, he wasn't only concealing his face behind a mask, but all of his trinkets and supplies...

The king of thieves was ever prepared, and accepted this challenge deliciously.

It was a shame, the carriage, the invitation..
It was all meant to be delivered as a sign of regret. The Duke of Allar couldn't attend. He had.. prior engagements. Though his regrets would never make it, replaced by another man at the masquerade who would say yes.

The duchy of Highheart was celebrating something.  Oh right, the duchess's birthday.
He remembered stealing her ring, but had.. given it to a certain someone. Rumor had it, the duchess was due for another.  He smiled devlishly at his reflection.  It was time to get a new one.

"Looking fucking good, Duke Calent," he told himself, brushing a stray bang aside, then adjusted his posture and appeared more stoic as his face went grey and stoic.  "Yes, I've got an acquired taste to have my face as smooth as a woman's." he spoke out loud, mocking the duke, his voice, sounding surprisingly similar. 

Dekka smiled at himself wickedly and walked away, trying out his strides, his dark green ad black cape flowing behind him.  He could get used to these fancy clothes. He pulled at the collar.  Well, he could get used to this if these clothes didn't make him so fucking hot.  "Damn these stiff layers," she said with a sneer and picked at the ornately embroidered gloves around his wrists.


There was still much to be done. To crash a royal party.. and to pretend to be a high official, the Duke of Allar, of all people, was going to be quite a feat indeed. And he'd have to carefully layout his show stopper-

After all, his fame depended on a grand finale.
To let all of Highheart know they were duped.



Into town he went, working careful at selecting his costume.
A clown? A beast? A knight?  It will be quite a feast.
Ah, but the exotic the choice.. this one seemed to make sense..

A tiger, with black stripes, and swirls of orange and green, and gold painted across a porcelain mask with emeralds adorning the sides.  A smile flashed across his lips as he paid with money, the Duke of Allar's money, and had his costume sent to his room....



The whole town was buzzing outside the castle...
Rumors spreading..
The Duke of Allar- an unwed man, visiting the duchy when,( for his fame proceeded him,) was not a man to travel so often to Highheart.  So, yes, the rumors spread, considering both he and the daughter, Kathryn Chandos, were unwed.


Dekka loved gossip, and once word got around he had to smile, preparing his hair for the occasion. He could hide his long hair beneath the high collar of his suit of arms- one that was now painted with ornate tiger stripes and also embellishing the symbol of the Allarrian duchy.  He had decided against a hat, but adorned a pair of cat ears sticking out of his head, his bangs, still long, covering his real ears.

Thinking back to the daughter, he smiled.
"Lady Kathryn.." he posed before the mirror, hand extended to his invisible companion.  His smile reached his eyes silently.
Oh, wouldn't it be something to woo the duke's daughter? To make her think she was being flirted with with the very Duke of Allar? And really being charmed by the King of Thieves?

Oh, his smile seemed to reach past his ears as he laughed at the idea and strolled excitedly to his carriage.

"Let the show begin," he said with a clap of gloves above his head.

Kathryn regarded her reflection with a somber expression.  A pair of maids were working furiously behind her, braiding her bangs and front locks backwards into an ornate, weaving pattern that swept beneath the locks in back that they were leaving loose to flow down to the small of her back.  The wind would have played havoc with it were they going outside, but, indoors, the long, strawberry-blonde locks would shine in the torchlight like gold.

Once her hair was done, the maids helped the young lady into her costume.  At first glance, it looked like a stylized version of a hunters outfit of an emerald hue.  Rather than the rough wool of the peasants, however, the outfit was of silk, and the sparkling sheen of the outfit would only give a hunter in the forest away.  A string of braided pearls made a simple belt, with the golden clasp bearing the symbol of Highheart.  Pearls, too, had been worked into the braids, looking both refined and modest.

Over her collar was laid a necklace of -- yet again -- more pearls and emeralds.  A matching ring and bracelet were connected by a slave chain on her left hand.  The mask was the final touch; her maids braided the ribbon into her hair, effectively making the bejeweled mask appear to hover over her face.

Her love of hunting was well-known, and so her mother had chosen an outfit for her that would exploit that love: tonight, she was meant to look like a goddess of the forest, and, with all the glittering, she certainly looked the part -- although, she thought, not a very effective one.

Kathryn was just stepping into her emerald slippers when her mother entered the room.  It was apparent where her daughters had come by their looks: they took after their mother, who, even at her age, was still a beautiful woman.  She was dressed in Highheart colors as well -- green and white -- and, unlike her eldest daughter -- held her mask in her hand.  She bade her daughter to twirl for her, gave her a few pointed reminders, and then was gone.

Nothing would ruin her birthday celebration...

Once everything was complete, Kathryn allowed herself to be escorted downstairs.  The Duke and Duchess were announced first, of course, followed by their daughters.  Looking a bit like a glittering emerald herself, Kathryn stepped out into the hall.

In spite of her wandering, rebellious spirit, Kathryn had to admit...  She did love a ball.

Dekka couldn't help but hum excitedly to himself as the carriage rolled towards the estate-
Though it more or less a castle, with it's tall stone towers arching towards the sky.  He knew he was running late, all part of the plan.  The Duke of Allar had to make his grand entrance, after all.
As he stepped out of his carriage, he could hear the clamor, the horns trumpeting just as the royal family was being announce.
A smile was worn in his eyes, but not his lips as he made his procession down the velvet carpet and the great doors came open-

And all eyes turned to pause as the "Duke" stepped into the lime light.  For a moment, there was a pause, and quickly the announcer cleared their throat and announced.

"Duke Calent Allarrick!" the announcer smiled, for before, he had been sweating the man might not show (and after such speculation and gossip going about, it would be a pity- and the duke and duchess, would obviously be upset for the no show.  Continuing on, he triumphantly declared to the crowd as he held his list up high. "Ruler of the duchy of Allar!"


And the crowd bowed, as they had for the royal hosts, as Dekka made his way down the great mass of people and paused before the duchess.  Dropping to one knee, he bowed before her deeply, and humbly - and with as much grace as the real Duke himself as he drew her hand to his lips and kissed it lightly,- his cheek brushing against the very jewel he sought to steal that night.


Raising his dark green eyes, he looked at her.
"I apologize for my tardiness, my lady," he said, keeping his voice soft, and brief.
She would bow to him, then he to the duke and back again and then, with a turn of his heel, a hand clenched behind him as he moved forward, bowing at the middle towards their youngest daughter, then moved to the next...

One with soft hands and youth..
He accepted Kathryn's hand and kissed it softly, lips lingering before he raised his head.
"An honor, my lady," his voice was masked, dark and alluring as his eyes claimed to hers.

Kathryn knew all about the Duke of Allar -- he was powerful and, as of yet, still unwed.  That meant he was a prospective husband...and it was her duty to ensure she wed as well as possible.  Wedding a Duke meant the Duchy of Highheart would be left to her younger sister, of course, ensuring that she, too, would have no shortage of suitors.

Kathryn wore her best smile, knowing it would reach her eyes and her voice as she studied the masked man in front of her.  She had never met the Duke of Allar herself, but, if gossip were to be believed, he was a handsome man.  There was a flicker of familiarity about those eyes, though the teenager could not quite put her finger on why they seemed so familiar...

"The honor is ours, Duke Calent.  Welcome to Highheart.  I fervently hope you will enjoy yourself this evening.  If there is anything I can do -- anything at all -- please do not hesitate to ask.  I shall see to it personally."  Her tone was light, but it was laden with promise.  After all, it was indeed an honor for the Duke of Allar to come all the way to Highheart...

Dekka refrained from a full fledged smile. It seemed almost too natural to court her. Perhaps his plan was too easy?  He let her see the smile in his eyes, his lips remaining still as he nodded.

"You could promise me the honor of the first dance," he said, then bowed and moved away, making his way down the line of royal guests and once he made it to the end, it might have seemed that he had taken a glance back towards her, but as swift as the notion may have been seen, his eyes went distant and studied the crowd.


With poise and perfection, he would make his rounds, eyes scanning the area from the mask of a cat...  the tiger would shield his identity... while he stalked and hunted his prey.
It was almost too simple...

The King of Thieves' new story had begun.

"Of course, Duke Calent.  It would be a pleasure," Kathryn replied with a smile, watching as he moved on to the next guest.  She wondered what he looked like under the mask -- but, then, it didn't matter, did it?  He could be three hundred pounds and forty years her senior, and if her father approved of the marriage, she would have little say in it...

But, she thought, he did have nice eyes...

And he did like to hunt, or so she had been told.  Perhaps, during his stay, her father might insist on a hunt...and, perhaps, she would be able to go along.  Oh, she wouldn't be able to show off her full skill -- but she could enjoy a bit of light hunting.

She mingled with other guests as everyone became acquainted.  Soon enough, the band was preparing to strike up the first dance.  Kathryn found herself searching the crowd for a pair of orange and black-tipped ears.  She would be, she had to admit, disappointed if he did not keep his offer...

Oh, he was reveling!  Jewels glittered everywhere. From earrings to toes. He had never been surrounded with so many thieving opportunities in all of his life.  A gold cuff here, a pearl necklace there... a single, diamond earring... a silk lace with pink jewels....
It was far, far too easy and it took every ounce of effort for him not to smile.
Flat and stoic... calm and collected.
Yes, he still had his facade.
After all, his mask did not hide his lips...


It was even nicer his fancy clothing had ample locations to stash the goods, and slight of hand worked ever better when masks and costumes were fluttering about.  Though he had made a promise, and when the announcement was made, his eyes scanned the area like a predator stalking it's prey.  The lady Kathryn...

It was only a matter of time before he found her and he approached from behind, drawing her attention with a voice sounding divine, "My lady Kathryn," He bowed then extended his hands and afforded her the smallest, rarest of smiles.  "I believe I promised you this dance."

The voice at her ear suddenly gave her a bit of a start, but, turning to him, she smiled.  It was a beautiful smile -- and genuine.  "You did indeed, Duke Calent," Kathryn murmured as she accepted his hands.  "I've been looking forward to this dance.  I've been told you're a marvelous dancer."

Kathryn fell into step beside him, readily taking up the position of the first waltz, and, of course, expecting him to lead.

"Are you enjoying the ball so far?  Highheart is quite different from Allar, I'm told, but I hope you're finding it comfortable here and the food to your liking."

Dekka had been concentrating so hard at playing his role, that he stepped into line with her, leading away and dancing divinely.  He was glad for the dance lessons he had, and also, this was, ironically, not his first ball. But it was definitely the biggest.

To play a game of cards, you had to master your face, and his- it was impenetrable.

At her words, however, he thought she sounded familiar and thought to the woman in the woods...
Why now of all times was he thinking of her and her lonely shack.
Then he realized, ah, yes, it was she who possessed the ring.
And here he was, to make amends! He couldn't let the hole left behind from the ring he had given up remain empty! And he had already acquired a few trinkets in his place, but it was the new ring of the duchess that he yearned for.


And his plan was meticulously mapped out.  He would have his gold.


"Indeed," he spoke, keeping his dialogue short. "But things here are not so different. We are all from Connlaoth, are we not?"
The music played, parading and guiding it's dancers about the floor, filling it with color and delight.  He sought his partner, though not obviously so- for some sort of trinket to remember her by-
but what?
It would have to be something good... worth while in the court...
and he? Why, he should also leave her with a memento-
But perhaps it would all be in the end? The surprise?

"You, my lady, dance divine, a generous host." he complimented, leading her breathlessly away across the floor- and in that moment, striking richly in his stride- he was the Duke of Allar.

Kathryn's laugh was soft and musical, trained to be pleasing to the ear which heard it.  "Thank you, but one cannot dance well with a poor partner.  It seems we are well-matched on the dance floor."

They parted briefly as the dance swept them apart.  Kathryn watched him from her place in the circle of women, noting how he stood apart from the other men.  Her sister would, no doubt, tease her later, but, she supposed, she was at that age where marriage became an inevitability...  Little wonder he made her heart flutter so.

The women returned to their partners, and Kathryn bowed to him neatly -- as did all of the women -- before taking his arm.

"My father says you are a fine hunter.  Will you be staying in Highheart very long?  I'm certain my father would relish the opportunity to show you the valley."

Dekka made quick work, scanning his memories in attempts to recall more information he'd studied about the duke.  Royals did like to hunt... the valley, well, it was only proper for such a thing to occur. Though he had also heard things about Calent that, well, seemed to make him a bit more distant, and less social than the other elites.

"Perhaps," Dekka said carefully. "I have a rather busy agenda."

The music carried pleasantly, so did the dance as he continued to shift with her, hand to hand as they stepped forward in an approach, he remaining the lead.

"I bet the valley is a prime hunting location. There are many rumors, truthful, I suspect, of the amount of stag your father has claimed."

"Yes," she answered with another soft laugh.  "He enjoys a good hunt.  He has often tried to teach me, but I'm afraid I haven't quite the same knack for it my father does."  Her father was, in fact, a fair hunter; she was better.  It wouldn't be proper for the daughter to outshine her father, however, and so she was forced to let the men claim most of the game.  "Perhaps, if you find the time, you might find better fortune in teaching me?"

Not likely.  Still, she wouldn't mind watching him...if only to see how much of the rumors were true...

"I find it all very sad," she added, playing up the role of the weak-hearted woman.  "It's a shame we should have to kill such a beautiful creature."

Dekka kept his smile small, his eyes remaining serious, though not at the intensity one might claim to have fallen beneath from the true Duke of Allar.  But lucky for him, the made was not as social as most and...

"It is a fine sport, and they support a fine trophy," he informed.  "Though, if, perhaps in the future, circumstances were to allow, there might be a time for me to show you."

The dancing was getting to his head, and as they finished their conversation, the song strum to an end.  He bowed before her taking her hand and kissed it softly. Then raised his eyes, he, still being bowed as he addressed her.

"The first dance has been my pleasure."

"And my honor," Kathryn returned prettily, grateful that her mask concealed the flush of her cheeks.  No, she thought, this was a man she wouldn't mind marrying at all.  She preferred him far better than the hideous, prissy Lord Philippe, who had been besotted with her for some months now.  She was grateful to her father for holding out for a better candidate; Lord Philippe was rumored to be quite the gambler -- and not a very good one at that.  He was, probably, only interested in the dowry and title he would gain through his marriage to Kathryn.  And there was something about him that made Kathryn uneasy, besides...

Speaking of which...  Kathryn caught sight of Philippe, leering at her from the other end of the floor.  He was clearly waiting for the Duke to move to his next dance partner...  Kathryn had promised Philippe a dance -- but she was hoping to put it off for as long as possible.

"I have the next song free.  Would you care to join me for a drink, Duke Calent?"  Kathryn gestured towards the servants milling about.  "I could recommend a few of the Highheart varieties, if you could tell me your preference?"

From her expression, Dekka knew he had gotten the lady hooked.  The subtle smile he wore reached surprisingly into the green of his eyes as he nodded at her invitation.
"It would be my honor," he informed.  "I heard good things about your wines."
He gestured towards the drink table and placed out an arm, and once she accepted, he guided them towards the table.

His eyes scanned all that was to offer, his lips twitching in a smile, but he had to remain composed.
After all, the 'duke' was not someone to bare too much of his emotions.
"I have a preference towards the milder, fruit flavored wines," he admitted, assuming Duke Calent would prefer something fruity as he nodded towards the arrays of drinks and scanned their labels. 
A glass punch bowl was set in the middle, in which he examined, cocking his head to the side curiously at what sort of punch the people of Highheart might serve, but said nothing as he turned back to the lady and awaited for her to inform.


And they were quite the pair, already garnering more gossip and looks with each step they took each word they spoke....

Kathryn accepted his arm gratefully, delighted to have a reason to hide from Lord Philippe's clumsy advances for even a moment longer.  She smiled at him, a broad, beautiful smile that made her eyes sparkle, as they crossed the floor towards the refreshments.

Fruit-flavored?  Well, that was something she wouldn't have guessed...  Her surprise didn't show on her face, however; she merely scooped up a glass of white wine and held it out towards him in offering.  "This is a pear wine," she began.  "It's sweeter and is made exclusively in a village to the east of here."

There was an air of mischief about her, suddenly, as she coyly added, "It may be...an acquired taste."  After all, it was usually a bit too sweet for foreigners; local well-to-do women drank it almost exclusively, however.

Dekka accepted the offer. He was a connoisseur, like many nobleman, and had a craving for all sorts of fine wine and drinks.  One could say, the King of Thieves, had turned into somewhat of a snob.  Though simple meals were fine, why dine on bland biscuit or bread when you could take in the finer things in life?

He rolled the goblet in his hand and took in the smell of the pear wine. It certainly smelled interesting.  Taking a sip, he nodded, not sure how he felt on it as he bowed humbly his head towards the lovely lady.

"A fine choice," he said.  "I could see this pairing well with an array of fresh fruits as garnish."

Oh, to pretend to be a famous Duke was almost too much for him. He wondered what the real Duke would think when he got word? That the King of Thieves impersonated him so well?
So well that...
He turned to the fair lady.
"A toast?" he said, gesturing for her to select a drink. "To a fine occasion." A nod. "And to fine wine and dancing."


He was impersonating him so well and enjoying himself too much that he might go all out with this.  How much of an impression it would make, to say, if he were to make a wedding proposal for the very Duke of Allar himself to this lovely lady of High heart? To think of all the stories, the legend it would produce. Yes, he had done so many things before to get himself famous..

but this, this might be the stuff of legends.
And the King of Thieves might live forever.

Kathryn laughed out loud at his expression, though much of it was hidden by the mask.  "I'm sorry," she apologized cheerfully.  "You don't have to drink it!"  She was, after all, still a girl -- and the odd prank wasn't beyond her.  She helped herself to a glass, however, her expression still amused beneath the mask.  "We have other options for you to try as well should you prefer."

She lifted her glass in response to his toast, sensing the eyes that were upon them.  She didn't mind; this was, after all, what she was raised into -- a world of wine, balls, and smiling on the arm of a noble.

"And," she added, "To new acquaintances, which, if I may be so bold, I hope to someday count among my friends."

Of course, although neither of them knew it, they were hardly new acquaintances at all.

He didn't know why, but that laugh, that laugh struck him and unsettled his bones.
It was... almost too familiar and he felt uneasy suddenly.  Jarred, though, he quickly composed himself, not wanting to lose face in the moment as he raised his goblet, chimed it with hers and proceeded to down the rest in a great, big gulp.

Gods knew he fucking needed it.

What was it about this woman that suddenly put him on end?  A fair face and skin, pretty hair and eyes almost too familiar and that voice..

Was he going crazy? No, perhaps he was over thinking everything, or was it his own ego getting at him yet?

"I would count on it," he finally answered to her idea, lifting up the now empty goblet and hoping she would not think him too vulgar to have drank it with such haste.
"I think the pear wine was more than adequate," he stated again, his dark eyes then flickering towards a man who approached.  Lord Phillipe, or something was it?
He stood properly behind Kathryn and awaited her to notice him so he could gain her attention, though, perhaps it was the alcohol in the drink that made him act on it, over hearing Phillipe ask,
"So, Lady Kathryn, I see you are enjoying the evening. I hope you do not find it in bad taste, or me too hasty to request that dance you promised me for the next?"

Yes, a foul suitor getting in his way. Well, the royals were arrogant and posessive, were they not? This fig of a man would not get in his way.
"Actually, the next dance has been reserved," 'Calent' said, stepping forward, a smile dangerously gracing his eyes.  The look unnerved Phillipe as he took a step back.  Dekka raised his head, appearing, in one scary moment in life, too much like the true Duke of Allar himself, and almost like the predatory tiger mask he wore.


To Kathryn, his eyes went and a hand, outstretched and waiting for her.
"It is only fitting, when a lady shows grace to a lord, that he should only offer her thanks in return," he awaited her, poised like God, mighty and handsome, dangerous and alluring.

The next dance would be his.

"Might I have the next dance?"

Kathryn's slim eyebrows lifted in response to his suddenly empty glass, although she looked nothing but further amused.

Until Lord Philippe butted in.

The warmth in Kathryn's face faded, replaced by a cool, polite smile.  It was, of course, rude of him to interrupt, to imply that Kathryn would not keep her promise of a dance without his reminder.  Yet, it was not her place to point that out to him...

...But she was surprised when her companion rose to her defense.  She looked as stunned as those around her, and it was not until he held out his hand to her that the spell was broken.  Her smile returned, warm and immediately, as she set her dainty hand in his.

"Of course, Duke Calent.  It would be my pleasure."

She glanced over her shoulder at Philippe; the hideous creature was fuming!  His face had darkened to an ugly shade of purple as the Duke led her away.  Her parents would doubtless have something to say on the matter later, but, for now, she had been spared.

"Do you mean to keep all of my suitors at bay all night?" she wondered playfully, dropping her voice to a low murmur.  "Or just the insufferably rude ones?"

Dekka had no response to that remark, dancing with her in silence.  It took him some time to figure out what Duke Calent would say, and he only closed his eyes.
"You can interpret this as you wish," he said calmly, opening his eyes to look at her, but the smile was in his eyes, even if he tried to hide it on his lips.  This conversation wasn't almost too good.
It seemed the Lady Kathryn was eager and easy to warm up to, and the idea of suitor's...

"But I won't deny I enjoy the company."

Smiling finally, he delve back into silence, relishing in the moment as the two swept across the floor in a dream. It was too easy to play this role. Too many people idolized a man they wanted to claim as their own- and since the whole world was whispering as to why the Duke of Allar had never married, the idea he was now opting to play the game was intriguing, even to the man playing the fake.

Well, it wasn't the romantic, sweeping gesture a girl dreamed of, but at least he hadn't scowled at her and left her on the dance floor, as she believed he might when he made no response.

It was easy to lose herself in the music, to simply be swept away by the tune and the moment as they danced their way across the floor.  They made a striking pair, graceful and regal in the flickering lights, so that every eye could not help but be drawn to them.  Some watched with longing and others envy -- but most murmured comments and gossip to their friends and partners about Duke Calent Allarrick and Lady Kathryn Chandos.

The song soon ended, and Kathryn's thoughts, reluctantly, turned to Philippe and her obligation towards him.  "Thank you, again, for a lovely dance," she murmured with a lovely bow, her hand still in his.

'Calent' bowed to his lady, and kissed her hand light again, those intense green eyes meeting to hers.

"Perhaps another dance soon?" Dekka inquired, giving her a smirk- one that might have been all too familiar before he righted himself, composed his face and moved on to another fawning guest.  It wasn't hard for him to find women to dance with, or to steal from, but the gem he liked most was the small emerald he had stolen from the Lady Chandos.  Even though it was small, perhaps insignificant, it held a memory he'd never forget on his developing romance that swept through the crowd.

He eventually found himself partners with Kathryn's sister, a young lady by the name of Valia, decked out in pink-
she was.. interesting to say the least, but left him craving for that third dance with her sister and when the song was done, he politely bowed and sought her ought....


Though as his boots moved throughout the guests, he began to itch..
he needed to carry out his plan..
the ring on the duchess..



It would be his before the night was through.
But so would Lady Kathryn's heart.

Seeing she was held captive in conversation with this Lord 'Phillipe', he stalked forward, like the tiger costume he wore, and loomed behind them in a silent shadow, eyeing her but when she'd turned, he'd look away, and carry back on his conversation with the other guest.
He held a glass of pear wine, almost gone from his glass, and kept her just in line of sight as he teased her with his presence.


Oh Lady Kathryn...

It would be a fun game to play throughout the night.

Kathryn's dance with Lord Philippe had, incidentally, gone about as well as Kathryn could expect...if not worse.  Put out by the Duke's rude behavior and eager to prove himself the better dancer and better conversationalist, Philippe had attempted to show off his marvelous dancing ability by trodding all over Kathryn's toes and the hem of her dress.  Twice, she had to forcibly pry him apart from her -- he was far too close for modesty -- and he spoke of nothing but what he perceived to be Calent's flaws.

Kathryn's polite smile felt frozen on her face.  Oh, she agreed Calent had been quite rude -- but that was a matter for the men to sort out between them, and she wanted nothing to do with it!  Her smile took on a slightly chillier air as she pictured Calent stabbing Lord Philippe -- repeatedly.  But you just couldn't have everything, could you?

She glanced at the Duke -- the third time in as many minutes -- noting that his glass of wine had nearly expired.  He was still drinking the pear wine, she saw -- he was obviously too prideful to let a little wine ruin his evening.  "If you'll excuse me, my Lord, I really must see to the other guests."  It was her tenth or so attempt to squirrel out of her conversation.  He still wasn't appeased -- but she doubted anything short of marrying her on the spot would appease him.

He followed her to the refreshment table, still chattering away like a ninny, and when she picked up two glasses of pear wine, he graciously accepted one from the hand closest to him.  She stared at him, then, with a resolute sigh, repeated, "Excuse me, my lord.  I must ensure all of our guests are enjoying themselves."  She scooped up another glass and strode swiftly across the room -- a feat in her slippers -- to the Duke of Allar's side.

"Please pardon the interruption.  Can I interest you in another glass of wine, Duke Calent?"

Philippe, steps behind her, scowled like a petulant child, wondering why his favorite toy was in the hands of another child.

Turning, a smile graced his features as he addressed Lady Kathryn and accepted the glass.
"You are most kind," Dekka informed her, eyes shining behind his mask, the gold and black whiskers glinting from the glow of the gold chandelier above.  He finished his drink, the last few drops he had, and gave the cup to a nearby servant, then turned to accept the goblet in hand.

He spotted Phillipe, raising a single brow at him, though it was hidden behind his mask as he took a step towards Kathryn, ignoring the other man.
"It seems High heart knows how to entertain and take care of their guests," he complimented, taking her arm into his as he lead her away, walking gracefully towards the balcony. "Come, let us get some fresh air, away from the music for a moment. The night sky is lovely."


Phillipe bit his tongue, the scowl growing ever worse as he stalked behind them, but lingered, just outside the wide mouth if the balcony to watch as Dekka, the sham of a 'Duke', guided Lady Kathryn to the railing where there, he paused and looked over at the gardens as the high moon glazed the world in silver light.  Stars above were twinkling, even a few shooting stars left brief smears of sparkles in their wake, and were gone as quickly as they had come.

"No matter where I go, the evening sky is always beautiful." he commented, eyes to the sky, drink in, which caught the reflection of the moon.

Kathryn was quick to respond with a brilliant smile of her own.  "We don't often entertain guests of your rank.  I'm so very glad you're enjoying yourself."

She was, of course, very glad to get outside and away from the press of people -- although, their exit, she saw as she latched the door behind them, did not go unnoticed.  Most were trying to look as though they were looking elsewhere, but it was apparent that most everyone had noticed the pair escaping towards the privacy of the balcony.

The wind, tonight, was only a gentle breeze.  It lifted her hair up, toying with its length gently as she stood beside him.  She looked up at the night sky herself with a smile.

"It is beautiful," she agreed.  Her teacher had taught her a few of the constellations, once, but she had forgotten most of them.  After all, it wasn't ladylike to be outside in the cold and the wind all night...and she had never found the chance to escape her parents' watchful eyes at night...  "When I was a girl, my nanny told me that each of the stars was a gem, and they were worn by the great queens and ladies as they looked down on me."  She laughed softly.  "It sounds like a silly thing to say now, but, when I was little, I used to find it comforting."

"If that were true, that would be an impressive amount of great women in our history," he said, reflectively. Taking a sip of the wine, Dekka noticed her face, and again, the laugh.  What was it about her that suddenly had him jarred? He suddenly felt completely out of his element, as if she were someone he ought to know.. but, perhaps he should have spent better time studying her character before deciding to play the role as a potential fiance?

Dekka took his time to admire her, not hiding the fact on what he was doing as Phillipe stalked amongst the shadows, eyes piercing on them with predatory intent.  Dekka paid no heed. All royals were arrogant, thinking such things as women and wine, the land.. the country.. it all belonged to them.


Little did Dekka know, remaining quiet and brooding was a forte of the real Duke Calent, so as his silence remained, he, in turn, remained in character.

"So, are there any other fine wines beside pear in High heart?" he asked, taking another drink before swirling around his glass, the clear liquid rolling around inside, as if capturing the reflection of the stars and mixing them within.

"Plenty," Kathryn answered, turning her face from the sky to study his expression -- what little she could see behind the mask.  "I can't believe you're still drinking it," she added with a soft chuckle.  "We have a dandelion wine you might like.  The rest, I'm afraid, are mostly dry."  She sipped her own drink delicately.  She'd already had quite a bit -- but it had been, primarily, an attempt to drown out Lord Philippe's presence.

She set her drink down on the rail and turned towards the double doors.  "I'll go get you a glass," she offered, as if she were pleased to do so for him.  It was something that would be expected of a wife, she thought -- and the least she could do for their guest.

"Please, there is no need for that," he said, catching her by the wrist, and it was only then he realized his mistake in propriety and squared off his jaw, biting his teeth into his lower lip.
His hand tensed before loosening as he bowed before her.
"Forgive me, my lady," he said, then raised his head to look at her, eyes peering through his mask.
"We can perhaps sample the wine at another time. I came out here to enjoy the moonlight and some company.  I fear the temperature in the ballroom has become too hot."  he straightened himself, trying his damnedest at the role as he gestured towards her and asked, "Perhaps a stroll around the gardens might do me some good." he paused, eyes remaining on hers. "And if you would pay me the highest respects to accompany me, I would be obliged for it."

Kathryn flushed, the color just visible on her cheeks in the moonlight, at the friendly gesture.  It was hardly the most improper thing she had ever witnessed -- but she blushed, nonetheless, in response.

"There is nothing to forgive," she answered kindly as she reached for her glass again.  She cherished the sip for a moment, letting the cool liquid cool her face, and she nodded.  "Of course, Duke Calent.  I would be delighted."

She waited for him to extend an arm for her to take, and then, cheerfully, they stepped out of sight of the ballroom and into the cool night air, where there was no one to approve or disapprove of their behavior or words.

"The garden is my mother's pride.  She enters her roses in the festival each year -- and usually wins, of course," she began, smiling at the thought.  Other than the rare tea, her mother never even stepped into the garden; it was the gardeners work, of course, that was on display...

Stepping gracefully through the gardens, Dekka was well aware what he was leading the Lady into.
A man would not ask for a walk alone if not for perhaps other intentions. Though, was it too soon to pose the question? But why not? With a lady so grand as she, and a plan layed out properly...

The smallest of smile curled at the ends of his lips as he stared at her, then around to the gardens.
"The flowers are exquisite," he agreed, walking with her slowly down the path.  "I can see the care and attention the garden has been given. It makes me wish I owned more rose bushes back in Allar." No body could have more rose bushes if they were royal, after all.

He turned to one, plucking the ripest, red rose, before moving forward and fastening it into her hair.
"The color adds to your costume, my lady," he said, raising her hand to his lips as he kissed it.  "And I can see where the real rose your mother has tended to, has grown up beautifully."

Kathryn smiled at the gesture as he tucked the rose into her braided hair, but it was the line about her being a rose that made her blush scarlet, a deep enough color that it nearly matched the rose.

It was all nonsense of course -- but it made her feel giddy and lightheaded, nonetheless.

She laughed prettily and glanced away modestly.  "Thank you, but if I am a rose, then I must have thorns, Duke Calent."  She peered at him from the corner of her eye slyly.  "Better you name a plainer flower that does not possess the power to do you harm.  I would not like to see you suffer even a prick at my expense."

Oh, she was a clever girl. Great at playing her role. He liked that.
It was a shame he couldn't carry through with his flirting..
or could he?
Who knew how the damsel might react towards advances from the King of Thieves, after she has come to realize the truth!

The idea of thorns brought him back to his senses and he nodded, politely, and retained the face of 'Calent'.

"Forgive me, my lady, I will not make that mistake again." he said, then held out his arm. "Shall we return to the party so you are not missed?"
He did, after all, have a job to do.

With a soft laugh, she accepted his proffered arm once again.  "Of course," she answered him warmly.  "I do not think I am the only one to be missed.  You seem quite popular as well tonight."  That was one way of putting it; the ladies were fawning over him.  He was, of course, one of the most eligible bachelors in their social circle...

"The servants will be setting out some fruits and light dishes soon," she added as they made their way back into the circle of light provided by the ballroom.  "If you care for sweeter dishes, I would recommend the honey pastries.  They pear nicely with the dandelion wine, I think."  No, she hadn't forgotten that wine at all!

Dekka nodded, keeping her hand hooked with his as he guided her away, though with leisure, as they headed back towards the ball. He noted a dark figure looming in the shadow, but ignored it as they continued their walk.

"Perhaps you could point out the best tarts," he said, and truly, he was craving some. Perhaps the real Duke Calent did as well?  "And truly, I feel humbled by your gesture, but I feel it is only that I had drawn attention due to my tardiness, which," he forced an actor's frown. "I am still regretful for. Your mother's birthday is a grand occasion. Perhaps I should make myself an offer to her for a dance."

As they neared the open mouth door that lead back into the dance, it was revealed the Phillipe was waiting, appearing hunched over and dark, like a vulture as he watched them, then stepped forward, to hinder their stride as Dekka paused in mid step to stare at the gentleman before them.  For a moment, the two only looked at one another, then Phillipe exposed a curl on his lips, a smile perhaps? and then his teeth.

"Oh, Lady Kathryn, there you are, I had been so worried," he said, moving to her other side.  Dekka kept his eyes upon the other man as Phillipe offered out his arm. "My lady, shall I escort you inside? Offer you my jacket? To think, you had been outside with this night air chill!"


Dekka kept his tongue, standing tall and imposing at Kathryn's side, eyes daring the other man's to keep at it.

But Phillipe did, though it was evident there was some waver beneath his gaze.
"And the desserts have been displayed! I'd like to escort you there, if I may." His eyes flickered to 'Calent's' but once, then backt o Kathryn's as his lips curled widely like a snakes.

"Nonsense!  Surely, even you yourself have heard how attractive the ladies of Connlaoth find you!"  Realizing what she had said, she blushed lightly, but she pressed on.  "Or perhaps a wise Duke such as yourself does not listen to silly gossip..."  She smiled -- a girlish, modest smile -- and added, "In any case, I'm certain my mother would appreciate the gesture."

Once inside, Kathryn was immediately regretful that they had to leave the gardens behind -- her regret even more poignant as Philippe came scuttling out of the shadows.  God, she thought, grant her patience!

"I was quite comfortable," Kathryn protested, holding a hand up to politely decline the offer of the jacket.  "But, I thank you for your concern, my Lord.  Unfortunately, I had just promised to introduce Duke Calent to our pastries and tarts."

It turned her stomach, but there was only one polite way out of this mess...  "Perhaps," she offered politely, "I can make it up to you in ten minutes or so with a second dance?"

Phillipe's brow twitched, as did his lips, almost scowling as he gave way to a bow.
"Very well, my lady Kathryn," he took her hand, giving it a wet kiss, before bowing away. "I shall see you again in my arms."
Turning a glance towards Dekka, he turned his nose to air and left, leaving the two behind in silence.


Dekka only stared at the other man, grinning on the inside. Oh, if he could just be Dekka Blade, the man wouldn't have any more of those pearly white teeth.

"So, shall we try those tarts?" he began slowly. "I think the next song might start soon." He gave way to a frown, but then tightened his lips and waited for her to guide him, after all, she had offered and he was gracious enough to accept.


Tarts... yes...
Tarts were all upon the table, as far as the eye could see, and he felt his stomach rumble hungrily, Thankfully, the music hid that but in the same breath, he couldn't help but smile as he accessed the pastries.

"Do you have a favorite?" he asked, hands now clasped behind him as he bent over, it appearing as if the tiger in his mask were sniffing for some meat as Dekka's eyes continued to graze.

"I prefer the honeyed tarts," Kathryn murmured, putting thoughts of her inevitable second dance with Lord Philippe as far from her mind as she could.  She held out a glass towards him -- dandelion wine, this time -- and delicately lifted up a plate containing one of the fine tarts.  "And we can't forget your wine, of course," she added with a smile, both the tart and the wine held out to him in offering.

She herself would not partake, sadly; she would not waste such fine food, when she was not sure how much of it she would taste in Philippe's presence...  He had a...peculiar...odor about him...and, once the Duke had accepted his food and wine, she took a moment to wipe her hand on a napkin, as subtle as she could.

Ugh, what a disgusting man!

"We have some fruit tarts, if you would like," she offered, gesturing to the broad display.  "Almost any flavor you could ask for, I'm sure.  People of Highheart have a sweet tooth, I've heard."

'Calent' wouldn't be so rude as to turn down her suggestion, and sampled the honey tart, letting it melt into his mouth as he chewed it slow.  Swallowing, he tried the wine, exquisite, a bit more to his taste as he turned to her with a casual smile. Perhaps he should slow down on his drink- though he could hold his own on liquor, he wasn't sure what sort of man Calent presented him with drink.
"A unique flavor," he complimented, nodded to her and finishing off his tart. His eyes went towards the other pastries, seeking out a good one when the music changed.
He turned to her.
"You know you could always retire to your bed chamber," he whispered to her, knowing full well Phillipe was already on his advance.  "Sometimes a lady needs the extra time to compose herself from all of the excitement from the ball."
Then he turned away, pretending to not even had given that suggestion, his hand going towards a raspberry tart.


"I like raspberry," Dekka told her, after a moment.
And he did.
It was his weakness, as he gobbled the one tart whole.

Kathryn looked shocked -- although, soon enough, the corner of her mouth was slipping upwards into a smirk that threatened to spill out of her careful mask of propriety.  What a horrid suggestion!  And, yet...

"A lady always keeps her promises," she answered, trying to look as solemn as possible.  The expression was largely ruined by her smile, however.  "Anyway, he's requested my hand.  I can hardly refuse a man who may be my future husband a simple dance."

Unfortunately...

That was a sobering thought -- although, she laughed softly at his confession that he liked raspberries -- before turning to greet Lord Philippe politely.  "Ah, I was just coming to find you, my lord..."

Ah, the life of a noblewoman in Callaoth...

Dekka's eyes never left her form. Not once. He watched every twirl in her dance, every loose flutter of her hair, the glittering sequins on her mask.


Yes, he had to have her.  Even well after this 'Duke Calent' would win her hand from the repulsive Lord Phillipe, he would be sure to pay her a visit later-
after all, perhaps it was time to reward himself with a Queen?

A few raspberry tarts later, he was moving throughout the room, scouting for prize-
ah, and there it was, the great jewel of the evening glittering on the duchess's finger.
He made his way towards her, bowing as the song came to an end and extended a hand towards her.
"Duchess, if I might request another, I'd like to have this dance."

The dance seemed to take an eternity to come to an end.  Kathryn was grateful for it to be over -- and her poor feet, trampled practically to bits, now, were as well.  Wine in hand and Philippe hovering beside her, she settled down at a table to take a bit of a break.  Philippe, of course, sat down uninvited beside her, chattering away...

...But Kathryn was scarcely listening.  It didn't really seem to matter to the vain creature; he simply liked to hear the sound of his own voice.  She made a few sounds of agreement here and there, but her eyes easily found her mother and the Duke of Allar on the dance floor.

Like her eldest daughter, the Duchess possessed a singular grace.  In spite of her age, she easily kept up with her dance partner as she inquired about his health, about his trip, and asked if there was anything else they could do to make his stay in Highheart comfortable.  But it wasn't her mother she watched -- it was the easy, confident grace of the Duke.

She only wished she could think of why she found him so familiar.  Perhaps she had met the Duke long ago -- he was, after all, quite a bit older than she.  If she had perhaps met him at a social event as a little girl...but, somehow, that didn't seem quite right.

But she did, she thought, like him...and she was attracted to him as well, or so the pounding of her heart told her.  It was all very silly, of course, and she tried to steel herself for the inevitable disappointment...and, yet...she did wish fervently that he might sweep her off her feet...

By the time the song ended, Philippe had refilled her glass twice, a gesture he was happy to make, as it seemed to be keeping her happy...and,of course, a drunken woman put up less resistance than one stone sober...

It was too easy..
yet nerve racking at the same time.
He had never accomplished such a feat before and here he was, doing it for the first time.
He had to be quick..
no one would notice, their eyes would never stray- he had to do it without looking, without her noticing, the slight shift of weight, when the fake ring replaces the other..
it was a foolish thought, but he had to time it.

Everything came to the timing.

A step, a fluttering a twirl, and the extention of their parting hands finished the job-
He had already secured the swap, a device to trigger and grip the false ring to her and in the same motion, his own fingers would claim around the ring in a smooth motion, slipping it off and curling his hands around it, moving away with the dance, hands behind his back, exactly the position for the song.

ANd away it would go, deep within his pockets.
His eyes, yes, they never left her, and her's, never to his.


She would never suspect.
No one did.
No one saw the slight of hand.

It was perfect and beautiful, and everything that he lived for.


Dance, dance, dance, he and the duchess moved easily across the dance floor, bodies in tune to the trained steps of the music and...

Yes, all of those classes paid off.
No one would ever know...
The king of thieves was quite the exceptional dancer.


Then it ended, he bowed gracefully, then noticed the husband approach, the duke, and his heart jumped to his throat.
Sweat heated beneath his skin, his face, paling only slightly in color as he turned his attentions to the man.


"Ah, how marvelous. You two dance wonderfully!" he said with an applause.  Dekka nodded, then bowed.

"I am humbled by your kind words," Dekka informed, remaining ever graceful and stoic as the the false duke of Allar.  As he raised his head, his eyes met to the duke's.  "But I have an inquiry, something to request of you if I may do so in the privacy of the balcony. The view of the garden is lovely and we can talk."

"Oh!" the duke's eyes went to his wife's, who only nodded then extended her hand to dekka, which he took and kissed, admiring the fake jeweled ring now on her finger before slipping away and moving with her husband as the two slipped outside.....

Kathryn had been hoping for somewhat of a reprieve from Philippe -- but that was not to come so soon.  She gave him a sideways look as he stopped speaking, suddenly, and she could all-but feel the bitterness and envy rolling off of him in waves as he watched the pair of men walk towards the balcony.

It was, then, too, that she noticed how many glasses were sitting empty at her elbow.  She flushed, more annoyed with her lack of self-control than with Philippe for thoughtfully supplying so many drinks.

Well, if she could still feel shame, she thought, she wasn't drunk yet.  Her mother would kill her if she spoiled her birthday like that!  Speaking of which, her mother was parting the crowd as she made her way over to her eldest daughter, looking positively triumphant.  "Lord Philippe, if you would be so good as to give me a moment with my daughter?" she said, her tone leaving no room for argument.  Philippe frowned, offended, but he bowed and left the women to the table.  The Duchess watched him go with a sharp eye before turning a smile on Kathryn.  "You are performing marvelously tonight, my dear," she said -- high compliments from her mother.  "The Duke of Allar speaks highly of you."

Kathryn blushed lightly and smiled.  "He's an excellent guest.  If I had neglected him, I'm sure he would have said the same."

Her mother waved her words off with a hand.  "He's just requested a private word with your father.  I wonder what they could be discussing..."

Kathryn's heart suddenly felt as though it were in her throat.  "I'm sure it's business of one kind or another."

The older woman smiled, a slow, predatory smile, then looked down at her new ring.  She examined it in the light, looking at it this way and that, and then she rose.  "I think you've had enough wine this evening, Kathryn.  I'll have the servants bring over something to eat and some water."

"Yes, Mother," Kathryn murmured, in truth, grateful for the intervention.  And the food.  Now, if only she could keep Philippe at bay, she could eat without feeling ill...

The talk was anything but brief. Several dances later, the Duke of Higheart had only returned,a nd when he did, it was impossible for him to hide his smile and blush across his features as he hurried to his wife' side.  The two went off to a corner somewhere, whispering something through excited smiles. It seemed the whole world was focused on them-
but what had become of 'Calent'?

Valia, younger sister of Kathryn (OOC: Whom I will make a profile for soon >>; ), made her way over to her sister at the table ad began to pluck up some food.
"So there's a lot of gossip going around," she spoke in nonchalance, though it was obvious where Valia wanted to go with this.  "Especially concerning your manners, hogging the Duke of Allar all to yourself," she added a bit of a huff, but couldn't help but smile broadly towards her sister, like a fox.
"Kathryn, what did you to do him to get him to admire you,s o?" she giggled and looked around, trying to seek out Calent amongst the crowd, but quickly turned her pink eye back to her sister.  "You know he's the most handsome and eligible bachelor here! And to think a man like that is unmarried and without an heir!" her eyes sparkled, but then she promptly pouted.  "You're making me jealous. I wish the men I wasted my time flirting with were nearly as rich as him." She adjusted her dress, which had her ample bossoms nearly bursting from her pink dress. 

"I heard he has close ties to the Grand Duke, and his duchy is doing well." Valia picked at a tart, pickin gout the seed before licking the jelly from her fingers.  "But seriously, you have to tell me your secret. After all," her eyes went over to Phillipe as she grinned, devilishly. "You've also seemed to have upset Phillipe." She wrinkled her nose.

"Thank goodness for that! I hope Duke of Allar does propose to you but..." here she paused and stared down at the tart, whose jelly was gone, but the try crust remained as she sighed. "WHat will I do if you leave me to get married?" she spoke earnestly. Honestly, she had never considered a life without her older sister. What was she to do without her?  Sure, Phillipe had proposed and their father, naturally, had not answered, stating he would wait until Kathryn was 18 ( knowing full well his daughter didn't entirely approve of the match), and frankly, her father was beaming now since he had waited...
after all, i twas no secret anymore what the Duke asked- considering the smile their father now wore.

"What do you think Duke Calent asked father?" Valia said, grinning, her eyes again searching the crowd. "And I wonder where he had gone off to? He seemed to have disappeared since he spoke with father."


OOC: I hope this makes sense XD *rush post*

Kathryn smiled at her sister -- until she chastised Kathryn's manners in hogging Duke Calent's attention.  She made a good-natured face, then -- a light wrinkle of her nose accompanied by a blush and an embarrassed giggle.

"I'm not sure I've done anything to warrant his attention," she offered, smiling broadly down at the table.  "I think he really doesn't care for Lord Philippe, and he's enjoying the chance to show him up.  Didn't you hear what he said to him earlier tonight?"  She had been appalled at the time -- and also quite glad.  Still, it had been rather unwarranted...  "And you should have heard what he told me after I promised Philippe a second dance!"

Her eyes sparkled as she glanced up at her sister, her blush deepening a shade.  "That isn't to say I wouldn't be interested..."  He is very good-looking...  And sweet.  She touched the rose that still adorned her hair lightly, her smile growing.  "But I don't know if I would truly be so fortunate..."

She was truly trying not to get her hopes up -- it could have been anything the Dukes discussed out on the balcony, after all!  And if she got her hopes up and he didn't propose...

"And, if I leave," and here she covered one of her sister's hands gently.  "You'll come to Allar to be my maid of honor.  And imagine all of the proposals you'll have!  Not just the local lords, but everyone in Connlaoth!  Your husband will inherit Father's title, and be connected to Duke Calent.  And be married to the prettiest girl in the whole country."  With the fieriest temper, but that was all quite besides the point!  Yes, a match with the Duke of Allar...  It would benefit both of them, wouldn't it?

Turning back round to the party, she realized her sister was correct -- there was no sign of Calent anywhere.  Well, she hadn't really been expecting a proposal...  Trying to keep the disappointment from showing on her face, she said, "Perhaps Duke Calent had to leave?  He did say he was quite busy..."

Valia frowned at the thought.
"Ugh, wouldn't that be rude," she said out loud and began fussing over her drink. Her cheeks were a rosey red, nicely blushed from the over abundance of alcohol. Since her parents hadn't been keeping tabs, she had helped herself to a few more than usual and was enjoying the light bubbly sensation inside her head.
Plucking out the cherry that laid within the remnants of her drink, she popped it into her mouth and chewed on it with a sigh.

"Well, if Calent hadn't asked for your hand, you might be stuck with Phillipe." Valia made a wretched face at that. "What a horrible fate. And to think, I'd have to oppose visiting you just because I can'st stand being in the presence of that man. Just seeing that mole on his face makes me ill. Oh, speaking of which," her eyes went wide before narrowing, her face almost seeming to turn green. "It looks like that wretched man is heading this way now." Valia made a face of disgust. "Maybe I should go see if daddy needs me..." Valia began, turning away from her sister with every thought to just abandon her to that ugly monkey looking man.

Kathryn knew how her sister felt -- Lord Philippe was a disgusting, ugly creature...and he didn't even have a winning personality to make up for it...  She suppressed a shudder at the thought, then turned when her sister pointed him out.

Great...

"I might crawl into bed with you tonight, Valia," she murmured.  "And we can cry about my misfortune together."  With a wan smile, she added, "At least if I marry him, you won't have to.  That's something, right?"  Not anything good for her, to be sure...  But at least Valia wouldn't be stuck with him!

Rising to her feet, daintily in spite of the sudden lurch the room gave as the alcohol went straight to her head, she said, as prettily as the rose in her hair, "Good evening, Lord Philippe.  Are you enjoying the ball?"

The 'Duke of Allar' was busy indeed, and it didn't take much effort for Dekka to find Lady Kathryn's room. He didn't know why, but he just *had* to find a better memento than just the simple jewel from her dress.  He began to pry around, as quietly as he could to find anything, anything at all.
Ah, but he couldn't resist a chance to smell some of her clothing, taking a simple pair of undergarments and held it before his nose. THe scent sent a thrill up his spine.

"Oh noble women in their desirable smells," he whispered, then placed the item back into the drawer when he noticed something shining.
"What's this?" he picked up a ring and felt his heart go to his throat.  It was the ring he had stolen earlier...


The ring he had given to Amy.
And that wasn't everything...
he saw the hankerchief and was quick to yank it out, and two buttons fell to the floor. He furrowed his brow.
"What the fucking hell..." he felt his temperature rising. What was going on? Did that woman have connections here? Connections to Lady kathryn? was she her servant or something? Would she have...

He looked down at the buttons, bending over to pick them up as he examined them in the light.
He still had no idea what to make of all this.



A noise in the hall caught his attention.  Pressed for time, he pocketed the items, folding them into the kerchief 'Amy' had stolen and looked around. The door was already opening....




"My Lady, you must have too much to drink!"


That voice, it was Lord Phillipe.

Dekka pressed himself into the shadows, holding his breath. He hoped they would't notice him-
thankfully he was a clever man and used his environment to his advantage....


"Here, take a rest on the bed!" Phillipe sounded more than thrilled with himself as he gently guided the lovely lady to her bed. "My, won't your father be a bit sour in the way you walk? But don't frown over it, I'll be here to help you."  The man attempted to be charming, though i twas hard to make a rat sound sweet.

Kathryn had politely resisted Philippe's advances -- but even she knew she did not seem well.  She certainly didn't feel well -- or, perhaps, that was just Philippe's presence...  "I'll be fine," she murmured, alarmed at how quickly the alcohol had affected her...

...And by the time she realized what was happening, he was sweeping her away from the ballroom with gentlemanly smiles and murmured excuses that everyone around her seemed to accept.  And so she could not insist they return to the table without appearing to be throwing some sort of a tantrum...

Soon, they were in her bedchambers.  She tried to push him away, gently, but he insisted on guiding her to the bed, where she soon plopped down on the soft mattress with a sigh.  "Thank you, my Lord," she murmured, momentarily truly grateful.  Her head was spinning from the short walk, a fact she found decidedly irritating.  "When you return to the ballroom, would you ask a servant to send up my maid?"

"Yes," his voice was almost a gentle hiss as she passed over her, his hands sealing to hers as he remained at her side. "But are you sure you are fairing well?" he inquired, moving closer as if to touch her face. "You seem pale, but also flushed.  Should I really leave you alone when you are in such a state? Would it not be wise of me to remain here, at your side, watching over you as you recover?"
He moved to sit at her side, his pants pinning down her skirts so she couldn't move (though it was hard to tell if it was deliberate, or if he was just that stupid not to notice the dressy material of her costume).

"Won't you humor your charming hero for just a few minutes to see you are well?" Phillipe leaned in, his shadows casting over her. 
"After all, your father asked to speak with me this evening. And you must know what it is about. If we are to wed, it would appear a sham for me to leave you in such a delicate condition."



It took every ounce of energy for Dekka to hold his tongue.
'What a fucking loser,' he thought, eyes narrowing from the shadows.  He studied them, keeping quiet, though it was hard to bite his tongue. Pretending to be a shadow was proving more difficult than he anticipated. It didn't sit with him that this snake of a man was about to try a most fiendish plan.

No woman deserved to have that happen to her and he felt his own temperature rising, the magic in him slipping.  But he had to remain cool, lest the fires be exposed.
He swallowed it down, released a breath, but couldn't tear his eyes off of them.


Phillipe better not try anything funny or his plans will have to be drastically altered, and soon

"I am quite alright," Kathryn answered with that cool, polite smile that flickered -- momentarily -- at his words.  So she was to marry Philippe after all...  Suppressing a shudder, she turned that false smile back on.

"My Lord, you know as well as I that until we are man and wife, we still have our honor and our duties to our family.  If you are truly concerned for me, you may come back with my maid.  It isn't right that we -- even betrothed -- should be alone for more than a few moments."  She was beginning to get a sinking feeling in her gut...and, even though she couldn't fully see his eyes in the dim room, she recognized that grin...

...All too well.

"Please fetch my maid, Lord Philippe.  I feel some cold water would help my head."

OOC: WARNING      Mature themes ahead!

IC:


"Ah, but you must realize what a man craves,a nd what he needs," he said, kissing her hand. "Oh, Lady Kathryn, you are so lovely. Too lovely to compare!" He continued to kiss up her arm. "You must realize how I feel, how I've felt, so many years watching you grow up and blossom."
Here he leaned in.
"Cold ice is not needed here. Please, let me at least enjoy just a simple.." and he leaned in as if to kiss, body moving over hers.  "Please realize this is only natural." he said, hissing into her ear and sealing his lips coldly over hers, the other hand working at her clothes.



Dekka couldn't help but feel the flames flickering up his arms. He gripped onto it, trying to suppress the rage but he couldn't help himself-
What a filthy beast this man was.
His mind raced as what he ought to do-
but even thieves have honor.
He held his breath- but not his heat, as he hoped the woman would find the strength to fight this man off.

No, he couldn't ruin his plans for just a woman......

Mature content/trigger warning~

Kathryn felt her skin crawl.  Yes, he was going to...

Fighting back the wave of nausea with closed eyes, she bore his nearness for a moment.  The touch of his lips was so entirely revolting, and, because of the alcohol, she felt sluggish.

But, this, she knew, could not stand.  And it wasn't the first time it had happened...  And what had she done to deserve it?

Coyly -- as coyly as she could, anyway -- she said, "My Lord, if that is what you desire, help me to my feet..."  It made her sick to even suggest it, even if she didn't outright have to say it.  If she was truly destined to marry this lout, she wasn't sure how she would ever survive the wedding night...  "Lest you rip my costume and alert my parents."

She practically held her breath.  If he would just let her stand, she had a...well, it wasn't the best weapon, but it would do, given the circumstances.

OOC: Still Mature!

IC:

"Ah, but standing will simply not do!" he said, forcing his mouth roughly over hers as he pressed her against the bed.  "Let me show you that sample of our wedding night- and many nights before then!" His tongue lapped hungrily across her throat-
and yes,s he'd hear the tearing of fabric as he moved frantic to undo her clothes.
"Gods, these damn layers," he squealed angrily, and Dekka thought it sounded much like a pig.

It was growing harder and harder for him to suppress his anger, and the longer this went on, it was giving him more reasons to just storm over there and tear that man to pieces.
He knew the Lady was clever and could see her detest earlier that night-
To think she'd be taken advantage of so easily...


A noise was made-
was that the door?

Too much was going on.
He heard a gasp.
"My lady!" the maid.
Phillipe turned around with a hiss.
"Be gone!" he informed her, backhanding the maid. "Can't you see we're in the middle of a private affair!?"


Ok, that did it.
He wasn't sure how he'd explain himself, but he couldn't take it any longer. He had struck a woman, and most likely was about to do the same to Kathryn....


Phillipe pressed her hands against the beds.
"Just stand still so we can consummate the arrangement!" he told her, not noticing the looming shadow from behind, or the crackle of fire roaring up Dekka's arm.

He tapped the man upon the shoulder.
Phillipe let out an angered huff.
"I thought I said to be gone-" the lord roared angrily as he turned around to back hand the maid-

At least he thought it was a maid, but as his hand got caught, he let out a cry as Dekka's burning fist held his, singing his flesh as he let out a scream. Dekka bent the man's arm aside then threw a fist into his face, aiming to knock out a few teeth and burn his signature ring mark into his face.

"Eat fucking fist you god damn cunt sucker," Dekka spat.

Phillipe went to the floor, in hysterics, his eyes wide with madness.

"G-Gods, you're a mage!" he shrieked, cupping his burning face as he whimpered.
Stepping forward, Dekka's arms still remained in flames, his eyes narrowing wildly like the tiger's costume he wore.

"I think I'm fucking more than that," he spat, then gestured to the maid. "Get the hell out of here," then he turned to Kathryn. "You do the same." Though, it only took that momentary distraction for Dekka to turn away for Phillipe to do a cowardly thing-

he went after him- with a knife.

Dekka saw the blur of movement just in time, parrying the arm , but it managed to cut him lightly acrosst eh face, scraping the porcelain mask and splaying the twine that bond it around his head...
and the mask came off, hanging loosely over his face.

The knife was caught, flames went wild as more burns seered into Phillipe's arm by Dekka's flaming grip.
"Perhaps you didn't leanr the first time," Dekka said, and rammed another two punches into the man's god damn fucking head.  Phillipe spilled to the floor, just the same moment the guards rushed into the room.


The flames vanished up his arms as Dekka stood there, looking over at the guards.
The guards looked from Phillipe, to the man in the tiger mask, and armed themselves with swords, not knowing what had transpired.


"D-duke of Allar?" one stammered. "Explain yourself!"


Dekka only stared at them, ask hanging off his face. HIs back was to the lady as he reached up and began removing his mask.
"Lady Kathryn, I hope you're alright." His voices went back to how it sounded before, cool, suave, even a little dangerous, though polite.
Before, when he had suddenly attacked Lord Phillipe..
he held no mask to his tongue, nor to his rage or who he was...
She might have even recalled the powers from before...

Even now, as he plucked off his ears, back still to her so she couldn't see his face, she might have caught fragments of familiarity...
an expression, a look.. a trace....

Now, holding his mask and ears, he stared over at the guards, a smile twitching over his lips but said nothing more.

"Duke Calent?" they said, hesitating wit their weapons.
"No Duke," he said, simply staring. "Try a King."

Mature Things!

Kathryn's heart leapt into her throat as she watched the brawl taking place before her.  Her maid, lip bloodied from Philippe's swing, rushed to her lady's side in an attempt to rouse her -- but Kathryn's eyes were on the scene taking place before her...

Dekka Blade.  He was the Duke of Allar?

Her mind was, momentarily, confused by what was happening -- but the appearance of the guards brought her out of it.  "Bring me my sword," she told her maid.  "Quickly."  The woman stared at her lady, then, white as a sheet, nodded and darted past the thief and guards alike.

Meanwhile, Kathryn stood slowly.  Her outfit was torn beyond repair and hung at a strange angle, but it was nothing indecent, thank God.  The King of Thieves had just saved her.  Kathryn would be damned if she let him be blamed for what Philippe was about to do.  "Guards, arrest that man," she said, pointing at the crumpled lord.  "He attempted to rape me!"

The guards exchanged a look, their confusion apparent, until Kathryn snapped, "Now!"  She sniffed indignantly and strode (rather, sort of wobbled as her heel caught part of her torn skirts) in front of Dekka, standing in front of him defensively.  "Duke Calent has just saved my life."  And as she spoke, she removed the mask -- just enough to wink out of the corner her eye at 'Calent.'

Her maid appeared then from the adjoining chamber, bearing a sword obviously designed for a woman's hand.  As the pair of guards bent over the whimpering Lord Philippe -- what else were they supposed to do after such an accusation -- Kathryn stepped up silently behind them.  With a flick of her wrist, she drove the blade into the first guard's back -- and, as he toppled forward with an alarmed sound, she withdrew the blade and drove it into the second guard.

That left only one.

"You picked the wrong girl to rape, you disgusting slug," she snarled -- and, this time, the blade sank into Philippe's throat.  She hovered over him a minute, watching the light fade from his eyes...and she felt bad about the guards -- but they should have either come in moments sooner or not at all.

With all three of the men before her dispatched, she turned to the only other man in the room.  Well, there was no point in trying to hide who she was any longer...and no point in trying to keep her costume neat.  "Close the door, Molly," she said to her maid, who was still hovering there, unsure.  As the door closed, Kathryn lifted the mask up off of her face entirely and discarded it carelessly to the side.

She wiped her blade on Philippe's tunic, then held it out to her maid.  "Put this away again, please."  The maid took it and vanished, leaving the pair alone.

"I'm not sure if I still owe you, or if we call this even, Dekka."  She gestured towards the bodies coldly, without even a flicker of remorse in her expression.  "This should give you time to escape."

Dekka set his jaw the moment his mind returned to him. Kathryn wasn't the only one surprised to find the hidden identity of the other.  He was surprised, a pleasant surprise to say the least as he stared down at the bleeding bodies than back to her.

"Well, now, if it isn't 'Amy'," he said, pacing before her as he examined the woman before him. "I should have known there was something different about you- but the daughter of a duke?" His eyes seemed to sparkly darkly as he smiled.  "I suppose I'm not the only one good at wearing a mask."
He smirked, his lips twitching as he stared down at her.
"And who says I came here to make a silent escape?" he stared down at the dead bodies, kicking Phillipe's lightly to be sure he was dead. He wrinkled his nose, then turned back to her.

"No, I think I've worn my mask long enough," he dipped his head to her.  "Though it was nice seeing you, Lady Kathryn, but now it's time to cover up these murders and expose the truth.."
and he turned from her to leave.....


OOC: Edited- shortened it up a bit <3

"What?" she began, completely taken aback by his abrupt departure.  At least, his attempt to depart.  Kathryn reached out swiftly to grab his arm, her expression showing how greatly he had offended her.  "That's it?" she demanded.  "Just hello and goodbye?"  Like nothing had happened.  As an after-thought, she added, "And that doesn't even make sense, anyway!"  You couldn't cover up a murder and expose the truth, could you?

"You have to at least explain why you're here..."  Because he obviously wasn't Duke Calent!

(OOC: So short!  Stupid work.)

Dekka halted and turned to her, studying her a moment before giving a brief, snorted laugh through his nose.
"I don't think you understand the delicacy of our..." his eyes still traced her. "Situation. A lord is dead." he told her, bluntly. "Two guards are down and there's a convict in the room." he tilted his head to one side, studying her briefly for a moment.
"Hello and goodbye would only be appropriate? The sham has already been revealed." He looked back towards the floor, eyes going over the blood.  "And who do you think would be more capable of avoiding the noose?" He gave her a clever smile. "Though, I must say I am impressed you fooled me. A royal woman running at large in the woods.." He clicked his tongue a few times over it. "Yes, I dare say you've even impressed the King of Thieves." and he bowed gracefully to her. "And that is what I am. The man you met in the woods was the truth, this one here." he stood more erect. "Is the mask. And the longer I stay here, the more time I lose to expose myself, which, pardon me for sounding so rude, but, that's sort of why I'm really here." Though his eyes danced as he continued to stare at her. "Though again, I will stress, this is an... interesting surprise. But I suppose you'll do well as to keep your fucking mouth shut from all of this, lest you want a rare head ache in the morning." he said, a threat, though his lips twitched as he smiled cooly at her.

Kathryn's eyebrows rose slightly at his threat.  He wasn't as terrifying as he thought himself...but, perhaps, that was his fault for showing her mercy the first time...

"Well, I was going to blame you anyway," she said pointedly, as though it were obvious.  What, did he think she was going to take the blame for this mess?  And admit that Philippe had been about to rape her?  No, thank you.

"So, you're here to steal?"  Of course he was...  He wasn't just waiting around to rescue her from trouble...or to steal her heart, for that matter.  That was, actually, a bit of a disappointment...  Because, if he had proposed -- as Calent, that is -- she would have been...delighted.  She laughed softly and said, "At least let me say thanks, Dekka.  And give you back your handkerchief.  And Mother's ring."  She haltingly added, "I never returned it."

Here, Dekka set his jaw at her last comment and slowly lifted an arm, pulling out the hankerchief from behind the high collar that hid it in his dress.  He held it before her and said nothing, dark eyes keeping as silent as his lips.


But of course, it didn't take long for him to speak.

"I already found it."  Stuffing it back inside his costume, he moved away, but paused before the door.
"You know, this really put a damper on my plans." he said, peering over his shoulder after her.  "After all, it would have been fun to propose to you." he spared her a wink, and moved to open the door to leave.

OOC: Feel free to decide if he leaves or not yet <3  he might hang back for more brief 'chit chat'.

OOC: Nope, he can slip away now!  I'm good!

That brought a smile back to her face, as radiant as a beam of sunlight.  "You're a scoundrel."  There was nothing but humor in the words...and by a strange touch of sadness that she couldn't identify.  "Just...be careful."

Her maid had returned, she saw, and was hovering in the doorway between her bedroom and the outer suite, looking unsure.  Retreating back to her bed, Kathryn made herself comfortable atop the covers.  "Molly, this is what I want you to say when the guards come in..."

And, dear, sweet Molly, whose loyalty was well-paid for by Lady Kathryn, nodded her head in agreement to the plan.

OOC: ok! I'll copy/paste and update form me last post X3

IC:
Dekka slipped away, casual, confident steps carrying him back into the ballroom.

"Why, Duke Calent!" the duke began, friendly as ever when Dekka approached, but the thief raised his hand as the Duke's face paused and his lips fell into silence.


"No, you're mistaking me for someone else, I'm afraid," 'Duke Calent' began, standing before him with blood stains on his face and a scraped mask. I twas only then the Duke of HIghheart realized it.

"Landsakes... what happened to your face?" the duke asked.


Dekka slowly raised a hand up and removed the porcelain mask...

"I just murdered two of your guards and that wretched Lord Phillipe. I stole your wife's ring and various other trinkets and jewels throughout the night. I've flirted with your daughter, even charmed you, And while I was about to propose to your daughter, I decided to reveal my true self." He smiled darkly. "The mask has been cast away."


The duke, who was over whelmed by this sudden claim tried to laugh it off, the entire crowd already falling into a hush.


"Duke Calent, I.. I don't think I understand.."

"When presented with an engagement, the request was true, but the face was not. Nor the title," Dekka said simply. "You probably don't even recognize my face."

The duke onyl stared at him questionably, but as he tried to read his face he felt too ashamed to reply as he asked, "What are you getting at?"

"What I meant to tell you is you've all been duped," Dekka informed.

The duke's eyes widened.

"I am not the Duke of Allar,"Dekka  said, using one hand to unbutton the high collar around his neck, his long signature braid spilling over his shoulder.  The duke was a bit surprised, but still did not see the connection...


And it was only then Dekka held out his ring.

"I go by another, more prestigious title," he informed, his eyes locking upon his.  "I'm the King of thieves. You will find my signature burned onto Lord Phillipe's corpse."


Panic soon ensued, the entire room awakening into alarm. Guards were called and chaos swallowing the masses, but Dekka remained cool, standing before the duke wearing nothing but a cool smile upon his lips.

As the swell of guards were about to reach him- the thief simply raised his hand, a shot exploding from his wrist, ripping apart the fragile fabrics of his sleeves and towards the chandelier his hook shot went, and once it found itself secure, away the king of thieves flew-

leaving a mass of confused guards in his wake as they all craned their necks up towards the ceiling, up at the glittering gold chandelier.

"It has been fun, High Heart," he said, saluting the duke, the crowds, then away he went- disappearing into another story of legends.


"Guards, guards! To my daughters room! See that Kathryn is well!" he clamored, and quickly the guards rushed through, pounding the door open to see that the lady was alright...



OOC: Kathryn might need her sister to comfort her after a night like this! <3

The evening had passed quickly after that point.  Kathryn had pointedly refused to speak to anyone but her parents about the matter, to whom she revealed, at least, a bit of the truth.  They alone knew Lord Philippe had attacked her with the most base and disgusting of goals -- and they alone knew that Dekka Blade, the King of Thieves, had rescued her.

She let them believe the thief had done so for his own selfish reasons, but, after three encounters with the man, Kathryn thought he might have a soft spot for young girls -- very noble of him, considering his otherwise alarming lack of moral fiber.  Regardless, such a story could hardly be passed along to the guests, who were already quite upset.  Most left the party knowing only that Lord Philippe and two guards had been attacked and killed; they were free to invent their own stories as to the circumstances.

But it had happened in Lady Kathryn's room.  And the rumors, regardless, flew.

Kathryn's bedroom had been locked until the servants could tend to the bodies and bloodstains properly.  As a proper lady, of course, Kathryn was expected to be mortified -- and she played the part well.  Rather than go into hysterics, she remained quiet and, seemingly, unresponsive to the queries of her parents, the guards, or anyone else...and so, at last, she had been allowed to escape the questions to the privacy of her sister's room.  They would have to share for at least tonight -- the rest of the castle was in turmoil, and her parents wanted their daughters as best protected as possible.

Lady Kathryn sank into the hot bath with a sigh of relief, letting the warm water wash away her anger, her fear, and that strange sense of disappointment that had haunted her all night.  Really, it was silly for her to be so worked up about it; after all, if he had been the real Duke Calent, he wouldn't have been in her room to rescue her, would he?  No, certainly not...

But, for just a moment, it was nice to think that it was possible...for such a man to wish to marry her...

Any sense of peace might have been lost as Valia stormed into the bathing chambers.
"Kathryn, really!" her younger sister scolded, hands to her hips as she bent over the bath and scrutinized her. "How long does it take you to bathe?  My maids had drawn the bath hours ago and-" here she paused, noticing the steam as seh wrinkled her nose and gave a narrowing look at her sister. "Did you order more hot water?" Valia asked, offendedly.  Her nose wrinkled even more as she threw her arms up and collapsed into exhaustion in a pillow of her skirted pants (though, truth be told, she hated pants and tended to wear dresses, despite the trend as she loved the graceful, fluttering feel it gave her- and loved the scandelous idea of how it exposed her legs,) but there were few times, this being one, where she did dawn a pair of baggy stockings beneath.

"Honestly, Kathryn, where are your manners, you are staying in my room." she said with a huff.

Kathryn smiled in spite of herself, swirling the copious bubbles about her person with an idle arm.  "I haven't even been in here that long," she told her younger sister, lifting up bubbles in her palm to blow them at the other girl.  They wobbled in the air before dropping down on Valia's head, making Kathryn laugh lightly.

"I didn't realize you wanted to bathe, Valia.  I thought you might just go right to sleep, actually..."  She sort of hoped Valia might; the girl was bound to have some headstrong opinions on what happened, and Kathryn would have to take the time to set her straight...

And then her headstrong opinions would be even worse to deal with!

Kathryn sank lower in the bathwater with a soft sigh.  Well, if there was one person she could tell anything -- almost -- it was Valia...

Valia waved the bubbles away.
"Kathryn! My hair!" She gave a hmph, then at the other statement and kept her pointy nose towards the sky.
"Well, if you insist, we could share a bath," and she snapped her fingers to her maids. "Help me undress!" Smiling wickedly at her sister, she knew she couldn't escape her if both the girls were bathing.

"Now, you know how I feel about sharing my things, so you have to realize the sacrifces I make here, dear sister," she said, only half jokign as her clothing was unbound and carried off and away. Brushign her long hair aside, she put a toe into the bath and gave a delighted sight at the temperature before slipping inside and snuggling across from her sister.

She then gestured to her maids. "The other side of the screen please,"s he told them and they mechanically obeyed.  Valia continued to make herself comfortable as she eyed her sister.
"So, you have to give me all of the juicy details about today. I hate to hear gossip last, and it's fluttering around here like a million moths. Ugh!" She splashed irritably into the water. "What happened between you and Calent? And with Phillipe and well.. oh, I suppose I should re-ask the question, considering he wasn't even the Duke of Allar, but a fake!"

Kathryn didn't mind sharing; the bathtub was large enough to fit four comfortably.  She waited until her sister was quite settled before replying, carefully, to her questions.

"I'm not sure I'm comfortable discussing it...  Mother and Father asked me to be discreet."  It wasn't exactly untrue...  They really had told her not to tell anyone what had really happened!

And, of course, there were parts her parents didn't know about and never would!

"Perhaps, if your maids went out and closed the door behind them..."  Kathryn would have simply ordered them herself -- but she and Valia had a sort of standing pact about that sort of thing, and for very good reasons!

Valia stared at her sister before sighing and turning her head.
"Servants?" she said, arrogantly as they turned their heads. "My sister and I need privacy. Please leave the room and wait for my further instructions in the hall."
The woman only hesitated briefly before bowing and making their way to the hall.
Once the last woman was out and the door clicked shut from her room across the way, she slowly turned her pink eyes onto her sister, a finger twirling a bubble between them.
"So, you were saying?"

"Thank you," she murmured, truly grateful.  Of course, she wouldn't have said any of this if she thought it was going to be overheard in the first place...but Valia could be stubborn!

Closing her eyes again, she leaned her head back against the tub with a soft sigh, as if she didn't intend to answer at all.  The seconds ticked by slowly, and, still, Kathryn uttered not a word.

When she did speak, she spoke with a steady, controlled voice and slow, deliberate rhythm.  It meant that she was choosing her words carefully...and attempting to control her emotions.

"Lord Philippe...tried to rape me."  It felt disgusting just to say that name...and the accompanying deed made her stomach clench all over again!

As time ticked away, like the ticking of a clock, it grated quite FURIOUSLY at Valia's nerves. However, she steeled her tongue, held her temper, and just let her eyes bore into Kathryn- hoping the glare would prod her to speak.

Though, when she finally did speak, in her slow and methodical tongue, she felt herself growing all the more irritated, until....

"What?" Valia couldn't believe what she had heard, blanched- appearing to vomit. She turned away, holding a hand over her mouth before turning back to her, a soured expression wrinkling her face.
"What in God's name happened? So Phillipe was there, but then I heard about Calent, or the fake Calent, or whatever he was... did he try something to?" A fire burned int her eyes. Those men were so wretched and awful, and in the same time, she wished she could claw off their faces with her pretty little pink finger nails, but she held back and waited, eagerly for her sister to explain.

"Father would have him in the noose were he not already dead." She shifted uncomfortably, thinking about how awkward it would be between their duhy.. and his.

Kathryn nodded slightly, swallowing down the knot of emotions that threatened to escape.  Maybe she really had been in shock when she spoke to her parents -- of course, it didn't help that her mother had started in with the I-Told-You-So lectures and wanting to know what, exactly, Kathryn had done to provoke it...

God, she loathed her Mother!

"I think he knew I wouldn't be able to wed Duke Calent -- or anyone else...after."  She shuddered visibly, as if she could feel him on top of her again...  She flushed furiously.  "It was terrible, Valia.  I couldn't get him off me...and he started ripping off my costume..."

Was that a little hiccup that escaped?

She sniffled loudly, alarmed a bit at the sudden wetness of her eyes and nose.  "...And then Dekka was there.  And he saved me before...you know."

Valia felt guilt weigh upon her like lead in the water as she listened to her sister. She knew her sister to be so strong, yet here she was, evidently fighting the sobs inside her. Valia felt numb for it, for it was normally Kathryn who consoled her, over a knight who kissed her terribly, or a prince who gave her the cold shoulder at a ball.  No, no.. nothing in their lives had ever been this serious.


Valia set her jaw, and could only rudely ask, ignoring her own bleary eyes, "Dekka? Who's Dekka? The false duke?"

Valia's abrupt question brought Kathryn back to the bath -- for the moment, anyway -- and she laughed quietly.  "Dekka is..."

She used her hands -- wet with soapy water -- to ineffectively wipe away her tears before answering.  It gave her a moment to collect herself, and, when she managed to answer, she did so with a genuine smile.

"Dekka is the King of Thieves.  He was the man impersonating Duke Calent."  And although she was still upset at what had happened -- and at him for doing that to her! -- her smile only widened.  "You can't tell our parents I know him, but...  I've run into him before."

Valia's eyes widened, and she was quick to draw in a sharp gasp.
"The king of thieves!?" she exclaimed, breathlessly.  "You can't mean.." but then she went on, and Valie just gaped at her sister in disbelief. A hand went over her lips.

"Wait, what are you telling me!?" she moved forward int he bath, taking her sister's hands into her own, trying to read her eyes. "That you've actually met with that rapscallion before!? ANd if so, has he hurt you or something? ANd why did he come here to make fools of our duchy today!? Did you employ this? He's not your secret lover is he!?"

Valia's imagination ran wild.

"Valia!"  Kathryn exclaimed, shocked by her sister's final assumption.  "Really!"  Who did she think she was, anyway?

"It isn't anything like that.  I met him -- twice -- while I was...out."  Valia -- and Valia alone -- knew Kathryn's attendance at Mass was rather short of spectacular...  And the way she said the word left little doubt as to what she meant by it...

"He thought I was a servant the Chandos Family had let go...named Amy."  Too easy, really!  "Him being here tonight was purely a coincidence!  I think he just likes stealing things!"

...Like young girls' hearts...

Valia's face kept twisting over her sister's story, but finally she spoke.
"So you actually met the King of thieves?" she blinked, thinking it over, once again as her pink eyes went dizzy. "And are you claiming he was the man that saved you from Phillipe?" her voice went lower, almost as if speaking such a thing were scandalous.

"Kathryn... how exactly did you just... meet a man like that?"  Her sister was curious and couldn't help but continue to gape.

Well, it was rather scandalous...but as long as no one knew about it, it couldn't be turned into a scandal, right?

Kathryn pinkened prettily and turned her attention to the tiny bubble sculpture she was building in the bathwater.  "It was out in the woods," she began.  "I think I must have accidentally stumbled on his secret hiding place..."

She laughed a little at that.  He certainly hadn't been happy to see her!

"Father's guards turned up all of a sudden.  I don't know how they knew I was there -- and no one has said anything to me since, so I kind of wonder if they just happened to see me leaving town and decided to follow...  Anyway, he..."  Why was she all of a sudden picturing that cozy ride up to his look-out in the trees?  "...Helped me escape.  And that was the first time."

Valia held her breath as she listened to her sister, but couldn't help it that the moment it was given, she burst out into a rude laugh. And then she couldn't stop laughing until her face was pink. Leaning forward, she inadvertently ruined her sister's bubble sculpture.

"You must be joking! You? You found the secret hide out of the King of thieves?" Valia was laughing again, and she couldn't help it, it was too much! She covered her mouth and shook her head. "My, how I almost envy you. But not quite." she wrinkled her nose and relaxed more in the bath, her long, blonde hair nearly pillowign and consuming the remaining bits of bathwater as they splayed across the surface of the water.

"So... " she wrinkled her nose excitedly, pink eyes sparkling. "Is he more handsome behind that mask?" She leered her sister. "Clearly he has to have some charm to have the entire place enchanted with his wit. To think how much we were fools!" Valia couldn't help but beam over it, even though a moment ago sh ewas chastising the whole scenario.  But now, well, now her mind was more focused on the handsome man behind the mask, rather than what the masked man had did.

"Well," Kathryn said, her blush only deepening.  "He did used to have a beard."  Which she had rather preferred to the clean-shaven face he wore now.  "And he's very..."  She stared at her sister helplessly, then said, testingly, "...Fit, I guess?"

Her attention once again went to the bubbles!

"The second time I saw him, he took off all of his clothes -- except his undergarments."  She glanced up sharply.  "I was a proper lady!" she added hastily, attempting to head off Valia's boy-crazy personality.  "But...well, there were things I noticed."  Because the man had undressed in front of her!

"I do think the real Duke Calent would be hard-pressed to compete with him."

OOC: OMG, Valia is HORRIBLY boy crazy- I apologize for the semi-mature themes here!

Oh, ho ho! Now Kathryn wasn't the only one blushing as Valia's lips twisted hungrily over the story.
"You.. you're joking right?" though the hint of glee was obvious in her sister's tone as Valia squealed with delight nad suddenly splashed her sister playfully with the water.
"Shut up! Just get out of here, already! Really? He got undressed infront of you? Just like that in some random encounter!?"

Valia's eyes were as large as the moon after the comment about comparing him to the real Duke. She couldn't help but slap a hand over her lips.
"Kathryn! Do you hear yourself? You sound about ready to have that fake whisk you away!" she playfully pushed more bubbles towards her sister as she moved forward, poised like a lion, her hair, half wet, tumbling wildly over her shoulders as it trailed in gold liquid curls withint he waters.

"What a story! Tell me you at least made out with him!" she asked, leaning over her sister so their faces were only inches away. "Because if you missed a chance to kiss a man like that without telling.. or..." here, her cheeks flushed as her smile broadened. "You didn't.." her eyes flickered. "You know.. with him?"  Then she pounced forward, waters waving around the, and onto the floor as she sat on her knees. "If so, tell me all the details! I want to know what it's like!"

"I would never!"  Kathryn gasped out, splashing her sister back.  "And, I told you, I was a proper lady!  And I hardly know him!"  It was, after all, illegal for a bride to go to her wedding bed spoiled by such acts!  "We'll have our chances -- both of us -- to find out what it's like someday!"

Although, truth be told, Kathryn was in no hurry...

"Actually," she sighed softly.  "Mother will probably try to wed me to the first man she sees after this debacle.  I'm not sure how Highheart will ever recover from the embarrassment. I think, were Lord Philippe still alive, she would have turned me over to him gladly just to be done with it..."

Valia snorted and splashed back.
"Why not? Aren't you curious how that feels?" the younger girl asked, as if her sister was crazy for not at least thinking about trying it.  And although Valia was aware it was illegal, that made her all the more crazy over the idea.

But then, at her siste'rs last statement, Valia's face fell.
"If that were to happen and I were you, I'd hang myself first thing that morning," Valia replied in disgust.  Then she grew quiet and stared at the bubbles between her and her sister.

"I wonder what father will do after this," she said softly.  Would he really try to marry off Kathryn so quickly? And what did that mean for Valia?

"I don't know," Kathryn answered honestly, all mirth fading from her eyes as well.  "Who will want to rule Highheart, when we have so bold a thief in our midst?  One whom the guard cannot catch or even find?"  She sighed softly, and, reaching over the tub for a towel, wrapped herself in its fluffy warm embrace as she rose to her feet.

Delicately, she stepped over the lip of the bath tub onto the floor, ensuring she had her footing secure before turning back to her sister with a brave smile.

"I'm sure some brave young Duke will hear the story and come to request your hand, though, Valia.  He'll want to take you away from all this, to somewhere you can be safe -- and your jewels will be safe too."

Valia gave a sniff and stood in the bath, waters gushing down her naked body.
"I'd say so!" she declared, fetching a towel and lazily wrapping it around herself. "As exciting as today's fiasco was, it's going to simply tar our reputations."


But then a thought occurred and Valia suddenly grabbed onto her sister's hand, her towel nearly falling off her body.
"You should go speak with the real Duke of Allar," Valia suggested boldly, and naively as she looked at her sister with large, pink, hope filled eyes. "After all, he still isn't married, as far as we know, and would it not make sense to offer yourself to him to help iron over his own scars from this? No doubt he would be offended as much as we are."

Then she paused and blurted out something seemingly less sincere," And if you DO Marry him, you can buy me lots of pretty things! I heard his duchy has become rather wealthy!"

The real Duke of Allar...  How strange it would be to met a man she had already thought she had met!

And, anyway, if she were Duke Calent, she would be so angry that she would be demanding for someone's head...

...But for her younger sister, she smiled and gave the younger girl's hand a gentle squeeze.  "We'll see how things stand in the morning, shall we?  Things never seem so bad after you've had a good night's sleep."

But, somehow, Kathryn thought they would be every bit as bad come morning...

Valia sighed but settled with that for an answer.
"I guess we shall see." she hugged her towel closer around her body, eyeing up her sister before peering at her from the side. "But how am I supposed to sleep tonight knowing my sister was frisked by the king of thieves?" It was a tease, but she moved away to avoid any reaction from her sister as she bellowed.

"MAIDS! MAIDS! COME AT ONCE! I NEED DRIED, GROOMED AND DRESSED!"

The door was quick to open as the maids poured into the room as Valia was fussed over, leaving Kathryn alone in the bathing quarters.

It didn't take long for his shadow to emerge behind one of the privacy screens.  He hand't meant to pry, but it was almost too good not to as his cool voice came from behind her.

"So I'm 'fit', am I?" the king asked, remaining only a shadow to her, even though exposed.

Kathryn turned scarlet instantly -- from head to toe, which, given her current apparel of one single towel, was rather apparent.  To her credit, however, she didn't scream; she squared her shoulders and turned to face him with her chin lifted.

"Were you spying on us bathing, Dekka?" she asked tightly, as usual using his given name as though they were old friends.  They were certainly building up quite the rapport!  "Think carefully before you answer, because if you say just one word about seeing my sister naked, I will run you through."

No, Kathryn certainly hadn't lost any of her flame...  Especially not where her sister was concerned!

Sounding just a bit more friendly, she asked, "Shouldn't you be...somewhere else?"

Dekka smirked, she might have even heard it as he remained behind the screen.

"I remained a gentleman," was all he said to her one statement, then added, "But don't think it wasn't tempting to look."  Another pause. "Are you decent?" he inquired, not sure he wanted to keep himself on the other side of the screen.  "I think you and I need to talk- and at your comment, you obviously don't know me too well, but well, that's how it goes." He chuckled lightly, it almost sounding like a song.  "You see, no one ever really knows my plans but me. As the king of what I do, I didn't rise to fame on being so reckless or trusting."

Decent?  Well...  Mostly.  She hovered, undecided a moment, then said, "I suppose I'm more decent than you've been on occasion."  With the towel tucked in around her slim frame, only her shoulders and legs were bare...  That was more skin than she normally cared to show -- but unless he wanted to wait for her own maid to be through with her...

"What, you didn't come here just to steal things?" she wondered, turning away from him to lock the door softly.  It would be awkward if certain people decided to come in just then...not least of which was Valia...

Thinking back to her words to her sister -- silly, silly words! -- made her blush lightly again, and she found herself adding, "Look, I don't think you're some guardian angel or something.  In fact, I really didn't think I'd ever seen you again."  Why was he still here, anyway?  Didn't he have what he wanted?

At her comment on modesty, he lightly chuckled, simply replying, "I didn't know I was in the presence of a real lady. Circumstances seemed different."

Then, to her other statement he replied,

"If I was simply out to just steal things for the money, your father's castle would be picked dry," he told her simply, stepping forward as he stared at her. He still wore remnants of his costume as his dark eyes rested upon her.  He also wore a casual, cool smile and face.

"Unless you want me to steal your towel, then I can't see anything else of value to me right now," he also informed her, his eyes glittering at the thought, but that's when he paused in his advancements towards her and gave a light chuckle.

"There's more to a man who's born on reputation, after all."

Kathryn resisted the urge to squirm under that gaze.  Instead, she stood tall and proud, as though she were dressed in her finery rather than a simple towel.  "Don't mock me..."  It scared her, a bit, she realized, that there seemed to be none of that wit and humor she had known in the woods.  The way he was now, why...  It reminded her a bit of a feral cat hunting its prey...and she did not care much for that feeling at all.

"What is it you want, Dekka?  If you aren't here to steal something and you aren't here to watch girls bathe...  What is it you came for?"

Dekka only smirked at her, eyes studying hers in silence.
"I was hoping you could tell me," he said, taking another step forward, though he paused, the distance between had waned, but it was here he hesitated.  "Because part of me, well, most of me, was screaming to leave. That I had been victorious and already fucking won." His lips twitched, another smirk tugging left.  "But I don't know... something didn't feel right or complete.." his eyes traced her body, then he raised his eyes to hers.

"You see, I plotted this whole ordeal months ago," he began to explain, pressing another step forward, is shadow looming over her. "And I didn't think to calculate the girl I met in the woods might have found herself into my equation. I also didn't plan on finding her to be a rich and attractive woman of nobility either, and have since, fucking blamed myself for missing all of the clues." He reached out, almost touching the hair on her shoulder. then drew away, even taking a step back before he looked at her.

"I figured it wasn't right to just leave our story on that one, final chord. No, see, that portion of our story is meant for your duchy to share." his lips twitched again before he moved forward, suddenly pulling her into his arms and sealing their bodies together as they kissed.

"The point of this meeting is so you don't ever fucking forget the King of Thieves," he told her, eyes dazzling with play. "And," her ehe paused, looking quite devilish and charming as he held her to him, her body still merely in a towel. "I've wanted to fucking kiss those lips all night."

Kathryn watched his approach warily, wondering what, exactly, he was up to.  If he was upset that she had duped him, well, that was just too damned bad, wasn't it?  It had to happen sooner or later -- and it wasn't as though she intended to tell the world she had fooled the King of Thieves!

But then her train of thought...stopped.  And her heart was in her throat as she realized he was kissing her...and, it had seemed so natural that she kiss back that he had released her before she even realized what was happening!

Kathryn felt a little unsteady on her feet, suddenly, and she was strangely grateful (and suddenly quite conscious) of his arms around her.  Looking up into his face, however, she couldn't tell -- was he playing with her after hearing her besotted confession earlier?

"I should slap you," she said breathlessly, although she made no move to do so -- nor to pull away, in spite of what all of her training on etiquette was screaming in the back of her mind.

Dekka smirked.
"Yet you hold back," he said, eye lids lowering as he leaned forward, stealing away another kiss. The moment happened longer, felt fiercer, more intense as he held her within his arms-
but as powerful as the sensation came, he suddenly pulled away.

"I think I've made enough stories here for one night," he told her, eyes glittering as he paused in hesitation to leave.  "After all, now would be the time to leave. The fucking king of thieves shouldn't steal it all on the first night."

"Who said I'd let you steal it all?" Kathryn asked with a soft smile.  But a few kisses...just to remember him by, because, surely, she'd never see him again...

...Yes, that she could allow herself.

Some part of her was still convinced he was playing with her, laughing at her behind that smile...  But, it was intoxicating to know he had come back -- had risked his life -- for a kiss...

And, that was some kiss!

"Dekka..."  She wasn't quite sure what she wanted to say; she should have been outraged!  Yet, here she was, hoping to extend the moment for even a second longer...  She lifted her hand, hesitantly touching his smooth cheek, and then she laughed quietly.  "...I did like the beard."

Dekka turned back to her at his name. Then rubbed his chin at her comment.
"Yes, so I've been told," he cleverly retorted. "Maybe next time I see you I won't have to be in costume."
And without another word, the King of Thieves was finally gone.


A knock at the door alerted Kathryn the maids had arrived.
"Lady Kathryn?" one said through the door. "Valia had sent for us. Let us help you to bed."

OOC: EPIC BUT SHORT :D

<3

Kathryn started at the knock on the door, then turned away from the shadow the King of Thieves had disappeared into with a smile.  Tenderly, she brushed her fingertips over her lips, then laughed quietly.  Of all the men a lady might find herself attracted to...only Kathryn would choose a man like Dekka Blade.

A thief.  A magic-user.  No, he was not at all the sort of man Kathryn should fancy.

And, yet...

"Just a moment!"

The servants remained reserved, looking to one another as they awaited further orders from Lady Kathryn. Valia was already on the bed, her exceptionally long blonde hair already spilling out across the sheets as her maids were working at brushing it and she raised a brow, her pink eyes going to the bathing room door.

"Kathryn, really, what's keeping you? It's past a decent hour to get some rest and with you sharing my bed this evening it'll take me even longer to get some shut eye!" she sighed, frustrated and put her nose to the air.  "I command you to come here at once!"

Her sister would simply never change...  But even her sister's command and complaints couldn't entirely erase the smile as she stepped out of the bathing room.

"I'm sorry, dear sister," Kathryn said, offering no further explanation as the maids took away her towel and replaced it with her pajamas.  They turned their attention to Kathryn's hair as well, pulling a brush through her thick locks before braiding it all back up.

Kathryn climbed into bed beside her sister, snuggling deeply under the covers where it was warm.  She might tell Valia.  Maybe.  Someday.  Until then...  Well, it would just be her little secret!

With Valia's hair finished, the girl gave a huff and dismissed her maids.
"Tend to the lights and begone."
The women obeyed, snuffing out the candles before they went. Then, once they were gone, Valia nestled restlessly into the sheets before turning to the sister.

"So, tell me again that story today about the King of thieves..." Valia began, smiling excitedly over at her sister as she curled her toes.
"And you never told me if he tried to kiss you." she added in a whisper. "Only that you were a lady.. but he? Was he a gentleman?" she giggled, and tried her best to keep her voice low.  "After all, why else would a man not take off his shirt? You should have at least let him have some fun if he was half naked." Valia grinned from ear to ear. "I know I'd consider."
Oh my, how marvelously dangerous it would be! And how she envied her sister if such a story could be true- though she, herself, knew in those circumstances..
she would probably act differently, even though she was tremendously boy crazy, she still had her reputation to uphold but this story was just too juicy!


OOC: Thread closed C:
Kathryn's thread picks up here, in the new thread labeled: What a Man Wants (http://www.spiritsoftheearth.net/smf/index.php?topic=14001.msg120021#msg120021).