#softor

[devilsofficialfanfic]

Me, writing Lotor: make him soft...no...softer

[fycourtera]

{chapter twenty-seven: 3} a sin is soft(o)r...

Ron: *Carmen, wearing a simple but elegant gown was on his arm. She didn't need the gown to be extravagant (though perhaps ostentatious was a better word, for a voice at the back of his mind nagged he would give her everything); her entire being, simply put, was itself beauty. And he was utterly torn about her presence. There was as much truth in the fact that he did not want her to see this, as there was in wanting to never leave her side. He was not sure why she had offered, but upon realizing that there was a chance - what with most of the court present - that she might recognize someone, might regain her memory...even for the gruesome circumstances, he could not deny her that opportunity. Lifting his hand to place over hers and squeeze, it was in part deference to the fact that he had to leave. Ronald looked first, for until now he had not kept his gaze off his companion, flitting to where he would stand. His place was with the knights, a step behind the Lord Commander as his son and heir. 

There was not an ounce of his father in the man who stood there now: the persona of his title commanded him utterly. Ronald breathed out thinking to himself, he didn't know how his father did it - how proud he was, how desperately he wanted to make him proud as well. Still just seeing the council and the scaffold made him pause and he looked to Carmen, still squeezing her hand.* You don't have to stay if you do not desire. I would take you home. *He didn't want Sofya there either. His sister stood on the ramparts where he was leading Carmen, stony-faced and red hair blazing. But she would not be deterred, the ferocity in her eyes at his suggestion had made him silent.* 

Sid: *It felt odd being here, she realized the moment she saw the crowd. Her initial and brief hesitance didn't stem from not knowing how to deal with a great number of people, she felt no anxiety over it for she was an actress and used to audiences, but instead because she felt as if she was supposed to remember something about this place, about one of the people. That had only occurred to her as she arrived there, for her real reason for offering to come along did not have to do with trying to jog her memory.

She wanted to be there for him, offer some semblance of support however she could, during this gruesome event. It was the least she could. And she would do a great deal more for him, much more. It had been almost a month since he found her in the forest, and a month of knowing a person could hardly be quantified as a long time, but to her it was her whole life, the only thing she remembered. She was cautious because of that, unfortunately there was an inner hesitance that she could not quite shake off no matter how much she tried. She had no idea the people she had left behind, or the people waiting for her...but her innermost fear was that because no one had come looking for her, that no one wanted her, that she was alone. Sometimes, she didn't want her memories to come back. She was happy here, stifled at times, and those days she spent the entirety of them outside, but she was happy. She knew it was partly because of him...maybe mostly, because of him.

She turned to Ron as he paused, her gaze quizzical before he spoke. Of course, he would offer to take her back though the concept of 'home' was one that she was finding more and more difficult to define. It didn't matter to him that she had assured him before leaving, joking, to try and bring forth the dimpled smile she had grown so fond, that she was French. She had no fear of the rope, but the guillotine on the other hand, that she would've had to sit out on. But now was not the time for jokes, so she answered simply.* But I do desire. *She had no intention of leaving him, despite knowing he was among family, friends, and fellow knights. She allowed herself the small vanity that there were certain things that only she could give him.

Reaching Sofya, she offered the girl a small smile, for happiness and enthusiasm greater that was inappropriate. Ron bid them farewell to join his father, but before he could walk away she lifted herself on her toes and placed a brief but warm kiss on his lips.* I'll see you soon. *She squeezed his hand again before letting it go before turning back to Sofya, wholly unabashed. It was only then that the reality of what would come next sunk in.* If I cry, you won't hold it against me, will you? *After all, they were British, they had no room for emotions in public.*

Ron: *It took perhaps every fiber of his being not to lean and kiss her in front of the entire court the moment she said that; were his father not present, he would have failed. So he lifted her hand, kissed the top of her palm and murmured his intention instead - which she clearly took to heart. As she released him he found himself kissed instead, and he chuckled once. For a moment they were not here, they were not destined to watch this atrocity, they were back in his room kissing on clouds, dizzy from the height and breathless from the joy. The world was colored more grey when he spun from her, muttering,* Ah, Carmen, it appears you are braver than me. *, nodding to accept her farewell, and then walked with dignity and purpose to the knights. Virgil was winking at him, Paul snickering, Vlad smirking, and Paul rolling his eyes as he stepped to place unashamed. His father appeared not to have seen.* 

Sofya: *A twitter in her heart, flutter in her breath, Sofya bit back a happy squeak. Her brother's smile and Carmen's brazen act had warmed her, made her forget what she was there to see. Well, half of it. Her smile would not be made dimmer by the other, for she knew Hector would be there, and it had been over a week since she had seen him, since before the Stenrosa house was stolen into. Oh, he hadn't told her he would be: she knew it, for she felt she understood the most basic of their brotherhood (Sonja counted)'s code. Nobody, gets left behind.* Of course not. *Sofya smiled at her, just as small and reserved.* Carmen, I only wish I could kiss you myself for that -- I did not think I would see a happy sight, nor my brother's smile today. *Speaking of a happy sight...she lights up, for there was a hooded tall man in the crowd, the cloak tan and coarse ... and on his belt, was a hammer.*

Hector: *They had not all arrived by the same place, nor at the same time either. One hooded person was easy to dismiss, but five weren't. He was also grateful to the weather approaching, for it also had made some people wear hats and bonnets and cloaks and the like. Hector's heart hammered in his chest, anticipation building. Daniel's life was on the line, and this would be risky. No matter how thought out their plans were, no matter how many back up ones they had if the other failed, there would never be a certainty. Looking up briefly, though he was afraid to do for fear that someone would recognize his face, his gaze traced the people on the ramparts. He was counting the number of knights, but he also kept his eyes peeled for a certain red headed goddess he had been deprived of. He looked back down, kept moving, changed his position and looked again; this time he saw her. Despite the crisis and storm that loomed over their heads, he found he could still smile. Winking, he blew her a kiss only to then put his finger on his lips, a plead for silence before he had to unfortunately move again. Though right before turning, he could have sworn the girl next Sof had looked like Sid. But he didn't dare to check again, just kept moving, doing his best not to look at the hanging piece of rope on the scaffold, he couldn't.*

[fycourtera]

{chapter seventeen: 6} sofya/hector

Hector: *He was going to miss baths. It was an odd sentiment, given that there were so many other aspects of his life that he should be focusing on instead, but it was just something he had picked up on during the week he had spent with the lads. Well, the lads and Sonja but she was more of an honorary lad. He thought he got dirty and gritty working at the smith, but this was a different kind of unclean. It was a bit funny, he never thought he cared about hygiene. Mia's need for cleanliness and orderliness must have rubbed off on him at the exact wrong time. And if even he couldn't stand his own smell, he wasn't going to make Sof sit through it. He had left earlier so he could wash off at the river by the spot they had agreed to meet, and yes, because he wanted to make sure he didn't lose his way given that it was the middle of the night. His uncle Mitchell had tried to talk him out of it only once, which surprised Hector considering how often he was suggesting to him to run away to Ireland and go live with Carina and her husband. What a load of bollocks. As if Hector would leave now, no! He'd help the lads get justice, clear their name, take revenge and then after it was all done, well...he'd assume he'd have to beg for mercy. He wasn't used to being on his knees, though. The river wasn't too deep, not at that spot, so he couldn't submerge entirely, but that wasn't really necessary, he just needed to wash the excess dirt off. Cupping his hands together to splash water on his face, he tried not to let his thoughts stray towards that horrible night a week ago. It was always there, creeping up on him every time he closed his eyes. The first night he didn't sleep a wink, and the second he woke up from a nightmare covered in sweat. None of them had teased him about it, just clapped him on the shoulder and gave him breakfast; they had all gone through it he realized. What a lot they all made. Hector walked out of the river once he felt a bit more clean and headed over to where he had placed his clothes, his hammer, and his sword. The sword he was training with again. He was pleased to find out that aside from his uncle, he could best the lot of them with a sword. Must have come from working as a blacksmith's apprentice. He remembered the times fondly, as if he'd lived them over half a century ago. That's why he always carried his hammer around too- hammer on his back, sword at his waist. He dried off quickly, though un-thoroughly, using his own shirt before beginning to dress. He had only managed to lace up his trousers when he heard hoofbeats. God, he really hoped that was Sof, otherwise he'd be in a load of trouble. Thankfully, it was. Grinning wide at her, the shirt lay forgotten for the moment* I was starting to think you wouldn't come. *Not really, but that sounded a lot better than 'hey'* Sofya: *It had not been an easy week for anyone in England, she assumed, but Sofya had spent the first half of the week attending to her mother and trying not to think about Hector and the other outlaws, and the second half of the week helping Adelina and actively thinking about Hector, having given up. It wasn't supposed to have been difficult to slip out, when her father had been at the court all day, and her mother had been falling asleep at eight chockful of medicine she swore she didn't need. Of course, she had not counted on the fact that Ron was staying at home now, not at court with the lads. Three guesses why that was--oh, no wait, she only needed one. Humming the only six notes from 'Carmen' she knew as she trotted Sable through the forest, she suppressed a giggle at the thought. She wasn't really upset over that of course: Carmen was really a lovely, charming person she absolutely needed to spend more time with. Maybe that would be easier if her brother would stop commandeering all of it. Her lips twitched. Yet she was frustrated he had spotted her on the way to the stables and proceeded to ask why she was wearing a silk dress to go riding in. It was a fair question. Probably a more fair question would be why she was wearing a silk dress to go into the forest in, and of course that discounted the fact she was meeting an outlaw, but she had managed to convince him she just hadn't felt like changing. Thank God her brother had not noticed she had changed silk gowns--thank God his eyes were stuck on Carmen whenever she was in the room. Three times she had changed, to be precise, and as she approached the river, she was delighted to see she was not alone in this. Momentarily stifled to see him shirtless, she turned her head to insure her cheeks didn't flush as brightly pink as they felt warm and exhaled. Oh, damn him too. Spinning around only when she was sure she could smile at him without being the color of a rose, she chuckled as she dismounted and shook her head.* Are you admitting to a moment of doubt, Hector? *Her lips flick.* How humble of you. *She couldn't help her eyes from trailing down his chest, but she made them jump back to hold his own a moment later, untying her own cloak: it was warm.* I am glad to see you. Hector: *Well, he hadn't expected for her to turn up in a silk dress but he couldn't say that he didn't enjoy the view. He was exceptionally glad that he had decided to wash then. He was also exceptionally pleased when he noticed her eyes trail over his chest. He certainly wasn't putting on the shirt though, was he? No reason not to show off the fruit of his labors. He grinned and then shrugged in exaggeration, taking a step towards her as she stepped off her horse.* I 'ave a couple of humble moments here and there. *his lips twitch before he grins and then nods* It's good to see you too. *He didn't notice how incredibly honest that sounded like, otherwise he might have actually taken some time to he embarrassed about it. Instead, he only smiled wide, easier than he had since he had last seen her to say the truth. Or think the truth. Well, he might as well just say it out loud then.* I thought about you. A lot. *He was behaving a lot more honestly than usual, so he felt the need to add a joke; jokes were always good right?* Just letting you know that it's okay to admit you were doing the same about me. *He nodded, grinning again* Sofya: *Her smile spreading in delight, she immediately teased as he seemed to puff up his chest,* I didn't exactly expect to see so much of you, but I can't complain. Though you should know, it is very improper. *She winked, as she tied Sable off to the tree -- reaching into the saddle bag to fetch a snack for him and take the bit from his mouth -- there was no reason he should have to be uncomfortable now. Glad she could still see despite the lateness of the hour, she realized the moon above was near full. Tucking red behind her ear, she grinned with genuine happiness -- he had?-- at the remark, nodding before laughing.* Hmm. I might have thought about you. Once or twice. *Or the entire week, but did she have to reveal that? Her lips flicked again, now drawing off Sable's back snacks for them, saying lightly,* I brought a few things to eat. I ... thought you might be hungry, so. *She held the basket, and then lowered it as she realized the cork on the bottle of wine was visible and just grinned at him.* Hector: *he scoffed, and he would have crossed his arms in front of his chest but that would mean covering it up and why should he when she was clearly enjoying the sight of it?* I'd say you crave a little improper in your life, really. *It's true. Otherwise why would she be here? Actually, he could take it back a lot farther than that. Otherwise why would she have kissed him? Come looking for him to see if he was alright? Dance with him? Not sell him out to her uncle on the day of the robbery? Though, she had slapped and teased him, so he supposed there was some sort of balance there.* Oh? Only, once or twice? *he sniffs* I'm insulted. *Haa, as if he could be really. Grinning softly as he saw her take a basket out* You kidding? I'm always hungry. *he chuckled and then wiggled his eyebrows as he saw the wine bottle* Incredibly thirsty too. *He stepped closer to her, grinning* You didn't have to, you know. Sofya: Impropriety. Crave a little impro--never mind. *She spent too much time with her mother, clearly. To think she was now correcting his grammar-- as if she didn't like the rough, honest way he spoke, as if she didn't prefer it, the thought made her blush. She waved her hand, brightening at the thought and admitting,* I may. I never realized I did before, but. *She was there, was she not? Though she thought that was more...well, she liked him, he made her laugh, and after everything he'd gone through...she couldn't say why exactly, she just wanted to be there for him. She didn't think on this too much. Her lips flick again.* I am sure. *He wasn't insulted in the slightest. Of course, he also clearly knew she had lied. Smile softening as he continued she took a few steps towards him, opening the basket and pulling out the blanket first--because of course she brought a blanket, it was silk.* I know. I wanted to. *She looks back up.* Just like I wanted to come. Even if technically...*She presses her lips together, asking hesitantly,* Have you..I don't know what you know about the new security measures. *She bites her lip together.* So called. They frankly beg defiance. *In her opinion, for it bothered her incredibly how much others were not only following them, but pleased by them at court.* Hector: *he waves her correction off* You know what I meant. *The correcting might have grown to be annoying for some but Hector was rather glad just to have her for company. Though, that didn't mean he wouldn't start getting annoyed if she were to make it a habit. It's not like he didn't know the proper way, he just chose to ignore it because his way was faster. His eyebrows raised as she took out a blanket made from the same, or similar, material her dress was made out of he was sure. It looked so fragile. He rubbed the blanket between two fingers, marveling at how soft it was. He looked back up at her and then frowned at the reminder, nodding his head to show he knew what she was referring to* I know enough. *But that he didn't want to focus on, so instead he grinned* So not only do you crave -impropriety-, you're indulging in a little law-breaking as well. *he smirks* Does that red hair just fill you with a fire you can't snuff out? Sofya: *Pausing as she watches him take a corner of the blanket, she said calmly,* You could keep this too really. *She had plenty of blankets on her bed -- too many, in truth, considering it was getting warmer every day, and while not as comfortable as a mattress, there had to be something she could do to help. Taking the corner herself and setting the basket down, she nodded at him to step back so they could lay the blanket out so they could sit. Chuckling at his question, she looked back up at him.* That might be the case actually. I haven't settled since I learned to walk. *She shakes her head back to shake the hair out--she couldn't help it, she was proud of it, and then grinned again.* If I remember right, *she winked* we're meant to learn new things about each other, Hector Stone, blacksmith's apprentice. *Her lips flicked.* And considering how we met, you already knew I wasn't exactly adverse to a little law-breaking. *She dropped her hand and looked at him stubbornly, going to sit on the blanket once she'd put the basket on it, asking casually,* So...what is your favorite hobby? Besides turning weapons to acorns. *She wiggled her brows at him.* Hector: *He smiled and shook his head* Oh no, I couldn't. Anything this fine deserves more than a dirty grim forest. *he chuckles and then wrinkles his nose* It could actually rip pretty easily too. *He stepped back when she urged, placing the blanket down on the ground, not being able to tear his gaze away from her for too long. Laughing once as she shook out her hair, he really did love that hair, his lips twitched and then he nodded* Fair enough. *he goes to sit down when she does, grinning at her tease* Well, I like playing cards. It's a Stone thing, you see. But I do, or well I did, spend a lot of the time at the forge even when i weren't being paid. *he shrugs* It's fun. Bring my hammer with me everywhere. *his lips twitch and he gestures to it sitting against the tree* My real hammer too. *he grins* What about yours? *teasing* Brushing your hair? Sofya: *She chuckles, a wide smile crossing her lips and she shakes her head, lifting a corner of the blanket and pulling it between her thumb and forefinger, saying easily* It has an unbreakable charm. But all right. *Dropping it, she laid her legs out, brushing the skirt over them and leaned back on her hands, smile flicking up* Cards? Really? I love playing cards. Although I'm a bit more partial to .. well, horse racing, in the gambling arena. *She follows his gaze for only a moment, taking the opportunity as he looks away from her to look at him again and then meets his gaze when he turns back, lips pressed in a coy, 'aha how funny are you' smirk* It's impressive. *She nods at the hammer, and teases* No...is your other hobby not wearing a shirt? *Okay, she actually did like brushing her hair, and braiding it, and finding new styles with it but it wasn't like it was her -favorite- hobby. She paused, thinking and said slowly,* Well, besides horseback riding...I like drawing. I'm nowhere near as good a painter as my aunt, but sketching I'm not half bad at. Hector: *Of course it did. He wondered why he was so surprised about it, actually. He grinned as she admitted to love playing cards as well. He knew there was a less superficial reason for why he liked her. Granted, he wouldn't say that out loud.* Gambling on horse races? *he wiggles his eyebrows* That's ladylike. *he grins and then wiggles his eyebrows at her own joke and then sniffs, turning his nose up in the air* And if it is? *It wasn't, obviously, but it was a joke. He smiled* Wicked. Sketch anything you're immensely proud of? Sofya: *Wiggling an eyebrow, she nods with a shrug.* True. I usually have to get my brother to bring me to bet with him. *Her lips flick* But after I was proven right in two races in a row, the boys stopped griping about my being there and started craving my advice...can you imagine? *She grinned as he sniffed and shrugged a shoulder, saying innocently,* Nothing, I can't say I don't approve. *Her lips flick, adding* Though you really are making the word ostentatious apply to you more and more. *Her smile softens and she reaches for the basket, going to pull out the plates (and napkins, just because it was a picnic at midnight didn't mean she had to forgo all manners) before the cheese and bread. She chuckled.* Sable. But I bet you could have guessed that. *Her lips twitch.* What about you--particularly memorable Stone family card-playing victory? Hector: I'm shocked. *He chuckled, wondering briefly what going to a horse race would be like. Can't imagine it would smell very pleasantly. The stables were a right stench all the time. He didn't know how Lucy put up with it.* You taught me what that word means before, I know it, don't tell me *he snapped his fingers, trying to recall the definition of the word.* Something something...it means I'm being an obnoxious prat. *That was probably it. His lips flicked as she took out utensils. Wow, he hadn't used a napkin in...well, best not to say. He didn't have sleeves to use anyways, so. He tore off a piece of bread and took a bite, wondering how it managed to stay so warm. He chuckled after he swallowed and nodded* I had a feeling, eh. Well, it was recently really. Nearly all of us got together at my grandparents' house when we met Alec and Blair. And we got to just me and my aunt Beatrice, everyone else folded, and then she revealed it: a straight in diamonds. -Everyone- thought I was going to lose and then just like that I throw my cards down: royal flush. *he grins at the memory* You know I never did get all that money....we were already starting to get drunk, so. *his lips twitch* Sofya: *She chuckles as he starts trying to remember, nodding at his conclusion.* Well, blunt, forward, presumptuous, utterly without shame..*Nodding with each word as she pops a piece of cheese in her mouth, she chuckles as he continues. Oh, of course, Alec and Blair...she'd only met them once, and was more amused with her father teasing Uncle Damocles that they were 'kind of' his children too considering he had loved Rowland. Honestly, she wished she could have met Rowland, considering how often he, Aunt Maeve and even Aunt Abira mentioned him ----but she tuned back into the story, more focused on Hector now. Beaming, she laughed out as he said he had a royal flush, and she shook her head.* That's insane. I think I have seen one royal flush in my life. Not counting the time Ronald cheated of course, made me think I had it legitimately and then confessed he actually had one too because he'd arranged them that way. *She wrinkled her nose, and then chuckles.* Leigh was more upset though, somehow he'd actually been dealt a full house and probably would have won if Ron hadn't been messing around. *She grins and then holds up her hand at his last remark.* Ah, speaking of drinks...*She pulls out the bottle of wine, saying apologetically,* It was the only thing I could steal, so... Hector: *He tilted his head and then he nodded, liking the sound of that very much. Yes, that was him. He grinned at her laugh, rather liking it and nodded* Yeah, I've never had one in my life before then. Probably never will again. *He chuckled and then listened to her own story, laughing once* I'd be mad too! Card games are no joke, you know. *He smirked as she brought out the bottle, popping another piece of bread in his mouth.* Don't apologize. It's probably fancier than anything I'll ever have. *he grins and then taps the bottle twice to make the cork pop out, laughing once* Party trick. Brought glasses or no? Sofya: *Giggling again, she presses her hand over her heart and nods a solemn vow,* Oh, I told Ron so, made him swear never to do anything of the sort again. *She grins remembering the rest of the story,* And then he got up to get us drinks, and when he came back he had been dealt a straight in hearts, and he was convinced Leigh had put it there, so he started saying how 'oh no. no, stop messing with me.', and laid it down and insisted we deal again. Of course, we hadn't done that to him, he just gave away a straight... *Hearing that she chuckled only once and said lightly,* Well, actually I was apologizing it wasn't liquor. *Her wink became a rapid blink as she watched the cork fly out, and brightened instantly.* How did you do that? *Remembering briefly what Leah had said once, about muggleborns being actually more accomplished at magic by now because they did it wandlessly, she nodded and took out the wine glasses, eyes still fixed on his.* Seriously though- *She held the glass out for him to pour,* How did you do that?! Hector: *he laughs heartily* Good! Serves him right, really. *he nodded, thinking about his own family members back in simpler times. Hard to believe that had only been a week ago. *He smirked, 'ahhing' in understanding, his lips twisting* Well, got plenty of that already. *His smirk softened as she seemed impressed with his spellwork and then chuckled, pouring the wine into the glass and then shrugging, answering easily * I concentrated. Sofya: *Laughing, she nods.* I thought it did. *As she laughs, her mouth opens, her tongue flicks across her bottom lip and she pops another piece of cheese in: truthfully, she wasn't that hungry, but she wasn't going to pass up on either bread cheese and wine, nor the opportunity to bring the outlaws something to eat.* Oh do you? *Amused, she tilts her head at him, asking teasingly* And who exactly is bringing you liquor? Who should I know is also visiting you? *Taking the glass from him, she takes a brief, ladylike sip, the rich taste of grapes still not perfectly to her liking, but it was warm and wet her dry throat.* You concentrated. I wish I could concentrate like that. Hector: *he chuckles, shaking his head* No, no one visits little old me. *His lips twitched at the technical truth of his words; if anything Leah visited Mitchell above all* Well, except you of course. *he winked and began to pour himself a glass, though really the bottle would have sufficed* The lads...acquired it. *Nicked it, during the ball actually, well, before things turned to shit. He picked up his glass and took a lengthier sip than hers, watching her mouth for a small moment* You could, if you practiced. *he grins again, shrugging* But I suspect you'd have gotten used to your wand by this time. Sofya: *About to tease 'so she was 'no-one' hm,' she only grinned as he corrected himself. Actually quite pleased with the response selfishly, she still said gentler, teasingly,* Oh..well then I suppose I shall just have to come more often, insure you don't get lonely. *Setting her glass on her knee, she was careful not to spill over her dress, and said amused,* Well, we were just starting wandless magic when I came home...I could try. I wouldn't mind being less reliant on my wand. *She shrugged a shoulder.* Even if it 'does' supposed offer more control and everything. *But she paused at saying that, realizing the 'everything' part was actually inclusive with what they would sometimes say of muggleborns: that they had no control over their magic. Except clearly Hector had more control than she did, and well, weren't they the ones refusing them wands? She pursed her lips, realizing the more she thought about it, the more she wanted to help all of them, not just Hector. Although admittedly, at that moment...her mind was on Hector.* Hector: *The thought of her visiting him for more often made him actually quite happy, despite knowing she was teasing. Besides, he knew she shouldn't that something could go wrong, that she could get caught or followed and whoops, there went his neck if it did happen. So instead he simply replied* Well, I definitely won't complain. *he put a slice of cheese in his mouth instead, having to hold back a snort, and he hadn't been too successful.* Control is learned too. I guess it's a just a little more...explosive, I suppose. *he shrugs and then smiles* So, I remember I was going to tell you about being born of the dragon. Sofya: *A genuine soft smile flit across her lips as she saw how happy the thought of her coming again had made him for the split second he let it show.* Explosive? *She grinned, an eyebrow arching skeptically* Are you sure you're not just saying that to impress me? *Reaching for the bread and wiping her hands off, over the ground so as not to splatter dress of blanket with crumbs, she laughs and nods.* Yeah, that's right, you did. Did it have anything to do with the dragon that attacked the town? I still think this is an odd thing to say about your mother, but. *She wiggled her eyebrows*

[fycourtera]

{chapter sixteen: 1} sofya, hector, mitchell

Sofya: *One moment, she had been holding her mother's hand, Ronald squeezing her shoulder, being told the strange story of how their mother had been saved. Her upper lip was stiff--she refused to cry, for this was happy news, their family at least was safe (though Father was not leaving her side and was fussier than her Grandma at the moment). The next moment, or so it seemed to Sofya--and this was even stranger to her, she was riding bareback, through the forest, still in a torn ball gown, red hair flying free and whipping her neck. She wasn't sure she recalled the details of her in between properly: she must have asked for leave to go to sleep, she recalled hugging her brother, had a vague memory of embracing an intoxicated Vlad. Somewhere on the way to her bedroom it had occurred to her that Hector and Mitchell were on foot, that there were wards for a mile preventing apparition, that if she hurried she may be able to find them. Though the chance was small, her mind was made in a moment. Hector's face seemed seared into the back of her eyelids.His guilt, his defiance, his horror and the half mumbled defense to her, "I didn't mean--" had seemed to stop her heart in her chest. She hadn't been able to wrench her eyes from him until he left. Now she slowed the horse in frustration, muttering under her breath,* This is folly. *It was the second time, she thought amused, that she had run into the forest to catch him without remembering why she had. Dismounting, she hardly could feel her legs as she stepped to a tree to rest. There was a river nearby, she thought, she could at least sit in reflection, away from the nightmare of court before she returned. Sitting on a stone, she was startled to see she'd slipped the bandage on her forearm, and set about replacing it with heavy breath. The task was not sufficient to erase Hector from her mind-either Stone, in truth, for it seemed without them, she would be motherless now.* Mitchell: *At his urging, they had split up. Sonja, Arthur, and Kenneth would be arriving at their camp directly, but he and Hector we're taking the longer away around, in case they were being followed. Hector hadn't said a word since they had started running, and he seemed intent on placing his entire focus on the ground in front of him. They couldn't run forever though, and Mitchell bid his nephew stop near a river, holding himself with his hands on his knees as he breathed heavily. He had barely gotten air into his lungs that he heard the sound of hooves on the forest floor and he groaned- they wouldn't be able to outrun, so they had to go up. He patted Hector's shoulder and then pointed up at the tree and began climbing first* Hector: *He had just wanted to have a little fun. The beginning of the night seemed like half a century ago to him, and any time before that another life altogether. He couldn't shake the man's face from his mind, the look of horror in his eyes as he was skewered, the blood that had bubbled up in his mouth and coughed out. Hector didn't know it was that easy, taking a life, how fast a person could vanish from the world, how fragile they all were. He was just trying to save his friend, that was all...Jasper had been his friend and now what was he? He had been attacking all of them too, more than once Hector screamed at him to stop but he hadn't. That wasn't Jasper, the Jasper he knew wouldn't harm a fly...maybe a fly, maybe a deer, never another person. But Hector had, Hector had killed a man, a husband. The woman's scream still rang in his ear. Hector stirred, not having noticed they had stopped and only barely registered that they were about to be caught. Maybe he should turn himself in; he wasn't like his uncle, his uncle had never killed anybody but he had. But instead he began to climb, not as aptly as his uncle, but he was hiding in the branches by the time a horse came into view, though it remained a fair distance away from them. Blinking suddenly as he noticed the cascade of red hair illuminated by the moonlight straining through the leaves, his breath caught in his throat.* Sof...*he whispered under his breath, barely audible to his own ears, he began to move down* Mitchell: *With eyes wide, he stopped Hector from moving further and leaned in to whisper as well, trying not to let the sound travel* Are you mad? Hector: I trust her. *he said immediately, though he couldn't be sure why. The only thing they had done was dance...oh, and he held her hostage, a lifetime ago. Though she didn't turn him in during that. He moved again, out of his uncle's reached and climbed down. His tux was ripped and dirty- Karyn was gonna kill him. He stepped away from the tree slowly* ...what are you doing here? Mitchell: *Oh for heaven's- he dropped down to the floor as well, but he remained by the tree, wary, making sure someone hadn't just sent a pretty little redhead as bait and distraction.* Sofya: *As she tied the bandage off again, the horse startled beside her and she hopped back to her feet in an instant. The forest had never frightened her, but after tonight...she wasn't ashamed of a certain skittishness, that was common sense. One hand slid to wrest her wand free again, but the other only tucked a wild, scarlet strand back as she turned and saw instantly what had spooked Sable. Her brow arched, flooded with a rush of delight, relief, hurt, and a confusing rush of something else she had no name for, but it filled her up and made her take several steps towards him. Her wand dropped to her side, and she stilled seeing Mitchell too, her back stiffening in guilt more than wariness. Her mother had always preached tolerance and non-violence despite her father being the Lord Commander, but she had never seen any reason to dispense with propriety. This view Sofya shared, yet here she was in the forest at midnight in a torn gown, hair free, and wand down  encountering a man they all claimed was a murderer, and another she knew had killed. Hermother would kill her. Yet she held her chin higher, eyes snapping back to Hector, saying very softly, but with determined strength* I don't know. Honestly. *Her eyes softened as she looked at him.* I know you didn't mean to, I wanted to...tell you, I guess that was my...thought. *she pressed her lips together, then turned to see Mitchell still off. Her voice was stronger as she continued, eyes locked on his fiercely with a steel line in her jaw.* I owe you an apology, Mitchell. I believed you guilty until tonight, and I am ashamed of it. *her lips press together, and for a moment she feels very young looking at him, fear for her mother crossing her face, before saying quieter* Yet you saved my mother's life tonight. I don't know why you would, *her shoulders dropped* I only can say I...am utterly within your debt, and thank you more than words can say. *Her eyes seemed instantly to go back to Hector.* Hector: *he nodded a bit absently, not exactly sure what to make of her words. They didn't offer much comfort, though he supposed he was glad to have someone think he wasn't a cold blooded killer, but he had killed nonetheless. Were he a more godly man like his grandparents he would be worrying for his eternal soul. Right now he was a bit more worried about his not do eternal life, and how many enemies he had just made. Before he had figured how to respond to Sof, she was speaking to his uncle instead* Mitchell: *Well that was unexpected. His eyes remained locked on hers as she spoke, weighing the truth of her words. He did not know the girl personally, though her features were familiar, but even still his expression softened as she admitted in believing his innocence* Well *he spoke quietly, shrugging* that's one down. *Only, oh, the rest of court and town to go. He hoped that didn't mean he had to save that many people as well. He only has so many arms. He nodded at her gratitude* just did what was right. *she didn't care anymore though, her attention had drifted again* We can't stay long Hector. *Nevertheless he recognized those looks, so the least he could do was give them some privacy, so he walked more towards the river to wet his face and take a drink; he had to think* Hector: *his gaze had not left hers as she spoke, gladdened to hear her words but no more knowing what he should say than before. He barely heard Mitchell speak again or walk away, nor did he know why he asked the next question* Who was he? Sofya: Most people wouldn't have. *She didn't want the dismissal, though she couldn't say why. Mitchell was believed by so many to be a dangerous killer--she had been among them--yet he still strove to save her? It wasn't just "what was right." It was a whole lot more. It spoke volumes for his character.* And I should think it's two at least; my brother said as much. *Before he'd left her to drink. Quietly nodding as Mitchell moved off, she didn't take her eyes off Hector, her face suddenly contorting in pain at his question.* Hector...don't...*she winced* Don't torture yourself...*she bit her bottom lip hard and finally answered, realizing she would have wanted to know herself.* Anthony Tissar. A knight. *And friend of her fathers. He'd given her a sweet once when she was sick. Her heart seemed to throb. Instead she said softer,* Who was it you saved? Hector: *Hector knew the words her uncle did not speak out loud for once; "he wasn't most people". It was true. Mitchell had just risked his own life to save Hector's. His jaw and gaze set as Sofya began to deny him at first. He was already torturing himself, what would a name do? Apparently, much more. A knight...ironic enemies for a blacksmith, really. Is that all they came to at the end? A name and a job title? He frowned further, and shook his head slowly, breathing out heavily* Jasper. We're mates, or rather...were. *he purses his lips together* Guess "accomplice" is a better word now, innit? *he gritted his teeth together, clenching his hands into fists at his sides, but his eyes remained wide before he cleared his throat, blinking through his thoughts, grasping at straws* Your uncle...I mean, would I...if I turn myself in...ain't got much chance, really... Sofya: *She didn't recognize the name Jasper, but she hadn't expected to. Supposing after a moment that she had just been searching for a reason, to justify what she had always thought she should have found unjustifiable. At his gritted amendment she took another step forward, reaching for his hand, squeezing it  with a head shake; she couldn't think how else to refuse his words besides simply refusing them. It was petulant. But she didn't like seeing him in pain. Softly, with an intake of breath, she shook her head again, looking down* I don't know why Jasper attacked. If you do, I'd like to know. But otherwise...*she looked back up, saying hesitantly* Uncle Damocles is fair. And he would be incredibly sympathetic. But the council is not, and they will not be. On top of their ignorance, it wouldn't surprise me if they sought to make an--an example--*her breath caught*--Hector, please don't. Please. Hector: *his eyes flicked to her hand as she took his, marveling briefly at how smooth and soft her hands were. He shook his head, his eyes still focused on her hand* I dunno. He's been odd for a couple o'weeks, but I didn't think...*That was the whole problem. He hadn't stopped to think, and now look where he was. He frowned over the details, not really understanding how the law worked at court, but he didnt like the sound of this council. But a man was supposed to own up to his mistakes, and he had made a terrible one. For a fleeting moment he even considered confessing to Mitchell's other charges, if he was going to be hanged anyways-- but he didn't consider it for too long. Hector didn't want to die. Looking up from their hands finally he asked quietly, in confusion* Why do you care what happens to me? Sofya: *She bit her lip in concern but decided she could worry about Jasper's motivations tomorrow. It made very little sense to her regardless, and Hector's face...her heart seemed to pound very loud in her ears. Her gaze dropped to her hand in his. It was funny; she had thought to comfort him, yet his grasp did more to steady her. He was strong. A particularly rough callus on his thumb seemed to mark her sensitive skin alight, and it occurred to her she didn't know what he did for a living. She hardly knew anything actually, but of course he couldn't make a living turning weapons to acorns. With another sudden breath at his hesitant question she lifted her gaze to his and answered before thinking.* Should I not, Hector? I have no desire to see justice so subverted. Not anymore than it already has been. *That wasn't why, or rather the only reason. Exhaling, she said almost in wonder.* I care. In the time I've known you, you have berated me, stolen from my uncle's armory, to arm your outlawed family and friends against my father, held me captive,  , killed someone, and....*she softens, but says fondly in quiet earnest*... you have made me laugh more honestly, and feel more strongly, than I think I have in my entire life. I care. *a little hesitantly* Do you not? Hector: *Justice, that was fitting. He actually would have believed her at just that but she continued and it threw him for a loop for a moment, as well as cause a brief smirk to cross his face as she recounted all he had done and then he smiled a lot more genuinely than he thought he would be capable of again* From the moment you slapped me, actually. *his lips twitched before he added more lightly* You're a pretty good dancer, Red, I was impressed. Sofya: Well, you were being exceedingly presumptuous. *Her lips twitched, refusing to blush. The fact that she had made him smile, she thought, meant more to her than his compliment. Yet her smile widened at the name 'Red' anyways, and she chuckled just barely, just once.* I was being stubborn, truthfully, but. You were impressive yourself. *Her head tilts, asking lightly, suddenly anxious, trying to dispel her fear.* 'Red'? First Sof, and then fox--how many nicknames do you intend to have for me? Hector: Not an insult I've heard before. *And he had heard quite a lot in his 18 years of living with his parents. Then again, he wasn't sure if his mum knew what the word presumptuous meant.* I know. *Women liked a man who could dance, his dad had always said...oh bugger, his parents. Mia. They were going to kill him, then they were gonna dig him up and kill him again. He much rather face the court council, actually* Oh, as many as come to mind. Sofya. Sof. My foxy lady. Red. *he wiggled his eyebrows, passing his thumb over her knuckles* You kno' I'm gunna be going through some difficult things- *an understatement* -a Lady that claims to care about me would give me a kiss for good luck. *his lips twitch* Wri: Lmao i just got randomly reminded that Gendry technically has a sister "Mya" too btw. XD Sofya: It wasn't quite meant as an insult, *she heard herself say with a small smile etching itself across her lips* more a chastisement. And anyway, I suppose I prefer when one is bold and daring to one supplicant and likely to cowardice. So you may, *she teased* even have considered it a compliment. Though that would be the stuff scandals are born of, I suppose that too. *watching his thumb pass over her knuckles her breath and heart fluttered before she suddenly met his gaze again* Hector...*her brows furrow, and then sudden steel appears in her eyes and jawline again--and she goes on her toes (Gods her was tall) to press her lips suddenly to his. She meant to pull back at once, but seemed to forget to do that the moment her lips were on his, though truthfully she didn't have any idea what one did next. (All right, she had an idea, Jane -had- said somethings, but she had no experience at it.) Instead she squeezed his hand and kept her lips on his firmly* Hector: *his grin, and smirk, returned as she went through her rather wordy explanation, only to have her end with it being more of a compliment than anything else.* Ah, I knew you liked "being snatched". *It was a tease, but he was glad that the effect on her hadn't been disgust. Despite his constant confidence, he knew that could have been a likely possibility. His eyebrows were raised up to the moment she leaned up to press her lips against his, and remained there. He wrapped his arms around her waist to hold her to him, kissing her back and moving his lips against hers softly and slowly* Sofya: *His arms enclosed her waist, and seemed to remind her to move her own, so she laid them around his neck and shoulders. She still had no idea what she was doing. Tired, too full of confusion and grief to even reach rage, she was still aware this was meant to be wrong. She was only 16, not yet a year out of school, and he was hardly a knight of the tales. (She thought Ron had more of a taste for the tales than she, though he wouldn't admit that of course.) He was right: he'd snatched her, she should have hit him again, told her brother and father. Yet she started moving her lips against his tentatively, under his gentle tutelage, for the motion had lit a fire in her belly she didn't know how to quench. Arms still around him, she finally pulled back for air--and because she had started thinking, and the task was a dangerous one.* Hector. *She breathed it out.* It occurs to me I am unlearned of you beyond a name and fondness for jests. *her eyes lock on his, still hooded* Yet I feel I know you all the same.... Hector: *he chuckled against her lips at her words, nodding, understanding what she meant. He was similarly without knowledge of her himself, and what was more surprising than that was that he actually wanted to know more. This didn't exactly coincide with the reputation he had been building, but he wasnt too devastated* Well, I'm a blacksmith's 'pprentice, 18, and born of the dragon. *the scoff behind him let him know his uncle had approached again, which meant time was up but he licked his lips and said to Sof instead* If you come back in a week to this spot, maybe we can get to know each other a little bet'er? Sofya: *A blacksmith's apprentice--oh Lord, she really could hear her father now. Yet as her gaze flitted down again, tracing his arms, unbidden came the image of him working, sweaty and diligent in a forge, hammering out a plate and a slow, delighted blush crept up her cheeks. This she would have denied of course. Brows furrowing, she first said with a tiny smile* 16. Almost 17. And I suppose my trade has been curtsies, sewing, and singing--as well as spells of nursing and healing of course. Oh, and knife-throwing and riding. *Her lips flicked, adding confusedly,* You call your father a dragon? *Hearing Mitchell's scoff as well, she startled and dropped her arms from his neck, looking between them without moving out of Hector's grasp. Oh bother. Her eyes went wide at Hector's question, and she considered it for a few moments before nodding very slowly.* If I can..get away. *she looked at Mitchell, then back to Hector, troubled* You're safe, though? Hector: The knife throwing and riding I believe *not many could ride a horse in a saddle, let alone bareback* the sewing not so much. *he smiled again though and then answered* My mother fits the description better...but no, I didn't mean either. *Mitchell was getting impatient, he could tell. He sighed, hating how rapidly reality was returning and nodded* As safe as I can, really. *he licked his lips* Take care of yourself too, yeh? *he lifted a hand from her waist to tuck a red strand of hair behind her ear* I hear sewing needles can turn into quite the weapons in a pinch. Sofya: *Truthfully she had said sewing only as a matter of form, but she grinned wider as he continued, nodding once.* Mending can be quite important really, particularly for bandages and the like...but I suppose I was always partial to riding above all. *She didn't know why she was still speaking about this; she supposed she had wanted to stave off reality as much as possible. Waiting a moment, going still, eyes still locked on his where she thought she could glimpse a world of emotion* Yes, I will. *She wasn't the one in danger, she was about to say, though after this night that was hard to believe. Looking at Mitchell again only an instant, she added softer* But where will you go? What will you...do? *Her gaze flicked back to Hector hesitantly, a hand coming back brush sweat from his brow, even as she murmured in agreement.* Fierce weapons actually. Hector: Partial to riding? *his lips twitched in amusement before he added* I'll keep the jests and comments to myself just this once. *he licked his lips and then inhaled in uncertainty, looking at his uncle for a brief moment again, frowning* I don't know. Mitchell: *he patted the horse as the two spoke, speaking to the animal in whispers. He always wanted a horse. They should have stolen horses from some of the stables of the manors they'd robbed.* What do you think, horse? *he asked just as quietly as before* Slightly mental or completely bollocks? *the horse neighed and Mitchell nodded, knowing the answer.* Bollocks, I agree. *Oh Hector. Sometimes his nephew took too much after him. Turning to the pair of them, he answered as much as he could* We have a place, we're safe there. We'll figure out what to do *he sighed, tiredly* in the morning. Hector: *He didn't want to do any of that, he wanted to go home and sleep in his pathetic excuse of a bed which was surely going to be better than the forest floor, but he didn't say so. Instead he turned to Sof again and nodded* I'll be fine. Mitchell: We'll be fine, horse *he rubbed the steed's long nose* You're sweet for worrying. Sofya: *The moment the words had been out of her mouth, she'd opened it again to try and amend them, but now just chuckled in amusement at his restraint. Her smile faded slowly as she turned to listen to Mitch and pressed her lips together. She understood why they wouldn't tell her where it was--but still, she wished they could, just so she could bring them something. Exhaling, her words were soft.* All right. His name's Sable, by the way, Mitchell. *And apparently he'd made a new friend. Heart still fluttery, she looked back and leaned up tentatively to brush her lips against his cheek, whispering* Then one week, here, after sundown. Mitchell: *he turned back to the horse* Nice to meet you, Sable. I'm Mitchell. *he patted his neck again* Hector: *he shook his head slightly at his uncle but turned back to Sof quickly enough and smiled, nodding* One week. *he let his arms fall from around her and then winked in a farewell before turning back to his uncle* Mitchell: Bye Sable *he kissed his nose and patted it before clasping his nephew on the shoulder, squeezing once and started running again, leading the way even as his nephew paused a moment to look back one more time* Sofya: *She pulled back as they ran, waiting a long time without moving. As Hector looked back, her heart seemed to skip a beat again and she scolded it, a posh outcry of--*Oh, stop that.* Flooded with conflicting emotions of worry and delight--of guilt and relief--of blame and gratitude, she felt suddenly more tired than before. A hand slipped her hair back again as she walked back to Sable, patting his nose herself.* Oh, Sable. What am I going to do? *Suddenly throwing her arms around the horse's neck, she buried her face in the fur to stifle tears, thinking of every poor person tonight, of Anthony, of her mother, and Hector. She held him tightly, until a wet, pink nose pushed against her ear in what she swore was in indignant shove. Chuckling as she leaped back, one hand cleared her ear, the other eyes and cheeks. Deciding with determination just to focus on Hector, she turned to mount again, and by the time she was headed back, she was lost to how it had felt to kiss him, and to a small smile.*

[fycourtera]

{chapter fourteen: 8} sofya, ronald, & hector

Sofya: I was enjoying myself, you know.

Ronald: Not as much as Benjamin was. *Honestly. His sister simply did not get this. He hands her a drink, saying calmly.* Here. 

Sofya: *amused lips twitch* Yes, because that fixes everything. *Taking the drink anyways* You already distrust my judgment--

Ronald: Surely you could find someone besides Benjamin Stenrosa to dance with.

Sofya: You realize I have danced in addition to Benjamin, with Thomas and half a dozen of the muggleborns here?

Ronald: I do. I'd prefer you keep doing that. 

Sofya: Well, aren't you the exact opposite of more than three quarters of the guests. You trust me with muggleborns, but not with the nobility. *Of course there was one muggleborn she had her eye on the entire evening, but that was a secret. Not her brother's business.*

Ronald: Only because you would not stay upstairs ill. *lips flick and gestures at her with his own glass* And then wore that.

Sofya: *chuckles under her breath* Mother gave me this dress, Ron.

Ronald: Well, Mother and I do not see eye to eye on this matter. *head shakes* Sofya--I just--

Sofya: I know. *exasperated* You have a rotten feeling about this evening, and that's why you are being more of a pain in my arse than usual.

Ronald: Yes. *firm nod, eyes darting around the room and then his glass stops half way to his mouth, and he blinks. Who was that?* 

Sofya: *eye rolls* Well, you're not alone. I believe everyone thinks tonight is a bad idea except those who hosted it--our aunt and uncle. Even they are wary of course; I cannot believe the amount of security outside, and while here the knights were all required to attend, so Father is more on duty than he is at a party, which is unfair but I do not think he minds. Mother minded more, which is typical and you are not listening to a word I am saying, are you? Brother? 

Ronald: Mm? *He doesn't move. His glass is still half way to his mouth, gaze transfixed.* 

Sofya: *Her lips twitch and she tilts her head to follow his gaze now, an eyebrow arching at the gown. And he was complaining about her dress?! Oh, brothers.* Enjoying a fantasy are you?

Ronald: M-- Wait. What?! *He turns back to his sister, unabashed and narrowing his eyes at her.* Sofya Alicia Faye-

Sofya: Full name? Oh, this must be serious-

Ronald: Be quiet. *He clears his throat, forcing his gaze to remain on her, and not on the entrancing, drop-dead gorgeous woman across the room. Unusually, he had no idea who she was, nor who she was talking to, but he certainly intended on finding out. In the thirty seconds (was it more than that?) he had looked over at the dark brunette with a near-exposed front in strings, his mind had moved to ... well, his sister was right. Unused to such a visceral reaction, he rubbed his chest and shook his head at her.* And Benjamin is-

Sofya: A bigger pain in the arse than you. You do not need to remind me.

Ronald: Than why were you--*he blinks and frowns*--no I don't want to know.

Sofya: *She winks.* Now, if you'll excuse me brother, I believe I have neglected greeting someone who has wanted my attention. *All right, she did this on purpose. She turned and walked away, handing him back the glass after taking a sip.*

Ronald: *He frowns instantly.* Sofya. Wait-- *But she was gone, and immediately all other thoughts were driven from his mind as he watched her position herself near someone, and the man who approached her. Biting his bottom lip, he decided to find someone who might know who this was and spun the other way.* 

Hector: *So many beautiful women, Hector almost didn't know what to make of them. Almost, because he was rather imaginative. Nevertheless, he behaved. As prissy as some of the noble-born ladies were, they couldn't help but to have their eyes wander over him. He was handsome, strong, and born of the dragon; there was just very little resistance to his allure and there was absolutely no one who could tell him otherwise. That was his reality, he lived in it. Problem was that he had been unsuccessful in approaching the redheaded beauty that had frequented his thoughts, though not for lack of trying. She was always surrounded by people and he understood; she was gorgeous, feisty, and she smelled like roses. That particular detail only registered a few days after he had taken her hostage for less than a minute, odd enough. Was that pathetic of him? Not really, given that he -had- invaded her personal boundary and smashed it to bits. Yet hope remained, and when he saw an opportunity, he grabbed it. Walking towards her with a grin on his face, he made a theatrical show of bowing* Sofya, Sof, my foxy lady. *He straightened up again, small smirk on his face* Having a lovely time? You all have...delicate, tastes. *Oh he was trying to behave, he really was, but this was such a bore. Thank God for good company.*

Sofya: *The exaggerated bow made her lips flick up in a smirk that only flicked wider as he met her gaze. Tilting her head in delight, she tucked a strand of hair back, asking first as her thumb came to toy with her lip* A fox? *She pulled her lip down and then nodded decidedly, delight coloring her gaze* Yes, actually, I think I quite like that.  *Delicate tastes, though? Oh, her contemporaries certainly did, but she pursed her lips and said sweetly, hand dropping* We are not all the same any more than you are, you know. *She continued, adding her own greeting after a moment* But where are my manners? Lovely to see you again, Hector. *And she moved the tiniest bit closer to her add in an under breath, not noticing that her whisper ghosted on his cheek and lips* Just tell me, should I be hiding the silver? *She pulled back with a high eyebrow and light smirk.* 

Hector: *Of course she did, the term had come from his lips but to say so out loud would only have her deny it or worse, deny him and go back to those pretty boys with combed back hairstyles.* I was trying to pay you all a compliment. You see, I was introduced to this new concept, it's called etiquette? I believe a person of your social stature would know of this already, of course. *He wiggled his eyebrows again, for teasing was too natural for him, and she was such a great girl to tease.* Oh it's a pleasure. *he licked his lips subconsciously as she stepped closer and whispered, a smirk crossing his lips* Why bother, when there's so much gold to be had instead? *he gestured, at the gold plates, gold goblets, gold gold gold.* But no, tonight I am a guest, and I will behave...to the best of my ability.

Sofya: *He was too much. Honestly. He had her smile with absurd ease; biting her bottom lip to forestall the amused smirk, she folded her hands, laid them on the skirt of her silver gown and continued with words so sickly-sweet she thought they dripped honey from her lips before brushing against his ear.* How charming a notion. I must say I do hope you succeed in the lessons, then for it would be frightfully rude of me to wish you ill on such a worthy endeavor. *Only then did she allow her lips to twitch, her smirk to widen, her chuckle to escape. Wiggling her own eyebrows to show her tease, her gaze didn't move (all right, it may have traced his lips for a heartbeat) as he gestured around them, saying instead* Truth be told I never liked gold all that much. *She patted her lustrous white-silvery skirt down, smoothing it out over her hip (and happening to lift it up, flutter it around her ankles).* Too ostentatious. *She continued to speak with the seemingly careless gesture, looking back up at his last words and suppressing a sudden chuckle.* Oh will you behave? Hm. I'm almost disappointed. 

Hector: *How could she manage to say things in the most prat-like ways and still have him smirk in amusement and delight? It must have been a womanly wile.* Why thank you, my foxy lady, but I can think of more worthy endeavors for this night. *See? He could talk like a prat too and without dropping any syllables either! Though that took more effort, as his tongue was used to more fluid movements.* Well, I don't know what ostentatious is but *shrugs* there is a reason I'm a blacksmith instead of goldsmith...though gold would be nice too, get me my own place finally. *He briefly considered that for a moment, nodding his head to himself before deciding he didn't really care right now, he much rather focus on her. He licked his lips* You did tell me I couldn't snatch you without asking first...*as if on cue, the song immediately changed to a much more familiar tune and his grin widened in genuine delight. He laughed out loud once and then wiggled his eyebrows at Sofya* May I have this dance, Sof? *grinning, he took her hand and then suddenly spun her quickly, taking a step closer to press against her before he dipped her and brought her back up with a snap (and a smirk)* I did ask first, love.

[courtera]

Ask before you—actually, choose a topic! Before you steal a wand, before you demand one’s name, before you restrain a woman against a wall. Asking seems to be something you missed in primary.

Sofya Faye

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