Post by hotarokaori on Oct 24, 2008 9:29:06 GMT -6
The Lady Kaori and Lord William
Adam had returned from Aberdeen, slightly wounded, and aggravated that his father, Lord Maubrey had arrived while he was gone… He did not trust his Father and knew the man would in fact arrive in his absence. Thus the standard protocol for Lord Maubrey was a tight rein, escorted and given a generic royal visitor tour of Turas Lan.
Though Adam was physically able to allow audience’s, he preferred to keep them to important Skye matters. Especially, he had forbade any audiences with Lord Maubrey… the time was not right… yet !!
William paced the room… furious he had been denied every request for an audience with the Duke… “This boy gets my every nerve… Does he fear me?” he spoke in a harsh bass toned voice. The aide nodded his head… “Aye M’Lord… he does, or he would have sought an audience with his lordship immediately upon yer return…” William simply huffed and crossed his arms as he looked out the window to Turas Lan’s horizons… “Shall I attempt another request?” the aide meekly asked. “Nay… forget it Reginald… We shall see how long he is to keep us waiting… let’s see how well he reacts to an army at his gates…”
With Eamonn in the Infirmary, near death, Adam knew that William would eventually become board and tend his desires toward seeking audiences with him and Bess. Then to his dismay, Adam learned of William’s impromptu discussion with Bess, and learning she was the child from his past... Too close for comfort, Adam thought… To agitate the man further, Adam denied every request. Too bad for Kaori, as she walked in the chambers at the wrong time… Further instructions, would send this oddity amongst the Scots, to seek out Lord William Maubrey and keep his attention away from the Griffin Castle… away from Adam and Bess.
There was nothing awkward or self-conscious in the appearance of the geisha standing in the entrance hall of Blue Castle. Despite the attention such an oddity called to herself, she stood straight and taller than her height of five feet should have allowed. Eye contact was a difficult commodity to come by, but if those almond shaped eyes happened to find another pair, she would incline her head to them and look away. She barely moved, hardly fidgeted or cleared her throat. She was very comfortable where she was, and obviously patience was a virtue she possessed.
The servant knocked on the door of his quarters within Blue Castle… in the next few moments, he would learn the Gryphon Courts, High Scholar requested his presence… For what? he pondered… “Maybe another political tour by Aberdeen no doubt."... He muttered to himself in the mirror as he adjusted the blue-black uniform…
Into the foyer, he strode… a tall handsome man of fifty and two, dressed in a blue-black uniform of the Maubrey… the ornate sword swung leisurely at his hip; Before him, he saw a strange beauty in odd clothes… With a cant of his head, and no knowledge of the Orient… he bowed slightly and then looked at the woman… strangely exotic !! he thought… “Good day M’Lady… I am William o’ Maubrey… How can I be of service…”
At long last His Lordship arrived and Kaori was not disappointed. She hadn’t come with any expectations as far as appearance, but he had the very air she had expected. He was respected and imposing. He was older, but dashing in his own rig ht. He would be the first person she would be willing to hold eye-contact with, and with that, he was also given a warm smile. She moved in his direction, but geisha did not walk: they glided. At last, eye-contact was broken as she did not curtsey but bowed, her hands folded within the flowing sleeves of her kimono at all times. When she spoke her voice and tone were soft and gentle, but carried. “Your Lordship, I hope I have not interrupted you. I am Kaori Hotaro and I have been sent to ensure all of your needs are being met in your time here. That is, of course, if that is acceptable to you.”
This woman is a strange sort… he thought… so odd to find someone such as this on a Scot court… but this Adam Aberdeen was no run-o-the-mill person now was he… He would have to put down this cur before he littered all of Scotland and England with his odd in festations…
After saying her piece, her head canted to the side slightly, her brows lifted as she awaited a reply. She was there to serve, and when Kaori Hotaro did a job, she did it well.
“Interrupted me? M’Lady Hotaro… I doubt that you could interrupt me…” he said with a charming smile, the silver grey beard curling in certain sots. “My needs?” he smirked… his first thoughts were a bit adulterous, and then he thought of Adam… that scoundrel now sends his court members to spend my time“It is completely acceptable to me…”… he extends his elbow to her… “I was just on my way to the dining room… would you join me? The cook has prepared some duck and vegetables for the evening meal…”
Were they both playing games, perhaps? It was a bit of dance between he and she, both of them being careful, letting their mouths say one thing while the wheels in their heads spun far more interesting thoughts. Kaori, was of course, pleased for the invitation, but she had her reservations. Just because he invited her to dine with him didn’t necessarily mean he was pleased to have her there. He would be expected to act gracious, but the Kami only knew what was going on in that handsome head. The smile on her face, no matter what reservations the young woman had, was very sincere, and she took the arm offered with a gentle hand. “I would be pleased to join you if it is no imposition, of course.” She would let him lead her to their destination as she added. “And over dinner perhaps we can discuss your time among us. Whatever it is you lack in either essentials or entertainment I am in charge of procuring for you.” No, the scholar mightn’t have been able to pull this off, but the geisha was in her element.
William was good at reading people… though this female had deep brown eyes that hid no truth, nor lies… they were alluring and seductive… Oh yes, he would have to be careful around this Scholar… This Adam Aberdeen was a lad, whom he often called BOY, but he was smart… and he sends this oddity amongst Scots to veer the Englishman from his course… “No imposition m’Lady…” his hand calloused by sword use patted soft skin… “I’d rather prefer it to dining alone, since the Duke has no time for Emmissaries…” he added his own jab…
Escorting her to a chair, he pulls it out and allows her to sit, then he assists in setting her to the table. Sitting next to her, he sits… “And is it MY time, or OUR time?” he said softly with an added smile of most charming nature. Then he chuckles at her comment… “Truthfully, I lack neither essentials nor entertainment… though my wife seems to be enjoying Struan with Lord Robertson… but a lass such as you can fill the void…” yet another smile of the utmost charm.
Interrupted by servants, plates were set before them as food appeared in the middle… others of the castle had gathered and dined, yet William and Kaori were left alone to their end… Often conversations were paid no heed by others than intended people, and the din of various conversations began to fill the large room.
Into the meal, William would pour wine for her and be the most graceful host… soon the pair of oddities would discuss small unimportant subjects about the city, its gardens in winter, and the amount of workers it took Lord Aberdeen to run the city…
Still William retained a wary mind’s eye, he enjoyed the meal with the Lady Kaori. Oh yes, it was a game… and both played it so well.
The jab Lord Maubery took did not go unnoticed to the Nihonnin. It rather amused her, in all honesty, and brought a smirk to her lips. She silently lifted her hand to hide the gesture, though it was an obvious one. Smirks were simply uncouth, so she would hide it until it could be corrected. Really, however, it would benefit her if Lord Maubrey were to see amusement due to an insult, no matter how gentle it may have been. She was there, after all, to attend him.
As they spoke, small talk seemed to be the perfect compliment to a perfectly cooked meal. And small talk was precisely what Kaori had expected. They were merely new acquaintances, after all. Undoubtedly he was feeling her out just as much as she was feeling him out. She rather admired him, actually. His smiles were easy and charming, his words unhesitant and unabashed. He knew how to speak just as well as she did, and they were both exercising the art without difficulty. He rather reminded her of someone, but she couldn’t figure out whom… Still, she knew what she was doing. Despite her size, she was able to put away two glasses of wine without it affecting her outwardly. Her words were even and spoken just as easily, her smiles just as sincere as they had started. She knew her limits, after all.
She was careful to listen, however, and she did receive confirmation that Lady Maubrey was keeping company with Lord Robertson. That was of particular interest. It didn’t seem to trouble Lord Maubrey in the slightest, and that left Kaori wondering if it should then trouble Lord Robertson. Well, he’d just have to take care of himself. Kaori had her own fish to fry. The problem was this particular dish was a very delicate operation and one not to rush. Kaori’s job did not involve Lord Robertson’s naiveté.
Once plates were cleared after their meal she smiled. “Thank you for allowing me the pleasure of dining with you. Perhaps tomorrow we can figure out what delights Turas Lan has to offer that you have not yet had the opportunity to sample. They are abundant, that much I can assure you. Hopefully since you are being kept waiting, we can find an adequate diversion from politics.” Since she was sent there expressly to see to His Lordship, her things were already waiting in a guest wing. The fly, it appeared, had stepped into the parlor of the spider. This fly, however, was not so unwitting.
William sat at the table, his arm over the rest of the chair as he looked upon this oddity amongst Scots… An old adage came to mind followed by a smile upon his face… "..That hath not noble lustre in your eyes. I see you stand like greyhounds the slips, Straining upon the start. The game's afoot: Follow your spirit, and upon this charge Cry 'God for Edward, England, and Saint George!"
Standing, his hand extended, offering her to accompany him. “Come M’Lady… let us retire to the library… With a scholar such as you, you would find that the Blue Castle has many writings…” He smiles, looking around… “Now, if I remember correctly… it would be this way…” then he guides her toward the large room…
The room had been expanded since Adam took control of Skye… and the various efforts of all his scholars soon filled the library… writings about politics, , ships and nautical scripts, various writings on freedom, religion, and economy… Upon the table, William indicated a book he had been reading in his spare time… Llyfr Gwyn Rhydderch
Llyfr Gwyn Rhydderch … (White Book of Rhydderch) is a set of Welsh manuscripts; drawing on Celtic mythology, folktale motifs, and on early historical traditions. While some details may refer back to older traditions, each of these tales is the product of a highly developed Welsh narrative tradition, both oral and written.
Inviting her to sit down in one of the comfortable chairs, he took the large book and sat next to her. Propping his knee up, he looked at her… “I am reading The Mabinogi of Math now… Shall I read to you?”
The spider had spun its web. Would the fly enter its domain?
Kaori, despite appearances and stations, despite her positions and knowledge, had a tendency to simplify everything. There were many times she’d be reading some document of great import, or writings on history and science and wonder why men always wanted to say things that needed only four words in twelve. She was not simple-minded, she just preferred to use the simplest solution when possible. She was capable of deep thought, but philosophy positively baffled her. She was finding she and Lord Maubrey had different thought patterns, and there was no way she could possibly fathom what was going through his head. This revelation both troubled and intrigued her. She knew well that His Lordship was a spider. He was an absolutely fascinating spider, however.
She was a bit surprised that after dinner he did not let her escape to her quarters. She had really thought he would want to be rid of her quickly. He was overindulging her, however, and despite the fact it probably should have concerned her, it more amused her. Accompanying him to the library as he had proposed, a smile was on her lips. This particular library she had visited in the past, and though she did not know it well, she was familiar with it. She took a deep inhale through her nose as they entered the room. She loved the scent of aging parchment and leather bindings. Libraries were somewhat sacred to her.
Idle eyes strayed to the book he was enjoying and she took a seat. Despite her ease and confidence, she sat stiffly. Geisha rarely sat in typical chairs, more prone to tea houses and typical Nihon seating upon the floor. When she sat, it was toward the edge of the seat, perfectly upright and her shoulders back. Her posture was immaculate. Her hands folded in her lap as she regarded him, a smile appearing on his lips with his offer. “And to think, I had come with the intention of entertaining you.” She looked upon the title on the book before meeting eyes with him. “I would enjoy that very much, thank you.” She spoke truth. She would not say it aloud, but she liked how he spoke.
The fly entered the spider’s domain positively delighted to be there.
William sat contented, the book upon his lap, as he read to the beautiful Nihonnin… though he did not know much of the culture, he watched her carefully… and as rigid as she sat… so regimented… She appeared to be of some other world… still sea-green eyes, similar to someone she knew dearly, looked at her… the mystery behind these eyes would amuse, and mystify her.
The words, from the lands of Wales, resounded in the library as he read. He was an eloquent reader, intelligent and well-versed… Looking at her, he smiled and explained each stanza in case she did not understand… “Math's nephew Gilfaethwy had fallen in love with Goewin, Math's footholder. The magician Gwydion (Gilfaethwy's brother), devised a plan to make Goewin available. Gwydion told his uncle about an animal that was new to Wales, called pigs, and how he could get them from their owner, Pryderi of Dyfed. He took a band of men, including his brother, to Ceredigion, where they disguised themselves as bards to gain audience with King Pryderi.” Then he paused and looked at her again… “Are you sure you are not bored M’Lady?” His genteel, but course hand had found her arm… and his touch would be as if a lightning bolt had struck… This old silver haired gentleman was as charming as a man could possibly be, and appeared much different than the physical Lucifer people had made him out to be…
The web spun, the lure provided… would the fly test fate?
The Nihonnin, little oddity amongst Scots, was careful to listen to his story. Who was it he so reminded her of? As he read, there was a somewhat fond smile on her face. In another life, she might have liked this man very much. Whether his attention was for sinister purposes or his affection a deception, she really did rather like him. Even still, she never let down her guard. She may have been sentimental, but she was no fool.
As she listened to the story read from the book, her head was cokeed to the side slightly, trying to remember such unfamiliar names to her and make sure she remembered who each character was. She was not bored, in fact. She was interested to hear more, and in that case, was a bit surprised when he checked to see if she was bored. By all means, she was glad he was speaking! She wanted that to become easier and figured this would be good practice. The touch to her arm did jolt her, but she made sure not to outwardly express it. Though the fine hairs at the back of her neck stood, she never so much as twitched, her demeanor never fell. “I am not bored, Your Lordship.” Smiles such as hers were given freely to him and she asked, “Why would they go to fetch pigs?” Was there a purpose to him telling her this story? Was there something she should have been looking for? She was still listening for some sort of cracking to confirm the ice she was skating was thin.
Fate could consider itself tested.
Adam had returned from Aberdeen, slightly wounded, and aggravated that his father, Lord Maubrey had arrived while he was gone… He did not trust his Father and knew the man would in fact arrive in his absence. Thus the standard protocol for Lord Maubrey was a tight rein, escorted and given a generic royal visitor tour of Turas Lan.
Though Adam was physically able to allow audience’s, he preferred to keep them to important Skye matters. Especially, he had forbade any audiences with Lord Maubrey… the time was not right… yet !!
William paced the room… furious he had been denied every request for an audience with the Duke… “This boy gets my every nerve… Does he fear me?” he spoke in a harsh bass toned voice. The aide nodded his head… “Aye M’Lord… he does, or he would have sought an audience with his lordship immediately upon yer return…” William simply huffed and crossed his arms as he looked out the window to Turas Lan’s horizons… “Shall I attempt another request?” the aide meekly asked. “Nay… forget it Reginald… We shall see how long he is to keep us waiting… let’s see how well he reacts to an army at his gates…”
With Eamonn in the Infirmary, near death, Adam knew that William would eventually become board and tend his desires toward seeking audiences with him and Bess. Then to his dismay, Adam learned of William’s impromptu discussion with Bess, and learning she was the child from his past... Too close for comfort, Adam thought… To agitate the man further, Adam denied every request. Too bad for Kaori, as she walked in the chambers at the wrong time… Further instructions, would send this oddity amongst the Scots, to seek out Lord William Maubrey and keep his attention away from the Griffin Castle… away from Adam and Bess.
There was nothing awkward or self-conscious in the appearance of the geisha standing in the entrance hall of Blue Castle. Despite the attention such an oddity called to herself, she stood straight and taller than her height of five feet should have allowed. Eye contact was a difficult commodity to come by, but if those almond shaped eyes happened to find another pair, she would incline her head to them and look away. She barely moved, hardly fidgeted or cleared her throat. She was very comfortable where she was, and obviously patience was a virtue she possessed.
The servant knocked on the door of his quarters within Blue Castle… in the next few moments, he would learn the Gryphon Courts, High Scholar requested his presence… For what? he pondered… “Maybe another political tour by Aberdeen no doubt."... He muttered to himself in the mirror as he adjusted the blue-black uniform…
Into the foyer, he strode… a tall handsome man of fifty and two, dressed in a blue-black uniform of the Maubrey… the ornate sword swung leisurely at his hip; Before him, he saw a strange beauty in odd clothes… With a cant of his head, and no knowledge of the Orient… he bowed slightly and then looked at the woman… strangely exotic !! he thought… “Good day M’Lady… I am William o’ Maubrey… How can I be of service…”
At long last His Lordship arrived and Kaori was not disappointed. She hadn’t come with any expectations as far as appearance, but he had the very air she had expected. He was respected and imposing. He was older, but dashing in his own rig ht. He would be the first person she would be willing to hold eye-contact with, and with that, he was also given a warm smile. She moved in his direction, but geisha did not walk: they glided. At last, eye-contact was broken as she did not curtsey but bowed, her hands folded within the flowing sleeves of her kimono at all times. When she spoke her voice and tone were soft and gentle, but carried. “Your Lordship, I hope I have not interrupted you. I am Kaori Hotaro and I have been sent to ensure all of your needs are being met in your time here. That is, of course, if that is acceptable to you.”
This woman is a strange sort… he thought… so odd to find someone such as this on a Scot court… but this Adam Aberdeen was no run-o-the-mill person now was he… He would have to put down this cur before he littered all of Scotland and England with his odd in festations…
After saying her piece, her head canted to the side slightly, her brows lifted as she awaited a reply. She was there to serve, and when Kaori Hotaro did a job, she did it well.
“Interrupted me? M’Lady Hotaro… I doubt that you could interrupt me…” he said with a charming smile, the silver grey beard curling in certain sots. “My needs?” he smirked… his first thoughts were a bit adulterous, and then he thought of Adam… that scoundrel now sends his court members to spend my time“It is completely acceptable to me…”… he extends his elbow to her… “I was just on my way to the dining room… would you join me? The cook has prepared some duck and vegetables for the evening meal…”
Were they both playing games, perhaps? It was a bit of dance between he and she, both of them being careful, letting their mouths say one thing while the wheels in their heads spun far more interesting thoughts. Kaori, was of course, pleased for the invitation, but she had her reservations. Just because he invited her to dine with him didn’t necessarily mean he was pleased to have her there. He would be expected to act gracious, but the Kami only knew what was going on in that handsome head. The smile on her face, no matter what reservations the young woman had, was very sincere, and she took the arm offered with a gentle hand. “I would be pleased to join you if it is no imposition, of course.” She would let him lead her to their destination as she added. “And over dinner perhaps we can discuss your time among us. Whatever it is you lack in either essentials or entertainment I am in charge of procuring for you.” No, the scholar mightn’t have been able to pull this off, but the geisha was in her element.
William was good at reading people… though this female had deep brown eyes that hid no truth, nor lies… they were alluring and seductive… Oh yes, he would have to be careful around this Scholar… This Adam Aberdeen was a lad, whom he often called BOY, but he was smart… and he sends this oddity amongst Scots to veer the Englishman from his course… “No imposition m’Lady…” his hand calloused by sword use patted soft skin… “I’d rather prefer it to dining alone, since the Duke has no time for Emmissaries…” he added his own jab…
Escorting her to a chair, he pulls it out and allows her to sit, then he assists in setting her to the table. Sitting next to her, he sits… “And is it MY time, or OUR time?” he said softly with an added smile of most charming nature. Then he chuckles at her comment… “Truthfully, I lack neither essentials nor entertainment… though my wife seems to be enjoying Struan with Lord Robertson… but a lass such as you can fill the void…” yet another smile of the utmost charm.
Interrupted by servants, plates were set before them as food appeared in the middle… others of the castle had gathered and dined, yet William and Kaori were left alone to their end… Often conversations were paid no heed by others than intended people, and the din of various conversations began to fill the large room.
Into the meal, William would pour wine for her and be the most graceful host… soon the pair of oddities would discuss small unimportant subjects about the city, its gardens in winter, and the amount of workers it took Lord Aberdeen to run the city…
Still William retained a wary mind’s eye, he enjoyed the meal with the Lady Kaori. Oh yes, it was a game… and both played it so well.
The jab Lord Maubery took did not go unnoticed to the Nihonnin. It rather amused her, in all honesty, and brought a smirk to her lips. She silently lifted her hand to hide the gesture, though it was an obvious one. Smirks were simply uncouth, so she would hide it until it could be corrected. Really, however, it would benefit her if Lord Maubrey were to see amusement due to an insult, no matter how gentle it may have been. She was there, after all, to attend him.
As they spoke, small talk seemed to be the perfect compliment to a perfectly cooked meal. And small talk was precisely what Kaori had expected. They were merely new acquaintances, after all. Undoubtedly he was feeling her out just as much as she was feeling him out. She rather admired him, actually. His smiles were easy and charming, his words unhesitant and unabashed. He knew how to speak just as well as she did, and they were both exercising the art without difficulty. He rather reminded her of someone, but she couldn’t figure out whom… Still, she knew what she was doing. Despite her size, she was able to put away two glasses of wine without it affecting her outwardly. Her words were even and spoken just as easily, her smiles just as sincere as they had started. She knew her limits, after all.
She was careful to listen, however, and she did receive confirmation that Lady Maubrey was keeping company with Lord Robertson. That was of particular interest. It didn’t seem to trouble Lord Maubrey in the slightest, and that left Kaori wondering if it should then trouble Lord Robertson. Well, he’d just have to take care of himself. Kaori had her own fish to fry. The problem was this particular dish was a very delicate operation and one not to rush. Kaori’s job did not involve Lord Robertson’s naiveté.
Once plates were cleared after their meal she smiled. “Thank you for allowing me the pleasure of dining with you. Perhaps tomorrow we can figure out what delights Turas Lan has to offer that you have not yet had the opportunity to sample. They are abundant, that much I can assure you. Hopefully since you are being kept waiting, we can find an adequate diversion from politics.” Since she was sent there expressly to see to His Lordship, her things were already waiting in a guest wing. The fly, it appeared, had stepped into the parlor of the spider. This fly, however, was not so unwitting.
William sat at the table, his arm over the rest of the chair as he looked upon this oddity amongst Scots… An old adage came to mind followed by a smile upon his face… "..That hath not noble lustre in your eyes. I see you stand like greyhounds the slips, Straining upon the start. The game's afoot: Follow your spirit, and upon this charge Cry 'God for Edward, England, and Saint George!"
Standing, his hand extended, offering her to accompany him. “Come M’Lady… let us retire to the library… With a scholar such as you, you would find that the Blue Castle has many writings…” He smiles, looking around… “Now, if I remember correctly… it would be this way…” then he guides her toward the large room…
The room had been expanded since Adam took control of Skye… and the various efforts of all his scholars soon filled the library… writings about politics, , ships and nautical scripts, various writings on freedom, religion, and economy… Upon the table, William indicated a book he had been reading in his spare time… Llyfr Gwyn Rhydderch
Llyfr Gwyn Rhydderch … (White Book of Rhydderch) is a set of Welsh manuscripts; drawing on Celtic mythology, folktale motifs, and on early historical traditions. While some details may refer back to older traditions, each of these tales is the product of a highly developed Welsh narrative tradition, both oral and written.
Inviting her to sit down in one of the comfortable chairs, he took the large book and sat next to her. Propping his knee up, he looked at her… “I am reading The Mabinogi of Math now… Shall I read to you?”
The spider had spun its web. Would the fly enter its domain?
Kaori, despite appearances and stations, despite her positions and knowledge, had a tendency to simplify everything. There were many times she’d be reading some document of great import, or writings on history and science and wonder why men always wanted to say things that needed only four words in twelve. She was not simple-minded, she just preferred to use the simplest solution when possible. She was capable of deep thought, but philosophy positively baffled her. She was finding she and Lord Maubrey had different thought patterns, and there was no way she could possibly fathom what was going through his head. This revelation both troubled and intrigued her. She knew well that His Lordship was a spider. He was an absolutely fascinating spider, however.
She was a bit surprised that after dinner he did not let her escape to her quarters. She had really thought he would want to be rid of her quickly. He was overindulging her, however, and despite the fact it probably should have concerned her, it more amused her. Accompanying him to the library as he had proposed, a smile was on her lips. This particular library she had visited in the past, and though she did not know it well, she was familiar with it. She took a deep inhale through her nose as they entered the room. She loved the scent of aging parchment and leather bindings. Libraries were somewhat sacred to her.
Idle eyes strayed to the book he was enjoying and she took a seat. Despite her ease and confidence, she sat stiffly. Geisha rarely sat in typical chairs, more prone to tea houses and typical Nihon seating upon the floor. When she sat, it was toward the edge of the seat, perfectly upright and her shoulders back. Her posture was immaculate. Her hands folded in her lap as she regarded him, a smile appearing on his lips with his offer. “And to think, I had come with the intention of entertaining you.” She looked upon the title on the book before meeting eyes with him. “I would enjoy that very much, thank you.” She spoke truth. She would not say it aloud, but she liked how he spoke.
The fly entered the spider’s domain positively delighted to be there.
William sat contented, the book upon his lap, as he read to the beautiful Nihonnin… though he did not know much of the culture, he watched her carefully… and as rigid as she sat… so regimented… She appeared to be of some other world… still sea-green eyes, similar to someone she knew dearly, looked at her… the mystery behind these eyes would amuse, and mystify her.
The words, from the lands of Wales, resounded in the library as he read. He was an eloquent reader, intelligent and well-versed… Looking at her, he smiled and explained each stanza in case she did not understand… “Math's nephew Gilfaethwy had fallen in love with Goewin, Math's footholder. The magician Gwydion (Gilfaethwy's brother), devised a plan to make Goewin available. Gwydion told his uncle about an animal that was new to Wales, called pigs, and how he could get them from their owner, Pryderi of Dyfed. He took a band of men, including his brother, to Ceredigion, where they disguised themselves as bards to gain audience with King Pryderi.” Then he paused and looked at her again… “Are you sure you are not bored M’Lady?” His genteel, but course hand had found her arm… and his touch would be as if a lightning bolt had struck… This old silver haired gentleman was as charming as a man could possibly be, and appeared much different than the physical Lucifer people had made him out to be…
The web spun, the lure provided… would the fly test fate?
The Nihonnin, little oddity amongst Scots, was careful to listen to his story. Who was it he so reminded her of? As he read, there was a somewhat fond smile on her face. In another life, she might have liked this man very much. Whether his attention was for sinister purposes or his affection a deception, she really did rather like him. Even still, she never let down her guard. She may have been sentimental, but she was no fool.
As she listened to the story read from the book, her head was cokeed to the side slightly, trying to remember such unfamiliar names to her and make sure she remembered who each character was. She was not bored, in fact. She was interested to hear more, and in that case, was a bit surprised when he checked to see if she was bored. By all means, she was glad he was speaking! She wanted that to become easier and figured this would be good practice. The touch to her arm did jolt her, but she made sure not to outwardly express it. Though the fine hairs at the back of her neck stood, she never so much as twitched, her demeanor never fell. “I am not bored, Your Lordship.” Smiles such as hers were given freely to him and she asked, “Why would they go to fetch pigs?” Was there a purpose to him telling her this story? Was there something she should have been looking for? She was still listening for some sort of cracking to confirm the ice she was skating was thin.
Fate could consider itself tested.