"A Night for Secrets, a Night for Dalliance"

Log Date:
	11/24/99

Log Cast:
	Nox, Richard, Jenara, Giles, Jenean, Gaelius, Jorianne, Kala

Log Intro:
	Much to the shock of Richard, a part of his past has come into Haven
-- in the collective person of the Empyrean merchant House Nemea, and the
specific persons of that House's Dea and a black-haired young child that
Richard has spotted in her company. What the Rook does not know, however,
is that his sharp reaction to the Empyreans was noted by his compatriot
Nox, who is greatly intrigued by why exactly his (apparently) Mongrel
friend has such an acute interest in that particular set of Empyreans.
	House Nemea, however, is not the only thing weighing heavily upon
Richard's mind at the moment. Indeed, Nox has been of great concern to
him ever since the darkling's wings were badly damaged during the battle
against the great sea beast that recently attacked Haven -- of enough
concern that he's willing to try to bargain with Cynara if it will improve
the other man's chances of getting his wings restored to him. What the
Lady of Thorns demands of Richard he deems too high a price to pay: turning
over Roki and Elette to her, when he is intent upon raising them himself.
It doesn't help very much that Cynara claims that she'd have healed Nox
anyway without Richard's intervention, and the Rook and the Lady of Thorns
part company on less than amicable terms. 
	Still restless after their meeting, Richard stalks out into the city
and heads for the Siren's Song, hoping for distraction if not a word with
Nox himself....

*===========================< In Character Time >==========================*
             Time of day:  Night (Dawnside)
          Date on Aether:  Monday, August 13, 3905.
           Year on Earth:  1505 A.D. 
       Phase of the Moon:  Full
                  Season:  Summer
                 Weather:  Partly Cloudy
             Temperature:  Warm
*==========================================================================*

As you step into the tavern, the heavy smell of alcohol pours out of the door 
  and over you.
The Siren's Song - Haven
     The dim recesses of the Siren's Song tavern have, on occasion, been 
  justifiably referred to as "a barbarous assault upon the senses." In the 
  stale air the earthy smells of alcohol and the subterranean fungi from which 
  Varati rot-gut is brewed compete with the scents of blood and vomit. The 
  walls, painted vividly with sea-scapes from an Atlantean fever-dream, slope 
  slightly inward as they arch to the sooty, star strewn ceiling, which itself 
  sags slightly, supported only by a massive central column. This column, the 
  feature the tavern is named for, is carved into the likeness of a siren, and 
  she beckons lustfully to patrons, leading them through the ring of garishly 
  painted tables to the cracked oaken bar.
     There is a stone fireplace against one wall, to drive away the damp and 
  chill on wintery evenings. Opposite that is a set of stairs, rising to an 
  upper level where guests can spend the night--or just a couple of hours with 
  a willing partner.
Contents: 
Nox                 
Loreena
Obvious Exits:
Stairs <U>  Out <O> 
Places and +Views are set.

Tonight, like most others, the Siren's Song is filled with rowdy guests. The 
  place is loud, hot and smells of both beer and sweat. There're no shows on 
  stage, so those people who have not found a girl yet for the night have to 
  resume to drinking or flirting with a barmaid. 
Nox does neither. He just sits at a small table in his usual, dark corner, 
  passing his time by flickering the blade of a dagger between his spread 
  fingers, touching not the flesh, but merely the wood on the table. Yet his 
  movements go slower than usually, his gaze wandering distracted around the 
  room. His broken, featherless wings are wrapped closely around his body, 
  like most often, lately.

He'd thought he would sleep. Not bloody likely, after the visit he's just had 
  a few hours ago. His mood soured, not at all certain why he's choosing to 
  come back here given certain connections of his he is aware, Richard comes 
  stalking into the place and snaps a blue gaze about the rough assemblage of 
  patrons. The hopeful glances of some of the younger girls are, for the time 
  being, ignored. What immediately seizes his attention is the broken-winged 
  figure sitting alone, and it is towards Nox that Richard now strides. Once 
  he draws near, he announces himself with nothing more than, "Word with ya, 
  mate?"

Richard
     He's pale; he's not a Varati. There are no visible gills or fins along 
  his slim frame; thus, he's not Atlantean. No Sylvan would have eyes of that 
  stormy, dusky blue, and his ears are not pointed. Surely no Empyrean's hair 
  would as black as shadow -- and at any rate, he has no wings. So, then, he 
  must be a Mongrel. Most everything else he utters is delivered with an ever 
  so slight glint of irony to those blue eyes, and in a tenor voice whose 
  faint lilting accents add a touch of music and refinement to the rough-edged 
  street patois of Haven. Refined, too, are his fine-boned features, 
  clean-shaven and elegantly formed despite the generally disheveled state of 
  his short dark hair. One might guess him to be somewhere in his early 
  thirties; his face and frame and movements are all those of a man past youth 
  and not long into his prime.
     He is currently clad in a black shirt tucked into trousers of a dark 
  twilight blue, in turn tucked into a pair of battered old boots of brown 
  leather that appear to have seen a great deal of use. The only weapon he 
  carries in immediate sight is a knife whose sheath is strapped to his upper 
  right thigh for swift ease of drawing if he needs it.

Nighttime in the Song is not nesscessarily the best place of a girl to be if 
  she's not an employee keeping that in mind Jenara's got herself wrapped up 
  in a cloak that hides most her, especially her tell tale hair. She's doin' 
  her best to slide unobstrusively into the room by keeping to the shadows 
  creating by the dim light. She scans the croweded room looking for someone..

Jenara
Jenara..mongrel woman. For many that fact is more than enough to make her 
  invisible. However if you look past her mongrel state you will find a young 
  woman with that odd ethincally mixed look that many a mongrel possess'. Yet 
  still her features are lovely..Fair skin with a soft olive cast to it, a 
  mild sprinlking of freckles. The features of her oval face are fine boned, 
  delicate as is her form. Do not be deceived however..that delicate body for 
  all it's feminity is strong with years of labor. As strong as the blue grey 
  eyes with it's exotic slant that peers out at the world as if expecting the 
  worse but hoping for the best. Fairly tall at 5'8 the wildly curly hair that 
  tumbles down to her waist seems to go on and on, bright as flame or a 
  sunset. 
 She wears a longish tunic of a dark moss green tied at her waist with a cord 
  of rusty red. On her feet are sturdy shoes that have seen much wear. Plain 
  earings of gold threaded with small beads of bloodstone are her only 
  adornment.

Nox kicks out with one leg, to shove back a chair opposite of his own. His 
  gaze meets the hurrying mongrel, and the somber expression offers a slight, 
  wry smile to Richard. "Sure thing. Was hoping to catch you myself. Take a 
  seat." Jenara is given a brief, flickering glance, before it settles back on 
  the man. The dagger keeps moving over his hand with unchanging speed.

Richard doesn't smile in reply, though something of the darkness of his gaze 
  eases away. He settles his rangy frame into the chair that's been pushed out 
  for him, props his elbows on the table, and leans forward to stare steadily 
  at the younger man. Quietly, bluntly, he asks, "Will Cynara heal you if you 
  ask it of her?"

Jenara slips through the crowd with a ducked head heading toward the back of 
  the room. She makes eye contact with one of the girls at the back who nods 
  and gestures quickly. Finally navagating the crowd successfully she and the 
  girl move into the shadows of an unoccupied corner to quickly share some 
  whispered words.

Nox meets the stare, yet his eyes twinkle in the candlelight. The dagger is 
  flipped over, thrown a few inches in the air, then grasped at the hilt 
  again. A low, amused chuckle is the first reaction, then a deeply spoken, 
  "Yes." No hesitation there. "And I know she'd do the same for you."

"Do you plan to ask it of her?" Richard's countenance remains entirely 
  unreadable, his twilight gaze as clear and hard and inscrutable as crystal. 
  What Cynara would or would not do for him is not addressed; apparently the 
  question he's voiced is all that interests this man at the moment.

Nox raises up his eyebrows, his smooth features as unreadable as that of his 
  conversation partner. "Ask what? To take care of me or you?"

The girl Jenara speaks with blanches slightly and nods, heading upstairs at a 
  rate of speed taking two steps at a time. Her "mission" accomplished Jenara 
  starts to head back of the rowdy brothel unfortnately Tyche has decided to 
  withdraw her favor for the moment ( fickle Goddess that she is ). As her 
  steps take her past a group of loud dock workers..one of whom is sadly 
  without a girl on his lap she trips slightly as she is bumped by one of the 
  crowed. The man, drunk and none to happy to be "lonely" unlike his cronies 
  snags her cloak and pulls it down off her head revealing the tumble of 
  firebright curls "Heyla! Looks like Jenean's hired a new girl lads!" he 
  roars grabbing at Jenara who frowns at him "Ye let me go Ye great big ox!" 
  she yells as she tries to stomp on him.

Richard's own dark eyebrows knit together as he begins to reply shortly, "I'm 
  not the issue here--" But he is interrupted by the cry from Jenara, and he 
  turns his head in search of the source of the outburst. Girls cry out in the 
  Song all the time, but something about this one seizes and holds his 
  attention: her hair. "Tyche," he breathes, eyes now narrowing sharply. It's 
  her, isn't it? He doesn't get up, not yet, but he watches Jenara with a 
  sudden keen interest, waiting to see if she'll get herself out of this.

Bruno, the huge mongrel bouncer on duty, shifts his attention from the 
  doorstep to the table where the drunkard is molesting Jenara. With arms 
  crossed over his massive chest, he observes the incident from his place at 
  the door, but does not interfere or approach. Yet.

Nox slides his dagger back into his sheath, sitting up erect on his chair. He 
  regards the woman and her 'suitor' passively, yet his whole body seems to 
  shift from its relaxed position to a more ready, wary one. Out of the corner 
  of one eye, he catches Richard's startled attention, "What's wrong? You know 
  her?" His question seems to be forgotten, or at least put on hold.

Jenara 's strong, work will do that. As the dock workers laugh and her new 
  /friend/ tries to hold her closer she stops her yelling ,saving her breath, 
  and rams an elbos into the man's ribs with all her strength. The drunkyard 
  yowls and lets his grip slack a bit. That's enough for her she wiggles out 
  of his grasp with a "Humph!" snags a flagon of ale on a table and dumps it 
  over his head "I be thinkn' ye need t' cool off" she says matter of factly 
  straightening her clothing as she turns to walk away through the hooting 
  laughing crowd she can't help but toss back.."ye could nae have afforded me 
  anyway!"

Giles steps into the tavern from the docks outside.
Giles has arrived.

Richard's otherwise impassive expression eases; that might be relief in his 
  eyes, and perhaps just a hint of approval as well. "She... is of interest," 
  he murmurs then to his companion, attention still on the redheaded Mongrel 
  girl.

Nox is sitting with Richard at a table in a shady corner. Both men are 
  watching a short scuffle between Jenara and a drunken, over-desperate sailor 
  who failed to attract the woman's attention in a rather barbaric way, and 
  has only received a mug full of ale being dumped over his head.

Amid the laughter of the crowd she shines a bit. Firelight catching every 
  strand of red hair until it all but glows. The mongrel lass lifts her head 
  prproudly and begins to make her stately way to the door, cool as a queen.

Nox smirks as he watches the brief confrontation, and Richard's unusual 
  fascination with it. "She's got guts, I have to admit," he mutters in a 
  low-pitched voice. "Didn't know you're into that kind of women, tho," he 
  adds with a faint trace of irony.

Into this place he comes, a silent figure, tall and thin, yet to look at him 
  one would not guess him to be of the Mongrel hoardes that infest the city. 
  Golden brown is his hair, catching a bit of the light here within the song 
  and casting it back in defiance of the night. Though having just now stepped 
  through the doorway, the man stops dead at the sight of firey hair, pales a 
  shade or so, then forcibly looks away. Seeing her approach, the man, Giles 
  by name, moves out of her path and tries to dissappear within the crowd.

"What, redheaded Mongrel girls with guts?" drawls Richard, casting a glance 
  back round to Nox at last, his eyebrows going up. "Funny, mate, if I ain't 
  interested in that kinda woman, it musta been the ale talkin' last time 
  Jenean sat in my lap." Twilight eyes flick momentary attention back to the 
  girl, before settling anew upon Nox and nodding his dark tousled head at 
  what's left of the younger man's wings. "But as I was sayin'. Do ye plan to 
  ask Cynara to mend ye?"

Well unfortnately for Giles, Jenara's path takes her near him. The stranger 
  catches her eye for he doesn't seem to fit this place and she offers a smile 
  accompanyied by a soft "heyla"

Giles
        There are many places to begin when first you behold a person, some 
  start with the hair only to end with the feet, while others choose the 
  opposite course. A handsome face this one has, framed on either side by long 
  locks of golden-brown, well past his chin in length while the hind portions 
  stretch nearly to the back of the neck. For reasons unknown, the eyes of a 
  person seem to draw those of another, and at the gaze from this particular 
  man's silvery orbs reveals little of his personality, one might as well be 
  looking into a mirror for they would find more there to look upon than in 
  the lifeless gaze of this apparent mongrels eyes. His features are fine 
  boned, set upon a narrow face with a slightly aquiline nose and a tight 
  lipped mouth.
        The flesh of the body is tanned, firm, and void of any decorating 
  marks, though a bit of jewelry is apparent on his body, for about the neck 
  is a necklace of the finest silver from which dangles a ring of gold, a 
  finely wrought wedding band fitted for the hand of a woman, yet upon his own 
  ring finger rest a band of firey red-gold, as well crafted as that of the 
  other peices. His clothes do not go well with the fine baubles, for his 
  shirt is just that of a plain, slightly faded peasants shirt, laced loosely 
  at the v shaped neckline over which is a fairly worn vest of dark umber 
  leather. His belt is that of a leather strap dyed black, buckled in silver, 
  worn around a pair of breeches which fit snug against his muscular body and 
  looks as if they have seen better days. The feet are binded within a pair of 
  calf cut leather boots, worn but well kept.

With a soft muttered oath, Giles turns to face this woman once again, "Av..." 
  he starts, then forcibly stops, sighing as he looks at her again, "Hello," 
  he finally speaks, though there is about him an uncomfortable aire.

Nox chuckles, "Each his own. Yesterday, at the Rialto, you seemed to be 
  mooning after some arrogant Empyrean Dea." One violet eye offers a wink at 
  Richard. "I hoped she'd offer on her own to fix of what's left of my wings. 
  But if not, yes, I would ask her. I don't know how other people feel about 
  the issue, but I really /like/ to fly." The last sentence is spoken a touch 
  louder than his usual soft muttering. Meanwhile, he allows his gaze to 
  wander from Richard to Giles, studying him as he speaks.

Jenara turns to face the room, her eyes alighting on the form of Richard with 
  curiousity. Her blue-gray eyes alight once more upon the stranger and she 
  laughs softly "I no be seein' ye around here before sir.." her eyes looking 
  him up and down, for despite his clothing he does not "feel" like one of her 
  own to her.

"I find myself here upon occasion," the Mongrel lad speaks again, "Though my 
  work keeps me busy." With that, Giles looks away from her once more, to the 
  room, filled with people, though one's eyes must not stay in one place for 
  to long lest they offend one of the patrons.

At Nox's teasing, Richard grimaces and lets out a snort of what can only be 
  disgust. "Moonin'? After a Dea? Not in this life, mate." He doesn't give 
  time to further pursue the subject, though, as he adds shortly, "Cynara 
  didn't know ye were hurt. She knows, now."

Jenara keeps her eyes on Richard and Nox though her attention remians on the 
  stranger.."work?? what is it ye be doin'?? If ye no mind the curious 
  ramblin's of a mongrel lass?" she laughs softly with a vaugely musical sound 
  that is lost in the raucous noise of the crowd her blue-grey gaze meeting 
  Giles' silver one for a moemnt before returning to the two quietly talking 
  men who seem to ignore the girls and the drink...unusual for the Song.

Nox purses his lips, "Must've been something else, then." He reaches for his 
  mug of ale, taking a sip, before his sharp gaze refocuses back on Richard. 
  His voice seems a little firmer now, and the expression on the smooth face a 
  little more serious. "You've seen her lately? When?" This time, the dark 
  Empyrean doesn't beat around the bush. Something about Richard's words 
  must've upset him.

"Some hours ago. She didnae know. I told her." That, delivered in short, sharp 
  sentences, appears to be Richard's two-dinar summary of all that was 
  relevant in that conversation. "She said ye'll fly again. Ye'll want to 
  go find her."

"Delving into peoples live is a dangerous habit, girl," Giles mumbles loud 
  enough for her to hear, and her alone, eyes trying to turn away from the 
  girl again, "Especially in this place." But then, whatever battle that was 
  waging inside him stops, and he turns to face her fully, "But if you must 
  know I tend the gardens at the Palladium."

Nox nods curtly in an abrubt motion. "Thanks. Your help is appreciated, 
  Richard. I will find her, or she will find me." The reply is delivered in 
  the same sharp way. A brief pause follows, before he adds, "Did she say 
  anything else?" His gaze on Richard is more intense than usual.

Jenara raises a brow with a smile seemingly ignoring the reprimand though her 
  smile turns slightly apologetic "Aye..then perhaps I shall see ye around. I 
  work fer one o'the Houses there..Nemea." her eyes catch yours for a long 
  moment as she seems to consider something sighing slightly she offers.."and 
  I be sorry if m'question's upset ye. It just be m'way. M'Da says I be 
  enterin' the world askin' questions.."

A quick smile flashes upon his lips, then fades away, "Questions do not bother 
  me, lass," the mongrel lad says again, "Certain questions, but for a moment 
  I thought I was seeing things."

Jenara 's sharp eyes take in the intensity of the dark Empyrean's posture but 
  if she wonders at it she doens't say anything to the mongrel she is 
  conversing with. She tilts her head at you and grins.."seein' things??"

Giles nods, looking away from her again, "For a moment I saw the face of an 
  old friend in yours..."

"Nothin' else relevant to the issue of putting you back in the air," is 
  Richard's even reply. With that, then, he rises from his seat, his objective 
  apparently accomplished. "I'll see ye 'round, mate." And he turns to go, his 
  face calm and collected, but a subtle tension in his stance.

Jenara frowns and murmurs a soft "oh"...not really knowing what to say to that 
  and the flicker of what might be sorrow in his face.

Even though Nox is focusing on Richard, he overhears chunks of the 
  conversation between Jenara and Giles. Something about it seems to have 
  caught his attention, and he tilts his head, briefly blinking over at 
  Jenara. When he looks back at Richard, a subtle smile has formed on his 
  lips. Rising with the mongrel, he stretches out one arm to him, in order to 
  keep him. "Hold on, Richard. You got a moment longer? Or are you...busy 
  again?"

With nary another word, the man turns from the woman, beginning his way 
  through the crowd to the bar at the opposite end. And thus it is, that Giles 
  passes away from the redhaired girl, sliding around a tall Varati only to 
  find himself sitting at the bar staring at it as if lost in the past.

Richard turns his attention back to Nox, willing enough to pause, though that 
  subtle tension doesn't leave him. "What more's on yer mind, mate?"

Nox grins as he looks back up at the mongrel. "You. Who you are," he replies 
  softly. Gesturing with one arm back to the chair, he asks, "Care to sit down 
  again?"

Jenara hrms softly and then shrugs heading once more toward the door.

Richard goes still. Extremely still. But then, with a casual grace that goes 
  against his deliberately neutral expression, he settles himself back down 
  into the chair he's just vacated. Dark twilight eyes meet violet ones, and 
  in an equally soft murmur, the ebon-haired thief blandly replies, "I'm 
  Richard. Ye didnae hit yer head on a rock fallin' into the drink, did ye?"

Nox slides back on his own chair, hand leaving Richard, even though his 
  attention does not. "Not that I would have remarked it," he answers drily, 
  then leans closer over the table, towards Richard. "A nice name, I'm sure. 
  You prefer to keep it at just Richard?" The next words are muttered a bit 
  lower, meant apparently only for Richard's ears.
Nox mutters, "There's always a story that goes with a name. Wouldn't be 
  surprised to hear that you're trying to find yours, hmm?"

Though but only a few moments have passed, Giles looks up and turns to the 
  doorway, looking it seems for the red haired lass he was just speaking with. 
  But where she was standing there now rest nothing but air, then a glimpse of 
  that red hair is seen as it passes out of the door. At this the man rises 
  and makes his way to the entrance as well, following her it would seem.

Jenean comes down from the upstairs rooms.
Jenean has arrived.

Jenara steps out of the Siren's Song and onto the docks outside.
Jenara has left.

Giles steps out of the Siren's Song and onto the docks outside.
Giles has left.

Once again Richard's gaze meets that of Nox, dark dusky blue to violet. And he 
  replies without the slightest shift in his dry expression, "'Tis for the son 
  of a friend I'm named, if it's the story of names ye're wantin'. Next 
  question?" Not much in the way of information, this. But the older man 
  certainly seems in earnest. Either it's a well-rehearsed, long-practiced 
  lie... or it's the truth. Richard isn't letting on which.

Nox offers only a brief nod, his own expression remaining stoic. "I'm sure 
  there're others. But if you don't want to tell, I'd better not ask. Though 
  you got my curiosity, I admit." He clears his mug of ale, "Sorry t'have kept 
  you so long. Better hurry after the girl, if you still want to catch her. 
  Good luck with your search."

Richard doesn't get up, not yet. "Why the sudden interest in which moniker I'm 
  usin', mate?" If his gaze were not quite so piercingly searching, the 
  question might almost sound casual.

Gaelius steps into the tavern from the docks outside.
Gaelius has arrived.

Nox leans back in his chair, more relaxed now. "You tell me? Since when're you 
  developing a curiosity for noble Empyrean Houses, or whatever their Dea's, 
  kids or servants look like?" The light in his own eyes has dimmed a bit, 
  lacking intensity and focus. His own calm tone does indeed sound casual.

Jorianne steps into the tavern from the docks outside.
Jorianne has arrived.

Jenean leans at the bar, chatting with a group of sailors.

Nox is sitting with Richard at a table in the corner, conversing quietly. 
  Their voices are hardly audible over the late night noise around them.

Richard can be seen to smirk at something Nox tells him, looking almost 
  amused. Apparently the man's oblivious to the activity that surrounds him, 
  even when it includes the considerable charms of Jenean at the bar. Must be 
  a fascinating conversation.

Gaelius steps quietly into the Siren's Song, green eyes flicking from face to 
  face, faint smile on his own, as his silver and gold braid sways behind him. 
  Wings rustle a bit, behind him, folding into a more compact form.

At your table, Richard points out, around that arch little smirk, "House 
  Nemea, despite pretensions to th' contrary, ain't noble."

"Hah! As if that'd matter.. I'm telling you, it's an unusual sort of priest 
  who would attempt to 'rescue' me. We are what we are, neh?" Prostitutes 
  discussing religion? In either case, Kala seems rather... Animated, to say 
  the least, as she steps down the staircase. Away from whomever her 
  discussion partner is, and over to the bar. Normally greenbrown eyes are an 
  nearly harsh shade of dark ebony, tinted around the edges with nougat.

Jorianne dances right into the seedy bar, amber eyes flashing, almost bumping 
  right into Gaelius. Oooh, wings. "H'lo, handsome." she purrs up at him, 
  recognizing him from his braid.

A wicked grin from Jen to Kala. "Evenin' sweetheart."

Kala 's mouth corners can't help but respond to Jenean's grin, and she nods 
  even as the bartender hands her a large mug of some form of wine. "Evenin', 
  good looking.." A sigh, a slumping of shoulders, and a large sip of her 
  drink. Relaxation.

Nox is facing the right direction -- the center of the room, so he has the 
  chance to catch all the wonderful attentions of the Siren's Song. His gaze 
  wanders around the room, offering a smile here and there, certainly a 
  generous one to Jenean, before returning their attention back to Richard.

Gaelius flashes Jorianne a grin over his shoulder, as he steps further into 
  the Siren's Song, "Hallo yourself." in that soft baritone of his. But, his 
  green eyes are drawn to Kala going down the stairs. One can't miss her. 
  "Kala!"

Gaelius
Long golden hair, reminding one of sunshine, is touched with streaks of silver 
  by the Sun's lover, the Moon, almost tenderly. It would be an unruly mass, 
  cascading down his shoulders, if it weren't for the braid that he keeps his 
  mane in. Equally as intense are his laughing green eyes, framed by slight 
  tinges of crow's feet that doesn't do anything to detract from his 
  demeanour, but rather adds to it. His smile is what defines his lips, 
  dimpling his cheeks, wide and generous. If it weren't for the laughing eyes, 
  and the smile, he would've been rather patrician.
This Empyrean is garbed in warrior's armor -- a very worn looking, but 
  serviceable set -- leather cuirass draped over his slender torso, greaves 
  and gauntlets protecting his extremities. Like all Empyreans, he is slender, 
  but he has well toned muscles that indicate that he keeps himself in some 
  shape. Draped over one hip is the scabbard holding his short sword. But, 
  what seems to be a marked contrast to his warrior-nature, is the lute that's 
  slung over his back.

At your table, Nox purses his lips, his eyes twinkling in amusement, "You 
  sound like you're one to know. I'm not completely amiss when I ask if you've 
  suddenly developed a particular interest of which of the few houndred 
  Empyrean Houses counts as noble, and which not, right?"

Jorianne pouts a bit, as Gaelius' attention is drawn to Kala. A sigh, but it 
  doesn't last very long, as amber eyes prowl the room. Oooh, another winged 
  boy! Her gaze falls upon Nox, and she takes a purposeful step in that 
  direction.

Jenean leans against Kala, grins at the approaching Empyrean. Murmurs 
  something to Kala.

Oooh. The wine was the short term comfort. Here comes the long term, and it's 
  even got wings on! Straightening her back at Gaelius' call, Kala sends the 
  man a -big- grin along with an almost purred out "Gaelius! Git over here, 
  you.." To chuckle softly at Jenean's comment, and throw an interested glance 
  at Jorianne.

Gaelius isn't arguing with that, certainly not. Footsteps take him near 
  Jenean, and Kala, a bow is sketched their way, green eyes smiling. "Hallo 
  there, ladies." his braid tossed over a shoulder by a head shake.

Jorianne is stalking Nox at the moment, approaching the table that he and 
  Richard sits at, impish grin on her face.

Jenean picks up her cup of wine, sips, eyes dancing over the rim at Gaelius. 
  "Mm. Hi, sweetheart. Bin a while."

Nox's shifting glance is caught by Jorianne's amber eyes as the curvious 
  mongrel woman approaches. One hand brushes some stray black hair out of his 
  face, as gives Jorianne an easy, relaxed smile. "Ave, lady," he says in a 
  deep baritone. "I can't say I've seen you around here before. And I surely 
  would not have missed or forgotten you," he adds with a hint of subtle 
  admiration.

Gaelius grins at Jenean, as he draws closer to Kala. "Been busy." is his 
  reply, along with a wink of green eyes. "Singing songs here and there." he 
  adds.

Kala closes the final distance between her and Gaelius, and makes sure it'll 
  stay that way for atleast a while by putting her arms around his neck. "And 
  otherwise? Have you been so very busy that you haven't even had time for a 
  short visit with old me, mmm?"

And curious fingers of Jorianne's reaches out to run through Nox's dark hair, 
  as she arrives at the Empyrean and Richard's table, amber eyes utterly 
  fascinated. "Ah wouldna've forgotten ye either." impish grin.

Jenean hides a smirk, and pads across to Richard and Nox's table, draping arms 
  round the mongrel's neck from behind. Now lets see if he can ignore her.

Richard begins to answer something Nox must have inquired... but then, 
  Jorianne's arrival is rather difficult to miss. And even more difficult to 
  miss is the pair of arms that slides around him. He catches his breath, 
  murmuring in gruff velvet startlement, "Jenean." His head twists around as 
  he tries to get a look at her.

Gaelius chuckles softly, as he reaches down, to lift Kala into his arms. His 
  gaze falls upon her face, "Been too long, yes. Miss me?" even as he nuzzles 
  the Varati woman's face.

Husky laughter from behind the mongrel. "Dang. Y'guessed." That close, a blind 
  man'd guess. Jen's whole self - scent, feel, sound - is unmistakably Jen.

Jorianne's laugh rings around the Siren, as she takes Jenean's actions as her 
  cue. Cue to do what? Slide right into Nox's lap, arms wrapping comfortably 
  around his neck. "So, what be ye name, handsome?"

You sense Jenean smells of a subtle perfume, slightly musky, the sea and 
  something uniquely her.

Oooooooh. She definitely likes being picked up, Kala does, atleast judging 
  from the actual -giggle- that erupts at the sudden change in elevation. 
  Tightening her embrace a tad bit, she'll turn the nuzzling into a kiss.. 
  Before breaking it off momentarily, chuckling. "Horribly."

Nox chuckles at Richard as he slides one arm around Jorianne, to pull her 
  closer into his lap. "Let's continue this another time. Think about an 
  answer meanwhile. I'm sure Jen's make it easy for you." His second arm wraps 
  around Jorianne's neck, as his lips nuzzle her cheek. "They're calling me 
  Nox around here. So who're you?"

Shooting Nox a wry look over Jenean's arms, Richard drawls, "Another time 
  then." He shifts around just enough to smile lopsidedly up at the woman 
  behind him, to whom he proffers the soft greeting, "Hello there."

A grin filled with white teeth from Gaelius at Kala. "Mmmm, miss me enough for 
  me to kidnap you?" he asks, laughing into the kiss.

Jenean mms. "Didn' interrupt anythin' important, did we, hon?" Impishly. "We 
  could go amuse ourselves, I guess."

"Jorianne." is Jorianne's response, naming herself. "Jenean's pet, sometimes." 
  amber eyes turning upon the older woman with her arms wrapped around Richard.

Nox chuckles lightly at Jorianne's answer. "Aren't we all? Nice to meet you, 
  Jorianne." A kiss is pecked on the woman's cheek, hoping to return her 
  attention to him. "So what'cha doing at other times?"

The grin on her face growing a little wider in return, Kala tilts her head 
  against Gaelius' shoulder, whispering into his ear.

Richard has known for years what sort of amusements Jenean favors -- but only 
  recently has he begun to learn about them firsthand, and recently enough 
  that when several catcalls sound out at this apparent new favored recipient 
  of Jenean's attentions, he comes dangerously close to blushing. "Ye stepped 
  in on naught that won't keep," he answers her, lifting a hand to curl it 
  lightly about her arm.

A warm purr from the oldest of the Cyprians, arms snug around Richard's neck. 
  "Bet ya say that t'all th' girls."

And indeed, Jorianne's attention is back onto Nox. She demonstrates this by 
  wriggling into his lap further, nestling in. "Mmmm, I warm laps." she 
  responds to the Dark Empyrean's question, after some thought.

"All the ones that ask," Richard rejoins.

Gaelius grins at Kala, and murmurs right back at her, "Well, consider yourself 
  kidnapped." glancing towards the stairs inquiringly.

Kala grins, raising an eyebrow at Gaelius. "You gonna carry me up the stairs, 
  or do you want to start the kidnapping with a quick chase, mm?"

Jenean grins over at Kala, and nuzzles Richard's cheek. "Y'met Jorianne, hon?"

And at these words of Kala's, Gaelius laughs, and drops her gently to her 
  feet, a firm slap to her rear, "Then, run!"

Jorianne
Impressions, almost ephemeral, yet so very real and alive, this woman is. 
  Flitting from here to there, seemingly, a riotous mixture of colors burning 
  an impression into one's eyes; the echo of her laughter ringing in the 
  listener's ears. If one were to search for a label, or name for this 
  diminuitive creature, one would have to come up with 'Jorianne'.
Raven tresses cascade down over her shoulders, down and beyond, streaks of 
  auburn, gold, and violet highlighting and contrasting with the darkness of 
  her hair. A concession to the needs of life, her hair is bound back by a 
  simple leather tie, but what a glorious sight for one to see, when her hair 
  is free to go where it will. Amber eyes, almost catlike, full of laughter, 
  the joyous nature of her dimpled smile a perfect companion to her gaze. A 
  small nose, smooth cheekbones, highlighted by the darkness of her olive 
  skin, adds to the ephemeral impressions that this lady leaves. Sneaking out 
  from hiding places under her hair, the points of her ears can be seen.
Even more magnificent than her face, if that is possible, are the curves 
  hidden by her full skirted dress; and how she hides her form, despite the 
  tight nature of her clothing! For that her dress is a riotous mixture of 
  colors, quilted together from many pieces of clothing; so intense is the 
  clash of colors, that they hide the nature of her body so very effectively, 
  leaving imprinted in memories just colors, not shape. Ah, but how 
  tantalizing, for that if one stares long enough, one can begin to glimpse.

"Cannae say I've had the pleasure," murmurs Richard, his voice turned husky. 
  No small wonder. The man's getting his cheek nuzzled by Jenean, Queen of the 
  Siren's Song.

Kala grins -big-, sticks her tongue out at Gaelius, and vanishes up the stairs 
  as fast as her legs can carry her.
Kala climbs upstairs.
Kala has left.

Gaelius climbs upstairs.
Gaelius has left.

Nox runs his slim fingers down Jorianne's back, beneath the colorful cloth, 
  while pulling her closer to his chest. His own lips brush over the woman's, 
  as he flexes his crippled wings. The thought of wrapping them around the 
  nicely shaped female body on his lap is soon given up again -- they're no 
  feathers on them anyways. "You make'em hot, you know?" he whispers at the 
  touch.

At Nox's touch, Jorianne just nestles all the more into the Empyrean's lap. 
  "Mmmm." spine arching, amber gaze shifting towards Richard. "Haven't h'd th' 
  pleasure, no."

Jenean mms. Moves round and follows Jorianne's example by landing up in 
  Richard's lap. "Y'should. She's quite somethin'." Grinning. "But not right 
  now."

Nox reaffirms Jenean's words firmly, "Not right now." Keeping Jorianne 
  possessively close, he cradles her on his lap. Between planted kisses over 
  her face, he breathes, "Jorianne, meet Richard.." one hand gestures vaguely 
  in Richard's direction as he places another kiss on her neck. "...later."

"Ye make quite the..." Richard begins, only to trail off once Jenean slides 
  easily right onto his lap, allowing several fascinating portions of her 
  anatomy to connect with his lean frame. His voice drops down to a whisper 
  when he manages to speak again, now not bothering to try to get a look at 
  the colorful young lady who's stolen Nox's attention. Quite the effective 
  distraction from certain questions; he may have to thank her later. "... 
  persuasive argument."

A soft uhm, from Jorianne, her head tilting back at the kisses from Nox. "Aye, 
  later." agreeably, as amber eyes shift her attention fully on the man whose 
  lap she occupies.

Husky laughter from Jenean. "I do try, mm?" Arms drape round Richard's neck, 
  and she steals a soft kiss. "Y'sure I'm not distractin' ye from somethin' 
  important?"

"I appear," murmurs Richard in silken tones as his lips brush across Jenean's 
  and his arms circle round her, "t'have forgotten what I was talkin' about."

Nox peeks briefly over Jori's shoulder, brushing cheek against cheek, to look 
  back at Richard and Jenean, "There's a time for everything, work and play, " 
  he breathes huskily, yet as calm as ever. "And I'll get you back on this, 
  Richard. Later! But right now, we both should enjoy the moment and forget 
  about the past." A broad, pleased grin spreads on his lips. Meanwhile his 
  hand slips lower down Jori's back, towards a more prominent curve, fondling 
  the soft skin.

"Hopefully, not too soon." interjects Jorianne, laughing, as Nox promises to 
  return to work later. Her delicate fingers reach up behind her, to run 
  through the man's hair. A soft sigh, as his hand slides down her curve.

Jenean pouts, prettily. "That's a shame..." to Richard, chuckling. "Mind, 
  s'good fer ye t'ferget once in a while. All work an' no..." Pause for 
  effect. Purred. "Play... gets kinda dull."

Richard's gaze flicks around Jenean's silvered chestnut hair towards Nox as 
  the younger man addresses him; in that instant, the older man's gaze might 
  perhaps be described as... wary. But a heartbeat later his attention is 
  fully back upon the woman he now holds, and to whom he offers his easy 
  crooked smile. "Yer play could make a man forget his name," he tells her 
  smoothly.

Nox starts to nibblekiss on Jorianne's ear, calming her with a soft, soothing 
  voice, "Not so soon, dear. I take my time, trust me." His head thrusts back, 
  so his long, raven-black hair falls free, allowing the woman's fingers to 
  rake through it. With a sweeping motion, he picks both himself and Jorianne 
  up, grasping her gently by her posterior to keep her body close to him. 
  "Now, don't you think we should leave the two alone, so we can help Richard 
  forget? I'm sure they'd prefer if we went upstairs," he whispers. Not to 
  mention how much more /he/ would enjoy a soft bed.

A soft ooooh, from Jorianne, as she's scooped right up into Nox's grip. "Ah'm 
  all for tha'." a wink towards Jenean and Richard, even as her arms wrap 
  around the Empyrean's neck.

Laughter from Jenean. "Y'have fun, sweethearts."

Richard smirks, but not unkindly, looking up only long enough to mark that Nox 
  does in fact plan on carrying off the winsome lass who's introduced herself 
  to him. Suspecting he is rather low on their list of priorities at the 
  moment, he keeps most of his attention upon Jenean. "Did ye arrange this 
  little distraction," he whispers to her, "or do I mark this up t' fortunate 
  circumstance, eh?"

Nox grins as he continues to nuzzle the woman in his arms, while carrying her 
  straight across the room, "Oh no! There're other reasons as well." He calls 
  out in Jen's direction, between brushed kisses and hot breaths, "Will do, 
  dear! Count on it!" One arm around the woman's waist, the other still 
  patting her rump while holding it up in the air, he stalks up the stairway.

A mischevious grin for Richard from Jenean. "Does it matter, mm?"

"Byeeee!" Jorianne trails off towards Jenean and Richard, even as she's carted 
  off by Nox, giggling.

Nox climbs upstairs.
Nox has left.

Jorianne climbs upstairs.
Jorianne has left.

For the life of him, Richard can't decide whether it matters or not. Left 
  alone with a playful Jenean in his arms, he finds his throat going a trifle 
  dry and his pulse threatening to speed up. But he hides this well, grinning 
  with comfortable aplomb at the nearby amused half-drunk patrons who are now 
  doubtless about to exchange bets as to how long it'll take Jen to get the 
  Rook up the stairs... or vice versa. "Can't imagine it does," he murmurs. "I 
  appear t' be all yours."

"Lucky me." A giggle, and she leans close, lips brushing his cheek.
Jenean whispers "He givin' ye a hard time, love?"

Richard moves his own mouth to that aforementioned silvered chestnut hair, 
  drawn inexorably by the scent of it, which he breathes in deeply... while 
  taking the opportunity to whisper his reply.
You whisper "Just... curious, is all." to Jenean.

Jenean nods, traces kisses along his cheek.
You sense Jenean murmurs, softly, "Y'ok?" There's more to that question than 
  'do you mind having me on your lap', too.

The quickening of Richard's breath is indistinguishable -- to everyone except 
  the Mongrel woman close enough to him to feel his exhalations against her 
  skin and her fine tumbled hair. He pauses momentarily before breathing in 
  reply, "Aye. I'm okay." No more than that, and if he means it, it can't be 
  easily gleaned from his eyes.

Jenean's arms tighten round him, body close and warm. That's the only answer 
  he gets, and maybe the only one he needs.

"C'mon, Jenean, carry 'im off!" somebody calls, to a wave of general laughter. 
  It would seem that several pairs of eyes are still trained in the direction 
  of the black-haired fellow with the woman in his lap, and Richard comes 
  within passing distance of a blush again as he glances left and right. "So," 
  he drawls to Jenean, a grin still tugging at one corner of his mouth, "what 
  now, eh?"

Jenean chuckles. "Mm. Depends. Whatd'ya fancy?"

What does he fancy? Any number of answers flash through his head at that 
  particular loaded question, and one or two of them may even be responsible 
  for the passing dark distracted glitter in Richard's eyes. "Makin' me less 
  of a dull boy'd do me for now," he parries.

Jenean giggles. "My. That's a dangerous thing t'ask fer." Teasing.

Equally droll, Richard answers back, "Get a man hooked on the sweet 
  forgetfulness of your arms... he starts forgettin' danger, luv."

Jenean is nestled cosily in Richard's lap. Grins at him. "Goin' t'drag me off 
  upstairs, then?"

"Drag?" drawls Richard. He slides one hand lower to slip under Jenean's legs, 
  easing her up off his lap and into the support of his arms, then adroitly 
  rises. This sets off a loud flurry of cheers from those who'd been taking 
  their bets on when exactly he and Jen would finally vanish upstairs. "M'dear 
  lady, I never 'drag' a woman anywhere." And with that, carrying the Song's 
  dauntless head lady in a firm and comfortable embrace, he winks at the room 
  at large... and at last fulfills the bets.

Jenean drapes arms round his neck, hangs on. "That's a shame. I wouldn' *mind* 
  if ya did...."

To that, Richard merely grins. Broadly. That big white lopsided grin and a 
  twinkle in his azure eyes is the last the room sees of him, as he and Jenean 
  go off about their... business.

[End log.]