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Evolution of a Battlefield [open]
Posted: Tue May 04, 2021 1:05 am
by Mino
30 Glade 121
The Cotillion was a battlefield.
Or the start of a long battle. Mino had never really considered differentiating the two. He knew only that those in attendance had as much to lose as they had to gain. He smoothed a hand over his hair, shaping the strands into something presentable for the evening as he stood at attention. A smile was plastered on his face — for how long, he wasn’t sure anymore. He just knew his mouth hurt.
The rathari was not meant to do more than play host, and he was to stay true to it. Lady Blue had instructed him of as much as she drifted past him into the hall. They’d been fortunate to strike up another year of contracting with the Eloeth family for the space. The wealthy surrounded by riches of history. Terribly tacky in his opinion, but Mino was just in charge of the funding, not the actual choosing of the place. But it did make some sense. An exhibit of battle-worn objects and long-forgotten but cherished names and memories of the fallen; it was a humbling experience. Not that Mino had gone through it. It just seemed rather interesting to see the evolution of a battlefield in polite society.
The hall had been decorated in the house colors, those bearing the Lekivian surname sporting their hues. Mino himself had been reluctantly shoved into a blue jeogori. White trim accented by the thinnest of black ribbons. There may have been a bit more exposure of his collarbones than he would have liked, but he was fortunate that it didn’t reveal the brand on his chest. Something tantalizing to stare, but not enough to put assumptions into someone’s head. Even the fitted black pants he wore had been tailored with care to accentuate every part of his lower half. Because on a battlefield like this, it was not just charm that would you get you by.
He watched as people mingled. Mingled, conversed, persuaded into some sort of contract; that was dependent on the person. The intentions of the night were always fun to watch. Young members of polite society making their grand debut — pushed forward into arrangements they initially had no hand in. He watched a particularly eager merchant practically bid of his daughter, who seemed to detest being in the same room as any of these people.
His glide over was an easy decision.
“Ah!” The merchant turned on him. Blood in water; a predator to game way out of its league. Mino smiled no less. “Lord Lekivian, our gracious host.”
His brow twitched. “I’m merely playing at the role, good sir.” He gave a short bow of acknowledgment.
“Nonsense! You’re doing a fine job, my liege!”
Mino couldn’t say that he much liked this man. His flattery was tired, but he’d only been talking for a short time. Surely, he would come up with something else. Something that would draw away from his pallor and skin and bone frame. The man placed a skeletal hand on his daughter’s shoulder. The girl looked no more than thirteen; a little young, but the age of debut was relative to the family. She was as pale as her father, but not quite as gaunt. Perhaps not yet. Her hair fell over her shoulder in childish dark ringlets, cold flint eyes trained on the floor.
“This is my daughter, Narcissa.”
The girl looked up for but a moment, the soft petal pink of her cheeks heating stark on her white skin. She blinked owlishly up at him before her gaze was back on the ground again. Her shoulders hunched as she attempted to curl in on herself, sticking close to her father as she fidgeting with the too-large corsage on her wrist.
Mino didn’t oft feel sympathy for those that came to this. Not when he knew that the shrinking violets and well-behaved poodles of children were no more than foul-mouthed braggarts dressed up with money. He saw enough of it every year. But this one — she smelled like fear. A genuine sort of sourness that stuck in his nose and had him stifle a sniffle. The glass of wine in his hand was switched for another, his right offered to the girl. She was young enough that she ought to be at play, or under the skirts of her mother learning something from her. Hopefully not to a boring old crone. But old enough that she knew this wasn’t where she wanted to be.
“Pleasure to meet you, Narcissa.” The girl stared down at his hand, gaze flickering up to him before she slid her own into it. He lifted it to press a kiss to the back of her hand. Her fingers were cold, freezing. “What say you have a good evening, yeah?”
He offered a wink, almost knowing, before his gaze drifted pointedly to some wallflowers who had been thus far abandoned by their parents. It took a moment; he watched the gesture process in her mind before she smiled — small, but a smile all the same — before her hand slipped out of his and she hurried on over to the group of children. Mino’s attention went to her father.
“You’ll find that the company of those individuals will be easier.” The man seemed almost grateful for the guidance, adjusting his bowtie before strutting over to a group of wine-buzzed men.
All manner of people showed up at the Cotillion, even if they were of the same ilk: money. Their purposes could be the same, but the person behind the house was always...different. Different, at least, from the image they liked to show to the public. And all it took to release them was a drink in their hand and their children pissing off somewhere they didn’t have to worry about. Hell, if they worried, it was only that they couldn’t get a good deal out of it.
His ear twitched as he surveyed the crowd, glass lifted to his lips. His own date would make an appearance and a battle of his own would begin. Mino found Lady Blue first in the crowd. Cold eyes on him as he tipped his glass toward her and smiled, and mingled with his fellow combatants.
Re: Evolution of a Battlefield [open]
Posted: Tue May 04, 2021 3:35 pm
by Talon
30 Glade 121
“Try not to look so serious, eh?” Rien nudged him gently as the two of them walked toward the grand affair that was the annual cotillion. A gathering of the highest nobles from across the territory, it was something that Talon had managed to avoid for most of his adult life. He had perhaps attended it one or twice but had otherwise found himself conspicuously occupied with other arrangements most years. Such had not been the case this year. Or more specifically, his mother had made it absolutely clear that he would make himself available to attend. He supposed it was what he deserved given how cross both she and his father had been following the events of Frost. So he had swallowed his misgivings, cleared his schedule and made certain he was focused on the event.
“I am always serious, brother.” Talon gave his younger brother a frown. Rien blinked before chuckling. Talon’s expression softened into a companionable smile.
“You almost had me there for a moment.” The two of them walked at a leisurely pace as they made their way toward the entrance. There were still enough people ahead of them, filing into the grand hall, being announced and inspected. It almost made the feathers of Talon’s wings stand on end.
“First that damned auction and now this. If I were not mistaken, I would say you are all trying to tell me something.” Talon’s voice held a note of sarcasm as he gave his brother a sidelong glance. Rien just shrugged, giving that winning smile he was so well known for. Truth be told, Talon felt he was still something of an outsider among his peers. He had spent the majority of his childhood preparing for the rigors of his Warren March, drilling, training, studying, and learning what was to come. As a young adult, he had thrown himself into the study of runeforging in order to establish a business that would be profitable for his family. When he had not been consumed with his business affairs, he was studying the arcane in order to live up to the expectations of a son of Sahfri Andara d’Larienne Briathos. When he was not doing that, he was learning how to manage the affairs of House Novalys and by extension, perhaps one day assume the throne after his father.
Thus it stood, while many of the other young noblemen and noblewomen of Kalzasi might have made it a hobby to attend these affairs, Talon had always been focused on more practical matters. The time was approaching however, when eyes would no longer overlook the fact that one of Kalzasi’s most eligible sons was without a wife or children. The fact that he was core bonded to another did not matter, these were affairs not of the heart but of lineage and legacy. Something Talon was slowly coming to realize would be of even more critical concern, not for himself, but for the nobility once the full truth was widely known. Some would scoff at it. Undoubtedly believing it a ploy of House Novalys to curry favor and win over more support to firmly secure Talon’s succession to the throne after his father. Others would remain skeptical for sure, but there would be those who would believe it earnestly.
“I see the puzzle pieces are falling into place in that thick skull of yours, brother.” Talon pinched the bridge of his nose, resisting the urge to sigh. He did not mind his brother perusing his thoughts using Mesmer. It was almost as natural to him as breathing at this point in his life and it had fostered an environment of rather forthright honesty between the two of them. Talon could have brought himself to lie or withhold the truth of what he thought or felt to his brother in any event.
“Yes, I can see it. We are to control the manner of how all of this gets revealed.” Talon gestured vaguely to himself. It was the smart thing to do. Better to control the message than to let it run wild. Rumors were already circulating that something was happening in House Novalys. Better to get it out in the open. At least among the elite. The two of them stepped up to the entryway of the grand hall. Rien extended their invitations. The doorman looked the two of them over.
Talon was dressed in a combination of his House colors. A dark royal blue velvet coat with a high collar that complimented his Siltori born skin tone. Silver embroidery decorated the coat. White pants that were well tailored and hugged his muscular legs comfortably. A pair of royal blue slippers to match his coat. Over his shoulders was a white sash that was trimmed with silver. The only piece of jewelry that Talon wore was his personal signet ring on his right hand. He and his brother were dressed similarly, displaying their lineage as the preeminent sons of House Novalys but also paying homage to their mother’s family as well. The both of them stepped forward, allowing the doorman to announce them. Talon did not miss the fact that heads turned and eyes settled upon the both of them. Beside him, his brother chuffed, muttering under his breath.
“Guard up, brother. This is not a party, it is a battlefield.” Talon smirked.
“To battle then.”
Re: Evolution of a Battlefield [open]
Posted: Thu May 06, 2021 5:11 am
by Hikami
龍 30th of Glade, Year 121, A.o.S 龍
Company: ???| Thoughts: ???| Mood: ???
龍 These were definitely not his forte, but a job was a job and Hyo was in no position to turn down whatever work he could find. Doing security for the Cotillion was probably the best job he had this season, and he was grateful for it. It was honestly just glorified guard duty for the noble kids, but Hyo didnt mind.
He kept to himself, perching him up on a ledge overlooking the venue. He felt better this way as he could see everything, and if danger were to arise, he could simply swoop down and take it out at a moment's notice if need be. Hyo was never one for large gatherings, let alone parties with the high and mighty among the city. He never thought he would be around such influential people, but to avoid the stares and the whispers he remained out of sight for now at least.
Leaning against the wall on his perch, he adjusted his armor in the shoulder as it was starting to become uncomfortable. He continued his watch, able to see the comings and goings of guests from all over the venue. A calm yet intrigued smirk played on his face, glowing crystal blue eyes darting from person to person, drinking in any and all hand gestures and body language, to the facial expressions of those he could manage to see. It was fun watching the interactions of such well-established citizens, despite his feelings for them, as he had come accustomed to not trusting them, or anyone for that matter.
Speaking of those he didn't trust, his eyes fell on a familiar among the ocean of people mingling. Mino stood out to him among the crowd, the Kathar's eyes narrowing a bit as he watched him smooze other nobles. He didn't really hold much interest in the man, but he would no doubt keep his eyes on him just in case. The next person he saw enter the venue, by signaling of many others turning their gaze towards him was Talon. Hyo wasn't surprised to see the prince, but he felt himself perk up at the thought of having an actual friend here.
Moving off of his perch he descended down towards the familiar Avialae, a hand waving at Talon to acknowledge his presence. "I wasn't expecting to see you, but then again I guess you have to be here huh? Oh, I'm sorry I don't think we've met sir" he greeted the unfamiliar face with a slight bow, a smile on his face. 龍
"Common Speech"
"Synskrit Speech"
"Self-Thoughts"
Re: Evolution of a Battlefield [open]
Posted: Thu May 06, 2021 7:41 pm
by Rickter
Evolution of a Battlefield 30th, Glade 121
Thus when they reached the museum where the event was held, the three of them approached much like they had done during the Festival Ball within Ash. Though Telion's dress had been decorated with embroidery this time, with gilded lilies decorating the length of her royal blue skirt, and silver bangled wristlets clasped around snuggly at her skin. Her hair had been braided and wrapped into a bun with a few pearled hair pins used to tame it. While Hannah had changed her attire to a more golden velvet dress, with glittering grey eye shadow and gold jewelry hanging from her neck and wrists. Rickter honestly hadn't seen her so fine dressed, then again, she always adored the extravaganza of these things when she participated. He could admire her for that at least, enough to appreciate that she was at his left arm, while Telion held onto the right, in their approach toward the entrance into the museum.
"Remember Rickter, this is a big night for us all! Play our cards well, and we may have a few friends before the night's end." The wolf could only sigh out through his nose with exasperation.
"Don't worry," the wolf assured her with a bit of a rise in his shoulders, "I should be just fine." After he'd said that his eyes rose up to see the silver plumes of his Bondmates wings, the feathers illuminated by the moonlight as Talon was greeted by a familiar sound. Was that Hyoga? Hannah nearly planted her forehead into her hand but a fingertip served better instead, as Telion looked to her curiously before softly giggling at the rogue's reaction to the moment.
"We've barely even made it in." The brunette quietly remarked as she seemed to look past Talon at Hyoga, her jaw clenched as she elevated her chin just a bit more. "Now don't embarrass me you two, I've got a lot riding on this little thing." Rickter honestly couldn't help but chuckle a bit as he and Telion both smiled wide, the wolf himself imparting the humor in their mood toward his other dear partner. Rickter honestly would've greeted Talon more personally but given the sense of formality this event called for, and certainly what Hannah expected from them, Rickter settled for sharing the feelings that he could express through their Bond instead. As they stood a few feet away to let Talon and Hyoga have their moment, Rickter looked from them down to Telion momentarily, her gaze fixed on the two as she seemed to just bask in the moment that was Hyoga and Talon.
Not that Rickter himself couldn't avoid observing either, for his blue eyes then moved from her to Talon, the fondness in his gaze never one lessening during the in-between. They were both immeasurably important to him, and Hannah was too in her own way, so it stood to reason that his presence here was to support others around him. He practically had everything he wanted at this point, the only burdening issue being the extra whole 'transcendental past life' baggage resting on his shoulders. He cleared his throat and took a moment to tug at the black-tie wrapped under his collar, which caused Hannah to look up to him waringly with suspicion in her eyes. "Don't get nervous on me yet, Wolfman." She almost cooed with a gentle rup of her hand along the white sleeve of his arm, the velveteen fabric smoothly grazed over his skin as she feigned an attempt to comfort.
"I got it covered." The wolf assured her, yet again, with a mild hint of confidence in his tone. His trousers were the same black velvet ones he often wore, but just over the white shirt was a velveteen bi-colored vest, the front side black while the back a royal blue.
"Every side attacks you when you don't pick sides."
"Common" "Synskrit" "Norvaegan"
"Rickter" "Telion" "Hannah"
Re: Evolution of a Battlefield [open]
Posted: Thu May 06, 2021 11:25 pm
by Mirage
"Announcing the Lady Evanora Marie Se'Fior Briathos."
Those nearest the entrance paused in their conversations, turning to look to the door where a small group of three were entering. The bodies parted as if moved by an invisible force, making way for a tall elven woman who kept her eyes fixed forward as she walked. She wore a simple, floor-length dress that seemed more like a robe than a formal ball gown. The collar was high, the hem of the dress elegantly cut to reveal just the smallest flash of braided footwear that laced up her calf. Behind her walked a man and a woman, one dressed in a fitted suit and the other a woman in dress robes, all the matching color blue, and silver of the House they represented.
One man made to approach, an older gentleman with a well-groomed beard, but before he could get within arm's length the man in the suit stepped forward and whispered something in his ear, causing the gentleman to step back with an awkward smile.
Evanora cast her gaze over the people, pausing only for a brief moment as her violet eyes met Talon's silver before sliding smoothly onward. When she found who she was looking for the woman smiled and made straight toward them.
Those around Mino steadily turned away from him, becoming seemingly preoccupied in their own conversations as the elf approached. She was slightly taller than Mino, though only just as her silver-gold hair done in an intricate design pushed her height to just under 5'11. Still smiling Evanora dipped her head ever so slightly as she curtseyed, only just as much as was proper.
"Mino Lekivian." Her tone was light, almost playful as she said Mino's name. Her eyes skimmed up and down appreciatively as she straightened and folded her hands at her waist, "It is a pleasure to meet you at last. You came with high praise to my uncle, and he insisted I present myself to you here."
Re: Evolution of a Battlefield [open]
Posted: Thu May 13, 2021 12:25 am
by Mino
Briathos was not a name he expected to hear.
Briathos was not a name any of the house Lekivian had expected. It was a name thought best avoided, even to those that might have been a touch too curious for their own good. Mino’s ears twitched, gaze sliding over to Lady Blue. His mother’s face was hard to read — it always had been — but he might have hazarded the thought of concern there. Before someone stole her attention, a congenial smile placed on her lips. She, for the moment, was free of having to worry about the name for the time being.
Mino was not so lucky.
The bearer of the name, Lady Evanora, found him in the crowd. Not hard to do, given the people around him. The same people that were suddenly stricken with preoccupations they hadn’t had before. The kind of preoccupations people took up when they didn’t want to get involved. But, of course, they wouldn’t. There was risk to interacting with House Briathos. The Lekivian the Lady approached, though, was not one unused to risk. Perhaps he sought it out too often for his own good when the leash reigning him in slackened. Her curtsey was met with a bow in turn, smile resting easily on his face.
‘At last?’ Just the slightest hint of confusion lingered on his face; had his mother been talking about him behind his back? She wouldn’t be surprised to see Evanora here, if that were the case. And while he hadn’t mastered reading her, he knew there wasn’t much that got a reaction from her. Not like this one. It was interesting, though, that of all the people to be talked about — it would be him.
“I should say the pleasure is all mine.” His brows rose, gaze flickering over toward his mother once more. “And I really should thank whoever talked me up so much that I managed to hold the attention of a Briathos.” On a battlefield like this, a smile was a weapon and he wielded his as gracefully as he could. Teeth too animal, not elven enough. But charming all the same if he tipped his head just so and looked up at the lady.
Curiosity was often the bane of anyone’s existence, but maybe this once he would thrive in it. Among the other times that he had.
Even if this was a Briathos.
Should probably remind himself of that.
“I could say I was born luckier than most, but something tells me there’s more than luck that brought you here tonight.” His smile had only barely touched on the side of being flirtatious, a step close but not invading space in a way that would call her suited bodyguard forward. The last thing he needed was to have some part of him broken at his own party. That, and she was probably plenty dangerous on her own. “But, before that, could I interest you in a drink, my Lady?”
Re: Evolution of a Battlefield [open]
Posted: Thu Jun 17, 2021 9:38 pm
by Talon
Talon had known what to expect among the gathered of the cotillion. These were, technically, his peerage. Each of them from the noble houses of greatest prominence within the whole of Kalzasi’s territory. From the lesser settlements to the greater townships, to the residents of the great city itself, all of them had some connection to each other whether through blood or deals. And all of them were subservient to one of the Great Houses of Kalzasi. There were only seven high families. The families that determined the destiny of the city and its territories at large and Talon was the direct heir to the ruling family. It was easy for him to forget the truth of that at times. He did his best to distance himself from the drama of engaging in the politics amongst his peers. He was concerned more with keeping Kalzasi safe. He was focused on ensuring that his people, his family, and the families of those who called his nation home, were protected against threats from below, above and around them.
In some ways, Talon had chosen to isolate himself from the influence and also the benefit of engagement with his peers. He had no doubt that as a figure, he was not an enigma to those around him however, as a person, Talon had never truly gone out of his way to make himself accessible to the rest of the nobility. He supposed he was always more concerned with matters that had more to deal with governance and State ceremony, stepping in for his father in ceremonial functions when the Shokaze was otherwise unavailable.
“Try not to scowl, brother.” Talon scoffed under his breath.
“I am not scowling.” Beside him, Rien picked up two flutes of champagne. His brother extended one to him which Talon accepted.
“You aren’t exactly smiling either.” Talon merely arched an eyebrow as he took a sip from his champagne glass. This prompted his brother to chuckle with a shake of his head.
“Perhaps I am saving it for the gossip. Who will I smile at? Who will I speak to? Keep the masses guessing.” It was as he was finishing that sentence that a familiar voice hailed him. Talon turned to regard the bat-winged Kathar, Hyoga approaching him with a wave. He offered the man a nod of his head and a welcoming gesture.
“Hyoga?” There was a bit of surprise in Talon’s voice. Hyoga’s was a welcome sight but not a person he had expected to see at the cotillion of all places. “Forgive my surprise. I did not realize you were from one of the noble houses.”
To the warrior’s statement, Talon only gave a wry smirk.
“It was highly encouraged that I attend. Usually, I make a habit of touring the outer settlements and dispersing some of the wares in my shops to the border garrisons to bolster the Guard. This year, it is better that I become closer acquaintances with my fellow nobles.” Talon motioned to his younger brother.
“This is Rien. He is--” His brother stepped forward with a gentle nudge to his shoulder.
“Perfectly capable of speaking for himself.” Talon smiled, making a small sweeping gesture by way of introduction. His brother nodded his head to Hyoga.
“Rien Delris Novalys. Talon has the honor and privilege of being my elder brother.” Talon rolled his eyes as he tipped his flute back to drink more of his champagne. He mumbled under his breath.
“Truly, such an honor.” It was as he was lowering his champagne flute that the doorman made another announcement that had many in the hall falling silent, including Talon.
A Briathos had entered the cotillion. For a moment, the hush that fell over the crowd was palpable before people began resuming their conversations almost as if the noblewoman and her entourage were as interesting as dust on a mantle.
Evanora Marie Se’Fior Briathos.
Talon found her. His silver eyes settled upon her just as her violet ones met his. He felt a burning curiosity inside of him and suddenly he was vastly more interested in the cotillion than he had been before. A Briathos had come down from their high tower.
“Brother…” Rien spoke softly beside him.
“I know.” Talon’s eyes zeroed in on the woman and her entourage. He was tempted but...he would wait. He would observe. Perhaps he would learn something.
Re: Evolution of a Battlefield [open]
Posted: Thu Nov 25, 2021 9:53 am
by Mirage
Though slight, Evanora saw the confusion as it flashed across Mino's face, and her smile widened ever so slightly. Behind her, the two attendants adopted uninterested expressions, though the woman kept her eyes on Mino as he spoke.
"I cannot speak for House Briathos," Evanora said, returning the slightly flirtatious smile, "But you are certainly of interest to me. My uncle is from House Veyl, and he has had many good dealings with your house I am told. Your name has come up several times, and I admit I was curious."
Leaning forward slightly Evanora placed a hand on Mino's shoulder, making the woman attendant frown, as she said in a softer tone, "Perhaps we shall find out how lucky you truly are, Sir Lekivian." Straightening she removed her hand, but held it extended for Mino to take, "A drink would be wonderful. You may call me Evanora, or Eva, though only if I can call you Mino in return."
Re: Evolution of a Battlefield [open]
Posted: Fri Nov 26, 2021 9:15 pm
by Mino
Taking her extended hand in his — not quite; a careful hold of her hand that was more like he was leading her forward than actually holding it — he smiled just a touch wider. “I’ve always been the sort to enjoy a good testing of one’s luck.” A half shrug, followed by a wink directed to her as he spoke: “I wouldn’t have you calling me anything else, Eva.” The soft layering of a purr beneath his words would be clear, ears twitching. People would talk — were talking already — and perhaps that was already a test of his luck.
Mino found that he wasn’t the slightest bit deterred by this. In fact, he might have liked the progression of the evening. The unpredictable appearance of a Briathos was sure to turn any party around. Even better when there was the crown prince and his brother, with no secret of their connection to the elusive house through their mother. For a moment, he surveyed the crowd to find one of the servants passing through with full pitchers of baijiu and small cups for guests to take. Some other servants were carrying wine flutes and their accompanying drinks. But no; he glanced back to Eva.
“Forgive me if I’m wrong but.” He paused a moment. His course had taken him just beyond the crown prince. Either a strategic maneuver or one made of pure chance; only someone truly caring would know. Or maybe someone with a touch of cruelty, if they were aware of the lack of a relationship between the princes and their mother’s family. Mino would simply shrug if asked, and say it ‘pure luck’. The rathari took a glass from one server, and a pitcher from another to pour her a drink. “I would guess you to be a lychee wine woman. Of course, I have been known to be wrong in the past, and there is plenty to choose from.” He placed the pitcher back on the waiting tray, extending his hand to the woman, elbow cupped and curiosity on his face. He would like to be right for this guess.
Re: Evolution of a Battlefield [open]
Posted: Sun Dec 19, 2021 3:48 pm
by Mirage
Also a darker one for darker content:
The woman attendant's eyes narrowed at the wink directed at her, but she said nothing and continued to watch. There was nothing to be done, and the Lady Briathos was known to have curious tastes. The woman knew that if she tried to intervene in the name of propriety she would quickly find herself replaced. It was an irritation, an emotion that flashed across her features before the wrinkles in her brow smoothed over once more.
The lady's hand was cold, not cool to the touch, but like ice, as she gently gripped Mino's fingers in return. Upon hearing her name she seemed to come alive. Her eyes looked eager, and without fuss she let herself be pulled away. Evanora seemed to glide across the floor, weightless as a kite in the wind, and Mino was the man who held her string connecting her to the ground. Subtly people moved out of their way as they approached, perhaps unconsciously, or maybe it was the stare of the man at Eva's back that made them shuffle quickly aside.
She didn't seem to notice the prince as they passed, focused completely on Mino as he addressed her.
"Your instincts are suspiciously accurate." Eva said as she accepted the glass. Her eyes looked down at the dark liquid in the cup, and almost absently she ran a finger around the rim of the glass, "If I were a more paranoid woman, I would think you were spying on me." After the third circle she looked up to smile at Mino once more before taking a sip of the wine, "It is one of my favorites."
The two attendants took up places several steps back from the pair, the man casually looking around, the woman still watching them. Evanora paid them no heed, and in fact, she seemed to only have eyes for the man in front of her.
"Mino..." She seemed to sample the word, enjoying the taste enough to repeat it once more, "Mino, what is it you like?"