[PRP] Reluctant Reveller (Sylfie/E'ros)

[Meepfur]

Meepfur

Ohh, this was...this was just awful. Maybe she should have worn the same dress over again, this one didn't feel right at all. It was very delicate and there were gauzy bits and she was increasingly sure it didn't actually suit her. It would have been better on someone more...more...something she wasn't. She should never have given into the urge she'd had for a new dress, it was silly and the old one would have been just fine. It had never been not fine before and she was just. Just silly. If anyone even noticed she was in a new dress, it would only be because she didn't belong in this sort of thing, she was sure.

Keeping as much to the fringes as she could manage, Sylfie pulled her little fur wrap a bit tighter, for comfort as much to keep out the chill she could never shake during the winter, and tried not to look as miserably anxious as she felt. She was too nervous to even sigh to herself about how precious the new babies were, too busy scanning the crowd and both hoping and dreading to see someone in particular.

Uta

Though he wasn't from either Weyr, E'ros had been invited to attend the Hatching, and happily so. It had been some time since he'd last found himself within the halls of the snowy Weyr, and though the hour was late, it didn't bother the blue rider in the last.

Moving through the crowds, the dark-haired, Master Courtesan was nothing but smiles and compliments. Hatchings were a joyous occasion, and he had every intention of playing his part to ensure no one was left pining. For once, he hadn't come on the arm of a lover, opting instead to see what sort of magic he might make otherwise. Might he help encourage a wallflower or two to accept a dance? Might he stoke the flames of passion and set up a lonely soul or two? There were individuals a plenty out there, and E'ros did have a desire to meddle.

His eyes fell upon a woman moving on the outskirts. Was she waiting for someone? Or had she come alone? Stepping forward, the Master Courtesan offered a bow in greeting. "Waiting for someone? Or simply not keen on parties?" He questioned with an easy smile. "I dare hope it's the latter, so perhaps I might have a few moments longer to better get to know this beauty before me.." He couldn't help himself. Flirting came so easily, and she was a lovely lady--whoever she was.

That's Hesperith's rider, Mine, and do be gentle. Amoranth interrupted from where he had settled himself, wrapped around Ink's Morth.

Meepfur

Sylfie was almost tempted to go and get herself a drink, and was flirting with that possibility - but the tables were all quite busy, and her chances of successfully slipping by without getting tangled up in some manner of social interaction seemed slim - when someone approached. She knew well that it was unavoidable, no matter how much she worried about how she looked or about saying or doing something wrong; this was a party, after all, and there was no avoiding people at parties, especially as a goldrider. Sooner or later, someone was bound to want to talk to her.

In this case, one of the Weyr's esteemed guests, which Hesperith would have been delighted by, were she not focused on Ddraigth. Sylfie, on the other hand, only started to fret all the more, and had to stop herself from fussing with her dress or pulling at her hair as though that could hide the scars on her face. The wrap, at least, hid some of her arm. But for all the internal worrying, she managed a friendly smile, even though she'd still never mastered shedding her overall nervous air. She would muddle her way through as best she could, as usual.

"Parties are...a lot of people, and I've never been very good at them," she answered finally, her smile turning self-deprecating. She could have said she was waiting for someone, and perhaps that would have gotten her a reprieve - and it wasn't entirely untrue, even if it was only a hopeful sort of waiting - but it would have been discourteous. And despite how anxious she made herself when it came to being social, she really did like company...and he was terribly charming, and maybe Hesperith's mood was rubbing off on her, because it was quite nice to hear lovely things, even if she was less easily convinced than her dragon that they were true. "You seem right at home, though."

She had, at least, been getting a bit better at fighting through some of her pauses and indecision when she spoke, as long as she wasn't too flustered.

 

[Uta]

Rank, position, title, dragon color--none of that mattered to E'ros, at least not usually. For the most part, he treated every one the same way which was often like they were the most precious being he'd ever laid eyes upon. It wasn't all an act, of course--for he did find beauty in people. Each one was a unique gem, perfectly cut in his or her own way, one he was always so eager to admire. Sylfie was no different--even if her status as a goldrider might cause one to think his attention was due to the color of her dragon. She was a lovely young woman, and he a beautiful man. She wasn't otherwise predisposed, and he certainly didn't see anyone vying for her attention--so why shouldn't he pay her some mind?

He did enjoy filling a void.

"If it's the people who are the problem, if I might be so bold as to suggest we take a turn elsewhere?" He offered her his arm, and a smile. "The party is large, and while I have no doubt a beauty such as you might be missed, there are a few quieter places we might convene. The music is just as lovely outside as it is indoors; and if the cold concerns you, there are lanterns aplenty... and my jacket, if you wish." It might be winter, but High Reaches always knew how to throw a party and came well prepared in keeping out the cold.

They did not have to remain within the crowded Lower Caverns if she did not wish. "Ah, you're too kind, m'lady. I suppose I'm home enough in many settings, but being surrounded by people is one place I have long learned to enjoy." A courtesan, much less as a Master courtesan, would find themselves quite in the wrong craft, indeed, if they did not care for such company. But he didn't need to point that out to the beauty.

"Shall we then? I would much prefer to see you some place more comfortable."

[quote="Meepfur']  

[Meepfur]

Breathe, Sylfie. E'ros might have been a Master Courtesan, and shards if he didn't absolutely look the part, but he was hardly going to eat her alive - on the contrary, he was clearly very much a gentleman, and it was practically his job to be nice to people. Very, very nice to people. And besides, he was much less intimidating than, say, a Lord Holder, or someone high-ranking from Western.

He was just a very charming, very handsome man, offering her company and a respite from the crowded party. With composure Hesperith would have been proud of, had she not been engrossed in company of her own, Sylfie accepted the offered arm. She could do this. She had been taught, even if these things had a way of tying her stomach in knots, and she blushed to be called a beauty. Cute, perhaps, if not for her scars. "I'd appreciate that, if you're sure you won't be missed." She could only imagine that his company was highly sought after, much as she assumed that hers was not on anything more than a superficial level. "I'll confess, I'm still not used to the cold, but it's...easier than in here."

If she went with E'ros, she'd likely miss Theo - if he came to the party at all - but she wasn't presumptuous enough to think he'd have wanted to spend the Feast with her. They were friends, yes, but he surely had others, bonds he'd formed with his classmates and more recently his wingmates, so she had no worries that she'd be missed. She and Hesperith had already monopolized his and Iweth's time at the Hatching, and she shouldn't take up more of it. "I'm a little envious, I have to admit. None of this has ever come easy to me, even with practice. I don't suppose there's any trick to it?"

She was much-improved, but far from comfortable, and the prospect that she would ever enjoy it seemed impossible. Still, one person was better than a roomful, and a little part of her did crave such...charming attention. Why else would she read such stories as she did?

Uta

 

[Uta]

E’ros gave a warm smile as she took his arm, wrapping it up gently in his own before slowly leading her out of the din of the Lower Caverns. Though he might have a well-known reputation for being nothing but a scoundrel and rake, he was also a respectable gentleman. Some might look down upon his craft, but he knew when to push, and he knew when to simply be nothing more than arm candy. But Sylfie did deserve to have a little attention, and why shouldn’t he better get to know her? He loved meeting new people--learning their stories, hearing their hopes, dreams, and getting to watch them succeed as they navigated the tangled-web of life.

“I am truly honored,” he confessed, his words sincere. If crowds and invitations from strangers weren’t something she was comfortable with, then he could only be happy she trusted him enough to at least let him lead her outside. “If I’m missed at all, then all the better for new opportunities to take root. One lost opportunity only leads way to a new, if not foreseen, path.” Those who might pine for his attention could now focus on the food, the wine, or some other form of comfort--and perhaps, by falling in another's arms, they might find a new romance in store. “Never doubt the power of an enchanted evening, fine music, and such happy occasions.” Even if those occasions were at the dead of night.
“I’m afraid there’s no tricks to be had, outside of practice… but I assure you, my dear, you are doing fine. In fact, I myself prefer a more one-on-one and intimate setting as opposed to the crowds. Though it might be chilly, it’s more comfortable, more intimate.” Outside the Lower Caverns, though the air was chilled, there were still lanterns, torches, and fires prepared to warm the guests from the winter air. “Here… I insist.” He gently removed his arm, before sliding off his own, fur-lined cloak, offering it to Sylfie so he might drape it over her shoulders. He had worn layers, and while the cloak had been toasty, he wasn’t going to let the good lady freeze. The winter air wasn’t harsh enough to chill his bones, and the lanterns would be more than suitable to keep him comfortable. If worse came to worse, he could call down Amoranth to serve as a windblock.

“A much more ideal setting, with the backdrop of stars, snow, and glowing dragon eyes. All the better to better get to know one another.” They still could hear the music, still weren’t far from the party, but could now see the stars, and the dragons that had taken to lounging in and around the Bowl. “But just say the word, and I’ll be happy to return you back to the social, or escort you to another.” He wouldn’t wish to monopolize her time if she preferred to be elsewhere, certainly not.

”Meepfur”

 

[Meepfur]

Wary though she often was of flattering attentions, assigning them to some likely ulterior motive - after all, why else would someone want to spend such time with her, of all people? - Sylfie couldn't think of a single thing E'ros, a bluerider of high status within his Craft and no official affiliation with any Weyr, might hope to gain from rescuing her from the party. Either he was being very, very kind, or he found her genuinely interesting (though if that were the case, he might well change his mind before long). Whichever it was, she had to admit to herself that she appreciated the attention, and that his smile and gentle touch warmed her. Whatever his reasons for gracing her, of everyone at the Feast, with his company, it made her feel at least as special as it did nervous. And it was nice, for once, to feel special.

"You make it sound so much more lovely than parties ever feel when I'm at one. But I don't think there's ever been one I didn't leave early if I had a chance," she admitted, "So maybe I just miss all the enchanted opportunities." It was hard to be swept off your feet when you weren't around to be swept, after all...but it was also hard to endure an entire party from start to finish, at least for her. Sometimes it was easier just to be lonely, even if that was a trial in its own way.

She flushed when he set his cloak around her; it was a small gesture, but it was little things like that that had a way of catching and charming her, moreso than anything grand. And it was warm, and had a comforting weight to it. "Thank you," she said, ducking her head shyly but clearly pleased regardless. "It may be cold, but it's easier to breathe out here."

And, yes, much more...intimate. And High Reaches really was lovely, even if she often overlooked it while she got caught up dwelling on other things, be it the cold or her many insecurities. Though Hesperith had quickly settled in, Sylfie still felt a fish out of water much of the time. Not that she hadn't made friends, but she hadn't yet made herself comfortable, either. "Not, not at all." She shook her head and gave a little smile. "I'd much rather this. It's lovely out here, with...with you for company."

Uta

 

[Uta]

E'ros was pleased that Sylfie didn't seem to mind his company, or his style. He was always enchanted by the people of Pern. Perhaps he saw things with a very rosy-and-Courtesan-way of seeing things, but he didn't mind. All people were beautiful, and it had very little to do with their actual appearance. Every man and woman had strengths, weaknesses, flaws, talents, skills, insecurities, and passion; some might not recognize them for what they were, but every being was as complicated as they were lovely. E'ros always enjoyed getting to know them, and Sylfie was no exception.

It had nothing to do with the color of her dragon or the rank she held-- she was simply a woman alone at a party, and he always did hate to see a wallflower without someone there to admire them proper.

"Ah, thankfully, enchantment isn't limited solely to parties. If it makes you feel any better, m'lady, but I too often leave many a party well before it ends!" He gave a low chuckle, and Sylfie a small, mischievous grin. Never mind that he left for entirely other reasons, but the fact remained, he rarely stayed for the entire affair. "And even ones I do attend from start to finish, I find as the hours grow long, and people begin to leave, or grow weary, there is less enchantment to be had than in the early hours. I assure you, you don't miss much--maybe a few drunken brawls, maybe some heartache. I think leaving when everything is at its most glamorous is romantic in a way--reality doesn't have to taint the idea of what began as a fine evening."

Hopefully, Sylfie wouldn't need to feel so poorly the next time she decided to leave a party early. All the more, E'ros could only hope that next time she'd have a proper date! Companionship always made a part all the more delightful.

"I'm glad you're not as stifled, then," he spoke, his smile genuine with pleasure at having pleased the young woman.

At her admission, he let himself dip his head, though his smile only warmed. She was clearly shy, and perhaps a bit aloof--but there was a gentleness about her, and E'ros knew he had to walk lightly. He didn't wish to scare her off, after all--a Courtesan knew better than to do that. But he did hope he might let her experience the party in a happier light. "I'm glad you don't find my company objectionable, as others might!" Even though he was a Master, that didn't mean every Lord and Lady approved of his Craft, his easy sensuality, nor his meddling in the affairs of matchmaking. For as many lovers as he'd had, E'ros had also made more than a few enemies. He certainly tried not to be the cause of heartache or heartbreak, but Courtesan's lives were always messy affairs--and rising up the ranks made it no less so.

"I find the right companion, or companions, can turn an entire evening around. Your company has been nothing but a pleasure. Now, what shall we talk about, hmm? The stars? The moons? Your beauty?" He mused, leaning in ever so gently to brush her shoulder with his own. "How long have you been a rider? Hesperith certainly is a beauty, from what my Amoranth has shown me."

Meepfur

 

[Meepfur]

Of course E'ros would often leave a party before its end; given his craft and standing, it was only to be expected that he would find...other pursuits of interest. Though she did smile in genuine, shared amusement, Sylfie did blush to think of it, not because she thought it at all objectionable, but, well. It was rather untoward to be musing over someone's likely 'pursuits,' regardless of their profession, particularly while still in that someone's company. She did her best to tamp down on such speculations and curiosities, and was glad Hesperith was well-distracted by a shining hide, or it would be hopeless. Her own imagination was good enough at running wild without her dragon to help it along!

"That does sound altogether less enchanting," she agreed, once she'd reined in her more wayward thoughts. "I'll have to make sure to put it to Hesperith that way, then maybe she won't grouse so much the next time I leave early. She can hardly argue with such an expert opinion." The young woman grinned with good humor, but it was true. If she were here, her bonded would be hanging on E'ros every word!

As their conversation and stroll progressed, Sylfie started to settle into it despite persistent flutters. She was comfortably warm with E'ros cloak around her, and deeply pleased by the attention, even if she would have been guiltily ashamed to admit it. The thought that she might be keeping him from something better or more interesting yet nagged at her, or that it was selfish of her to monopolize such esteemed company. But here she was, quietly but happily soaking up the attention like a plant in need of sun or water. Perhaps later, he'd tend to another, but for now...

"Objectionable? Surely not! Would they really?" Sylfie was both astonished and horrified that anyone might object to E'ros' company, especially here. At some tiny little cothold, perhaps, but even then, that just seemed silly. Perhaps not everyone had such a rosy, romanticized view of someone of his craft as she did, but apart from that, he was still a perfectly courteous, charming man.

When he suggested further topics to discuss, among them her 'beauty,' she once again blushed and ducked in on herself even as she smiled, as flattered as she was self-conscious. The brush of his shoulder against hers was leaned into ever-so-slightly, that brief little bit of contact savored deliciously. Hesperith's mood, she decided, had to be rubbing off on her (and it was much more convenient to think that instead of acknowledging that she was just touch-starved). "That might be a- a rather one-sided conversation," she said after a moment to think of the best way to respond to such a compliment, "Or I'll risk sounding terribly vain."

"She'll be pleased to know you think so. Amoranth is very fine, himself." E'ros' blue was quite distinctive, as fetching as his rider. Hesperith had an eye for any and all handsome males, even if she did make quite traditional choices when the time came to fly. "We've been together nearly six Turns now, though sometimes it feels like much more than that. Ista was a long time ago." Indeed, that day on the Sands seemed a lifetime away, if not another life entirely. Overwhelming as things had been, it had also been a simpler time in many respects, before Thread had returned. "Where was Amoranth hatched, if you don't mind my asking?"

Uta