Koani smirked in response to Plicae's compliment and small lick at her eye. Why did he have to be like that? So adorable and disarming in the process? Koani took a step into the small closet and let her right hand trail along the various fabrics as Plicae continued to speak. She already knew what she wanted to wear. She'd known well before she had asked Plicae for input. Indecisiveness when it came to clothing was rather unheard of with Koani. Her hand found the skirt that she had had in mind. It was a rich black in colour with a nice sash. Unlike many of her other skirts this one was cut differently. Instead of being long and flowing, it was a little shorter than her norm and cut on a slanted angle. Koani had been listening attentively to Plicae. She had no qualms about the two of them being secretive. It seemed to be working so far. As Koani reached up to pull the skirt off of it's hook, she was struck by Plicae's question. Were they together? That was exactly the sort of loaded question that Koani had been wanting to avoid. It had strings. So much for simply living in the moment. “Yes..." she said carefully as she pulled the skirt free and turned back toward him. “What a stupid thing to ask. I'm not sleeping with anyone else, if that's what you mean." Although Koani was feigning annoyance now, it was rather apparent that she had mixed feelings regarding the subject. The two of them were certainly past that 'just friends' stage. Koani still wasn't sure quite what to make of it. She still got the feeling that she was merely stringing the dark arden along. Using him as he used her. “I suppose we're together. At least for the time being. I wouldn't put too much stock in me, in us..." she continued, her tone becoming rather negative as she moved toward him. Koani slipped the pink shirt she had touched earlier off of it's hook and held it together with her skirt. “I wasn't kidding when I said I have secrets. I've done ugly things. I warned you before not to get too attached... I can't even follow my own advice though it seems." Koani was frowning now. She knew that she was desperately attached to Plicae herself. His goofiness, that intelligence, those looks. There were so many things he had working for him. The only thing he seemed to have working against him was Koani herself. “After everything is said and done, after the cruise, if you still happen to like me... I... Hm."
Koani’s initial “yes" caused Plicae to feel a tingling sensation of relief, but then the thill continued, and a wide range of other feelings flooded through him as well. As she informed him that she was not sleeping with anyone else, he felt an odd sort of gladness, but also a prick of dismay that she’d thought he’d implied such a question. Then her voice took on a pessimistic tone, telling him not to put any stock into their relationship, because she had ugly secrets. Once more, the arden felt stung, not only because he was not the judgmental type that would leave Koani high and dry just for being imperfect, but also because of her cynicism over all. “I’ll put as much stock in you, and in us, as I want," Plicae said rather tonelessly as Koani shuffled about, choosing and matching her clothes as she prepared to dress. As she moved towards him, one of his hands reached out and he grabbed her by the wrist, effectively halting her. “Do I look like the sort of asshole who would stop liking you because you happen to have a skeleton or two in your closet? I have some, too, you know, and would only have sympathy and understanding to offer you." For one who was regularly quite mild and submissive in manner, Plicae’s grip and tone were direct and intense. After he’d spoken, he loosened his fingers from Koani’s arm, though he did not simply let her slip by. He wouldn’t let her just glide away, literally or figuratively, without demonstrating how much he cared first. Stretching out his arm, he pulled her bare body against him in a brief but tight hug, before releasing her once and for all and moving towards the bed to sit down and put on the socks that were still laying, crumpled, next to it. “I will still like you by the end of the cruise. There are no doubts there. No matter what you think you’ve done that could make me stop. I care for you, Koani, and you’re only the second thill I’ve ever felt like this for in forty-nine years of life. And, despite your multiple warnings, I have become attached to you, so now I’m permanently by your side." Standing, Plicae paused next to the bed. He wanted to add on something more, but he wasn’t sure what. He sort of wanted to say that he didn’t want to be just “fuck buddies," with her, or else simply be a “fling." But that would have perhaps been insulting, and so he kept silent and only peered at Koani. She was tough on the exterior, but he knew she had a vulnerable side, of course. She was trying to protect herself, and him, from being hurt, and he understood that. But what she needed to understand was that he adored her and that there was nothing she could do, nothing in the world that would make the Decatur doubt how he felt about her. “Anyway, I’m sorry for asking such a loaded question and making you feel uncomfortable and pressured. I just needed to know, and needed you to know everything that I’ve said. Let’s not allow my random sincerity ruin the fun of things, though, okay? I’m going to run back to my room and change, and then I’m going to treat you to a delicious breakfast, after which I will show you to a wonderful day of fun, and I will finish it all off by giving you the best sex you’ve ever had. Capeesh?"
Koani's frown only deepened as Plicae took hold of her and spoke his firm words. He was adamant. He spoke of loyalty, of adoration. Things that caused her stomach to flip uncomfortably. When Plicae let her go and went to sit on the bed, Koani felt the muscles in her face contort further. She wanted to crumple right then. Yet Koani held firm, her grip tightening on the clothes she held in her hand. Plicae's next round of words only slashed at her further. Plicae wasn't her second love. He wasn't even her third, or fourth for that matter. Here he was speaking of permanency. The idea of Plicae taking up a more permanent role in her life certainly was appealing, yet at the same time, it felt wrong. As Plicae concluded by apologizing and making light of the situation, Koani sullenly shook her head. “Why?" she breathed quietly. “Why? Why by Kytlekh do you have to be like this?" Koani's voice had grown louder now. There was a sharp edge and a little crack to it. Although she was fighting it, the Grader was on the brink of tears. “Why do you have to be so damn perfect?! Arrrg... vanarrikach!" Koani was shouting now. She'd tossed her clothing onto the floor and her hands had balled themselves up into tight fists. “Fuck, Plicae, if anything I'm not the one that's good enough for you! You're too nice, you're too trusting for your own good. I might even go as far as to say naïve. You're not my second love, you know." Koani's voice had taken on a darker more sinister tone. “Nor my third. Or fourth. Or even the fifth!" Koani's rather intimidating stance then changed. Her fists unclenched themselves and Koani's right hand came up to cover her eyes. Her left hand then gripped her elbow as she bowed her head forward, successfully covering her face with her hair. She was hurting herself with her own venomous words, yet for one reason or another, she couldn't seem to stop herself. “My last... I fucked Vythe, you know? I feel horrible about it. I don't want you to become simply another regret of mine... I like you too much for that, Plicae. I really do."
Plicae’s lighthearted words were not taken in stride, as he had adamantly hoped they would be. Koani’s response was frustration and anger, and as she vented at him, simultaneously complimenting him and chewing him out, the lukuo winced a little. He grimaced especially at her use of Rapine curses, and then once more as she informed him that she had “fucked" Vythe. It seemed his pledges of loyalty were being met by stronger and more painful resistance than he’d expected. But, true to his word, Plicae did not back down. There was a moment where he was at a loss for words, and he made an abrupt gesturing movement with his hand, only to knock one of his fingers rather roughly at the edge of the night table nearest to him. He used the opportunity to suckle at the blood that oozed from the surface cut, his eyes hard and unreadable as he stared at Koani and mulled over what, exactly, he was supposed to say in response to her terrible, seemingly heartless words. Finally, still intermittently sucking at his smarting thumb, he spoke. “Why are you being so fucking retarded?" he threw back at her, knowing his use of such strong language would throw her off a bit. “I don’t give a fuck who or what you did in the past. I care about you now, and I’m willing to take a couple of risks for us, if only you’d stop being such a bullheaded bitch about it," he continued, his voice somewhere between angry and bemused as he continued to swear colorfully to make his point. “Isn’t there some stupid cliché," he added on exasperatedly after another brief pause, and he moved towards her and plucked her clothes off the floor, “that says it’s better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all? Isn’t life about taking risks, living through loss, learning through mistakes, and so forth? God." Holding her bunched-up clothes in his hand, he froze stock still in front of her, staring down and watching as Koani continued to cover her face, as if she was crying. “I masturbated over kinky gay porn once. It’s like… who the hell cares? Does it mean anything now? No. Did it ever mean anything? No. Obviously Vythe, and whoever else, didn’t mean jack, or we, you and me, wouldn’t be here right now. I’m here. Hey, are you listening to me?" Plicae reached out a hand to touch at the fingers covering Koani’s face. “I’m here now, and the present and the future are all that matter to me. Give me a fucking chance, will you? Maybe I won’t be your first or your goddamn fiftieth, but I’ll be your last and your loyalest," he finished, not caring that ‘loyalest’ wasn’t even a real word.
Koani continued to keep her face hidden from view. She could feel the hot sting of tears in her eyes. Right at that moment she wasn't sure if she wanted to laugh or seriously break into an all out sobbing session. She was doing alright holding her own. Plicae's words were certainly tossing her about though. She'd half been expecting him to back down. To perhaps simply leave the room with a few parting words. Yet here he still was. Yelling at her. Cursing in his own frustration. She rather liked that one about being a bullheaded bitch. If she hadn't been feeling so down on herself, the thill would have smiled at that. “I'm listening," Koani said when Plicae touched her hand, her voice thick and a little strained. She then ducked her head further down and wiped at her eyes. Her composure regained at least somewhat, Koani looked back up and at Plicae. Her expression was still reflecting the mixture of emotions that she was feeling. From anger, to embarrassment, and now gratefulness. With a short halting intake of air Koani forced herself to move closer to Plicae. “I'm sorry," she said after a moment, then took the hand that Plicae had nicked in her own. She held fast to it as she kept his colourless gaze. “I'm sorry for being a fucking retard and bullheaded bitch," she laughed shallowly after her words. “I think I'm just used to people liking me for all the wrong reasons... from simply sex and money, to power and obligation. That's one of the reasons why I promised myself that I'd only be honest with you. I've told too many lies in my time. I guess in a way I've been hoping all along that I'd scare you away. To chase you off before something happened. Before we got too attached to one another. Our first night... well I was surprised you even made it past that. I'm glad that you're still here though. So very glad." Koani pulled Plicae's hand up to her mouth and licked almost apologetically at the small wound.
It finally seemed that Plicae had gotten through to Koani. If her words didn’t speak loudly and clearly enough, her moist eyes and watery expression did. The arden gazed at her as she spoke and then moved almost painstakingly closer towards him. He did not make a move as one of her hands reached for his bleeding one, and an antennae flicked ever so slightly as she uttered words of gratitude and then licked at his small cut, an almost apologetic sense to her actions. “I’m glad I’m here, too. Like I’ve said several times now, there’s nothing you can do or say that will chase me away from you. I fell hard and I fell fast, and now you’re stuck with me," he breathed after a moment, still frozen as he watched Koani suckle tenderly at his finger. “And I daresay that you’re attached to me, too. Let yourself be," he added on quietly, before offering her a small, encouraging smile. Now that they’d gotten past this particular obstacle, Plicae felt no hesitation or tentativeness as he tugged his fingers away from Koani’s mouth and then moved forward to wrap his arms about her once more in a tight embrace. He put his head atop hers and idly ran his dark fingers through her glossy hair, before bending down to look her dead in her eyes, which were still glistening with hot, unshed tears. “By the way, you’re forgiven, for being a bitch, I mean, and a retard. And for any secret you may have that you’ll think I’ll care about. I’m glad you finally came around. You couldn’t have beaten me. I’m a lawyer and I live to argue and get under other people’s skin," he teased in a light, affectionate tone, before bringing his hands around to cradle her face. He closed his own eyes as he then licked gingerly at the corners of her eyes, effectively brushing away her tears. “And, well…" he continued after the thill’s eyes were no longer shimmering, “I think you know I’m not interested in your money or anything except, well, you. I don’t even know what it is about you. Just that I love being around you, and feel close to you. Hm. I also like being inside you. Oh, wait… did I just ruin this cheesy, gooey, sentimental moment?" Plicae finished with a crooning laugh, before finally releasing Koani and stepping back from her. Any tension in the air seemed to dissipate as his laugh echoed and then faded. “Love, you need to get dressed. I mean, you’re beautiful without any clothes on, but it might seem a little indecent to go streaking on this cruise." He was still holding her bunched-up clothes in his hand, and so he offered them to her before jerking his head to coax a stray lock of hair out of his face. “Mm… and I was serious earlier. I want to take you out and treat you like you deserve to be and like I want to treat you. Like my girlfriend, even if nobody else knows it. And I really do want to come back here tonight and screw like tmyfrommis. Only I want to be on top! ‘Kay?" Plicae smiled gamely then, almost sarcastic in his brightness, before laughing and murring lightly. A hand once more reached out to the Grader and traced delicately along her collarbone, before the lukuo rested his fingertips so airily over where her heart was beating much like a rabbit’s beneath her colorful skin and fur.
Koani knew that she was attached to Plicae. In the emotional and physical sense now as she clung to him as he enveloped her in a tight hug. His embrace was wholly welcome just then (despite the stale odour of his clothing). His sturdiness and firm touch, the way he ran his fingers through her hair... it appeared to be exactly what she was needing at that moment. Reassurance. That's all it was. Koani let out a soft sigh of relief. Plicae's hand then found her head. He cradled it for a moment before licking at her eyes. Now that there were no more tears to be shed, Koani smiled faintly. Plicae's politeness, his genteel manner... it was exactly these small things that had caused her to get angry before. He was so caring. Perhaps even to a fault. Her smile only grew wider with amusement as Plicae continued on. He was so up-beat and his lewdness was amusing. Maybe he was a little high on the prospect of them actually being together. Now that Koani was giving it more thought, it didn't seem like such a horrible idea at all. After the cruise though, things would change whether they liked it or not. They both had work and their children to look after. Not to mention the media to avoid who liked to watch Koani like a hawk. This secret romance couldn't remain a secret forever. For now though, they could revel in their privacy. “You really are too nice to me..." she said after a moment. Koani took her clothes from Plicae when he offered them to her. “I suppose streaking would be a rather bad idea... Given all the elder ardens on this ship at the moment. I wouldn't want to go giving them heart attacks." Koani said primly, although she was disconcerted by her own wording. The term heart attack had such dark connotations attached to it now. She shook off the feeling and turned her attention back onto Plicae. As he was delicately feeling the beat of her heart, Koani reached up and fixed the arden's hair. Once she had smoothened it out, she took a step away from him, clothes still in hand. “We'll see about that sex too. Who knows, you might still be too pained come nightfall. Though I hope not. I'd like to see how many times we can go in a night... sometime. No promises on that top position either." Her tone had taken on a more playful quality now. Koani set her shirt down on a nearby table. She then shook out her black skirt as she gave Plicae a rather sly look. Koani slipped into the skirt and started to adjust it, rather liking the way it canted on her hips. The sash came next. This Koani did up carefully, knotting the lightweight fabric around the circular belt loop so that it held fast. Once secured Koani turned her attention to her shirt. Like a great number of shirts that were in her wardrobe, this one was open backed. It was to be secured with six strings tied together at various points along her back. “Hm... hey boyfriend," Koani said as she looked over at Plicae. That word on her lips felt foreign (juvenile?) yet strangely right. “Could you help me do this up perhaps?" She asked as she pulled her hair off to the side and held the shirt up against her chest.
Plicae smiled as Koani responded positively to his attentions, and he reveled at the fact that he’d made her smile. He didn’t mention it, though, but instead listened as the thill spoke, first joking about streaking – he didn’t really pick up on the inappropriateness of her heart attack comment – and then about his being able to have sex with her later on. A rather mischievous light sparkled in his eye just then. Even if he was still quite sore, he knew they’d manage. Perhaps they wouldn’t have a marathon or anything of that sort, but Plicae was determined to make love to her now that she was, officially even if secretly, his lover. As Koani moved away to begin dressing up, the lukuo lifted a hand and smoothed his hair out even more, and then contented himself to quietly watch her. It was a simple pleasure, watching her cover up her nakedness in sashaying, colorfully printed fabrics. Plicae only stopped staring and made a movement towards her when she teasingly called to him and asked him to help her. There was no hesitation as he quickly obeyed, stepping up behind her as his fingers found the straps and began to fasten them. “All done up," he announced when the shirt had been properly secured about her willowy form. He rubbed her shoulders briefly with one hand before slipping around to her front and surveying her, now that she was fully dressed. “Smokin’," he quipped, squinting one eye and pointing a finger at her like a pistol as he clicked his tongue. “The real reason our relationship is a secret is because I’d cramp your style," he added on with a falsely sad sigh which he accented by sniffing at his sleeve and grimacing. Now that the pair of them were awake, washed up, and dressed, Plicae knew it was time to surface from Koani’s stateroom. He was somewhat loath to do so, because he knew they’d have to tone down their affections quite a bit. The arden knew he’d have a time of it just keeping his hands to himself, as he was a naturally playful and demonstrative lover. However, being an upstanding lawyer for many years now had helped to perfect his public decorum, and there were few pendragons more suave than Plicae Decatur. He was almost sickeningly sweet and professional in front of others, even if temptation – currently in the form of Koani Grader – was being dangled right in front of him. “Guess it’s time to go out on deck and be good councilpersons," the arden said after a moment of thought. The usual routine in the morning was to go to the door, check if the coast was clear, and then shuffle off to his own stateroom. However, it was far later than usual, and the hallway was likely to be much more crowded. It was going to be a feat, but hopefully the male would be able to slither from the stateroom and return to his own unimpeded. From that point on, he could simply pretend he’d spent the night in his own room, and the only ones to know any different would be him and Koani… and, well, Codat, Villi, and Villi’s babysitter. Bending forwards, Plicae placed a gentle kiss on Koani’s cheek, and then another lower, on her mouth. They were neither long nor short, and when he finally drew away, he found himself already wanting more. But it was really time to get going. At least he’d have her tonight, and every other night of the cruise… “I’ll check to see if anyone’s in the hallway…" he remarked idly, finally withdrawing from his position in front of Koani. He padded from the bedroom, past her kitchenette and sitting rooms, and emerged into the foyer of the stateroom. He’d expected to run into one of Koani’s bodyguards, but they seemed to be missing in action at the moment, which was best, anyway. Plicae soon put a hand on the door and opened it, surreptitiously poking his head out to glance up and down the corridor. Miraculously, there was not a soul in sight. “Meet you on the starboard deck in fifteen?" Plicae called to Koani, and then stepped over the threshold, quickly and stealthily exiting and walking briskly in the direction of his own stateroom.
“Shumc iyo." Koani gently pulled at her shirt, straightening it after Plicae had done up the strings. She then flipped her hair back over her shoulders once more. Modesty was another word that wasn't in her repertoire. She knew that she looked good. Not only that, but she was feeling rather good at that moment. A little like she had attained a brand new level of being. Of course, she still had her worries and all those nagging thoughts, but at the same time, she also had Plicae. However, she worried about his reaction to some of the things she had yet to tell him. Plicae could be forgiving but certainly he couldn't be that forgiving. “That must be it," Koani said through a fanged smile when Plicae procured what simply had to be the real reason for their secrecy. Their alone time would soon be coming to an end. As Plicae had said, it was time to be councilpersons. Not that they had exactly stopped being councilpersons. She'd been doing a rather good job at acting comfortably around Plicae in public since the first time she had invited him into her bed. Really no one was the wiser aside from Codat. That arden had a keen eye and although Koani hadn't spoken to Codat directly, she knew that the guard had at least some idea as to what was going on. Koani wondered how tough it might be to keep her public façade up now that her relationship with Plicae had entered new territory. Maybe she'd loosen up in public a little more and try her hand at subtly teasing the dark arden. She rather liked the thought of possibly making him squirm. Plicae's gentle kisses left a smile on her face. Yet, they seemed rather like parting gestures. Their time as a couple was going on a temporary suspension. Koani followed Plicae out of her – their – room and to the stateroom's door. It was always a little sad to see him go. Previously on other occasions, Plicae was always gone before Codat even woke up. Now that it was so late in the morning, she idly wondered where the guard had gone off to. Maybe he'd been called off to attend to some other duty. She'd give him a call once Plicae had left. “It's a date," Koani said as she hung out the door and watched as Plicae made his brisk departure. She offered him a small wave before she retreated back inside her stateroom. As she was closing the door, Koani gave the sitting room an idle glance. She wasn't expecting anyone to be there. So when a pair of eyes met with hers, she very nearly jumped out of her skin. “Shi-" Koani bit back the startled curse and laughed. “You scared me. Where were you?" It was Codat of course. Her bodyguard. Although he most certainly hadn't been there mere seconds before, he was now half-sitting on the arm of the room's large couch. “Oh, you know me. Stealth," Codat said with a friendly wink. “Nice to see you're finally up Ms. Grader. Looking sharp as always. Are you alright? I heard a bit of a commotion earlier." “I'm fine. And it's Koani in private, you ninny." “Very well then, Ms. Koani." Codat's voice and the grin he wore was teasing. Koani rolled her eyes at him. Then a thought crossed her mind. “Has..." she began, though she didn't need to finish. Codat knew what question she was about to ask. “Vythe? Yeah, he stopped by. He wanted to know where you were." Codat said, now slipping off from his perch in order to stand fully. “And?" “I told him just what you told me to tell him." “Which was...?" Koani asked as she drew nearer to Codat, a look of concern knitted on her face. “That you had been drinking last night. Heavily so. And that you didn't want to be bothered this morning. He bought it of course. Seemed a little pissed, but bought it nonetheless." “Thanks," she said with apparent relief in her voice. “You're welcome," came Codat's reply. “I trust you've recovered from your hangover then?" Koani gave Codat a measuring look. Not quite sure if she was following him. “Pardon?" “I want to make the two of you coffee some morning," Codat answered with an abrupt change of subject. “Er..." “Really. I'm so happy for you. I mean, have you checked him out? If I wasn't happy with my own man, and if he wasn't so obviously yours, I'd totally be all over him. He sort of has that brooding look to him, you know? Sort of mysterious. And tall, which is perfect for you. You know he's got brains too. I bet he's been doing you a world of good. Have I mentioned that he's cute yet? He's cute. Just, very, very cute." Codat was babbling now and wearing a rather silly smile. “Codat?" Koani said as she stood beside him. “Yeah?" Koani gently shoved at Codat's left shoulder. “Shut up," she said, though her words were by no means harsh. It was actually strangely comforting to hear someone else talk about Plicae in that manner. Codat gave the Grader a playful salute as he shut his trap. “Give me about five minutes, then we'll hit the decks." Koani said as she moved away from Codat and padded back into her room. A little while later, being loosely escorted by Codat, Koani left her stateroom behind.
After he rounded a corner in the corridor and slipped from the view of Koani’s stateroom, Plicae slowed down and began to walk more gingerly. He did this not only because it was safer now to proceed at a regular pace, but also because his brisk walking had caused his soreness to flare up. He now felt quite tender between the legs, and so he proceeded towards his own stateroom rather slowly, the tiniest hint of a pained limp in his gait as he wound through the halls and eventually came to the door of his room. After very quietly inserting the key and slipping inside, Plicae glanced around the simple stateroom. It was neither as large nor as elaborate as Koani’s, and really only consisted of a short foyer, a bathroom, and then a large bedroom and sitting area. The only pieces of furniture were some ornate nightstands and a bureau, as well as a small sofa and two beds. One of these beds was meant for Plicae, but as he shuffled quietly into the room and paused, he regarded a young thill’s form curled up atop the covers. She was the daughter of a co-worker, as well as Villi’s assigned sitter when Plicae was too busy or preoccupied. At the moment, the arden could not recall her name, but he knew she was a competent and friendly girl, who watched his daughter without questioning where he was going. He also knew she gave Villi believable if untrue reasons for his absences, especially at night, and so his was a rather appreciative look as he surveyed her slumbering silhouette on the first bunk. Then, of course, his gaze almost immediately shifted to Villi’s bed. The little niotie was curled tightly beneath the covers, and she was snoring lightly. Though she usually rose as early as him, the cruise had been a prime opportunity for her to stay up late and sleep in the next morning. Plica surely was not going to protest this arrangement either. Smiling broadly but remaining silent, he walked to her bedside, bent over, and placed a delicate kiss on her forehead. He then patted her arm, and moved away as Villi slept on, probably dreaming about fun things to do on the cruise in the days ahead. Now that he’d checked in on his daughter and her sitter, Plicae moved away from them and began to paw through the bureau. Though he’d jested just moments ago about cramping Koani’s style, the lukuo knew that he could dress just as sharply as his female counterpart. It was with a look of concentration upon his face that he carefully selected a white shirt with light gray and orange tartan designs on it, along with a clean, crisp pair of black pants. He also pulled out a matching jacket to wear overtop, and with these fresh clothes in hand, he stepped into the bathroom to change. A few moments later, he emerged from the washroom, idly adjusting the cuff of his shirt. He looked quite dashing, and his color choices complemented his eyes and hair. He also smelled a whole lot better, especially after having dabbed small amounts of cologne along his neck and wrists. He was certainly much more professional looking, and so it was with a confident smile that he moved towards the door, cast one glance back at his daughter and her sitter, and then exited once again, intent on making it to the starboard deck in the next five minutes simply because he wanted to lay his eyes – and hands, although he wouldn’t be able to – upon Koani again. Plicae maintained a fast pace until he reached the upper decks of the cruiser, at which point the pain in his crotch forced him to slow down. Once again, he found himself walking almost tenderly as he made his way to the starboard side, and he had quite a sheepish appearance as he spotted Koani along with her escort, whose name he knew to be Codat. He shuffled over towards them, passing quite a few other pendragons on the way, and upon reaching them, he held out a hand, took Koani’s, and kissed her smartly upon the knuckles before squeezing her fingers and dropping her digits from his grasp. “Nice to see you, Koani, Codat. Lovely morning, yeah?" the arden spoke, and he feigned interest in the sky above before looking back at the duo. Only they were privy to the mischievous glint in his eye as he added on, “So, Ms. Grader, how did you sleep last night?"
The air on deck was warm and fresh. Due to the lateness of the morning, there were many individuals already about. There were sounds of cheerful conversation and laughter mingling in with the rolling sound of the ocean. Koani partook in some idle small talk with a few individuals as they made their way past her. She had even been invited to a small luncheon that a few of her colleagues in the fibre industry were holding. She'd given them a tentative maybe which they had seemed fully satisfied with. The Grader had even touched base a little bit with Vythe. Well, they had exchanged a glance when she had noticed him talking animatedly to the kugsuem. The arden was obviously too busy to talk to her at that moment. Something was obviously up. Vythe had made a small gesture that could only mean that he wanted to talk to her later. Of course, Koani was in no real hurry to exchange words with him. Not too long after, Koani picked Plicae's handsome face up out of the crowd. He was wearing a dark and flatteringly cut suit. It was his shirt that caught the thill's attention though. She had always been a bit of a sucker for pattern and the playful tartan design on Plicae's shirt was no exception. Another thing that she couldn't seem to ignore was the slight limp in the arden's step. Codat seemed to pick up on Plicae's ailment too, for when Koani glanced at him, there was a playful light in his eyes. As Plicae took her hand and gently kissed it, Koani's face wore nothing but a friendly, albeit somewhat smug, smile. Codat tilted his head in greeting to Plicae. The guard too was wearing a smile, although his was more mischievous in nature, much like the glint in Plicae's eye. “Lovely morning indeed, Plicae. Don't you look stunningly suave today," the Grader said in response to Plicae's amiable greeting. “Sleep though... you know how ships are. All that rocking. It took me a time, but I got to sleep eventually. Slept quite soundly actually. But then there was this morning. I ended up spending a lot of time in the bathroom. I drink a little too much from time to time, you know? How about you? How did you sleep? I noticed that you were walking a little strangely. Did you have an incident?"
“You look excellent yourself," Plicae replied to Koani’s compliment on his appearance. “Oh… I slept all right. I drank a little too much as well. It was worth it, although in my tipsiness I think I rammed rather hard into something. That’s why I have that mild limp you noticed. I’ll be okay though." Despite the lewd innuendoes in his speech, the lukuo was able to maintain an amiable and relatively innocent smile. After he was done speaking, he crooked his arm at the elbow and then offered it to Koani, with a seemingly platonic intent to escort her. When the thill had grasped onto his arm, Plicae then began to guide her along the deck, chatting animatedly as if they really were just two co-workers that had happened upon each other quite spontaneously and weren’t, indeed, secret lovers who had been fooling around just moments prior. “How does a late brunch sound to you?" he asked, walking slowly as he enjoyed the warmth and sunshine of the open deck. Plicae momentarily glanced over his shoulder to smile at Codat, who was trailing the pair. “We could talk about business, and kids, and stuff… maybe we’ll even see another councilperson or two and get further acquainted. And," he added on, lowering his voice and leaning downwards to whisper in Koani’s ear, “we can make bets on which one of them will figure us out first. A financer pitted against a lawyer, should be some good fun." After he’d hissed these quiet words into the Grader’s ear, Plicae straightened and continued to stride along the deck, his manner suave and laidback as he nodded and exchanged greetings with several passerby.
Walking out of one of the large dining halls on the cruse ship Malvin had his elbow entwined with his wife has they made there way down the side of the ship. His mate Kyrillus, whose bright yellow and blue pelt contrasted his neutral shades of brown made them an odd match on the quiet deck. Brunch had just finished in the hall so the couple had decided to talk a short walk around the deck; Kyrillus was smiling broadly as the made there way down one side of the extravagant ship. Every now and then Malvin would point out some of the power figures in society and she would nod alone taking all the information in. It wasn’t often that she found herself surrounded with so many known pendragons. Since his wife had gotten fairly sea sick at the start of the trip it had only been the last few days that Malvin was able to travel around the deck with his mate. It had been a while since they had spent so much time together and it seemed like the cruse may have found a way to bring them closer together and save there marriage which was close to hitting a brick wall. So it appeared that everything was working out fairly well for the older couple. Since Malvin had been in a good mood that morning he was now sporting a pale green buttoned, long sleeved shirt and light dark green pants that where well suited for the weather. It was rare for him to be seen without a suit and tie on whenever he left his own house. Kyrillus herself was wearing a nee length pale blue dress and matching flip flops making her appear young then her ripe age of 50. Looking further down the port side of the ship Malvin spotted Koani being escorted about the ship by some one he had seen before, at a second glance he was pretty sure that it was one of the new council members who he had been briefly introduced to before. Since the beginning of the curse Malvin had only had some short conversations with the rest of the council members and was still trying to memories all there names and position. He told his wife that he’d like to introduce her to someone and started to steer her in their direction hoping that the two of them wouldn’t mind his intrusion. “Good morning Koani and…Plicae if I remember correctly, I hope you two have been enjoying this trip as much as we have." He smiled and nodded at the two of them. “I just thought that I’d come over and introduce my wife, Kyrillus."
<center><table width=350 bgcolor="#000000" cellpadding=5 cellspacing=0 style="border:1px solid #408bc4;"><tr><td background="http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c249/miseryx/attop.png" height=198></td></tr><tr><td><div align=justify><font color=white style="font-family:verdana; font-size:10px; line-height:10.5px;"><font color=#244e6f> <div align=center></div> I kind of... erm... rambled on. Sorry. :P Whee. My 50th post. <div align=center></div> Sprawled out on the plush bed in his spacious suite, Crail Medhsjyta decided to snatch a few fleeting hours of sleep. Ah, but it felt good to close his eyes and let the stiffness and rigidity seep out of his weary limbs. His pillow was still somewhat damp, as he’d showered last night, but the sheets were so crisp and clean... it was just so wonderful. Perhaps, if he wasn't interrupted this time around, he'd sleep all morning just like th - -well, what do you know? An interruption. Reluctantly, he pried open one sea-colored eye, and gave a grunted curse. One that sounded rather like the German word for "eight". He opened the other eye. "Oh, faugh. Whaddayawant..." he moaned. Blearily, he blinked into the darkness before shoving hard with his paws and tumbling gracelessly out of bed, jet-striped limbs tangled in the crisp white sheets with a surprised yelp. Caisen Leym, head of the Medhsjyta’s bodyguards, hovered above, bowed over with bouts of hysteria. He pressed a black-checked paw to his orange muzzle, muffling his laughter. "Iyo'ja ty vommi!" he laughed. Baring his fangs for a moment in a feral grimace, the bedraggled ‘dragon spliced his muzzle wide in a fang-adorned yawn and stretched stiffly, splaying his forelegs before him and tugging backward, arching his back. With a rumble of faint displeasure the mottled rockstar forced himself up. “Sorry I woke you," said Caisen. “ but you have to get ready." Even though it was eight o’clock, and he wouldn’t be needed until several hours later. He stepped into the washroom with a shirt of sueded cotton in paw, striped with pale blue. It was a beautiful choice: a straight collar with signature metal collar stays; interior velvet-lined cuffs; thick alabaster buttons. He emerged looking rather dashing, straightening his collar and cuffs. A silver-chained choker hung tight around his neck, and on each of his wrists, he wore a pair of bracelets of studded black leather. A red-tipped black bang hung in front of his face, giving him a roguish and handsome appearance. Well, if he could get any more handsome. He’d sprayed cologne on his wrists; he held scents of a sensuous and sparkling masculine aura of marine notes, fruits, herbs and woods; he captured the essence of paradise. He wore baggy black cargo pants; they were so covered in pockets, he swore he could’ve stuffed half the ship in them. He watched the television for a long while, sitting next to Caisen. He glanced at the clock when it was eleven, and got up out of his languid and nonchalant position. Swinging open the door, Crail stepped outside onto the dock, Caisen following him. His red and white guitar was slung over his shoulder by a studded strap. The varicolored arden peered ahead, squinting slightly in the sun. The band was scattered across the deck, casually talking to tourists and government officials alike. But he was the one who turned heads. The sun glinted on his coat: his pelage was a sleek tan marbled with a slightly darker shade of gold, brindled with ivory creams, tawny sands and rich golds, flaring with browns from chocolate to auburn and every shade of black- from jet ink to the shadows of midnight to the sea of hoary ebony in which the celestials swim. Undercoat was mostly consisted of tan. Sleek crania was topped with a pair of densely-furred sonars, their shade brown, pricked with black, hoops and studs littering the erect appendages. Pierced into his right eyeridge were two small silver hoops, studded with glinting diamonds and dark sapphires. Tresses fell in straight black locks tipped with red, cropped right above his shoulders. Along his nape and spine ran a thick, chocolate mane in furred spikes. Optics glowed the color of shaded sea- a dark aquamarine. The arden's paws were dipped in chocolate, the last knuckles on his digits white. Tail was thin, stretching from muscular haunches and tipped in a reddish-orange flame. Crail was built thinly, but every inch of him was rippling muscle. Corded sinew ran down his back and arms, musculature crooning through his haunches and sinew-coated hind legs. Curling across his left cheek was a crimson serpent, tongue extended, fanged jaws gaping. Almost imperceptibly, the stalwart male's eyes widened. Just before they went blank. And what he saw, or who he saw, rather, confused and beckoned him utterly. For the female was a slender, petite creature, a diabolical smirk adorning the loveliness of her features. The smirk was unnerving, possessive, confident, and Crail found himself ensnared. Koani Grader. The male, on the other hand, had a more stalwart appearance. And he knew that just as Saila had been his goddess, the aqua-and-violet seductress was the goddess of the Luoko. Without preamble or fanfare, Crail stepped into their line of vision, and it was plain that he offered no sign of rancor or rage. He was a powerful creature of magnificent stature, but he held himself with an odd sort of reluctance...as if he was not completely comfortable with dealing with them, they were so powerful. And so, in respect the mottled arden lowered his muzzle, dipping it cordially and lifting his baritone voice to carry towards them with ease. He bowed deeply before straightening back upwards, addressing them with the politeness they were due. "Exotic lady of burnished amethyst and richly spiced gold, stalwart lord of sun-hued titian and unblemished onyx, I know you not..." he paused. “Ms. Grader and Mr. Decutar, I believe. The name is Crail Medhsjyta." He took Koani’s gold-whorled paw in his own and kissed it gently before returning it to its owner, smiling softly to reveal pearlen canines. He heard footsteps behind him: it was Malvin Jethro, Councilor of Commerce, and a thill who was apparently his wife. “Mr. and Mrs. Jethro... a pleasure to meet you. I’m Crail Medhsjyta." </div></td></tr></table><center>
Codat tried to stifle a snort. He was finding the wordplay going on between the Grader and the Decatur a little too unbearable. His muffled noise was met with a level gaze from Koani. Codat coughed, shrugged his shoulders apologetically, then spoke up. “If it'd be alright with you, I'd like to take a momentary leave," he said. Codat wasn't sure how many more of their shrouded remarks he could endure before busting up completely. “Certainly, certainly," Koani returned with a rather absent gesture of her hand. “Though, I really don't know what you're finding so funny." Successfully excused for the time being, Codat moved off to the sidelines as Koani's attention fixed itself back upon Plicae. “I know exactly what you mean concerning ramming into things. I mean, I bet you'd be surprised by the amount of–" Koani's sentence was cut off as Codat erupted into laughter not too far away from them. She paused, her eyes lingering on her tan and black pointed guard. He was doubled over and holding his stomach as he laughed. Quite a few passer-bys had stopped to stare at him. He seemed to be a ways away from collecting himself just yet. Koani shrugged nonchalantly and pushed Plicae back into their casual walk. “Strange guy. I think the ocean's getting to him. Some people just don't seem to have the inner rhythm for it. Unlike you and I. You seem to have all the right motions. Very sea worthy indeed." Koani's speech was again peppered with innuendos. “I feel that a late brunch would be rather nice. It'd give us a chance to catch up on the more quainter things. I'd like to think that I'm not here entirely for business." Before Koani had a chance to reply to Plicae's further whispered words, the two of them found themselves in the company of another. At first Koani was at a loss as the brindled arden caught her eye and approached. She had a very distinct feeling that she felt that she knew him, yet for one reason or another she couldn't seem to procure his name. How could she have forgotten someone who dressed and looked so glamorous? It seemed rather unlike her. Koani casually released herself from Plicae's arm as the arden addressed the two of them in rather painterly terms. Then who he was dawned on her. They had never met before, yet Koani was familiar with his collective name – Killswitch. The Grader allowed her hand to be taken and kissed. Around the same time, her left hand found her skirt. A little playfully, the thill curtsied. The rich black material of her diagonally cut skirt flaring out slightly as she did so. “I think you're flattering me, Mr. Medhsjyta. We're well met though," she said with a benevolent smile. Then her blue-green and pink tainted eyes noticed some more familiar forms just beyond Crail. It was Malvin Jethro and his blue swathed wife who Koani really hadn't seen around much since the beginning of the cruise. “Good morning Malvin. I can't speak for Plicae, the poor guy's been ramming into things, but I know that I've certainly been enjoying myself. It's a pleasure to meet you Kyrillus. Actually, I had been wondering just who the pretty creature on Malvin's arm was before. I'm glad that I've finally found out."
Plicae had just finished swapping friendly greetings with a random kiom when he heard Codat’s stifled snort. Lifting a brow, the tall arden glanced towards him, and listened as he excused himself with Koani’s permission. Though he appeared baffled about the bodyguard’s laughing fit, there was an amused glimmer in his eye and the slightest curve at the corner of his mouth. Unlike Codat, Plicae knew how to keep it cool and contained, and so there was not much more indication of his wily ways. With Codat a short distance off and busting up into yet deeper laughter, Plicae and Koani continued to stride along the deck. He smiled amiably but rather innocently as she spoke, and his tail flicked behind him in keen interest. While the lukuo appeared to be nothing but a mild mannered sweetheart, he did have his roguish side, and he was appreciative of the thill’s naughty innuendos. He would have matched her witticisms with more of his own. However just as he opened his mouth to speak, an arden abruptly approached them, his appearance glamorous although it paled in comparison to his greetings. As the strange male took Koani’s hand and kissed it, Plicae looked on with vague interest. He then nodded politely, an action that caused some of his multihued bangs to flop in his face. He easily corrected this with a backwards jerk of his head, and he offered a polite smile and an outstretched hand. “Yes, nice to meet you, Crail," he purled in his deep voice. “I don’t think he’s too far off base with those flowery descriptions of you," he then added on, turning his head slightly towards Koani despite their proximity. The Dyo sun glinted off his eyeglasses, hiding the mischievous and unmistakably affectionate light in his colorless gaze. Before the Grader could reply to Plicae’s words, two more pendragons approached them. The lukuo recognized his fellow councilperson, Malvin Jethro, although he’d never seen the other arden’s wife. He regarded them with a quaint smile and nodded his head, before stretching out his hand again, this time to his fellow councilor and his vibrantly hued wife. “Morning, Malvin," he said politely, and there was a laugh in his voice due to Koani’s innuendos. “Nice to meet you, Kyrillus. Have you two just come from brunch? Koani and I were just heading to the galley for a late one, ourselves. Just to talk and such. If you haven’t already eaten – or would just like to sit – you’re more than welcome to join us. You, too, Crail. It’s always nice getting to know people."
Seeing the young outrageously clad arden approach the other council members Malvin remained silent for a few seconds as he placed a name to the face. He smiled at him as he address him and if wife, almost surprised that he was able to place his name, but not completely since it seemed almost everyone knew at least everyone face on the ship. It was a gathering of who’s who of Ramathian politics and well known ‘dragons. Just yesterday Malvin was sure he had seen one of Ramath-lehi biggest actors hanging around the dinner buffet. “It’s a pleasure to meet you too Crail Medhsjyta." Malvin responded in kind to the singers greeting. His wife in turn also said ‘hello’. Looking at the way he held himself and spoke made the councilor of commerce feel old. Usually he didn’t try to dwell on his ever changing age. Although he didn’t know much about the music scene on Ramath-lehi at the moment he had heard about Crail on the ship. Looking back to Plicae and Koani, Malvin smiled jokingly. “Ramming into things? I guess all you lawyers have an aggressive edge, eh?" He reached out and shook the male lukuo’s hand, Kyrillus smiled at the two and let out a soft giggle at Koani’s compliment and made a limp wrist gesture at the other female. “You flatter me Ms. Koani, I’m nothing much to look at. I’ve also thought you were to be flattered, always looking so nice when they plaster you all over the news paper covers. I don’t know how you do it." She smiled lighting up her some what girlish appearance of someone who had seen better year. Ever since Malvin had received an important position in the government Kyrillus had made an effort to keep up with any of the world going on. So seeing Koani’s face show up here and there was too uncommon. At the suggestion of brunch Malvin looked at his wife for her reaction. She smiled and shrugged meaning, ‘why not?’. “Yes, we were just returning from an excellent brunch but we’d love to join you for the rest of the morning. No urgent business to attend to here." He put his arm around his wife shoulder and pushed his not-yet-so grey hard to the side with his other hand. He then glanced over at Crail, waiting to see if he would also take them up on the offer.
<center><table width=350 bgcolor="#000000" cellpadding=5 cellspacing=0 style="border:1px solid #408bc4;"><tr><td background="http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c249/miseryx/attop.png" height=198></td></tr><tr><td><div align=justify><font color=white style="font-family:verdana; font-size:10px; line-height:10.5px;"><font color=#244e6f> <div align=center></div> *pets neglected thread and gets bitten for her trouble* This completely passed my mind- I’m so sorry I haven’t replied in so long. <div align=center></div> “Exotic lady of burnished amethyst and richly spiced gold, stalwart lord of sun-hued titian and unblemished onyx, I know you not..." The silence following Crail's words was a pleasant, subtle counterpart to the elaborate salutations he had spilled forth, and he was thankful for its gentle duration. Contentedly, he allowed himself to retreat into the embrace of quietude, one moment melting into the next with the easy and elusive passing of time. Now the sultry and spirited Koani slipped silkenly before him, appearing unto the foreground with all the graceful simplicity and strength of her presence. As her gaze flickered like a whisper of aqua and rose flame over his form, he found himself warmed from within, and was again stirred with a feeling he understood to be fervent respect. "I think you're flattering me, Mr. Medhsjyta. We're well met though." Her voice was the voice of an enchantress. Crail tried her name out mentally. It suited her, the exotic nuances of those syllables spreading like spiced wine over the tongue. The mottled arden's piercing sea-colored gaze drew away from Koani and sidled over to Plicae. And then the lawyer’s voice caressed the zephyrs once more, drawing the rock-star’s attention. The ocean-blue gaze that was Crail's undisputed trademark touched upon Plicae' onyx-painted form again and cautiously sought to meet the other's of ice blue in silent understanding. "Ah...I’d love to join you all- It would be great to get to know you better. And I haven’t had a bite to eat all day," he purled. The arden quirked a pierced eyeridge, good-hooded eyes half-lidded at Plicae’s risqué innuendoes. His words contrived a half-grin to curve up the one corner of his handsomely-chiseled muzzle and to produce a quiet laugh. With a blurred swivel of crania, the mottled arden turned to Caisen, murmuring something in his ear. Swinging his precious bi-colored guitar of one arm in a single, fluid motion, he handed it to Caisen, who took it with a curt nod before turning back to the quartet. </div></td></tr></table><center>
(repost) In contrast to Plicae's amiable smile, Koani wore a small smirk. It was apparent that she was highly amused and in a rather good natured, yet devious state of mind that was rather becoming of her. “Flowery? Oh, I suppose... What an interesting world the one of flowers. A life of glorious colour, soon followed by the stigmata of decay. If you have the stamina, you'll eventually get the stigmata it seems. Life is definitely too short sometimes." Although Koani's words appeared to have a somewhat morbid quality to them, the smirking smile never left her face. She wanted to break down into laughter just like Codat had moments earlier. Unlike him though, Koani had trained and tuned restraint. Living in the world of politics had turned her into a bit of an actor. Sadly, she even found the process of lying quite easy. Although blatantly lying was something that Koani often attempted to steer clear from. Telling the truth on a daily basis certainly was beneficial. There was a lot less risk of accidentally tripping over and getting caught by one's own web of lies. Koani returned Kyrillus' smile a grin of her own. There was a ring of truth to the Grader's words. “Oh no, I was being quite sincere. There's a difference between flattering and sincerity. I don't just give away undeserved compliments. The media though... another story completely. I don't think I'm even going to inquire as to what photographs you're referring to. Sometimes I think it's a wonder that I'm not blind. I don't know how my people manage it either. Media coverage on this cruise is at an all time low. Thankfully. We just hired a few photographers and journalists in order to document the event of course. However the paparazzi crazies that did manage to sneak through? I get Vythe to toss them overboard." Koani followed this with a small laugh. Vythe wasn't exactly known for his hospitality or sensibility, so it was rather difficult to determine whether or not she was joking.
The pleasantries had been exchanged and the invitations extended. It seemed that Malvin and his wife were keen on the idea of joining Plicae and Koani for brunch, and Crail, too, seemed eager to accompany them. It was with a gamely smile, then, that Plicae indicated the nearby galley with his head, and then began to pad towards it. He wanted to hook his arm around Koani’s again, but she was a few feet away from him now, having slipped into the central spotlight of this little group rendezvous, and he did not think he could smoothly reclaim her. Hence, instead, he cast her a secret smile and then moved forth, leading the small group of pendragons towards the smell of breakfast confectionary. Once inside, the tall arden easily enough located a table that would accommodate their group. It was round, with eight chairs positioned around it. As the others filtered in, Plicae stretched out an arm and laxly placed it on the back of one chair. Koani, amidst the others, arrived, and the lukuo suavely drew out the chair and offered it to her. When the willowy thill had sat down and gathered her skirts around her slender legs, he then gave her a slight push towards the table and claimed the chair beside her, though he was careful not to look too endearingly at her or grab her hand in a brief squeeze, as he was wont to do. They had arrived in relative silence, but once everyone was seated, Plicae glanced around the table with a pleasant smile, then leaned forth on his elbows and folded his hands under his chin as he glanced around at their company. It was a fairly variable crowd, especially considering Crail, and the arden was eager to get to know them. He wanted to ask Malvin and his wife everything about themselves, and even ask Crail some information about his musical hobbies. He would, of course, also include Koani in the chitchat, and maybe learn a little about her, too. She was the most interesting thing to him at the table, at the very least. However, even as Plicae opened his draconic muzzle with intent to speak – in fact, he was going to very belatedly address the subject of paparazzi and the imagery of Vythe tossing unwanted cameramen overboard – the dark male felt a finger tap against his back. Quickly, he turned his head around, the swiftness of his movements causing his multihued bangs to drape in his face. He reached up a slender hand to brush them out of his eyes as he then looked up and saw two figures hovering over him. He recognized them both though he wasn’t personally acquainted with either – it was the councils Refsto Hydrus and Nyri. “Sorry to interrupt, but could we borrow you, Plicae, Koani?" the lime colored Nyri purled. Plicae glanced at the thill next to him when she, too, was addressed. His eyebrows shot up with curiosity, and they exchanged a perplexed look, but then they stood in tandem and followed the two ardens away from the brunch. Plicae was quick to assure the others left behind that they would return shortly. “Is something the matter?" Plicae was quick to ask once Nyri and Refsto had escorted him and the Grader out of earshot and, in fact, out of the galley as a whole. They were standing close to the railing a ways up the deck, and the lukuo could distinctly hear the crashing of water against the cruiser’s sides and smell the salty sea water as the boat plunged forth through the ocean blue. “My daughter’s okay, right?" “Relax, my friend," Refsto said, speaking up for the first time. He gave Plicae a rather devious smile, though it was suavely set in his shrewd face. “We just drew you aside as a favor. The food’s bad, but the company you were keeping is even worse. We’re saving you from several grueling hours of idle small talk." Nyri was also grinning, and he nodded and cut in. “We know," he said, rather simply, and with a wink from him, he and Refsto smoothly exited the scene. Just before they slipped out of earshot, Nyri turned around and added, “We’ll tell them you had to attend a brief and unexpected press release about ship detailing. We hope you’ll take advantage of the beautiful day, then." And with that, they slunk into the galley – likely to tell the group that Plicae and Koani would not be returning – and out of sight. “What the, er," the dumbstruck lukuo said, turning to gaze at Koani. He was completely puzzled. What was apparently so wrong with spending time with Malvin, Kyrillus, and Crail? Nyri and Refsto had subtly implied that they were boring… And then they had even more vaguely indicated that they somehow knew what was going on between the Decatur and the Grader. This caused Plicae to shift his weight uncomfortably even as he stared openly and confusedly at the thill. “Well, what do we do now? They’ve probably already told them that we’re not going to return, and to be honest…" He trailed off for a moment, and gazed out over the liner’s railing. The day was warm, and beautiful. Suddenly, he had no appetite, and no desire to be stuck inside a galley swapping gossip with his fellow councilors. He just wanted to take advantage of the day – and spend time with Koani now that this sudden and peculiar opportunity had been provided to them. “What do you say we do something totally juvenile," he proposed abruptly, a mischievous glimmer entering his colorless eyes even as the sunshine sparkled off his spectacles, “like steal away and make out like a pair of lovesick teenagers?" To accent his words, he daringly – although there was nobody around where they were standing – reached out a hand and slid it suggestively along Koani’s hips, before letting go and awaiting her reply.
