Private Tales The Stars, the Stars, the Stars

[Faye Valimir]

Faye had to keep her teeth sinking into her lip to keep from smiling too wide as he followed her down to fhe cellar. It was lit in torch light, on the last hour of light, but enough to put out light to allow her to navigate the genrous room. There was a door thay led to the wine cellar, but the rest of the space imitated a bedroom, among other things.

Opening the door to the cellar, she gestured for him to step inside. A sconce was already lit from her previous venture down here, so the shelves displaying bottles were visible.

"Please, take your time and choose one." She said, turning to take a seat on the made bed. Faye would wait to see if he would look around the room and notice the oddities. She was grinning, as if a cat playing with a mouse.

"Find anything interesting?"

 

[Talorgan]

Talorgan had his eyes on the wine shelf. He had to reach in to slide a bottle out to look at its label. He looked at just one before glancing over his should at Faye.

He did a small double take.

"Why is there..."

He almost dropped the bottle as he slid it back into the shelf. His gaze went from the bed to the walls.

"Oh. Oh."

She did manage to cause a slightly blush. Talorgan was lost for words for a few seconds. He felt his own breath tighten, suddenly affected by his imagination filling in the blanks.

"So...the parties are real then..."

 

[Faye Valimir]

"Best you get a taste of what to expect at one of Juny's parties " She nodded at the wall nearest to him, where a collar was chained to the wall. "Not a lot of men like to see these decorations. I wonder if they think they are not enough... they don't see the fun and adventure to be had."

That was what it was for her. The exploration, the fascination. Enjoyment to be had.

"I thought you would appreciate getting a glimpse on a small scale before a party. I was invited to one in a week's time if you would..." The woman arched an inquisitive brow at him, waiting to see what he would say.

She would not blame him if he marched back up those stairs.

 

[Talorgan]

"Best you get a taste of what to expect at one of Juny's parties " She nodded at the wall nearest to him, where a collar was chained to the wall.

Talorgan made a small noise. He tried to sound thoughtful, but it came out with a slight croak.

"Fun and adventure..." he murmured.

He gave a shake of his head to clear it.

"Sorry, I'm standing here a little shocked instead of talking to you," he said. His gaze was slowly dragged away from a wooden piece of furniture that was clearly for someone to be thrown over.

"So the plan is that we briefly attend a formal event, then go to a private party? Although I imagine they start late so we could get some food first. Keep up appearances."

"Alright. Let's do that," he said. "But, let's, er, why don't you tell me what everything here is for?"

She would notice the slightest tremble in his hand as he lifted the last of his wine to drink.

 

[Faye Valimir]

From that night, Faye had found how easy it was to talk to Talorgan, and therefore she had been quite patient to answer his questions. She had informed him of the things she kept hidden in the cellar, and shortly after, witha another bottle of wine brought up, they had migrated to her kitchen where more talk happened. She had told him memories of her father, about the lessons he had taught her, and of the mother she barely remembered for she had been young when she passed.

It was an evening where they shared vulnerabilities and dreams, for if they wanted their ruse to be believed, they should be comfortable around one another.

And so, over the next week, each day Talorgan would appear at her door and offer her his arm. They would walk through the Palace District, sometimes going to the pub for a meal where many would see them. They certainly had been noticed, for many people went out of their way to greet the supposed couple and walked away whsipering to their friends.

But tonight was one of utmost importance.

The week had gone by quickly, and despite the friendly banter between herself and Talorgan, how she dressed tonight was to be to the utmost perfection. She had an entire wardrobe of gowns, gifted by clients in favour of appreciation of her glassworks. Faye donned a dress a dress of a deep emerald, one that looked simple in silhouette but the fabric stunned at all angles. Her hair had been curled into a knot at the nape of her neck, allowing all to see the embroidery at the bodice.

"I have heard rumours, Miss Valimir, that you finally caught the eye of someone... special." Mused Lord Carenn.

Faye gave him and his accompanying wife a small smile. "It is nice to make new friends, is it not?" She deflected.

 

[Talorgan]

This time Talorgan had to share the family coach with his older brother Lyrrander.

"Isn't it nice that your brother has started to court someone?" his mother said politely.

She wasn't truly interested in Talorgan's life. She would get her hands on port and would vanish into the event with the other family matriarch.

"Yes a local glassworker. Lovely," went Lyrrander. He didn't seem particularly interested either. He had his sights on a worthwhile marriage and saw his younger brothers antics with wild human tribes as bringing down the family reputation.

Talorgan rolled his eyes. He was wearing a dark green cravat that was tucked into his tunic. They had decided that a slight color match would make the point that they had made plans together.

"At least he is in the city for another week," Talorgan's father grunted.

As soon as the carriage pulled in, Talorgan made his swift exit. Free from his family, he took solace in one minor bit of formal socialising and he could escape it for some time.

He took a glass of wine and meandered through the crowd, looking for Faye.

 

[Faye Valimir]

"Will you keep working in your workshop once you marry?" Asked a lady that guided Faye through the party, arms laced together. She peered up at Faye, who was taller than most women present and still insisted on wearing her heels.

"It is a Valimir tradition that must live on." She replied swiftly, knowing that this was always her freedom. If she were to truly marry, her trade was to never end. The Valimirs have always been artisans in Thanasis, and she was not going to let that end with her.

Her companion made a soft sound, as if agreeing and approving aloud was a shameful thing, but Faye could see that the lady admired the glassmaker for her clear values.

"It is much too early to speak of such a thing. I am simply enjoying where things take me." The same thing she always spoke off at functions like these, even without a courtship. "Besides, I do like a man willing to learn somethi—"

But the words fell from her lips as her eyes spied him. She couldn't helo but smile, for she almost laughed loudly at how Talorgan was dressed to perfectly compliment her dress. The lady, she could not remember her name, caught on and murmured about leaving them be.

Faye, released from taking a turn about the room, curled her arms around Talorgan's leaning in to whisper, "I fear I may not be able to take us seriously in front of this crowd." She chuckled, grinning widely. Most will think she was truly lovestruck and not at all amused their ruse caught on so quickly.

 

[Talorgan]

His visits to the city were usually tedious affairs. Talorgan had a few friends who liked to hear of his trips. There were a handful of scholars who liked to categorise the flora and fauna of the wilds who would take his sketches and stories and document them.

Part of him wanted to rebel against the conformity of the event. Thanasis has swelled it's wealth by loaning dragon riders to the cities far West. This was a display of that wealth, gained by burning foreign soldiers to a crisp.

But Faye looked quite stunning as she stood patiently waiting for him. It was all supposed to be a ruse to make their lives easier. Talorgan was still nervous about where they would be going later, but part of him knew how he would see her. He wanted that very much. More than he felt he should have.

Talorgan only smiled a little as he balanced those thoughts in his head. He took in the faint shimmer of her gown and dipped his head. He took her hand.

"I will try," he mused. "Are we taking a little walk and then meeting for our first and last dance?" he asked quietly.

Would people expect to listen in our their conversation? He hasn't prepared to construct fake conversations for passers-by.

 

[Faye Valimir]

"I fear it may take a few dances tonight to satisfy the rumour mill." She said lowly, being sure to smile softly as if their whispering was something sweet. "Three dances tonight. If we are to take a break, if I were to go get a refreshment, then I expect you to keep looking for me as if you could not bear to have me out of your sights..." That was the love her father had for her mother. They were the stories he told a younger Faye whenever she was restless, and listening to his memories of her mother always pulled her out from her thoughts.

"A couple of hours and then we are right to take our leave." Her hand squeezed his, as if a secret had been passed between them. It was good fortune that Faye had no other invitations for the rest of the month concerning attending a party of a patron, that after tonight she could properly begin her holiday. She had a friend out in the country she could stay with, or even her aunt's home so she could be present for her cousin's birthday... But should she extend the invitation to Talorgan to visit her? Their ruse was fresh and new, and even if they were not in the public's eye, they needed to make it known the two were smitten.

 

[Talorgan]

Talorgan hadn't considered this as putting on an act and a show until he was here in the crowd. He wasn't the centre of attention; there were far too many political games going on. He still felt like they were being watched.

He didn't notice, but the way he appraised her outfit convinced the immediate onlookers. She was effortlessly elegant in her dress. He didn't notice and he had realised how his own thoughts and feelings had crept up on him in just a week.

"I suppose I can manage a couple of hours. You promised to defend me later and we'll shield one another now," he whispered.

"Shall we go for a dance and then you can refuse all offers as I look distressed?"

 

[Faye Valimir]

Faye could not help herself as she gave a laugh in response to his words. She looked up to him, smilely strongly. "Truly, I would love to see you play jealousy as some rich prat tries to entice me to dance."

They both came to a stop by the refreshment table, and wine was prepared for them. Faye dropped her hold on his arm, noticing that he gave a comforting warmth the moment her side began to cool from distance. "If I were cruel, I would accept an invitation to dance. Should my gaze and mind be distracted that I pay no mind to my dance partner... and find you smouldering in the crowd..." Good, gods. There was much too fun going into this ruse. Suppose it was inevitable as their friendship sparked this past week. Talorgan met her with patience and respect, and she returned the same favour.

"Will we look forward to seeing you take Miss Valimir onto the floor tonight, my lord?" A nosy lord amd lady stepped towards them as the lord picked up a glass to hand to his wife. "What a match you two make."

 

[Talorgan]

"Erm..."

Talorgan had imagined a smooth performance that would please Faye. Unfortunately he was far more comfortable out in the wilderness. He talked at length with a few good friends, but not with strangers.

"Thank my lord," he said quickly, offering a slight bow of his head. A noble lord had offered and compliment and he had to behave appropriately.

"We thought we would... Yes... Go for a dance later."

The lady took the glass of wine with one hand and covered her mouth with the other. The lines around her eyes betrayed her amusement.

 

[Faye Valimir]

Faye stifled the laugh she wanted to let out, but indeed she was surprised to shield Talorgan by stepping forward a half step to put the attention on her. She knew she was pretty, that had been told to her on many occasions, but it was the charisma she wielded that commanded those nearby that drew their attentions.

"A quick refreshment and then we will be joining the floor. Although I am told the gardens are quite beautiful here. Have you seen them before?" And so easily, Faye commanded the conversation until they were left alone after sufficient small talk. She turned to face Talorgan, wicked smile quirking at her lips.

"Look at it this way. A couple of hours of torture and then the rest of the evening spent in bliss." She winked, getting closer to him but reached to get herself a glass of wine. "It will be a slow dance, just mind your footing." Faye winked at him.

 

[Talorgan]

"Might trip over bodies?" he asked, twisting her meaning.

In just a moment he was back to being at ease talking with Faye in private. The little smile was visible to everyone around them. He managed to cement the ruse without even trying.

"I can dance you know," he added.

Everyone had lessons from a young age in his family. It was just a part of life.

Talorgan decided not to drink another glass of wine. He led them towards the sound of music.

There was a small group playing a rebec, a drum and some accompanying percussion. The floor moved to quite formal steps. At the edges of the hall prospective noble children under the age of twenty fidgeted nervously.

 

[Faye Valimir]

Faye could not stifle her smile, her eyes widening in amusement. "It is remarkable how much you remind me you are noble when I have seen you with paints smearing your body and barely proper dress." She clicked her tongue, but it was hard not to miss that she was in high spirits at that moment. These events have been quite monotone, in her opinion, that having someone accompanying her proved to be fun. If not for Talorgan, she would have to invite another next time she attended a soiree.

"Well? Has your family made any... comment on our courting?" She inquired in a low voice. The whispering between them only garnered attention, and it was no hard feat for them to fake interest in another. Even if this was growing into strong foundations of friendship, Faye was enjoying getting to know Talorgan.

 

[Talorgan]

Talorgan smiled before feigning an indignant snort.

"I should say something that sounds poetic about choosing the outside over the indoors life of a noble, but I am starting to enjoy myself tonight. But I'm glad you liked seeing me that way."

He glanced around them, only to pick a route to draw them close to a table. They were just beyond the ring of people watching the dance floor.

"My family took some notice at least. My mother is quite happy about it all. My father is just glad I've not got off to run around the wilds covered in paint..."

"...any remarks from your social circle?"

 

[Faye Valimir]

Faye shrugged a nonchalant shoulder. "They do not truly care for such a thing... but truthfully? No. Only in this society." Those that cared for more information, to be the founder of new information to spread amongst the noble herd. "Besides, if it truly takes a turn, I am enjoying the quiet for now."

For she knew how to navigate such attention and conversation. She had to learn due to the clientele she had curated, but Faye had always had a gentle manner about her.

"A few months and we will be forgotten about. We would have accomplished what we hoped with our ruse." She smiled, watching the swirls of skirts and spinning couples going about the floor. "Perhaps an expedition into the wilds to mark the occasion?"

 

[Talorgan]

He should have guessed that her real social circle - not the high society she infiltrated to sell her wares - wouldn't have cared much about the rumours.

After she had shown him her wine cellar, he had to imagine there was a level of trust in that community.

Reminding himself that he was going to see some of that world tonight, Talorgan had to bring a finger up to loosen his collar.

"Why not, we could head out and find... Oh. Did you mean should we dance now?" he asked, thinking he had missed a joke.

 

[Faye Valimir]

Her smile twitched. Truly, the awkwardness Talorgan showed was an enlightening side of him she had come to known, for their first encounter he had been gruff and a man on little conversation. Now that he was in an environment where he was not one to thrive in, the way he handled it greatly amused her.

Faye placed a hand on his shoulder, chuckling. "No, no. Not yet. I have not finished my wine." Entering the foray of dancers too soon would only tire them out. Using her hand to balance, she tilted closer to him to whisper. "Shall we take a walk around the room if you are feeling restless waiting?"

It would be a night of nerves for him, but she was not so cruel as to make him suffer. What sort of friend would she be to do that?

 

[Talorgan]

"Fine here," he replied. "I thought you were referring to the dance floor as the wilds. Would have been a good joke actually."

He felt a slight flutter of nerves that was nothing to do with the dance. It was a simple gesture for her to lean in close, but he could feel her breath as she spoke.

"Is there anything in particular you want to bring back to the city?" he asked.

He was feeling less focussed on the mission at hand. His imagination was straying into the rest of their evening. Into territory he hadn't explored.

 

[Faye Valimir]

Her brow quirked.

She withdrew from his close proximity, but still close enough to sell the illusion of fancying him enough to court. "Do you mean wine?" The smile did not die from her painted lips. "Other than you, I was thinking that we simply head on over Juny's as is. Unless... you wish to change attire?"

Talorgan would be surprised to learn he would not stick out so much at such a party dressed as he is now.

 

[Talorgan]

"I hadn't thought about that," Talorgan said.

She would see the hint of nerves in the corner of his eyes. It had felt very far away when they had spoken about it. For a while, he had thought she had been winding him up about the reality of the parties. That was even after she had presented him with the real evidence in her cellar.

"Won't we be a little over dressed?" he asked.

"If you said straight there I suppose we won't be! If you've finished your wine, shall we take a little dance?"

 

[Faye Valimir]

It would be rude to down the rest of her drink, but if she had to be honest, she had taken a glass only to keep herself busy. She took a generous sip once more before placing it on a table and smiling at Talorgan. "We will not be overdressed. You know Juny, she would love nothing more than to show off the home she has." And all the finery within it.

But Faye did not explain to him much of what to expect, for it would be a more tasteful affair than what he probably envisioned from the gear she showed him in her own home.

"Now, take my hand and let us have our first dance in our courtship." It took a considerable amount of effort not to laugh or stray from the pleasant smile she kept up, still wearing that mask of being smitten by the Lord's son.

 

[Talorgan]

"But of course," he said politely.

The last song came to an end with a little flourish on the drum. The rebec player started a little interlude for people to get ready for the next number.

Talorgan took Faye's hand. He glanced down at it and smiled. She had taken over his thoughts since her explanations in the wine cellar.

Talorgan seemed to be putting on the perfect act, slightly hesitant in anticipation and smiling as he settled a heavy hand at her waist. He didn't look delicate like the new pairings that joined them on the floor. He still had the look of a bulky man who had been squeezed into a formal tunic.

The music started and off his left foot her drew Faye with him. It was a dance for couples, but it wasn't a slow tempo. Skirts wished as each couple turned around one another and circled the floor in the same direction.

 

[Faye Valimir]

Talorgan was a surprise on the dance floor. Her surprise came in the form of the softest smile on her lips as her eyes holding his gaze as they moved across the floor. His hold on her was sure, anticipating the next steps with ease that it showed her he was indeed instructed well on dancing to lead with such confidence.

He spun her, and Faye got a glimpse of the crowd watching the dancing, watching them. They were mesmerised, watching the courting couple step out onto the floor for the first time.

Faye turned back to face Talorgan, as every man on the floor approached their partner to continue the dance to the swell of the music. Talorgan did not look like every other nobleman here. He looked like a warrior dressed for a different battle.