The women engulfed them like the sea amidst a hurricane. Tempus's saw them approaching, but they flooded in so quickly he was left sinking into the unforgiving waves of questioning. He'd just been enjoying Eryx's company, even raising a glass with him in honor of their new partnership, when this assault of shrill voices sent all sense of joy from the German's face. These insufferable creatures... He didn't<i>hate</i>women, but he certainly hated<i>these</i>women. The unforgiving pressure in his chest only waned when the chirping had ceased and the crowd of breasts had retreated. He felt like he could breathe once again now that he and Eryx had some space. There weren't words generous enough to express his gratitude to Eryx and his defense of Tempus's ability to answer for himself. He was even more grateful to see how well Eryx got rid of the assault team. Shaking his head, he gave the jockey a wry smile. "Let's just say... if death had a persona, it would be a woman."<br/><br/>There was a deeper meaning in his words, but one that would remain with him. "Anyway, bad personal experiences aside, I enjoy those who are more masculine and self-sufficient. I've seen women I admire and could be attracted to, but men hold my desire in a less conditional way." A sense of comradery was forming, growing from seeds of honesty and openness. Even though there were things Tempus's couldn't dream of sharing with a mortal, he still craved the deeper connection that came from speaking his mind and sharing his true opinions. To be able to do so, and more importantly to be accepted... He found peace. In moments he shared like this, he didn't feel the same nagging fear that time... Time was going to move on without him someday.<br/><br/>With thoughts cast aside in favor of enjoyment, Tempus devoured every but of food on his platter until there was nothing left but scant traces of spices, oils, and juice. He'd also finished off his tankard, and the room itself fell into good spirits and merriment as servants enjoyed the treat of an abundant meal of extravagance. Despite his usual charm and sociability, Tempus felt so worn out from the work of the day that he wanted little more than to go curl up somewhere cool and sleep until morning. It didn't help his lack of energy that he'd utterly stuffed himself to the near point of bursting.<br/><br/>Dark hair and greedy eyes drew his gaze up to see a young man across the room staring at him. Rather than looking away to feign it was only glance, the stranger simply keep watching him, his eyes practically undressing the handsome new toy that had been brought in. Tempas glimpsed a night of rough sex and gutteral groans, but nothing about it seemed fulfilling. He didn't think it worth pursuing. "Well, I don't know about you, but I've had my fill for the night." Of being oggled and objectified... He shook his head and stood, collecting his dishes to clean up after himself as seemed proper. "I'm utterly exhausted. Are you near ready to retire?" He didn't want to be clingy... But letting Eryx out of his sight was something he only wanted to do out of necessity. "Perhaps I can tell tales of Heaven and the afterlife in our leisure time should it ever come. Although I hate to dissapoint by saying I don't share the same religion you might be thinking of."