The Arrangement (Duelist 925 & Chiarra)
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		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Bondage, D/s, S&amp;M =&gt; Bondage: Exotic Solos =&gt; Topic started by: Duelist925 on 20-06-2013, 10:12:47</h2>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>The Arrangement (Duelist 925 &amp; Chiarra)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>20-06-2013, 10:12:47</strong>
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				Somehow, simply by sitting, the young man projected a palpable aura of annoyance, anger, and bitterness. <br><br>The youth was clad in fine silks of a dark green primarily,through it was accented with gold cloth along the hems. THe green itself was of no one color--it shaded from one hue to the next throughout, well matching the wild mane of hair that surrounded his face. The gold accents rather reflected his eyes--a deep gold where they should be white, with a slit pupil. Not a humans eyes. His hair appeared to be black, but closer examination revealed it to instead be a green so dark it appeared black. <br><br>The servants fluttered around him, none quite settling near him as they flit here to there, readying themselves for the important dinner. Tonight was a profoundly special night--a night to end a war before it ever started. <br><br><br><div align="center">__________________________</div><br><br>Her own ladies in waiting moved around her like birds--annoying, nagging, flapping birds. Tonight was the night she was to be given away. And she didn't even know. All she knew was that tonight was a particularly important dinner with an envoy from the Dragon kingdom to the west.&nbsp; <br><br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Arrangement (Duelist 925 &amp; Chiarra)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>20-06-2013, 18:53:36</strong>
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				<div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide</div><div class="spoiler_body"><div align="center">(http://www.ewallpapers.eu/w_show/red-haired-fantasy-girl-1440-900-7660.jpg)</div></div></div><br>Melody sighed softly, just wondering what this important dinner was about.&nbsp; She knew it dealt with a dragon, because an envoy had come from their kingdom in the west.&nbsp; It had to be something about the impending war.&nbsp; Perhaps father was trying to make peace with them, exchanging terms for a treaty perhaps?&nbsp; She was dressed in one of her fancy blue gowns. (http://img0108.popscreencdn.com/156699486_medieval-renaissance-gown-dress-costume-blue-wedding-2x-.jpg)&nbsp; She made her way down to the dining room and cocked her head to the side when she saw the only seat available was next to a stranger whom she assumed was the dragon envoy, that was sitting on her father's right hand side.&nbsp; She curiously moved next to him and gracefully sat down next to him.&nbsp; She got terrible vibes from this creature, vibes of anger, annoyance, and bitterness.&nbsp; She wondered if her father would ever be able to negotiate a treaty with him that he would find acceptable.&nbsp; Unbeknownst to her, she was the treaty terms.
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Arrangement (Duelist 925 &amp; Chiarra)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>21-06-2013, 04:11:20</strong>
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				At her fathers left sat a man who looked somewhat similar to the male she sat next to. "Ah, you're lovely daughter." He said with a smile, glancing over her curiously. This must be the envoy--he seemed far more amiable and diplomatic than the youth next to her.&nbsp; This male had a touch of grey to his hair, and wore dark black silks over his frame. The one at her side glanced at her, his strange eyes catching the light. The sight of her seemed to annoy him further--he shot the other strange eyed male a dagger glare. <br><br>Then he turned to her, saying, quite calmly and politely, "A pleasure, madam. I am Varenal. " He offered a hand, kissing hers gently. "Thank you for gracing us with your presence. " <br><br>Her father was, oddly enough, not looking at her. Very specifically no looking her in the eye. Curious. <br><br>"So! Business before the no doubt exquisite dinner your chefs will have prepared?" said the other male. "Or would you prefer to discuss it whilst we eat?" He asked her father. 
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Arrangement (Duelist 925 &amp; Chiarra)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>21-06-2013, 04:23:36</strong>
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				She felt the younger males gaze on her and she looked at him, he just seemed even more annoyed by the sight of her.&nbsp; What had she done?&nbsp; Their eyes....they were so strange looking and they unsettled her a bit.&nbsp; She reached over to shake the older man's hands, who seemed much more polite than the younger one and strangely enough they looked similar....relatives perhaps?&nbsp; "The pleasure's mine," she said cautiously when he kissed her hand.&nbsp; "I'm Melody."&nbsp; She looked over at her father, wandering if she would be able to get a hint from him, but he just wasn't looking at her.&nbsp; In fact, he was looking everywhere else, but her.<br><br>"Let's get it done now," her father, Robert, said.&nbsp; "Don't want anyone choking on their food," he mumbled under his breath, hoping his daughter hadn't heard him, but she did and she just looked at him funny.&nbsp; "Shall I, or do you want the honors?" he asked Varenal.
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Arrangement (Duelist 925 &amp; Chiarra)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>21-06-2013, 04:36:50</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				There was a distinct pause in the air. "...You haven't told her?" Said the youth. There was poison in his voice. He stood abruptly, his chair falling back, and he was glaring at the other two males. "Bad enough that my arm was twisted into this...farce! But at least I made a choice to go along with it! You haven't even told the girl she's being used as gods be damned payment?!" He spat at the pair. The male who shared his eyes, at least, had the grace to look embarassed. Somewhat. <br><br>Before anyone could respond, he turned and bowed to her. "My deepest apologies." He said, suddenly calm. "I had thought you had been made aware, as I, and given some choice in the matter. You and I are to be wed--an arranged marriage between our peoples, to strengthen diplomatic ties, and to hopefully put end to the quarrels and skirmishes that have been flaring up of late. " <br><br>He paused. "I apologize--to you, and you alone" And here he shot a venemous glare at the other two. "--for my outburst. I hold you no ill will in this matter. Especially now that your...lack of knowledge concerning it comes out." He righted his chair, and sat down. <br><br>The other gold eyed male sighed slightly. "Not an auspicious start to the dinner, I admit...but at least now she knows." He said calmly. <br><br>...At least now she knew why he was fuming. 
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Arrangement (Duelist 925 &amp; Chiarra)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>21-06-2013, 04:51:11</strong>
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				Haven't told me? she thought.&nbsp; Then, when he continued, her eyes widened in shock.&nbsp; Payment?&nbsp; She looked between the three of them, standing up.&nbsp; "What is he talking about?" she demanded.&nbsp; Then he turned to her and apologized.&nbsp; Then, when he actually explained, she grabbed onto the table and sat.&nbsp; Married, to a dragon!&nbsp; Wh....why couldn't they come up with some other way?&nbsp; Why marriage?&nbsp; "Marriage," she whispered.&nbsp; "Why didn't you tell me," she told her father, clearly angry, but she wasn't yelling.&nbsp; It would have at least given her time to prepare for it, mentally.<br><br>Her father said nothing, just ordered for the food to be brought in, still not meeting his daughter's eyes.&nbsp; When her plate was set before her, she just glared at it, pushing her food around, but not eating.&nbsp; "When is the wedding?" she asked, figuring they had already decided on that as well.&nbsp; For all she knew, it was even tonight, or maybe tomorrow night.&nbsp; It took everything in her to control her anger.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Arrangement (Duelist 925 &amp; Chiarra)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>21-06-2013, 05:16:08</strong>
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				The other draconic male looked even more ashamed for a moment before his expression cleared. He glanced over at Varenal. "Well...we were hoping--" <br><br>"A moon from tomorrow." Said Varenal, cutting him off with a glare. "It is a dragon tradition that the...couple...spend a moon together before the marriage proper. And I will keep with that tradition, at least." He paused. "Unless there is some tradition of your people that I should be aware of before our wedding?" He seemed odd. Raging at the other two, yet utterly calm, polite, and gentlemanly to her. "I understand some human cultures require they not see one another on the day of, or must spend a week apart beforehand,or some such." He was pointedly ignoring the other two males as the food was served. The entree was served--a light salad, served with a curiously tangy sauce.
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Arrangement (Duelist 925 &amp; Chiarra)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>21-06-2013, 05:28:48</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				She nodded, he was right in their traditions.&nbsp; She was at least grateful the wedding wasn't happening immediately.&nbsp; Still, that was approximately a month from now and she would have to start spending time with him immediately.&nbsp; She sighed softly, her mind racing with what she had just learned.&nbsp; She pushed her food around a bit more before actually managing a bite.&nbsp; The sauce on her salad however, was....weird.&nbsp; It didn't taste bad to her, but not good either.&nbsp; She personally didn't know how she felt about it.&nbsp; She just didn't think much of it.&nbsp; It wasn't bothering her as much as the news she had found out was.
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Arrangement (Duelist 925 &amp; Chiarra)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>24-06-2013, 06:48:06</strong>
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				He remained mostly silent throughout the meal, speaking rarely. After the main course - a venison steak, marinaded in some curious mixture of spices and flavorful liquids, with a side of spiced potato weges - the other two excused themselves from the table. They would take their desert elsewhere, and discuss diplomatic measures, while letting the gold eyed youth and his bride to be to...get to know one another. <br><br>The desert was brought out, and the dragon actually managed a smile. "Ah...sorbet. " He murmured. "Do you care for it, madam?" he asked as the bowls of the frozen fruit treat were brought out. "It was a rare treat for me as I grew. " He dug into a bowl of the orange stuff with relish, oddly disconcerting considering his earlier behavior and outburst. He ate a few spoonfuls, before turning and eyeing her for a moment. "...I really can't imagine what you must be thinking of this whole situation..." He said quietly. 
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Arrangement (Duelist 925 &amp; Chiarra)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>24-06-2013, 16:53:08</strong>
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				The main course, she liked a lot more than the salad.&nbsp; It was so flavorful and tasted wonderful, even with some of the spices and liquids she didn't recognize.&nbsp; &nbsp; When dessert came, both of their fathers excused themselves from the table and left the two alone.&nbsp; She grew much more nervous now.&nbsp; "Yes," she said.&nbsp; "I rather like sorbet."&nbsp; she started to eat it, trying to think of what to say to him.&nbsp; Well, this couldn't get any more awkward for her could it?&nbsp; &nbsp; Then he spoke again and she sighed, looking down at her food.&nbsp; She felt hurt, betrayed, angry.&nbsp; How could her father do this to her?&nbsp; He promised he would never do anything like this to her, and look what he just did.&nbsp; "It doesn't really matter, does it?&nbsp; It has to happen so..." she shrugged a bit.&nbsp; She left it at that, not really knowing how to finish that statement.&nbsp; "My feelings aren't really important on that matter."
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Arrangement (Duelist 925 &amp; Chiarra)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>24-06-2013, 19:08:41</strong>
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				He quirked an eyebrow at her. "Your feelings are incredibly important in this matter. It is still, after all, your choice--none can make you marry me against your will. It's again our laws, and I rather hope its against yours."&nbsp; He sighed slightly. "When I first heard I was the one chosen for this, I raged for months." He admitted, looking down at his desert. He growled softly. "I ripped enough trees out of the forest near my lair to provide firewood for the village for a year or three. I was incredibly angry, but..." He sighed. "I knew it was important." He shrugged. <br><br>"If you...do not wish this, or have any reason to deny it, then you should say--and I will not marry you." He said quietly. "I refuse to force anyone into such a position...especially someone who's just found out about it. " He shrugged. "I would advise you to think of it...over the next month, if nothing else. 
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Arrangement (Duelist 925 &amp; Chiarra)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>24-06-2013, 19:17:32</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				She listened to him and sighed softly, relieved a tiny bit that he did think her feelings were important, but they wouldn't really make a difference.&nbsp; She could understand his anger, though she wasn't nearly as angry as he seemed to have been about it, and probably still was, but to her it was justified.&nbsp; But...this had been planned for months?&nbsp; "No," she said.&nbsp; "Unfortunately, it's not against our laws.&nbsp; In fact, I would have had an arranged marriage either way, but I was promised to have some say in whom I married from the few men my father picked out.&nbsp; Now though, that seems it's not going to happen."&nbsp; She sighed softly.&nbsp; She knew this was important.&nbsp; It would give her father a very strong ally to fight with in any upcoming wars.&nbsp; Not marrying him though, would cause a war that could have been avoided.&nbsp; "No," she said.&nbsp; "I'm not calling it off.&nbsp; I understand the importance of this wedding, but...I just wish I was told before now."&nbsp; She just picked at her desert now, not really eating it.
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Arrangement (Duelist 925 &amp; Chiarra)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>25-06-2013, 07:44:57</strong>
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				He blinked in surprise at being told of their laws, and the term "arranged marriage" caused an eyebrow to raise. <br><br>"You are..." he paused, searching for the words. "Amazingly calm about this. I had expected more...screaming. Swearing. Throwing of fragile objects." he quirked a slight smile. "You are far more politically minded than I was when I was first told of my own role in this..." <br><br>He sighed slightly as she continued. "I do wish you'd been told as well.&nbsp; It's wrong to spring this on you like this...." He growled slightly, a strangely deep sound that didn't fit his frame. "At least we'll have some time to get to know one another before the wedding itself. " He had nearly finished his own desert, watching her eat hers. "With luck, we won't annoy one other, or drive eachother insane." He tried for a light tone, aaand...pretty much failed
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Arrangement (Duelist 925 &amp; Chiarra)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>25-06-2013, 08:01:18</strong>
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				"It is not very lady like to throw tempers," she stated, now putting her spoon down, no longer interested in the sorbet.&nbsp; "You're right," she said.&nbsp; "At least we do have time to get to know one another."&nbsp; Though she did hope they would at least be able to tolerate each other.&nbsp; She noted he was finished eating and she stood up gracefully.&nbsp; "I need some fresh air," she said.&nbsp; "Care to join me?"&nbsp; They might as well start now, no harm in it.&nbsp; "So," she began.&nbsp; "Tell me about yourself."
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Arrangement (Duelist 925 &amp; Chiarra)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>30-06-2013, 02:16:54</strong>
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				"I suppose not. Especially considering the...customs here." He shrugged slightly. He stood as she did, nodding. "Lets. " He said calmly. "The air will do us both good. " <br><br>As he walked with her, he mused thoughtfully. "I'm not sure what would be appropriate to tell..." he murmured. "I enjoy hunting. Carving, to a point. Some painting. I've been debating creating a personal garden." He said with a slight shrug. "I offer protection to a medium sized village at the base of my mountain. I think your people would term me a Lord, based on that. " He paused. "I have rather nasty temper at times." he admitted. "As you likely saw tonight." He said, a touch dryly. <br><br>"What of yourself? Any hobbies?" he inquired. 
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Arrangement (Duelist 925 &amp; Chiarra)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>30-06-2013, 03:11:56</strong>
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				She simply nodded and walked outside with him.&nbsp; She bit her lip softly as she listened to him.&nbsp; Painting and a garden?&nbsp; That sounded...so not like a dragon, she thought.&nbsp; She was surprised.&nbsp; Though she wasn't really fond at the thought of having to live in a mountain, or really flying since more than likely that's how she would have to get to her new home.&nbsp; She wondered if he could be convinced to live here though, since he would be king, but more than likely, he would want what he was used to.&nbsp; Also, she hoped she wouldn't be on the receiving end of his temper, ever.&nbsp; "I read," she said, in answer to his question.&nbsp; "And I do like gardens."&nbsp; In fact, that's where they were headed now and since it was late at night, fireflies lit up the place and it was just beautiful to her.&nbsp; She sat down near some tiger lilies on a stone bench.&nbsp; "These are my favorite," she said, touching one of them delicately and sighing softly.&nbsp; It was then she realized just how boring her life was.&nbsp; There wasn't much else she did, except..."I can also play the harp," she said.&nbsp; "And the piano.&nbsp; Mother insisted that I learned them and I do enjoy playing them."&nbsp; She could also sing, but she didn't like for people to hear her, though they said she was good, she was embarrassed of her voice and only sang in private.
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Arrangement (Duelist 925 &amp; Chiarra)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>03-07-2013, 05:12:20</strong>
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				"I hope I can convince you to like mine."He said with a slight chuckle. "I'm afraid I'm not a very good gardener so far...bare dirt." He said with a shrug. He quirked an eyebrow. "What do you read? Histories, tales?" He inquired curiously. <br><br>At the mention of her musical abilities a strange smile spread over his face. "I hope you'll play for me sometime." He said quietly. "Skillfully played music is a rare treat for me."&nbsp; He looked around the garden as they entered, staring in fascination at the fireflys, and the moonlit blossoms. <br><br>He sat next to her, looking at the flowers she touched curiously. "I've never seen these before...what are they called?" He said quietly, reaching down to touch the flower as well. 
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Arrangement (Duelist 925 &amp; Chiarra)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>03-07-2013, 05:33:45</strong>
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				She couldn't help but chuckle a bit herself when he mentioned the garden he "grew".&nbsp; "My mother grew this garden," she said.&nbsp; "She always said that flowers are like people and that they need to be nurtured to grow.&nbsp; They need care and attention and love."&nbsp; She blushed a bit when she realized what she was saying and said, "I'm sorry.&nbsp; I shouldn't have...I read tales and poems."&nbsp; She was quickly moving onto the next subject, not wanting to linger on the previous one.&nbsp; "And I do love listening to the stories that the bards sing when they come in."&nbsp; No doubt, they would have a few for their wedding.&nbsp; Her father would probably go through the trouble of making it one enormous, fantastic event to make it up to her.<br><br>When he asked if she would play for him, she blushed a bit and bit her lip.&nbsp; "I may," she said.&nbsp; She would just have to work up the nerve.&nbsp; What he said next, made her feel even more nervous to play for him.&nbsp; Would he like what she played?&nbsp; She scooted over a bit when he moved to sit next to her and watched as he touched the flower as well.&nbsp; "Tiger lilies," she answered him.&nbsp; "They come in different colors too," she said.&nbsp; "Not just orange.&nbsp; See..." she said reaching out to some white ones and pink ones.&nbsp; "These are Tiger lilies too, but the orange ones are my favorite.&nbsp; What's your favorite flower?" she asked him, curiously.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Arrangement (Duelist 925 &amp; Chiarra)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>06-07-2013, 19:10:22</strong>
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				He snorted. "No, no need for an apology." He said with a chuckle. "It is only the truth, after all." He smirked slightly. "I imagine it'll continue to be bare dirt for a while longer."&nbsp; <br><br>He quirked an eyebrow. "I wonder what you'd make if dragon bards. They can be...." He paused. "Forceful." He said with an odd little inflection to his tone.&nbsp; He shook his head. "Admittedly, it depends on which form they are singing in...." He mused thoughtfully aloud. <br><br>He sat next to her, offering her a slight smile. He did rather hope she'd play for him.&nbsp; Eventually. "I hope so." He said quietly. "I always intended to learn something of music, but I've never gotten around to it..." He said. <br><br>He looked down at the flowers, lightly stroking ones petals. "They're lovely, aren't they? I'll have to see if I can get any to grow..." He paused, regarding her thoughtfully for a moment "If I had to pick...I'd likely say peach blossoms." He shook his head, chuckling. "Simple flowers, but they are lovely. Either them, or cherry blossoms..." He mused. "I don't think cherry blossom trees grow here, do they?" He inquired. His eyes met hers, and he sat very still suddenly, staring into her gaze, before abruptly looking away, back down at the tiger lillies. 
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Arrangement (Duelist 925 &amp; Chiarra)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>06-07-2013, 21:11:34</strong>
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				She smiled again at him and looked down at her lap.&nbsp; "Dragon bards?" she asked, looking up at him.&nbsp; "I would like to hear one."&nbsp; She wondered what they would sound like...if they were forceful.&nbsp; She couldn't really picture it.<br><br>When he mentioned wanting to learn music, she smiled a bit.&nbsp; "I...I could probably teach you," she said a bit shyly.&nbsp; "I don't know if I would be a good teacher though."&nbsp; After a few moments she asked, "Perhaps...I could see one of your paintings?"<br><br>she watched as he stroked one of the petals and smiled softly.&nbsp; "I don't see why they wouldn't grow in your garden," she chuckled softly.&nbsp; "I haven't seen cherry blossoms before," she said.&nbsp; "So no, I don't think they grow here."&nbsp; She looked back in his eyes and bit her lip softly.&nbsp; When he looked away, she looked away too, back in her lap.&nbsp; "Um...I could play for you now if you want," she said.&nbsp; The harp was in the garden, so it wouldn't bother her to play for him, but she wouldn't sing.&nbsp; She led him a bit to a pavilion in the garden that had her harp and she sat down at it and took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves, before she started to play.<br><br>It was a soft song, very melodic, and enchanting.&nbsp; She had a harp in her room that she played, in private.&nbsp; This harp, when her mother was alive, was played almost everyday.&nbsp; Now, it's only played when Melody was out here alone.&nbsp; When the song came to an end, she sat there a bit, not really sure what to do and she was nervous about what he thought.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Arrangement (Duelist 925 &amp; Chiarra)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>20-07-2013, 04:48:15</strong>
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				"I'll see if I can arrange it while you're visiting my home." He said, offering her a slight smile. "Though I should warn you, they aren't always pleasant to listen to--dragon bards rarely cut out the more...gory of details, and sometimes tell very strange stories." <br><br>He paused at her offer. "You could?" He seemed interested by the idea. "I...would like that, I think." He looked away at her request tho. "Aheh...well. Perhaps when you visit you can see some of my scribbles. I'm afraid none are exceptionally good however..." He said with a self deprecating little chuckle. <br><br>"Mmm...The village at the base of my mountain holds a festival every year when the blossoms bloom. Thats actually coming up fairly quickly...perhaps we could attend it?" He suggested lightly. "I know I would enjoy taking you...and who knows, perhaps we could introduce Tiger Lillies to them." He said with a smile. <br><br>He stood immediately at her offer to play, offering her his arm to escort her where need be. "I would greatly enjoy that..." <br><br>He sat and listened, eyes closing through the performance--not asleep, simply concentrating on the music.&nbsp; When she finished, he was silent for a few very long moment, before blinking his eyes open. For a second, they looked almost trance like, before he wiped at them with his thumb. "That was...beautiful, Madam." He said quietly.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Arrangement (Duelist 925 &amp; Chiarra)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>20-07-2013, 06:42:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She smiled back at him, thinking that soon, she they would no longer be visits and she would live there.&nbsp; She just couldn't wrap her head around the fact she was to be married.&nbsp; She sighed softly to herself before she payed attention to what he was saying.&nbsp; She grimaced a bit, just wondering exactly what gory details they don't leave out.<br><br>She smiled at him and nodded, but noticed he looked away when she asked to see his paintings.&nbsp; "I think I'll be the judge of that," she said, not wanting him to put himself down.<br><br>"Really?" she asked.&nbsp; "A festival?&nbsp; I love festivals, I would love to see it," she said, getting a bit excited.&nbsp; She blushed when she realized that and calmed herself down.&nbsp; "I mean, I would love to go," she said in a much calmer voice.&nbsp; She bit her lip, a bit embarrassed at how she had let her emotions get the better of her just then.&nbsp; "And I will have to bring some to them," she said.&nbsp; She did however, notice how he stated the village was at the base of his mountain, she wondered what his home was like and was afraid they were going to have to fly.<br><br>While she played, the music soothed her and also made her sleepy, on top of it already being late as it was.&nbsp; She refrained from yawning however, not wanting to seem bored with her own playing, though she wasn't.&nbsp; When the song was over, she blushed at his comment and looked over at him.&nbsp; "Thank you," she said.&nbsp; "I'm glad you enjoyed it."&nbsp; A wind blew through the garden just then, causing her to shiver slightly.&nbsp; It was growing a bit chilly.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Arrangement (Duelist 925 &amp; Chiarra)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>21-07-2013, 20:52:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He chuckled wryly. "Perhaps. I hope you are a kinder judge than my own sense of beauty." He shook his head with a laugh. <br><br>He nodded. "Aye, a festival--it celebrates renewal, and the beauty of the changing seasons." He smiled. "Lots of games, excellent food, plays and music competitions...ah, it's a fun time. At the end of the month, if I remember correctly." He smiled. "You might even want to play something..." He suggested lightly.&nbsp; "We'll go while you're visiting." <br><br>He smiled at her at the end of her playing, sighing slightly that it was over. "I did...I enjoyed it quite a bit." He said softly. He paused, seeing the chill touch her. He stood, and slid his silk jacket off, draping it round her shoulders. "Here..." He said calmly. <br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Arrangement (Duelist 925 &amp; Chiarra)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>21-07-2013, 21:28:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She chuckled a bit at him and said, "We'll just have to wait and see."<br><br>It sounded so much fun, though it was at the end of this month, that was coming up rather short.&nbsp; This month was already about halfway over with, meaning halfway through next month they were to be married.&nbsp; When he mentioned that she could play something, she shook her head.&nbsp; "I don't really like playing in front of others," she said blushing a bit.&nbsp; "My mother always told me that I was wasting my talent, but..." Melody herself never saw any talent herself.<br><br>She smiled and blushed a bit when he said he did enjoy it.&nbsp; Then, suddenly, she felt something warm being draped over her shoulders.&nbsp; She smiled and looked up at him.&nbsp; "Thank you," she said.&nbsp; "Varenal," she began.&nbsp; "Will the wedding take place here, or where you are from?" she asked.&nbsp; She hoped here so that she would have a bit more time to stay here until she had to move into his mountain with him.&nbsp; "You're...lair isn't too high up is it?" she asked a bit of fear could be detected in her voice.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Arrangement (Duelist 925 &amp; Chiarra)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>29-07-2013, 22:58:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The green silk shimmered under the moonlight as it settled over her shoulders. He tilted his had. "Why so? You do so exceedingly well..." He shrugged. "Ah, but it is your choice." He shook his head. "I do wonder how they will react to you..." he mused quietly. He hadn't intended on her to hear that though...<br><br>He tilted his head curiously. "Neither. " he sighed slightly, voice taking on a testy air as he began to speak, seeming to quote someone "The wedding will take place in a neutral location, likely some town on the border between the two nations, to remove any hints of favoritism to either side, and prevent further tensions." He rolled his eyes. "Or so my companion told me on the way here." He said. He shook his head. "I'd be happy with it occurring nearly anywhere, so long as a few traditions are kept. " He said with a slight shrug. <br><br>He quirked an eyebrow. "High? Parts of it are. My lair is within a large mountain--parts of it span from below the earth, to the tip of the mountain itself. Are you...do you fear heights?" He asked delicately, hearing that little spark of fear in her tone. "Much of my lair is closer to the earth--partly for ease of access to the villages I protect." He told he. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Arrangement (Duelist 925 &amp; Chiarra)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>30-07-2013, 06:11:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She blushed a bit and said, "I...just don't really like playing in front of others is all.&nbsp; Maybe I will one day, but not any time soon."&nbsp; She was glad that he had liked the performance however, she would probably play for him but no one else.<br><br>He seemed testy about her question, but the answer didn't really bother her.&nbsp; It did still feel surreal that she was suppose to marry and though now she had come to terms with it, getting a chance to get to know him before the wedding helped, she still wasn't going to let her father off the hook.&nbsp; She didn't know how, but she would get him back for not telling her about this sooner.&nbsp; "As long as I have access to both places," she said.&nbsp; "I don't mind where it takes place."<br><br>She blushed and nodded in answer to his question. "I'm glad it's not so high up then, I should be able to handle it."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Arrangement (Duelist 925 &amp; Chiarra)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>11-11-2013, 06:26:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I hope that you do." He said gently. "Your music is...." He shook his head. "I cannot think of words for its beauty."&nbsp; <br><br>He chuckled. "You should see the view from some of the higher rooms though..." He smiled. "My mother crafted a room high in the mountain, with a wall of cut crystal glass, enchanted for strength. It catches the sun set perfectly, and when a storm rages, it offers an unparalleled view." He smiled at her. "Often I enjoy reading in it while the storms blast and rage." <br><br>He hummed softly, seeming lost in thought for a moment. <br><br>"....Melody...." He said quietly. "You do know that dragons have...more than one form, yes?" He looked at her thoughtfully. "This is my human form. But it is not my only one. " After a momentary pause, a thought...."Would you like to see my draconic form?" He asked softly. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Arrangement (Duelist 925 &amp; Chiarra)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>11-11-2013, 06:38:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She blushed at his compliment, smiling happily.&nbsp; "I will most certainly play for you however."&nbsp; That, she could do.&nbsp; She had already done it.<br><br>She listened as he described the room his mother had made and it filled her with a sense of thrill.&nbsp; She wanted to see it, but...she doubted she would get too close to the wall looking out.&nbsp; "It sounds amazing and beautiful," she said.&nbsp; "I would like to see it."&nbsp; She thought about it some more, trying to picture it as she listened to him hum.<br><br>Then he spoke up about his different form and she nodded and bit her lip.&nbsp; She knew he had another form.&nbsp; He had to, otherwise he wouldn't be a dragon, just another human.&nbsp; Then he asked if she would like to see it and she blushed a bit.&nbsp; She didn't know why the question made her blush, but it did and she did want to see it.&nbsp; Slowly she nodded, and then added, "I would."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Arrangement (Duelist 925 &amp; Chiarra)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>14-11-2013, 05:41:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He smiled. "I appreciate it...and look forward to hearing more." He said with an easy grin. <br><br>"I will show it to you." He chuckled quietly. "Perhaps we will get lucky, and a storm will alight while we spend some time within. He was smiling much more readily now, seeming to relax around her. No long as stiff, as formal, as he had been before. It was a change of pace from the overly polite courtesan he'd been. <br><br>He went slightly still as she answered, and nodded slowly. "...Please, do not be frightened." He said quietly. "I will not hurt you, no matter the form I take. " With that, he stepped to the edge of the hanging garden, looking down momentarily--before hopping over the railing, and plunging down out of sight. That was. Uh. Unexpected. <br><br>Seconds later, a massive talon-ed paw grasped the railing--and the balcony--gingerly, and an enormous, vaguely reptilian head came into view. It was slender, long, scaled a bright silver, with catfish like whiskers trailing from either side of the tip of the muzzle. Enormous eyes regarded her--the head as a whole was as larges as her torso, if not larger. <br><br>The dragon heaved itself up and over the railing, seeming to grow smaller as it did so. It's body was long and winding, serpentine, and scaled as the head, a beautiful silver, with a white underbelly. A mane of dark green fur thatched the neck, and it held the same eyes his human form did. <br><br>It paced round her, settling down like a cat perching, and regarding her calmly. "This is as I am." It said. It's voice was deeper, with a strange echoing timbre to it....
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Arrangement (Duelist 925 &amp; Chiarra)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>14-11-2013, 06:04:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She watched as he got up and headed towards the edge, wondering what he was doing and then gasped when he jumped off the edge.&nbsp; She got up and started to head towards it when she saw the claw and then his head.&nbsp; Her eyes widened at the sight.&nbsp; He was huge!&nbsp; She was almost frightened by him as he peered at her with his large eyes.&nbsp; She backed up to where she was sitting before and sat down again, watching as he crawled into the garden once more, getting smaller as he did so and she wasn't as frightened of him anymore.&nbsp; When he paced around her, she watched and stared at his beautiful form and couldn't help but awe at him as he spoke.<br><br>Carefully, she reached her hand down towards his face.&nbsp; Gently she touched his silver scales, stroking it and feeling the difference in his scales and his mane.&nbsp; Then she blushed, realized what she was doing, and stopped.&nbsp; "I'm sorry," she apologized, realizing that she must be invading his personal space.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Arrangement (Duelist 925 &amp; Chiarra)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>14-11-2013, 18:01:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				His eyes closed at her touch, head butting up against her hand almost like a cats. There was a deep rumble as she touched and stroked the scales...was...was her <em>purring?</em><br><br>His eyes flit open when she stopped, and he chuckled, a like someone rolling a steel drum. "Why?" He eyed her with an odd smile curling his draconic lips. "I hardly mind. " He turned his head fully towards her, slithering it forward until it was inches from her face. "This will hardly be the last time we...touch. " He said. It was likely meant to be a whisper, but...dragons weren't built for whispering. Heh. <br><br>He nuzzled her cheek gently, before settling down again, presenting his head. "Besides...it feels good when you stroke behind the ears." A hint of laughter in his voice now. He was teasing her, a little. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Arrangement (Duelist 925 &amp; Chiarra)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>14-11-2013, 23:19:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She blushed a bit and didn't know how to answer that.&nbsp; It was obvious he didn't mind, she just felt it was...intimate and something she wasn't allowed to do.&nbsp; He was right though, they were going to touch more often, but that didn't stop her from blushing the way she was.&nbsp; She smiled though when he nuzzled her cheek and chuckled at his last comment as she reached over and started stroking his scales and main again, wanting to hear him purr some more.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Arrangement (Duelist 925 &amp; Chiarra)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>24-11-2013, 07:29:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Oh he purred--it was like if a cat had been grown to the size of a pony, with just a hint of a hiss every now and then. His head arched against her touch. It was rather adorable, the way his eyes closed in bliss as she found <em>just</em> the right spot to scritch. His scales were oddly smooth, his hide scaled somewhat like a snake or a fish, with the scales laying flat in a backwards pattern. His form was curled loosely round her, twitches undulating every once and awhile along it. He even had scaled eyebrows below a set of deer-like horns. <br><br>A pointed ear twitched as he sighed, reluctantly pulling his head away from her hand. "Mmmm. " He looked away. "I would appreciate if you did not...er. Tell anyone of this. It's...somewhat...embarrassing." He said carefully. Ah...a bit of a sensitive subject in dragon society perhaps? He did not pull away further though, staying loosely curled round her. "I hope my form does not frighten you?" He said with an odd smile as he looked back at her. Though, perhaps it wasn't odd--perhaps it was simply a&nbsp; dragon smile. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Arrangement (Duelist 925 &amp; Chiarra)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>24-11-2013, 20:21:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She chuckled a bit as he purred, rather enjoying it really.&nbsp; It was cute to her, but she dare not tell him that.&nbsp; No doubt that would embarrass him further.&nbsp; "I won't," she told him.&nbsp; Instead of scratching him again though, she reached out to touch the tips of his horns, to see if they were as sharp and pointy as they looked.&nbsp; Thinking they weren't, she pressed a little too hard and pricked her finger a tiny bit.&nbsp; She gasped and pulled her finger away, examining the small drop of blood on her finger.&nbsp; She sighed and shrugged a bit, thinking it wasn't that bad and it was then that she yawned, starting to feel a bit tired.&nbsp; It was getting late, but she wasn't ready to go to bed yet.&nbsp; She was enjoying her time with him.
			</dd>
		</dl>
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