The Silver Queen [AU]

[NPCs]

Oh? I would not have thought one such as yourself to be content with such... restrictions," Olocarym says with faint disbelief. 

[Isabela]

"Freedom does not mean being common property," she laughs. "A woman has a right to choose who she will indenture herself to."

[NPCs]

"Of course," the slaver lies easily. "I was simply surprised you would chose to... limit yourself."

[Isabela]

Teris help me. "There are... advantages, to allowing oneself to be caught," she allows, her voice dropping to a purr. "By the right man, of course." Gods above I feel like a cheap whore.

[NPCs]

Shifting around so he's facing her, Olocaryn fixes his one good eye directly on hers. "Is that so?" he whispers. "And do you not ever yearn to... wander? To find... better? That taste of salt on your lips, the fierce pounding of your heart... the thrill of stolen pleasure?"

[Isabela]

"Better? You'd be hard pressed to find better," she challenges. "He's gentle, kind, and rich. What more could a girl want? Ships and horses and the sea are thrills, but a husband? Such things are beyond men."

[NPCs]

"Why would you have to choose? Why not have both in your life?" he says softly, voice a caress. 

[Isabela]

"And give you blackmail material?" she points out. "You'll have to do better than a horseback ride for that."

[NPCs]

"A challenge? How can I resist..." he whispers, moving in to kiss her.

[Isabela]

She opens her lips, reaching up to tangle her fingers in his hair, kissing him fiercely, taking control of the kiss. No shy, blushing maiden this; she's eager, ready, for just the right man. 

[NPCs]

Ten minutes of dueling tongues later and the pair somewhat reluctantly part. Whatever else he is, Olocaryn is a very skilled kisser- and good with his hands as well, even if Isabela keeps them over her dress. Still, they do need to get back to the party and the demihorns are fast, not temporal. As they part, Olocaryn steals one last kiss and suggests she might find the Golden Griffon's evening show to her liking- and that if she comes alone, he'd be happy to let her join him in his seasonal box.

[Carver Amell]

Which is just as well; as they head back, they find Carver riding a rented stallion toward them, looking worried. "Bela, are you alright? I have to warn you, your fiance is furious."

[Isabela]

She laughs. "Did he frighten you? Don't worry, he's a pushover. Let's head back to the inn, I'll fill you in on the way."

She turns then, nodding to Olocaryn as she dismounts. "Thank you. I've had a wonderful time."

[NPCs]

"Another time, little falcon," Olocaryn murmurs as he bows and departs. Need to put in some face time before gossip becomes to grow too sharp.

[Carver Amell]

As they ride back to the mooring where the airship is tied, Carver scolds Isabela. "Zevran really was worried, you know. I thought he was going to stab me!"

"I was fine. No thanks to you."

"Me?! You pushed me away!"

"I was looking for an out."

Back and forth the two snipe as they return the horse, head to the mooring, climb the ladder. "I got her!" Carver calls, hoping Zevran and Helene are still aboard in their shared quarters.