The Amell Legacy: Transgressions

[Bethany]

Over the next three days, Bethany makes a pointed effort in trying to be more open and friendly with Jadan. She continues to be politely contrary, not backing down on the various topic they have always disagreements they've always had. But she doesn't snipe at him, doesn't go out of her way to isolate or ignore him and even invites him to play cards with Carol and herself one afternoon. She doesn't mention Hunter, nor Bells, nor the marriage. Were it not for the long, thoughtful study she makes of him, he might have wondered if his... particular charms had finally starting working on the young woman. Not that he bothers often these days, gven how little she could do against him.

After dinner that third day, Beth tries to organize another card game but Carol isn't doing that great and begs off. Beth hesitates a moment, then tentatively suggests that perhaps she can Jadan could still play. "After all, there is no harm in spending time, even alone, with my future good-brother." As they split up to clean and tend to their individual needs post-dinner, Beth whispers to Carol that she should at least pop n before bed for 'a glass of wine.' Plan in place- and prayers that it works ongoing- Beth hurries to her room. 

This is such a terrible idea.

[GamesMaster]

When they meet in the sitting room, Jadan has made himself comfortable -- taking off his jacket, pouring a glass of scotch for himself and wine for her. He's contemplating a cigar, though he sets it down when she enters; all of this is new, and horribly improper, but Jadan doesn't look like he cares much.

"There you," he greets her, with a smile. "I was beginning to think I'd been stood up." He puts the cigar box away, taking out the cards. "Have a seat."

Whatever she was expecting of him, he deals the cards out, makes entirely appropriate smalltalk while they play. The weather is poor, but hopefully will be good tomorrow; the storm is good for the crops, in any event, not that they have to worry about such things. How is her health, he's quite fit but ladies are more delicate? Is she looking forward to the ball zi'Marass is throwing next month, he understands she's friends with his daughter? Mundane, appropriate, dull conversation. Not once does he bring up Carol, or Hunter; it's as though they're the only people worth worrying about, and he's ever so interested in her life, in what she thinks and feels, in how things are with her. She could read his interest as concern for her, if she's willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. 

[Bethany]

Beth counters with exactly the same- a polite, wellbred yet clever girl. The weather might be poor of late but the storms do create some truly lovely sunsets and sunrises. And besides, this is Nyra- at least three of her maids and have the footservants can dry a dress easily enough with only a few words. She is quite well, thank, and fit besides, thanks to her dedication to a proper fitness routine with a focus on aerobics. And yes, she is very much looking forward to see what the zi'Marass do with theme of Woodland Grove. Shannon's coming of age is very soon so this is almost a prelude of sorts. "I am curious- have you decided on what you shall be wearing to the ball? Perhaps we three should do something of a set?"

[GamesMaster]

Jadan chuckles. "Whatever the young lady decides, of course," he says, his first reference to Carol. "Women care so much more for these things than men do. I always find it's best to let the women decide the colors, as I can have something made in a flash to match, and hers must be done in the very latest style."

[Bethany]

"Car has not mentioned anything yet? She had said something about possibly going with a bird motif I think..." Beth studies Jadan for a moment, then smiles faintly. "Hmmm. Woodlands birds of course. Perhaps... a songbird for me. Maybe a robin? And a bluebird for Carol, a nice dark blue looks very good on her. And... you look good in black, I think, so... raven? Feathers in our hair, hints of wings to our sleeves..."

[GamesMaster]

"I would hate to upstage her," he says simply. Ravens are a death omen, you idiotic simpering child. "If Carol wishes to be a bluebird, I will simply feather my waistcoat to match. I shall have to ask her opinion, of course. I would hate to commit to a dress for a lady. She may well prefer a cardinal, or a lark." Besides, I look best in violet, so she will desire to be a bunting. 

[Bethany]

"Mmmmh, perhaps. I wouldn't think such... overly joyous or bright colors would be something to interest you however," she says easily, dealing a new hand with far too much ease and skill for a young noble lady.

[GamesMaster]

"What does it matter, if it makes my lady happy?" he asks, with a fond smile. 

[Bethany]

Beth smiles back despite herself. He really can be charming. Even... sweet. She forces herself to look at her cards and frown slightly. No. Charming yes, but all the rest is just a mask to get what he wants. Remember that Beth. "Quite so. I must confess, that the happiness of my twin is my fondest and most important goal."

[GamesMaster]

"What a happy position, then, to have such a staunch ally so close at hand," he says, playing a card as he watches her face. As her eyes flick to the card he's played, he taps the back of his left hand, just once, activating the tattoo he knows is there under the mask he habitually wears even in Nyra. Yes -- now, when you think me merely charming, when you think me your ally, now is the time to favor me with your smile, little cat.

[Bethany]

Beth frowns down at her cards, shivering a little. "Yes," she murmurs, a faint smile coming to her lips as she recalls Ray Lightsong's radiant smile as she assures Beth that Bells and Hunter are both safe and hidden while they try to untangle the legal problems. Strange, having someone who is more loyal to me than anyone else in my... household. Even Zevran is... Well.

[GamesMaster]

"More wine?" Jadan asks, picking up his empty glass as he sets down his cards. "No peeking, now," he chides her, playfully. 

[Bethany]

"Hmmm. Just a half glass please," she says, watching him discretely. Not that she's overly worried, given she's wearing her anti-poison necklace. She leans back a little, not noticing how she subtly arches her still growing but already very evident bosom, to stretch. Her training in moving to gather attention is going well, but perhaps too well. Or perhaps she should simply look into lessons on being able to downshift those mannerisms. "You know, I've never asked about your family," she comments idly. 

[GamesMaster]

"Oh, that's easy -- I don't have any. An orphan, I'm afraid," he says, taking her glass and pouring it half-full. Lovely, both of them -- my cat and my mouse. The songbird must have been a beauty in her day. "My mother was elven, and I never knew my father. She passed when I was younger than you are now." All verifiable, though I never told the man who took me to the orphanage who or what she was. Buried her myself, when her illusions faded, to keep the common folk from seeing. "Sadly, she was estranged from her parents, so I was left at an orphanage until I came of age. Apprenticed to a bookkeeper, studied my lessons, and thankfully had a bit of a talent for maths." 

He brings the glass back, as well as his own refill of scotch, then sits back in his seat, picking up his cards. 

[Bethany]

Beth laughs softly as she sets down her own cards to toy with her wineglass. "A bit of a talent? I know we disagree on some matters, but do not think I have anything less than respect for your abilities as a businessman. I know enough to be able to at least follow the general direction of your aims, more than enough to know the worth of them. Especially as I can see the whole of things after the fact."