Ghis (closed)

[heartofcourage]

"My mother was not the kind of woman that was ever sentimental for her homeland." Rissa commented as he held out her chair and made sure that she was comfortable before taking his own seat. "She never spoke about Egypt nor wanted to take us there when we were young. I went briefly as an adult, but I haven't had a chance to explore."

 

[KieranSoares]

Qira nodded his understanding. "I have passed through, seen the pyramids from afar. But you are more familiar with Northern Europe, yes?"

 

[heartofcourage]

"Yes. France, especially." Rissa answered as she served herself pasta and meat, glancing up at Qira as he seemed to be interested in the places that she had visited or been. "I had the chance to travel with the French court when they went on diplomatic missions."

 

[KieranSoares]

"You must have seen many Imperial courts, maybe England and Spain as well. I am surprised Kell and I never came across you in our time in France."

 

[heartofcourage]

"I'm sure you did and never knew." Rissa said as she thought about her time with the French court. "I tried to blend in as well as I could. Most don't even know that I tempted the prince before I left either. He remembers the time fondly and often sends me the best wine from Normandy to tempt me back. Little does he know, I don't mess around with married men."

 

[KieranSoares]

Qira chuckled softly, "And yet you talked about tempting Kate and Kell. Or do you only tempt married men if their wives come too?"

 

[heartofcourage]

"It's never happened, but there's always a first time. They're an attractive couple." Rissa said with a shrug of her shoulders, giving him a smile as he teased her gently about her own proclivities. "I'm not here to tear families apart, however."

 

[KieranSoares]

"That should be normal, but it isn't. Especially when a woman like you could so easily work her way into a comfortable place as some king's mistress or even wife. You seem to be out to find your own fun, but you don't want to ruin it for anyone else along the way."

 

[heartofcourage]

"Again, I'm not anyone's pretty pet. I won't be saddled with a title or a comfortable room in exchange for a roll in bed." Rissa said as she took another bite of pasta. "I've had many offers and I've turned them all down."

 

[KieranSoares]

"I think that is admirable," Qira spoke as he too set into his meal. "You have a code to live by." He considered their conversation for a moment before adding, "I do not know if I am prying too much. I am not good with conversations most of the time."

 

[heartofcourage]

"You'll know when you pry too much. I'll send you away." Rissa commented with a shrug of her shoulders, giving him a small grin. "It's a good sign that you're still here with me, right?"

 

[KieranSoares]

"I thought so," he nodded in return. His natural calm demeanor didn't give away very easily that he still felt out of place, but there was a new comfort in his familiarity with Rissa. Even casual as they were, her welcome to him out on the loch had helped him feel a bit less shy overall on her land.

 

[heartofcourage]

"I take it you're not a man that suffers fools gladly." Rissa said as she saw the way that he was still tense, yet slightly relaxed in her presence. "You'd just as soon put someone in their place then to let them be too big for themselves."

 

[KieranSoares]

"It is why Kell chose me," Qira nodded. "I know when to step in, and when to let Kate handle things. And I put her above everything else, but I do not let her temper guide me."

 

[heartofcourage]

"Well, it's nice to hear that there is someone out there that won't let her majesty's temper rule over them." Rissa chuckled as she picked up the glass of wine that had been poured for her and took a long drink from it. "She's young and needs to use that intimidation, but she has a lot that she needs to learn in the mean time."

 

[KieranSoares]

"I'm well aware. She's had a hard time adjusting, but she's managing. It will be a matter of time before she is confident in her position. Until then, Warwick is helping her keep things stable."

 

[heartofcourage]

"And when Warwick has had enough, it will fall to me." Rissa said, looking at him over the top of her wine glass. "And we will see who will have to keep whom calm. I promise you, panther, I am far more stubborn than your queen."

 

[KieranSoares]

"I believe you," Qira nodded. "Kate likes to mistake her own temper for stubbornness. I know the difference well."

 

[heartofcourage]

Rissa chuckled as Qira said that, defending the queen as he should have as her protector. They ate their meal in much of the same way, bantering back and forth and asking one another questions about one another. When they were done, desert was ready, and Rissa shared it with the panther over another glass of wine. It was relaxing, which both of them needed away from the court as that time would be over far too soon.

 

[KieranSoares]

It became clearer and clearer as Qira grew more comfortable talking to Rissa despite his limited vocabulary, that he quite enjoyed her company and witty, bold commentary, even when she teased him. While he liked to listen more than speak, he seemed to keep up well.

 

[heartofcourage]

"I think you'll fit in to all of this nicely, panther." Rissa said as the plates and food were cleared away and they were left to their own devices. "A silent figure who doesn't fluster easily....unless it's for a bold woman that you can't quite say no to."

 

[KieranSoares]

"And what am I 'fitting' into? A plan of yours?" He questioned with a raised brow and a hint of a smile. "Or just your everyday?"

 

[heartofcourage]

"I think that's yet to be seen. How will you fit into all of this?" Rissa said as he asked her what part of the plan he fit into. "I'm not quite certain myself, but I know you will sooner or later."

 

[KieranSoares]

"My main focus will always be the safety of the Queen," Qira murmured. "But after that... I am open to ideas."

 

[heartofcourage]

"I'm sure you are. Safety can be a boring subject after a while." Rissa said as she stood to pour herself another stout drink. "Plans and meetings and watching....it's all so tedious."