New Arrival

[GageWilliams]

Walks into the Inn, hearing the boards speak under his feet. Raises his eyebrow as he steps slightly further into the Inn, trepidation on his brow.

I've never been here before, so pardon my unsurity. Though it does seem like a very nice place.

Wanders over to the fireplace to warm his hands. Rubs his hands together several times before turning to face the room.

How is everyone today?

 

[Roxy36]

I hardly noticedhis entry. Athough the inn is not crowded this Thursday evening, I am the only server and there are some quite unsavory men that are difficult to serve, at best.

The stranger seems unsure of himself as he stands by the fireplace. At the Inn, we see many traveling men, mostly soldiers. I notice that this stranger is trying to find a place to sit. Well, let him figure it out then I will ask if he wants food or drink.

 

[GageWilliams]

Once he feels warm, he wanders over to a table and takes a seat. He allows his eyes to finally take in his surroundings and he notices that the men in this Inn are not the well bred champions he is used to. That would explain the look he got when addressing the room. He gestures for the serving girl to come over and take his order, and notices that she is quite attractive. Trying not to ogle her while allowing his clothes to dry on his broad frame, he allows a gentle smile to touch his face.

 

[Elodie]

Elodie DeWinter

OOC: Do you mind if I join you? I'm a bit new to this, so do feel free to change/edit anything I write that doesn't fit in with your ideas, OK.

IC: I sweep in out of the cold and swing the door shut behind me. SHE's still there, working behind the bar as usual, and we exchange icy glares before I make my way over to a group of familiar faces sat at a table in one corner.

The rabble greets me with drunken shouts and lecherous stares. I remove my cloak and drape it over the back of one of the chairs before lounging back into a seat, offered to me by its former occupant. I run a finger langorously around the scooping neckline of my dress and pout seductively.

I notice the stranger sat on his own just a few tables away. I also notice the coy, embarassed glances he keeps exchanging with the serving girl.

Hmmmmm, I think to myself. Perhaps this stranger might be my next target.

But I realise I'll have to play it slowly. He seems somewhat more cautious and refined than the men I am used to approaching. And at the moment he only seems to have eyes for her. She knows me too well. I've been thrown out of this inn before for such behaviour, so I'd best be on my guard.

 

[GageWilliams]

Looks up to eye the new arrival as she steps inside. She's attractive, and wearing a low cut dress. He's suddenly torn. The serving girl has yet to even come to offer to get him anything to drink... maybe it would be best to go see this newcomer, it's been a lonely trip and she looks like she could be quite, entertaining. He decides to attempt to make eye contact and see where it goes from there.

 

[Elodie]

Much to my delight I notice, out of the corner of my eye, that the stranger is watching me. I continue with the idle chatter at the table for a few more minutes, trying to heighten his interest in me, flirtatiously sweeping my long black hair back from my shoulders and laughing playfully.

Finally I decide to make eye contact, just glimpsing him briefly and smiling enticingly at first. But then I fix him with a longer gaze, blinking slowly once or twice, taking him in thoroughly.

Oh yes, I think to myself, one corner of my mouth lifting into a wry smile. I certainly think I'll have fun with this one.

I make my excuses at the table and stand, leaving my cloak where it lies on the back of one of the chairs. Slowly and deliberately, I make my way over to the stranger's table, hips swaying seductively as I walk.

 

[GageWilliams]

It takes him a moment to realize that she's walking towards him. It isn't that she needs a drink or that she's leaving, she is walking directly towards him. He can't help but notice the way her hips move when she walks. He continues to look into her eyes as she walks towards his table. Trying to remember his social graces, he stands to greet her. Not sure of what he will say when she gets close enough, his mind races for possible romantic couplets. Before he can complete the thought, she's reached the point at which he should say something. He hopes he'll get it right.

Good day, M'lady. You are beyond the power of my words to describe in beauty and elegance, my only hopes are that you might perchance join me, so that we might sup and enjoy the wine.

Well done, man! That didn't sound half bad, now to see how she responds.

 

[Elodie]

Smiling beguilingly at his greeting, she offers the traveller her hand. Her long, delicate fingers are soft and cool to the touch.

I could think of no better way to spend this evening, she responds, her voice warm and sensuous. But perhaps we might dine in one of the private rooms, away from the rabble.

With her free hand she gestures sweepingly to the rest of the room, her lurid blue eyes never leaving the stranger's face. He certainly is handsome...and far more refined and well-mannered than she has been used to. She found herself excited by the prospect of spending time alone with this man.

 

[GageWilliams]

Wonderful! Now to get her alone and use his social standing and charm to his advantage.

Of course, m'lady. Takes her hand and leads her into one of the private dining rooms. After ensuring that she has been seated and is comfortable, he assumes his position across from her, never letting go of her hand.

So, if may be so bold, may I ask your name? I am Robert Kurtroy, son of the Lord of Lemont. I am new here, riding through inspecting my holdings, and not familiar with the families here.

 

[Elodie]

She smiles delightedly. Ah, Lord Kurtroy! she says softly, her eyes sparkling with recognition of the name. There has been much talk of the new heir to the shire. And now I have finally met him.

She edges slightly further around the bench towards him, but still maintaining a polite distance. He can smell the rich, warm aroma of her perfume as she closes the gap between them.

I am Elodie DeWinter, she continues. My father is one of your longest standing tenants.

She releases his hand, takes the decanter of claret from the table and pours a generous helping of the heavily scented red wine into each of their goblets.

 

[GageWilliams]

His eyebrows raise slightly after her introduction. He seems to remember hearing the name Elodie DeWinter used before, and not in good context. Still it must be wrong, look at her, she is utterly harmless. He takes his drink and calmly sips from it while looking into her eyes.

So, Lady DeWinter, what could I do, you now knowing who I am, to make your life easier?

Hopefully, she won't be offended by this comment, and instead see it earnestly played out on his countenance.

 

[Elodie]

Her full lips curl into a gratifying smile and she, too, takes a long, slow sip from her goblet.

Your father has always been good to my family, she says, placing the cup lightly back onto the surface of the table. All I can ask is that you continue his work in the same vein. That would be favour enough, my lord.

She meets his gaze again, unflinchingly this time. And then she laughs sweetly.

But of course, there is one thing, she says, her voice soft and enticing. I would rather you did not mention to my father that you saw me here. It angers him that I visit such places alone.

She smiles knowingly at Robert before taking another sip of her wine.

 

[GageWilliams]

Would it please you then to leave, m'lady? I'm sure we could entertain ourselves elsewhere given the chance. And I would hate to fret your father or feel that I have taken part in his concern.

Don't push too hard, mate. He feels a familiar heat rise up into his throat and then back down his chest and lower. Surely she'll come with you, and you can begin what could very well be a long courtship... surely the lady Elodie wouldn't allow anything more without some sort of commitment... but still, just to feel this way, and feel the press of a woman.

 

[Elodie]

I am happy to continue our discussion wherever you see fit, my lord, she responded, realising that she had made him somewhat uncomfortable with her last remark. But please, if you are comfortable here, don't let my father's prudishness trouble you. But if it would make you feel more at ease, we could go elsewhere.

She presses a hand lightly to her chest in a display of her gratitude at his thoughtfulness, her hand flitting lightly over the creamy white softness of her skin, lingering there ever so slightly longer than was necessary.

She thought she saw a stirring in him, something in his face that gave away a hint of arousal. She lowered her hands back onto the table once more and averted her gaze, feigning virtue.

 

[GageWilliams]

He feels the blood rush below his belt as he watches her hand seemingly carress the milky skin of her chest. He realizes that above all else, he would love nothing more than to have this lady alone somewhere where he might have the possibility of being passionate, in any form.

M'lady, I am tired of waiting for service here, and I do not want to trouble your father. I would greatly appreciate it if you would accompany me elsewhere, but because I am not accustomed to my surroundings, you will have to lead me. If that is to your liking.

Very well done. Now to see how she responds. He stands and as carefully as possible, steals a glance down the neckline of her dress. But worried that his excitement may soon become evident, he looks away and helps her to her feet.

 

[Elodie]

As he hurriedly looks away she smiles to herself.

There are some farm buildings on the outskirts of the land my father rents from your family, she suggests, her voice dripping with innocence and neivety. Perhaps we might take our wine there and talk further. The buildings are far from luxurious, but they have been kept clean, and I might try to light a fire in the hearth.

She could feel her own body begin to react to the possibility of being alone with this man, whom she had only known for a matter of minutes. Although she was sure he would have nothing but gentlemanly intentions towards her.

Or perhaps you would rather go somewhere more public, she swiftly tries to correct her mistake, seeing that she may have overstepped the mark. I am sorry, my lord. I did not mean to seem impertinent in my invitation. I merely wish to know you better.

She rests a hand lightly on his shoulder, before also seeming to regret this action too, and pulling away from him slightly.

 

[GageWilliams]

No impertinence, is there, m'lady. I would gladly accompany you to these lands, if not to enjoy and bask in your company, than to see what the lands of my father yeild.

The thought of having this girl on a secluded plot of land, alone make his heart race, surely no good will come of this, but he's tired of always doing good.

Shall we go then, m'lady? I'll bring the wine.

 

[Elodie]

She nods approvingly. I have a carriage outside. I would be happy to take you to the place.

Robert holds the door open for her and she walks through it, careful to direct a withering glance at the serving girl as she passes. She collects her cloak from the back of the chair as she passes the table she sat at earlier that evening before heading out into the cold, cloudless night.

She glances over her shoulder and gestures to the carriage before walking up to it and allowing Robert to take her hand and help her up into the seat. He climbs aboard and sits next to her.

It is no more than ten minutes from here by coach, she says, her voice slightly chocked and ragged with the cold. I hope you will be warm enough.

She looks at him again, her cheeks flushed. Perhaps with the cold...or perhaps with something more.

 

[GageWilliams]

I'm more than warm enough, but you look terribly chilled. Offers her his cloak. I can keep you warm if you'd like. I'd feel so awful if you came down with illness under my watch and care.

He hopes she will say yes and press herself to him. He eyes her while she looks outside of the carriage and again feels a rush of heat through him. She is so pure and so fresh, he thinks, I surely want her.

 

[Elodie]

That really is most kind of you, she says, leaning ever so slightly further into him, her hand almost imperceptibly brushing against his thigh. I shall be warm enough. But let us get moving or it will be late before we even reach our destination.

She takes the reigns firmly in both hands and, with an adept flick of her wrists, pulls the carriage away and into the night. It speeds along dirt tracks and narrow, winding roads for several minutes before the landscape clears and they find themselves surrounded by vast, open fields and rolling countryside.

They have not exchanged a single word throughout the journey, although she feels his eyes scanning her thoroughly throughout the duration. Finally, she pulls the carriage off the track and towards some modest farm buildings, whitewashed and topped with grey slate roofing.

Please, she says, turning to him and smiling engagingly. Let us get inside before we both catch our deaths.

 

[GageWilliams]

He follows her inside, where there is a fire already lit in the fireplace. Odd, he thinks, did she plan on this? It has to be a coincidence, it would involve too much planning for it to have worked out that well, and she's just a sweet innocent girl. As the two of them sit near the fire to warm themselves, he finds himself drawing her face to his for a kiss, but he knows not how she will react...

 

[Elodie]

He cups her face tenderly in his hands and leans in towards her. Their lips are mere inches apart when she withdraws, turning her face away.

Please sit, she says, unwilling to give the game up just yet, wanting to draw out his suffering for a few moments longer. Warm yourself by the fire. I shall pour us some more wine.

She senses his frustration and smirks when she is sure he cannot see her, full of self-satisfaction. But, quite despite herself, she felt a growing arousal in the presence of this relative stranger.

 

[GageWilliams]

Almost sure that she was going to kiss him, he admonishes himself. Look what you've done, he thinks, you've made that poor girl uncomfortable around you. You'll be lucky if she even speaks to you again. And then, miraculously, she does, and it's as cordial as sweet as everything else she's said. Something is afoot here, perhaps she's toying with him? But that's impossible, not this sweet, innocent creature. He drinks his wine quickly and then speaks to her.

I hope that I have not offended you, m'lady. I am just overcome by your beauty and charm. I would rather die a thousand deaths than ever make you uncomfortable. Please forgive me.

He then covers her hand with his and smoothly, gently, places his other hand just above her knee. He lowers his eyes, hoping to convey to her that he feels foolish and shallow, but secretly his heart thrills at the touch of her young, supple flesh.

 

[Elodie]

Without another word, feeling that she had satisfactorily convinced this man of her alleged innocence and purity, he took the hand that rested just above her knee and guided it upwards, towards her thigh.

She met his astonished gaze unflinchingly and enticingly ran her tongue over her full top lip. It must have briefly occurred to Robert that the expression in Elodie's eyes now was not one that you would expect to see in that of a twenty-year-old girl, but he was too overcome with desire for that thought to register.

She leaned forwards, her breathing ragged and shallow, her chest rising and falling with each gasp.

 

[GageWilliams]

As his hand moved up her thigh, he again felt the rush of blood out of his head and downward. He met her gaze for a moment, and saw something in those eyes that made him again move toward her for a kiss. His other hand came up soon and found itself gently placed on her chest, feeling it heave beneath his strong fingers.

The kiss lasted for what seemed like hours in his mind, and then he looked into her eyes again, waiting to see what was there.