An Arrival Most Unexpected (Sorren)

[Sorren Alotear Radvhet]

"Really Sorren, do I look like the type of woman who follows every social rule?"

He smiled warmly, showing his teeth this time, feeling a touch of happiness at being called by his first name. It was the same every time she said it, though he didn't know why, beyond the fact that no one called him that anymore. The way her lips formed his name held a special pleasure for him.

"No, you certainly don't. You look like the type of woman who does what she pleases, and damn anyone who tries to get in her way," he said, laughing.

At the queen's teasing comment, the baron blushed and tried to hide it behind his hand and a fake cough. However, he did not have long to think about it, because the next thing he knew she was talking about readying rooms and getting changed. He willed his face to cool and nodded. Surely she had to be aware of the effect she had on men... didn't she? He shook his head to clear it as she turned back to the door and picked up her pack.

"There is a room just down the hall where you can make yourself at home, and I'll have some of the chambermaids draw you a bath, if you'd like."

He came to meet her at the doorway, lingering there for a moment as he contemplated leaving her company again so soon. His eyes followed the line of her dark hair, the curve of her cheek, eyes caressing what he wished his hands could. But he could not, he reminded himself. No matter what his feelings, this was the king's wife, and he would not betray his sovereign.

"The hotsprings, yes!" he said with a little laugh, delighted that she had remembered his suggestion. "We shall have to do that, most definitely. If not tonight, then tomorrow."

He led her out the door and down the hallway, stopping to speak to two guards standing nearby. He sent one away with instructions to get the chambermaids to freshen up the room and draw a bath if Ceried'a so wished it. The other he brought with them to the room, stationing him outside the door to keep watch over the queen. He would bring more guards up to this part of the manor later, once he got her settled in as best he could for the moment.

"How is this? Is it to your liking?" he asked, opening the door and letting her in.

[Ceried'a Itonris Sa'achern]

Following Sorren and the guard down the hall of the Baron's estate Ceried'a allowed herself to linger and look around the hall. It was smaller than where she lived, but still very elegant. Just from what she'd seen the guards and the servants this place seemed a fairly good-nature one. She had yet to catch sight of either of the Baron's sons...no doubt with lives of their own and games they wished to play that often young men did. Still she would have not minded to meet them. The whispers of their adoption still shook some nobles as something of a joke, even Ceried'a could remember her own mother's flustered state at the thought of picking up street urchins.

"Are your sons not home for the Festival? I know you were worried about one being out on a mission..." She heard little of from the soldiers other than about tense situations along some of the closer border towns. However she was not really given more time to talk of sons and of war that would maybe damper the evening as she was shown her room.

For something unprepared it was quaint. Already the other guard seemed to have found someone to make a fire, the soft glow of it illuminating the simple white quilt laying across a plush mattress, dazzlingly bright compared to the dark ebony wood of the bed frame. The dark canopy had curtains drawn back to allow the warm air to fill it, and light to illuminate it. The furniture was just a well stuffed and luxurious looking as the bed and Ceried'a would have just been pleased spending the whole festival curled up in the arms of the large chair beside the fire. However that was not what she'd come for.

"This is a lovely room. You are too kind going to so much trouble for me." She smiled, fingers already moving to her sword belt to remove the cumbersome leather now. Now that the warmth had soaked into her wet and heavy clothes a bath sounded like a most wonderful thing...

Once left alone she stripped from the rest of her clothing, giving it to the chambermaid left to assist her. Unbraiding her hair the dark curls fell around her form as if to provide some modesty as she climbed into the heated bath drawn for her. Muscles weary from riding all day began to untangle from the knots they'd put themselves in and slowly her mind began to wander to other thing other than the parties to come.

The Baron Radvhet was truly too kind to her, but the more her mind lingered on how she loved his attention the more she began to realize it was simply out of loyalty to who she was...had been married to. This thought, so small and usually one she'd pass off for anyone else seemed to ruin the pleased mood she was in as she sat up in the warm water. With her husband dead she'd spent the first few months trying to act as the good wife still, but with every day she'd grown lonely once more even in her freedom, still feeling caged by the every present thought of keeping up her facade.

Why couldn't she have a lover? A good man who did not see a crown or power to possess...a smile slowly pulled back the pink lips of the Queen as she pondered more of what her new found freedom could allow. Sorren had kissed her their first time alone, and it had been she...not him to give some excuse for it, an his acceptance of it had gone unargued. How easily did a good man give into temptation? His loyalty was strong, but she wanted to push him and see just where his passion lay as well.

Climbing out of the tub she called for her maid again and they quickly went to work preparing her for their lord's festival. The dress she'd had made for the party was clean and dry from its ride, placed out on the bed before she slipped into it. The bodice was a deep purple the sheer tightness of it's bindings the only thing holding it to her body as it went down to hug her form. The skirt flared out at her hips, the soft flow of silks never still as they fluttered with every breath and twitch. Once that was done she sat at her vanity, one maid placing her curls up into a loose bun as another helped her with her jewelry, silver armlets and bracelets were simple but gleamed with pride in the fire light, the simple circlet that circled her head held a few small jewels rather tastefully. Once all of that was said and done she rose to her feet, smearing one small dab of rose perfume across her throat before she waited for her escort to the festival to come get her.

Tonight she would let this festival celebrate the gods, and with it a new beginning for her as well.

[Sorren Alotear Radvhet]

"Vaenes is still off on his mission. My other son... he's around here somewhere. He may already be down in the streets celebrating, as a matter of fact."

Where had the boy gotten off to? He had been a little distant lately, ever since Vaenes left. Sorren had been so preoccupied with winter preparations and other things, he had little time for his son. He felt a touch of guilt at the thought. Well, perhaps he could remedy that once the festival was under way.

He smiled when Ceried'a complimented the room, ducking back outside and closing the door with an "I'll be back to get you later."

Having been detained with a few last-minute details, it was about an hour later when he came hurrying down the hall to her room, smoothing out his black trousers, fussing with the cuffs of his scarlet shirt. He didn't like wearing red; he felt it made him look too severe, but the ladies of the manor always made him wear that color this time of year. He let them dictate his outfit during the winter festival because otherwise they would harp on him about how he hardly ever wore anything but blue. Still, the deep red color and the gold embroidery made him feel slightly uncomfortable.

A maid came out of the room as he approached the door, nodding to him as she slipped past. "She's ready, my lord."

He nodded back and went inside, adjusting his collar self-consciously. "Sorry it took me so long, I--"

The queen looked so beautiful it took his breath away. Her dark hair was up in a bun, a few curled wisps loose against her bare shoulders. The purple dress with its flowing skirts brought out highlights of the color in the silver jewelry she wore. In the firelight from the hearth, her chocolate eyes seemed to sparkle with an inner glow. The effect was dazzling. Never before had he seen a more radiant woman. Vaguely the baron was aware that this was the second time today that she had managed to strike him dumb with her beauty.

"You look..." he began after a few minutes, not wanting to seem impolite by staring too long in silence, but he could not find a word to express his sentiment. The sentence lingered in the air without it. Instead, he simply blushed and ran a hand through his hair in that familiar nervous gesture.

[Ceried'a Itonris Sa'achern]

As Cereid'a sent her maid out she heard the soft voice speak up to another, and she realized how well time she'd finished up.

Part of her expected as her doors open to see Sorren in something more like the ceremonial robes of those during the long boring meetings her husband had always held, or at least something darker, less vibrant than the red that drew the eye instantly across the room. The crimson was simple, the gold adding just a hint of opulence. It was certainly different to see on the Baron, but not at all unpleasant as she let her eyes trail down his form. Now she was pleased she'd taken her chance to tear that shirt of his. The darkness of his hair and tan skin seemed warmer in the red, gentle as she moved forward smiling.

His silence, she assumed was attributed in some way to how she looked, but as he stumbled over his words to tell her what he thought she just sighed and stepped in closer to him, taking one wrist in her hands as she moved to fix his cuff, "Now, now...no need for me to fish for compliments. This dress isn't really traditional, nor something I'm sure those closest in our court would like to see, but I figured I would wear it here away from the prying gossiping eyes." She looked up at Sorren, her gaze gentle as she smiled. He seemed so nervous, and his blush matching that crimson he wore.

"You my dear Baron look as handsome as can be. I worry I may lose my escort to prettier, younger girls. How shall I ever manage to keep you all to myself?" Once finished fixing his cuff she ran her hand down his arm before pulling away just a little as she moved to his side and linked her arm to his. He felt so warm, his body so close. She wanted to simply hug close to him and just keep it all to herself that evening, never share, never leave this room. Still as she began to walk out of her room she could already hear the laughs and cajoling of her own party as well as those of Sorren's house.

"It seems that some have already begun to dip into the drink. Though on such a cold night who could blame them for wanted to warm up in such a way?" She chuckled gently, squeezing his arm tightly. Perhaps she was being too cruel, but she enjoyed touching him, feeling firm muscle and soft skin...he moved with skill and grace in his study, and her mind couldn't help but wander to how skilled he was in other things. "I am so happy I could run away to here this winter. I don't think I could have stood for another festival in the capitol." Ceried'a tsked gently as the sounds of festivities grew louder.

[Sorren Alotear Radvhet]

"No no, that's not it," he said, sure she was not the type to fish for compliments, dismissing the notion with a wave of his hand and blushing again slightly. It seemed he blushed a lot in the presence of the queen. "I was just a little tongue-tied for the moment. It is indeed a beautiful dress." He wanted to say something more, perhaps about how the beauty of the dress paled in comparison to the woman wearing it, but he was unaccustomed to saying such things and it sounded cheesy in his mind.

Ceried'a's compliment on his own appearance took him by surprise and his face reddened even more. "You flatter me. I rather think this crimson color makes me seem imposing."

He thanked her for fixing his cuff and let her link arms with him, leading her out of the room and down toward the great hall, from where the sounds of merriment could already be heard. Walking side-by-side with the queen, having her so close to him, put Sorren in mind of their encounter in Ingril. He had not thought he would see her again so soon. Of course, he could think of no better surprise for the winter festival. He smiled to himself, happy just to be near her for now.

"I always tell them to wait until later, but they never listen," he said, laughing, in response to Ceri's comment. He smiled as she squeezed his arm, and he put his other hand on hers. Though at her next words, he cocked his head sideways at her with a puzzled look on his face.

"Why is that? Wouldn't a festival in a big city be more exciting?"

[Ceried'a Itonris Sa'achern]

Ceried'a's fingers only stopped for a moment in fixing his cuff to take pleasure his compliment of her dress. She barely had to glance up for more than a second to realize he was blushing. Of course it was that which made her giggle a little as she drew closer, "You are too kind to me and too harsh on yourself. Crimson hardly makes a man like you seem imposing." Especially when it sits on your cheeks like that... she wanted to say, but held back her tongue as she wanted to keep her escort by her side as long as possible. "I think it compliments you, not too severe or too gentle...just strong, vibrant...like the Baron and his household.

Once they'd left for the festivities the queen giggled at the sight of servant and soldiers mixed about with nobles. She always wondered how possible it was to mix the classes as such, but it seemed that all was well. "Oh it's fine. They're having so much fun it seems. I doubt my entourage even knows the difference from all the wines they were drinking on the way here." Feeling his hand move over her own it was her turn to blush, looking at the dark tan fingers there, remembering how they felt before grabbing her at the oasis...

"Oh!" She had nearly forgotten the words he was speaking to her as if he'd just started to speak Niendrian, "Now Baron I'm sure that festival is quite fun, but I got to watch the festivities away from the crowds and the parties. Last time I ever truly got to celebrate the festival was right before my marriage. I use to dance, and sometimes even sing for them. Though more often than not we'd just bring in traveling shows. The King enjoyed watching from the palace, and his drink, and not having to spend time in war councils...dancing and games were not really his fancy." Painted lips curved into a gentle frown.

"I'm sorry, I'm being depressing no doubt." Moving her hand from his arms she too his hand in hers before she started down the steps more like an eager child then a Queen as she greeted several servants who handed her a large filled glass. Taking a sip she savored the sweet taste, how long had it been since she'd drank a wine like this? Holding the glass up to Sorren she smiled over the rim of it, "To you my dear Baron."

Somewhere off in a corner she could hear the delighted squeals of ladies. Looking off through the crowd she could see the large circle of nobles and servants, a lady dressed up in a dress of gold and green spinning round with a blindfold tied tightly over her eyes. Searching about the party around her as the others moved about in jostling amusement until the lady found her hands on another servant girl. Once she'd secured a hold she leaned in and kissed the girl while laughter irrupted around them. Even Ceried'a was amused by the game as she took a few steps towards the group, "I haven't played that since I was a girl either...my goodness. We should join Baron. Would you play with me?" Her voice took on a more eager tone as she tugged his hand towards the lively laughter as she blindfold was passed on once more and the game begun again.

[Sorren Alotear Radvhet]

The baron was uncomfortably aware that he was blushing entirely too much this night, and that was unlikely to change any time soon, especially if the queen kept complimenting him. He was rather unused to receiving praise in anything other than a diplomatic setting. He might even have been able to shrug it off if her words had come from a regular woman. But coming from the queen, someone he admired (and, truth be told, was rather attracted to), it was an altogether different matter and affected him quite a bit more than usual. He'd never hear the end of it from his men if they saw his face red like this.

"I see. I can't blame you for coming to Maesser, then. A festival is much more enjoyable out in the streets where the vendors and traveling entertainers gather. There are all sorts of little games with prizes, too," he said, smiling as he recalled them.

Then, suddenly, Ceried'a was leading him by the hand down the steps. He grinned at how excited she seemed about the whole thing, trying to keep up with her brisk pace. They stopped just inside the great hall by one of the servants to each take a glass of wine, the Kwondi that was customary for this time of year. He held up his glass to hers.

"And to you, my queen. Here's hoping this is a wonderful night," he toasted, taking a deep drink. It was indeed a lovely wine, rich and full-flavored, and he savored it as he sipped it more slowly, surveying the revelry around him. The tables had been laid out with all the delicacies of the season, minstrels played music and sang, and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. He nodded to himself in approval. He always liked to see that things were going smoothly.

His attention came back to Ceried'a as she spoke and pulled him toward the game that had caught her fancy. He laughed when he saw what she was talking about.

"They must be long into their cups to be playing that game this early!" he joked, letting the queen lead him to the circle of people. A lady in gold and green had just finished her turn, and, seeing the queen coming toward them, brought the blindfold to her.

"Would you like to take the next turn, m'lady?" she asked with a smile and a curtsey.

[Ceried'a Itonris Sa'achern]

The wine was some of the best that Ceried'a had ever tasted, the cold of winter perfect for the warmth it created with its sweet flavor as it traveled down her throat. It seemed a wine best suited for when the cold wine had whipped at a person for so long and just now their bodies were warming up closer to the fires. "I will say your home is so lively. It must be very nice to live here." She gave the smallest sigh, "Truly a festival for the people...I should not be the one toasted."

As she moved further down the steps and through the people in the hall celebrating it struck her now just how free she truly was. There was no King to keep her by his side, to keep her simply as one of the many banners and symbols, a decoration to further prove who was the one in power here. The thought made something in her blood begin to rush, the noise filling her ears as her heart began to pound. She'd always been faithful, always good....doing what was right by her children and family. Her position was secure, soon she could give her son the kingdom he desired, and she...right now she could have what she wanted as well.

The attraction had been a bit of a surprise to her. She'd seen the Baron many times before in the courts, so far from each other that she'd never really spoke to him until that day in the stables. Still she'd known of him, his generosity, his courage...he truly did suit the station he had found himself born to. Noble.

With his hand in hers she could feel the pulse as fingertips brushed his wrist. If she were to fall why not fall from good graces for a good man? Why not let the final thread that kept her as a good woman break for a man like Sorren instead of just whatever young buck caught the fancy of any lady?

"Do you not like this game Baron? Do too many of the ladies chase and kiss you? Or do you need more of the winter wine to get your head about you for it?" She teased, turning to face him in such close proximity after she'd taken the blindfold to the cheers of soldiers, maids, ladies, and servants who began to shuffle back into their circle, wetting lips with wine. Taking her glass she took a long pull from her cup, giving a relieved sigh as she set it aside before stepping away from the Baron towards the middle of the circle. She slowly raised the blindfold up, smirking as she tied it loosely about her head as she carefully began to weave her magic to it.

Cheating? Very much so, but it was the kind of cheating that did not really harm anyone in a game of chance where no coins were being laid out for gain. Very cleverly she folded down half the fabric so she could simply peer over it, but of course it seemed to anyone watching that the thick red fabric of the blindfold sat fully and securely over her gaze. Once that was done she watched as the circle of men and women broke and began to mill out watching with soft cat calls and giggles. Of course with the gift of sight given to her for this game she knew exactly who it was she planned on catching as she began to blindly grope about the air in a playful search.

[Sorren Alotear Radvhet]

The curly-haired man regretted having to part hands with the queen as the took the blindfold. He took another long pull from his wine glass in a futile effort to distract himself. No matter what he felt, his loyalty lay with his king and country... or at least that's what he kept trying to tell himself. A woman like Ceried'a--intelligent, beautiful, headstrong, with a rapier wit to boot--made it so difficult to keep his allegiances in mind.

And there was something else, too. He was beginning to sense in her something of a kindred spirit, someone who could understand him like no one else. Already he had talked to her about his distress over Vaenes' absence and their mutual disdain for the limiting aspects of positions of power. Those were subjects he would not ordinarily speak about, yet she had gotten him to open up about them so easily. Even Thul'i would have had some slight difficulty getting him to express how he really felt about being a baron. But these thoughts would get him nowhere. He could not be anything more than friends with the queen, though his heart ached for something more. He drained the last of the wine from his cup and set it down on a table, resolving not to let his warring emotions spoil what was likely to be a perfectly enjoyable evening. His mind was brought back to the game beginning in front of him by Ceried'a's teasing questions.

"It's not usually my fancy, no, but I will play it this once, if it pleases you. Though I must warn you, this round may not last long; I see some of the men--indeed, some of the women, even--eyeing you already," he said with a grin, then took his place around the circle with the others.

After a bit of meandering about during which it was clear no real progress was being made, Sorren called out over his shoulder to make her think he was in one direction, while he quickly stepped a few paces in another. If she made for the place where it seemed his voice had come from, she would run right into a rather portly noblewoman. 'This ought to liven things up a bit,' he thought.

[Ceried'a Itonris Sa'achern]

Ceried'a gave a small shrug as she looked to Sorren, "Whether you play is up to you. It would please me to see you join in, however I'm sure I would be taking a risk upsetting some poor maiden who has her heart set on you to be her's tonight." Of course she wasn't about to say that she didn't really care if there were any as she inched herself closer in towards the Baron, "Oh now, I'm flattered you think they want me all to themselves, but I've got my eye on a few I prefer." She teased, brushing a hand against his chest as she turned and began her game.

It was almost too easy now that she'd used her magic, almost a waste of a turn as she did the necessary little joking motions to prove she was blind. Following the stray voice she would move one way and then another. If someone in the group she did not prefer got to close she'd just barely brush close to them before teetering back. Many just moved about in circle, like predators watching the prey come right to them, but Ceri figured that few knew it was she who was acting the part of the predator tonight.

Of course Sorren seemed to have taken to the game as she watched him call out in front of one of her curvier ladies in waiting before wandering off to the edges quietly. Slowly she started towards where she'd heard the noise, the other woman moving just slightly as Cereid'a took that opening to stumble through.

So was this how he would play? She stopped for just a minute, spying a guard of Sorren's close to her. He was handsome, and somewhat into his drink as he moved around with the other players. Making sure that Sorren was watching as she moved to him and "caught" him. Without moving to remove her blindfold she pulled him down close to her meeting his lips with hers as cheers went up around them. Rough hands wrapped around her body as she was pulled closer, the kiss deepened for a few more moments as she clung to him taking pleasure in it before slowly pulling away.

Taking off the blindfold she giggled as she looked about, giving a bow as if she'd just performed a wonderful play, her gaze seeking out Sorren's to see his reaction.

[Sorren Alotear Radvhet]

She had her eye on some, did she? A quizzical look crossed Sorren's face as she touched him, her hand brushing across his chest lightly, before she went to take her place. Well, she was giving mixed signals now. Perhaps it was another one of her little games. Personally, he preferred their brief sparring episode upstairs. It was much more straight-forward.

He watched as she moved among the circle in her beautiful purple gown and silver jewelry, seeming to him like a diamond among shards of glass. It was hard to keep his eyes off her, but he tried not to seem conspicuous. As she took the bait and went toward the lady, he stifled a laugh. It would certainly be amusing if she ended up "catching" her. But Ceried'a went right past her, instead winding up in front of one of Sorren's guardsmen. The man was just unsteady enough on his feet to evince the fact that he'd been drinking. As the queen caught him and kissed him, he wrapped his arms around her.

The kiss didn't last long, but to the baron it seemed forever. He knew it was just part of the game, and of course there was nothing between himself and the queen that would make jealousy justified... so why was it suddenly so hard to breathe? He couldn't keep thinking this way. It was becoming more and more difficult to keep his emotions from showing plainly on his face. As Ceried'a took a bow, he forced a smile and clapped with the others.

"Well, that's enough for me," he said politely, still holding up the pleasant facade.


(OOC: Don't know if you want to keep playing the game or not; feel free to have Ceri suggest that he do, if that's what you want. He won't refuse her. ^^;)

[Ceried'a Itonris Sa'achern]

The kiss with the guard wasn't bad...he was sloppy after so much drink, hands groping in a way that reminded her of the only other man she'd had in her life. Still other than Sorren's kiss in the oasis it was the only other man in her life that had done this too her. Pulling away his goofy grin met her as she removed the blindfold. Of course he seemed pleased with himself, kissing a Queen in front of so many nobles, and had it not been for the fact that she was simply getting a rise our of a certain Baron her first try at this game would not have been him.

Dark eyes settled on Radvhet as he made it clear he was ready to leave the game. A frown settled on her lips though she felt a thrill go through her...

Had her little antics stirred up something? Maybe he really just didn't enjoy the game, but she hoped that perhaps she'd gotten the rise she wanted as she stepped back through the middle of the circle. "One more turn...it's not everyday someone gets to kiss the Queen of Carthonia!" She reached out and grabbed Sorren's wrist her voice dropping down to a whisper.

"Do stay another game...it is so rude to trick a lady into thinking she will get to kiss one man only to be greeted with another after the kiss has been given Sorren." She let her touch linger before slowly pulling away bringing up the blindfold once more and weaving her magic so once more she could see. The crowd once more cheered and joked as a few more guards moved into the circles as well...this time she would get her Baron, no more tricks or teases.

She feared that perhaps he would just treat it as a game, and if that was the case she would leave it at that, but tonight away from her responsibilities and prying eyes she wanted to test what was between them like she'd tested his skills before upstairs. As she moved about slowly she could not deny the sick feeling creeping through her stomach when she thought of the rejection, sending a silent prayer up to Nero to have him by her side tonight that even for a few hours she could have something more than she ever was given.

[Sorren Alotear Radvhet]

She certainly seemed to be enjoying herself. How could he refuse her, when all she wanted was to forget the limits and obligations of her station for just a while? Still, the prospect of watching her kiss someone else again was turning his stomach into knots. He tried to force down the guilt at feeling so possessive towards her.

"All right," he relented, all his resolve flowing out of him as she held his wrist. He managed a small but sincere smile. "If you insist."

Sorren took his place again, watching her tentative, blind movements among the crowd of people. This time he found himself hoping against hope that she would come towards him, though he thought it highly unlikely that she would. He only knew how to play this game so that someone would not find you. Of course, he could just call out and stand there, but that would be entirely too conspicuous. This really wasn't his type of game after all. He lingered at the edges of the circle, coming forward every once in a while when someone came near him, calling once or twice.

When he thought about it, it was kind of ridiculous how easily Ceried'a flustered him. He was the Baron of Maesser, for goodness' sake, he should be able to get a grip on himself. But whenever she was near him, all he could think about were things that he would do with her, were she not a queen and he not a baron.

[Ceried'a Itonris Sa'achern]

It was almost too good to see Sorren give into her whims. She wanted then and there to pull him away from the game to keep him all to herself, but he was a good man, a man of honor and still in the back of her mind she worried he would simply push her away. A man dedicated to king and country, a king that no longer existed. A pang of guilt rising up as she circled the jovial crowds the whole time her eyes on the Baron as she walked. A few jumped from her touch, laughing as they scurried away from her as others moved closer with the idea that they wanted the next kiss.

Meanwhile her thoughts buzzed in her head as she found herself drawing closer to Radvhet with every step. He was a good man, a father, a warrior, a noble...she knew it was wrong, but only for the sake of her own play for those around them. The fake king, her children unaware of the end of their mother's plight, keeping her and her childrens lives secure until the time was right...

Was this one man worth risking all of that? A risk for one kiss? One night?

A few more tentative steps had her close as she reached out, fingers just barely brushing the cuff of his crimson shirt before she let them find purchase grabbing there. One lovely little game, a few moments that every person around them would allow for the sake of a laugh, or would soon forget after too much wine a lot more scandalous games. "Ah! It seems I have caught my newest suitor..." She cried out as she let her hand trail up to his chin, fingers running along his jaw line as through her own illusion she watched him. Once one hand held his cheek and the other kept her balanced on his shoulder she pulled herself up closer to him.

Warm breath brushed over his flesh as she took in his own scent before the last inch of space was closed between them. Somewhere far away she could hear the shouts of those around her in high jubilation to see the sight of the kiss. Her thoughts and focus were elsewhere as she pressed her form into his, taking as much as she could from the kiss with what little time she had.

[Sorren Alotear Radvhet]

Sorren's heart skipped a beat as he saw Ceried'a coming toward him. His first instinct was to stand there until she had him, but he realized that wasn't how this game was played, so he looked to see where he could slip off to, even if that wasn't what he wanted to do. However, there were people to either side of him, so all he could do was back up a little. It was inevitable that she catch him. He blushed slightly at her comment and her hand on his cheek as the others clapped and cheered.

Then it was as if time stood still. Their lips locked, and in that instant, he felt the barriers he'd worked so hard to build being shaken. It had been so long since he had felt anything like this. Maybe, just maybe, if he mentioned it to her, she wouldn't push him away. Did he dare to hope there could be something between them? He put his hand on her waist and deepened the kiss.

But the thought of betraying his king jumped into his mind, and he pulled back slightly, looking down into her eyes. The last thing he wanted was to leave this moment, but his loyalty was too great. He wished, as he had not for many years, that he was not a baron, not sworn to a king, and could live his life how ever he wanted.