Pluck-a-Rat
Plucking a rat is a foolish thing to do. And so is denying destined love. Post-Bloodhound Beka + Rosto POV.
ROSTO
What a cheerful life she has given me. Each day I spend half my thoughts on that mot, and she shrugs me off as if I'm nothing but an ordinary rusher. I know that Aniki thinks I'm cracked in the nob – needn't even open her mouth, seeing as the look on her face is alight with pure joy. She loves seeing me having a difficult time. To her this is even better than our first few months in the lower city. And Beka…
She may think me a looby, and that may be true, but there's one thing that every member of the Rogue in Corus knows: I like a good challenge. That ice-eyed Dog won't be stolen while the King Rat is keeping an eye out.
With my good luck (and with Beka staying in Corus), she and I can pick up where we left off. I know that we can move beyond Rowan. And I realize my mistake now. But my goals are simple. Once Beka Cooper gets a taste of my truest affection, she won't be swayed by charming weasels like Rowan.
BEKA
It was the one of the longest days I have ever experienced, despite the quick river journey in my lord's ship. Ersken met me afterwards. He said our group (and others) will be supping at the Dancing Dove tonight, courtesy of the Rogue himself. Mayhap Rosto will be sullen and pouty. I'd prefer that to one of his cheeky advancements or a stern reprimand. But I am not going to tears for any more coves. I'm not a silly little gixie looking for the next set of arms to tumble into, and if Rosto doesn't know that by now, he'd best pray to the Black God. I'll have nothing more to do with his games.
Pounce seems to be haughty right now. He's probably grinning over my obscure threat. Makes me wonder what he was doing on his long errand. I'd take him in any mood, though, my silly constellation cat. I'm still sore after the sewers, but I do look forward to seeing my new partner again. And I may just see Sabine there too. I must go prepare.
ROSTO
Everyone showed. The banquet was splendid. The conversation, engaging. Beka, beautiful. But broken, probably from that sarden, muck-hearted, 2-copper spintry. Rowan. This might be bold coming from a rogue like me, but I cannot possibly care less about his dignity.
I wonder what Beka thought of the scenery? Did she notice her favorite flowers in opal-studded vases as the centerpiece of her table? Or her very favorite selection of pastries arranged directly in front of her? Those things were trivial of course…She did seem glad to see her family and other Dogs – it warn't so easy to get to them. But it was worth so much more than anything to see one of Beka's rare smiles.
I could only sit and stare at her. She hardly glanced my direction. She seldom smiled. Her eyes, icy as ever, only glinted when her dear Tunstall spoke with her.
Well, Beka was never very lively. But I was expecting her to be loosened up a bit, considering her newest set of achievements. And then again, she's always been a modest one. I so wanted to hold her, to tell her my thoughts. Do I even have words for them? I would tell her with a kiss. It makes me ache in a most uncomfortable way, knowing she may not allow me any moment to approach her at all. But this is what she needs, even wants.
BEKA
Fit of idiocy. Perhaps Tunstall was right, in more ways than one. Now that I think on it, my course of action while tracking Pearl all seems right enough to me. He couldn't've heard about my…canoodling. It does seem like a mistake, but this is coming from my remorse after Rosto let me alone. Why did it seem to me that Mr. The Piper seemed so absent? Come to think of it, he was at the head of the main table when Achoo and I walked in. Did he disappear until he played his pipes? I reckon it's wishful thinking that he's finally decided to leave me be, at a point when I really need it, too.
I hope my Dog uniform won't be too snug. I ate much, and won't be in a mood for tomorrow because of these curst wounds. Kora, who knows my favorites, must have prepared the menu, and Ersken probably invited all my family and fellow Dogs. He was right when he said the company would do me some good.
