Costumes

The idea for this fic came from a challenge which Shalane and Ronan set me… so thanks for the encouragement guys, and this is dedicated to you :D

(Set after The High Lord, when Dannyl and Tayend are living together in Imardin. It'll be in 3 Parts!)

Part 1

Dannyl could always tell when Tayend of Tremmelin was up to no good. Just like now, when the scholar had a mischievous glint in his eyes, and a thoughtful smile across his lips.

Giving in to his curiosity, Dannyl asked, "So, what's your crazy idea this time?"

His companion beamed at the question. "Oh! Well I was going to keep it a surprise, but I suppose that might not be wise… Just in case your overly conservative and innocent Kyralian mind explodes with shock or something." Tayend said cheerfully.

Dannyl refrained from rolling his eyes in exasperation. "Look Tayend, if this is another joke about luring Lord Larkin into our bedroom-"

Tayend lazily cut in, "Actually it's not! What I have in mind only involves the two of us."

Still not feeling completely reassured, the magician ventured, "And what exactly is it you have planned?"

Tayend took his time refilling his wine glass, while Dannyl waited impatiently for an answer. Eventually, the Elyne gave a dramatic sigh. "Well, lately I've been trying to think of ways to add more excitement to our relationship… And yesterday I was struck by inspiration! I was wandering around Imardin, and I stumbled upon a delightful little shop that's just opened. I ventured inside, and I found it was owned by a pleasant couple who just moved here from Elyne. And you'll never guess what they are selling!"

"Acrobats?" Dannyl guessed serenely.

Tayend was taken aback. "Not quite, but I have to say that's a good guess! It's actually a costume shop! They sell all manner of different outfits."

Dannyl felt a stab of apprehension. "What does this have to do with us, may I ask?"

The mischievous glint was back in Tayend's eyes. "Oh, well you know how much I simply adore dressing up, and how much you enjoy me being dressed up-"

Dannyl smiled knowingly. "Is this about you not being able to wear those bright Elyne clothes anymore? Because I'm not going to protest if you decide to wear them around the house…"

The scholar beamed as he replied, "Well, that's a relief! It's just a shame I can't wear them outdoors without being arrested for dressing in shockingly tight clothes. But aside from that, what would you say if you came home to find a pirate sprawled on your bed?"

"I'd say,"I'll sell you Tayend for thirty gold if you leave right now.""

Tayend looked positively indignant. "I don't mean a real pirate! I mean me dressed up as one."

Dannyl was genuinely puzzled. "Why on earth would you want to do that for? You'd hardly make a very threatening pirate."

(Part 2 coming soon! Let me know what you think so far ;D )