Lorna had never been to a festival before and she had enjoyed immensely. There was just so much to do in so little time that she wished she could stay there forever. Every where she looked were people dressed in bright colours, fantastic costumes and it delighted her. It was just such a shame it had to come to an end. For her at least as she would not be allowed to be at the ball that evening. She thought it was distinctly unfair, but it was adults only so she began to think that maybe it was best not to go. Adults can do the strangest things when they started drinking that stuff that always left a burning in her throat. Personally she did not like it, but then adults were adults, and she did not even bother to try and figure them out.
What she did have that pleased her most was a fair sized bag filled with sweets. Garth had initially protested when she began to collect the sweets in a bag, but Adrianna had wholeheartedly helped the small girl. This caused a small amount of tension between the two adults who remained silent as they approached the palace often shooting glares at each other as they walked.
Lorna looked up at both of them, Garth looking a little annoyed and Adrianna rather bored. Lorna smiled in a bemused fashion. She could not wait to get back to the palace and tell Sparrow what she had done. She hugged the bag close to her self feeling incredibly happy, but what would have made the afternoon perfect is if Sparrow had been there to share it with her. Lorna sighed knowing that things did not always work out the way she wanted.
They quickly made their way through the halls and Lorna took the lead by skipping down the corridor. She just could not wait to tell Sparrow about the colourful clowns, the wonderful dancers and most of all the people that handed out free sweets. When they reached Sparrow's room Lorna was the first to bounce into the chamber.
"Mama, Mama, look what I have!" she crowed, but then she paused and blinked looking around the room before her eyes fell on the dishevelled bed where a musing Reaver lounged flicking through a book. He peered at her the corners of his lips curling in amusement. Lorna tilted her head blinking at the Pirate owlishly.
"Where's Mama?" she asked curiously as Garth and Adrianna entered after. They both stopped short when they saw Reaver who had begun to grin broadly.
"Where's Sparrow?" Garth inquired and Lorna pouted.
"I just asked that," she said in a small indignant voice.
"She will be back in a moment," Reaver replied flicking a page idly, "She said something about going for a walk because I am an insufferable prick."
"Reaver, mind your language," Adrianna scolded and Reaver laughed. He shrugged and returned to the book.
"She will be back in a bit I'm sure."
Adrianna scowled and folded her arms in annoyance. She turned to look at Garth who shrugged though his lips twitched with repressed amusement. An awkward silence fell when, with out warning, the door opened and Sparrow shuffled in, her cane clicking against the stone floor with an irritated resonance.
"I swear, if those servants keep looking at me like that I will start throwing things," she growled, "That will give them something to be afraid of."
She looked up as she swung the door shut behind her, her eyes growing wide when she realised who was in the room. She suddenly broke into a broad smile and with a squeal Lorna jumped into the awaiting arms that enfolded the small girl.
"When did you get back?" Sparrow asked curiously as she cradled the girl against her hip.
"Just now," Lorna said before looking suspiciously at Reaver, "though I didn't think he would be here, he said you called him a insufferable prick."
Sparrow's jaw dropped as she glanced with a horrified expression at Reaver who remained nonchalant as he continued to flick through the book.
"I did no such thing!" she protested, and Reaver smile coyly, "and I would appreciate it if you did not say such things in front of Lorna!"
"Why? you just threatened to throw things at innocent servants," Reaver retorted with a small shrug not bothering to look up.
"That's different, I didn't swear," was the heated reply as Sparrow's cheeks tainted a slight pink, "Plus I didn't know she was in here." She swept stray strands of hair from Lorna's face in affectionate gestures as Adrianna shifted a little uncomfortably and she looked to Sparrow with a calculating look.
"Well, this is all well and good," she said patting down her skirts, "but we should be getting ready for the party it will be starting in a few hours, which would make it about sunset." She smiled brightly, but also hopefully. Garth seemed to get the hint, but Reaver remained where he lay regarding her with a mild expression. "Well that was a hint for you too."
"Why, I could stay and give my well sort after opinion," the pirate replied. Adrianna rolled her eyes and planted her hands on her hips. Lorn a looked up at Sparrow thoughtfully.
"Can I stay and help Mama ? I want to see your dress," she asked with a sweet smile and Sparrow patted her head in silent permission and the woman nodded.
Reaver got up from the bed taking the hint and peered down at Lorna who playfully poked her tongue out at the pirate who replied by making a funny face. He looked to Adrianna with a pout.
"But she gets to stay so why can't I?" he asked indignantly sounding much like a sulky child. Adrianna was about to retort when Sparrow placed a hand on Reaver's shoulder to give it a small squeeze so that he looked at her.
"I want it to be a surprise," the woman said her cheeks flushing slightly, "And it would spoil the surprise if you were here to see it now wouldn't it."
Reaver appeared to think about it and slowly nodded his head a cheerful grin appearing. "I like surprises, but only nice ones," he said and Sparrow could not help but smile. Adrianna narrowed her eyes sensing something she could not quite put her finger on as the two adults looked at each other. A surprisingly soft expression appeared upon Reaver's handsome face and he ambled towards the door where Garth waited with an amused smile.
When the door snapped shut Adrianna all but pounced on Sparrow with a small squeal a she began to demand what had happened in the time that they were down at the festival. Sparrow gave Adrianna a mixed expression of shyness mingled with annoyance. She was not particularly willing to tell her everything that happened, well at least not with Lorna in the room. Sparrow shook her head and refused to say anything. In the corridor Reaver and Garth slowly made their way to their own chambers not too far away, and Garth looked to Reaver who had an expression resembling a kitten that just got away with stealing the cream.
"Okay what did you do?" he asked the pirate who grinned broadly.
"Oh nothing much," Reaver said putting an arm about Garth's shoulders in a friendly fashion and the look on the mage's face was deeply suspicious, "and, Garth ol'boy, I believe you owe me money."
Garth's eyes widened. "Oh, what for?" the tone was confused and extremely cautious. Reaver's grin grew sly and he chuckled.
"Well, let me tell you a story," the pirate said as they disappeared from the corridor and all that could be heard echoing down the corridor was the sound of Garth's shocked voice.
"Oh bloody hell!"
When the servants finally arrived with her garments the process of dressing began. Overall, Sparrow liked the style of clothing. It was simple and yet the patterning was elegant. All it really consisted off was a cropped top, coloured a rich red, that exposed the belly from the tip of the sternum down, with short sleeves that came to just above the elbow. Yet there was a band that ran the underside of her breasts causing them to look rather prominent with the fabric covering the ribs to become loose and flowing like a small skirt. This loose fabric had two layers the top a rich red while the bottom layer was cyan coloured and was a flimsy veil like fabric with a translucent quality. The neck line was 'v' shaped and lined with pearly white beads set upon a cyan coloured trim. The skirt that sat upon her hips exposing her belly with an underskirt of the same flimsy material as on her top. The trim and accents of the dress were made in this same cyan material with pearl like beads sewn to the garments to form exotic floral patterns, simple yet tasteful. To Sparrow's delight it came with a matching sash that was long enough and wide enough to wrap about her body nearly twice over.
As Sparrow put on the garment she marvelled how silky the cloth felt to the touch and she stood lost in thought as she walked in circles to get a feel for the outfit. Lorna and Adrianna sat on the bed watching before they looked to each other with wide eyes. Adrianna tried hard not to laugh as Lorna looked confused. Lorna opened her mouth as if to say something, but was unsure of whether to or not.
"Um Mama?" Sparrow looked down at Lorna curiously and the little girl frowned, "Um, what are those red marks on your tummy and why does it look like some one has bitten you?"
The look of horror that cross Sparrow's face sent Adrianna into a fit of laughter. The distressed woman turned to regard herself in the mirror and nearly screamed in shock. Why had she not seen them before, she thought furiously to herself.
"I'm gonna kill him!" she hissed quietly as Adrianna lay on the bed consumed in her laughter.
"Kill who Sparrow?" she asked and Sparrow spun round her face instantly matching her outfit as her cheeks became aflame with embarrassment. She turned away muttering to herself ignoring the snorts and guffaws behind her.
"What am I going to do?" Sparrow asked with a panic evident voice as she glanced pleadingly over at Adrianna who stood reigning in her giggles with great difficulty, "seriously, Adrianna I can't go with these exposed."
Adrianna sighed and pondered managing to look serious though she hiccuped slightly. "Well we could try make up, I believe I have something that could cover them."
Sparrow's eyes widened. "But... what if during the dancing the make up comes off," she said her fingers raising to her mouth as she instinctively went to bite them.
Adrianna pulled the woman's fingers away from her mouth. "Don't be silly, this make up is meant to stay on … well, its more paint than makeup, but it should still do the trick, wait here," Adrianna instantly disappeared into the corridor to rush off to her rooms. When she returned she held a palette and some small pots, which Sparrow regarded dubiously.
"No let me just mix the right colour for your skin tone and we will be away," the younger woman said in a perky tone, but Sparrow looked unamused by the whole venture. She clenched her eyes tight as she felt the cold wet paint touch her skin and Adrianna worked it with the soft brush. Sparrow shuddered as Adrianna mused over how well the paint matched and the brush tickled her skin.
When she was done Sparrow looked in the mirror and gaped. The red marks had all but disappeared and a passer by would not notice the patches. She ran her hand over her skin with a grin. However, the thought of letting Reaver have what was coming to him was prevalent in her mind. Adrianna stood up and smiled brightly.
"Right, now we go to my chambers, get my dress on and then we take a trip to see my make up artists and hair stylist," she said with a cute giggle and Sparrow stared at her blankly.
"Make up artist?" she asked confused, "I have never heard of such a thing."
Adrianna grinned. "Come on time's getting on."
"Wait for me outside, I'm just going to talk to Lorna quickly," Adrianna nodded and closed the door behind her as Sparrow knelt beside the young girl.
"You look really pretty Mama," she said with a small, shy smile and Sparrow patted her head.
"Thank you dear, now when the old man gets here you are to behave," Sparrow said in a serious voice as she took a hankerchief, licked a corner and proceeded to clean a speck of dirt off of the girls cheek. Lorna let out a squeak and shrugged Sparrow off who grinned.
"You don't need to tell me Mama, I always do," Lorna protested and Sparrow affectionately kissed her on the forehead.
"I know dear," she stood up and quickly hugged her, "Now remember to stay here and you will be safe okay."
The little girl nodded and watched as Sparrow left the room. Sparrow gave the small girl a quick wave which Lorna returned, but when the door closed her smile disappeared. Her hands flopped to her side as a small frown creased her young features. She was pleased that Sparrow was so happy, but why did she have this really bad feeling in the pit of her stomach. She sighed and picked up her bag of sweets, then dumped them on the animal skin rug. She trotted into her room and returned with a large book nearly half her body in height, then set it down so she could flick through it while popping the sweet little balls in her mouth to wait for Oota to turn up.
The fire in the hearth crackled merrily as Lorna continued to read through the vast volume before her nose. The sweets had started to make her feel somewhat sick and she had pushed them away. Music and laughter filtered up to her through the open windows and she got up curiously to see what was going on. Couples and small groups of people milled around the garden below as the twilight sky above darkened accentuating the glow of the lights that had been set up to keep the garden alight.
Lorna sighed and looked at the sky. It had been ages since Sparrow left with no sign of Oota showing up. As she began to wonder where he was the door behind her squeaked open. Hoping it was him she spun round to greet the old man, but as she did so her eyes widened. Before she could scream a dark cloth was flung over her face and the sound of her wail was muffled by the dense covering. The shadowy figure tore her from her feet to sling her over their shoulder and quickly left the room leaving it silent and bare.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Reaver sighed as he stood next to Garth as they waited in the main hall. He was dressed much like many of the men that were entering the hall. It was a simple rich red dress tunic that was loose, with a pale yellow sash that sat about his waist, a pair of red trousers and a pair of slipper like shoes. He had decided to for go the hat as he did not want to squash his hair. He had, however, liked the look of the single gold hoop that he had seen many of the men wear. When he went to see if anyone could do this for him he received some strange looks, but he insisted by threatening them with a bullet between the eyes; that never fails to get a person going. He did not, however, realise what was involved in have an ear pierced until it was too late, but he did like the end result and he idly played with the thin gold hoop even if it caused a measure of discomfort.
Garth eyed him curiously and spotted the hoop with a wry smile.
"What ever possessed you to get an earring especially one like that?" the mage asked incredulously as his eyes swept over the buffet table on the far side of the room hungrily.
"I liked the look of it, what's the problem," the Pirate retorted hotly as his hand automatically rest on the hip his gun sat hidden beneath his tunic. Though guests were not allowed weapons in the main hall he thought, what the guards do not know will not hurt them. At least not immediately.
A small coy smile appeared on Garth's lips. "Well...," he paused and looked at Reaver before stifling a a laugh with a cough, "it indicates how many wives you have or had."
Reaver stopped playing with the hoop and his eyes slowly widened. The green orbs slid to the stoic mage who watched the in coming crowds expectantly.
"You cannot be serious?" Reaver demanded indignantly and he glared at the Mage accusingly. "Why didn't you tell me sooner!?"
Garth sighed inwardly. "For one I did not know," he replied calmly, "second it was your own naivety that caused you to blindly pierce your own ear with out finding out first what cultural significance it may have."
Reaver scoffed and tossed his head in a aloof manner. "Why should such things mean anything to me?" the pirate replied with a dismissive wave of his hand.
"Well, you will find no women will actually approach you for a start," Garth said and Reaver's eyes widened once more at the implications. Not that it really worried him much there was always the men he surmised. He began to ponder this, but then Garth nudged him with his elbow causing to Reaver to scowl lightly in irritation, he did so hate having his trail of thought interrupted. However, he was glad he was as his eyes beheld a sight that caused a wave of excitement to flood through him.
As soon as Sparrow walked through the door it was almost as if the sun had risen especially to illuminate and greet this goddess, was the thought that came to Reaver's mind. He made a special note to write that down the next chance he had; he liked the sound of it. He did not move as Sparrow swept into the room with Adrianna at her side looking especially lovely, but Reaver paid her no mind. His eyes roamed Sparrow's figure almost lustily and Garth shifted a little uncomfortably.
"Do you have to stare at her like that in public," Garth said hotly as he tried to look elsewhere but Reaver's expression.
The pirate laughed, but ignored the comment as he took a few tentative steps towards Sparrow who peered up at him from under dark eyelashes. It was the first time he had seen her with make up and he must say the green rather suited her. It was quite the contrast to her own bright blue eyes that stared at him with doe like apprehension.
"Sparrow," he greeted with a slight bow and in response she curtsied.
"Reaver," she replied and her eyes flickered to his ear a curious expression appearing, "earring?"
"Don't ask," he stated offering his arm to her. She giggled slightly and wrapped her arm about his willingly leaving Adrianna with Garth. The dark skinned woman looked at Garth with her dark brown eyes her face expressionless as she regarded him. Garth sighed and held out his arm like Reaver had done. Adrianna grinned and giggled cheekily as Garth then lead her into the ensuing mass of people who laughed and talked in small groups. The room was filled with a buzz of excitement and a listless sense of anticipation.
The vast hall was decorated with vast amounts of colourful exotic flowers sat upon the walls with vines tracing from one bunch to the next. Candles danced above the guests swirling on tides of magic that suspended them in mid-air. An orchestra sat patiently waiting tuning their instruments beside a podium. Two figures could be seen beside it conversing as the crowd largely ignored the orchestra.
Sparrow stood beside Reaver with a cup of wine in her hand as she nervously waited. Many a young man cast her saucy winks and suggestive glances, but all were met with stony glances from Reaver who hovered like a vulture intent on keeping his prize to himself. She hated to admit it but his presence was comforting. Knowing she may not get molested in any fashion was a great relief due in part to the fact Reaver's demeanour cast an aura of 'approach and die'. The thought brought a smile to her face and Reaver glanced to her curiously, but she shook her head looked towards the podium which seemed to be the thing attracting most attention as people seemed to wait for something.
The lights suddenly dimmed and the chattering roar died to mere whispers as a single point of light focused upon the podium. The solemn figure of Morzai strode to the centre of the platform and glanced about at his guests at first stoic but a genuine smile soon appeared.
-Welcome, ladies and gentlemen to this years Summer Festival Gala,- He shouted to the appreciative audience, Reaver whispered the translation into Sparrow's ear as the man spoke -It gives me great pride to announce this year's special guest's Reaver and Sparrow, two great heroes from Albion!-
A spotlight fell upon the shocked Sparrow and Reaver grinned waving to the crowd as they were applauded leaving Sparrow to blink shyly closing the gap between her and the Pirate.
Reaver put an arm about the woman's waist. "Smile dear," he whispered with out hardly moving his lips, "You have just been made the life of the party."
A sense of dread engulfed the warrior woman and knew from that statement that she will spend most of the evening answering silly repetitious questions about her life in Albion.
-And the Famous Garth of the Mages, Rescuer of the Ten Maidens of Meises, Slayer of the Great Varla Beast and the man responsible for magics that allow for such pleasant light shows as fireworks. Wasn't that nice of him my dear subjects-
The statement received many a laugh and a grand applaud as another spotlight picked out Garth's form in the crowd not to far from where Sparrow stood, and she feel Reaver seethe. She glanced at the Pirate out of the corner of her eye thoughtfully.
"Jealous?" she whispered and Reaver scowled.
"Never!" He tossed his head and as he took a long draft of wine leaving Sparrow giggling quietly. Garth tipped his head in recognition of the the applause looking somewhat embarrassed by the attention.
-Now, as always enjoy yourselves, celebrate the gifts given to us by the gods and above all … no accidents please that was quite a trial last year.-
There was a wave of raucous laughter and Morzai excused himself from the podium as the crowd clapped and whistled leaving a woman to ascend it waiting for the orchestra. The lights faded back and the orchestra struck up a bouncy tune that the woman's voice joined in a pleasant song that Sparrow did not understand. People immediately took to dancing and Sparrow watched apprehensively as they whizzed past in exuberant displays. Reaver seemed to note this and leaned into the woman as he squeezed her about the middle.
"Aww is the little Sparrow scared?" he asked and she shot him an angry glare.
"I don't do dancing," she insisted with a huff. Reaver chuckled in her ear and she growled lowly in her throat.
"Such a pretty wall flower its a shame you won't dance," he said before letting go, "As for me I intend to have fun, so you just stay there and watch." He flashed her a challenging grin before making his way into the crowd and spotting a young hopeful. He approached the small dark skinned woman with charm set to full as he smiled down at her and offered her his hand. The young woman giggled and took the hand. She was instantly swept away to join the frenzied dance whilst Sparrow looked on with her face rigid with shock feeling like her security had just melted away leaving her exposed.
Sparrow suddenly downed the last drop of wine in her cup and squeezed it. "I'll show him that ungracious bastard!" she muttered to herself. As she was about to go retrieve herself some more wine to help boost her confidence she felt a shy tap on her shoulder. She turned to be greeted with a tall handsome young man with soft brown eyes. He coughed a little and bowed.
"It ...is a pleasure to meet you," he said in an unsure accent, "I am Adrianna brother, older, my name Gravern... um, dance? Would like to dance?"
Sparrow glanced at the swirling crowd with a thoughtful expression before she smiled. And nodded taking the offered hand.
"I would just Love to dance," she replied and the young man grinned. Sparrow eyed him in an almost calculating manner. "You are one of Adrianna's many brothers?"
He nodded as he apprehensively copied the movements of the dancers about him and she allowed him to lead. She smiled almost darkly as she caught sight of Reaver getting cuddly with the young woman he was with. Sparrow felt that pang of jealousy and wrapped an arm about Gavern's neck.
"I heard so much about you," she said fluttering her make up heavy eyelashes, "But I'm sure its not true." She giggled as look of annoyance fluttered across the young man's face.
Despite Sparrow's previous feelings of apprehension on the dancing vanished as she found herself coming to enjoy it more and more. It was not like it was back home with an almost regimented feel with exact steps that everyone had to do or it would not be proper. This type of dancing reminded her more of the Gypsies and a pang of home sickness appeared. She had been away from home so long she missed it terribly.
She managed to convince Gavern to allow her to sit down to catch her breath. Her legs were beginning to feel wobbly from the excessive exercise and she was beginning to find it hard to breath somewhat. She felt tired and the evening had only just begun. Annoyance crept over her as she picked at some food that Gavern brought her. She looked up as Adrianna approached with a broad smile as she spied her brother. She gave him a warm hug before looking to Sparrow whose face had grown somewhat pale.
"Oh Gavern what have you done to her?!" she demanded in a teasing fashion and Gavern raised his hands defensively.
"Nothing," he protested, "We danced and she feel tired!"
Adrianna smiled at her brother who rolled his eyes in exasperation. The young woman returned back to Sparrow with a worrying expression and put a hand to Sparrow's forehead. Adrianna frowned and grabbed a chair so she could sit.
"Are you really feeling okay?" she asked and Sparrow smiled kindly.
"Yes dear," she said patting the girls knee, "I'm fine, just a little tired is all. Let me sit have a bite to eat and I will be up and raring to go again."
"Up and ready to annoy Reaver?" Adrianna suddenly giggled and Sparrow glanced out of the corner of her eye.
"I have no idea what you mean," she said as a coupe of people passed whispering to each other eyeing Sparrow curiously.
"Sure you don't," Adrianna muttered, "You should of seen the looks he was giving poor Gavern. Think he almost dropped his drink one time. Liandra was not amused I can tell you."
"Liandra?" Sparrow asked her voice going up a notch.
Adrianna nodded smoothing out her blue skirts. "Yes, thats the girls name, daughter of... so and so and to be honest you probably don't care," she said as Sparrow's eyebrow rose.
The younger woman giggled. "Well, I will leave you too to... stimulating conversation," she said with a grin before it disappeared becoming one of annoyance, "and I'm going to find Garth." She pouted then looking sulkily to the woman who stared curiously. "He disappeared on me."
Sparrow laughed heartily and patted Adrianna's shoulder. "I'm sure you will find him," she said with a knowing smile. She looked up at Gavern who was listening intently as if trying to figure out what they were saying. He tilted his head a fraction peering at Sparrow with a confused frown. She replied with a smile and shrugged as Adrianna vanished into the crowd.
As soon as she was gone a body took the place of the chair and she peered up half expecting Reaver, but to her surprise another young man appeared with a cup filled with wine. She accepted the offering and took a sip as she looked to Gavern with a coy smile. She was going to enjoy this, she thought.
The longer Sparrow sat the more men she found herself surrounded by. It came as a complete surprise as she was so used to being the one unnoticed at the edge of the room in the shadows. Usually where she liked it. However, this sudden attention left her feeling both embarrassed and somewhat gratified by the fact that men wanted to talk to her. She cast them sultry glances and fluttered her eyelashes here and there, which worked wonders much to her delight.
Within the dancing crowd Reaver dragged the semi drunk female with him as he caught glances out of the corner of his eye. At first he did not notice Sparrow was actually dancing till she happened to pass him and his current dancing partner, and shouted something his way. He looked up sharply to see her waltz away laughing. Since then his demeanour had soured some what and he could tell by the way she flirted with group of gentlemen that it was deliberate. He kept a vigil watch as he waltzed not to far away like a prowling shark swinging backwards and forwards with the woman with him humming and laughing contentedly oblivious to the fact he was not even paying attention as she chattered in his ear.
As he continued to spy on Sparrow the music subtly changed to something with a slower rhythm and much to his candour the woman he had been dancing with grasped him tightly round the middle with her head rested against his shoulder. He fought a shudder and worked a plan to get rid of the silly woman quickly.
His chanced a side ward glance towards Sparrow and his annoyance did not abate as one of the 'gentlemen' brought her yet another cup of wine. What irked him most was she accepted wholeheartedly and her cheeks were already pink with her evident tipsiness. He watched helplessly as she spilt a small amount upon her exposed collar bone and one of her companions was quick to wipe it away whilst she giggled haplessly. That was the last straw and he grabbed the woman that clung to him, then set her aside forcefully.
-I apologise my dear but I have something to go take care of,- he said loftily and she immediately protested.
-But Reaver don't you like me?- she asked her bottom lip quivering.
A look of revulsion crossed his face and he turned to face her with a fake sweet smile. -My dear, you are drunk and Ugly!- he stated loud enough for the surrounding people to hear, -But tomorrow you will only be sober.-
With his cutting words she burst into tears and fled. Much to his glee he was applauded by many a male whilst many a woman sent him dark glares. He did not care. At least he was able to get rid of her without having to shoot her. That would not of gone down well.
He took a deep, calming breath and smoothed back his hair before with, deliberate steps, approached Sparrow. As he stepped up to the throng of men they all looked up to see who had joined them and instantly Reaver sensed hostility. He smirked and looked down at Sparrow who had been talking animatedly to the young man next to her. Reaver did give her some credit as he looked upon the handsome faces who stared curiously in his direction, she did attract quite a group of good looking young men.
"Ah... Reaver," Sparrow giggled and set aside her cup, "Nice of you to join us, would you like some of these they are quite delicious." She held up a plate with small little biscuits covered in some sort of soft cheese and a tiny flower. Reaver looked at it then at her with a raised eyebrow. "Okay so you don't." She shrugged and popped one in her mouth and chewed happily as the man closest to her chuckled, took one and popped that into her awaiting mouth.
Reaver glowered darkly and suddenly grabbed her round the wrist. The woman hastily swallowed as she was dragged out of her chair and dropped her plate on the table. She bumped into him as he stopped to glance at the young men with a sudden smirk.
-See this- he asked in a pleasant tone. He pointed to the earring and their eyes widened, but they nodded, -Ok, then back off or I will shoot you-
They glanced at each other apprehensively and most backed away, then disappeared into the crowd leaving Reaver glowing with triumph and Sparrow looking confused.
"Hey... what did you say?" she asked in a sulky tone as she stumbled after him, "We were having the best conversation."
Reaver turned around abruptly grabbing her around the waist and pulling her close. "You are drunk," he said looking down at her with narrowed eyes.
"So... like you cared before," she muttered and the statement seemed to cut deep leaving him to cringe. "I mean you left me all on my own to … waltz with some plump bint that looked like she had the intelligence of a rock and... and... I had to do something or I would have been very bored."
She paused in her narrative and Reaver looked away to glower darkly at the dancers about him. She stared at him before poking him hard in the shoulder. He winced and turned to glare at her, but before he could say anything she had wrapped her arms about his neck and pressed her lips to his in a heated kiss. He froze in surprise before his body forced him to relax and he returned it. When she let go she looked at him with a pout before burying her face in his shoulder allowing him to lead her in a slow dance. Reaver sighed resting his cheek upon her soft hair and inhaling the sweet floral scent his anger abating into guilt.
"You have a remarkable gift for making me feel guilty for the smallest of things," he commented and she sniffled in response.
"Sorry," she muttered quietly and Reaver could not help but chuckle.
"Don't sniffle dear its unsightly."
"Sorry."
"Stop saying sorry," Reaver smiled despite himself and she pulled her head back to look at him with an unfocused look.
"Sorry," she snorted and began to giggle burying her face in his shoulder once more. Reaver merely rolled his eyes as she tightened her arms about his neck and he slowly waltzed the woman's form in slow circles. She hummed lowly and nuzzled against his neck enjoying the contact of his strong body against hers and she blushed despite her coy smile as she remembered the events of the afternoon. She logged that under the best afternoon she ever had.
She was about to ask Reaver if she could have another drink when a almighty clang rattled through the hall causing the orchestra to stop abruptly. People stood looking about in confusion as the lights flickered despite there being no windows or doors open. Morzai appeared on the podium, where a singer had been moments before, with an agitated expression as a creeping chill settled leaving the guests shivering fearfully. Then, all of a sudden the lights went out causing many to scream and Sparrow clung to Reaver her eyes darting intently.
"What's going on?" she whispered harshly and the Pirate shrugged his finger tips rested on the tip of his guns handle.
A menacing cackle vibrated through the room as a spotlight clicked on focusing on the podium where Morzai stood staring with horror upon the man who stood beside him. Morzai backed away as the eyes from between the slits glared hatefully at him and he whimpered with fear.
"Nice to see you again Morzai ol'boy," the chilling voice cackled and the crowd watched apprehensively as the tall skeletal like figure turned to regard the guests with distaste.
Upon seeing him Sparrow immediately snapped out of her alcohol induced daze and removed herself from Reaver allowing each other space just incase. She sensed Garth's presence just to her left and felt mildly comforted by both of them there even though she had no weapon to speak of. She looked to Reaver who gave her a brief nod before focusing his eyes on the figure with a dark yet calm expression.
-Ladies and gentlemen!- Adren almost crowed with little effort and those closest to the podium took an apprehensive step back, -We interrupt your festivities to annoy you and and make things generally irritating.-
He rocked back as he let out a harsh laugh. -But seriously folks I have come to say you will … all die and hopefully lay choking in you own blood, but lo... you are not what I am after, no, your 'special guests' are my point of interest, but even so I'm gonna kill ya anyway. Ohhhhhh boys!-
He clicked his long fingers the sharp sound caused the lights to illuminate once more and surrounding the room were tall dark figures with large muscles and bodies covered in armour. From their hands hung leashes attached to massive dog like beasts that drooled and snarled hungrily. The crowd immediately began to scream and chaos ensued as they all tried to escape, but no doors were open and they thundered towards the only exit trying in vain to force the large metal doors open.
Adren cackled as the heroes forced their way towards the podium and Sparrow was the first to reach it. She glared up at Adren's form and he turned his masked face towards her. His eyes glowed a sickly orange as he stared at her.
"Hello again my dear, such a pleasure to meet you once more," he said in a dark menacing voice and a shudder made the warrior woman quiver involuntarily.
"What do you want!" she demanded her hands balling into tight fists and Adren chuckled.
"What I want dear, I already have," he clicked his fingers again and a figure appeared behind him. Corban glanced blankly down at Sparrow with lifeless eyes as a small bundle hung lifeless over his shoulder. Sparrow's eyes widened and she stared at Corban questioningly, but he made no effort to respond. "We had to make her sleep, but you will be proud to know she put up one hell of a fight. Quite a feisty young thing. Managed to pull off a couple of quite powerful spells. Impressive for someone her age don't you think." Adren chuckled and stroked his porcelain covered chin. "Hmm, I think I might keep her around after I am done with her... make her my queen maybe."
He burst out in sinister laughter as Sparrow made a high pitched scream. She lunged for him, but with a deadly calmness he held up his hand and sent out a pulse of energy. It caught her in the midriff propelling her limp body backwards into the awaiting arms of Garth and Reaver.
Garth laid her upon the floor and glared up at Adren, his eyes and will lines glowing with power and fury.
"If you have what you want then why have you stayed?" he asked in a biting tone. Adren regarded the Mage mildly.
"Because I want to kill you," he replied in a matter of fact way before chuckling and leaning forward, "That way you three and that pesky cat won't come after me and mess up my already delayed plans."
He straightened up and looked about the chaotic room with his eyes glowing with a sickly glee before they settled back to the trio before him.
"And believe me," he drawled, "I am going to enjoy every moment of it."
With that he tossed his head back issuing a wave of hideous laughter as woman screamed and the beasts howled with anticipation.
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Sorry this is uuuber late, but loads of stuff came up and I did hit a kinda writers block with it also. I'm hoping (now things have calmed down) to get the next chapter up tomorrow evening. I hope that will appease you all and I also hope you enjoyed this chapter as well.