RP:Cyniarth the Sneaky
Summary: Cynarith is a little sneaky and checks in on this woman her father is so enamored with. Later there is dinner at a rather fancy pants establishment where Lita and Xiem stick out like sore thumbs.
SoulsKin
Cyniarth has set out on a mission today to see this tattoo artist for herself… woman-to-woman. Her lady’s maid helps style her rose gold colored hair as usual for the morning and she picks out a simple dress for the midday; a plum silk number in the style of a sheath dress with a hand embroidered sheer overlay. It seems simple to Cyni, but she is forever the fashionista! Of course her makeup is kept light, but obviously she has an obsession with Vinabre’s Starkissed Highlighter and her lady’s maid helps apply some to the apple of her cheeks, the dip of her Cupid’s bow on her lip and the tiny point at the end of her nose. Most men describe the woman as naturally breathtaking, like, for real - dudes sometimes forget how to breathe when she is near. It’s weird, but she pays no mind because she chose to look like this for that very reason. People don’t expect much out of an aristocratic woman of her standard and beauty, but that’s the perfect cover to work her manipulations on the weaker sex to get what she really wants - respect… power… money. As usual there are two tall, muscular men dressed in simple grey tunics who are so stoic, they might as well be statues and they show a great deal of respect Cyni while genuinely seeming to care for her well-being. Some people greet the woman with a bow and dazed smile as she walks about town because one of ‘them’ have graced the port side town with their presence! The higher class families living in Elimdor are revered as royalty to most in Rynvale as if they are here for some divine purpose. The dragon disguised as a forsaken elf slips into the establishment known as SoulsKin and one of the gentleman with her keeps guard of the entrance from the outside while the other follows Cyni within to stand in one place, visually scanning the interior for any possible threats to dear Cyniarth. Heeled steps echo in the empty establishment as a sweet melodic voice calls out, “hello?” Then she meanders over to one of the display cases, bending at the waist ever so slightly to inspect the artworks with a soft smile on her lush lips.
Lita might have been considered classically beautiful as a human. With a lithe frame, lean muscles and supple curves. Her lack of attention to style hasn't changed much over the years, still preferring the ease and comfort of simple sundresses and bare feet. Becoming a vampire had only highlighted the contrast of her features, dark hair and eyes against alabaster skin, pale pink lips and the occasional brush of color from whatever project she might be working on. It wasn't unusual to find her clothes and arms smeared with paint or charcoal. Today was no different, with Lita bent over the worktable and the fancy sketchbook Xiem had gotten her, which had already been well loved in the last few weeks. The back door of the shop is propped open by Cal's booted foot, the rogue leaning against the wall and only partially visible behind the door itself. "-there's gonna be twelve of 'em, I swear it." Cal is saying as Cyniarth enters the shop. And his train of thought isn't just interrupted but cut short, his face going a little pale as he looks up at the woman. Beautiful wouldn't be enough a word to do her justice. "I told you already, I'm only going if you kick Liam. Kid irks me and after the shyte he pulled, I can't believe you're still runnin' 'im outside a poker game." The rogue's silence makes her look up and seeing Cal's face, she follows his gaze to the front of the shop. "Hi. Don't mind him." She waves a hand briefly at Cal, side-eyeing the woman's muscle (she'd assume as such). Standing from the work bench with a small sigh, she moves to the back of the shop and nudges Cal's shoulder beyond the door. "You- we'll talk later." Cal protests weakly but Lita gets the door shut and turns back towards the newcomers finally. "Sorry about that." She managed, brushing her hands across the hem of her skirt. "Looking for anything in particular today or just browsing?"
Cyniarth sets her icy gray eyes on the rugged looking man called ‘Cal’. Maybe she will give him something to dream about as her lips shape an amused soft smile and she looks away as if it pains her with desire to look upon the man any longer. Her father likes to pretend he can’t hear as well as dragons should, but she sure as perdere heard every vowel of doubt he tried to sew into Lita’s head that one night at the Inn. Only recently has she put the meaning to him and her father. Cyniarth saunters a little closer to Lita, having to look down at the vampire and her smile spreads across her lips to show perfect pearly whites, this can be a disarming type smile that holds such a delicate softness, you’d think she was a masterpiece illustration. Her sweet timbre continues and matches her affluent accent perfectly, “don’t worry about miss-“ Cyni pauses expectantly for a name while slipping her silk quarter length gloves off and hands them to her guard. This is so she can offer a handshake to the woman, extending a well manicured and smooth as silk dainty hand towards her. Being close enough now, Lita will find the woman smells pleasantly of lilacs and an undertone of citrus which is a popular, but expensive women's perfume to the locals by CyCy Chunelle (which is Cynarith’s company) called Dragon’s Blood.
Lita will probably have to deal with Cal's shyte later. Whether he's badgering her for more information or complaining about how she shooed him out of the shop. Lita is of fairly average height for a human-vampire, at five foot seven but even so she has to look up at the woman. Not that this is unnerving. She's used to people looking down at her, though it's not always physically. There's an unnervingness about the woman, the perfection of her. Like a painting whose eyes follow you around a room and you can't look away but you can't quite place why it makes your skin crawl. There's a sudden urge to mar it somehow, just enough to make it more relatable. A scar, a smear of color, a strand of perfect hair out of place. The want to destroy something beautiful. The deviousness of it touches Lita’s smile as she takes the woman's hand and offers her name, "Lita." She doesn't ask for the other woman's name, though it's not because she's not interested. She just tends to let other people offer their own information. "I take it you're not here for a consultation?"
Cyniarth gracefully takes the offered hand and gives a proper shake before pulling it away to see she’s got some of the artists’ smudges on her hands. A brief scowl at herself for being so careless and without even having to ask, her guard is providing an embroidered kerchief that has the crest in the center belonging to a prominent Eldimor family. Is she a part of said family or is it a token from one of her suitors? “I am just browsing, Lita,” she answers the first question. “All the times I’ve had to venture to the port, I had not even realized there was a tattoo shop here in the city,” she offers, genuinely amused while wiping most of what she can off her hand and then handing the dirty kerchief back to her guard. “Oh, I don’t know,” her gaze, framed by long lashes, narrows slightly as if she’s in deep thought. “How long have you been running this establishment here?” She goes back to inspecting a case advertising temporary tattoos and there is an adorable little dragonfly one. Cyni politely waits for Lita to answer her question before posing another, “how adorable this dragonfly is. When it says ‘temporary’, do you have an estimate to how long they stay?” It might be an interesting prospect. Once Lita answers that question, she gently taps the glass with her stiletto shaped and French tipped fingernail, “may I hold it? I wish to hold it against where something like this might look best.”
Lita is not at all sure what to make of the woman. She offers a murmured apology at having gotten a mess of color on the woman's hand but she seems unbothered, as if it were just a part of her day to deal with such things outside of her own neighborhood. She catches sight of the crest and lofts a brow at it, not sure if she should be impressed or if she should feel blessed that the woman appears to be slumming it in her shop. "When I opened the shop it was under a different name. Sanctuary, it was called in the early days. Guess that was not quite ten years ago now and the doors have been open and closed, on and off since then. Thankfully the tourists seem to like it, keeps the lights on." She offers a smile when the woman points out the little dragonfly tattoo. "They'll last a few days on average, depending where you put it." She's already opening the case from the back when the girl asks about a closer look. "Of course. Think I've got a couple done up in different color schemes too, if you like the dragonfly. Did a bunch of designs for the Cenril bazaar a few weeks back in an array of colors and just brought back what was left." She slides the little stick-on across the case for the girl to see. "You just press it where you want on your skin, get the transfer paper wet and it allows the ink to move from the parchment to your skin and stick there instead. I can show you if you want. Only takes about a minute."
Cynarith makes a mental note of details peppered into the explanation. So she isn’t a permanent fixture here? Or consistent? This is disappointing to hear because she’s the one who’s going to have to pick up the pieces when this ‘Lita’ dips out. Her thoughts do not advertise as much on her face, “does anyone look after the shop while you and your husband are away?” It’s a perfectly normal question and it would be easy to assume the man from before is her beau because many couples go into business together! Once the parchment is in her hands, she positions herself in front of the mirror and holds it against her wrist. A wrinkle of her nose. Then she tries her chest right above her breast… nah. “Hmmm,” she shifts it down till it settles in the curve of her hip and then turns to Lita with a mischievous grin, “what do you think? It could be our little secret,” then there is a soft giggle that sounds like a pleasant little bell. “Or until one of my suitors sees it,” there is a nonchalant shrug of her slender shoulders. Then she looks to one of the more private areas for tattooing, “if you’d be so kind, I would greatly appreciate your help Miss Lita.” Her sweet smile returns as she’s handing the temporary tattoo back so she may assist her.
Lita thinks it's a bit of an odd question to ask about who tends the shop in her absence. But maybe she's looking to set up shop in the area? Or maybe she's an investor looking for new business ventures? Either would make sense, coupled with the crest on the woman's handkerchief. "Just my partner." She answers, hooking a thumb over her shoulder towards the back door where Cal had been. "Though he's more the silent type when it comes to the shop's day to day operation." She didn't clarify what type of partner Cal was, or dissuade the woman from the assumption that she'd a husband. She usually lets people run with their assumptions of her. What business was it to her if this woman thought she was married or not? She watches the girl position the little dragonfly in various places in front of the mirror. "Be happy to help." She says, waving the girl back into the shop area and drawing the curtain between the front of the shop and the little private area. Dark eyes flicker towards the girl's muscle who had wandered in with her, but the man doesn't move, so Lita doesn't say anything. Once behind the curtain, she takes the little tattoo and peels the clear strip of covering over it, balancing it on her knee while she reaches for a clean cloth and a jar of water tinted a pale blue color. "It's just water treated with these flowers from Frostmaw. Keeps it soft and makes it smell divine." She daps a corner of the cloth in the water and then positions the tattoo at the girl's hip, making sure she has the angle right and the girl approves before pressing it gently to her delicate skin. She pads the damp cloth against it after, pressing it over her skin as she counts to sixty in her head. "I imagine you have a lot of suitors, being as gorgeous as you are. But is there anyone special who might get to see this little number?" She grins up at the girl from her seat at the workbench, a knowing wink offered in playful jest.
Cyniarth grins to herself as Lita cleverly says what ‘Cal’ is to her and she decides she likes that, playing things close to the chest- it is what Cyni does best, after all. Once they are alone, somewhat, behind the curtain, she hikes up the hem along one side of her dress to give Lita access where she wants the tattoo in the most modest way possible. Her grin softens as she pretends to be flattered at the compliment because it’s something she has heard a million times before and it is a known fact for her, but there is a small part of her that does still like it recognized. “Thank you, Lita,” and then her jaw drops ever so slightly in surprise at the question. “Why aren’t you bold?” A haughty tiny laugh follows and she ends it in a smirk, “maybe if they play their cards right.” She takes this locked in opportunity to be just as bold, “apparently my father played all the cards right with you.” Her sly smirk remains as her icy gaze locks to the woman’s. Is she amused? Is she cross? Who knows! The air feels tense and she is curious how Lita’s attitude might change now. “Or is it the other way around? Xiembantointh the White is quite smitten,” she casually checks her nails as if they aren’t still perfect.
Lita finds the girl charming, in a way. There's a surety about her, a boldness, as she'd put it, that Lita recognizes and understands. There's some witty retort lingering at the tip of her tongue but she doesn't get the chance to say it before the girl is mentioning her father and it's all Lita can do to keep her composure as she carefully lifts the damp cloth from her skin, peeling away the parchment to make sure the ink has transferred and then leaning forward a bit to gently blow on the area before brushing her thumb across it ever so faintly, to ensure it wouldn't peel at the edges. Xiem's daughter. She's trying to process this information. Even if she wasn't bad at names, she's got no way of knowing whether this is Viridi or Cyniarth, outside of an educated guess. She's freaking out a little bit internally. She wants to make a good impression. Even if Xiem says otherwise, she knows his childrens' opinions are important to him and the last thing she wants is to cause trouble for their family. "No cards," she says finally, choosing her words carefully, keeping her voice measured and even. "Xiem came in for a tattoo. We talked. He was open and honest." She lifts dark eyes to meet the girl's gaze again. "I'm still learning to do the same. But I'm sure I don't have to tell you what he's like when he sets his mind to something." Lita still isn't sure what he'd seen in her, or what he still did. She sighs softly, moving to set the cloth and trash on the work table. "Is this the part where you make some threat about me breaking his heart or some such?" She's not offended by the possibility, she respects it, expects it even from his loved ones. She just hopes they can move past the inevitability of it.
Cyniarth carefully watches how Lita’s expression changes without being obvious about it. Are her pupils dilating? Does she start blushing? Is she trying to hide a smile? You know, all the visual signs of love. Cyni carefully remains quiet during Lita’s explanation and it isn’t clear if that is a good thing or a dangerous thing. She still holds the dress out of the way of her temporary tattoo to let it dry all the way. Then she shrugs her shoulders up halfway, “please, Lita, we’re adult women.” That short chuckle which sounds like it costs a thousand gold pieces is earned by Lita’s comment, “oh, I know. You should hear us bicker about the project he is working on at my second mansion, but he is almost always right and that part of him I have never not trusted.” This must mean that Xiem sees something in Lita that she probably doesn’t even see in herself yet. “When my father loves, it’s with his whole being - his whole dragon form being and you feel if in everything he does. I just hope you’re ready for that one day,” she smiles again and it’s more genuine this time. Finally she looks down at the dragon fly and that sweet smile rests on her shapely lips, “perfect.” Then she lifts her gaze to Lita while letting the hem of the dress go to ask, “did you know that in almost every culture, the Dragonfly symbolizes change, transformation, adaptability, and self-realization.” There is a knowing look on her expression as if the tattoo wasn’t really for herself, but for the young lady next to her. “I’ll see you soon, Lita. We’ve got a dinner date,” she slips passed the curtain and holds her hand out to the guard who provides her pocketbook. “This should cover it,” she gently places more than enough gold coins on the countertop with a wink and a wiggle of her fingertips for a wave. Her guard gets the door and they make their exit.
Lita | If there is one thing Lita has perfected the art of, it's hiding her emotions. Of course that had been necessary as an informant and a spy. And while she didn't fall back into those habits as often lately, that didn't make it any less an easy thing to do. Especially here, acutely aware of the way Cyniarth scrutinized her without making an obvious play of it. But Lita keeps her composure, her smile carefully crafted, her breaths measured, her heartbeat faint and slow but steady. The girl's laugh is infectious and Lita can't help but let her smile broaden to hear it. Her brow lofts slightly at the mention of a second mansion but that's none of her business to comment on. Lita admires the fact that Cyn has come here at all. Whether to suss out more information about her or test her, the why doesn't seem to matter. She sees it comes from a place of love for her father and there's an endearing quality in that. "Me too." She says honestly when Cyn mentions this bit about Xiem loving with his whole being. Here, Lita allows a bit of vulnerability to touch her voice. Because she recognizes that Cyn would know if she lied. And it's an honest answer. She doesn't feel deserving of the affection she's garnered from Xiem but that doesn't mean she won't try to be. She doesn't even know what to call what she feels for him yet. Because it's still new and terrifying to her. But that doesn't make it any less important. "He was right about you, you are a firecracker." It's a compliment. She grins as she stands, moving to follow the girl towards the door. She lifts a hand to say payment isn't necessary, certainly not so much, but Cyn isn't taking no for an answer and she's flitting back out into the streets before Lita can argue further. Well. Their dinner date should prove interesting.
Later at the villa
Xiembantointh is excited to get off work for the first time in ages and it’s been that way ever since Lita came back from Venturil. The invites by friends and coworkers to come have a beer are rain-checked because he must get to Lita's villa! A place that is starting to feel like home now that she cleared a drawer for his clothes and allows him to fill her ice box with food along with her pantry. Curiously enough, his necklace holding his and Nildran’s wedding bands has been left on the top of Lita’s dresser as a symbol that he’s always planning to come home to Lita after work. With a big grin on his face, he marches with his crew back down to the port side of the town, but he forks off to his own path that leads to the villa. He trots on up the front deck steps and opens the door to look for her, the goddess. Without hesitation, he plants an affectionate lingering kiss on her lips wherever he finds her to show how much he missed her today, if she allows it.
Lita has spent more time at the villa- and dare she say, in a good mood- since meeting Xiem than she probably has in years. Which, according to Leo, looks good on her. There's a drawer or two with his clothes in it and probably a few extra shirts since she likes to steal them if they're just lounging around the house. She even drapes his necklace with those wedding rings around the little wooden jackal figuring she'd picked up at the Cenril bazaar. That way they don't get knocked off or lost and are always easily accessible for him if he wants to wear them. It's been a long time since she's worn The Cap'n's ring, but Xiem and Nildran had a very different and far longer relationship. She doesn't envy it. Rather, she's grateful for it, and honored that she gets to share this part of him. Before her impromptu meeting with Cyniarth, she probably would have been fretting over what to wear to their dinner date, the same way she had when Xiem had invited her to dinner with his coworkers. But as such, it seemed like that chance to shape any first impression was out the window. So the usual then, little black sundress and bare feet. She's pulled her hair up from her temples in two small careful braids, a pair of dangling emerald teardrop earrings matching the green of the temporary dragonfly tattoo on the upper part of her left arm, just below her shoulder. That might have been for Cyn's benefit. She looks up from her seat at the kitchen island when she hears him at the front door. Something about the way his eyes light up when he first sees her after work makes her heart somersault in her chest. She lays her pencil against the sketchbook she'd been doodling in and lifts her hands to his sides when she returns his kiss. "I can put on something fancier for dinner if I need to," she half mumbles, just wanting to kiss him again.
Xiembantointh gently rubs his thumb over the dragonfly tattoo and grins at her, “what an interesting piece of art. It looks so nice,” he mentions without realizing the meaning behind why she wears one now. “Did you know that in most cultures, the dragonfly symbolizes change, transformation, adaptability and self realization?” He unknowingly quotes Cyni’s earlier words, but maybe it was Cyni who was quoting her father. Xiem gets a look at what she is wearing and sees nothing wrong as he shrugs, “you look great.” While he moves along to the room to pick out clothes for the evening, he mentions, “plus, what do you think I’m going to be wearing?” A simple flannel button up, undershirt, denim pants and a different pair of boots that aren’t his dirty work boots. In the back of his mind, he remembers his daughter demanding him to dress up. Buy a suit, heck, she would pay for one! That just isn’t his style though, “how was the shop today?”
Lita glances sideways to watch his thumb arc over the dragonfly tattoo. She's no idea if the words were Xiem's first or Cyn's but it doesn't matter, it's still adorable. "You know, I learned that recently." She says with a smile, glancing back up at him. "You'd say that no matter what I was wearing." She grins, wrinkling her nose up at him before watching him head towards the bedroom to change. Was it their bedroom now? They hadn't really discussed it. There hadn't really been a need to. She likes him here, he likes being here, it was as simple as that. In the back of her mind she knows there will need to be an actual conversation about what will happen when his job is finished and he heads back to Frostmaw. His business is there, his life. But not yet. It could wait a little longer. "With any luck, boots and nothing else." She answers him, mumbling a bit under her breath but knowing he'll hear her anyway. Hang out with supernatural beings who can hear a pin drop a mile away, you get used to your sass being overheard. So when he pauses in the doorway to shoot her a look, she glances up with a slight shrug and a soft blush in her cheeks. She's not sure if she should tell him about having met Cyn at the shop today. She doesn't want him to think Cyn was trying to be nefarious. She understands his children are going to be protective of their father, especially when he's been single so long now. "I met Cyn today." She says finally, deciding to just blurt it out. "She came by the shop, I think she just wanted to get a read on me before dinner?" Hopefully. "She said she's excited to meet up with us, so that's good."
Xiembantointh peeks his head around the corner of the doorframe and grins with a wink at hearing her comment about boots before taking his clothes off and finding a towel. He pauses, towel tucked tight around his hips and he gives Lita a confused look while leaned against the doorframe, “Sin? Oh, you mean Cyni, or Cyniarth - she hates it when people call her Cyn,” he gently informs with a grin, but the rest of what she says is unsettling. “Well, I’m glad she was on her best behavior then,” he worries that such an affront to his wishes and sneaking around his back won’t scare Lita off. “I’m going to wash up,” he disappears into the bathroom area. About twenty minutes later, he re-emerges, squeaky clean and in his clothes that have the least amount of wear or tear. “You ready?” He grins down at Lita and gives her a little peck on her forehead before taking her hand, but once they open the door to leave there is a red faced and exhausted young lad about to knock, “y-are you, ha-h.” He takes a deep breath and wipes the sweat from his brow, “are you mister and missus Xiem?” Awkward, but the kid seems in a hurry and Xiem recognizes him. “Great Praemias boy. She didn’t make you bring the carriage did she?” The kid finally catches his breath and nods. Xiem looks around, but there is no path over here by the villa so the poor boy had to run through the sand to get over here! “Well, our chariot awaits,” he grins even though he didn’t plan on taking a carriage, but it will be quicker and he doesn’t want to make the kid feel like he did all this for nothing.
Lita| Cyni. Got it. Lita makes a mental note of that for future reference. She blows Xiem a kiss when he dips around the corner for a shower and returns her attention to her sketchbook. The meeting with Cyni hadn't made her worry. Actually, she respected the girl for it. Maybe because it was something Lita would have done. She's still a bit lost in thought when Xiem re-emerges, all fresh and clean, smelling like sandalwood and a hint of vanilla as usual. She squeezes his hand, following him towards the door, only to stop short at the kid on the porch. And she's a bit floored at hearing the kid say missus Xiem. Thankfully, Xiem seems to know him and before she can manage an answer, she's grabbing her coat and they're climbing into a carriage. Not a new experience but definitely not something she's accustomed to, all the prim propriety of high society. She'd lived in that world before, and for a long time had navigated it as an informant. Now, she much preferred the simplicity of the island and the beach. But Xiem had changed a lot of things in his life in recent months, just to be with her. This dinner was a small way she could say thanks for some part of that. She scoots close to Xiem once in the carriage, the olive colored suede overcoat laid across her lap as she leans into the warmth of him. "I guess I should have asked where exactly it is that we're going to dinner." She says. "I should keep track of how long it takes to get there. So on the way home, I'll know how much time we have to enjoy dessert." She beams a smile up at him with the innuendo, hoping to make him blush at least a little.
[1 of 2]Xiembntointh rests his arm around her, letting her slip in even closer, and quirks a brow up at her coat because it’s hot as all perdere tonight, but he’s accustomed to the wintry tundra. “Some new place in Elimdor,” he offers flatly because it is obvious he’s not a fan of having to dine in fancy places. “Cyni says it is all the rave and we will love it,” but he was not about to be dressing up for every meal like she does. Then her comment does earn a grin and faint rosiness blooming on his cheeks, “behave.” Although he seems to like that she doesn’t behave. The buildings pass by the curtained windows and eventually there is more space between them while the aesthetic of them start to shift until they are passing lavish mansions and chateaus. Once they are in the heart of Elimdor, there are oil lamp lights outlining the streets and tall buildings with well known designer names advertised on the front doors of them. Most of the ride is enjoyed by the couple with little whispers and lingering kisses until they find themselves in the high end area. Xiem admires some of the structures even though they all look so mundane because they are similar. “Here we are,” he untangles himself from Lita and opens the carriage door himself to the horror of their driver who was just about to do that, but Xiem isn’t used to people wanting to wait on him like that and he shoots the kid an apologetic smile before slipping him a few gold coin. The kid looks mortified by now and even offended as he tries to hand the coins back, but the pair is already moving along.
[2 of 2] Xiem approaches the maitre d' who is becoming increasingly uncomfortable the closer the pair is coming toward the entrance and he stops them with a posh accent, “err, no sir. Ze pub is zsat way. Unkay?” He motions in the general area of the port side town. Xiem simply grins politely and mentions, “we aren’t here for the pub my kind sir,” but he simply waits while holding a finger to indicate the maitre d’ to do the same. Then a hush comes over the small crowd on the street when a recognizable carriage pulls up, one of the royal families is gracing them and the door has the same crest from that kerchief Cyni was sporting earlier. Reporters crowd the area and wait in anticipation for who it might be as the driver opens the door to reveal a beautiful Cyni gracefully descending the carriage. People are fawning over the woman, paying no mind to the royal she is with and after being cordial to all with a greeting and smile, she finds Lita with Xiem. “Look at you two,” she is beaming and then she tilts her head, “why aren’t you already inside?” Xiem simply looks to the maitre d’ who looks like he wishes to disappear. “Alcott, my usual table for four, please,” and he scrambles to get menus, his entire attitude changing. Then Xiem spots his daughter scowling at his outfit as she says, “I thought I told you to dress up.”
Lita | Behave. As if that's likely. Despite not being used to being in the upper echelons of society, the sight of it is a little breathtaking. Xiem is pointing out various designs and buildings he's worked on, likely name-dropping the work of other admired contractors. As if she follows such a thing. But it's a treat to get to see him in this element, inviting her into these parts of his world and she hangs on every word. Once the carriage has stopped, she follows him outside of it, much to the dismay of their driver, who is looking as if they've just spit on him or committed some other heinous crime. Lita offers an apologetic smile as they pass, reaching for Xiem's hand and practically gluing herself to his side. Xiem seems far more at ease here than she feels just now. Maybe he's used to meeting his daughter in her world, in places like this where the likes of royalty and paparazzi crowd around the establishment hoping for some glimpse of a glamorous life. Lita is suddenly very aware of the fact that she'd opted not to wear shoes. As if reading her mind, Xiem slips his arm around her shoulders and squeezes her gently. She inhales the scent of him, the warmth of him settling over her and it's a bit like finding this calm little center inside of herself. Cyni is an absolute vision, though Lita doesn't imagine this is anything outside of the norm for her. She moves with an effortless grace and poise that Lita had only learned after years of careful training and still paled in comparison to the girl. "He did wear clean boots." Lita offers by way of explanation at Xiem's outfit, offering Cyni a warm smile. "Does he even own a suit?" Not at the beach house, but then why would he have brought such a thing on a work trip? Dark eyes widen a bit at the sudden image of Xiem in some dapper navy blue number and she glances from him back to Cyni. "Oh, please tell me he owns a suit." She has to drag him to some fancy soiree now, just to see him in one, already imagining it on him (and the tearing it off of him part after) as they follow Cyni and her date inside the restaurant.
Indigo
The lavish establishment is host to the upper echelon of those living in Eldimor and it is by reservation only, but the waitlist is a couple of months out. The bar area is always lively with secrets being traded between the elite while the cheapest drink served is 50 gold.
Xiembantointh is just as out of place and feels as much, but he has had enough practice hiding it lately. He rests his arm around Lita's slender shoulders while they wait for Cyni and grins down at her as if to say 'you're not the only one out of place,' as if they are having this world together! Xiem feels a little pride at how Lita just stood up for him and Cyni narrows her gaze on Lita playfully, "yeah… I think that is the best I can hope for, huh?" He rolls his eyes, "I only dress up on rare occasions." Cyni links her arm through Lita's as they are following the maitre d' to her table, "he does, that is the weird thing. Have you seen his yule suit complete with the famous yule beard?" There is a giggle she stiffles while Xiem falls back with his daughter's date. "Complete with glitter and tiny little ornaments he clips in!" He grins, unashamed of his holiday spirit and holds a chair out for Lita. The royal is shot a look when he isn't holding a chair out for Cyni at first, but that glare gets results and he does just as Xiem is. "They are amazing suits as well, perfectly tailored for him by Ty, my brother- his son," she was already pulling Lita in with her charms. "I will tell you all about them and what to look out for," as if they are partners in crime. Xiem just sits back and orders wine for the table, making sure to request something sweet tasting for Lita. Her date orders for all of them in a language Xiem doesn't understand, but trusts whatever it is will be good. Then he listens while Cyni goes on, "those earrings are so chic, Lita. I should really take you shopping with me, something tells me you have an eye for these things," then her favorite wine arrives, especially made for dragons so they could get buzz. "You have to try this wine father," she pours him a glass and he reluctantly tries it. "Nice," he compliments and she rolls her eyes. ""Nice'. You and Xender both, so basic. Oh, he's the awful one," she scoffs, but is cut short by Xiem clearing his throat in an attempt to protest. "He isn't awful, Cyni, he is just hurting," he says while nursing the dragon wine. "I don't want to hear that, father. Do you forget how he just left when mom started to lose her mind? He gave up on us and went to mope on his glacier - good riddance. We could have really used his help, but he wants to just see the world burn and don't you go thinking we forgot how he attacked you at mom's funeral. Have those scales fallen off yet from where he tried to gut you?" He doesn't have much else to add and just grins over the table at his daughter because she hasn't changed a damn bit. Still a firecracker. She turns a sweet smile to Lita and places a hand over the vampire's, "welcome to the dysfunction, dear. You'll love it." Xiem just gives Lita an apologetic type expression that is laced with humor.
Lita exhales slowly when Cyni takes her arm to lead them inside, prattling on about Xiem's yule suit and beard. She does a bit of a double-take over their shoulders at the guys here, mouthing the word 'what!?' at Xiem with an amused expression at the description of this yule beard that Cyni is painting. Lita can't really remember the last time she celebrated a holiday. Maybe when she was really young, a few lifetimes ago. But certainly not in any recent years. She leans in to press a brief kiss of thanks against Xiem's cheek when he pulls her chair out for her, watching as he's giving Cyni's date a look until the lad does the same. Poor kid looks a tad nervous. But Cyni is charming and alluring and she wears both as a velvet perfume of invitation rather than armor. Lita, like many others before her she's sure, can't help but be drawn in by it. Lita lifts her hand to her earring when Cyni mentions them. "Thank you." She murmurs, taking one from her ear and holding it out to her. "These were actually a gift some years ago. Supposedly, they belonged to a princess in some northern kingdom. The story is that she knew a lover of common blood, a man who was a blacksmith and a jeweler and while they met in secret for decades, they could never be together. So he spent his lifetime crafting these, so precisely, that when held up to the right light, the story of their love would be seen from within. Of course, I've never been able to see such a thing in them. But it's a cute story." She shrugs playfully, putting the earring back on. "I can't say I've a particular flair for shopping but I do know a fabulous tailor." Kree is terrifying, in reality, but sweet as kittens after you shake 'em up a little. Lita leans back in her chair a little as the conversation between Cyni and Xiem drifts to Xender. She glances from one to the other and back again. "I think grief isn't always sadness." She interjects. "Sometimes it's just hurt and pain and I think that's harder to understand because then on top of that you feel guilty for not feeling sad the way you think you should. And after a while you forget how to be without it, forget who you are without it. Because the world is safer with it. And even in the pain and hurt, you know that whatever sadness you would feel, whatever loss and loneliness, would hurt so much worse. So you lash out at the people who might love you and want to help because they accept the anger and the hate, then you don't have to try and find who you used to be. Who you might even want to be again." She stares down at the table, a little lost in the rambling. She understood where Xender is coming from a little. She'd been there after Hanan, more so even after Chio. She'd run away to Venturil and locked herself in that darkness. She'd burned every bridge she'd left and never looked back. And then, even when she'd slowly wanted something different, grief still hadn't been sadness. It had been nightmares and ghosts and a lot of destruction and rebuilding. She looks up when Xiem squeezes her hand and she offers him, and then Cyni, an apologetic and slightly embarrassed smile. "I hope you'll be patient with your brother. You'll both live long lives. You don't have to always like each other but you'll still be family. "Some of us take a little longer to find our dragonflies." She turns her shoulder forward a bit to show Cyni that stick-on tattoo, their little shared secret for now.
Xiembantointh watches as Cyni is entirely enthralled by the adorable story Lita is telling about the earrings. He didn’t expect Cyni to make such fast friends with Lita, but she’s always been full of surprises. “Oh, me too. Ty, he’s some sort of genius. I can send him your measurements if you want and he will craft the perfect outfit for you,” he hears his daughter offer and jokes with the royal, “more money out my pocket, am I right?” But his daughter’s date seems terrified to dare agree in fears of upsetting Cyni. She is this beautifully delicate butterfly that he’s afraid to scare off and flutter over to the next royal. The table falls silent in awe of Lita and Xiem feels a pull to reach out to her, his hand gently resting on the top of Lita’s while she shares. The royal goes to reach his hand to rest on Cyni’s shoulder, but awkwardly changes his mind and grabs his drink instead - he isn’t good with emotions. Xiem witnesses Cyni shed a couple tears and gently dab them away while sniffling, but that is quite surprising to Xiem because she’s never shown such emotion towards her brother before. “Lita,” Cyni starts, “that was so beautifully said. I just wish he’d know he wasn’t the only person her lost her, you know? You’re so sweet to stand up for him, but you better believe he will never afford you the same kindness,” she warns with a soft sweet chuckle. Xiem grins when Cyni gives him a look as if to say ‘where did you find this kind woman?’ Then she clears her throat and continues to give little opinions on her siblings, “Viridi, heart of stone. She is hard headed and stingy. Tyres is fabulous, but a horrible gossip. Unless you want everyone to know your deepest darkest secrets, just keep them to yourself around him. Then of course there is precious Yghyder, father’s favorite-“ Xiem interrupts by choking a bit in his drink before interjecting, “Cyni, no. That’s not true at all,” but obviously Cyni isn’t buying it as he sees her rolling her eyes. “Anyway, she is the youngest and some sort of beautiful mind type. She is quite eccentric and isn’t good at following typical social queues,” finally their food arrives and Xiem hopes it quiets Cyni now. “Alright, Cyniarth, I think you’ve scared Lita here enough as it is,” he chuckles while digging into his plate of food, but scowls at the teeny tiny portion served.
Lita hadn't meant to monopolize the conversation and her cheeks flush a bit at realizing it. But Cyni looks so touched, the tears on her cheeks somehow making her flawless skin sparkle a bit more. Lita feels a bit like she should be taking notes, getting all these insight into Xiem's littles (they're not little anymore, she knows, they're full-fledged adults with lives of their own). But still. She glances at Xiem, the affection she's held for him warming her expression. "No worries. I like hearing about all your family." She reaches a hand out to run her fingers briefly through his hair at the back of his neck. Their food arrives and everyone digs in. Lita doesn't want to ruin Cyni's dinner by opting not to eat the food. It looks beautiful and probably took such care to prepare. Unlike Xiem, she's grateful for the smaller portions and after a few bites she reaches for her wine glass for a good drink. "Cyni, tell me more about you, please. What do you fill your days with?"
Xiembantointh is too busy holding Lita’s gaze to realize his daughter carefully watching the pair while ignoring her date still, but the royal continues to have a lot to prove in Cyni’s eyes. When the food comes, she eats it in small bites that she daintily chews for far too long in order so savor the flavors. Xiem chuckles under his breath as he watches Cyni sit up even straighter in her chair when Lita asks about her because this is her favorite subject! “Well, I create fragrances for my brand, CyCy Chunelle. More than likely you’ve been enjoying the one I exclusively crafted for my father. Sandalwood; a warm, rich and woodsy note, with a hint of vanilla; creamy, comforting and just a little on the exotic side. I don’t sell it because I don’t need men running around smelling like my father, but if I did, it would be called ‘embrace’ in all capital letters. Oh,” she snaps her fingers and one of her guards procures a little black gift box with a big cream colored ribbon, “I made one for you as well.” She waits for her to open to box and hold the ornate bottle that contains a perfume specially crafted just for her, “I noticed you like jasmine; a sensual floral bouquet that is downright alluring- I love it. So this is mostly jasmine with a splash of grapefruit, I know it sounds weird, but trust me,” and then she winks because there is another secret ingredient that she won’t mention. “Just maybe try it on your date night,” definitely not here. “I also model for my brother, Ty, whenever he needs it, but it’s the least I could do because he has designed my entire wardrobe. I am a prudent investor if I may say so myself and I hunt antiques to resell them at a steal.” She seems like a Jack of all trades! “Oh, I like to breed winning horses, isn’t it just a joy to ride?” Xiem watches Lita take all of this in and can easily imagine the pair painting the town red - maybe introducing the pair was a horrible idea!
Lita might flush a little when Cyni mentions that she's probably been enjoying the sandalwood scent she'd created for her father. Because Lita has been enjoying it, very much so. The beach house had a constant undercurrent of jasmine and sandalwood nowadays that she'd come to appreciate it when she got a scent of it around a corner now and then. "I do, rather enjoy it, it's lovely!" She beams. But she also understands this bit about not wanting all of her suitors to smell like her father, so that's a fair point. And then Cyni mentions that she's made a fragrance for her as well and Lita looks a little confused. She shifts in her seat a bit, sitting a little straighter as the guardsmen produce the gift box, elegantly wrapped in its cream colored ribbon. Lita stares down at it for a moment. She is not used to getting gifts, let alone extravagant ones from people she's only just recently met! It's almost too pretty to open. But Cyni is waiting so expectantly so she does and the gorgeous bottle is breathtaking enough but then Cyni explains it's an exotic combination that includes her favorite scent and she is positively over the moon! She's about to lift the bottle to smell it but Cyni warns against that, gently suggesting she save it for their date night instead and Lita nods, wrapping the box back up for safekeeping. "Thank you so much Cyni, you are a doll!" She reaches for her wine glass again, taking another drink as Cyni continues on. "Oh, I love horses!" Well, she'd used to more so, some years ago. But Cyni's excitement about them is infectious. "I used to have this gorgeous pair. A bay mare and a roan stallion. That was so many years ago now, but I loved them dearly." Maybe it was the wine making her nostalgic. She'd barely had one glass though. "We should go riding sometime! Honestly, that sounds like far more fun than clothes shopping to me, no offense. Xiem never lets me interrupt his work day," she says teasingly, "so when the shop's not busy, I'm always looking for trouble to get into." She offers Cyni a conspiratorial wink here, as if they're already partners in crime and scheming. Maybe they are. She'll feel bad for Cyni's date later, seeing as how she's monopolized all the girl's time this evening.
Xiembantointh lofts a brow over at Cyni when she warns not to put the fragrance on now, just what was she up to? Then he looks over to the royal and he seems to just be staring off into space at nothing. There is something not right about this guy. If he knows his daughter, the royal is just a means to an end because she isn’t a believer in love for herself and she’s been quoted as saying, ‘gold is my true love’, but Xiem hopes she really isn’t that cynical. He picks up the little black box in his care so they don’t forget it when everyone leaves. Lita will come to learn that gifts aren’t a big deal to his family, but gestures of acceptance and understanding are far more valuable to them. Cyni is doing that for her father now as she’s bonding with Lita, but Cyni would argue that Lita is making it quite easy! They are already plotting days to go out riding and Cyni reaches over to take Lita’s hands with excitement, “please, Lita, come to my estate to ride with me. We will make a day of it,” then Xiem catches Cyni looking his way as he finishes off his special dragon wine. Feeling a little buzz for the first time in a long time, but he missed something Cyni asked him, “pardon?” His daughter laughs at him and shoots a conspiratorial look at Lita's way, “I said, she’s going to come spend some time at my estate if you’re willing to share dear Lita’s time.” Xiem lets out a slow chuckle, “even if I’m not, she will do,” he maybe is talking to tad louder now because of the alcohol in his system, “what her heart desires, but you know my weakness for strong women.” Then he winks at Lita and Cyni giggles.
Lita | "I will certainly take you up on that offer." Lita is saying to Cyni. And not just to be polite, she actually means it. It's been too many years since she's been riding- probably since Hanan had been around and they'd had horses stabled in Cenril, actually. But she'd stopped doing a lot of things she'd once enjoyed, after Hanan wasn't around. She was learning to enjoy them again, a little bit at a time. She smiles softly when Xiem winks at her. "I think it's about time I get this one home." She laughs lightly to Cyni while referring to Xiem. She wasn't for sure but she imagines a wine tailored specifically to dragons would be rather potent. "Cyni, it's been so wonderful getting to know you and thank you so much for inviting us to dinner. I have to say, if I had known we were coming someplace so fancy, I might have made Xiem dress up a bit. And done so myself." Not that Cyni had seemed to mind in the least. She'd seemed to expect it, even, just in knowing her father and his tastes. "But I will take you up on the riding offer, assuredly!"