WELCOME

[Lorcan Ó Arbatach-Mór]

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Time: Mid Afternoon
Day: 78 Sneatcha

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Oh this is lovely, he thought sarcastically, I get to watch some spoiled little girl used to getting her own way, who left a meeting which declared her a candidate for the High throne WITHOUT a Laoch in attendance. Does she have even ONE shred of common sense? His thoughts were all somewhere along these lines as he walked through the crowd, the people flowing around him like water around a stone. Easily. Smoothly. He knew just how to move in order to get through a crowd without bumping anyone or even having them notice him. Sure if he was in ceremonial armor they'd get out of his way as soon as they saw him, but in ornate, dark leather armor with a grey cloak over top they paid him no real mind.

As always his alert eyes cataloged everything around him, and when he saw the Tavern he was looking for he sighed. Aithne had been reported in this area, and if the sources were right there was every chance she'd end up here. While he knew others felt the need to socialize he didn't understand it, and furthermore why did she feel the need to go here? It was his kind of place when he was off duty. Not the place for a candidate to be. Walking in he winced. If she was-

He heard a piercing whistle, his bright eyes swinging around, and when he saw the woman he was looking for, sitting in the center of the room, whistling at a pair of arm-wrestling fisher's he winced. This was a bloody security nightmare. He already saw people watching the female with interested, curious eyes and he heaved a deep sigh, already wishing that he was back at Dun Cels and possibly drinking with some of the others. Yeah, not a shred... Making his way over to the table, the pommel of his sword peeking over his shoulder, he sat across from the woman, wincing at the lack of formality due one of her station but he didn't want to draw attention to her either.

"Aithne Uí Caer-Eile?" His expression was set in mild disapproval, and though he really was feeling that way the expression was normal for him. "My name is Lorcan Ó Arbatach-Mór. I am of the High King's Guard and now your shadow." Sure he could have broken it more gently, but he wasn't exactly a gentle person.

[Aithne Uí Caer-Eile]

So, it had taken a night, but Aithne had woken up this morning with an overwhelming sense of dread as she realised exactly what she’d done the day before. It was official, she was actually officially the Seleighe candidate. Yes, it was true that it was something she’d been thinking on and off about for the past few weeks, but still. It had happened rather suddenly, and she couldn’t help but think it was mostly because of that person who’d chosen to question her right to add a voice to the Dal gathering that had occurred. Only too late had she found out that she’d actually been requested, which meant she had a right to be there whether she’d declared candidacy or not.

Either way, after a night of dreams that seemed more like distant memories, and having realised that it was going to be a little more difficult to avoid most peoples’ radars soon. On the one hand, she certainly wanted to do everything she could for the people of Cels – they were basically all she had left. She also knew that she could do this, she had grown up to be a leader. Only of her own people of Ua Lugh to begin with, but the inhabitants of Cels were also her people, all of them. On the other, she was sacrificing the freedom she’d come to enjoy.

There was really one solution right now to the unease that plagued her.

The Ballidocks were a grand place to visit, not only for the fact that one could lose themselves among people who generally don’t care about position or status, but also because the Tangled Net was always lively and fun no matter the time of day. It was there that she would be much less conspicuous, considering many of the nobles and Gentry were now talking about the events from the day before, especially the results of the Dal gathering.

And so here she was, and here the Sun Child had been for quite some time, downing a few pints with some acquaintances, while watching some of the young Fisher men who wanted to impress some of the young wenches who worked there with their prowess. What better way than arm wrestling to show off their very simple brute strength, much like primates. It was at least rather entertaining for the golden woman who, despite not particularly in the mood to look at any male since the meeting the day before, was still quite happy to encourage them by whistling at them while she sat on a table nearby.

The place was filled with cheer and merrymaking, which was why the stiff cut male was easy to pick out among the throng, even before he’d made it to where the woman sat. His voice managed to cut through to her among the cheers of the crowd, and despite her perhaps slightly tipsy state, Aithne was well aware of the implication.

She’d been assigned a Laoch. Well, that was just bloody marvellous, wasn’t it. This made that sense of freedom even smaller than it already was – exactly something she hadn’t wanted to think about, hence her being right here right now.

“Well, sorry to disappoint you, Lorcan. But Suns don’t have shadows, nor do Wildfires for that matter. Create, yes. Have their own, no.” She made a very nonchalant shooing motion with her hand at him, “You can go do whatever, I never asked for a Laoch...” Though she did pause and turned to glance at him as she raised an eyebrow and smirked slightly, “Unless you’re really here to provide me with some entertainment or a dance.”

The Sun Child wondered for a moment if there might be a chance to piss him off enough that he’d leave. The sudden idea of having a Laoch was not something that appealed much to the woman, especially remembering the fates of the last ones she had, quite a many years ago.

[Lorcan Ó Arbatach-Mór]

“Well, sorry to disappoint you, Lorcan. But Suns don’t have shadows, nor do Wildfires for that matter. Create, yes. Have their own, no.” His eyes narrowed at her words, and already he knew this was going to be more difficult than even he had imagined. What was it that had possessed the Captain to assign him to the Seleighe candidate, especially when his political leanings went so far the other way? Then came the shooing motion from Aithne, and her hand trembled just a bit. His eyes narrowed further, a sigh escaping from him. Gods she's at least tipsy. Why me?

“You can go do whatever, I never asked for a Laoch...” Though at her pause he watched her carefully, and if he was right this was when she would try some witty remark. “Unless you’re really here to provide me with some entertainment or a dance.”

Leaning a little closer to her over the table he glared a little at the woman, and it really was a mark of just how annoyed he was. Normally he would never have even looked askance at one of her station, but already this one was getting under his skin. "You're right. You were assigned one. Neither of us exactly got a choice," he finally snapped, and realizing how annoyed he was getting he tried to calm himself, but it was rather difficult. He was only just now realizing the fact that hey, he was her only Laoch, which meant no more free time. Ever. No more drinking, no more trips out into the wilderness, and to top it all off he had to deal with a monumentally infuriating woman.

"If I am to do whatever then I will stay here and do my job, which is to guard you, whatever that may take."

He shuddered, actually getting paler at the thought of having to dance or 'entertain' her as she had put it. He may have been graceful and deadly with weapons but when it came to dancing he was about as graceful as a horse trying to stomp on a snake. Sheer panic usually accompanied him if he was ever forced to dance, so he avoided it like the plague.

"Oh and the sun doesn't create shadows, they always exist. The sun just reveals them,"

Wow, he was arguing with the woman. He didn't argue, but he was perhaps just as irritated as she was, even for similar reasons. Not that he'd had a lot of freedom before but this signaled the end to any he might have had for a very long time. Ignoring the fact that she'd dismissed him, he made every effort to try and appear relaxed, practicing breathing techniques even to calm himself down. really, no need to draw attention to them. That was all he needed in a place like this, but speaking of that...

"This place is.. well it's not safe. We should go." Though he imagined he had about as much chance of convincing her of that as he did of managing to fly if he jumped off a cliff.

[Aithne Uí Caer-Eile]

“Certainly you have a choice, you can choose to listen to me and shoo! Go find yourself a nice pretty young wench to play with,” It was spoken very chirpily with perhaps a little too much sweetness from the woman, but Aithne really didn’t want to have to deal with this. The best way to cover that fact was to instead sound like she was being sweet as pie. Despite the fact that he could be spitting fumes right now as he glared at her. He was met simply with a calm smirk from the woman, though the light in her golden eyes began to shine just a little now.

As soon as he continued on to day that he’s do whatever it took to do his job, followed by the shudder she definitely noticed from this close, a broad smile curled her lips up. Oh yes, this was definitely going to be fun. He didn’t like the idea of her suggestions? Such a shame, she thought they sounded rather fun. After all, who didn’t love a little dance every now and then?

The grin grew even more at the correction on the relation between the sun and shadows and she then leaned across the table, the bodice she wore over her short-sleeved blouse, pushing up slightly to give anyone a rather nice view of golden skin – though empty promises, “Oh really, so would you like me to ‘reveal’ you, Lorcan Ó Arbatach-Mór?” Aithne winked and pursed her lips just slightly, before laughing and sitting back up as a random hand slapped her on the rear. “Oi! You wait your turn!” She called to a passing by Fisher before taking another sip, debating about whether to even bother returning her attention to the Laoch.

At least, until he actually made the suggestion to leave, and the woman slammed her stein down on the table, “What?!” Suddenly a few eyes were on them, as the look on the woman’s face changed to something akin to despair. Her lower lip quivered gently, “How can you be so mean Lorcan? You never want to take me anywhere... its because you’re ashamed of me, right? Is that it?!”

A moment later, one of the men who she’d been chatting with earlier, placed a hand on her shoulder gently and glanced at her before glaring at the guard, “This man giving you trouble?”

“He’s just mean! He thinks I should be locked away because he’s ashamed of my heritage. I thought he really liked me...” Aithne sniffed as she stumbled through her words, “He never even wants to dance with me. Its one of my fondest memories of my people, and he can’t even indulge me in that.” People around began to cast dirty looks at the Laoch, and inwardly Aithne wondered if he’d snap after this. It would be interesting anyway.

“Well, I’d be honoured to dance with a beautiful lady such as yourself,” The man offered with a smile, and Aithne sniffed again with a small smile of her own before casted a faux glare at Lorcan.

“Maybe in a few moments, I’m waiting for a friend to get back,” Aithne nodded as she was quietly asked if she’d be alright, and then turned her attention to further away to see if she could spot the red hair of her earlier company through the crowd, “Speaking of which... where are those drinks?” Quickly, the stein was finished and dropped on the table, before a satisfied look was cast to Lorcan, already the implications given of what he would have to endure if he stayed. Considering there were people still giving him some rather nasty looks.

[Blair Uí Nemain]

Blair had already been a ways into her cups when Aithne had shown up at the Tangled Net, and, though she’d been surprised to see the woman, had whistled and waved her over immediately, cheered by the sight of a familiar face-though most faces here were familiar, of course, but none of those here were folk she particularly cared to speak with. She’d been pulled aside a little while later, and, promising to bring back more drinks, had been speaking with a scarred sailor about getting him a knife-nothing too shady, just a design that was difficult to track down, and had thus missed the laoch’s entrance. Of course, that was hardly the primary issue on her mind…

Ever since she’d found out that Aithne had declared candidacy, Blair had kept out of the Dorcha-she wasn’t keen on being the first to tell Trystan that his little target was now almost certainly out of reach. Which was why she’d sent an urchin scurrying his way to tell him for her. That, atop the fact that some fucking fools-Sidhe or Vanir, it made no difference to her-had used iron nails to hammer letters to doors… What a goddamn mess. Iron and Iron and IRON and she hadn’t been able to find where a good deal of it had gone, though she and a few others had darted out into the streets later on to retrieve what iron they could-leaving it out in the hands of anyone who could grab it without killing themselves would have been bad for business, and, indeed, they’d be suffering enough as it was. God, Sneatcha was going downhill fast, and it was all Blair could do to hope that her luck came back soon-she didn’t fancy being on the receiving end of Trystan’s rage, and she was wishing that he’d never brought the request for information to her, gold or none.

By now, of course, she’d managed to build a pleasant enough buzz that she was distracted from her troubles, and had grabbed fresh steins before heading back to Aithne’s table, walking with just the slightest hint of a waver. She noticed the man, and her brow furrowed, slightly, wondering who he was, and what the hell he was doing here-he didn’t seem to be acting like a typical visitor, that much was obvious, despite the faint haze of alcohol misting her mind.

There was, of course, some kind of a stir going on at the table, but that wasn’t too odd, though she seemed to catch sight of the tail end of some kind of argument between Aithne and the newcomer. Of course, Blair herself was hardly difficult to spot, with brilliant red hair and a bodice that matched, though the rest of her clothing was a good deal less eye-catching. She shook her head, slightly, and smiled a bit as she reached the table, setting the two steins down and regarding the man with gold eyes and a faint smile. “Afternoon.”

She sank into a seat next to Aithne, quirking a brow to express her curiosity at the man’s presence, though she didn’t move to greet him further than she already had, waiting instead for a cue from the Sun Child. The smuggler didn’t see a reason to ingratiate herself with him yet-after all, if he turned out to be someone Aithne disliked, it wouldn’t be to her advantage, and it wasn’t as though she expected the man to approach her with any work, either. Still…it didn’t hurt to smile, and she made sure that she was.

[Lorcan Ó Arbatach-Mór]

"No, I DON'T have a bloody choice," he snapped, his bright blue eyes growing brighter with annoyance. "No matter what I might PREFER to be doing Aithne I HAVE to be here. I'm sworn. You're not." He might have been socially awkward but the sickly sweetness in her tone didn't fool him. He had to wonder why she had nominated if she wasn't prepared to deal with the consequences, though the clam smirk from her wiped most thought from his mind as he growled again. He was used to the deceased High King, a male very cooperative with his Guard but this woman, gods above she was infuriating.

Then her grin grew wider, and he wondered what was going to be inflicted upon him now but he knew a moment later. She leaned forward, giving him a rather nice view as her bodice pushed up and his face went stony, though the tips of his ears were flushed red. Good gods what was she thinking? “Oh really, so would you like me to ‘reveal’ you, Lorcan Ó Arbatach-Mór?”

He almost choked on his own saliva, he wasn't quite so socially awkward as to not know what she was implying, and flushed a red that would have matched an apple in the right light. His eyes flicked downward briefly before he caught himself and looked back up to her bright eyes. He WAS male after all. "No that's not what I- Not what I meant." The wink though turned this slightly from embarrassment to anger, which just made his face flush brighter red, and the laugh from her made it all worse. When the Fisher passed by and slapped her rear though his eyes flicked, hand going so quickly to the sword pommel over his shoulder that it could barely be seen... before he relaxed slightly, letting his hand fall away. By the nine pits of hell she was getting to him already. He needed to calm down, because he could not and would not leave.

The stein slamming down on the table got his attention back, and his eyes whipped to her, thinking perhaps someone had touched her a way she had not liked, but she was staring at him, and he got a nasty, sinking sensation in his stomach. What am I in for now? His eyes got really wide as her look changed to despair, her lower lip quivering, and he blinked in confusion. What was going on now?

“How can you be so mean Lorcan? You never want to take me anywhere... its because you’re ashamed of me, right? Is that it?!” If he thought his stomach had dropped before it was down around his ankles now, as gazes turned to them, and what was worse they were in the center of the bloody room!

"No I-" A man placed his hand on Aithne's shoulder from behind, and he growled as the man spoke, his face going a bright red akin to oxygenated blood. "I am NOT giving her trouble she-"

“He’s just mean! He thinks I should be locked away because he’s ashamed of my heritage. I thought he really liked me...” Aithne sniffed, and at the moment Lorcan was so embarassed he wanted to crawl into a corner and hide. EVERYONE was looking at them now. “He never even wants to dance with me. Its one of my fondest memories of my people, and he can’t even indulge me in that.” Now everyone wasn't just looking at them, they were glaring. At him. The Laoch seemed to shrink in on himself, though his eyes flickered with something akin to anger when she cast the faux glare at him, and he KNEW it was fake. He'd done nothing to her! He was just trying to do his job and she wasn't helping at all. He ignored the other male's offer to Aithne, keeping his embarrassed, angry eyes on Aithne because if he looked around he knew it wouldn't end well. He HATED being stared at like this. Yet he didn't budge, and even though he was embarassed he stayed put, mostly because of the kernel of anger in his heart. She was making this MUCH harder than it had to be.

When she finished her stein and looked at him, he knew what was going to happen. It seemed she'd declared a type of war on him, one that he was ill-equipped to fight. So quietly, still bright red, he got up from his seat, went over to the bar, slightly hunched under the almost tangible weight of all the glares, and spoke quietly to the bartender. In another few seconds he was back at the table, setting down another stein in front of Aithne and one in front of himself. Silently he sniffed his stein, winced, but put it to his lips and drained half of the harder beverage in one long pull.

"You're going to be the death of me," he said, just loud enough for her to hear, the color still in his cheeks because firstly he was still pissed off, near trembling with it in fact, but secondly the alcohol was giving him a slight buzz. He had no idea how to fight back against this kind of thing. None at all. He'd avoid any sort of social function back with his 'oh so gentry' parents and he hadn't really paid attention to that kind of thing among the Guard either. Though he was beginning to think he should have, but he hadn't expected this! "Please," he said quietly, his eyes sharp with anger as he struggled not to notice the glares directed his way that quite frankly made him want to run, "make this easier on both of us and at least move to a corner table." He paused, his eyes glittering a brighter, almost glowing blue with anger and also a bit of ill-advised challenge. "Oh and I think you severely underestimate how stubborn I am. I cannot fight the same way you do but it's not so easy to drive me off."

Yeah, he was ever one to stay on the business side of things. He thought that maybe the 'ignore it and it will go away' philosophy might work for his embarrassment. If he was lucky. Which typically he wasn't. But since he had no idea how to respond to any of this he had to stick with what he DID know. That decision of course dictated that another variable be added, and he sighed as someone else sat down at the table. She looked familiar, but he was too angry and embarassed to even try to remember her name right now. He nodded at the polite greeting, even going so far as to shoot the redhead a faint smile as he rubbed gently at the brooch in his pocket, taking another long pull of his drink- Oh... He remembered her now. "Hello Blair." He was pretty sure she was a smuggler, or had some sort of illegal dealings, but he could be wrong... He remembered her from the market, the dark one, when he'd gone to browse. He DID get bored at times at that place was a challenge just to survive in. Still, he wasn't going to say aloud where he remembered her from. It wasn't his business.

[Aithne Uí Caer-Eile]

Ugh, this is just fantastic. Bad enough I have to dodge others just so I can make a quick trip out of the city, now I’m going to have to ditch this one somewhere as well.

Despite the thoughts, Aithne’s expression never faltered a moment as she took great amusement from the fact that Lorcan was very quickly growing a nice shade of pink with her games. Oh my, he was an awkward man, wasn’t he? He had to be quite a bit older than her, no doubt, and yet even a little presumptuous flirting made him flustered. As soon as she caught his eyes moving down after her very sly line, Aithne knew she could have a lot of fun with this. Despite his arguments, there was a slight tutting from the woman before she caused the small commotion in regards to his suggestion that they should leave. Oh no, she wasn’t leaving, this was too much fun.

It only got better as the small crowd around them watched and took pity on the poor woman who barely had anything left to her old name apart from a few stories and songs – at least as far as they knew. No one had to know exactly what she had hidden away, and she liked to keep it that way. All that mattered right now was that Lorcan looked and felt quite uncomfortable right about now, and she wondered how long he might last, though a part of her hoped he wouldn’t give up too easily, that was no fun.

For a moment, Aithne was content as she was left alone while the Laoch seemed to have taken it upon himself to gather a couple of drinks, despite her comment having been more to herself in regards to where Blair could be. The Sun Child sat back in her chair and considered things quickly while she had the brief time to herself. This was going to make things difficult – not only that but the weight of the past had begun to creep back upon her. If someone did decide they wanted to hurt her, then it would be the guard’s duty to make sure his life was on the line before hers. Could she deal with that again? She’d lost a lot of friends years ago who were assigned to protect her.

So absorbed in the past memories, that Lorcan’s statement upon his arrival pulled a sharp look from the woman, eyes glinting a bright flame of raw emotion for a moment, “Don’t joke about that, its exactly why I don't want one.” She growled quietly before closing her eyes and relaxing, picking up the stein and tipping it back to take a few mouthfuls before setting it on the table again and taking a small breath. The suggestion to move to a corner table received a roll of the eyes from the woman before she shook her head, “No, I quite like it here among the people, and besides I’m waiting for...”

Aithne’s words were cut off as Blair returned and sat down beside her. At least she’d help brighten the Sun Child’s mood some. Despite the fact that Blair probably wasn’t the most honest person Aithne could have made acquaintances with, it was simply that fact itself that made Aithne feel more comfortable around her. “Ah, perfect.” Now she had two fresh drinks; that was going to give her a very nice buzz soon enough. As Lorcan greeted Blair, Aithne raised a brow at him from the corner of her eye, and a small smirk began to work its way on her lips once more. Well, well, that was interesting.

“Blair, this is Lorcan, and apparently he’s been assigned to watch me. Though I get the feeling he doesn’t at all mind the view, considering he took a nice look down the front of my blouse earlier,” It was spoken so casually as though she was talking about the weather, but she did turn to wag a finger at the man as she tutted lightly and spoke softly enough that only the three of them could hear, “Shame on you, thinking such lewd thoughts about someone who could possibly end up being your future ruler.”

[Blair Uí Nemain]

The woman had lifted her own stein, already a mouthful in as the man spoke, and blinked, startled at the fact that he was addressing her by name. Gold eyes stared at the laoch with a faint expression of surprise, and Blair’s lips parted, brow furrowing for a moment as her eyes flickered over him again, taking a better look, then snapped her fingers, expression brightening. “Ah! I remember you. Lorcan, was it? How are you, then? What brings you here? Are you doing well?” Her smile split her face wider, buoyed by the realization that the man was a former customer-though, of course, his custom had been of a legal item, rather than any of her less reputable wares. A brooch, if she recalled correctly.

Her attention flickered back to Aithne as the woman spoke again, and her brows shot up. It took a moment, but a giddy little snicker escaped the smuggler at the thought, although she was somewhat startled by the idea of having someone else watching Aithne, though she wasn’t keeping as sharp an eye on the woman as she could have, really. Unless she meant something else? No matter, she could mull over things later, tonight wasn’t a time to worry, it was a time to drink. Gold eyes fixed on Lorcan, and one eyebrow lowered, and she grinned, mischief in her manner obvious. “Well, was it a nice sight, or was it just like any other?” Her smile never faltered, even as she poked idle fun at the man. “Come, don’t make us wait-unless it was a nice enough sight that you don’t want to share your impressions?” She laughed, loud and raucous, raised her stein and took a pull.

Her attention flickered over to Aithne again, and she leaned in, voice conspiratorial, despite being just as loud as it always was. “Do you know if he can dance, yes? I’d think that ones’ shadow would be the best at keeping up, no matter what the tune. Don’t you think so?” She chuckled again, settling back in her chair, regarding the laoch with interest again, head tilted slightly.

“Assigned, you said? I don’t see what reason one would need to be ordered to keep you company,” the smuggler paused, blinking slowly, then scowled, slightly, and quirked a brow up again. “Unless this is related to the whole candidate thing? Is it that?” She was silent for a moment, running what she knew through her head, quickly, before snapping her fingers, recalling that, whatever Lorcan was, it required the use of a blade-hell, she could see a glimpse of his armor under the cloak, now that she bothered to look for it.

“Nooo~” She gaped, then leaned back in her chair, hand on her forehead. “No! You must be joking-they’ve got a guard for you? Really?” Gold eyes gleamed, slightly, and she stared at him again, hands moving to the stein in front of her. “Only one, though? Poor thing you are, left alone to run after Aithne…” She grinned again. “I think you need more of your friends, here, if you hope to keep up with the dear lady. I’ve a feeling her wit isn’t the only thing about her that’s quick.”

Internally, of course, Blair was howling at Danu, wondering what in the world she’d done wrong to deserve the possibility of being gutted by Trystan for bringing him more bad news than good. True, she could keep an eye on Aithne-and, indeed, she found doing so to be quite the pleasant pastime, as the woman seemed to share quite a few hobbies with herself-but the fact that all she could truly share with her long-time associate was bad news was none too pleasant a prospect. All the same, she was good at hiding her dismay when she needed to, and the pleasant buzz of alcohol in her veins was giving her a good little boost. “I may just need to become your shadow, good man, simply to keep an eye on the entertainment that will doubtless dog both of your steps!”

[Lorcan Ó Arbatach-Mór]

The sharp look had him shaking his head just a little, mostly because he could see the emotion in her eyes. He knew the woman's basic history and he winced, appalled with himself. It really was heartless considering he remembered her Clann and have even met her brother once. He hadn't thought before he said it, but he hadn't entirely been joking, though he'd been more referring to driving him to drink. Which she'd already done in less than an hour after meeting her. Though.. he recognized it hurt her and that cut through his annoyance a bit. He hadn't meant to do that, though maybe subconsciously he had. "I'm sorry," he said quietly, trying to catch her eyes. "I shouldn't have said that."

When he'd recognized Blair and greeted her he noted the look of confusion. Ah, so she was having trouble remembering him too. “Ah! I remember you. Lorcan, was it? How are you, then? What brings you here? Are you doing well?”

"Yes.. my name is Lorcan. I am well, what about you? As to what I'm doing here..-" He noticed Aithne's smirk and winced, trailing off. Oh he hoped she wasn't planning on vengeance for the earlier comment. If he'd thought about it first he would have never said it. “Blair, this is Lorcan, and apparently he’s been assigned to watch me. Though I get the feeling he doesn’t at all mind the view, considering he took a nice look down the front of my blouse earlier,” It was spoken so casually that he took a moment to register what she'd said, but when he did he flushed crimson again, looking away from her, silent as the grave. So she HAD noticed. Great. “Shame on you, thinking such lewd thoughts about someone who could possibly end up being your future ruler.”

"I wasn't thinking anything actually, was just looking. Besides, you did frame the view for me." It was out of his mouth before he could stop it and the renewed redness of his skin went right to the tips of his ears. Oh hell what am I doing!?

“Well, was it a nice sight, or was it just like any other?” Her smile never faltered and he picked up his mug, avoiding both of their gazes, and drained the rest of his mug feeling the warm, pleasant heat of the harder alcohol in his stomach. “Come, don’t make us wait-unless it was a nice enough sight that you don’t want to share your impressions?” He froze. Was the woman a damn mind reader? It had been a very nice sight but he shouldn't even be making any comments of this nature about a possible future leader. Hells, he shouldn't even be thinking it, so he remained silent, afraid of digging himself an even deeper whole. But he dreaded that remaining silent might do the same. So he ignored it, averted eyes from both of them.

"Not both of you now," he muttered to himself. They were ganging up on him and that was hardly fair.

“Do you know if he can dance, yes? I’d think that ones’ shadow would be the best at keeping up, no matter what the tune. Don’t you think so?” She chuckled, and he sighed, taking on the manner of a dog that had been whipped too many times and kind of hunching in on himself.

"I can dance with a blade, but dancing with another.. I am not good at." That might have something to do with the fact that he'd never really attended the dancing lessons his parents had set up for him. Oh they'd managed to pin him down a few times but that was a long, long time ago and since then he'd never bothered and didn't even really think he could. How he moved when fighting suggested however that he could dance if he put his mind to it, but he was unaware of that.

“Assigned, you said? I don’t see what reason one would need to be ordered to keep you company,” the smuggler paused, blinking slowly, then scowled, slightly, and quirked a brow up again, and from the corner of his eye he watched with fascination as her expressions changed. “Unless this is related to the whole candidate thing? Is it that? Nooo~” She gaped, and for a moment he wanted to laugh. Maybe he was better at blending in than he thought, or maybe she was drunk. He was betting the latter. “No! You must be joking-they’ve got a guard for you? Really?” Gold eyes gleamed, slightly, and he sighed. She was going to start on him again wasn't she? He could see the gleam in her eyes. “Only one, though? Poor thing you are, left alone to run after Aithne…” She grinned again. “I think you need more of your friends, here, if you hope to keep up with the dear lady. I’ve a feeling her wit isn’t the only thing about her that’s quick.”

He looked up at Blair for a moment, a small frown quirking his lips. "No kidding."

“I may just need to become your shadow, good man, simply to keep an eye on the entertainment that will doubtless dog both of your steps!” Lorcan arched a brow at the woman.

"Is that so? I highly doubt there will be much entertainment involved for me. Though if you enjoy watching someone in pain then I suppose we might be good to follow."

[Aithne Uí Caer-Eile]

The apology was acknowledged with the barest of glances to meet his eyes before Aithne returned to her drink. She never enjoyed memories of the past being dredged up, but more so lately as the year neared the time that the Children of the Sun were cut down. Betrayed by the Moon Lords, and attacked by Wolves, the very thought threatened to ruin her mood if not for the prompt arrival of Blair to bring a little joviality back. The brightening of the colour on the Laoch’s face was priceless as Aithne mentioned what had gone on while waiting for the merrow’s return, and his words that caused him to glow even brighter again were even better.

“Oh really, well don’t be shy about your thoughts there, Lorcan.” Aithne teased lightly as she leaned over the table a little again, playing with the stein just in front of her so to block the view and draw attention to there at the same time. “Would you like to test out the rest of the package? I can sit on your lap to make it easier you know.” The fact that he remained silent after Blair’s own light teasing only made the grin on Aithne’s features grow further and she leaned closer to the other woman, “I’m assuming he enjoyed the sight quite a bit judging from the silence.”

As the subject turned to dancing, Aithne’s expression couldn’t light up any more brilliantly. Oh, this could be a treat, a definite treat and her eyes slid across to watch Blair as though sharing a conspiratorial thought before that beautiful smile was aimed at Lorcan again, “Oh my, that just won’t do at all. What you need is a couple of fine ladies to teach you the basics...” She pondered lightly as her gaze dropped downward along the male before snapping back up to meet his gaze with her brows raised, “Of course it also depends what kind of dancing you’re referring to.”

Aithne’s head tilted to the side slightly, “I mean, if you need a few pointers there...” She was cut off as Blair seemed to only just realise what Aithne had meant by Lorcan being assigned to her and her brows rose at the other woman as she seemed to have a small slightly tipsy outburst. She patted the girl lightly on the back with a small chuckle, “And I thought I was upset about the development,” She murmured quietly before having another drink from her stein, finishing off the one that the Laoch had brought her, before picking up the one Blair had given her. So perhaps the alcohol was helping her relax a little in regard to the whole thing... and the fact that she was mildly amused at the moment.

“Oh, so now I am gathering a shadow for my shadow?” Aithne chuckled lightly, “I’ve not had quite a following since I was Tanaiste, this could be fun...” She then looked pointedly at Lorcan, “But my people at least knew how to... ‘dance’.” Her lips formed another perfect smile as she took another drink and glanced at Lorcan’s, “I think you’ll be needing a top up soon.”

[Blair Uí Nemain]

The sight of Lorcan’s face flushing red just made the smuggler laugh harder. “Oh, dear me, your face matches my hair!” She lifted her glass at this, and took another mouthful, giggling again, then raised a brow. “Both of us now? What do you mean by that?” She paused, then glanced at Aithne, lips quirking into an easy grin. “There’s no other thing that can be taken by his silence, now is there?”

Her gaze slid back towards Lorcan, and she laughed. “Well, I have heard that the best swordsmen make the best dancers. It’s all about footwork, isn’t it?” Blair leaned across the table, making a motion with one hand. “After all, the dance of two warriors has just as much-if not more-import as that of two loves. Or two likes, of course.” She winked, a little bawdily. “And I daresay that a misstep is a good deal deadlier in battle than on the dance floor, though embarrassment can leave lasting scars, if you understand my meaning.”

“I’m not upset, ‘m surprised! Really, if you need a guard, I could find you one.” She giggled, and her hands moved to her head, mimicking ears. “One with a nicer set of teeth and hair, too. Bark bark!” Her hands wiggled, slightly, and she grinned wider, baring white teeth. “I daresay he’d complain a good deal less, too-after all, I think you protest a little too much, Lorcan. It can’t be nearly as bad as you think it could be. You’ve only just shown up!”

She took another mouthful, and nodded at Aithne, swallowing quickly. “So long as I’m not working, I think I may. My only regret is my inability to record whatever adventures are to come.” She pouted slightly, then was up from her seat, downing the last of her stein and wading, quickly, through the crowd to accost a barmaid with a familiar arm. Her tongue was honey as she coaxed the woman to help her acquire more alcohol, and led the woman to the table, a sway in her own step and another tray of drinks in her own hands as well as those of the barmaid. “Cheers! You can’t have a party if you don’t have the alcohol required, after all. Drink up, drink up, the more the merrier!”

Blair laughed, setting down the tray in her hands and setting mugs from the barmaid’s tray on the table before clearing off the one she herself had brought. “Not if you’d be a dear and bring back a bite to eat, I think we’ll have quite the merry party, now won’t we?” She paused, at this, glancing back at Aithne, and grinning wide.

[Lorcan Ó Arbatach-Mór]

Blair was laughing at him... and that really wasn't helping but he imagined it wasn't exactly supposed to either. Both of them women seemed to take great delight in taunting him and he was starting to think that alcohol was a very good idea, when normally he wouldn't have had more than a sip. His face matched her hair though? Was it really that bad? "Is it really that bad?" She was still laughing, so he imagined it was and shut his mouth tight.

“Oh really, well don’t be shy about your thoughts there, Lorcan.” Aithne teased lightly and he winced, the color on his face staying there. Maybe he just shouldn't speak at all. Yeah, that sounded like a plan. But because of that he noticed the placement of the stein, and by the time he remembered to look away he'd been looking a little too long for it to be passed off as innocent. “Would you like to test out the rest of the package? I can sit on your lap to make it easier you know.”

He tensed, seeming to draw in more on himself, berating himself for having spoken at all. The worst part was that he could imagine 'testing out the rest of the package'. He wasn't averse to a woman sitting on his lap or other things along that vein but he almost never made the first move. So while he COULD imagine it from personal experience that didn't mean he wanted- “I’m assuming he enjoyed the sight quite a bit judging from the silence.” Lorcan actually growled to himself, though said nothing. He was damned if he did say something and damned if he didn't, so he might as well just stay silent and hope for the best. He knew his mouth could get him into more trouble than his silence, well at least he hoped.

“Both of us now? What do you mean by that?” Blair paused and he almost choked. Why, why couldn't they leave him alone? “There’s no other thing that can be taken by his silence, now is there?”

"I meant you are both ganging up on me." He paused, seeing the look on both of their faces when dancing was added in. Oh hell, they were going to start in on THAT too. He sighed, seeming to withdraw again, struggling to keep the images that the women seemed very good at planting from getting stuck in his mind.

“Oh my, that just won’t do at all. What you need is a couple of fine ladies to teach you the basics...” She pondered lightly as her gaze dropped downward along the male, and he growled at the frank appraisal, even though it also had him sitting straight. He DID have pride. “Of course it also depends what kind of dancing you’re referring to.” He stared, understanding the implication, his eyes flicking to hers.

"It's not fair to taunt someone if you don't mean it," he snapped, though his eyes went immediately wide as soon as he'd said it. Oh.. oh no,.. why can't I stop talking? Even he could see many, many ways the two women could turn that on him. Blair spoke then, saving him somewhat, and embarrassed he looked at her quickly, away from Aithne, though the subject matter didn't really change. But at least it wasn't quite so.. lewd, and even some of it made sense. It should translate over to having some skill in dancing, and maybe it did, but he hadn't even attempted to dance for many, many years and he sure as hell wasn't going to now. He was far, far too embarrassed. "I understand," he murmured, still avoiding Aithne's eyes. "But I haven't danced in many, many years and there are... too many people here."

“I mean, if you need a few pointers there...”

His gaze snapped back around to hers and the embarrassment turned just slightly to anger. "What did I say about teasing?" Though he winced as soon as he said it, averting his eyes again. Perhaps the alcohol was affecting him more than he thought. The two women talked about recent developments while he struggled to get himself under control and tame his tongue. His blunt tongue, the one that had the finesse of a hammer on an anvil. Though he started to pay attention when he heard the 'bark bark' from Blair, and as he listened a ghost of a smile appeared, though it disappeared in less than a second. "It's worse than I could imagine." They spoke of shadows, and when again Aithne teased he growled and got up from his seat, stalking away from the table in embarrassed anger. He couldn't be away long but he needed a moment to calm himself and curb the urge to reach over and strangle the woman. He went to the bar, ordered two drinks, downed them in a couple minutes, and went back towards the table still near crimson but with the alcohol in his system he had a hard time being as tense.

When he reached the table it was to see it lined with mugs and Blair saying something about 'the more the merrier', though in his case it was 'the more the less embarrassed'. So he grabbed one, sitting down smoothly, and started in on it, carefully avoiding Aithne's eyes. Maybe she was like a predator? Took eye contact as a challenge?

“Now if you’d be a dear and bring back a bite to eat, I think we’ll have quite the merry party, now won’t we?”

"Food is good," he said, sounding strangely cheery, his eyes quite bright as he risked a glance at the blond, figuring that Blair might be getting tired of him staring at her. "I didn't eat today."

[Aithne Uí Caer-Eile]

Ahh, she was getting to him, and Aithne smirked as she noticed the bait worked as Lorcan’s eyes roamed downward again, chuckling lightly as the man caught himself with an embarrassed flush still staining his skin. It didn’t go away either, though the silence deepened further while the two women prodded further at him with their interpretations of what would probably have been innocent statements if not for the fact of who he was taking company with. More than anything, Aithne was simply taking pleasure in the fact that it was so easy to get to the man, and she had to wonder just how experienced he might be with such things as she was eluding to.

Then he snapped, and the golden woman’s eyes brightened at the comment about the fairness of teasing if it was empty promises. Beneath the table, a single leg shifted up to brush the inside of the man’s thigh quickly and Aithne winked, “So would you like me to mean it then, Lorcan? That’s mighty bold of you, but you would have to be able to keep up you know.” Dropping her foot from the hidden teasing, she laughed lightly and drank from her stein as Blair likened dancing to fighting. She was right of course, but it was too much fun for the Sun Child to keep playing with the man to be serious.

Although she decided to resist adding onto the comment about it being many, many years since he’d danced, the look Aithne gave him spoke clearly about the connotations that could be made by admitting such to her. But the evening would be long, she was sure, and there would be plenty of chance to make him wish he was somewhere else either with or without her – depending on what mind games she played with him.

However, the mention of a little furry guard pulled Aithne’s attention and her eyes lit up almost like a child’s at the idea of having a little four-legged companion. She already had Nightfire, but well, that horse was a wild one and she didn’t think it would be fair to keep him in the city. It was much nicer having him come to her whenever she wandered out, “Oooh, yes! I should get one, something nice and loyal and who I can teach to bite people who get on my nerves,” She giggled a little, the alcohol seeping through her rather easily since she was still recovering from the day before in the Dal chambers, “Maybe I can call it Lorcan.” Though, the man had disappeared by the time she said it and the woman shrugged as Blair mentioned getting more drinks and also left.

Another few moments on her own, Aithne relaxed back and considered how recent events had been playing out – there was so much to consider and who knew what would happen next really. But she still had a trip to make, and she had to do it soon. That would mean dodging a lot of people to get out without being noticed, a lot harder now.

The return of Blair quickly pulled Aithne from her thoughts and the woman grinned widely, finishing her current drink before grabbing one from the row that had been placed on the table, tipping it back quickly, “Food would be wonderful, something sweet! I do love parties, perhaps later we can start the real games. I don’t suppose anyone has cards or something on them?” She glanced at Blair immediately, knowing that the woman would probably have almost anything that would be handy to have while out drinking, “Or we can start drinking contests,” A smirk plucked at her lips as her gaze slid across to Lorcan with a mischievous wink, “Loser has to dance for the others? Clothing optional.”

[Blair Uí Nemain]

“Oh if you’ve problems with taunting I’m sure there’s no difficulty in finding an honest volunteer, if you’re that worried about it.” Blair tilted her head to the side, sipping from her mug as she did so, and smiled, her expression angelic. “It wouldn’t be that hard, really. It’s much more fun to learn when there aren’t any real rules, after all.” She smiled wider, and it wasn’t immediately obvious which kind of ‘dancing’ she was implying-or, indeed, if she was even bothering to make a distinction. “It’s quite a fun way to let off steam, you know?” She leaned forwards, slightly, and leaned forwards on the table, smiling wide.

She giggled as he protested the teasing, and stuck out her tongue, moving quickly to collect the ale required for the evening. As she returned, however, she grinned, latching onto the fact that Aithne had shown interest in the concept of a pup, and nodded, slightly. “I could find one, easily, though you’d have to tell me what to look for-a wolfhound, or a mutt, or a shepherd’s hound, of something with a little more…bite.” She snapped her teeth at this, and giggled again, taking another mouthful of ale, then tipping back her head and giggling, cheerily.

“You haven’t eaten?!” Blair stared at Lorcan with an expression of shock, mouth hanging open for a few moments, then rummaged at her belt and pulled out a piece of jerky, which was shoved into his mouth with no warning whatsoever. “Eat something, you fool! How are you supposed to guard anything if you can’t take care of yourself?! Are you daft?!”

Apparently the rage at his lack of care for his own body managed to pierce through the drunken haze, and she continued to admonish him, though she only rose up for a few seconds before falling back under the haze of alcohol, which really meant that her admonishments turned into a string of vague cussing and ‘you need to eat or you’ll die!’. Her head jerked towards the barmaid as she returned, and she pointed at Lorcan, voice childish. “He hasn’ eaten all day! Can you believe that?! It’s feckin’ ridicu-”

Blair paused, then blinked at Aithne, and started fumbling, hands patting down her pockets and fumbling with her bodice. It took a few moments, but she retrieved a packet of cards from within her shirt, and held them out. “Got some.” She grinned. “Any game sounds good to me.”

[Lorcan Ó Arbatach-Mór]

The brightening of her eyes really wasn't reassuring him that this was going to end soon, but he didn't expect the leg brushing his thigh either. Lorcan stiffened, his own eyes brightening slightly with a hint of lust but he kept that firmly under control. Still, one of his hands was under the table and gently he ran his fingertips along the bottom of her foot, just before she tore it away. A hint of a smile grew on his lips, but it was banished as she spoke.

“So would you like me to mean it then, Lorcan? That’s mighty bold of you, but you would have to be able to keep up you know.” He glared at her a little more before he spoke, and mostly that gave him the time to calm down enough he could speak. He WAS beginning to think that his skin may end up permanently red though.

"That's... inappropriate," he murmured, trying to keep as neutral as he could in speech but he was beginning to hate her. She just didn't stop. That of course didn't change the fact that if he hadn't of been her Laoch, or her a candidate, that he might have been far less flustered and would have probably pulled her onto his lap by now. That inadvisable thought firmly entrenched in his mind, he caught her eyes, saw the look in them and sighed, mouthing a silent 'thank you'. It seemed she'd decided not to pick on him for the other comments.

“Oh if you’ve problems with taunting I’m sure there’s no difficulty in finding an honest volunteer, if you’re that worried about it.” Blair tilted her head to the side, and he sighed at the expression. Aithne may have stopped for now but she sure hadn't. “It wouldn’t be that hard, really. It’s much more fun to learn when there aren’t any real rules, after all.” He blinked slowly, watching her for a moment.

"Just what kind of dancing are you talking about?" he asked quietly. "Because I have no problems finding honest volunteers. I just.. don't like being teased when I'm supposed to be watching someone." Though if he was trying to do that he really shouldn't be drinking either, and he sighed, resolving this mug would be his last.

“It’s quite a fun way to let off steam, you know?” She leaned forwards, slightly, and leaned forwards on the table, smiling wide. He growled at her, eyes flicking downwards briefly before they were back on her face. "Oh I know," he said quietly, voice heated as he glanced Aithne's way, but then back at Blair. "Just not on duty."

“You haven’t eaten?!” Blair stared at him with an expression of shock, mouth hanging open for a few moments, and he blinked slowly in confusion. "What's wrong with-" Which was when he found himself with a piece of jerky crammed into his open mouth, listening in shock and some awe as her speech devolved into one of the longest string of curses he had ever heard. So obediently he chewed the jerky, which was rather good, and swallowed, some of his embarrassment shifting to amusement as she continued to swear. “He hasn’ eaten all day! Can you believe that?! It’s feckin’ ridicu-”

“Food would be wonderful, something sweet! I do love parties, perhaps later we can start the real games. I don’t suppose anyone has cards or something on them?”

He glanced between the two women, blinking slowly. "Real games? What's your idea of a 'real game'?" He was curious, and he'd also kept drinking, forgetting his earlier resolution, and was now drunk enough that he was actually starting to speak instead of blush all the time. The now food hadn't helped really.

Got some.” She grinned. “Any game sounds good to me.”

"Cards? You had CARDS down your shirt? Do I even want to know what else you hide down there Blair?"

“Or we can start drinking contests,” A smirk plucked at her lips as her gaze slid across to Lorcan with a mischievous wink, “Loser has to dance for the others? Clothing optional." He wasn't drunk enough that he didn't flush at that, but at the same time he didn't look away either, his eyes brightening slightly.

"Drinking contest? Sounds good. I'll drink you both under the table." He actually smiled slightly. "And I say the winner decides whether clothing is allowed." He grinned, the expression leaving no doubt as to what he at least would choose, grabbing the deck of cards from Blair and starting to shuffle. "A very simple drinking game." He dealt the cards in equal piles to each of them. "Whoever gets the high card is safe. The other two must drink." As he got drunker more of the man he could be emerged as his awkwardness receded beneath the alcohol.