Feeding the AppetiteIndex | Time Under Chaos | Game Logs | PreGameLogs | FeedingTheAppetite " 'Evening," Vikund smiled. "Armand!" Morgan called out as he entered the dining room of the Queen. "I starve! I famish! I fade into a shadow, a mere semblance of the man I once was! Might there be any small morsel, any tiny scrap, any least bit of a crust, that I might beg of your kindness and mercy?" He glanced around the dining room to see who else was there, giving all and sundry a deep bow, whether visitor or staff. Melanie gave him an amused smile. "Speak of the devil," Vikund commented lightly. "Hello Morgan. I thought you'd be on deck-polishing duty after your earlier stunt." "Tut, tut, Vik," Morgan answered. "Antonia has already forgiven me. Truth to tell, I think she was just looking for an excuse to refinish the deck out there, it was getting dreadfully shabby, you know. Not up to the Queen's standards." Vikund looked unconvinced. "I see," he said. Ramon looked insulted and shared a look with Melanie. Morgan smiled at Melanie. "And speaking of the Queen's high standards, how are you tonight, Melanie, my love? Shall you show three famished gentlemen to a table and feast us on your beauty, not to mention food. Ramon, you're joining us, yes? Of course you are. Merl teased me dreadfully tonight, taking me to a wondrous restaurant and then dragging me out again before I had a single bite. But he has made up for it by bringing us here, and I must remember to thank him for that." "I was just saying to Ramon how daring your plan to bring Chadwick here was," Vikund said. "Whatever else may be said of you Morgan, life is never dull in your company." "So... three for dinner?" Melanie interjected smoothly. "Or will there be anymore in your party we should wait for?" "Who knows?" Morgan asks. "People tend to join in, you know. But let's not wait, shall we?" He linked arms smoothly with Ramon and Vikund and nodded for Melanie to lead them to a table. "And why do people assume I had anything to do with bringing Chaddie here, anyway?" he complained. "Merl and I went out to dinner, ran into Chaddie and Rissa, and the next thing I knew here we all were. Purest serendipity is what I call it. But certainly a delightful turn of events, for all concerned." Ramon's smile only widened. "Ahhh... yes, that explains the earlier meeting with the fiery Antonia, si? You were detailing your evening agenda. Letting her know when she should be ready with something heavy and breakable. How thoughtful!" Melanie looked up from the seating chart and gave Vikund an amused but put upon look, then smiled as she collected three menu folders. "Mr. Anansi, I believe Petra will forgive me if I seat you at her table. Perhaps when these gentlemen are done they will join you." She gestured forward and proceeded into the dining room with the assurance that at least one of them were following. Vikund frowned slightly, "Let me get this straight," he said to Morgan. "You bumped into Larissa and Chadwick? So Larissa is here, on the 'Queen?" His tone was one that might be employed if someone had just suggested Santa Claus was stuck in the chimney. "Thank you," he said absently to Melanie as he moved to take his assigned place. Morgan sat at the table and said, "Best not to repeat that." He smiled. "I believe Rissa tries her best to keep her visits to the Queen on the quiet. I don't even know which of the girls she's here to visit. Perhaps, like me, she likes variety and doesn't have a favorite." Ramon blinked at him in astonishment. Followed shortly by amusement. He waved off the menu that Melanie offered him. "Everything is always so good I can't make a decision," he told her. "You and the kitchen put your heads together and surprise me." She smiled, nodded and after a glance at the other two, decided they just needed the same treatment. She left them to it. Vikund gave Morgan a severe look, then shook his head. For more intelligent, (or intelligible), conversation, he turned to Ramon. "She's here?" He asked simply. Ramon turned to Vikund and shrugged. "If he says she came with them, I do not doubt it. Antonia was awaiting them in Merlin's salon. As she did not come out with the rest, it is safe to assume she is still there. If she wishes to remain hidden, there are books and alcohol. Antonia will probably arrange for something edible to be sent up." Morgan snickered at that statement. "Why is this important?" "Anything out of the usual may be important in the Grand Scheme," Vikund replied. "Besides, I would hate to have been here on one of her rare visits and not at least said 'hello' to one of my favourite cousins. "Maybe you're off the hook for this one," he commented to Morgan. "Yet another case of people leaping to conclusions about me," Morgan said piously. "It's sad, really." "Sad but not entirely inaccurate," Vikund pointed out. "Exactly!" Morgan says. "It is not at all inaccurate to say people leap to conclusions about me! I'm so glad you agree Vik, I've always known what a man of rare insight and perception you are." Vikund rolled his eyes. "Yes, no-one could guess quite how insufferable you are. It has taken years of practice." "Well," Morgan said, "Visit her if you want, but I still haven't eaten tonight, and I plan on slacking my appetites while I'm here. And Rissa, lovely girl that she is, isn't the slacker to my slackee." "Whatever that means," Vikund responded. "Well, I'm sure she won't have budged from her present position by the time we have sated out appetites... the digestive ones, that is. And I'm not missing Sergio's dessert for anyone." He glanced hopefully around to see if any appetisers were coming in their direction. Ramon laughed. "Ah, family bonding. It does the heart good." It was at that time that they were the happy recipients of a round of their favored drinks and an assortment of the evening's appetizers to start their meals. It was also the time that Vincenzo entered the dining room. He walked unhurriedly towards Armand, who was speaking to a server on the other side of the room, but he made a point of giving Vikund a darker then usual look as he passed near them. And Vikund made the point of smiling back cheerfully. Morgan chuckled, then leaned over and said to Ramon, "Hey, you know what I was saying about all that unresolved sexual tension Antonia carries around for me expressing itself in irritation and apparent hostility? You ever noticed the way Vince looks at Vik? Same thing." Ramon thankfully had not actually taken a sip of his drink yet when Morgan voiced that opinion, so the rest of them were spared a shower of Persan wine. He did, however, cough to cover the laugh and then glanced at Vincenzo before looking back at Morgan. Ramon cleared his throat and tried valiantly not to laugh again. "Ah, no. I hear from the ever radiant Antonia - among others- that it was pretty much loathing at first sight." He shrugged apologetically to Vikund and smiled widely. "And you seemed to have hit an all time low with him, my friend. How noble of you to draw his attentions and keep him from glowering at me." "I know; I'm full of selfless acts of kindness," Vikund replied evenly. "It's a shame that Vincenzo has never appreciated my efforts. "And Morgan, behave. Vincenzo is having a very stressful evening," he added almost sympathetically. "Hey, yeah!" Morgan exclaimed. "I almost forgot about that. What's Mandy doing on board, anyway? Going native?" "A research project, I expect," Vikund answered. "He may be sampling all the dishes." Ramon watched the liquor in his glass catch the light. "Your muse may take offense to being referred to as a 'dish'," he warned lightly and then turned to Morgan. "The Prime Minister is dining with Petra this evening," the dueler informed the Captain. "Petra?" Morgan gave a low whistle. "Mandy likes to get right to the bottom of things, doesn't he? Or should I say, he likes to go right to the top? Or he likes to get right to the bottom of the top?" "I daresay he could do all those things, likely at the same time," Vikund replied, "but I don't think this is an entirely appropriate conversation to be having." "Tell me instead how you came to snare Chadwick," he said. "That can't have been easy." "Snare?" Morgan asked with a tone of exaggerated offense. "Whatever do you mean, 'snare'? We asked Rissa and Chaddie if they'd like to come along with us for an evening's entertainment, and they were happy to agree." He put on a thoughtful look. "Come to think of it, I don't think we actually said anything about what sort of place this is, so Chaddie might not know quite what to make of it. But I'm sure he'll catch on." "It might take a while," Vikund commented. "I don't think the poor lad quite knows what kind of family he was born into." Morgan smiled as he ate. "All part of his education," he said. "He came here tonight as Chadwickless the boy, but if he takes the opportunity afforded him he shall leave as Chadwicked the man." Vikund regarded Morgan across the table for a moment before returning to his food. "You have a sharp wit for a Space Cadet," he commented dryly, "but I don't think we should lose sight of the fact that this is a person we are dealing with; it is not quite the same as training a dog." "Thanks, Vik," Morgan says. "I'm glad you reminded me about how important it is to explain the real situation to someone before tossing them into something they don't understand." Vikund shrugged. "Some people have tougher skins than others. Some can learn quickly, others find it harder. I think it's safe to say Chadwick's Real World exposure is more limited than most." "And that's exactly the problem," Morgan said. "And it won't get fixed by continuing to shield him." "I don't doubt that," Vikund replied evenly, "I'm just not sure he needs his leg pulled along with other parts of his anatomy." "Yeah, thanks, your opinion is noted, I'm really interested, where's the next course?" Morgan said, pushing his empty appetizer plate aside and gazing around the room. As it turned out, his next course was right there, being delivered by a flock of waitstaff bearing plates, fresh drinks and other necessaries and to whisk away the old. Melanie came to a calm stop in front of their table. "Seeing who is gracing us with their presence tonight..." she smiled at Morgan. "Armand thought the salad would be a waste of perfectly nice greens, you gentlemen being more of the meat and potatoes types from past experience. I can have them put back in if you're interested though." Morgan smiled with genuine delight at the sight and smell of the extremely rare roast that was placed in front of him. It was covered with mushrooms and a thick sauce, and whipped potatoes decorated the side of the plate, mixed with bits of golden onion. "It would have been a shame to make this feast wait," he exclaimed. He cut a piece of the meat and ate it, his eyes closing in pleasure. He chewed slowly, then swallowed, opened his eyes and took a sip of the dark wine that had just been poured into a glass in front of him. "Ahhhh!" he said. "Melanie, dear heart, my compliments to the entire kitchen. They have achieved culinary perfection." She beamed. "Very good, Captain." Melanie didn't even bother asking Ramon, who was already merrily cutting into his Pollo en Pepitoria. She cast an inquiring look to Vikund. "Is everything to your liking, Master Vikund?" "Wonderful as always, thank you Melanie," Vikund replied with a smile, eating daintily. "Armand's judgement is impeccible. To crown such a roast with salad would seem...superfluous." He raised his wine glass in her direction, then toward the kitchen before drinking. "I shall pass that on," she smiled. "Shall we make dessert a surprise as well, or do you gentlemen have requests?" Ramon stopped with his fork halfway to his mouth and grinned. "Viento Spanische. I know he has it, poca flor. I was chased from the kitchens by a mad spoon wielding woman when I tried to ... liberate some of the filling this afternoon." Vikund laughed. "After hearing that story, how could I ask for anything else? Make that two." "Three," said Morgan. "Ramon's recommendations are always worthy of respect." Ramon toasted Melanie with a smug look. The willowy blonde just tsked at him and took her leave. "I was just telling Vikund earlier, Captain," said Ramon to Morgan. "That it is very noble of you to act in the stead of young Chadwick's father by bringing him here. It is clear the lad has not had much male influence in his life. He tsked as he went back to his dinner. "Very sad." "Ah, well," Morgan said with a smile as he cut another large slice of meat. "It just means he has so much more to discover. I'm sure he's having a wonderful time right about now." "I'm sure we'll hear the story in due course," Vikund commented in a pause between mouthfuls. "I wonder why Florimel treats him so? If she wanted a pet, couldn't she just get a rabbit? It's a shame we couldn't have found her a fluffy creature like Solitaire's little friend and saved her the pain of childbirth." "Mothers do not think like other people," Ramon shrugged. "No offense intended to your mothers, of course. I know my own sainted mother didn't care to think of her boys becoming men. It made her feel old, she said." "My mother was ... different," Morgan observed. "She'd approve of our bringing Chaddie here. Might have suggested it, in fact." "Really?" Vikund said. "Please, tell me about her. All I know is what I've read in books. Corwin's books, that is. It would be nice to hear an alternative viewpoint." "She was a ... very determined woman," Morgan said. It sounded as though he'd changed his mind abut what he was going to say mid-sentence. "She liked to have things her own way. And she was good at making sure that happened. A loyal friend, and a very dangerous enemy. You didn't dare question her orders in an emergency. If there wasn't an emergency she was always happy to listen to suggestions, and then she'd ask a few questions of her own which made it clear why her way was the best way." He raised his glass of wine. "To Deirdre!" he said. "I hope the Abyss was a quick and painless death." "To Deirdre," Ramon said with unusual seriousness as he raised his glass to Morgan's. "She sounds a fine women. I am sorry I missed knowing an Amber in which she lived." "To Deirdre," Vikund echoed, raising his glass in unison. Morgan drank, then returned his attention to his meal. "Enough of that," he said. "Tonight's a night for enjoyment, not for being maudlin. Ramon, what are your plans after we eat? Gambling?" He shook his head. "I'm thinking I shouldn't get involved in anything that I wouldn't want to be dragged away from, just in case Chaddie has a panic attack or something. Be a shame to interrupt an evening's pleasure with hysterics." Ramon waved his fork dismissively. "You underestimate Lily. She will not push. She will slowly wear him down and he will never notice. But," he said warningly. "Your young man reminded me of a ...frightened fawn. This may take more then one night, I fear." "Do not worry on him," he added as he put the fork back to its intended purpose.. "Besides, is not your female cousin holed up in a salon? Someone can send for her. Or the doctor on board if it comes to it." "Mmmmm," Morgan answered through a mouthful of steak. He swallowed, took a sip of wine, then asked, "So, who is on board tonight?" "Everyone but the lovely Zarina," Ramon shrugged cheerfully. "It was a fortunate night to pay us a visit." Morgan smiled. "Well, I shall have to wander about later and see who is being especially interesting tonight. What about you, Vik? You planning on just standing around, sneering in a superior fashion, and making notes on who's doing whom with what?" Vikund returned the smile. "That's about the sum of it. Though I think I'll drop in on our cousin after dessert. A little light conversation to ease the digestion." "She'll be delighted. You're a big favorite of hers, you know." Morgan took a long sip of wine, and sighed with pleasure. "I know, she desparately tries to hide her desire, but a man knows," Vikund replied sagely. "Underneath that 'hard-faced-bitch' exterior she's just a cuddly fun-bundle." Morgan chuckled. "Cuddly fun-bundle," he echoed. "I like that. I shall think of that phrase every time I see her from now on. Larissa, the cuddly fun-bundle." His smile grew wicked. "In fact," he said, "I wonder if I could have it engraved somewhere....?" "A plaque in the city," Vikund suggested. "We could have a grand unveiling. I rather think Petra would object if we put one here, though it would carry a certain resonance in these surroundings." He hmm'd, as if warming to the idea. Ramon raised an eyebrow at the both of them. "You do like to live dangerously, my friends. However..." He leaned forward slightly and lowered his voice. "If the idea were presented correctly, Petra may be convinced of the idea. Perhaps His Majesty would allow such a thing to be hung in his salon, si?" "In bronze, perhaps," Morgan said dreamily. "A bust of Larissa, scowling in that way she has, with the legend 'Larissa, Cuddly Fun-Bundle Of Whom All Others Are But Shadow.'" "You know, Aura is a very talented sculptress," Vikund noted. "Perhaps we should offer her a commission?" "An excellent idea, Vik," Morgan agrees. "Ramon, where is our charming Atlantean right now?" Ramon shrugged. "She was in the main lounge when last I left it. We can send for her, if you like? If she is not otherwise engaged, she will be happy to come see what you have up your sleeve." "Up his sleeve?" Vikund chuckled. "I've never known it to be kept there." "Perhaps Atlantean men are built differently?" Morgan said with a chuckle. "In any case, yes, I think that's a delightful idea. Aura would be a charming addition to our company." Ramon just smiled broadly and summoned a member of the waitstaff. After whispering what he needed, the young man disappeared. It was really only a few moments before the sultry Atlantean came sashaying over to their table with a wine glass in her hand. Morgan watched her approach with approval. "I had no idea it was the Trio of Terror summoning me. Perhaps I should flee." "Wench," Ramon grinned and waved at the remaining seat at their table between Vikund and Morgan. "Join us. I believe you will not be disappointed by the conversation." "We have a proposition for you," Vikund said. "Nay, a commission. An outlet for your inestimable talents." He looked across to Morgan to fill in the blanks. Morgan smiled at her. "We had a clever plan. A fine plan. A most amusing plan. But now that you're here, dearheart, I find myself losing interest in anything but you." Aura laughed delightfully. "Ah, it's good to see some of my magic still works in Amber." He poured wine into a glass for her. "How have you been, Aura? Keeping yourself amused, I hope?" "As well as one can in Amber," Aura smiled. She leaned languidly back in her chair and regarded the Captain. "And yourself? Staying just this side of trouble?" "That depends on which side you're standing when you ask, doesn't it?" Morgan answered. He filled his own glass, then took both of them in his hands and offered hers to her. He raised his own in a toast. "To beauty that knows itself," he said. "And is not afraid of its own power." Aura raised her glass graciously and responded in Atlantean. "Omorfia." Vikund too raised his glass, smiling and watching Aura as if he were studying a Dutch master, trying to uncover some hidden truth. Morgan drank, then set his glass down. "Ah," he said, "But we're being rude. Here we are, replete with an excellent meal, and we haven't even asked if you've eated yet. Have you? If not, then I assure you that sitting with you and watching you slake your hunger would be a truly pleasurable undertaking." "How very charming of you," Aura smiled. "I have eaten. Please, continue your meal. I shall simply bask in your company." "We are beginning our dessert," Morgan responded. "To which your presence is the perfect accompaniment." He turned to Ramon. "Port would be good, as well, don't you think?" Ramon stopped watching the surroundings to consider Morgan's question. "Si. Most likely it will be brought out with dessert..." His attention snapped to the entryway and he caught sight of the often intimidating brunette headed their way. Ramon cleared his throat and looked to Vikund "I fear it is coming home to roost for you, my friend." Portia nodded to Morgan, and arched an eyebrow at Ramon upon her arrival. "After we dock. Lower patio?" Ramon winced and sighed. "Si... " Portia nodded in response and handed Vikund a note written on familiar grey stationary and then turned back to Ramon. "Enganchado?" The duelist examined the wallpaper a moment and gave another, heavier sigh. "Si." Portia nodded briskly and, without waiting for a response from Vikund, turned on her heel and strode back the way she had come. Morgan blew a kiss to Portia as she left. "Sweet girl," he said to Aura. "A bit shy for my tastes, though." "You're terrible," Aura laughed. She leaned over and patted his hand. "I think that's why I like you." Aura glanced over at the note in Vikund's hand and gave him a wry smile. "The longer she waits, the more time she has to get worked up." Ramon blew out a breath and drained his wine glass as the severs descended on them once agin to take away the old dishes and deliver the new, along with a bottle of fine port from Petra's private stock. The swarthy duelist flashed a grin at Morgan. "I did sign on for the excitement." Aura snickered. Vikund read the note, then pocketed it, his face expressionless. "So tell me Ramon, who's in worse trouble, you or me d'you think?" He asked lightly. "It is hard to say," Ramon conceded with humor. "It is never a proud day for Ramon Guerrero when Portia beats me into the deck. But the lovely Dawn is very sympathetic when she patches me up afterwards." "You see, every cloud has a silver lining," Vikund replied. "You'll be in good hands, whether they be giving pain or healing." Morgan watched the interchange with interest. "What have you gone and done wrong this time?" he asked Ramon. Ramon looked scandalized at the accusation. It was a well practiced response. "Me? I have no idea what you mean," he said airily, waving his fork before cutting into his decadent dessert. "I am the only one who will fence with her in the mornings." "He lost a bet," Aura interjected with a wicked grin. Ramon huffed. "She cheated." "Who's taking the wagers for this?" Morgan inquired. "If you're going to be beaten and humiliated I ought to be able to make some money off it." "That would be Gino," Aura supplied, much to Ramon's dismay. All smiles, Aura turned to Morgan. "Any staff related betting goes through Gino. Normally, customers aren't allowed in on this sort of thing, but I shall put in a good word for you." "Traitorous wench," Ramon declared and turned to Vikund. "Did I not tell you? They are all dangerous." Vikund nodded, "That is so," he agreed, "but danger is closely allied to excitement, as you are only too aware. Alas, it keeps drawing us in. Good luck." "In the morning, is it?" Morgan asked. "I shall hope that we are not swept away from the Queen tonight by events and have a leisurely evening, and can rise with the dawn tomorrow to watch this fascinating encounter." "After breakfast," Aura answered lightly for the disgruntled duelist. "Our breakfast meeting. Which is after you lot have disembarked at the pier." "Ah, of course," Morgan said. He smiled at her. "Crew only. I understand." Vikund gave Aura a knowing smile. And she returned it with a saucy wink before turning back to Morgan. "It isn't personal. I would imagine our little duels would bore one such as yourself." She smiled brightly. "Although I am deadly with a chisel and mallet." Ramon snorted in amusement. "Si. This is true." "Perhaps," Morgan said, pushing aside his dessert plate, "You would be so kind as to give me a guided tour of some of your works here on the Queen? While I have no great talent in the arts, I am an avid appreciator." It seemed Morgan had caught Aura off guard with his request. She looked both surprised and pleased by it. "I would be happy to," she beamed. "Delightful!" Morgan exclaimed, rising to his feet and offering her a hand. "Ramon, Vik, so nice to see you two. Bye now." Vikund waved amiably. After she stood, Aura smiled at the remaining men and then pointed a finger at Ramon. "Behave." She then turned to Morgan. "Why don't we start in the studio? It's where the most number currently are." Morgan took her arm in his. "The studio it is, then," he said. As they walked away, Ramon sighed. "Always she says that to me. Behave. I am beginning to think that means something different in Atlantis." "It probably does," Vikund agreed, continuing his feast. Ramon made an indistinct noise and checked the time on an ornate silver pocketwatch. "I will make a note to ask the next time there is a trip," he declared. He leaned back with his port and watched a conversation across the room between Melanie and Allegra with interest. Aura was a delightful companion for the walk to the secretive studio. She explained during the walk that the large corner room was normally off limits to the guests as it was part of the ship's staff wing, and was for the exclusive use of the ship's artists. She took the time along the way to point out small pieces of her work that were scattered along the way in niches and shelves. Most of them were of an understandably sensuous nature, though not all were erotic. Morgan paused to study each of the pieces in turn. It was clear that he was in no hurry, enjoying their slow progress through the ship. The area of the studio was quiet and mostly dark. A few lamps glowed softly, reflecting their light off of smooth stone and wood surfaces of a menagerie of animals unknown to Amber, of nudes alone and lovers in passionate embraces; indistinct shapes covered in sheets; eyes watched from detailed and realistic paintings leaning against easels and walls at one end. An impressive canvas close to six feet wide dominated one end of the room, depicting in trump-like detail the Pharaoh and Queen of the Golden Circle Shadow of Aegypt in all their glory. Despite the existing detail, the portrait was clearly unfinished in areas. Aura moved to turn up a few lights, letting Morgan take it all in and chose what he wanted to see closer. Morgan strode to the center of the room and slowly turned, taking it all in. "A true studio," he said with admiration. Then he began moving among the sculptures, viewing them from all angles, running his fingers lightly across the surfaces of those that seemed to interest him the most, as though seeking greater understanding through tactile sensation. He showed no hesitation at all in removing the sheets that covered some of the figures, as confidently at home as if it had been his own private collection. Finally he said, "There's at least one more sculptor on board, isn't there? These..." and he indicated several of the statues, "They look like your work. But these others seem to be by a different hand." Aura smiled at him over the top of a red phoenix rising, wings displayed and executed in fine detail. "Though I have more then one style, Petra and I are not the only artists onboard. This room contains the efforts of at least a half a dozen others." She moved to one of the ones he indicated as being someone else's and ran her fingers lightly over the curves of the dancer at rest. "If you look carefully, you can find the mark of the artist on all of these." Morgan grinned at her over the figure of the dancer. "As I said, not an artist myself, but I'm a great appreciator." He turned and walked over to a pair of closely entwined lovers. "This is one of yours," he said. "And looking it over closely for the mark of the artist would be a pleasure." His hand caressed the smooth stone flank of the woman as he looked back at Aura, his eyes meeting hers. "Exquisite," he said. She inclined her head in appreciation of the compliment, a faint smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "I shall pass along your compliments to the model." She stepped over to a table where a sculpture of a running herd of six jet black horses stood, forever frozen in their muscle straining flight. Her finger ran over the wavy lines of the manes and tails. "This is not one of mine," she said before her hand danced over to the sensuous lines of an Persan sword dancer, back arched, skirts flaring, curves swords jutting defiantly into the air. The pale pink stone seemed almost alive, absorbing the light and reflecting it back to the viewer, highlighting the delicate details of the carved fabrics and the expression of a woman lost in her dance. Aura's finger traced the down the swirls and folds of veil. She used the tip of her nail to show him the highly stylized A disguised in the folds. "But this is." Morgan walked over to the statue and examined it, his eyes lingering on the dancer's face. "The ecstasy of the dance," he murmured. "How well you capture it." He ran a finger gently across the delicate folds of the veil to the artist's signature A, his hand lightly brushing hers. "So much passion, so much control," he said quietly. "An intoxicating mixture." "Without control," Aura responded lowly. "The scorching flames of passion can destroy you and all those you touch." She moved silently to the end of the table, her pale eyes studying him over the head of a snarling, four armed, gilled creature rising from crashing waves, it's human like torso heavy muscled. "And control without passion can slowly destroy you from the inside. Do you have that Balance inside you, Captain? So few of your family truly does." Morgan shook his head, still smiling. "Ah, are we to grow serious, my dear? I strive to avoid that, you know." He followed her, stepping close to the snarling creature, so that the three of them formed an intimate trio. His eyes were on hers over the head of the statue, and he rested his hands on its shoulders. "I think you would have found my mother to be the exception to that," he said. "Passion and control, wedded together. And yet, in the end that wasn't enough to save her." He looked down at the ferocious face of the sea beast. "You are all passion, aren't you, my fine fellow," he said. "Does that serve you any better, I wonder? Giving up control and seizing what you want, never minding the cost?" His gaze returned to Aura. "It's a temptation, isn't it? To give in to need and desire, bury yourself in the moment, forget about consequences and prices. To take when you want, to give yourself up to be taken by what you want." His right hand rose slowly, to gently stroke her cheek. She leaned into his caress and smiled faintly. "It is. That is, in fact, what happens in Atlantis during the Rites of Celestra." She took a step closer, skirting the raging beast. "But what of you? What is it you want? Right now..." He did not answer with words, but pulled her to him, kissing her with a burning need.
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