TashaTakesARide-WithTheDukeIndex | Time Under Chaos | Game Logs | Tasha Takes a Ride-With the Duke Continued from They also serve "My carriage," said the Duke," is in the courtyard." He gave her his arm and the soldiers moved forward to escort all three of them, leaving the ruins of their erstwhile comrade behind. Tasha glanced once at Ingrey with what might have been an apologetic smile, though it was difficult to see through the Logrus tendrils, and took the proffered arm. When they arrived at the courtyard, it was to see soldiers being marched away, back towards their barracks. There seemed to be a huddled, concerned knot in one corner of the courtyard, but the Duke ignored this with magnificent aplomb, leading Tasha instead to his magnificently appointed carriage (drawn by the inveitable six black horses. The Duke had either never heard of cliche, or thought it should be suitably encouraged). When they were settled and the Duke had conveyed Tasha's instructions to the coachman, he allowed the tendrils of mist to fade, and smiled at Tasha. "Now," he said, "you can beguile the journey by telling me all about yourself, Miss Minobee." "Oh, what is there to tell?" Tasha demurred. Yet she couldn't help fill the silence, as she admitted, "My parents sent me into shadow to... mature. I am fully prepared to do my duty for my family and my house, sir." "How very commendable," purred the Duke. "And what do you consider that duty to be?" "Oh, what is best for my house... and best for Chaos, of course." She nodded enthusiastically. "Isn't that right?" She had studied very hard and was sure she had answered that correctly. "Of course," he said. "Of course, my dear. And now we're here. Why don't you go in and find your friend, and tell her what a lovely surprise you have for her ... her old uncle has come to visit." He smiled, and stroked his finger gently over her cheek once more. Which might have distracted from wondering just how the carriage had arrived so rapidly, even as the clouds of black mist that had surrounded it began to dissipate. Tasha sighed, her eyes going slightly out of focus as his finger stroked along her cheek, but when he removed his hand her eyes snapped open as if awakening from a dream. "Why that was quick! I thought Amber was larger than that..." She looked a touch bewildered, but gamely scrambled out of the carriage. She noted that there were lights in the window's of Tear's house, "She must be home already!" Turning back toward the duke she remarked: "Oh, I'm sure she'll be delighted. Tear was talking about wishing she had family only... was it just last night? It seems much longer ago than that, now," she rambled before returning to her intended commentary, "Why don't you come in and make yourself comfortable while I go find her?" "Thank you," he said. with a slight bow. "Now that you have invited me ... I shall."
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