WindhavenGirlsDayOutThievesDenFollowing the sleek curricle (which Giulian kept to a far more sedate pace than usual) the Windhaven coach wended its way through the streets of Aquila. Gradually the wide boulevards, the mansions, and the luxury shops of the upper city gave way to narrower streets that were cobbled rather than paved, buildings huddled closer together, and sights more picturesque (in their way) than imposing. This part of the city seemed less on display than simply going about its business. Presently the carriages rolled into a pleasant little square with a couple of craft shops (one selling pottery and another woodcarvings), a secondhand bookshop, and a number of pavement cafes of the sort that served coffee and cakes. Giulian reined in his team and signaled to the Windhaven driver to draw up next to him so that he could converse with the occupants of the carriage. "Here we are," he called cheerfully. "Any of these places are nice, but if you particularly want a taste of the lower city, so to speak, I recommend that one." He pointed with his whip toward a small cafe on the corner, whose signboard advertised it as the "Thieves Den." Ashly looked in the pointed direction. "Thieves Den," she read the signboard aloud. "I like it," she said with a smile. "Let's check it out." Tori seemed somewhat relieved. She liked this part of the city. It was quaint and not particularly dangerous looking. That the cafe had a colorful name did not make it actually a den of thieves. "Yes, do let's," she said. Sitting between Ashly and Gabriella, she had to wait for one of her sisters to exit the carriage first. Ash didn't wait for the driver's assistance. She opened the door herself and stepped out from the carriage. "Ashly... Really, we should have waited and showed some decorum," Gabriella said, following her sister. "We do not know our way around here." "We are in the Lower City, Sis. If what I heard is true, they don't care about such things here," Ash replied, waiting for Tori to join them. Tori exited the coach with poise and grace, smiling at her sisters. "I'm sure we'll do fine with Lord Giulian and Miss Chatham to show us the way," she said to Gabriella. Seeing the Windhavens exit their coach, Giulian prepared to get down also. He turned to his groom and said, "Danton, please direct the Windhavens' coachman to the stable -- you know the one I'm talking about." He drew a money pouch from his pocket and gave Danton several coins. "Then the two of you can go have a drink, but be back here by ... oh, a quarter past twelve at the latest." The small, wiry man nodded as he took the coins. "Yes, my lord." He clambered forward to take the reins as Giulian lowered himself from the curricle, then handed out his master's crutches. Giulian waited for Elissa to join him before going over to the Windhavens. Leaving her heavier bag in the curricle, Elissa picked up her smaller bag and dropped drown to the street. She smiled as she twitched her skirts in place and walked to Giulian's side. "Have a good afternoon, Danton," she said with a smile to the man. The groom gave Elissa a nod and a brief smile in response before leaning over to confer with the Windhaven coachman. "This way, ladies," said Giulian, leading them all on to the flagway in front of the shops so that the carriages could move off. The interior of the Thieves Den Cafe was dimly lit, by necessity as much as by design; the windows giving out on the street were small, and had been provided with heavy, dark curtains to add to the atmosphere. What daylight made it in through these barriers was supplemented by a couple of oil lamps hanging from the beamed ceiling, and additional lamps on each of the small wooden tables that stood along one wall. The opposite wall was taken up by a long counter with tall wooden stools drawn up to it, at which single patrons could sit. In the back wall were two doors, one leading to the kitchen and the other, closed and unmarked, tucked under a rickety-looking stairway that presumably led to the upper floor. The floor, walls, and most of the furniture were of unadorned wood. Behind the counter was a burly fellow in shirtsleeves and a white apron (rather suspiciously clean), assisted by a buxom wench in standard peasant costume of low-cut blouse, tight bodice, and full skirt. The slate on the wall behind the counter listed a selection of sandwiches, coffee, tea, beer, ale, lemonade and ginger beer. "Here we are," said Giulian, stepping in. "Shall we take a table?" Elissa glanced around, still unsure about being in the Lower City since she called off her old life. There were some who did not like her choice in life. She glanced back at Giulian and then around. "How about over there? The corner booth with chairs," she said, pointing to a free table. Tori nodded her agreement and began to make her way toward the booth. She smiled at the atmosphere. She had hoped the place would be like this, rather than dangerous as she rather feared Ashly would have liked. Ashly liked the decor of the place. If she was disappointed with the lack of real thieves, scum and women of questionable morals, she hid it well with a smile. She settled next to Tori. Giulian waited till all the ladies were seated before taking a chair next to the wall, where he could prop his crutches within reach and out of other people's way. The buxom waitress sashayed over to their table and started to say, "What'll it be fer you to--" Then she paused in mid-sentence, her eyes widening. Giulian caught her eye and pressed his lips together briefly before saying, "Just coffee for me today, Sally. What would you ladies like?" Tori noticed the woman's pause, but assumed it had to do with recognizing the son of the Regent in her restaurant and ignored it. "It depends. What kind of food and drinks do you have here?" Ashly asked. "Bill o' fare's on the slate," said Sally, jerking her thumb over her shoulder at the slate mounted on the wall behind the counter. "I'll take the tea for me, please, Sally," Elissa said, glancing over at Giulian and the waitress. She realized he wanted to keep his ownership rather quiet and did not blame him. "Ooh... A cup of tea sounds lovely. I'll have the same," Gabriella said with a smile. Ashly glanced at the slate. "I'll take one sandwich with cheese, eggs and tomatoes and one lemonade," she said after a moment. "Mutton and tomato for me please, and a cup of tea also, thank you," said Tori quietly. The waitress nodded. "Right you are." The front door opened, and Alex was silhouetted against the light from outside for a moment, while he looked around the place. He must not have seen much, because he was blinking a lot, letting his eyes adjust. "Sorry," he said, and opened the door wider and moved to the side to let Harry in. "It's certainly dark in here," Harry said as he stepped beside Alex and similarly tried to adjust his eyes to the lighting contrast. As he did so, his eyes began to look about the decor, and of course the staff, and lingered on the staff for a moment before regarding the patrons. The waitress noticed them as she crossed over to the counter to relay her customers' orders. With a wink and a twitch of her rear she called out, "Be with you in a mo', gen'lemen. Have a seat." "Looks a bit like a stage set," Harry said quietly to Alex as his eyes continued to look about the room. "I'd have expected something like this closer to the spaceport. It looks relatively harmless, though, which is a good thing." Out of habit, Tori looked up as the door opened. She thought she recognized the one young man from the Fashion Show, but as she did not know them, thought it rude to stare and returned her attention to her own table. Giulian also glanced up at the new arrivals and stifled a grin. The place was gentrifying rapidly, he thought. Ashly looked the newcomers up and down. She decided they were handsome and old enough for her potential boyfriends. So she smiled to them charmingly, hoping it would be enough to lure them to their table. Seeing her sister's nearly obvious attempt to attract someone's attention, Gabriella turned and looked at the newcomers as well. She was not sure if they were at the Fashion Show. Still, both were very handsome. With a warm smile on her lips, she turned away and wondered what to do about her younger sister. Elissa also looked around and recognized Harry when he walked in. The other gentleman with him, she didn't know. She leaned closer to Giulian with a smile. "Looks like the word of this place is getting around," she whispered in his ear. Giulian grinned. "Word of mouth, better than a spread in Aquila Awake!," he murmured back. Elissa chuckled as she listened to him. "Anything is better than that..." Harry nodded to the waitress and gestured for Alex in the direction of Giulian and his party. "There, Alex. Let's go see Jules, Elissa and their friends. They're smiling at us." Harry grinned. "Both of us." Alex chuckled. "And so they are. Guess this place is better known than I thought. Lead on." "Well, it says something, anyway," Harry said, as he led Alex forward to the table where Giulian and Elissa were holding court with the two women. "Hello," Harry said amicably, placing a companionable hand on Giulian's shoulder. "What brings you down here?" He next turned to Elissa. "Hello again, Elissa." he said with a smile. He then turned to look at Giulian and Elissa both. Elissa smiled back at Harry and his friend. "Hello, Harry. It is good to see you again," she said, part of her remembering the night all four of them bumped into each other. "Hullo, Harry, Alex," Giulian greeted the pair, then quipped, "Slumming?" Harry grinned. "Will you introduce us to your beauteous companions?" he asked, turning and briefly smiling at the three ladies. Hearing the newcomers, Gabriella turned her head and looked over at them, realizing they were the young men who were at the front door. She looked at them both and glanced at her younger sisters. She smiled and nodded back to them. Tori rose smoothly as the two gentlemen came over to join them, smiling back, but with her gaze flicking shyly to her clasped hands before it found its way about the level of Harry's shoulder. "But of course," Giulian answered Harry's question. "Ladies, may I introduce Lord Harold Decuma Maun and Lord Alexander Tremontaine? The Misses Windhaven," he introduced the trio, "Gabriella, Ashly, and Victoria. Harry, I know you've met Elissa but I don't believe she's been introduced to Alex yet. Miss Elissa Chatham," he informed Alex. Alex did manage to read the confusion in some of their eyes. He bowed with a flourish. "Alexander Tremontaine, at your service," he said. He reserved a smile especially for the three girls, and added, "Charmed." Harry nodded and smiled in welcome to Elissa and Giulian's companions. "Hello, Alex, it is a pleasure to meet you finally," Elissa said with a nod to the Tremontaine heir. "Lord Alexander, we never did have the chance to thank your father for having us to his house for the Fashion Show," said Tori. "We were delighted and it really was... whatever the outcome... quite a lovely evening." "Lord Alexander, Lord Harold, it is a pleasure to meet you," Gabriella said, rising to greet them both. "Would you care to join us?" Ashly rose just after her older sister. "We would be honored, Your Lordship." She smiled sensually from under her long, dark eyelashes. "Pull up a couple of extra chairs," Giulian invited, with a nod toward the neighboring (unoccupied) table. Harry nodded and walked over and lifted one of the chairs, lugging it over and placing it at the end of the table, leaving the other side of that space for Alex to do the same. "Ladies from fair House Windhaven," he said, regarding Victoria, Ashly and Gabriella. "A fair coincidence for the two of us," he added, giving a glance and a grin at Alex. "I must say," Alex agreed, "you're just the people we needed to talk to." He smiled. "A sight for sore eyes and weary bodies." "Really?" Ash blushed softly, hearing the compliment. "In that case, how can we serve Your Lordships?" she asked, returning Alex's smile. "Not merely because of the pleasure of having beauteous companions to talk with while we dine, along with previously known friends." Harry turned and gave a smile to Elissa and Giulian. "The business my brother and I have this day is fated to bring us to Windhaven's door. "Horses," Harry added, with a smile. "Wise choice, Sir." Ashly nodded. "You won't be disappointed. My family has the best stables in all Teresan. I've spent eight years on Aquila and I dare to say you won't find here better mares and stallions then ours," she said with a proud voice. Tori blushed. It sounded almost like boasting to her, and she never felt comfortable with guarantees. Still, Ashly seemed to be doing a good enough job talking for both twins. But then she thought of something. "Ou-our horses were still in quarantine this morning. I suppose Xavier will have brought them back by this afternoon, but I'm not sure where he plans to take them. There isn't much of a stable on the Windhaven property here in town." "We... ah... heard that there might be new horses," Alex said. "We're overdue for changing out our own string." "Well, then you came to the right family. I believe that Xavier was planning on retrieving some of our horses from quarantine. What were you looking for?" Gabriella asked, coming into the conversation. "A mare and a couple of stallions for openers," Harry began, his gaze rotating between Gabriella, Tori and Ashly. "As Alex just said, Tremontaine is overdue for changing out our set. And if there are new horses fresh from quarantine," Harry continued, "It would be mutually beneficial if you didn't have so many to worry about quartering." "Perhaps. That could be beneficial. Still our father and brothers will not let the horses go to just anyone. They are our special line and breed," Gabriella said. Tori looked startled. That was not nearly as polite as she would have expected... Oh... Her face smoothed. Gabriella was flirting. Just then the waitress arrived with the earlier group's orders and asked Harry and Alex, "An' what can I get you gen'lemen?" That made Victoria's brow crease slightly. Hm. She'd recognized Giulian Anderon, but not Harold Maun and Alexander Tremontaine. Curious. Alex read off a rather large order with two sandwiches, and topped it with tea. Harry nodded, and made a somewhat smaller order, with tea as well. Afterwards, Alex grinned at Gabriella. "So, then, it will be our task to convince you to convince your family to help us out?" he asked. Gabriella grinned back at Alex. "Hmm... Perhaps it should. Otherwise you may have to convince our brothers and father all over again," she said. "My brother and I would not want to have to redouble our efforts," Harry said with a nod. "Unnecessarily," he added with a smile. Tori was feeling more and more uncomfortable. She was absolutely certain they were flirting, and she really didn't have the slightest idea how to join in. She sipped her tea and listened. Gabriella was taking over the initiative. Ashly had to do something, quickly. "Why should we help the two of you?" she asked with charming smile. It seemed Alex was no stranger to the concept of flirtation. He leaned forward, his smile reserved for Ashly, but addressing all three. "Ladies Windhaven, when it comes to entrusting someone with such a precious resource, I can think of many reasons why you would find a Tremontaine... desirable." He tilted his head. "Though it would take much time, I fear, and I would not want to worry your household by keeping you away overlong." Ashly leaned as well, returning Alex's smile. "Time is not a problem, Your Lordship... We can always send a message, stating we will come back later," she said with sensual voice. Harry watched the byplay between the Windhavens and Alex, and smiled, mostly to himself. He started to speak, as if to join in himself, and then shook his head in self correction, and turned to regard Giulian and Elissa instead and nodded. "So have you been here before?" he asked them quietly, so as to not disturb Alex and the Windhavens' byplay and fun. Giulian had also been watching the byplay with a certain amusement. He took a sip of his coffee before answering Harry. "A few times. It hasn't been open very long. But the Windhaven ladies wanted to see the lower city, so..." Harry nodded to Giulian. He then focused his gaze on Elissa. "And how is my good friend treating you?" he asked with a smile. "Oh... Quite well. He's a perfect gentleman," Elissa smiled back, resting a hand on Giulian's upper arm. It was Jules' father she wasn't all too sure about. Alex, meanwhile, had heroically managed to keep his gaze locked on Ashly's face. "I also wouldn't want to take away from your day trip," he said. "Perhaps one or more of you would be interested in actually showing the horses to Harry and myself? After you've concluded your business in the city, of course. We could discuss our... suitability... while we all examine the beasts. We might even be able to decide what, ah, fits us the best." Ashly leaned a bit further, exposing even more her plunging neckline so Alex could clearly see her wonderful breast, if he dared to look down. She smiled at him from under her long eyelashes. "I think we could allow you to glance at what we have to offer." Gabriella looked at her youngest sister. "Ashly..." she warned in a lower voice. "Even if we are not the ones, our brothers would show you," she added. It was hard to say whether Ashly heard Gabriella's warning or not. However, if she did, then judging by her unchanged body stance it was safe to say she ignored it. Alex likely had quite a view, as he looked down to take Ashly's hand and raise it to his lips. "Of course," he said to Gabriella with a smile, then released Ashly's hand. "Though I doubt their company would be as beautiful or charming, we would be honored to have any member of your family as a guide." Ashly fixed her shining, emerald eyes on Alex's face. Her slender fingers were slightly touching his hand, lying on the table. "There's quite a good chance that the horses are already in our stable... So... If you decide to accompany us back home, there is a possibility you may still see them today," she said with a smile. Harry smiled and watched out of the corner of his eye and returned to speaking with Giulian and Elissa. "It really is a fortunate coincidence we chose this place for our luncheon, since we were bound to visit House Windhaven afterwards." "So how did you get hooked up with them?" Harry asked and then lowered his voice. "My brother is doing well without any of my help, eh?" "I've always wondered what would make Alex sit up and take notice," Giulian murmured back, with a grin. Then he answered Harry's question, "We encountered the Windhaven ladies in the Grand Marketplace. I remembered seeing them at the Fashion Show, so..." Elissa shook her head at the byplay between everyone. She looked over at Giulian and then around the Den. She narrowed her eyes when she saw something she didn't quite want to see. Tori was flushing deeper as the conversations went on. She stared at her plate, focused on eating and drinking. The food here was at least very good. She didn't know what to do -- the gentlemen seemed to be reacting well to Ashly and Gabby's flirtatiousness, especially Lord Alexander, and Lord Harold wanted to speak to his friends, which of course made perfect sense. She felt like a fifth wheel. Perhaps she should simply have stayed at home where she belonged. She wasn't cut out for social occasions. "And what of you, Victoria?" Harry asked, turning his gaze slightly to the Windhaven not immediately competing for Alex. Tori looked at Harry when he addressed her and blushed. "I, well, I..." Alex smiled as he regarded all three Windhaven girls. "Harry and I were hoping to stop by the Windhaven estate and ask, after lunch," he said. "You really think it would be all right?" One on our side, I think, ran through his mind. Perhaps two... "Of course," Ashly said, sending Alex a smile which could melt an iceberg. "I wouldn't propose it if I wasn't sure of it, right Tori?" she asked, glancing at her silent twin. Unlike Gabby, Tori didn't try to steal the future boyfriend of Ash. So it was safe to bring her into the talk. Harry's eyes rotated so that he regarded the interaction between Ash and Victoria. "I'm sure our brothers and father would enjoy having someone fawn over their horses. All of them are immensely proud of our line," Gabriella said. "Yes," Tori agreed, since her opinion had been solicited. She looked gratefully at Ashly. "Father or one of the twins should be on hand to help you find the horses you seek, and to handle the business end of things, but I am certain they enjoy showing you our stock and selling you some horses, not least because they will hope you speak of well of us and of our stock to your friends." Alex's hand had somehow found its way back into Ashly's. It was no surprise, really, since they were almost touching anyway... he gave Gabriella a smile, but then he spent a moment looking back and forth between the other two sisters. "You must be twins," he said, "but you look different, somehow. I can't quite place it..." Alex and Ashly's fingers met again and gently entwined. Ash smiled approvingly... her emerald eyes were promising much more... "We're not identical," Victoria said, smiling gently. Ashly had, in her opinion, always been the pretty one, and she had been the "good one." "I'm surprised you can tell we're twins, Lord Alexander. You must have a good eye." It was not flirting, just a simple statement of fact. Whereas all three sisters had rich deep emerald colored eyes, Tori's hair was much darker than that of Ashly or Gabriella. "I agree with Tori," Ashly said, smiling. "Though, I'm sure perceptiveness is just one of your many merits." For example, you have a perfect taste, she added in her thoughts. Alex turned his smile to Ashly. "Perceptive enough to know a good thing when I see it," he said. "How fortunate we are, to have met all of you here. I thought it would be days before we found what we wanted." Imperceptibly, his fingers tightened on hers. "Sounds like it's your lucky day." Ashly smiled, returning Alex's affection by sliding her fingers deeper into his hand. Alex was either curious or playful, judging from the way his fingertips explored her fingers, her palm, the inside of her wrists... or, perhaps, he was merely looking for sensitive spots. Judging by Ashly's facial expression and barely muffled gasp, the palm and especially the inside part of wrist were among her most sensitive spots. Alex merely smiled innocently. Tori tried to find something non-threatening to look at and shifted from her plate to Elissa's pretty face. "Clearly, there are gradations of that fortune, brother," Harry said with an effervescent smile. "For example, it's fortunate that our food has now arrived, at least for my sake." He nodded to the waitress carrying the plates. "Yes," Alex sighed, "especially after that new cook this morning, with all the eggs." Tori relaxed a little, gentle smile blossoming. "The food is very good," she said quietly. She had already finished her sandwich and was sipping her tea. Alex blinked at Victoria, looked down to where several plates were being put down before him, and said, "I'd better get started. Eyes bigger than the stomach, and all that." "No need to rush simply because I eat quickly," Tori said reassuringly. And that seemed to be all the conversation she could find, because despite opening her mouth to say something else, no words came out. "Oh, it's just that if our sister gets word that I managed to out-eat Alex and it was Alex who spent all of his time speaking with the lovely ladies of Windhaven instead of me, she'd wonder if the world went topsy-turvy," Harry said to Tori with a smile. "Right, Jules?" Harry looked to Giulian for confirmation. "Or at the very least, slightly skewed," agreed Giulian, eyes twinkling. Elissa shook her head, feeling like she missed out on some of the conversation. Seeing all of Alex and Harry's attention on her younger sister, Gabriella stirred her tea and sipped slowly. She didn't miss Ashly's earlier gasp and knew something was going on. "So." Harry turned from the twins to regard the quiet Gabriella. "You mentioned that your brothers and father are proud of the Windhaven horses. What about you? Where do you fit in?" Harry took a bite of his sandwich, smiled and regarded her with a smile. Harry left the younger Windhaven sisters in the flirtatious care of his younger brother and turned his attentions fully upon Gabriella, trusting that Elissa and Giulian were quite capable of amusing each other. "Hmm... I do a little bit of everything. I do care for the horses and I know how to ride. I also help with the vineyards and creating our wines." She shrugged. "Since losing our mother, I have become the Lady of our house." "Versatile and responsible," Harry said with a smile and a nod. "I think it well, then, that you are here with your sisters, my friend and his acquaintance. Diversion can be useful when burdens are heavy. I can sympathize." Harry cocked his head slightly. "So, aside from visiting places like this, what sort of amusements interest you, Gabriella?" Gabriella shrugged. "I take it in stride and it helps my father." She chuckled. "Riding of course. I started besting my brothers in fencing. Though, it appears I'm not allowed to do that here unless I'm at home." Ashly looked at her still untouched sandwich. Then she glanced at Alex's plate. "When I was ordering, I didn't think sandwiches were so big, here. There is no way I will manage to eat it all... Maybe you could help me?" she asked Alex with a smile. "Any time I can be of service, my Lady Ashly," Alex said with a matching smile. After, of course, he finished swallowing a bite off his own plate. "It would be my pleasure." He turned that smile to Tori, as well. "Though I hope you don't both think I always eat like this. We've just had a long morning. Harry's usually the one with the appetite, among other things." He tilted his head slightly, smiled at Ashly, and placed his hand back on hers. "Where shall we start?" It was clear that the touch of Alex's hand was giving Ashly pleasure. "I think it will be best to cut the sandwich into smaller pieces," she replied with a smile. "Excuse me, can we get a knife?" she asked with a louder voice, hoping the waitress would hear her. Overhearing, Giulian signaled to the waitress, who immediately turned her attention to the table. "A knife, please, Sally?" he called. "Right you are, sir." She retrieved one from behind the counter and brought it over to the table, plunking it down beside Alex. "Ah, there we are. Thank you," Alex said to Sally. The knife wavered a moment as he did the obligatory mental math that people always seem to do when dividing food, and cut the sandwich into quarters. "Are you still at University?" he asked as he sliced, and gave Ashly an impish smile. "If you already have gentlemen courting you, they would surely not appreciate hearing about you sharing sandwiches with Tremontaines down in the Lower Quarter." "To be honest, I've just graduated from the Convent School of the Sacred Heart. I'm waiting for my father to enroll me at the Women's College," Ashly said. "And... I don't have any suitors," she added with a smile, that was clearly saying Alex could easily become one. Alex's blue eyes fixed on Ashly's green ones. "Why, Lady Ashly," he said with all seriousness, "I find that very difficult to believe." Ashly sighed. "During my time in the Convent School, I lived in a dormitory. As such I was under Sisters' supervision twenty-four hours a day. According to the Mother Superior, young girls shouldn't spend time in the company of boys... And so, I really didn't have a chance to strike up a friendship with members of the other sex..." She looked at Alex's face and smiled softly. "However, I'm starting to believe it was worth waiting." Alex gave her a slow smile, something guaranteed to light up a room. It was a rare thing for him. Putting the knife down, he held Ashly's hand in both of his; under the table, his foot rested against hers. "I happen to agree with you completely," he said. A thought occurred to Harry and he turned to regard the Windhavens and Alex. He began eating his sandwich with more rapidity as he regarded Gabriella, Elissa and Jules. Gabriella watched Harry and raised an eyebrow in question. "Did you suddenly remember a previous engagement or something? Or do you not want our siblings to eat your meal as well as their own?" Alex rolled his eyes, but kept at what he was doing. "The latter is only a danger when I have to compete with both of my siblings," Harry replied with a grin, stopping between bites to answer. "But, it is true, I have just remembered an engagement that I dare not break." He looked at Alex. "I do think that my brother will be supremely qualified to finish negotiations for stallions and a mare, and I trust that--" His eyes ran over Gabriella, Tori and Ashly. "That the Windhavens will treat him with care?" Ashly was forward thinking. It was a perfect chance to introduce Alex to Christophe "We will be honored if Lord Alexander agrees to eat dinner in our house," she offered with a soft smile. "I'm going to borrow the carriage, too, Alex," Harry added briskly. Alex glanced back and forth between Harry and the others. At the last, his eyebrows climbed in the direction of the ceiling. "My brother knows I like to ride out in the estate," he said. "Usually, by myself. Sometimes he rides out with me, and has to leave me to run an errand or another. I believe this is the first time he's abandoned me in Aquila City." He smiled slightly. "It isn't that bad, is it Alex?" Harry asked rhetorically, resuming his rapid eating as soon as he finished his words. Turning to the Windhavens, he said, "I would hate to impose like that. I would be honored to join you for dinner, of course..." The smile widened. "And this gives you quite an advantage. If I don't bargain well for horses, I may end up walking home." "If it comes to that, rest assured we will ride you back to your family residence," Ashly promised, smiling. "Horseless and ashamed?" Alex asked. "I might want to choose a night out in exile on the docks rather than explain that one to my father." Harry chuckled, with his mouth full and briefly coughed loudly, as if close to choking. Finally he reached for his drink, his face a little red in colour. "Then you better give us a good price," Ashly beamed. Gabriella helped Harry get over the brief spell and glared at her sister. "Thank you." Harry said with a smile to Gabriella and then stopped, letting her speak as she glared and spoke at Ashly. Alex just grinned at Harry. "Even if he didn't, we would not let you go home on foot. Let alone spend the night on the docks. We would be more than welcome to give you a room to sleep in. We wouldn't be cruel. Not to a young handsome lord as yourself. Since I know the line almost as well as my brothers, I'll be more than willing to show you around. Final negotiations with my father of course," Gabriella said. "Take me in as a guest?" Alex asked. "That is also very kind of you, Lady Gabriella. But really, I couldn't impose like that. I know Lady Ashly was teasing." He smiled. "I think. We can make arrangements for me to return home, if it comes to that. But I'm confident things will work out for the best." "I have no doubt they will," Ashly said with a grin. Ashly raised her brown eyebrows surprised, feeling Alex's foot. After a second, she smiled happily and snuggled her ankle to his. "Will you take the first piece?" she asked. Alex released her hand to reach down and take one of the pieces. He sought her eyes again, said, "That is certainly my intention, my Lady," and smiled a little before taking a bite. Ashly returned the smile, picking up the second piece from the plate. She took a small bite. "I had no idea eating could be so pleasant," she said, looking deep into Alex's blue eyes. "Indeed," Alex said. "It must be the company." Under the table, he let his ankles rub against hers, much in the same manner he had done with his fingertips and Ashly's hands earlier. Ashly's breathing speeded up slightly and her cheeks covered with a soft blush. Apparently, ankles were her sensitive spots as well. "And had I known we would be in such charming company, I'm sure Harry and I would have joined you for meals long ago." Ashly smiled. "You can always try to make up for lost time." The look Alex gave Ashly promised that he would, indeed, be doing just that... Gabriella glanced at the duo again and stared back at her empty plate. Harry looked at the small remnants still on his plate. He gave a glance to the Windhavens and Alex, and then Elissa and Giulian. "And now I will take my leave of you all," Harry said with a smile as he stood and regarded everyone. "Don't worry, I'll settle the bill for everyone as I depart. My treat." Alex smiled a little as he leaned back to look at Harry. "I'll let you pay for lunch," he said, "but you still owe me." "Agreed," Harry said easily. He gave nods to the Windhaven Trio, to Giulian and Elissa. "Until we meet again." "It was good to see you again, Harry. Thank you for the treat of lunch," Elissa said. She had a sneaky feeling of where Harry might be going and glanced at Giulian with a raised eyebrow. Giulian just shrugged. He had his suspicions as well, but it wasn't any of his business. "It was wonderful to meet you, Lord Harry. Please do come by our home. Our father and brothers will enjoy meeting you," Gabriella said. "I am very pleased to meet you, Lord Harold," Tori echoed, flashing her smile again as she rose to curtsy for Harry's departure. "We were honored by your company, Your Lordship," Ashly said with a soft smile. "I'll be back in just a moment," Tori continued, glancing around the table to everyone before she slipped away in search of the ladies' room. The conversations at the table had made her more and more aware of her own shortcomings in social situations, and she felt the need for a splash of cool water and a little pep talk in front of the mirror. Soon Ashly and Alex ate all the pieces of the sandwich. They drank the lemonade as well. The things Alex was doing under the table with her ankles... she was barely controlling herself, feeling that she was about to explode... She needed a moment of break to catch a breath. "Excuse me, for a moment." Ashly smiled at Alex and rose up from her chair. She headed towards the ladies room. "Um... right," Alex said to the suddenly depopulated group at the table. He smiled. "No one for dessert?" "No... This filled me up perfectly," Gabriella said, watching her younger sisters leave the table. She looked back at Alex and smiled. "I'm afraid not," said Giulian. "I have an appointment for one o'clock, and now that I know I can safely leave the Windhaven ladies in your care, Alex..." He grinned. "...I'd best be off. Elissa, can I drop you somewhere?" "Hmm... Back at my home, please. There are some things I need to do there, get ready for a class," Elissa said. She grinned back at Jules. "I wouldn't want to make you late for your appointment. Not since I hope we may still have plans for later." She rose to her feet, picking up her smaller bag. She walked to Giulian's side and picked up his crutches for him with ease. At practically the same moment he pushed himself up from the table and took the crutches from her hand. Smiling back at her, he suggested, "We can discuss it on the way." Alex, of course, had stood when Tori and Ashly rose to leave, and did so again when Elissa stood. Grinning, she leaned in close after Giulian was balanced and placed a kiss on his cheek. "Oh... I'm sure we can discuss it and more," she whispered in his ear. "Lord Alex, it was a pleasure to finally meet you. I hope to see you around again," Elissa said and smiled at the lovely Windhaven daughter. "Lady Gabriella, the same for you. I hope you enjoy staying on Aquila. Don't stray too far from Lord Alex. Especially down here." Gabriella nodded, rising to take Elissa's hand and smiled at Jules. "Thank you both for this outing. It has been a pleasure to meet you. Perhaps we can all get together for a tea or something fun like that." Alex bowed. "It's been a pleasure," he said to the two of them. "I hope to see you again soon." "And perhaps get to meet the rest of your family? I'd enjoy that," said Giulian. "In the meantime, please give our excuses to your sisters." "Oh, of course. I can easily entice my brothers into a meeting. I believe one of the twins has already met with your younger sister, Lady Renalda. Perhaps she would like to attend as well. We'll be chaperoning them." Gabriella grinned. "Do not worry about them. They all understand rushing to appointments." "I'd be happy to bring Renalda along," said Giulian, with a smile. "I'm sure she'd enjoy getting to know you all better. Well, all of you have a safe trip back." He swung away from the table and headed out of the restaurant. Elissa waved and followed Giulian out of the restaurant. |
