• PM To Join • Duets Aren’t That Bad

[Darcyanna Venora]

3rd of Zi’da, 717, After Sunset

Another trial, another event, Darcyanna though as she ascended the steps of the house. This one was a wine tasting, some rather important vineyard owner had just released a new vintage. Zi’da’s Touch Merlot, or something to that effect. It was a deep rich red, harvested in the winter last arc and now ready for testing. The owner, a Ser Hawthright, had a beautiful estate that housed of all things a quaint barn that had been converted into a sort of rustic ball room.

The blonde made her introductions and played her pleasantries, before making her way through the house common into the sprawling estate behind. Row of grapevines stretched away from her disappearing into the night, the barn itself was visible only a few hundred yards away, artistically lit with soft amber torches and decorated with dark wine colored banners. The doors were wide open, and inside there were tables set ready for upto four people to be seated. Bottles of the new vintage were opened to breathe on each table, along with tasting glasses. In a rather out of the way corner sat an upright piano, made from worn maple wood that matched the rustic atmosphere.

“Oh Lady Venora, so good to finally meet you in person.” Ser Hawthright said as he saw her, approaching with a large smile on his round red face. He leaned in to kiss her hand, thick white moustache tickling her hand before he stood with a dramatic sigh.

“Look, there’s been a bit of a mix up. I’m afraid my wife had also hired a musician this evening, a singer I believe. I’m not sure if you need to discuss anything with the woman about songs and such. It would be a shame to not have both of you tonight. I hear she is very good.” Darcyanna blinked for a moment, irritated but masking it calmly.

“I see. Does this vocalist also play the piano? If so, I’m not sure what services I can provide.” The stout older man frowned apologetically.

“I am afraid I didn’t think to ask My Lady. Please, let me introduce you and we can work this out I’m sure.” With that, he clicked his fingers at the nearest servant and began demanding they find the vocalist and bring her over.

Sarding idiots, Darcy thought. Whilst she had no issue with the vocalist who was ultimately in the same position as herself, she was vexed by the stupidity of the host. Honestly, who doesn’t have an event planner check these things?

Smoothing the skirts of her dress, the platinum blonde waited not too patiently for the mysterious vocalist.

[Valeria Burhan]

There was something deliciously ironic about having Rynlists hire her to sing at their events. If they had any idea what sort of person they had in their midst, they'd be horrified and there'd be a scandal but what they didn't know couldn't hurt them. It was more than a little amusing though; they were attracted to the very thing that was so sinful about her. Valeria didn't have any illusions about her voice. It was nice enough she supposed, depending on what she sang, but it was her mark that gave her voice that certain allure that made her stand out. You weren't likely to find many singers marked by Zanik in Rynmere. Considering her abilities, the noblewoman was rather pissed off to discover that she hadn't been the only form of entertainment hired for the night.

"Oh, I suppose that's an easy enough mistake to make. You don't need to worry about it," she assured the man, smiling and letting out a little laugh as if it was really no big deal. Inside, she was seething but a slight downwards tilt to her head and carefully downcast eyes sufficed to hide the green-tinged steel that her irises had become. "Could you point me towards the nearest washroom? I just want to check something before your musician arrives."

She smiled graciously when he pointed the way, nodding to him before she set off in the correct direction, lips pressed firmly together until she was alone with a mirror over the wash basin. Only when she was sure that she had no witnesses did she allow the pretty mask to dissolve, rolling her steely eyes upwards as her lips twisted in disgust.

It irritated her beyond belief to find that she now had competition for the evening, especially when she'd been so sure that she was going to be the star of the evening. It just meant that she'd have to outshine the other performer, which might be very difficult indeed if they were were good. The Burhan woman knew she was only mediocre but she hoped that she had Zanik on her side. The Immortal had chosen to mark her over four arcs ago and she was certain that he kept an eye on her. Of course, it paid to get his attention just to be on the safe side.

Peering at her own reflection, she met her own mirrored gaze and watched her irises bleed from one part of the colour spectrum into another as she thought of the god that she worshipped. The blonde focused on how she'd felt that night when they'd danced together, when he'd kissed her cheek and she'd been forever touched and changed by him. Her heart beat faster, her eyes like molten honey as she focused on Zanik.

Zanik, please hear me. You know that I'm forever your servant and that I'll always happily worship at your feet. I've done all I can to devote my actions to you. Every act of seduction has been yours, every note that's passed my lips has all been for you. Perhaps it's selfish to ask but allow me to make the most of my opportunities tonight so that I can ensure that your presence is felt. Maybe you can't help me outshine this other performer but if there's any way that we can work with one another for your benefit then help me, she prayed silently, finding her eyes swimming with moisture.

She carefully dried the unshed tears on some tissue that had been left for the ladies, ensuring that she didn't smear the make-up around her eyes. It had taken rather a lot of effort to add that smokey effect to her eyelids and it would be a shame to ruin it now, especially given how long it would take her to replicate it again; cosmetology wasn't something that she was great at but she typically managed to get to where she wanted in the end.

Smoothing out the tissue she'd just used, the young woman kissed it adding the mark of her red lip stain to the water blots. It wasn't quite blood but it was a more fitting emblem in her opinion considering her chief skill in Zanik's name. She pressed it closed, silently willing the pressure of her lips to somehow reach the Immortal, before she tucked it away at the top of her corset. Once that was done, she adjusted her blouse and smoothed out her skirt, turning carefully so she could get a full sense of her appearance. Satisfied, she stepped outside again and found herself accosted almost immediately by a servant. It seemed that her employer for the night wanted her.

The blonde followed the servant to where Ser Hawthright stood with another woman, a truly breathtaking platinum-blonde. Looking at her, V felt incredibly unsure of herself and her own charms, her own looks seeming to pale in comparison. To make matters worse, she felt terribly underdressed. A simple white blouse and black skirt hardly seemed appropriate, even if she had enhanced her natural figure with the aid of a corset; what was that beside a lacy black dress? Still, she couldn't help but smile at such beauty, surveying her with a hazel gaze as admiration warred with jealousy.

"Hello, I take it that you're the pianist that Ser Hawthright has hired for the evening? I was explaining to him a little while ago that it was an easy mistake to make but I'm sure that we can manage all the same," the Burhan noble commented amicably, favouring the man with an indulgent smile as she allowed her fingers to briefly brush his arm.

The man laughed, a good-humoured sound that was a tad breathless, his eyes flicking to Valeria but not to her face for the briefest moment. She pretended not to notice. "Allow me to introduce you," he announced jovially, gesturing from the singer to the pianist. "Lady Burhan, this is Lady Venora."

Her gaze shifted to near amber instantly, unable to contain her delight. A Venora! Well, it was unsurprising that she was beautiful if she was a Venora! It was quite possible that she might spontaneously combust with happiness; her smile certainly wasn't forced in any way. She gave a short bow, leaning a slight distance from the waist while giving a nod of her head. "It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lady Venora."

She hadn't the slightest idea if the pair of them were on equal terms in terms of social rank here. The man had named her first and Lady Venora second, which might suggest that Valeria was of the lower rank here, in which case, it would be poor form for her to offer her hand; that would be the other woman's task if she was inclined to be amicable. Of course, the man might not know his sarding arse from his elbow in which case... a bow was safe, she told herself. There was absolutely nothing wrong with a bow.

[Darcyanna Venora]

3rd of Zi’da, 717

Darcy turned and smiled as the noble returned, looking at the vocalist with a nod of her head. She was a slightly taller woman, with thick blonde curls and almost hard hazel eyes. Beautiful, even for Venora standards. As he introduced herself and the Burhan to each other, the pianist couldn’t help but smile more warmly, the other woman’s own expression infectious. The Lady wasn’t concerned with the intricate details of who needed to offer who’s hand, more interested in the matter of the music.

“Well met Lady Burhan. Correct, Ser Hawthright and his wife appear to have had a...communication breakdown...and as such we have both been asked to entertain to-trial.” Noticing the shift in the woman’s eye color, Darcy surmised she too had Biqaj in her veins. Her own eyes were a shade shade of magenta, touched with gold around the edges. She had been worried sick about the missing Gawyne, and although the brain berry tea helped, she wished for something stronger. Her mind was clear enough however to sort through this misstep on the hosts behalf.

“Please, call me Darcy. Lady Venora is better saved for the political scene.” Taking a deep breath, she raised her eyebrows in question, holding her hands out a little in openness.

“So, Lady Burhan, I’m not sure if you play an instrument, but I wonder if we could perhaps find a common song we both know, and perhaps perform a duet? I am more than happy to accompany you, rather than taking centre stage so to speak.“ Frankly, if she didn’t need the nel the pale Venora would have given the whole gig to the other blonde and return home to hide in the safety of her room. The house itself, the vineyard even, here she was okay. With people around she was okay. But only for so long. Only until her mind started playing tricks on her.

“Here, lets quickly go through a few songs. Let me know if you know any of them.” Leading the way to the piano with a sweep of her hand, Darcy swiftly settled in and pressed her foot down on the dampening peddle, playing a few bars of songs within her repitoire, waiting for the Lady to advise when she knew any of them.

“I’ll admit Lady Burhan, I’ve not met a member of your house before. Tell me, are you local to the area, or visiting?”

[Valeria Burhan]

The other noblewoman returned her smile warmly, making Valeria's eyes shift to a warmer brown as the green ebbed. It was difficult to spite this woman for her beauty. After all, she was a Venora; it was only natural that she'd be gorgeous. That warm smile only enhanced her beauty and it didn't seem to have any artifice behind it, which just made it pointless for her to be the one to bear any ill-will towards the other. So she allowed herself to relax and decided that she liked the other noble, mainly because she hadn't given her reason to dislike her. At least not yet anyway.

"Well met, Lady V- Darcy. I'm Valeria although those who know me well call me V. I've no qualms with being called Lady Burhan but it is so very... official," she explained with a soft laugh, giving a little bow to their employer who still lingered. He seemed to get the message, especially as there was no reason for him to remain now that they'd been introduced. Hawthright bowed and smiled before he left them to it. Apparently, he judged that they could sort the matter out themselves.

She smoothed down her skirt, tugging her blouse down subtly as she nibbled on her lip. "No, I can't play an instrument. By the Seven, my tutor tried to interest me but I never had the will to learn, I'm afraid. You have my voice if that suits you. I'm sure that we can find some common material," she assured Darcy as she followed her to the piano. "I do try to keep up with musical trends but I don't know if it's possible to keep up with them all. I don't know if I go to enough lavish parties to have learned all the favourites of the moment."

The blonde leaned gently against the instrument, head cocked to the side as she processed the notes she was hearing. She found herself humming along to the first, a classic that she knew had always been popular but which she secretly detested. "I know that one but it's a pain to sing. What else do you know?" The next was unfamiliar to her.

"Oh, I'm local. Well, I live in Andaris but it isn't as if I was born here. I've been here for a few arcs now since I turned 18," she explained, humming to herself again. "Oh that's a nice one, I'll sing that. I think it suits the setting, don't you?"

She smiled at a nearby guest/ He appeared to be on his own, carrying enough weight that it seemed to have set him sweating, mopping his brow as she looked on. Furthermore, she'd seen his eyes flick her way, caught him making those furtive glances at her figure. Idly curling a lock of hair around her finger, she nodded to the wine on the nearest table, miming the act of drinking so he'd get the message, willing to look as sweet as possible. Silently, she asked Zanik to add to her appeal, feeling power ebb through her, wondering if the soft yellow light of her aura was visible; most seemed to think it was a trick of the light, or so she assumed. She tilted her head in Darcy's direction so he'd come with two glasses and when he approached, she took the offered drink gratefully, "accidentally" allowing her fingers to stroke his as she took the stem from him.

"You're really too kind, ser. Isn't it very good of him, Darcy?" she murmured, her eyes taking on a soft-honey brown; she was enjoying herself. "I'll entertain you soon but I really couldn't manage to sing if I was parched. Besides, this is a wine-tasting. It's only right that we celebrate the occasion appropriately." She winked, watching the man do a double take at the unexpected gesture but she'd already returned her attention to her companion as if nothing had happened, a slight crease appearing between her brows as she concentrated on returning herself to normal. She didn't need to be putting out that particular seductive air anymore.

"What was I saying? Oh yes, I live in Andaris but I do visit home obviously, although not often. Burhan's rather difficult to get to so it's hardly convenient, you know? It's very out of the way," Valeria told Darcy. "What about you? Are you visiting or do you stay in the capital? I'm sure it's a lot easier for you to go back and forth between Andaris and Venora anyway. It's hardly much of a journey in comparison."

[Darcyanna Venora]

3rd of Zi’da, 717

Darcy nodded as Valeria admitted the first song wasn’t right, happy that the vocalist was honest in her assessment. They needed something that allowed them to work together as a team for the entertainment to work.

“Ah yes, I understand. Come for a visit, stay for an arc, or at least that seems to be the case with the capital.” Switching to another song, she played a few more bars, noting it wasn’t familiar to the blonde and changing tact again. The Burhan hummed, finally picking a tune much to Darcy’s delight. It was less piano, more vocal, but it was a beautiful piece with just enough ambience to capture the room but allow conversation if people preferred it.

“Perfect. You have a good eye for the room Valeria.” The Venora said with another smile, looking up from the keys as a rather large set, rather sweaty man approached the noble women with two glasses of wine in hand. Her gaze shifted between the man to the Burhan, noticing she had become entirely different. A sensuality oozed from her effortlessly, played up with a twirl of hair or a brush of gentle fingers. Her voice was positively dripping with honey and false innocence. Darcyanna reached up, taking the glass by the stem with a thankful nod. She couldn’t play this game, but she could play politics. Turning her magenta eyes on the man, she smiled with all the sweetness she could muster.

“So very good of him Valeria.” As the poor man walked away slightly kurfuddled, the pale musician raised her glass to chink it against the Burhan’s own.

“That’s quite an interesting skill you have there. Some might say dangerous, in the right social circles.” Sipping the vintage, she placed the glass on the piano top and nodded.

“I also live in the city, at the University to be precise. I don’t visit home much. It’s only a two trial ride but it’s too much to go back and forth whilst working on a degree.” Her smile waned a little at the thought of home, before shaking it off and tilting her head.

“It’s certainly quite a way between here and Burhan. But here, we chatter whilst there’s music to be played. Let’s pick this up again after.” Flexing her fingers, the blonde laid them on the keys with a smile.

“Ready?” When Valerie gave her the go ahead, Darcy would begin the song.

Ambience Is Life

The song itself started with a quick one-two of notes at the high end of the piano, ringing gently. And again, followed by a slow down scale. And repeat. Soft, gentle, and ready for the vocalist to shine.

Already, the Venora felt her eyes slip shut to fall into the sweet embrace of the song, delighted to hear her notes accompanied by what she expected would be a talented partner.

[Valeria Burhan]

The young woman shrugged delicately. "Something like that. Although it was with less of an intention to visit and more of an intention to take up permanent residence," she explained with a soft laugh, flecks of golden merriment dancing in her brown eyes. Her mirth increased at Darcy's compliment although she kept it to herself. She certainly wasn't about to explain that knowing the room was more her job than anything else. She knew her own capabilities and while she could enhance some of her talents with the aid of Zanik's mark, she knew that she could only push it so far. It didn't work out well when you could enchant part of the room with Elithem and have the performance fall flat with the rest. Such things were bad for business but also highly suspicious.

Unfortunately, she'd already managed to attract some undue attention, which was her own stupid fault. There hadn't been any need to use her mark just to charm a man into getting her a drink. It wasn't even as if she really needed the mark to do it either although it did help to enhance her sensuality. Her target had been open to temptation to begin with if his gaze had been anything to go by so it had been easy to court his interest with a certain look but the mark gave that extra little push that made her natural charm practically irresistible. Valeria had done it all on a whim though considering that it would only have taken a few paces for her to fetch a drink herself.

Her actions had allowed Darcy to see a particular side of her and she could have been wrong but she thought the other appeared a little discomfited. It might have been due to the situation that the Burhan noblewoman had placed her in, making it necessary for her to plaster a smile on her face that was noticeably fake. It made Valeria's pleasure ebb, a new bright blue of anxiety seeping into her gaze although she doubted that her companion would recognise what it signified.

"I don't know if I'd call it a skill," she murmured, doing her best to seem more demure than she had mere trills before. "Men often have a weakness for attractive women; I'm sure you've noticed." She sipped her wine, testing the flavour as she swilled it over her tongue. She eyed the glass thoughtfully, contemplating the aftertaste while she listened to the Venora woman.

She set the glass down. "A student? You're certainly more studious than I. My tutors had a world of trouble trying to convince me to learn. You'll have to tell me about it," she commented, ensuring that interest showed in her features. Honestly, the idea of university learning didn't hold much interest for her but she remembered her manners, just as she knew not to press further when the noblewoman reminded her that they had work to do; things were beginning to grow busy. There'd be time for conversation later.

The young woman laid her fingers on the keys, looking to Valeria for direction. The Burhan signalled for the other to wait while she began to hum, warming her vocal chords so that her voice wouldn't crack when she sang. It was necessary for her to sing relatively high although it wasn't necessary for her to alter her pitch a great deal and it was slow so she could take her time shifting from one part to the next.

She nodded to the pianist, folding her hands over her abdomen, holding herself straight as the first few high notes played. She breathed in deeply and began to sing. Her voice was relatively soft, loud enough to carry to the furthest of the assembled guests but not so loud that it would be intrusive. Initially, it was just a few soft words at a time, a hesitancy to her voice with only the occasional chime from a piano key to back her up. The blonde closed her eyes and called on Zanik, feeling the tickle of the tissue that she'd kissed against her breast as an almost tangible connection to the Immortal. She asked him to help her imbue quiet contentment into those before her, hoping that she'd have enough reach. She focused on each word, sensing power move through her and trying to infuse some of it into each syllable.

Her voice grew more confident as the piano accompaniment became a little more pronounced and she trusted in her own abilities. Zanik wouldn't allow her to do badly, wouldn't allow her to do him an injustice and so she let herself become absorbed in the performance.

When it came to an end, it was almost a surprise to the young woman, feeling the aura wane as she released it, feeling her power ebb as a result. She opened her eyes, finding that those nearest to her had fallen under her spell while those further afield didn't seem to have felt what the others had. Still, they all clapped softly, the further ones out of mere politeness while the others seemed to show a greater appreciation and enthusiasm. The noblewoman made a little curtsey before she turned to her partner.

"Should we wait a few bits or find something else to perform now?"

[Darcyanna Venora]

3rd of Zi’da, 717

Darcy laughed suddenly, looking at Valeria with a genuine face of amusement. The blonde didn’t think of herself as attractive, and if the opposite sex had any interest in her, the Venora had managed to see to it that they were put off by her less then welcoming demeanour and poor habits. Caius had persevered, at least to begin with, but the young woman couldn’t see why.

“I’m afraid you do me too much kindness. Venora may be the home of beauty according to some but I think I may be the black sheep of the family if that’s the case.” As they performed together, the pianist felt almost at peace, contentment as the beautiful woman’s voice caressed the room. She watched Valeria carefully, keeping tempo and tune with her. The song itself had its own time signature, this was true, but the Burhan sang in sweet freedom which allowed Darcy some artistic interpretation. It was actually, really sarding good!

As the song ended, the Venora felt the contented feeling waft away like so much dust in the wind, sitting back from the piano with a curious expression. What had that been exactly? She felt her music, drowned in it at times, but this was different. Nice, but different. As the applause came gently, Darcyanna looked up at Valeria with a smile.

“Lets round out with one or two more.” If the woman agreed, Darcy would play through a few bars again until they found synchronicity, letting the two musicians play together for the remainder of their evening as the night wound down.

When all was said and done, Darcy stood from the piano and offered a small bow and a smile to Valeria.

“Well Valeria, I have to admit whilst I was annoyed that we’d been double booked, I have been pleasantly surprised. You have an amazing voice and make it truly a breeze to play for. I hope perhaps we could do this again sometime? Maybe even something more social than business?”

It was a shy, round about way of saying ‘let’s catch up’.

[Valeria Burhan]

Darcy had a look in her eyes that was similar to those of the nearby audience members. As she watched, she saw the peace ebb away, the young woman shaking off the last effects of what Valeria had done to her. She'd been caught in the field of her mark's effects it seemed although the Burhan hadn't intended for her to feel them. It was a hazard of the job, of course, but it wouldn't happen again; Musical Enchantment was a short lived ability and it wasn't something that she could draw on again and again.

It was something that was quite clear when they went back to work, as her singing failed to carry the power that it had before. She tried to draw on that inner strength that the Immortal had provided her with but it wouldn't come. Instead, by the time they finally left off, the noblewoman felt drained and had begun to feel the deep throb of a headache. She rested the fingers of one hand delicately on her temples, closing her eyes briefly as she probed the depths of the pain, grimacing when she felt its full extent.

When her eyes snapped open again, they held the soft green of pain but as she moved to finish off her wine, they began to swirl with a pleased honey brown. Downing the last of the vintage, she set the glass down and returned the Venora's bow with a pretty smile.

"I'm glad that I'm not the only one who was annoyed about the double booking but I'm pleased to say that I've enjoyed working with you," she remarked, reaching out to briefly touch the other woman's wrist. Her fingers trailed across the soft skin for a few trills, the short contact oddly sensual and lingering as she continued to smile, her eyes becoming pools of gold. "You're wrong by the way. About being the black sheep of your family, I mean. You're very beautiful, especially for a Venora. You shouldn't doubt that."

She gestured for her companion to follow her away from the piano, feeling that it was needless for them to linger there, especially as it might cause the guests to expect more music. If she was asked to do more then she would but the blonde didn't want to invite such requests right now given that her head was throbbing and she felt ready to sleep for a ten-trial.

"Oh I definitely think that we should meet again without having work on the agenda. I'd suggest going somewhere now but..." she trailed off with a minute shrug. She let out a light laugh. "Forgive me for being forward. I'd invite you to take tea with me or something but it isn't as if I have a luxurious abode that I can ask you to come to tonight. It's really quite humble although I suppose, you're probably staying in less than fantastic accommodation yourself."

She laughed, eyeing wine on a table as she passed, seriously contemplating another glass of it. She decided against it, determining that it was an awful idea given her headache.

"I doubt that I'm up to entertaining tonight in any case. Perhaps we can walk that way though, I can show you where I live and... you can come another time, tomorrow maybe?" she suggested softly, a slight flush coming to her cheeks as she looked to the other noblewoman. "I have a cat. She's quite fluffy," she added with a giggle.

[Darcyanna Venora]

3rd of Zi’da, 717

Darcyanna glanced down at the fingertips that brushed her wrist, before looking back up again with a slight flush of her pale cheeks and a curl of lilac in her magenta iris’. It might be the reevi talking, but the blonde pianist suddenly felt as though Valeria was suggesting more than just enjoying her skills on the piano, the touch on her pale skin almost seductive in nature. The liquid gold in the woman’s eyes was captivating, reminiscent of the same rich color in Caius’ own when they were lost in each other...

The thought of the Gawyne shook the shorter woman from her confusion, and she blinked, smiling a little at the Burhan.

“I...uh...thank you.” She stammered, unable to find the right words to argue with the blonde.

“You should give yourself some credit too Lady Burhan. I could do with some of your...assets.” The young woman chuckled a little before letting it fade. If she knew her secrets, perhaps Valeria wouldn’t be so quick to compliment her. Standing from the piano, Darcy followed the woman away from the party revellers, again caught off guard by the singers suggestion they catch up for tea in her home. Perhaps not right now though, Valeria appearing to be in some mild discomfort.

“Unless you count the University housing as luxurious then I’d say we’re in the same situation.” Smiling, she nodded and followed the woman.

“Lead the way my Lady.” Darcyanna said, slightly amused at the words that Caius himself could have said.

“Tea tomorrow? I don’t have any plans...we could do that.” She blushed at Valeria’s giggle, unsure what to make of it. Was the Burhan...flirting with her? Tucking away a loose strand of hair as they passed through the main house, the pale creature nodded to the Hawthrights on the way out, taking her cloak from the steward and buttoning it closely whilst her breath steamed the chill evening air.

“I don’t think I’ve actually met a cat before to be honest. I’ve met dogs, mostly mean ones that don’t take kindly to...well to anyone. But also sweet ones that want cuddles and love.” Her magenta kissed eyes shifted to include streaks of lime and for a moment the blonde was lost in her own thoughts. Wrapping her arms around herself, the pianist matched Valeria’s pace as they walked.

“Fates, it’s going to be a cold one this season.” Darcy said with a huff of steamed breath, tucking her hands under her crossed arms with a small shudder.

[Valeria Burhan]

Darcy seemed to have picked up on her seductive air and she appeared a little unnerved. She wasn't sure if the idea was distasteful to the other woman or she was just startled and frightened. After all, Valeria had once been in a similar position. She'd been uneasy about her attraction to women, had even tried to deny it but when she finally admitted it to herself, the idea had still made her nervous. Strangely, the idea of being with a man hadn't been as discomfiting but perhaps that was due to the lesser taboo. Oh yes, allowing herself to be sullied before marriage was technically bad but it was still heterosexual, which was approved of in Rynmere. To be with a woman, well... it had been difficult to shake that particular taboo but it was something that had felt deliciously bad. Still, she probably shouldn't push the Venora.

However, the woman's next words left her uncertain. They seemed to lag at just the right place to put a special emphasis that might have been suggestive. The blonde wasn't sure what to make of it though, chewing on her lip as she considered the matter, wondering if there was any way to verify things one way or the other without spooking her. It would be problematic if she made a move and the other woman chose to react badly then she could spread all manner of things about her or hold it over the Burhan. You couldn't tell who the type would be and so she always had to be careful in her dealings.

The blonde let out a soft laugh. "I've never been in the University housing so I wouldn't know but I suppose... it probably isn't that luxurious. My accommodation is really more of a cottage. A little cottage but I suppose that it suits," she explained, brushing her hair back with her hand as she led the way through the remains of the party, moving into the house so she could go retrieve her cloak.

"Tea for two!" the noblewoman announced brightly. "Would the 10th break suit you or is that too early? It'd be very easy to push it back and then it wouldn't be tea, it'd probably turn into a meal or something else."

Glancing over, she found the blonde blushing, a look that was decidedly fetching on the young woman. It was truly astounding that she couldn't grasp how beautiful she was. Black sheep of the family indeed! she thought as she fetched her black cloak, idly picking at a strand of cat hair as she waited for her companion. It was while she was doing that that the pianist admitted that she hadn't encountered a cat before. It left Valeria in a stunned daze as she led the way out of the house, unable to understand how one could have avoided a cat for what? About 20 arcs, more? It didn't seem possible.

"How can you never have met a cat before?" she asked at last, gazing at her in bemusement, shivering from the cold as she folded her arms and clutched her cloak tighter to her. "Oh well, I know that some people say that cats aren't very affectionate animals and some of them can be, uh... disinterested, I suppose you could say, but Alena's very cuddly. She's a good first cat to meet if I do say so myself." She picked up the pace, moving as fast as she could in heels in an effort to warm herself.

"It's sarding cold! Sorry, excuse my language, but it's true."