Theresa's fairie costume was itching her back. Edging over to a bench, she sat down and surreptitiously tugged the brocaded fabric sideways slightly, making herself more comfortable. Leaning back, she watched the dancers. It was a beautiful sight, the masquerade. All glitter and glamour and opulent glory. A veritable feast for the eyes, with fabrics of every texture, shade, and pattern conceivable to mankind. The festival lights glimmered off of the gold and silver threads woven into the different costumes, and the elegant decorations only added to the overal splendor.
Theresa smiled. She loved to watch people enjoying themselves. It made up for the lack of enjoyment she had enjoyed as a young child, and helped her to perceive a happier outlook on things in general. In her mind, she liked to imagine happy endings for every smiling couple that danced gracefully under the moonlight that cool evening. It was a habit picked up from a young age, when, staring at the beautiful illustrations in her father's library. It was hung with tapestries and paintings from a clearly more romantic age, and the large tomes of history sometimes included illustrations perfect for the wandering imagination of a young girl.
Theresa was and would always be a hopeless romantic. Thoughts of her own happily ever after had occupied her mind since her first introduction to fairytales. And now...now thoughts of a happily ever after with a certain Lord Jacob Redalan drifted unbidden across her mind. An image of Jacob, with a smile full of love, bending down to kiss her hand , then lifting his head and shaking his dark hair from his eyes to pull her into his embrace...a soft sigh escaped her lips. It was such a lovely fantasy. But that was all it was, and all it would ever be, she reminded herself firmly. Even if she one day did manage to get the courage to tell Jacob of the way she felt, the likelihood of his reciprocating her feelings was too small to even bear thinking of. She was his friend, but she could never hope to be more. No, she could hope. Did hope. But those hopes could never be fulfilled.
But maybe if I told him... The thought slunk across her mind. She shook her head, mentally admonishing herself. Telling him might well create more complications than she needed at this time. After all, what if that were to lose her their friendship? Jacob's friendship and trust was something she did not wish to lose, and if by telling him of her love she would lose either, she would be devastated. Better for now to remain silent and watch as the dancers twirled in the evening air.
The man had also keen watching the dancing couple with a lecherous look on his face; he wondered even why dancing was permitted. The very action was like clothed lust - even though he had no complaints. The man's gaze lingered on a woman's bosom as she spoke to him, looking at him coquettishly with a smile and eyes that spoke of more promises he was only too willing to indulge himself in later on. The dark haired man leant forward and whispered into her ear. "Later, Sweet Venus... I will have you in my arms, but not yet". With a wink in answer to her whimper of lust, as he turned away from her and began to look for the one who would be his next conquest. Always leave them begging and waiting to be held.
He saw a woman who he had the pleasure of bedding before. It was reckless to be sure, although he didn't particularly care for that particular fact. Even the love of his brother was not enough to keep the man's villain's hands off her. He tutted to himself as he watched her, a woman should never be alone and this was especially the case when it came to beautiful women such as herself. Jonathon had the impression that the woman had been avoiding him since their 'encounter' that left the lout chuckling with morbid delight before he called one of the maids into his quarters to finish him off.
As a servant walked past he lifted a pair of goblets from the serving tray. One for him and one for the lady, there was not the intimacy of serving her by pouring her the beverage himself but alas, beggars could not be choosers. He walked towards her and stood behind her, as his gaze moved downwards along her neck and down towards her bosom. It was rather tempting for him to 'accidently' slip and have some of the liquid pour down between the two mounds. But perhaps later and at a more scandalous time would be much more amusing for him.
"My Lady..." His voice came as if out of nowhere; as he offered her the goblet with a charming smile and continued. "May I offer you something to drink? You look positively deep in your thoughts". Without waiting for an invitation, the man sat down on the bench beside her and made himself comfortable. After all, they was nothing between them.
Theresa looked up, startled, when she heard a man's voice behind her. For a half second, it sounded like Jacob, and she turned to meet his gaze. She squinted in the dark. The lights of the festivals were surrounding the dance floor, and the way he stood made it hard for her to see his face.
As he spoke again, offering her a goblet, she frowned slightly. It did not sound as much like Jake as she had previously thought, but in this dim lighting she saw what looked remarkably like him. She closed her eyes for a half second, deliberating. She did not want to ask his name, or worse, call him Jacob, in the event that he was not. It would be far too embarrassing to call him by the wrong name or to admit that she was uncertain as to whether or not she knew him. If they had indeed met before, which they must have, she thought, for he looked so familiar...then it would be quite rude of her to behave as though she could not remember him. It went against her upbringing. So she decided to play it safe and not mention him by any name, hoping he would in time reveal who he was to her. The mask, of course, helped not at all. She sighed.
"My lord," she said politely, "I thank you for your kind offer." She gave a demure smile, her lips and chin the most visible part of her face. The white mask she wore covered the upper half of her face, shadowing her eyes and nose. She reached out and took the goblet from him, and their fingers touched briefly. His hands were warm, she thought. She took a sip, her slim neck arching as she did so. A soft smile graced her mouth.
"It is delicious," she said, feeling the warm liquid rush down her throat and warm her insides. It was positively intoxicating. She took another sip. What was this glorious drink? She took yet another sip, flicking her small tongue out to catch a stray drop which had landed on her upper lip. She let her eyes flicker closed for a mere second, enjoying the sensation the drink gave her. Tossing her dark hair back over a shoulder in a manner almost coquettish, she gave a light laugh, tinkling and resting in the air like a fragile glass ornament.
He could not help but feel excited when he saw her startled expression and the hesitation in her eyes when she was about to take the goblet. This beauty seemed like she would be a bit of a challenge for him, nothing quite like the thrill of the chase. Through the mask his eyes glanced downwards to view the beautiful lower half of her face, the curve of her lips and if they were in a more concealed location perhaps he would steal a kiss from them? Jonathon's lips curled upwards to a smile when she showed her appreciation for the liquid, this drink was truly a gift from God. Did she know how alluring she was? Did she have any idea about it at all?
Jonathon watched her intently and lightly licked the underside of his top lip in anticipation. What would it be like to lick the sweet tasting wine from her lips as it trailed down other parts of her body. as his tongue would be able to lap it up as devotedly as a kitten with a saucer of milk. Even with the top part of his face concealed by the mask; it was obvious as he raised a brow in delight and chuckled heartily at her reaction.
He drew himself inwards so his warm breath was felt along her bare neck and shoulders; as he whispered. "You sound like you are fond of the sweet taste my Lady, I do wonder truly about what other ... tastes I could awaken you to". The true meaning behind the words could not be concealed. There was lust behind them, a promise of pleasure that women within the society were not permitted to have unless they were women without morality.
Slowly he moved his head backwards as he turned his head to greet the companion on his other side; as he lifted his goblet up to lightheartedly toast him. The man smirked a little, recognising the lecherous Redalan even behind the mask. The man soon left as Jonathon then turned back towards his lady companion, as he leant inwards to whisper into her ear once more. "I must admit Lady, I am more content now that I have you all to myself. A beauty such as yourself much always be surrounded by men" He playfully teased her; as a servant walked past with a silver pitcher of wine as the man took it and bowed his head as he maintained eye contact with her.
"My Lady, will you allow your humble servant to offer you some more wine?" He asked her; content to service her every need.
His warm breath tickled her skin as she drank the last sips of the delicious beverage from the goblet in her hand. She shivered lightly, nevertheless enjoying the sensation. She was beginning to feel most unlike herself. It was an oddly pleasant sensation.
At his next comment her eyes widened slightly behind her mask, and she surprised herself by starting to open her lips in answer to his question. For some reason, rational thought had utterly deserted her, and this man, who seemed very lime Jacob in build and tone of voice, seemed to know her innermost desires, and, even more, wish to service them. Not sure what she was doing, she said "I should be delighted to have more wine, my lord. Thank you."
Feeling strangely flirtatious, she tossed her luxurious hair again and leaned closer to him, unknowing of the provocative undertones of her posture and behavior under the drink's intoxicating influence. All she knew was that this drink was delicious and this man, who must, simply must be her beloved Jacob, wanted to be of service to her.
When he teased her about always being surrounded by men, she answered back "I confess, at present I am more than content enjoying your company alone, my lord. You are so...attentive."
Theresa really had no idea what had come over her. As she took another goblet of wine and drank deeply of it, she felt her rationality and normal behavior slip away from her, leaving behind an utterly uninhibited and coquettish Tessa. She gave a coy smile from underneath her mask as she glanced sideways at the man beside her and took yet another sip from her goblet. Goodness, but this beverage was positively heaven-sent!
As she leaned back to take a sip again, she leaned too far and became unbalanced, tipping sideways and falling, unable to catch herself, across the lord's lap. Her breasts pressed against the bodice of her gown, pushed into greater prominence by her position.
She blushed and gave a tinkling laugh again. "Do forgive me," she said, "I'm so sorry to have fallen on you like this. She blushed again, becomingly.
As if he was a servant he bowed his head and began to pour her the wine into her goblet, as he slowly raised his gaze to meet with her own, as soon as the wine had filled her goblet with the pleasant liquid he stopped pouring and placed the pitcher beside him. All whilst never breaking the eye contact with the Lady who was the centre of his affections, did he know who this beauty was? Of course he did. The excuse of the mask was one that he could use later... although his thoughts were not on weaselling his way out of trouble but being in trouble with his face between her twin mounds .. or perhaps another part of her body?
His eyes trailed down her body to view her soft curves of the two mounds. Ever so temptingly offered to him - or 'him' rather. At her delightful words he smiled, pleasantly delighted with her willingness to be seduced by him and remained silent. Enjoying the view that had been offered to his gaze. When she ever-so conveniently fell on him the man's eyes widened with the unexpected pleasure of the sensation. Unfortunately his arm had been trapped beneath the woman as she fell, resting just under her breasts and discreetly trailed knowledgable fingertips across the twin mounds as he made a chivilous attempt to assist the woman to a more dignified position.
"There is no worry my Lady, I must say that the experience was most flattering to my masculine ego. It is not everyday that a man has a woman of your quality falling for a man" He said with a playful smirk and then continued with mock seriousness. "Beg pardon Lady, I found that your skin with the most smooth, the most perfect that all beings. Both hellish and divine must sin with envy of your beauty" He whispered into her ear; already his fingertips longed to feel more of her body - especially the curve of her breasts. Instead of the two mounds he instead trailed his fingertips over her soft, feminine hands instead. A moment of temptation for her, to lure her further.
"And what would be your opinion of the smoothness of your skin my Lady?" He asked; a hot whisper against her neck once more. "And do you find this ever-so lowly born one worthy to touch it? Or.. would you wish that it was someone else caressing the smoothness of your body?" He continued to tease her, tempt her.
It had to be Jacob. Simply had to be. He sounded so like him, and in the haze she felt clouding her thoughts, it made perfect sense for this to be Jacob. After all, he sounded almost as though he knew she loved Jake, and this must mean it to be him. Tessa's rational brain would have pointed out how illogical this statement sounded, but that part of her did not seem to be in existence any longer, thanks to the liquid.
She gave a soft smile as his fingers brushed across her bodice while he gallantly assisted her in reseating herself properly. "Surely a man as dashing as you is quite used to ladies falling at his feet," she teased back, laughing a little. My but she felt peculiar tonight. She wasn't sure what was going on any longer, merely that this kind man (who she was positive was her Jacob) was being terribly attentive towards her and most pleasantly seducing her, and that, because he was her Jacob, she had no issues with him doing just that. She was, in fact, fining the sensation of being seduced quite a likable one.
His hands brushed across hers, feather light, little trailing touches that sent involuntary shivers down her spine. She felt the oddest sensation of sudden desire, one she was generally unaccustomed to. Her eyes drifted shut for a swift second, and her breathing became slightly ragged.
Trying to regain control of her senses and her breathing, she answered raggedly "On the contrary, my dear sir, I find you...more than qualified to touch my most unworthy skin. Your hands are...most pleasing."
She raised her eyes to his face, unsure even of what she was saying, Unsure of almost everything but this sweet, intoxicating sensation of falling into the eyes of this man. His body was well formed, and he was a very striking figure of a person, just like Jacob. He looked so like him. He was him, she reminded herself. But he must have his own reasons for not having spoken to her thus before. She would forgive him these. She loved, and so she could forgive.
Taking a deep breath, she told Jacob Redalan something she had thought never to have the courage to tell him. "In fact, my lord, I have long wished that your hands might grace my poor skin with their soft touch. I have dreamed of it."
There. It was said, and all she could do was hope that he would not laugh, would not leave her. Hope that he loved her too. Boldly, she ran her own fingers delicately across his strong, masculine hand, feeling the contours of it. She let her breath tickle his ears as she awaited with trepidation his response.
From behind his eyebrows raised in seduction at her words about her desire to have him touch her skin, of course, Jonathon well knew that this woman thought that he was in fact Jacob. He sighed at her confession, leant in and whispered into her delicate ear with a husky voice. "Dreams, often my beautiful Venus soon turn into reality. In fact, I believe your dream may come true very night". Jonathon then placed a soft kiss on her earlobe, then gently gave it a nip to remind her of the fiery passion that would pass between the two. The sensation of her fingertips along his own, even the more sensitive parts between the fingers began to stir further desire within him. It certainly had the right effect on her.
Jonathon shifted himself so they were touching; closer than what propriety demanded from a virtuous woman. An arm slowly moved around her waist; as it moved his fingertips moved as if they were walking across her bed before they came to rest on her hip. His warm hand holding her close to him, it now seemed that he was moving into dangerous territory. In a more gentlemanly fashion he took her hand in his own as he raised the hand to his lips; as he placed a tender kiss on her knuckles, then another and another. Each offering a secret and well versed expectation of the lust that would be fufiled between the two.
Secretly he wondered whether or not he would be able to get her to cry out his name during the night? Rather than his brother's? Probably not, she was smitten with him. Perhaps the mask would best be kept on until he had his way with the beauty and then to be unveiled in the true sense of courtly 'surprise'.
Cheekily his tongue flicked across the top of her hand as he looked upwards at her. "M'Lady, would you permit your masked gentleman to go further? I will offer you such sweets! Such joy, all for your worthy hand and hold you tenderly against my own body. The angels will truly cry tears and the devils below will wonder how such lovers received such passion from above" He whispered; women always liked to be desired. Make them think they are the only one in existance, the only one that you have your eye on and the only one you could have. No others would feed the hunger for him.
"Would you offer your humble servant such kindness?" He asked; humbly the hunger showing in his eyes.
Theresa drew in a sharp breath as he nibbled gently on her earlobe, his breath warm and moist. She gave a slight shiver of desire, feeling her mouth grow dry and her senses heightened. She had never in her wildest dreams imagined that this bliss could truly be hers; that it would ever truly come to be.
She took another breath as his arm snaked gently around her waist, fingers skimming across her gown as they moved to touch her hip. His motion brought them closer together, pressing up against each other in a way that was most improper when compared to the strict rules and etiquette of court behavior.
As he pressed courtly kisses to her knuckles, she trembled lightly with desire and the chill of the evening air. His tongue snaked out, brushing the top of her hand, and she nearly gasped aloud, both from the sensations it produced and from the words that accompanied the gesture.
Her breathing ragged and her pulse beating rapidly, it was several moments before she was able to regain enough control over her lips to form the words she wished to answer him with.
"My lord, I would give you anything and everything you desire," she whispered, leaning towards him so that no other would hear the words she intended for his ears alone. "This is the most lovely of dreams, and I wish it to continue for as long as it may. And if that dream truly could become reality, t'would be the most marvelous of things. I am entirely at your behest, my lord, your humble servant."
Ah, there was nothing quite like the sweet surrender of a beautiful woman and who was he to deny the beauty her satisfaction of his manhood? Of course, he would be pleased to put himself between her womanly thighs as they would wrap passionately around him. Although noble women often seemed to enjoy laying there than giving a man a pleasing ride.
"Then perhaps we should take a walk, masked treasure and then find a place where the pair of us are able to enjoy pleasure in private" He said tenderly, rubbing his thumb along the top her hand as he hoped to encourage more from her. More desire, more wanton lust. "I envy every single person who is in this room taking in your beauty, I feel so much joy that I will be able to see your inner beauty. Come my Lady, let us go" He said; as the warm arm was removed from around her waist as he slowly rose to his feet and offered her his arm to take. Every step of the way he would treat her like a Lady.
As he stood on his side with elbow outwards; when she placed her hand on his arm, the other hand of his would gently place itself on top of hers in tenderness. As the pair of them would walk through the gathered groups of people towards the lengthy passageways of the Palace; where they would find a spot to spend time together. A quiet moment of love and passion.
"Tell me, my beautiful lady, where would you like to have a sweet union? I your humble servant would be only too willing to take you whereever you desire" He said; letting her make the decision. Would she want a proper bed as if they were married? Would she want a passionate and daring embrace in the passageway or did she want for a tender and earthy experience in the garden?
If this were truly a dream, Theresa wished most fervently that it never end. This exquisite bliss, the utter perfection of these moments, was so incredible that be it a dream, she would rather that she never awakened from it. "I would follow you to the ends of the earth, my lord," she answered softly. His thumb rubbed across her hand and she shivered, nearly whimpering from the desire he awakened within her.
She made a soft noise as he removed his warm and comforting arm from around her waist, but when he rose and offered an arm to her, her face turned into a shy smile, and she rose timidly, her steps cautious as she stepped forward to join him and take his arm with her own. His own arm rested atop hers with a protective tenderness that made Theresa melt inside. He cared! He truly cared for her! It was remarkable. She had hoped, wished, dreamed of the day when Jacob would whisper such sweet and tender things into her ear, longed to feel his warm touch on her skin as a lover's and not merely a friend placing an arm around her in brotherly affection. The desire his presence aroused within her was powerful, and at that moment she truly would have followed him anywhere. So strong was the effect of the drink and the desire he roused.
He asked her where she wished them to go. He was allowing her to make the decision. Theresa was touched. She had assumed men carried the ladies off to wherever they themselves wished to seek their passions, and his asking her struck a chord in her. She smiled up at him, nearly leaning her small head on his broad shoulder. "I confess that I should prefer a room, perhaps with a lock?" she said tentatively, unsure of whether this was commonplace or not. "As long as there is little danger of anyone coming upon us, my lord," she added. "Truly, though, as long as we are safe and alone, the surroundings are not of the greatest importance to me." Secretly, though, she did hope that perhaps they might find their way to his chambers, or some other out of the way room with a door which locked.
ooc: Should we ask an admin about making a mature thread if we are allowed to soon?
He could not believe how the wicked pagan gods seemed to bless him with the amount of success he was having! Jonathon tutted tenderly down at her, as his fingertips stroked her hand as he paused as if in thought about her request. "A bed with a lock gentle Lady? It sounds most suitable. This feast, masked beauty, is truly like what would be our wedding feast" He said with a smile; his green eyes like his brother's looking down at her. How women were easily led when it came to men! A promise of marriage was enough to open even the most chaste of women's legs!
Jonathon smiled downwards at her, in a quiet moment within the hallway there were few people walking through - an occasional servant would walk past quickly in order to best serve their better. He took a step closer to her, gently pushing her against the cold of the stone walls as he pressed his body against hers, as his hands moved from her hand to gently resting on her hips. He moved his head closer, so their noses were barely touching as he whispered softly. "Gentle lady, to simply have a moment alone with you would suit me nicely But you are no strumpet to be taken without respect or regard". His face slowly began to move away from hers once more.
"I will take you to a locked room where you can have a moment to yourself, to be treated as if you were the Empress of the world! Perhaps, even the Goddess of love herself" He said; neither moving forward or moving back. He wanted to test her, tease her, make her desire take complete control over her actions, thoughts and deeds!
"Would you desire me, Festive Lady?" He asked her.
In public, in private it didn't matter to him how far he would push her. Once more, the look on his brother's face would be absolutely priceless to say the very least.
OOC: I think you have to be over 18 in order to access the board. So maybe we will need to do a fade to black?
"Most suitable indeed, my lord," she answered, staring up at him, dazzled by his kindness. At his comment about wedding feasts, she caught her breath, halting her stride imperceptibly for a second. Regaining her step, she stared at him in astonishment. "My lord..." she stammered. But she caught herself. She should not hope too much. If all Jacob wanted was a night with her, no matter how much she longed for more, she would give it to him. Even if it meant ruination for herself, one night with the man she loved more than life itself would be more than compensation.
"I would that it were indeed our feast, my lord," she said softly, lowering her eyes as she spoke. She half hoped he would not hear her, fearing that his comment had only been playful.
As he pressed her against the walls, her breath caught in her throat and her eyes half flickered shut. Her breathing, once regained, became more ragged than before as his hand stroked her hips teasingly, promising pleasures to come. As his nose nearly brushed hers, it took all she had to restrain herself from pressing her lips to his in a passionate kiss. Such a thing must wait until they reached a more secluded spot.
"My lord, you might have the rest of eternity with me, if you so desired," she breathed, staring up at him, eyes heavy with desire. "And...I thank you for your regard, most gratefully." She could not believe her luck that her beloved Jacob should want this, and moreover should take such care that it be pleasant for her.
"More than anything, dear lord," she said softly, brushing against him. "More than anything." Her hand came up, brushing lightly up and down his cheek.
"I would that the moment of our joint pleasure come as swiftly as may be," she added, a seductive tone creeping into her voice as she tested herself.
