Leaving the Arena at such a late hour was not uncommon, no that was perfectly normal within the realm of her life.

No, it was the Dawn Shadowsbane-Karos invitation that was on repeat.

I've come to inquire about your well-being. The woman's words had been spoken with a sticky sweet layer, which Rekah was inclined to buy. She really lacked a good foundation in common sense. So, she was buying it.. Almost. She had not made it this far by buying everything she was told. So, Dawn's words were all taken with a grain of salt.

Are you afraid of me? Another loaded question.

"Well, yeah I'm afraid!" Kicking at a pebble in the street. It skittered and bounced on the pavement. This was a one sided conversation, sort of.
"Oh shut up, Claire. I know. You think they would have delicious food at their home. You really need to stop thinking with your stomach. If you recall, this is the woman who shanked me merely because I was standing next to Skid! What if I drop a napkin or spill something on the floor. She'd probably cut off my arm!" Shuddering at the thought.
"Oh, right. It's not your arm.So you don't care. Claire you're evil."


Oh, dear. When would you like to come to my house?

Luckily Rekah had been saved from having to answer this question. So, she could just hope that Dawn would forget the invitation altogether. However, she had a sinking feeling that the woman would not be put off so easily.
These thoughts along with her tendency to be easily distracted made the walk home take much longer.

?You know.? Rekah tapped a finger to her chin, mulling over the suggestion. Tick tock. Tick tock. ?Yes, he really doesn't like your husband. That'd probably go over badly. But, maybe if nothing happened he'd be a bit more understanding that you're just trying to make amends. There's nothing wrong with that.?

?I can assure you my husband would be nowhere near you to harm you. I also promise I will do no harm to you and make no unwanted physical contact.? Scout's honor, ma'am. ?I will do whatever you need to feel comfortable enough.? She paused, then repeated. ?I wish the chance to make amends, dear. I asked you to come to tea because the reaction of most people here is suspicion, mostly due to who I am married to. I wished a more private, intimate forum.?

She was mentally ticking off the list of reasons not to go. And Dawn pretty much got the list cleared. ?Well,if your husband won't be around and you're promising not to do anything other than just serve tea and cookies. I don't see a problem with coming over for a visit.?

The look of delight was almost good enough to look sincere. Hopefully with the distance between them the tiny hints of deceit weren?t noticed. She would follow through with all she promised - Anubis wouldn't be there and she wouldn't harm Rekah in any way - but there were of course no pure motives for doing such. ?Wonderful, dear Rekah!? Ah, so she did know the girl's name. ?Would you like to come over tomorrow??

Luckily for Dawn, Rekah didn't catch the subtle variations in the woman's tone and expressions. She was much more focused on getting this peace treaty set into place. That being said, Rekah didn't take her eyes off Dawn for a moment. It was due in part to that little voice that usually screams "Stranger danger!' But, the voice was currently being beaten down by the lure of niceness and tea. ?What time tomorrow??

?I would be happy to meet you at whatever time is convenient for you, dear.? She smiled carefully. ?I am sure you are a very busy and loved young lady, and so have many things to do tomorrow. My time is flexible and I may meet you whenever is appropriate.?

She attempted a smile, but it fell short into a half grin. ?I am free earlier in the day. I am supposed to go discuss decoration details for my dance in the afternoon.?

?Then we shall meet earlier in the day. ?She chuckled, a deep, rich and intimate sound. Not in the sexual way, but in that way that very few get to hear it. She purposely flicked a glance down at the shelf behind the bar, smile slowly and visibly fading. Her next words seemed to have had a bit of hesitation to them. ?Dear, I do know how you trust Sal ...? She paused, and seemed to hesitate even more over the words. ?Perhaps you should not tell him until tomorrow, after we have had our tea. Since we would like to show him the truth of my intentions toward you and he would not believe me if we just said them.?

Dawn at this point in time really had Rekah fooled. She bought that last bit-hook, line and sinker, nodding a bit in understanding. ?You're probably right. If I tell him I'm going he'll probably stop me. And we don't want that, especially if he sees that you're not trying to hurt me. Then he can't really say anything more.? She pulled her hands from her pockets and took a step back, catching sight of her bag lying in a pile on the ground trapped by a fallen chair.

?It is settled, then. And I shall have my driver pick you up from either in front of the main Inn or from within the Arena, as we'd originally discussed.? She smiled, again. ?I had chosen those places so you would feel comfortable that I would not be trying to determine where you lived. So you would know I do not mean to harm you.? It was a risk, saying that, pushing her luck. But Rekah seemed well-duped.

?I'll wait outside the main Inn. I'm rarely at home during the day so it'd be pretty pointless for him to come out to Sin's house.? She was thoroughly hoodwinked at this juncture in their 'friendship'. ?I know you don't mean to harm me. If you did you would have done something to me by now.?

Dawn almost laughed. Her lips twitched. ?Indeed. You are correct. Wise as well as intelligent, my dear. Perhaps we shall meet at 10, with my driver meeting you a half hour before? Or is that too late??

She just shrugged. ?That sounds fine. I'll be there. Do I need to bring anything? I can bring some cupcakes, or scones? I'm going to Trina's later and she has the best baked goods.?

?Only if you wish to, dear.? She waved a well-manicured hand. ?I shall have delights, but anything you find lovely I'm sure I would enjoy as well.? She knew if she were to say don't bring anything it could be taken with suspicion. ?I shall see you tomorrow, then?? It was of course a polite dismissal. She had gotten what she wanted, and the need to be pleasant was wearing thin.

?Yes, I will see you tomorrow.? She wasn't so dense as to want to keep the woman around longer for more conversation. As it was Rekah was already late for her baking lesson, and Trina hated tardiness. Now Rekah was going to have to hand whip the all the icing.

A final smile, perhaps less pleasant than before, then she moved from behind the bar (never having gotten a drink) and toward the locker room. She remembered her excuse for coming in, it wouldn't do to ruin things by leaving without at least following through on that excuse.

She righted the chair that was lying on her bag and snatched up her purse in one quick grab. Flipping the hood back up over her head, and she draped the strap of her bag over her shoulder as she headed for the door quickly.

Dawn stepped through and into the locker room, making sure the door was closed before allowing the cruel smirk to cross her face - the usual look Dawn carried but could not let Rekah see while she was drawing the mouse into the cage. A low, cool laugh and she waved a hand, allowing the shadows to rise and cover her. They squeezed inward and then dissipated ... and she was gone.

And with one last glance over her shoulder, Rekah slipped out.

A few moments later the dragon-elf made an appearance herself. She glided into the living room, behind Rekah (though keeping her distance). She let the girl admire the bird for a short time before shifting and clearing her throat to announce her presence. ?Why, hello dear. I am glad you chose to come this morning after all. I do hope the ride was pleasant enough??

If there was one thing that just freaked her out it was Dawn's ability to sneak up on her. And even though the dragon-elf announced her presence Rekah whipped around, startled. Although, she swiftly relaxed seeing the woman was safely out of her bubble. ?It was all right. I don't ride in carriages enough to really have a basis for comparison.?

?Indeed? Well, I shall amuse myself in thinking that the carriage ride was a pleasant change from your normal mode of transportation.? A smooth smile was offered and she moved forward and motioned with a sweep of her hand toward the seating. ?Would you like a seat, or are you interested in standing for a bit more?? She continued to approach. It seemed, though, she was aiming for one of those chairs because she stopped in front of it, smoothing down the dress before easing into the seat and leaning back. One leg crossed over the other. ?I spoke to Anubis last night. He shall not bother you again, and once more I apologize.?

She glanced to the macaw then to one of the chairs and headed in that direction. Lacking the practiced grace of a gentle woman, Rekah just dropped into the chair with a "ploof" as the cushions sank under her weight. ?Thank you.? She gave a faint nod as she rearranged the messenger bag so that it sat on her lap instead of being uncomfortably wedged between her and the chair's side. ?You don't have anything to apologize for. You're you. He's, well, Anubis and I hope you're two separate entities. If not, my preconceived notions of the world will be destroyed.?

?All too often, sadly, people forget that and view a married couple as one, with one spouse held accountable for the other's actions.? She allowed a sigh to escape. ?And we cannot help who we fall in love with, as much as we might like to.? "I'm not bad, I'm just drawn that way," her tone seemed to convey. ?But enough of that. Welcome to my home, my hideaway when I need to escape the pressures of the world. Do you like it?? As she spoke, the same girl who opened the door for Rekah slipped in, bearing a tray between her hands. On the tray was a pot, two cups, a sugar bowl and a cream pitcher. She set the tray down on the coffee table and knelt next to it, swiftly and expertly pouring the hot steaming liquid into the cup. She added a spoon of sugar and a hint of cream to one cup, stirring them before rising and offering it to Dawn. The dragon-elf took the cup with a little smile. ?Thank you, Janile.? The girl bobbed her head and turned toward Rekah. ?Would you like cream or sugar, my lady??

From the corner, the macaw called out, ?Pretty bird.?

?Both, please.? Rekah had a sweet tooth, she wasn't about to be denied sugar. The girl got a hard stare for a moment as it was broken by the bird's exclamation of vanity. Which made her just grin. ?What is its name?? She let the earlier relationship comments drop, she wasn't feeling up to a girl-talk about guys with the woman.

Janile dipped her head and dropped beside the tray once more, efficiently fulfilling the girl's request. Tea from the pot into the cup, sugar and cream following. Dawn purposely had the girl serve her first, from communal dishes, to subtly show that Rekah didn't have to worry about poisons or the like. The slave-girl stood and extended the cup toward Rekah silently. Dawn took a small sip from her cup before her red-gold gaze turned toward the beast at the corner. She swallowed, then chuckled softly. ?His name is Chester.? The bird, apparently "Chester," chimed in; ?Hello.? He tilted his head to the side, eying the women for a moment before lifting a talon and picking beak through his claws.

Rekah took the cup and saucer gently like she was accepting a hollowed out egg shell. Then she just sat there holding the cup, letting the tea cool before she took an experimental sip. Testing. It was acceptable. So she took a drink while keeping her attention somewhat split between Dawn and Chester. ?I like him. Does he do any tricks??

?Other than making me smile when he talks? No. Unfortunately I don't have the time or skill to teach him anything like that.? She smiled smoothly, shaking her head before taking another sip. In reality, she'd just gotten the bird within the last week. Janile, meanwhile, picked up the tray and took herself out. It was but a moment later when she returned, this time laden with a selection of cookies and baked goods. Many of them seemed to have chocolate in them. Either Dawn herself had a sweet tooth or she expected Rekah to. The slave-girl bobbed to the ladies and then turned and slipped once more into the kitchen, out of sight. ?Do you have animals at home, dear?? She spoke pleasantly enough. She?d make idle conversation to put the girl at ease. That was what the day was all about, in fact.

Well, if Dawn wanted to get Rekah loaded up on sugar and deal with the subsequent sugar high ?. then by all means, bring on the sweets! She set the cup and saucer down so that she'd have both hands free to grab a cookie and a lemon tart. ?No,I don't. When I lived with Ali and Fio I helped with their dog Dante. Sin has a cat, Kavi but she's not exactly the friendliest feline..He also has a horse, Chuzny McGee. We are friends. But, only because I bring him apples.? She finally took a bite of the cookie and fell into silence as she chewed.

Dawn leaned forward, settling the tea carefully onto the coffee table before plucking a chocolate scone from the plate. ?It seems you like them, or at the very least are interested in them. Do you plan to get more?? She took a napkin as well, sliding it under the score before leaning back. She pulled off a piece and slipped it between those full red lips.

?I do not necessarily like to dance around a topic that is sole reason why I'm here. If you had stabbed someone else we wouldn't be having this conversation.? She broke the cookie in half and then into fourths. Popping a wedge into her mouth, she chewed as she carefully thought through her next few statements. ?Hm. I suppose you make a good point. But, why ever? I'm not saying I don't appreciate the white flag. But,? she shrugged a bit apologetically, ?? you and your husband have quite a reputation in this town and it doesn't really include the whole "Let's kiss and make-up" mentality.? And for a brief moment something darker lurked behind her eyes-Something distinctly un-Rekah. But, it was gone as fast as it was there.

The dragon-elf leaned forward, closing fingertips around the edge of the scone-covered napkin, tugging it to the edge of the table. Her other hand went underneath and she pulled the napkin off the wooden surface to drop into the waiting palm. She leaned back, pulling off another piece. ?I do love these.? She offered as an aside as she pondered how best to answer - but without much (if any) inflection of real interest. She popped the piece into her mouth, chewing and swallowing with what seemed to be a thoughtful expression. ?Perhaps ...? And with that one word, she could qualify everything, because she meant none of it. ?? perhaps it is a combination of things.?

She allowed her voice to take on a bit of sadness, almost. ?Perhaps my husband's actions have made me look more deeply into my life as it stands. Or perhaps I see something in you of what I wish to be. Strong yet still so sweet. Or ...? She paused, lifting a brow. ?? perhaps it is because reputation fails to match truth?? She uncrossed her legs long enough to switch, crossing the left leg on top this time.

?I suppose.? She leaned back just enough to work out a growing kink in her back, but not enough to seem that she was entirely comfortable. But, comfortable enough. Another wedge of cookie was nibbled on, then examined for a brief moment. ?Oh, I don't know. But, let's not get into reputations and actions and truth. Something always tends to get bent and twisted around.? She sucked in a deep breath, then a quiet exhale. ?Is there anything else??

?In what context, my dear?? She asked gently. ?In answer to your question? No, there is not anything else. I cannot change the actions I have performed in the past, but I do hope ... no matter the reasons ... that we may try to move beyond that time. I may have been a monster - I may even still be a monster - but even monsters have their good points.? There was that slight smile. It was meant to be friendly, of course. Brows lifted as well. ?Some would consider other friends of yours monsters, would they not?? She paused, then uncrossed her legs and leaned forward in an attempt to be earnest, open. ?I ask for that chance to show you my good points ... and that I be allowed that chance, free from outside influences.?

?We're all monsters in some capacity.? A roll of shoulders as fingers laced together and hands were set on her lap. She sat there all prim and proper-which went against pretty much every conception that most had about her. ?Am I not allowing you that chance? Here we are, sitting, talking without any of my friends around. Any conclusion I come to from this is my own.? Her brows lifted in much of the same manner.

?You are allowing me that chance.? She leaned back. ?And I am grateful for that. Thank you, dear Rekah.? The scone had been set on the arm of the chair before she leaned forward. It remained there, her hands settling and folding in her lap. ?It would be lovely if this were the first meeting we'll be able to have, and learn from each other.? She paused, then restated. ?I invite you to come back, again for tea, next week.?

?Well, it isn't the first meeting?? Rekah wasn't about to mention that the first meeting they had was when Dawn basically said "Die, Bitch". ?But, as you said we cannot change the things we have done or said. There is nowhere to go but forward. That being said I accept your invitation for tea next week.? A ghost of a smile, a hint of a shrug. The fragile web of trust was starting to be woven.

She smiled. It's even a little wider than the smiles she's graced the girl with this afternoon. ?I am pleased and grateful that you accept, my dear.? She crossed her legs once more. ?Is there anything you else you would like to ask now, or are you ready to go home??

?It's time for me to leave. No one knows I'm here. I don't want anyone to worry.? Dawn smiled a jackal?s smile. A hyena?s smile. Even sharks have a way of smiling before biting down with rows of razor sharp teeth. The big smile Dawn gave her set off some inner alarms. But, they were quickly quieted. Always hoping for the best in people, Rekah let it slide. Her own smile was still in place. ?Thank you for your hospitality.? She rose from her chair and readjusted her messenger bag as she moved.

She slowly pushed to her feet, then swept a hand in the direction of the front door, palm facing the ceiling. ?After you, my dear.? She paused, then seemed to become a little hesitant. Carefully controlled. ?I apologize in advance if I am less than friendly in public, at least for a time. I do not want to distress your friends and cause strife for you.?

She took a step aside and around the chair, sliding past Dawn, as she headed towards the door and her shoes. She paused about mid-way to turn and level her gaze on the dragon-elf for a moment before continuing. ?It would be best if we do not acknowledge one another openly. A nod, a wave, but nothing to show that we're on better terms. I do not think anyone would understand.? Oh, everyone would understand something devious was taking place. But, Rekah just didn't want it all go haywire so it was best if her friends were not in on the little secret.

Dawn followed behind. There was a mere flash of a triumphant smirk but she quickly hid it, in case Rekah looked back. ?I do agree with your sentiments, my dear. As I have said, you are wise. Thank you for coming.? She stepped around the girl as she worked on her shoes, turning the knob and tugging open the door. Yes, Dawn was actually opening the door herself. The very picture of friendly and solicitous. Outside, the strapping man from earlier was quickly climbing out of the carriage that remained at the front door.

Slipping the flip flops back onto her feet, she turned but not quick enough to catch the smirking, only catching the carefully placed mask of friendliness. Then? ?I will see you next week.? She left it at that before heading across the porch and through the slush to the carriage. A nod of thanks for the coachman as she climbed into the carriage.

She leaned on the door's edge, watching. The young man helped her into the carriage and climbed into the driver's area swiftly. He took up the reins, snapped them, then the carriage took off toward the Inn.

?Truly?? Dawn?s brows lifted, but the smile didn?t grow. ?He and I would both be truly grateful.? She glanced to the horse, allowing just a touch of wryness in her tone. ?It is unfortunate that the animals do not feel comfortable around folk such as I.? An artful pause. ?Dragonkin, I mean. It is perhaps a consequence of them being once natural prey of us.? She was taking care to talk about how it was a natural and normal problem, of course, not her own personality ... quirks. ?Come closer, dear.? She waved toward the horse. ?Pet him, if you like. See if he likes you well enough. And please understand if I do not join you. I do not wish to aggravate the poor creature.?

?Of course, that makes sense. Horses are very sensitive animals. I'd think they would be wary of a perceived predator.? She took a couple of slow steps towards the horse, with her hand out stretched, fingers curled back in case Rutner has any inclinations of biting. She stretched out in an attempt to brush her knuckles across the velvety muzzle of the horse.

Dawn wisely stepped back, farther away from the pair. Rutner settled as the evil woman's scent faded, lost a little more in the air between them. He tilted his muzzle toward the knuckle, nostrils flaring as he snuffled the hand. Then, he tried to take a step forward but was stopped by the tied reins. He snorted, shifting back, hooves stamping the ground a little. He blinked a great black eye at Rekah, turning his head to the side.

?Shush.? She murmured softly to the frazzled horse as she tried to soothe his unease with light scratch under the chin, her other hand reaching to grab a hold of his reins-so that she'd have a bit more control of situation. However, horses can be fickle and sneaky. Control is based on trust. And that was the beauty of dealing with horse. Rekah was learning these things bit by bit.

The combination of Dawn stepping back and Rekah's gentle caring touch eased the horse's nerves, slowly, and as she took the reins he lifted his head. Not a jerk, but a subtle rising of his regal head. His pawing slowed, until he stood patiently, allowing Rekah to pet him as she willed. Dawn clasped her hands at her midsection, watching. There was a momentary flash in her eyes at the scene, but the smirk on her face lacked the usual cruelty. She didn't know when Rekah's likely to look over, so she couldn't afford to let that part of the expression slip.

She slid a hand up and across the smooth expanse of the horse's neck, still murmuring quiet comforts. Then she moved along side Rutner and maintained contact with the horse at all times. Her hands finally settling at the spot where the mane ended at his back. She cast a quick glance over her shoulder to Dawn. ?Do you want me to try and ride?? Fingers curled into the coarse hair of its mane in preparation.

Her brows lifted. ?You said you were not comfortable, yet you would wish to ride without proper seating, my dear?? Her voice was raised a little, but only enough to carry across the ring. She paused, then spread her hands in a gesture of acquiescence. ?If you would like a short ride, you are welcome to. Then perhaps we can take our tea, and discuss the details of an arrangement. Or if you like, we can make our negotiations now and you may return tomorrow for a longer ride.?

Rekah?s lips twisted up in thought. ?You're probably right.? She ruffled the horse's mane before taking a step back and turning to face Dawn. ?I can always come back tomorrow when he's saddled up.? She raised a hand to rub at the back of her neck trying to feel less awkward.

Dawn smiled, coolly, and motioned toward the barn. They would have to walk through the whole of it again to get to the cobbled walkway - the ground around the barn was still slick and dangerous to put feet upon. ?Shall we, then? ?She waited a moment, then seemed to add her next words as an afterthought. ?I will not be here tomorrow, my dear, and you may ride as long as you like. Or as long as both you and Rutner choose. You may even ride the other two, if you wish, though they are much too used to pulling the carriage than suffering men and women on their backs.?

?I'll stick with Rutner. He's my friend now.? She gave the horse in question one last pat before heading for the fence. One foot, then the other as she climbed over and hopped down, landing with her arms stretched out in front for balance.

She chuckled and moved forward, leaving the horse secured to the fence ring. Her coachman would come and take care of the beast as soon as they left the area. The dragon-elf sedately opened the small gate and walked through (rather than climbing over) and closed it behind her. Then, she strolled her way through the barn and toward the smaller door - the one closest to the house. Once there, she opened the smaller door and waited for Rekah to pass through.

Her sandals were not the best for navigating slippery cobblestones, but she managed with carefully placed steps and an even pace. It didn't take her long to pass through the opened door with a small nod of thanks for Dawn as she stepped by.

Janile opened the door to the house. The mud from Rekah's sandals earlier was already cleaned up (probably not surprising). This time, the slave-girl had towels ready for both Rekah and the mistress. Janile offered Rekah hers first. ?For your shoes, Miss Rekah.? Janile?s words were softly spoken. Dawn reached out for her own towel, sliding it from over her slave's arm.

The towel was taken and employed quickly as she leaned down to wipe the mud and grime from her shoes and feet. Once the task was completed Rekah straightened back up, and just held her towel unsure of what to do with it next.

Janile was on top of that, taking the towel as soon as Rekah seemed done, gently tugging it from the girl's grasp. Dawn, as well, utilized the towel and passed it back to the slave, almost carelessly. But at least she remembered... ?Well thought, Janile. Is there tea in the living room?? The young girl bobbed in front of her mistress. ?It is ready, Lady Dawn. I will deliver it as soon as I dispose of the towels.? Dawn nodded. ?Very well,? said the dragon-elf, and then she strode through the kitchen to the living room, expecting Rekah to follow without looking behind.