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Monday (5/16/2011): Dinner with Gauge D'Veria

From the direction of the docks, Clover approached the inn. Black boots hugging the form of her legs all the way up to her thighs, the barest amount of flesh shown between the top of those boots and the short black skirt she wore with a blue corset. Electric red hair fell to frame her face, making her stand out in or out of a crowd. When she reached the porch she went up the steps and settled herself on the swing. Enjoying the day and the view, she didn't know what the plans were for the night but she would be fine with waiting to find out.

While she waited for Gauge to arrive, Taneth appeared skipping down the road and humming merrily. Once the bubbly blond spotted Clover, she ran over to her with a howl of, ?Cloooooverrrrrr!?

"Taneth!" Returned with a smile, she prepared for the incoming Taneth who quickly draped herself across Clover?s lap. Light chuckle to the girl, she brushes some of Taneth's blond hair with delicate fingers, "Comfy?"

?Uh huh. Guess what??

"Puppies?" That being her guess, thinking of Taneth?s dog Lola and the puppies that were expected at some point. There may have been an underlining of hope, Clover semi-pondered if when the puppies came she might be able to have one.

?Nooooo.?

"Pink?? at a loss, Her second guess was rather vague... but for Taneth, maybe it would pan out.

Taneth responded in giggles, ?No! I dueled and lost!?

Clover couldn't help but chuckle at Taneth's enthusiasm at dueling and losing. "Oh? Shame I missed it. I might have lent you some luck. Who did you duel against?"

?Dyarhk's sweetheart. Imp called in to a tournament, so I did it.?

"I do not know of Dyarhk's sweetheart." Amusement still in her smile, Taneth seemed to have a pulse on everyone's sweetheart.

?She is funny.?

Gauge strolls down the street toward the Red Dragon, though it's obvious from his pacing and stance he feels... out of place, somehow. It's no wonder. Black polo shirt and boot-cut jeans were not something he'd ever experienced before. And while the black leather boots he wore weren't so strange, they were brand new, and he hadn't had the chance to wear them in yet.

"That is good to know." Clover's eyes looked over the road to the inn--spotting Gauge. She took in his attire with a smile. Giving Taneth a light squeeze as she said, "Unfortunately, sweet Taneth, I'm going to have to ruin your comfy." She pointed toward Gauge for the girl. "I've dinner plans tonight which will likely require my moving."

?Oh.? Taneth responded, sitting up.
Gauge only got one foot up on the front steps before he got a good look at Clover and her attire. "...Holy hell." And miraculously, his new clothing was gone from his mind.

Noting Gauge's reaction to her attire, Clover grinned. Then she looked from Taneth to Gauge. "Taneth, this is Gauge. Gauge, this is the ever lovely Taneth."

Taneth offered a wave to Gauge.

It took him a moment to move his gaze to Taneth. "Oh hey, I think we met in the Arena once. Taneth. I'm glad I finally got to properly meet you." He grins and bows his head politely.

Taneth swung herself from the swing, standing up to announce. ?I am going inside, so you two can kiiiiss.? It seemed Taneth had no qualms with saying things like that. Then she left the two, bursting into the inn.

"I'll follow up on your duel later!" Clover called after the girl before she moves over to the top of the stairs to look down at Gauge with a waiting smile.

He finishes his climb up the steps, setting one boot just to the side of Clover's feet on the porch while the other remained on the last step. "The lady wanted us to kiss. I think it would be bad mojo to disobey her..." He couldn't restrain his grin.

Soft chuckle, a hand lifted to settle on his chest. "She left so we could, not because she desired us to." From beneath dark lashes blue-greys glanced up to his olive green eyes. "And if I start kissing you now you may forget to take me to dinner... unless that was a ruse?" Playful smile in place.

"I may forget. Really, it's a risk I'm willing to take. But if it's dinner you're after, I think I can manage that first." He offers his hand out to Clover, taking a step back down the steps. "Unless you want a piggyback ride there or something, we'll have to walk the old fashioned way..."

"Don't think I will be piggybacking in this skirt." Accepting the offered hand, she moves to follow him down the steps from the porch. The air about her is ripe with the scent and sense of spring and wildflowers, comforting and inviting warmth.

When close to him, it was obvious he had applied some Alpha cologne, sparingly though. Even so, the essence could hardly be described as a subtle fragrance, no matter how little was applied. "I know a nice steakhouse nearby if that sort of thing appeals to you." A smile. "But I'm open to alternatives too."

That would explain why she made herself comfortable against him, inhaling that less than subtle scent of Alpha. Lightly she bit her lower lip, recalling herself to the here and now. "Steak is good." said with a grin, Clover was not the type of girl to starve herself.

He breathed a soft sigh of relief. "A lot of pretty girls are really picky about food. I'm glad you've got good tastes." He softly curled an arm around her as he began to lead her away from the Red Dragon.

"Have to be willing to eat to be a decent cook." Something someone once said to her, she let herself be guided away from the inn.

He led Clover at a leisurely pace down the cobbled streets of the city towards the Marketplace. "So how were the docks? Not too much trouble, I hope..."

"None at all. I can handle sailors." Truly, the docks were like a second, second home. The first being nearly any gambling hall in town. "Nearly sold out our stock for the day, Harris will be pleased." There was a pause, then she thought to ask, "And your day? I don?t really know what it is you do."

"Mm, I bet you can deal with them. You seem to have a way with men... As for me, well, I mostly just do odd jobs these days." He shrugs faintly. "Though technically, I worked as a mercenary before I came here to Rhy'din."

There?s a smile, but no follow up on her ability to handle men. She could handle anyone, man or woman. To his profession she stated, "Not uncommon. What sort of work did you take up?" Are you a good merc or a bad merc?

"I fought wars for people with deep pockets. There's a lot of both where I'm from." He continued to lead her into the marketplace as they closed in on Logan's Steakhouse. "Around here it's mostly just deep pockets."

"Oh there are war, they're just smaller in scale." Partial smiling, "Scrimmages more like." Approaching the steak house, she let him get the door so they could slip inside, "Have you been here before?" She pointed to the ground meaning this location.

He pulled the door open and smiled. "Most of my equipment was left behind as well, so I'm not sure I could handle much more than a scrimmage." He nodded his head. "I haven't yet, but I've heard nothing but good. After you..."

"Thank you." Slipping into the steak house and giving it a look around. It looked promising. She turned a playful smile onto Gauge, "What would you do if I ordered one of everything?"

He followed her inside, looking around as well. It was bit noisy, but it had a relaxed atmosphere and the smell of all sorts of cooking meats filled the air. "One of everything? First, I'd ask if we can share, then I'd be out of money." He laughed.

She chuckled at his response. "Good answer." Another look around, then her attention fell back to him, "I'm not, by the way." Clover skimmed faces, took in body language, lingered over obvious couples, so many stories. She distractedly signaled the hostess it would be just the two of them and followed when the woman led them to their table.

Gauge He looked relieved, even though he'd been laughing the moment before. "I appreciate it." He follows close behind Clover to the table, and manages to remember to pull out her chair for her. "But seriously. Order whatever you'd like."

A nod of thanks given to him for pulling the chair out for her. She sat, crossed her legs and dipped her head into the menu. "Filet Mignon, medium, and over loaded mashed potatoes?." It would be a shame to go to a steak house and not get steak. She was decided and quickly, looking to Gauge to see if he needed a moment with a grin. Her attention flew to the drink menu.
Blinking as he sat. She was fast. "...I'll have the same, but medium rare. Thanks." He returned Clover's grin. "And a water and your best ale for me." His attention returning to Clover as she studied the drink menu.

"This one. Thanks!" Holding it up for the waitress. It was something with Tequila that was a shade of electric blue to match the red of her hair. Then setting the menu down and returned their menus to the waitress. She then settled blue-greys on her companion for the evening. "How long have you been in town?" It made sense to continue a conversation and not just sit there and look at each other quietly all night.

"I arrived during the, uh... Beltane?" He nodded. "I remember seeing the festival and everything. Especially the Alpha dirigible. Couldn't miss it." He couldn't help but grin. "How about you? When did you end up here?"

"Early-mid March. But I have been through these lands several years ago." Picking up the water that was brought out with her drink. "I like to travel, but I guess I am taking a break from it presently. Settling in... or something like it."

"Something like that..." He nodded as though in agreement. "And how long was it before Harris had you selling cologne? Not that I mind, you do an excellent job of it." He takes a drink from his arrived ale.

"Mid April?" She grinned. She'd save the drink for when the meal arrived. "I am pleased that he hired me, it makes a much better answer for when people ask me what it is I do for a living. 'Gambling' -- while true --- seems to sound odd to most ears."


"Gambling?" That came as a surprise to him. "You gambled as a profession? You must be good... or at least pretty lucky..." He chuckled. "What was your game?"

"Lucky." She grinned, a secret edge to it. "Anything, really. But cards mostly. Only reason I let Harris get away with just giving me ten percent, don't really need the money. I just do the job for the fun of it." Chuckling at herself, "But don't tell him that. I still want my ten percent."

He laughed. "Nice. I've played cards a time or two. If you're that lucky though, I bet I wouldn't stand a chance..." He pulls his index finger and thumb across his lips in a zipping motion. "I won't tell him a thing."

"Likely not." She shifted, digging out a deck of cards from her bag. She always had them with her. Nothing special, just a deck with black and silver design on the back. She shuffled the card quietly then set the deck between them, gave him a 'pay attention' gesture, then cut the deck four times. Each time she lifted the bottom card for him to see, each card an ace. "Lucky." She repeated. Returning the deck to a whole.

He watched carefully. He raised an eyebrow. "And that's not a trick at all?"

She pushed the deck toward him. "You want to test me? Feel free to make a wager if you think I'm tricking you."

He grinned and picked up the deck, sorting through the cards to see if it was a trick deck or something. "No thanks. I don't wager against tricksters or lucksters. I'll lose either way." He slides the deck back to her. "And if I gamble away my coins, how will I take beautiful women out to dinner?"

She picked up the deck and tucked it away, saying as the food arrived. "Who said you had to bet coins? Too late now..."

Wincing a little at hearing her words, he could have bet something else? And he missed his chance? Saad... At least the food was here though. "Awesome, thank you!" For the waiter as the steaks were dished out onto the table.

"Thank you." Echoing Gauge to the waiter. She picked up her fork and knife and started to dig in. Further sharing, "I lost a kiss once in a bet. It was on a very close duel."

"Mercenaries don't gamble in kisses much. Otherwise I'd have thought of that and bet you in kisses in a heartbeat." Winking and picking up his utensils to work on the meal. "So... How'd you actually get to Rhy'din?"

"Portals, crafts, boats." She made a looping gesture in the air. "It is much easier to get here by accident than on purpose at times. You?" Popping a bite into her mouth, a little face made for the yum.

He smirked as he swallowed. "Yeah, accident here. Happy accident after spending some time here." Another bite cut and eaten.

?Think you'll try to get back home--wherever that is--or stick it out?" There were many in either camp. She continued to eat, mixing it up with drinking the cocktail she'd order.

He thought about it for along moment. "I'll go back some day. Not until I'm ready though, there's too much I can do here that I don't want to miss out on." He drank from his ale again. "You said you were settling in a bit here? Think you'll stick around for awhile?"

She finished the bite she was on, giving a light shrug. "Future isn't set in stone. For the time I'm comfortable staying and I'll stay so long as that doesn't change." she watched his eyes for a moment as she spoke before looking off to the side. She didn't travel to get places, she traveled to get away. Unfortunately wherever she went, there she was. But RhyDin made it easier for her to be herself.

He just grinned. "You're great to have around. I wished there'd been women like you back in the Iron Kingdoms." He shrugged and drank. "But I'm guess there's only one Clover across all the worlds that connect here."

Soft smile, the chuckle didn't really sound. It was easy to wish when one didn't know what they were really wishing for. She moved easily from that, "The Iron Kingdoms, that is your homeland?"

"Yup. It's a nice place when no one's fighting. Which isn't ever." He shook his head. "Where're you from?"

Another chuckle for the never-not fighting. Then answering his question. "Ellada." Clover never lied, though at times she could be evasive, when asked where she was from. Though, few had heard of the land of gods. Well, the scholar Elias had known it and known her for what she was because of that. It wasn't so much of a secret, but it also wasn't something she televised.

"Hmm..." He looked thoughtful. "Nope, never been. But that's no surprise. Are all the women there as beautiful as you?" A sly grin.

"Yes." It was true. The men too. "It is the nature of my people." Managed modesty on that point. "I haven't been there in many years. Don't miss it, though. Not really." She picked up a bit more food on a fork, as tried to think of something else to ask.

He blinked with surprise. "...I doubt they dress as sharp as you though. And by sharp, I mean sexy as hell."

She thought about it. "The style is... sexy in its own way. That involves less leather, latex and anything fun." Back to a grin, she picked up her drink and downed the rest of it. Accepting the offer of a refill on it when the waiter came by again. "Speaking of dress... you look good out of your armor."

"Yeah. I like the leather and latex. And... you know, all of it." He grinned and bowed his head. "Thanks. They feel weird, but it's not bad. Especially if you like it, Clover."

"Hm. Honey tongued. You will fit in just fine in these parts, Gauge." Knowing smile before slowly pulling a bit of mash potatoes from her fork.

He chuckled. "I've said it once, and I'll say it again. A tongue that can state the obvious isn't much of a gift." Munching further on his dinner.

"A tongue that is willing to, however, is." She set her fork down, picking up the refilled cocktail. Speaking into her glass with a tease of a smile, "Or maybe your tongue can be gifted in other ways." Innocent sip.

He couldn't help but laugh. "If you're curious, you can certainly find out if you play your cards right." A long drink of ale and a smirk followed. "And from what I'm hearing, Clover, you always play your cards right."

"Mm." Another sip. Then she went back to her food. A new, not completely unrelated question. "Where do you stay in town then? Many new arrivals take a room at the inn."

"Nah, I've got a place. Out of the way, kinda..." He searched for the right word to put it in a positive light. "...rustic." Vague, though usually one had to be when they lived in an old busted up barn outside the city limits.

"Rustic?" Little smirk, was that code for covered in rust? "Out of the way sounds good at least."

"It's a bit of a trek into town, but it's good exercise. A bit of a mess right now though."

"Not suitable for company then?" A lift of her brow. She lightly scraped the last bit from her plate.

"...Still needs some more work first I think. It's a real fixer-upper." Excuses, excuses. He wasn't lying though, it was a disaster area.

"Pity. I thought we could have desert back at your place." She pushed her plate aside for the waiter, picking up her drink. Beneath the table her foot rubbed against his leg.

Her touch under the sent a subtle shiver down his spine. "Tell you what. A quiet room at Inn then. We can enjoy our dessert in comfort, and let someone else worry about the mess we make."

She bit her lower lip, "Mm. Yeah, we could do that." Taking a slow drink that ended up draining her glass a second time.

His smile broadened. "Wonderful." He took a last bite from his plate as the check arrived. He shuffled around a bit before remembering his pants had pockets, and he fished out the proper coinage to pay the tab and then some.

Must have been something about having Clover around that made people feel generous or maybe he was generous in general. Empty glass set down on the table, she made to stand once they were all paid up.

Could always be both. He stood from his seat and offered her a hand if she wished.

She accepted that hand, pulling herself up and against him. Ah, this is what had been missing when he wore his armor the other day. Clover didn't mind is anyone in the place was watching them. Fingers finding the collar of his shirt and pulling them closer together, if that was possible before giving him a kiss that well made up for not following through on Taneth's earlier suggestion. Despite having finished dinner, her mouth tasted of sweet nectar.

Surprised, but enjoying the spontaneous kiss immensely, he slid his arms around her waist again and returned the intimate gesture with strength and passion. As a mere mortal though, he tasted more of steak and ale.

Mere mortals were delicious. What could be more glorious than being rewarded with part of their short lives? Eventually she stepped back with a smile. Tongue rolling over her lower lip. "I think I will enjoy dessert very much."

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Thursday (5/19/2011): Dinner with Natasha


Natasha?s limo pulled up at the inn with impeccable timing to rescue Clover from whatever exciting events were about to occur as the lawn was graced with the presence of creepy little girls calling for Alain. Clover forgot the small details of greeting, pouring into the limo for escape.

Happily, Clover slumped against Natasha. "You have good timing dear lady."

?I know. I practice.? Natasha chuckled softly and wrapped an arm around Clover. ?Keep an eye out the window. The first sight of the building is the best.? The car was winding its way up a mountainside road just outside of town towards a cluster of tall glass buildings. There were eleven of them in all, but two dwarfed the others. The car drew up in front of a large U shaped building. Its levels seemed stacked somewhat haphazardly, to make room for dozens of private balconies.

The entire front of the building was lit brightly. In the central portion of the U was a garden, with a central fountain with lights that changed colors in time to the spray.

?Welcome to the Reserve XI residential complex, Sweeting.?

With the distance covered from the Inn, Clover found it easier to relax. She leaned toward the window, keeping an eye turned toward the view. It is amazing the things people think to create, big and small.
The buildings were taken in, the height, balconies, the garden and the colorful fountain. "Impressive.."

She leaned close and pointed to the highest point on the left wing of the building. ?That's my place... and over there?? then pointing to the right, ?Is Mikhails.?

"Will I be getting a tour of each wing?" Mischievous smile, knowing Natasha enjoyed hassling her brother.

?If you're very very naughty, yes. Don't tell Mikhial but I put a hidden gate in the wall that separates our gardens.?

"I thought it was if I was good?" A silent laugh lived in her smile, "Now I don't know how to behave." Nodding to Natasha's instructions, "I'm sure it would be counterproductive for me to tell him, he didn't strike me as one liking to invite me over of his own accord."

She nodded and slid out of the car as the driver opened the door, they were parked outside a small private entrance at the end of the left wing.

Sliding out of the car to follow Natasha, her eyes scannedup the side of the building. "I can't wait to see the view at the top."

Natasha used a little silver keycard to let them in the entrance, which opened into an elevator, ?After you.?

"Thank you." Stepping into the elevator, she leaned against the side wall, looking around the interior.
There was only one button on the elevator wall, which she pushed. The doors purred shut leaving them alone in the small mirrored space.

"You look lovely by the way. My apologies for not saying so at the inn." A gesture followed, motioning to the obvious reason why the compliment had been held up.

As they whisked smoothly up, Natasha blushed a little, a flattering hint of color. ?And you look absolutely devastating. I'm almost envious I've never been able to pull off leather.?

"I think I could find something in my closet that would look delicious on you." Her secret little smile, turned into something wider. She held out a leg to show off the boots. "I remembered to wear them."

The door on the opposite side of the elevator pinged and whirred open as they reached the top, letting them out into a wide open room, filled with nothing but a seating group by the window overlooking the city, and a small freestanding fire pit, that was burning softly.

?They look amazing.?

She stepped off the elevator, the zipper of the boots running all the way down the back of her legs. "A very thoughtful birthday gift, considering that the giver is not always so thoughtful." A smile to Natasha with that statement, then she turned to take in the room. Going closer to the window to look out. Be still her beating heart! That view!

You could see the whole of the city sparkling below them. The location for the complex had been chosen just for this view.

"It's amazing." Doing well not to press up to the glass as she looked outside.

?We can step out on the balcony if you like...? She motioned to a little door just off to the side.

Stepping back from the window, "If there is a tour to be had, I should probably have that first. Else I might not want to step away from the view." She moved over to Natasha, offering her hand to lace their fingers together.
Natasha chuckles, ?Just as well. Dillon?s still setting up dinner outside and he'll get huffy if we intrude.? She motioned down a small hall to the right.
"Wouldn't want that." She stayed close to Natasha, letting her host guide the way. "How long have you lived here?"

?A little over a year now. I don't stay home often though, because Mother lives here too. She's off visiting a cousin in Odious City tonight though.?

"Mother? Which of her offspring take after her? You or Mikhail?" Clover's eyes kept to her host, but for venturing here and there to look around.

The hall opened up into an open area, lined with bookshelves, with doors opening off it on all sides. ?Neither thankfully.?

A glance around to the doors and books, "I will count myself lucky that she happens to be away this night, then."

?The doors to the left and right are Mother and Dillon's rooms.. Mine's straight ahead. They each have private baths. Feel free to explore.?

"And does Mikhail have to share his wing with anyone? Or are you solely blessed?" Sparse glance given to the doors that led to her mother and Dillon's rooms. Attention lingered on the door to Natasha's own rooms. Clover had stepped to look at the spines of the books that lined the shelves, but with Natasha's open invite to explore--Clover shot her a playful smile and headed toward her room.

?Mikhail... the bastard won't even let the maids in his space without special permission.?

"So secretive for a sibling." Not that Clover had any siblings, but she was under the impression that maybe they were more open.

She followed Clover idly, watching the woman's reaction to her domain. The bedroom had a view almost as good as the front room. A large four poster bed, covered with a midnight velvet spread dominated most of the room.

Looking around the room, Clover took a few steps around as she went. She ended with a lean against one of the posts of the bed. "How long until dinner do you think?"

Natasha peeked out the window, ?At least a few minutes.?

"Do you know what's on the menu?" Pushing off the post of the bed to see the view from the bedroom and watch Natasha.

?I believe Dillon ordered from the French place downstairs.? She leaned on the window in the place were heavy velvet drapes spilled over the glass and onto the floor. ?Duck something or other.?

"Restaurants in house." A faint smirk, "We have a little cafe in Zen Garden..." Not a real comparison. Clover lifted a hand, brushing the back of her fingers against blonde hair. "Tell me what's on your mind? If anything..."

?I'm thinking you look lovely in my bedroom.? Natasha grinned, ?And I'd love to tempt you into my closet.?

"Your closet?" She glanced that way as it was a curious request, "Do you have a secret playroom that you're not showing me?"

?Yes and no?? She moved to a set of doors across the room. The left one opened into the lushest bathroom imaginable, the right into a closet almost as large as the bedroom itself.

Clover followed once the doors were opened, stepping inside. Though, once in the closet, she turned to keep her gaze on Natasha. "And once you have me in here?"

She grinned, ?We'll talk clothes. I so rarely have other women here.?

"Mm. I could do that... with one condition." Moving over to the clothing, lightly touching soft fabrics.

?Hmm?? Most everything was rich fabric, in lots of shades of blue. ?What?s that??

Fingers still brushing decadent fabrics, she looked over her shoulder to Natasha. "I want to see you in my boots."

She chuckled softly, ?Alright. Pick something that might look alright with them. They won't go with this dress at all.?

Near everything was a shade of blue. Clover looked for something black or red and small. "Blue is your favorite color?"

?Sort of. It's the color of the sky goddess I've been a priestess of for... close on two decades now.?

"Priestess for a sky goddess. I hope I am not stepping on any toes." She pulled something close to what she was looking for from the racks and held it up for Natasha. "This." It seemed to be underwear or something close to it.

Near enough, it was actually a very short nightdress. Midnight blue satin that was almost black, ?Mmm.. lovely.?

The hanger handed over to Natasha, Clover moved to a place where she could sit and remove her boots. Legs stretched up at a remarkable angle to undo the zippers. "That's why I picked it."

She took the scrap of fabric and stepped into the bathroom, leaving the door open between them. ?I think this is one I've never worn... Dillon picked it out.? There was a rustling of fabric as she changed.

"I like his taste." She slipped out of one boot, then the other. The pair set by the door for Natasha to slip on. Clover walked around in now bare feet, looking more at the clothing, then settled back on the bench. "What questions did you have about clothing?"

?No questions really?? She stepped out again. The nightdress barely brushed the tops of her thighs, and she'd unpinned her hair, leaving it tumbled around her shoulders. ?I just wanted to play dress up.?

"I like the reversal of it, myself." Eating up Natasha with her eyes, Clover gestured toward the boots. "Care for a hand?"

?Mmm. I've never worn something like that before.? She slid onto the little padded bench Clover was sitting on.

"Never? Perhaps I will purchase you a pair." She moved to kneel on the floor, capturing one of Natasha's legs in delicate hands. Straightening it out by sliding one hand down and the other up to her thigh, then she slipped the foot of the boot on, zipping it up. It fit near perfectly. The same treatment given, lovingly, to the other leg.

Natasha stretched her legs out in front of her, much like a child, examining her feet, before getting up and striding carefully to the full length mirror in the bathroom. ?Well??

She followed, watching Natasha's movements with a light smile. Pulling up behind the woman, her gaze roamed over the reflection in the mirror over Natasha's shoulder. "You should wear more leather, I think." Her hand pulled aside blonde hair, kissing the flesh where shoulder met neck. Blue-greys watched the other's eyes in the mirror.

She purred just a little, a surprisingly feline sound. ?My turn to dress you up.?

Clover stepped away, a glance given back toward the selection of clothing available. "I leave myself to your mercy."

She moved to the far corner of the closet, and selected one of the few things that wasn't blue. It was a soft flowing robe shaded like a sunset, amber gold at the hem up to a deep purple at the shoulders. It came with a pair of soft slippers lined with lamb?s wool.

Moving to take up the offered clothing, "What inspired this selection?"

?This? It?s from the dawn ceremony on New Year?s morning.? The soft silk was draped over her arm, then presented to Clover. ?I just thought it would suit you.?

"Mm." Clover matched Natasha's movements, to change in the bathroom--though she would have been comfortable either way. It was more for the sake of the other. She took off the clothing she wore in, putting on the robe and slippers. Running fingers through her electric red locks that were already down to smooth the mass out. She stepped back into the closet to see what Natasha thought. "Well?"

She moved over and tied a golden belt around her waist, ?Lovely. Fresh as the morning light.?

"Shall we see if dinner is ready and what your Dillon thinks of your attire?" Clover looked over her reflection a moment.

?Mmm. Let?s. But if he has a heart attack you'll have to help me interview new assistants.?

"Agreed." Clover laced her fingers with Natasha's once more to head out to the balcony for dinner.

Dillon?s reaction to Natasha?s outfit?as well as Clover?s hand it in?was a mixture of shock and delight. The two further plotting together other clothing to get Natasha into, all while Clover?s eye sought to remove those layers of fabric with her eyes. The dinner that followed as pleasurable as could be expected with Dillon leaving the two ladies alone to enjoy each other?s company. Still, the pleasure of the meal taken in paled in comparison when after the two returned to Natasha?s bedroom.