Topic: A Visit to the Chateaus

Fiora Shantalaine

Date: 2011-11-04 08:32 EST
A Visit to the Chateaus

The smell of bacon wafted from open windows and tinged the air around Fabian?s cabin with the delectable aroma, muddling the assortment of other delicious scents permeating about. Fabian thought Sundays were good days because Sundays meant a little bit of relaxation, which was certainly a welcomed change from his normally busy life. Business wasn't exactly booming, but the Plaza gave him plenty to do and filled up the hours of his day while nights were spent putting together the details of a security team he was trying (hoping) to assemble. This is why Sundays were so important - it gave him a chance to step away...and cook.

The Chateaus were busily under construction. Fiora's monumental idea to make this a living complex of RhyDin-ite proportions having been under way for a couple of weeks now. When the busy little realtor arrived on site at the Great Lodge the helpful staff was delighted to see her. Even more delighted when she expressed her desire to visit Fabian. His lodge was sunk deep back within the forest and was one of the few that had a "road" to it, though the jeep that was required to get there made one question just how "roadlike" the path really was.

An excited hobbit nearly danced herself right out of her skin as she chattered at a speed that the realtor could appreciate, "Should we let Mastersalerno know that y'ere here madamrealtorshantalaine? We can radio him, or we can call him on the cellphones or we can employ the mirror." She quivered as she awaited the answer, her disappointment evident as Fiora explained, "I think I'd like to surprise him actually. Do ye think ye could use one of those methods to let me know if any guests arrive though? I'm expectin' potential clients to start droppin' by." The level of giddy glee was nearly apocalyptic and as Fiora set off in a jeep, the preparations were underway to greet the newcomers.

"Everybody's working for the weekend." He wasn't exactly singing it as much as he mouthing the words and humming. It's not that he didn't like to sing, just that with all the construction going on around the Chateaus it was hard to actually focus on anything that resembled pitch. The quick jab of the jackhammer, the heavy grind of steel machinery, it was everywhere, though he had to admit that being tucked back within the forest like he was certainly helped alleviate the volume. He couldn't imagine being housed beside or around the main part of the work area, the headaches it must have spawned. A flip of a pan had hotcakes flying end over end, the landing smoothly back inside to rest once more upon the stove. A step to the side brought him to the fridge, and from it he grabbed a beer. Twisting the lid free, he brought the bottle to his lips and took a healthy swig. Sure, it was still early, but again...this is what Sundays were meant for.

The painful grind of a clutch, the stalled roar of an engine, the flooded
whine and agonized sound of an accelerator revving and the crunch and crash of several objects that met their fate beneath strong wheels....the approach of Fiora was...covert.. She bounced around in the seat of the jeep as it roared up and over the path. Whipping back and forth she alternately killed and restarted the engine with shocking frequency. It hadn't taken long for the hobbit who had agreed to come with her to
turn several shades of hideous green before it had suddenly remembered somewhere it needed to be. Gamely Fiora had grinned and waved as the hobbit had elected to walk back to the lodge. Restarting the engine and letting slowly off the clutch while slamming the accelerator to the floorboard.

The new sound, thunderous as it was, caught his attention and turned his dark eyes toward the closed door. With a smirk he went back to cooking. He'd already instructed a few of the Halflings as to how one properly operates a manual transmission, but it seemed that more lessons were needed. The spatula whipped and sliced through the egg yolks and milk, scrambling them into beautiful golden clouds that were then scooped onto a plate, taking up a half. The bacon followed next, six wondrous pieces of hickory-smoked heaven piled high. A second plate was used for the hotcakes, stacking them in a simple column, and then placed on the table behind him so he could administer the additives - namely, syrup. Another sip of his beer was claimed, and an appreciative sigh followed.
ROAR! She gunned the engine to clear the incline and nearly squealed as she realized that just over the lip of it there was a sharp turn between two sturdy oaks and an impressive rocky wall of a hillside. Yanking the wheel to the side she sprayed debris up from the back tires as she scraped the passenger side all along the rocks SCREEEEEECH. Fishtailing the back end as she fought to keep the Jeep on the path. Through it all she held onto a tight grin of manic proportions. Cerulean eyes wide and brimming with excitement. His lodge came into view and she let loose with a "WHOOOOOOP!" that dwindled into a question for her ears alone, "Do ye smell that? Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm." She braked...well she meant too, but that was actually the accelerator and the jeep shot past his drive and right into the ditch, the muddy slosh deadening the impact as she came to a halt at an angle, one back tire up off the ground.

The sound of the impact was easily recognizable, stealing his attention and sending a streak of sticky syrup slashing across the table. The bottle was dropped and prowling steps quickly took him to the door, Glok smoothly slid from the waistband at the small of his back. He paused and took a look out the window, seeing the tilted vehicle's backend protruding from the ditch. A quick survey found no visual evidence of artillery damage or magical destruction, but that wasn't enough to alleviate his suspicion. He drew the door open and stepped out onto the porch, gun raised and aimed at the wrecked jeep. "Come out of there and let me see your hands!" He instructed with an undeniable tone of authority, practiced to perfection.

(Page 1)

Fiora Shantalaine

Date: 2011-11-04 08:35 EST
She'd been tossed forward on the impact and her normally indestructible smile had suffered somewhat as she'd learned what it was like to kiss an airbag. Thankfully all bruising would be quite minimal thanks to the safety precautions in the jeep. She tried to push herself up out of the cushiony grasp of the pillow like safety device but it wasn't cooperating and was just starting to flail at it with a "Get off me! Ye overzealous creepazoid!" when Fabian's authoritative no-nonsense command cut through the air. "Uhh! On my way!" She stuffed an elbow into the bag and pulled on the door handle, letting the door fall open. Extending one high heeled foot she fought to free herself from the vehicle. A task made more difficult by the fact that she hadn't taken off her seatbelt yet. Hands flailed like they were attempting a magic show as she waved them at him, "There they are, I've only got the two though! OOOMPH! Let Go of ME!" Hands disappearing back inside the cab as she slapped at the belt.

The sound of Fiora's voice dissolved that hard look etched upon his face, and quickly the gun was replaced as he leapt from the porch and raced to where she was, rounding the vehicle. "Fiora?" As was normal for a Sunday morning, he wore a pair of rather comfortable looking black athletic pants and ...well....nothing else. Thick arms, a chiseled chest, tanned skin and sculpted muscle moved in sleek rhythm as he sought to help her escape from the harness of her seatbelt. "Don't worry, Miss Shantalaine, I've got you." He assured her as he slid one arm beneath her knees and the other around her waist, pulling her into his chest and out of the jeep.

"Fabian!" She echoed the introduction with a cheerful chirp, obviously undaunted by her collision in his front yard. Though she did gulp and give a startled yelp as she was quite suddenly removed from the vehicle and cradled against an undoubtedly gorgeously cut body. "Oh aye, ye've got me." Blink, blnk, blinkety blink. What did one say in these kinds of situations? Well, who knows, because Fiora wasn't particularly average, "Are ye cookin' breakfast? Cuz I smell bacon. Have ye ever had bacon and egg sandwich?" There was a small bead of blood on the bottom curve of her cupid's bow lips. The split skin unnoticed and no other lasting injuries seemed to present themselves to perusal.

With ease he turned and made his way back toward the porch, not putting her down until they were safely upon it. He'd noticed the lip from the beginning but didn't want to bring it to light until he could actually examine it. Luckily, as part of the training for Specter 7, agents had to be rather well versed in first aid and CPR, as well as have some training in basic health and medical care. He placed her on her feet though kept her facing him as he took her chin in his right hand and gently lifted her lips beneath his examining eye. He observed the wound thoroughly before inclining his eyes to meet swirling cerulean. "I haven't." He lied. "And would love for you to make me one, but you aren't making anything until we get that lipped cleaned up. Come on." He patted her on the shoulder to reassure her that everything would be fine and then, having noticed no other serious injuries, headed in - His destination: the bathroom.

Her expensive heels settled upon the porch and she kept one small hand upon the naked flesh of his bicep to hold herself steady. Even with the four inch accompaniment she was still at five feet and a half. It took a head tilt to guide her mouth up to his studying eye. The split lip minor though she did sweep her tongue out to taste the metallic flavored droplet of her blood that was quickly replaced by another swelling bead of crimson. "Yer naked." Was her response. It made sense when she could feel the heat of his muscled flesh beneath her palm. "At least half naked." And at his gentle pat she turned to follow his easy grace with her gaze. "Ye put some clothes on and I'll throw together some sandwiches that are worth killin' for." Following gamely inside his lodge and looking about with abject curiosity.

He moved with a feral ease, limbs extending and contracting in smooth synchronization of a honed machine. The ribbons of sinew along his back rolled and rippled as he made his way down the hall, terminating at the trim waistline of his pants, there the handle of the handgun emerged. He glanced over his shoulder just before arriving at the bathroom door and smiled. "Sorry about that. I wasn't expecting company. Breads in the basket." He was gone, disappearing inside the small room. His fingers tingled, reminiscent of her smooth skin and her smell - it had overshadowed event he potency of his breakfast. He opened the mirror and took from it a small satchel, closing it to stare at his reflection for a long second. "What are you doing?" He smirked before turning away, the flick of a finger shutting off the light. He returned to the kitchen and tossed the bag on the table, digging inside of it to pull forth some peroxide and a sterile cloth. "When you get done fixing up those sandwiches come here for a second." To elaborate further, he pulled out a chair from the table and spun it around.

"I know! Surprise right?!" Dimples dipped into her cheeks at the revelation of her intended unannounced arrival. Her gaze following him as he disappeared as one small hand pressed against her belly and the weird clutch of butterflies. The man was undoubtedly attractive and his back was worth spending some quality time examining. Giggling at her reaction she spun about to examine his kitchen. Always thrilled to find herself in the domicile of one of her clients, after all she had a hand in picking out their home. Somewhere in all the jostling and jarring ride over she'd lost several pins that held her wild tangle of russet curls in place and they spilled in a riot of waves down the slender expanse of her back to dangle just past the hemline of her flouncy skirt. Pushing the heavy weight over one shoulder she zeroed in on the breadbasket in question and began rustling about, a chimed, "Ah ha!" at her success ringing upon the air. When he arrived she'd just finished putting two egg and bacon sandwiches together and spun about with a gamine grin and spatula held aloft valiantly.

A low whistle of appreciation was heard as he examined that sandwich. "Wow." He said with a wink. "That looks great." He then pointed at the chair beside him. "Let's go, Miss Shantalaine. You need to get cleaned up. It won't take long. Lips heal quickly." He spoke sagely as he took a small step away to scoop up his beer and take a drink, catching the turned over syrup container out of the corner of his eye. He snatched it up from its side and placed it back on the table, grimacing at the sight of the sticky pool left behind.

"Oh aye." Following directions with surprising ease as she flitted across his kitchen with the ever bubbling energy of a sprite. Gliding into the offered chair easily enough she still held onto the spatula in one hand, using the other to pull the length of her hair over one shoulder. Tilting her chin up to give him her mouth dutifully enough. Granted getting that mouth to stop moving might take some effort, "I love this place. It's just so perfectly ye. It really is. Strong clean lines, solitary and standing on its own. I hope ye like it. I really do because I've got another offer for ye." Lashes flluttered and her expressive face moved like quicksilver, evidencing a slight wince as her smile did pull at the now tender flesh of her torn lip. Granted, that didn't stop her from smiling or continuing, "That is if yer up for it." Mischief sparkling in seaswept eyes of blue and green.

(Page 2)

Fiora Shantalaine

Date: 2011-11-04 08:41 EST
"You know, I think I really like this one." He said as he put the cloth onto the mouth of the peroxide bottle and turned it over, soaking the small expanse. "This won't sting at all, but it's going to taste horrible. Keep the sandwich ready.' He helped with her hair, the rugged trace of scared knuckles gently brushing along her cheek as he pushed back those amber curls for a more unobstructed view. Lightly he spotted touches along the wounded tier, cleaning any dried blood took give him a better look at the actual wound. He'd been a bit caught up in seeing to her injury which was the reason he still was shirtless, though a fitted T was draped on the couch nearby. He eyed it with a glance, planning to seek it out as soon as he was done.

"Oh aye. See, I was thinkin' what we were doin at the Plaza was workin out so well, y'know. Yer decreased rent for yer office for security for the place." Her mobile mouth never stopped moving beneath his gentle ministrations. Though she did scrunch up her nose in the most adorable of fashions as the pungent odor of the peroxide reached her senses. "What if I made the same offer here?" She winced at the touch to her wounded lip, a pout pushing the injured area upward as tears stung and shimmeredturning the cerulean pools of her eyes into lakes of enchantingly cute distress.

He tiled his head, pulling back a little at her wince, offering her time to recover. Then he started again, lightly dabbing along the length of the wound. "It's not too bad, just a little busted lip." He folded the cloth over, straight lines and perfect shape placed between her those supple tiers. "Press down and hold your mouth shut for ten seconds." He smirked then as he reached out and took up his beer, challengingly adding. "If you can."

She did as he bade. Tightening her mouth on the cloth in question, though it took considerable concentration to stop the stream of chatter that normally spilled from her now injured lips. It was going to take some effort and for that she deserved a reward, popping up out of her seat to try to snag his beer. After all, she totally deserved that. She wanted to know immediately what he thought about her option and was in fact, hardpressed to keep her mouth closed.

He surrendered the beer easily enough, having set it down as he turned for the couch. Again there was that prowling gait that sent immaculately honed sinew fluidly into motion, lasting only a moment however as he came to the couch and snagged the black T he'd seen earlier. Impaling it with his heavy arms he stretched the tight fabric across his wide torso and down around his waist until the garment coated his physique with a detailed view of the all the musculature it held within. "Eight...nine...ten. You're done." He said as he returned, reaching out to take the cloth from her stationary lips...if she allowed it, that is.

She gasped for a breath and he might now realize she'd been holding it the entire time, determined not to give in to the desire to talk. Her lips parted in the motion, allowing him the retrieval of said cloth though seconds after the needed inhale she was delivering another riot of conversation, "So ye'll do it then." Yeah, bargaining like the steamroller that she was.

"Do what?" He arched a brow as he folded up the bag and then tossed the used cloth into the nearby trashcan. Pulling out the seat beside the one he had offered her, he sat and tilted his head. "Oh, the security detail? But you want me to do it here?" Though he was asking a question it was obvious in his tone that he was actually considering the pros and cons of such an offer. "That'll be a little more difficult than the Plaza." He murmured.

She moved a plate of sandwiches closer to the two of them and took a healthy swallow of the beer in question, having no problems placing her lips upon the bottle that had just been in his mouth. Swallowing she continued happily, "Oh aye. It will be. In fact, it will be quite an undertaking. This is a large complex and I'd need someone who could oversee the security of the place. I wouldn't expect ye to do it alone. And I'd be more than willing to let ye live here rent free, as well as supply amonetary compensation."

He was out of his chair suddenly, in unison with her arrival, and moved for the fridge once more. He drew the door open and bent at the waist to dip inside, reemerging a moment later with a fresh bottle of beer in each hand. "Interesting." He said with a nod, her acknowledgement of him undertaking such a task with aid instantly bringing his thoughts to Halston. Still he played with the idea as he returned to his seat, twisting off the cap of only one bottle and leaving the other to sit on the far side of the table, well out of her reach. He took a sip and then placed it between them before scooping up the sandwich. "I'd need a team. I can supply all the equitment and install it, but think that the whole 'rent free' aspect sound great." He flashed her a grin.

She followed his movements with her gaze, again drawn to the attractive lines of a man's body well trained and honed. Immediately she thought of Euriya and his well-tailored physique and was suddenly hungry for much more than a sandwich. Of course, it was a sandwich and that drew her attention to her new prize. Hungrily she bit into the treat and crunched away as he rejoined her. She nodded at his requests. Swallowing and managing a, "Done." And another, "done."

(Page 3)

Fiora Shantalaine

Date: 2011-11-04 08:42 EST
He too bit into his sandwich, devouring the bite quickly. He was starving and what she prepared was delicious. Continuing to consider the arrangements, he made it through half of the sandwich before continuing. "I'm also going to need a safe house and a weapons cache at all four corners of the compound." His tone was somehow darker, gaze a bit more serious. "And I'll need access..." He said with a nod. "...to you."

"Safe houses." She considered this and added it to her list of things on the construction plans. Another time she might've been worried about his mention of weapons but after her brush with death she was no longer concerned with propriety and manners. Safety was a definite must in RhyDin. "Ye'll have yer own Jeep and I --- me?" She blinked in startled wonder at his demand. "Well I do plan on getting a Chateau myself, we'll be neighbors in a sense!" Brightly.

The sandwich forgotten, he eyed her intensely, breaking this hard stare just long enough to steal another sip. Again he placed the bottle between them. "If I'm going to be in charge of security here and at the Plaza, Fiora, I'm going to need instant and undeniable access to you. I'd be willing to be that if there is any sort of wrongdoing being planned at either place, then the target will most likely be you. You hiring me is an investment. An investment in protection, and while the Plaza and the newly constructed Chateaus de Troyes, are extremely valuable, neither one of them can operate with a common denominator." He tilted his head. "You."

She'd finished her first beer, the half of his that she'd stolen and as she nibbled at the remainder of her sandwich she stole his newest with the quick easy sleight of a hand that spoke of a naughty past. Wide cerulean eyes followed his expressions as she nodded along with his words. "Ye've got it. I'm totally open to yer access. Do ye want a key to my new place? I'd give ye my cell phone number but I kinda lost it..." An image of the Rockcrusher eating her blackberry had her grinning in undeniable mischief that showed no hint of remorse for its loss.

He laughed, the consuming the remainder of his breakfast with just a few bites. He wiped at the corners of his mouth with a napkin torn from a nearby roll of paper towels. "I do. I'll need keys to your...well, everything. Home. Office. Everything. I'll also need a schedule fo your weekly activities as well, though I'm sure I can get that from Miss Lovelace, right?" Eyes shifted to the beer she held and the way that she managed to obtain it, easily recognizing the workings of their, no matter how 'retired' those talents were told to be.

"Ye got it. It's all yours." Not in the least bothered by his demands as she took a healthy swallow of their shared beer and set it between them. "Though I won't lie, I'm notoriously bad about sticking to my schedule. Paige does have it but I tend to get sidetracked." Hopping up to explore his place with unabashed curiosity. "I've already got quite a bit of interest generated in this place." She did leave her mess behind. Not much of a cleaner this one.

"Speaking of schedules. I've got a ton of places I'm supposed to be headed right now." She bebopped her way to his door and stood with a consternated look at the sight of the Jeep. "Any chance I'm gettin that back out of there and drivin back to the Lodge?"

"Nope." He said from the table, following her with only his eyes. "But I can give you a ride if you need one." He stood and moved to where his jacket hung from a hook on the wall. A set of keys were taken from the pocket and he turned for where she stood. "Come with me." Slipping past her, he exited to the porch and down the steps.

(Page 4)

Fiora Shantalaine

Date: 2011-11-05 11:54 EST
Elsewhere at the Chateaus

At the Great Lodge, hobbit staff moved about in preparation for the clients that MadamerealtorShantalaine had mentioned might be arriving. A fresh buffet line was created from the kitchens and special treats from ConColor and BonBon Boutique graced the linen draped tables that waited welcomingly around the foyer. The front desk ran by a jovial grandmotherly looking figure who gave orders in crisp no-nonsense tones. "See to it that all the jeeps are accounted for. Make sure the show rooms are available."

At the sight of the winged creatures two hobbits rushed inside to inform everybody that it looked as if guests had arrived.

As the pair land outside the Great Hall, a hobbit rushed to meet Grey Knave
and his companion, the small boyish features turned upward to greet him,

"Welcome to Chateaus de Troyes, can I help you?"

From his great height, the winged figure responded, ?Petunia and I are looking for a place. Something high up.?

"Petunia?" the question came naturally as the childlike figure led the newcomers through the welcoming grand doors of the Great Lodge. The gentle lapping of the lake behind the house carried on the breeze as did the sounds of a forest unbothered by the press of civilization. Birds chirping merrily and the rustling of leaves hinting at occupants unseen. "We've got several treehouse lodges." Helpfully.

"That sounds good." The stranger chuckled and leaned down to scratch the pig behind the ear as he followed the hobbit."This is Petunia."

Petunia sped up a little to sniff at the hobbit, seeing a golden opportunity, not having met any hobbits previously.

A pig did not seem to bother the Hobbit at all as he nodded and led the newcomer through the grand estate to the backdoors that opened up onto a wide veranda that overlooked the pond and the forest. Held within the trees were a variety of lodges and cabins that were even now in the process of being refurnished and rehabilitated. Absentmindedly the hobbit patted at Petunia as he considered the requests made, "There is one tree house not far, down Wargs Way and another further in the trees. They're the only ones completed just yet. Would ye like me to tell the MadameRealtorShantalaine that ye're interested?"

?About how high off the ground are they?? Grey Knave stopped as he was about to discipline Petunia, but seeing as how the hobbit wasn't bothered by her sniffing.

"Very. One is near the treetops, but it isn't completed. If that is somethin yer interested in I will pass the information along." The pig was large compared to a Hobbit but that didn't seem to bother him.

?It is. We like our privacy and still being aware of what is going on in the area. Yes, please, let her know I would be very interested.? Petunia moved back to Knave's side.

"Well ye're more than welcome to explore the area and see if there is one ye like and I'll let MadamerealtorShantalaine know that y'er about and that y'er interested."

?I think we shall do that.?

Knave and Petunia launched themselves into the sky to continue their exploration of the area.


(Thank you Grey Knave for the roleplay!)