Continued...



"Ahh, excellent. You know, contrary to popular belief, I actually enjoy fruits and vegetables. Except Broccoli. There's nothing in existence that can make me like that. Ugly little trees. And the flesh of lesser beasts is always tasty." He nods, sliding his arm through hers and taking her hand in his other.

"The park sounds perfect. We shouldn't do the beach because the gulls are cannibalistic." He gave her a smile as he led her towards the stairs exit with a half wave to Mai who never looked up. "How did you sleep and how was your morning? Did you do anything special today aside from planning to grace me with your beautiful presence?"

"Fantastic. It was a gamble that paid off. Those are the best kind." She let him lead her to the stairs, the low heels of her sandals tapping softly upon the floor. Even though she had planned a picnic in the park, she was still dressed well.

Casual stroll down the steps, she tucked her hand into his and offered a light smile. "I slept fitfully, honestly. I felt terrible that I had forgotten about that photo shoot today. I was so excited to go sailing again for the weekend that I must have just lost my mind momentarily." He had that effect on her frequently.

"So, I was up bright and early to be ready for the shoot at sunrise. I got to deal with one of the most pompous photographers I have ever met. But..." Always finding the silver lining in the clouds. "I was paid, have some fantastic new clothes as a bonus and had my hair and makeup done professionally which was a plus since I was planning to see you for lunch. Also, I am a woman of leisure for a bit so I am fully prepared to be kidnapped by a scoundrel pirate if you know of any that might be interested."

Merci smiled as the sunlight warmed her once they stepped out the front door of the tower. "What about you? Did you sleep well? How was your morning and what are your plans for the rest of the day?"

"Photo shoot? Oh, you're a model? I must have forgotten, having been so stunned by you showing up here." He grinned, teasing. "If you want, I could find Mr. Pompous Photographer and have him convinced to give you a raise. Nothing too rough. He could likely use a moment to feel not so high and mighty." He didn't know the situation, really. But, really, it sounded like the guy was a bit of a jerk, and he felt she should be treated right.

"Kidnapped? Kidnapped. Hmm. I could check some of my contacts and see who might be available. Oh look! It's me! Of course, as a scoundrel, I would have no good deeds planned for you on the high seas. You would have to become my lusty cabin wench. Can you live with that?" He grinned, taking slow steps down because it meant that much time at her side. It wasn't long, though, before they were outside, and he used his free hand to shield his eyes.

"I slept well enough. Not as long as I'd've liked, but I'm sure you can understand why." He quickly changed the subject so as not to dwell. "The morning was typical business, sign this, approve that, stop threatening to kick gnomes. The usual. As to the rest of the day, now that I have you here, it involves you. Maybe kidnapping, possibly some making out?" Was that a hopeful, immature grin?

?No, I?m not a model. I?m an assassin and I am not very good at my job so sometimes I show up to shoot someone and get my picture taken. It is a miracle I haven?t found myself behind bars yet.? Yes, she could dish out a little teasing as well. Especially when her mood was so light.

?Well, I would take you up on that very illegal, but highly adorable offer to convince him to give me a raise but he isn?t the one that pays me. He is freelance and was hired for this job just like I was. Now, if you would like to convince him to not insult me about the size of my behind, I would likely take you up on that offer.? He was given a sideways glance before she laughed, to ensure he realized she wasn?t serious. Merci had the feeling that G was the kind of man that might possibly take that suggestion seriously. It might be wrong, but she couldn?t help feeling a little bit safer when she thought about it.

?I was hoping you would be the scoundrel that kidnapped me but I didn?t want to pressure you to steal a job from some of your pirate playmates. So, this is excellent, though I am not so sure about being a lusty cabin wench. My skills as such are quite rusty. Perhaps after my kidnapping, during the make out session, I could brush up a little.? Yes, it was most definitely an immature grin, and it perfectly matched the silly one that curled about her lips.

?So, since you are kidnapping me, where do you plan to take me and when shall we return. I would like to pack for the occasion.?

He leaned back and very obviously began checking out her backside, frowning. "There's absolutely nothing wrong with your butt. It's a very well sculpted one, if you ask me. Obviously you work out." Then he grinned at her. "Assassin, are you? You actually could be, and it's just part of your cover that you're a model interested in a scoundrel-pirate-CEO-World Leader-Duelist-etc.etc. in order to get close to someone somewhere that you have to assassinate, and you're doing an excellent job." He laughed, running his hand up and down her back slowly as they walk.

"I'll see if I can find someone to have a talk with this freelance guy. If just to teach him what a fine backside looks like." G obviously thought the guy was nuts for thinking there was something wrong with hers. Then, he switches tactics again. "I'm going to kidnap you. Then, I'm going to take you to a sandy, excluded beach. Then I'm going to dress you in the skimpiest bikini I can find, if I dress you at all. Then I'm going to rub your body down with sunscreen and watch you bake in the sun. Once night comes, I am going to take your body and use it in the most passionate, sexy, erotic manner possible." Was he serious? What did his blank expression really tell with those fiery eyes? And then...

He changes his expression to a bright grin. "So, you hungry?"


Taken from live play and edited with permission. Thank you to the player of G.

continued...


G?nort starts humming a tune "I'm gonna kill you in your sleep." Then he stops as he reaches Merci, taking out a chair to sit beside her. "Jazz is gonna get you your drink. He said it was a special creation that he couldn't possibly give out the recipe for. I'll see what I can do to get it from him.?

"G'nort...you don't seriously intend to take him away from his lovely woman just to make me a drink, do you?"

"But.. it's a special drink." He didn't think about the fact he was taking him away from Rekah. But gets a little sad face.

Continues the tune for a moment. "So you better try, try and keep awake..."

"So, you should do something very nice for him sometime. Riiiight?" She prodded him towards a decent answer even as she relaxed a little and leaned back in her chair. A brow perked at the lyrics to his song and she giggled a little.

"Hey, I told him I owed him Two. Not one, but Two. Between him and Rekah that's one each." He nodded with a smile."Rekah will be easy to pay off. Just some gummi bears or another new puppy. Jas, however, what do you get him? Teeth whitener or something? Those things can't get any brighter."

"Very nice. You should take them to that Island on your ship." Those golden eyes suddenly lit up. "I could drive them there in it. I did such a marvelous job last time!"

Stare. "Yes. You did a wonderful job."

"I don't know if they'd want to sail on my ship to an island out in the middle of the sea, though. As relaxing and romantic as it is, I'm not sure it's their cup of Espresso."

He was twitterpated. Which has nothing, absolutely nothing, to do with a non-existent internet service.

"Well, I will take their turn then. The last time was a fabulous trip and I got us there in one piece so why not do it again? We can bring them back souvenirs or something." Her hand lightly grasped his bicep and her voice was excited. "We could bring them back one of those small monkeys we saw!"

"I.. don't think customs would allow that. Cross species integration and all that. Like, how an Emerald Ash Bore Beetle that was not native to this one forest, and suddenly, it showed up in some firewood, and then ate through half the forest before it was contained. Could have nasty repercussions." A slight flex to where she gripped his arm. Why not let her get some feel of the muscle there?

"A monkey is not going to eat through the Arena or Outback, G. It is just a harmless, cute little monkey. What could possibly go wrong?" She squeezed his bicep as he flexed and preened then laughed at his dramatics.

"A monkey in the Arena. What can go wrong." He gave her a deep look. "You do know where we are, right? The proper question is 'what can go right?'"

"Everything. Everything in the world is right." Wait...he didn't ask that, did he? Not really, no. But does it matter? "You're so cute."

Mercedes just laughed. "It is a burden off of my heart to know that your eyesight is so perfect, G'nort."

"Of course my eyesight is perfect. t'would be silly to think it wasn't."

Arena 5/17 (part two)

Settled down now, breathing back to what it was if not his mood. He looks around, then to Merci. "So. How's your drink? Did you like how Jasper made it?"

Merci placed that smile upon her face that had graced magazine covers and billboards. It was flawless and bright. Cheery and meant to sell something, always. Hopefully this time it would sell the "this nonsense didn't happen tonight" mood she was trying to convey. It had disturbed her, more than a little, to see him so upset so she was trying to right the wrongness of the situation in the only way she really knew how to. "My drink was wonderful. He certainly has a wide array of skills."

G now wore a frown. "I forgot to ask him how to make it. I'll have to do that the next time I see him. Maybe Monday." He looked up to smile at her. At least this time it wasn't so forced, it was hard to be upset when you had such a smile staring back at you.


"I am sure I won't want to drink another one before then, anyway. I am not really much of a drinker, honestly." She scooted her chair a little closer, not that there was much space between them, and shifted so that she was leaning against him with her head just under his shoulder. "Are you going to be okay?"

He reached up and began to run his fingers through her hair slowly. "I'll be fine. Hell, I'll probably forget most of this after I go to sleep, tonight. I'll wake up in the morning and be all 'Something happened last night. Something.. ah well.' or whatever." He chuckled softly.

"Lucky you." Her forced cheer came out as a soft laugh but thankfully he couldn't see her eyes. Those were settled upon the ring where Rhi and Julianna battled it out.

"How about you? You going to be okay?" He continues to pet her. He's staring off at nothing, at the moment, but he's sure she's holding something back. "None of it was true. About other women until Kaja came back, you know. I don't know where she got that idea from."

"I am better than okay. I might be made of tougher stuff than you think I am." She gave his belly a light pinch as she said that. "What did I say about our pasts? What did we talk about last night? You don't owe me an explanation, G'nort. I am not a woman that will punish you for what you did before you met me. There are plenty of others that apparently feel it is their job to do this, however."

She inhaled slowly and exhaled in the same fashion. "Can we discuss something other than this unpleasant business? I believe we were discussing the fact that I am a fantastic ship's captain and I drive your ship quite naturally." Yes, she was still "driving" the ship.

He had to chuckle. He will make a pirate of her yet and says so. "I will make a pirate of you, yet." He decides it may be best to not acknowledge all of the other things she said, in order to demonstrate that he agreed with her that it would be best to let the past remain there, including the evenings unpleasantness. "I was thinking of a nice sail, too."

Perk! "Right now?" Her head lifted from his shoulder so that she could look up at him with that hopeful smile. What better way to forget the stresses of life than to be upon the sea with the wind in your hair, where no one could hear you scream in frustration...er...where there were no people?

He raised a brow at her sudden interest, which, of course, made him smile and encouraged him. "Certainly. We could even go back to the island and spend the weekend swimming in the lagoon, sunning on the beach again, if you like."

"And miss out on all of the wonderful excitement that awaits us?" Sarcasm was generally not Mercedes cup of tea. Between the earlier cursing, the half laying against him in public, and the sarcasm, it was a pretty safe bet that she was a little more bothered than she was letting on. Not for the reason he and others would likely think, however. She meant what she said about not judging him by what he did before he met her. No, what bothered her was a revelation of another sort.

"Will you be able to get away for the entire weekend?" She already knew this answer...he would delegate, delegate, delegate.

"I don't have any commitments, this weekend. So yes, I believe I can get away. How about you? Do you need to tell anyone where you're going, or get any of your things?"

"I should let Corlanthis know so he will not worry about me again. And yes, I would like to pack a few things." Likely a few suitcases. Really. "Luckily that is all in the same place so we can deal with all of that at once and be on our way." She was already sliding from her chair and pushing it to the table. A pointy toed shoe was tapped almost impatiently as she waited for him.

He chuckled at her impatience. Clearly she was eager to go, and that made him all the more eager, as well. So he moved from his chair, pushing it in, and held out his arm for her. "Well then, let's go get you packed and go for a sail."

"Yes, let's do that." Slipping her arm through his, she walked to the door, laughing as she looked up at him. "You realize we are throwing gasoline on the fire, don't you?"

"You do realize, that I don't care. Unless that fire is a metaphor for how hot you are for me." He grinned, leading her up the stairs towards the exit. A smile and he holds open the door for her.

His words were met with an eye roll and a laugh. She moved past him, and out the door.

Taken from live play and edited with permission. Thanks to the player of G.

May 27th.


He had just awakened from being passed out on the deck of his ship, the SpellJammer, after a long night of unloading supplies from GnomCorp for a super secret personal project of a sensitive nature, when he realized that he was late for trying to pick Merci up and get her to exercise for the morning's practice. Okay, since it was so late, he decided that perhaps today can be a cool down day, let her be happy with that.

So, he dressed, cleaned himself up and put on some decent, light clothing for the day and proceeded to leave the ship and head all the way over to Cor's place to pick her up. Perhaps a pleasant breakfast down by the riverside would cheer her up. Then, he could take her places she'd want to go and he could pamper her with a day of what she'd enjoy doing. Something casual.

Merci was up before her alarm even went off. She had already drank her coffee, gotten dressed, and done her twenty minutes of stretching. So, when G showed up at her door, she was ready. On time and motivated for the first time since she had convinced him to train her. She was even sans makeup, perfume, and cute hair this morning. Of course, she still looked beautiful; makeup can only enhance beauty...it cannot create it.

There was a steely determination in those golden amber eyes this morning, made more prominent by the no nonsense ballerina bun at her crown. So, imagine her surprise when she opened the door and there he stood in normal clothing and not workout clothing. Well formed brows were arched as she regarded him silently for a moment before offering a smile of greeting.

Regardless of her mindset, G was standing there and that alone had an almost anti-depressant effect on her."Good morning."

A charming smile greeted her as soon as she opened the door. He was always happy to see her and her affect was that of immediate cheering up. As if just being around her made everything better. He gave her the once over, looking up, then down and back up before switching his smile to one of mischievousness. He reached up to place his arm on one side of the doorway and then leaned against it, hand in his pocket as he kept giving her that smile. "Good morning, beautiful. You seem ready for one hell of a workout. However, I thought we might.. go with a relaxing day, today. You've been going at it pretty hard, so, time for a break."

He smiled, moving up to her and sliding his arms around her waist. He looked down at her as it he was going to kiss her, but waited. "Does that sound like a good plan today?"

She felt what she always felt when he smiled at her, without fail...every single time; her heart beat just a little faster and harder and her breath caught in her chest, though not visibly. He likely knew exactly what he did to her pulse, though probably not to her actual heart-- the emotional one.

"Beautiful? Like this?" Merci laughed softly before nodding in response to his observation. "Yes, I thought we could add a couple of miles to our run this morning and maybe go to the Arena and do bleacher sprints."

It took her a moment to comprehend what he was saying about having a relaxing day. He, of course, had no idea what had occurred last night and therefore had no idea at just how fired up she was. Motivated didn't even begin to describe her mindset this morning. "A...break? Now?" She frowned a little. She had some serious aggression that needed to be worked off.



Once his arms were around her, he was able to penetrate the wards to Cor's house and step inside with her backstepping in sync with his movements. An arm slipped up and around his neck and her head tilted back a little as she anticipated his face lowering for that kiss...that he didn't deliver.

"If that is what you want to do, that sounds fine. Just give me a couple of hours to run and do a quick workout and then we can do whatever you want." She lifted up on tiptoes and kissed the corner of his lips.This definitely didn't sound like Mercedes...the same one that had practically begged him to let her go back to bed the morning before. The same one that had been dragging her feet and behaving spitefully every morning they worked out.


This didn't sound like the same Mercedes he knew, the one who had to decide between sex or working out in order to get the day off before settling on working out when he called her bluff. When she went to kiss the side of his lips, he turned his head so he could get the full mouth kiss that he wanted. He had only been holding off so that he could keep looking at her. His head tilted afterwards though, and he raised a brow, curious now. "You.. want to work out?" That surprised him a little. He thought for sure that she'd emphatically enjoy the relaxing day...

"If you want to work out, then.. sure. But instead of running, we can work on upper body strength, core, and basic maneuvers." He chuckled. "That way I won't have to get changed, and you'll still get a heavy dose of exercise in." He stopped for a moment and pulled back, though still holding onto her hips. Sensing something was not exactly right. "You okay? What's up?"


After a few moments of just enjoying his closeness and that kiss that, as usual, made her knees want to buckle, she pulled back and nodded. "Yes, I want to work out. I need to work out. And then I need to have some time with my man, relaxing." Hey, if he could call her his girl, she could call him her man.

She nodded at his suggestion for their agenda. "That sounds good. Let's go!" She started to move away and towards the door again but felt the resistance as he held onto her hips. With shoulders shrugging, she looked up at him, though not quite as directly as she had been."Yes, I'm fine. Just feeling a little aggressive this morning is all." She forced a smile and was finally able to meet his gaze. Trying to quickly change the subject, "So...what did you have in mind today in regards to our relaxation?"

May 27th

The day had been full: a workout heavy in strength training and boxing followed by lunch upon the riverbank, perusing the marketplace and then the more upscale boutiques in New Haven before finally stopping to pick up dinner.

"I need a higher protein diet since I am now trying to build a little more muscle. You are a meat eater, what do you recommend and where do we get it?" They were strolling along, arm-in-arm, with Merci's head leaned against G's shoulder. Like the gentleman he had always shown himself to be, he was carrying the numerous bags that contained various items that they could not pass up..

The day had indeed been eventful. While he wouldn't outright say it, he loved watching her workout. Something about the sweaty, ready to put up a fight look, that made her seem more primal. It was a good look for her. More to that, once they were done and were simply spending time together, he was happier. He just liked being around her.

He thought about her question a moment as they strolled quietly along, he would occasionally bump her hip with his. "Well, steaks have lots of protein. But if you don't want to go that route, eggs are a cheaper alternative. There's also special drinks that are specifically for those who are trying to bulk up through weightlifting. If you don't want to worry about eating, the drinks are probably the best way to go." He looked down at her. "I don't think you have to worry about gaining weight though." He chuckles.

There had been a few moments during that intense workout that she had been ready to scream at him because he was pushing her past what she thought she could handle. His manner of teaching was firm and didn't offer wiggle room for excuses or whining, both of which she had excelled at prior to today. She didn't need coddling, she needed someone to push her because he believed in her more than she believed in herself.

That was exactly what he did, though at the time, her body was exhausted and she was sure she couldn't throw one more punch. In that moment, she had looked up him, as he held the punching bag, ready to give up...and saw him staring at her with -that- look. The growled complaint died on her lips before it could be spoken and she dug deeper within herself for just an ounce more stamina, just a few more rounds. When he finally told her to stop, she felt a sense of pride in herself that was so much deeper than the typical confidence she felt due to her appearance.

"Okay shakes and eggs are fine but what are we going to eat now? I am ravenous! I'm buying, so pick whatever you want."

?Then, you get to try out something I bought you while you were looking through the ladies' lingerie at that last boutique." She winked up at him, smiling a little impishly at whatever humor was dancing through her mind.

He had been impressed that she had always continued to push herself on, despite the occasional whine or complaint. She had done everything he asked, told her to do. He could tell when she needed to stop or change exercises so that she didn't overdo it. She was coming along nicely, which was another reason for the reward day. And he was rewarded with her determination to continue her routine, even though he didn't know the reason yet.

He chuckled at her wanting to eat something and he had to think about it a few moments. "Hmm, I don't know. Perhaps something a little light? I don't want to duel tonight on a full stomach. Maybe a chicken Caesar?" He grins at her, raising a brow as she has something for him. "Oh? You bought me something? I hope that it's flattering to my fabulous form!" He did a little hip swish and limp wrist over his head move to compliment that statement. Then he grinned at her. "I might have bought something for you, too. Though, I don't know when I'll get to see you in it."


She arched a brow at his choice for dinner but her smile became a little forced, only for the moment it took before she was able to muster up the proper enthusiasm, however. "So, you are eating rabbit food like I normally eat and I want to be carnivorous like you normally are. Amusing." She laughed a little before adding, "Oh, you are dueling tonight?"

She moved right on with the conversation, not dwelling on that question. "Yes, I bought you something that will look quite flattering on your fabulous form!" She tried not to turn into a child on a birthday...and failed. "What did you buy me? I want to see it right now!" She halted their progress and stopped in the middle of the sidewalk, much to the chagrin of several people that had to abruptly alter their course.

He laughed, pushing away from her a bit as if to hold out the bags away from her so she couldn't start rummaging through them. The topic of food and dueling now pushed to the background, he was more amused at her reaction to the fact he got her something. "Oh no. It's for a special occasion. I mean, I'll give it to you, eventually, but it's something I'm going to want to see you in. Two somethings, really. One for wearing in private, one for everywhere else. You'll see. So.. rabbit food? Mine will have dead animal in it."

She made grabby hands for that specific bag, teasingly whining when he held it away from her. Fingers tickled along his ribs as she stepped closer, momentarily distracted by the fact that they were so close, but the love of presents won out. "You do realize that I model lingerie quite frequently, right? I don't have a problem wearing whatever you bought. You are allowed...no, encouraged...to look all you want to." She made one last attempt to swipe at a bag before giving up. "Excellent...let's go eat dead animal. An entire one."

continued...

Well, they could always eat something from the galley, leftovers or something quickly made would satiate the hunger after they further relaxed. Not to mention the wine might also help settle the stomach. And he wasn't complaining about that. The idea of her in the tub, bubbles, laying against him in the hot water was something to truly look forward to. The mental image created almost made him shiver. "If you're sure.. I'm not about to complain."

"Good. Let's race." Did she really say that? Oh yes. Totally. Different. Mercedes. Today. She didn't even give him the chance to answer before she was sprinting down the sidewalk.

She was at a clear advantage. Not only because she took off early, but because he was carrying all the bags! "Hey, no fair!" He laughed as he took off after her.

"All is fair in love and war!" She called over her shoulder, laughing almost hysterically at the image of him trying to run while carrying all of those bags. She actually slowed down a little to let him catch up just a little then took off again with a renewed burst of speed. She wasn't strong--yet...but she was fast. This was a trait honed to perfection while surviving on the streets and her body revelled in the feel of power in her legs that spurred her onward towards the docks.

It wasn't as if they were heavy. Just awkward and a bit wind resistant, batting about as he ran after her. Of course, he'd get close and then she'd take off. "I'm a natural sprinter, but I'm wasted on cross country! " He laughed.

"You need to work on your stamina then..." She called back to him once when he was close enough to hear, laughing because there were so many ways he could take that comment. Also, he had said much the same thing to her when he first started training her.

"Pah, my stamina is just fine! And I'll show you stamina, you've never complained before!" Dash, dash.

Once they reached the seedier part of the docks she halted her running, nearly abruptly and waited for him to catch up. She wasn't foolish enough to go down there, even for a minute or two, alone in the dark. Not after what had occurred last time.

"Hurrrrry....I need to be out of these clothes! Bubbles and hot water to ease the ache from my muscles...speed it up!" Her voice was too light for him to even need to wonder if she was really being bossy or just teasingly rushing him along.

He finally catches up to her, not out of breath, but shifts the bags around a little bit. Then he chuckles at her, shaking his head as he stops. "I want you out of those clothes. But I have allllll these bags! How will I ever unlock the doors to the ship?" Mock exasperation!

"I can break in for you." She let that slip, without thinking, as she was in far too light-hearted of a mood. She covered the slip up with a laugh and a wave of her hand. "I mean, really...I could try to. Or, I just could hold some bags and let you unlock it?"

He hadn't read too much into that statement, it could mean anything from kicking the door down to picking locks. He just chuckled. "Ha. Yeah, holding bags would be the best plan there. Cuts down on the chance for damage!"

Oh she definitely didn't mean kicking down the door and there wouldn't be any damage but she was -obviously- not going to tell him that, now that she had herself under control. Melodramatic feigned sigh, "I suppose, if I must then I must."

He laughs, holding the dozen or so small bags on his right hand to her so that he can be freed to reach into his pocket and retrieve the keys.

She took the bags and immediately seized her opportunity to try to figure out what he bought her! Tricky woman!

Trickier guy. Think he'd just hand over the ones he bought? No way. He's smarter than that and he pushes the door open with a sly grin as he catches her in the act of rummaging.

Outback 5-28

Opens the door to the Outback, holding it open for Mercedes. "And then, the tree came crashing down, causing a little catapult action, sending the cat flying through the air and SPLAT! Right against the wall. Who says they always land on their feet?

Mercedes stepped past G, looking up at him as he finished the story. "Oh the poor cat! I cannot believe you were using a -cat- to test that theory! Why not...a gnome?" Of course he already knew her distrust of gnomes.

"Well, Gnomes tend to know when they're being tested on, so you gotta be more clever. Cats put up less fight. " He chuckled.

"Did you cut off the whiskers first too?"

"No, of course not. I didn't want to be cruel to the beast!"

"No, of course you didn't." He was given a bit of a smirk before she laughed and made her way further into the Outback and to the bar.

He smiled and followed her in, over to where she went and took a seat at the bar with her. He gave Rekah and Jasper a big, happy smile, being that he was in such a good mood.

Merci waved at Jasper, Rekah, and Kheldar all of whom she had seen numerous times then watched the interaction between the child and the caller for a moment before looking back to G and his big smile. She couldn't help but snicker about this, sliding her hand from her lap to rest upon his leg.

Jasper sent a smile over to Mercedes and a manly nod given to G'nort.

G grinned then leaned slightly against her, smiling "So, what have you to drink tonight?"

Grunts for Jasper. "Hey, J. What was the name of the drink I was going to name your thingie? The one you made for my girl?"

"I was just getting ready to ask you the same thing." He was given a light kiss to the tip of his nose before she slipped from the barstool, smoothed down her skirt, and made her way around to the server side of the bar where she was greeted with a most happy display of order and perfection. Muttered under her breath, "I really need to see if I can hire him to fix my closet..."

"Fabulous Fae Choco Dreamsickle?" he thinks "Sounds tasty."

"Chocolate dream." Jasper had no idea, but hey.. it sounded good.

"Heavenly Chocolate Dream...that sounds like a good name," she interjected without being asked. This might seem like no big deal to most, but it was a sign of progress that Merci was coming out of her shell. Returning to look over the drink selection,"G, what would you like to drink?"

Jasper also liked Mercedes' name for the drink, a grin dashed her way.

He smiled and thought about it for a moment. "I don't know. Perhaps a little Red Wine? Like you'd drink in a bath or something. How does that sound? " He couldn't hide his grin.

"That sounds fantastic actually." There was a ridiculous grin plastered upon her features that very much matched his own. She begins to peruse the "W" section. "Whiskey-Jack Daniels, Whiskey-Jim Beam, Wine-Cabernet Sauvignon, Wine-Merlot, Wine-Pinot Noir, Wine-Sangiovese. Wow...they do have a pretty good selection here, you were right when you said Caedia only stocked the best. Especially this Pinot noir."

She pulled the bottle and two wine glasses, uncorked the bottle and filled each glass a quarter full. His was placed in front of him. Her purse was pulled from the bartop and coins removed and placed into the till.

He smiled and winked to her when she slid the drink in front. He chuckled, thinking of the last time he had wine and nodded. "Thank you much, my dear. I'm sure Caed has the good stuff hidden, and this is more for us regular folk." Chuckles.

"If she has better than the Pinot Noir, I will pay a hefty tip on top of the price of the bottle. I haven't had that since I arrived here." She hadn't actually been out and about all that much either.

"I'm sure she can get anything by request. If anyone has shady connections, it's Caedia. She's devious." He nods, seriously.

"Except she doesn't really like me much because of our little joke about my jaw. Soooo..." Fingers crept across the bar and up his arm as she drew that word out. "Maybe you could sweet talk her to order a few cases for you? I will pay whatever."

Here was proof that she wasn't a gold digger just after G's money...she planned to pay for this herself! Just like she did everything. Ms. Independent.

"Oh come on. What kind of a man would I be for you if I made you pay for something like that? Ask me again."

"You would be a smart man. Which you are. Smart men know not to start off a relationship spending all of their money on a beautiful woman or she will expect it. Then you never know if she is using you for your money or just for your body." She should be scandalized at how easily she said that where others could hear.

"I am quite happy with you being sure that I am using you for your body and not your money." -That- was a joke between the two due to his reputation. Sort of a Boomerang type of thing.

"Well, I certainly am hoping you're getting your money's worth for my body." He laughed, winking. "Old and near broken down that it is."

Arena 6/2

Comes on in, down the stairs and heading to a nearby area and glances around as if looking for someone special to him, someone who holds a dear place in his heart. "I must be early."

Mercedes nearly ran down the steps, hating to be late. She looked around, chewing at her lower lip until she finally saw G. Taking a moment to compose herself, she smoothed hands down over the skirt of her dress then through her hair. If she thought she could do so without being seen, she would have reapplied her lipstick.

Slow, confident steps carried her to where he stood and he was offered a flashy grin. "Buy a girl a drink even though she nearly stood you up?"

He can't help but smile upon seeing her., turning and leaning against the bar. "Maybe I will buy her two." He raises a hand and holds three fingers up to order drinks with a smile.

Dip of Rachael?s raven haired head to G'nort. "Monsieur G'nort." Then a dip of raven haired head to G'nort's lady.

A nod to G. "Evenin' sirrah." He raised his glass in polite greeting. Last time they spoke had become...tense.

G nods a return greeting to Rachael. ?Hey.?

"Evening." To Roderick, same reason.

"Y'know, G, these youngsters jes' donnae listen t'ye." Chuckling, then a small sip o' scotch.

A glance over towards Roderick with a raised brow, "What makes you think the so-called 'old-timers' listen to me any better? "No one listens to me. So it's not big deal."

"Maybe she would let you..." was her low reply against his ear as she leaned in to kiss his jaw. Being ever-polite, she leaned back so he could have his conversation with the accented man. She nodded towards the Watch woman in return greeting.

"Well, et was youngsters duelin' wot jes' slashed. An' most o' the auld timers are 'ard o' 'earin'." Roderick replied. "An? I dinnae like slashin' cause et's just nae guid duelin' sense. Tha's all. Like thrustin' every other round."

Merci tried not to bristle at the comments about youngsters. Considering she was new to dueling, she took minor offense. "I listen to you," she grinned a little. "...about that, anyway."

"It's good to hear someone does." He grins and nudges her with his elbow. "Though we're going to have to work on tactics and strategy soon."

"You speak evil with those lovely lips of yours, Sir." Feigned huff before he was given a smile once again. "Tactics and strategy...sounds exactly how I want to spend a Saturday night."

He laughs, shaking his head as the drinks are delivered, sliding two to her and taking one for himself. "I didn't say tonight. I just said 'Soon.? There's a bit of a difference." He chuckles.

"I was not being sarcastic, darling."

"Oh, you were being literal? " He raises a brow and grins. "Just what kind of tactics were you thinking about?"

She looked around then back to G. "We will speak of this later." Ever proper. Or nearly so.

"Oh but of course!"

"So, where were we?" He takes a sip of his drink.

"You were just about to tell me how much you missed me and how you wished you had my smile to brighten your day while you were working." She was unashamed of how flirtatiously she was batting her lashes as she settled her hand upon his bicep.

He took a look at the hand on his arm and broke into a charming smile. "Well, that goes without saying, to be honest. Perhaps if I had a picture on my desk.."

"Are you still trying to finagle one of my portfolio photos?" Fake sigh. "Fine. You have broken me down with your charm. You may choose whichever one you like the best."

"Maybe one of those lingerie ones..."

"Whichever one you want. However..." She grinned slyly. "It will cost you." Oh look...a woman after his own heart!

Yes, indeed. He loved these negotiation tactics. That was something she didn't have to work on! "Oh really? And what is your price?" He chuckled.

"You will owe me something that I ask for at a later date." Lifts her drink for a sip, gazing at him from over the rim of her wine glass with those gleaming amber eyes.

He chuckled and took a sip as well. "Really? Something at a later date? Well I must say, I prefer to know what costs are up front. Could you give me, perhaps, a round about figure, hmm?"

"Well, I suppose I could just hold onto my photograph and your desk will remain bleak and the room drab without my countenance to brighten it." Leaning now against the bar, casually.

"You could. But that would be unfair. Unfair to deprive me of your lovely face staring back at me whenever my day seemed bleak and without life. Is it not fair to have a general idea of a price, when asked, hmm?" Grins, knowing full well that this style of negotiation could come back and bite him later on.

I Need an Assistant 5/31

He is sitting on the deck of the Jammer, having left her taking a nap after a morning of seafaring experiences. They were just coming into the dock, so the ship was running quiet and coasting the rest of the way, so he didn't think there was a need to bother her just yet. Soon enough, though, he could wake her and they could make their plans for the evening. Perhaps go bother some people in the Arena or go out and have dinner at a nice place. Either way, just being with her would please him greatly.

After docking, he came into the bedroom to check in on her and smiled as he saw her half awake, splayed out under the covers and looking extremely relaxed. He leaned against the doorway and crossed his arms over his chest. "Good afternoon, sleepyhead. Gonna sleep the rest of the day away?"

?Mm. I might.? Languid limbs stretched, bronzed and bare, before she lifted to rest upon her elbows. Amber hued gaze lifted to those green eyes that were always so full of life. ?We aren?t back to RhyDin already, are we?? Lips down turned into a bit of a pouting frown, indicating her disapproval of returning to their chaotic lives.

"Just got settled into port, m'dear. For a moment I was worried it woke you. But, glad you got your rest." He smiled as she rose a bit, liking the way she looked in that position. He moved from the door way and came over to sit on the edge of the bed, leaning down to give her a soft kiss.

"Don't worry, We'll be going out again before too long. By out, I mean out to sea. By too long, I'm thinking.. soon." He chuckled, reaching up and brushing aside a few of those sleep mussed strands of hair that only made her look sexier. Besides, Rhydin's such a Dull, Boring place. Nothing exciting ever happens here."

?Excitement isn?t what I crave. Time with you is.? Still pouting a little, mostly for his benefit. She turned her head to the side to kiss the inside of his wrist as he brushed aside her hair. ?We will get back and our schedules will rule our lives and there will be less time to just savor one another?s presence.? Sitting up more fully, she leaned towards the side of the bed where he sat next to her, and layed her head against his shoulder.

?Don?t be surprised if someday I just kidnap you and take you away for some grand adventure.? A teasing smile touched her lips briefly before they pressed to his collarbone.

He gave a little groan of enjoyment as she kissed his collarbone, shifting so that he could let one arm slide around her to give her more of him to lean against. He smiled and looked up slightly as he imagined what kinds of trouble they could get into. "That doesn't sound like half a bad idea. A nice little getaway to who knows where."

Since she was sitting up, he couldn't help but let his eyes trail over her body as she moved closer to him. He shook his head and chuckled softly. "You can't delegate your modeling career like I give everything to Mai?" He laughed, running fingers through her hair."You're so adorable. There's not much we can't get away with."

There was a little triumphant gleam sparking within those amber eyes as she heard him groan. If this had been a swordfight she would have just drawn first blood. That was always an excellent occurrence. Of course, the moment of competitiveness was over as quickly as it sparked and she leaned in closer to him as his arm sipped around her.

?Not a bad idea at all. Just you and me and no responsibilities to speak of.? She couldn?t say ?no worries? because the two of them would likely uncover a serpent?s nest of worries and cares while they were away. She was far too curious for her own well being and he was far too protective of her safety as well as just being recklessly brave.

She didn?t attempt to shield her body from his gaze. Since they were alone, there wasn?t any need to now that their relationship had changed. ?I sort of have to be there, G?nort. Though, I have been toying with the idea of hiring an agent to take care of the details that bore me. Not that it would free me up enough to disappear with you for an indefinite period of time, but it would be some freedom at least.?

Sliding across the few inches of bed that remained between them, she situated herself into his lap much like a baby being cradled. Dimples flashed as she smiled sweetly up at him. ?I?m not sure if anyone has told you this...but you are pretty adorable as well. But exactly what would we be trying to get away with? If you are planning to take over rulership of another group of island people, I am probably going to be forced to be unhappy with you since that would be taking more time away from what you should be doing, which is adoring me.? Did G realize that he had his hands full when dealing with her?

He reached down and began stroking his fingers through her hair, slowly as he looked her over. Pursed his lips in thought a moment and then looked back to her. "You know. If you're going to be working, and I'm going to be working, it means we will only have the nights to see each other. I can adjust to that, since, you know, I've always been working for, like, ever. How about you? Can you live without seeing my shining, handsome face that long each day? Without the feel of me in your arms? Hmm? He chuckled softly, teasing her.

?Oh I am sure there are tons of those types out there just waiting for me to snap them up.? Merci grinned at his admission of delegating to Mai. ? Now you realize why I haven?t hired you as my assistant. I don?t want everything delegated to Mai. She is a demon woman that would have me working harder than I was prior to getting an assistant.? She giggled lightly as she reclined more in his arms, fingers brushing lightly over his shoulder and up his neck before a light tap was given to his chin, followed by a peck of a kiss where her finger had tapped.

?Your schedule has always permitted you time to spend with me. Can you not rearrange things occasionally if I get a sudden break and show up at your office?? Oh, look at the pout affected upon those plush lips; she was definitely trying to get what she wanted. ?You know, I will work time for you into my schedule any opportunity I am afforded. Her lashes lowered and her voice softened barely enough for him to know she wasn?t teasing now. ?Because...I don?t think I can make it through entire days without you, G?nort.? It sounded silly to a man such as G, perhaps.

That confession was enough to make the normally confident diva feel like cringing; it made her vulnerable which was something she didn?t enjoy feeling. Yet, she had placed herself in that position anyway, because she didn?t want to play emotional games with a man that had been played with so many times before.

"Well of course I can rearrange things. That's what power comes with being me. I can pretty much do anything I want, whenever I want, however I want." He smiled at the kiss. While she meant it, he was assuming that her statement about being unable to go for days without him were intended as a bit of sarcastic humor, teasing him to make him feel more self-important. Either way, it made him smile wider. "Not to mention all the vacation days, and travelling days, beach days, island days, sailing days and.. hot, passionate, lust filled nights.." Yeah, he just had to throw in that last one, there, referring to how insatiable she'd become of late. He didn't mind.

"And don't be too harsh on Mai. Sure, she's a demonic, dragon-lady or something.. I mean, I haven't quite figured out what she is. She won't let me take a blood sample. But, she's efficient and very good at what she does. I swear, she'd stop an invading army by crossing her arms over her chest and just staring them down." He couldn't repress a sudden shudder.

"Hey, we have time today. Since I adore you and like spending so much time with you, what would you like to do today? If you want to stay in, I'm good with that. Plus, you wouldn't have to get dressed!" He was a bit playful, it seemed, even as he continued to pet her.

?Being you must be a wonderful job to have then.? A little smile was offered as he seemingly skirted around her little confession of beginning to grow attached to him. It was likely something he wouldn?t want to hear, and she mentally kicked herself for even saying something so silly. These thoughts moved through her mind in the quick span of time between him smiling and his resumption of speaking about all of the days they would have together, so the change in her expression was very brief.

The wall around her heart was erected once more, not as a punishment to him, but simply because that is the way she dealt with the world; in safety, behind that emotional wall. She was so skilled at guarding herself that he would likely not even notice a difference in her demeanor or the application of one of her rehearsed smiles. Smiling brightly, she nodded once. ?It all sounds perfect. Especially those passion filled nights. That is the highlight of this plan, after all.? Forcing that last sentence caused a moment of pause as it was an outright lie, but then she was moving onto the next topic smoothly.

?Oh, I never doubted her efficiency at all. I also do not doubt that she could stop an invading army in just the way you suggest.? She laughed lightly, picturing Mai doing just that.

?Hm, what to do with our free time today...what to do, what to do. I will assume that your vote includes anything that doesn?t require me wearing clothing,? He was flashed a dimpled smile. ?So, I think you should decide what we do and I will play along.?

'That's what I love about you, Merc. You let me make all the tough decisions, when all I wanna do is just be with you, in my arms. He chuckled, there wasn't any sarcasm in there. He genuinely liked being around this woman, and couldn't really explain why. Until he could figure it out, that's why he was avoiding acknowledgement of either of them being attached. There was that little worry about moving too fast. Undoubtedly, the time would come when he would realize just how much she did mean to him. Then she would be able to say, freely, how much he meant to her.

"How about, we stay here, few clothes, I make lunch, we sit on deck in the sun, and just bask in each others presence? Hmm?" It was a simple plan, that allowed for any changes or desires to do something else to come along and distract them. He did take the opportunity to glance down at her again, partially covered only in the bed sheet. He hummed a moment. "I wonder if you know just how good you look right now."

Several hours later, as she lay curled against his side with her cheek pressed to his chest, she laughed softly. "I wouldn't exactly call what we just did being lazy, G. I feel that you have misnamed this day."

He chuckled, petting her hair with a slow and gentle ease, having enjoyed those several hours with her in bed. He grinned down at her. ?Well, there was a few lazy moments in there. Though yes, I think a lot of the activity was definitely, most assuredly, -not- lazy." He laughed, letting his hand slide down her back, trailing his fingers along her spine as she remained against him.

"Mmm. I suppose it's a little late for lunch now. I figure it's early afternoon now. Maybe a snack, some tea or something. There's still several hours of daylight left for us to relax on the deck and catch some rays. If you're interested in still doing that, I mean." He grinned, and his feet were suddenly attacking hers lightly.

Merci laughed. ?Those few moments you call laziness were mere moments to regain my breath.? A hand trailed languidly up and down his side as she yawned.

?Mm. Some sun and a swim sound great...Hey!? She had been about to say that they couldn?t stay in bed forever when her feet were suddenly under attack. Being highly ticklish made her retaliate by maneuvering to try to pin his legs with her feet pressed atop his. Laughing, ?Someone is suddenly full of energy!?

"I remember having a few moments like that, as well!" Chuckling, then she was fighting leg against leg, her feet putting his down on the bed. He grinned and squeezed her side with the free hand. "Well, I always have a bit of energy when I'm with you. What I was talking about, was that I didn't want to do any kinds of work today. Kind of a vacation day. Though I don't know about swimming here. The Rhydin waters are a bit on the dirtier side. Maybe we should go back out to sea?" He grinned again.

The thought of continuously spending time away with her was one he completely enjoyed. He hasn't felt this relaxed in a while and she was the one who was taking a lot of weight off his shoulders. He was more than happy to take her away and keep her with him. If just for these "Lazyday" types of activities. He grinned at her. "I've already got your 'suit' in mind for when we lay on deck."

As soon as she knew she won the foot war, she eased up on pinning him then stretched to press a kiss to his jaw. ?Really, we can go back out to sea? I don?t have anything scheduled today, so feel free to abduct me!? She was like a child being given a present, full of happy smiles.

She was more at ease when he was near than when he wasn?t. It was quite a confusing feeling for Mercedes, and she did her best to pretend this wasn?t the case. ?Any excuse to get out of RhyDin for a little longer is a good one. Besides, I don?t want to swim in dirty water.?

Well defined dark brows were lifted. ?Oh do you now? You do realize it has to actually have material and be a swimsuit?? That wasn?t really a requirement, but she had to put up some resistance at some point, didn?t she? Otherwise, he would likely get too egotistical to deal with.

"Consider yourself abducted then. Listen, I gotta tell you.." He smiled at the kissing to his jaw, reaching both arms around her to keep her held against him, enjoying her presence. "I really like spending all this time with you. If you want to go anywhere, at any time, just let me know, and I will arrange things so we can escape to places where there will only be the two of us, together. And I like it that way."

He smiled, then slowly sat up as he released her, because they wouldn't be able to go anywhere if they stayed in this position. A couple of hours in each others naked arms wouldn't allow them to leave port again. "Isla de Flores is still, as far as I know, our private place. Perfect for swimming with those white beaches and clear water. If you are up for it, I know I am. And, well.. I wasn't talking about a swimsuit. We don't need those for swimming."

She wasn?t sure what to say to the offer of taking her anywhere she wanted to go at any time. ? I will arrange things so we can escape to places where there will only be the two of us, together. And I like it that way,? What was she supposed to say to that? Lashes were blinked slowly as she struggled to keep her guard in place. She finally decided she couldn?t really say anything in response to that.

?Excellent. Being abducted to Isla de Flores sounds perfect.? She held onto him for one last lingering moment, pressing her lips to his almost tenderly before drawing back quickly and laughing away her sudden self-consciousness. She sat up, drawing the sheet to cover herself.

?You do realize that someone has to own that island. I don?t think land that is easily accessible stays unoccupied. I would like to discover, someday soon, exactly who it is that owns our private paradise.?

Brows were arched as she chuckled. ?No swimsuits? Fine by me. I don?t require one to swim.? It wasn?t as if he hadn?t seen her nude before anyway. They were at a place in their relationship where they were extremely comfortable with one another in most ways, this was one of those ways.

He couldn't stop himself from chuckling now. He just held her at arm's length and grinned at her. "Sweetheart. Why go all the way out there just to come back later that night? There's no Demon-Beast Zannifar, no Shabranigdo, and No Bonbons. It's just an Island. Probably owned. Mostly deserted except for local flora and fauna. If there was something there, I'm sure we'd've heard of it or saw 'Keep Out' signs. It's completely safe!" Which is to say, it's only as safe as he thinks. Who knows what other creatures or people lurk on this or other nearby islands. But, he liked that place, it was romantic, and he wanted to go back there often. It's their Island.

Merci?s golden amber eyes suddenly looked like molten gold as she stared at him. Her full lips were flattened and downturned into a severe frown. ?I will be getting off of the ship as soon as I can get dressed. Would you please refrain from leaving the dock before that time?? Molten gold turned cold as ice.

She drew back from him, pulling her arms from his grasp. G knew enough of Merci?s temperament, at this point in their relationship, to know she was not going to budge from this line of thought. She wasn?t going to that island unless he kidnapped her...and if he kidnapped her, he had better be sure she didn?t get out of her restraints or she would claw out his eyes.

She let the sheet slide from her body as she stepped away from the bed, uncaring that he was being given a full view of her backside. Her clothes were yanked from the folded pile upon a chair and she began to dress, muttering under her breath in rapid Portuguese. Oh yes, she was unhappy!

She finally looked over at him, switching to Common once she stopped ranting. ?You tell me I will be safe with you and that you will not let it get me. But you lie because you would intentionally take me into danger. The fact that you are laughing about this greatly upsets me.? Pausing momentarily to pull a sundress over her head.

?You may choose not to believe Boitata lives on the island but I refuse to stay there. Not on the island. I would stay on the ship but that would not be acceptable to you. Because...because...you enjoy danger!?

The situation was quite comical, the way she poked a finger at him and accused him of something so ?horrendous? as...enjoying danger. Duh, he was a pirate adventurer, of course he enjoyed danger.

It -Was- comical. He leaned back on both hands, lounging on the bed and getting an appreciative view of her as she walked to her clothes. He let her rant and rave and just nodded along with it. Then, she would -dare- to accuse him of Enjoying danger! How could she! He feigned being wounded and pursed his lips as he then leaned forward. "Enjoy? En.. enjoy Danger? Me?" Aghast.

"Okay, maybe I enjoy danger a little bit. But that's not the point. Think about it, you're being terrified of a creature that you've heard stories of. From where? You gotta remember, you're not there anymore, you're here in Rhydin. You're more likely to get your head bit off by a dragon or have your blood sucked by some sweet little Vampiress just walking down the street to the Red Dragon, than you are to encounter some demon from stories from your childhood." He laughed softly. Surely his logic would work here, right? Right?? He pulled the sheets from off of him and then turned to sit on the edge of the bed, letting his forearms rest on his knees as he leaned forward and watched her.

Her eyes were narrowed and he was given one of those looks that sane men dread and never -ever- try to provoke. G, obviously, was not exactly sane. He was provoking a superstitious, Brazilian woman while she was already angry.

?Yes, I dare. I dare...I DARE! It is the point! You are dangerous and therefore you will not understand the seriousness of this situation.?

Merci stopped talking for a moment as she grabbed sandals from the floor and began to slip them on; looking up as she did so while squinting at him. ?Do not think to use my fear of RhyDin?s monsters to distract me from the fact that I AM NOT STAYING ON THAT ISLAND!?

Trying to reason with Merci when she was this wound up would not get G the results he desired. She began ranting quietly in Portuguese again, this time about choosing a crazy, dangerous man to give her heart to.

Outback 6/4


Strolls on into the Outback, holding the door open for his Girlfriend, Mercedes, who is adored by him. "And then, once they lifted all that weight off the one side, the board didn't have any resistance. So of course it ended up acting like a catapult, and it took a good seven minutes for the poor fellow to finally land."

Okay, so they aren't boyfriend/girlfriend yet, but they'll talk about it.

"Well, that is some catapulting action, if I ever heard tell of it." Not that Merci had much experience or working knowledge of catapults. She slipped past him, smiling as moved, "Are you sure you aren't too upset that I changed my mind at the last minute and ruined our plans? For once, I just didn't feel like sitting there and behaving civilized. I would like to sit here and try beer out of a bottle and cheer very loudly as people bleed." Everyone watch! G is about to fall over dead from shock.

Merci lifted the hem of her dress up to avoid any of the disgusting unknown goo upon the floor. They were far too overdressed for the Outback, though that wasn?t intentional.

He takes a moment to stop at look at her. Beer? Bottle? No wine or glass? Who was this woman. He turns to follow her, shaking his head to clear it. "No.. those formal functions can be so tedious. I much prefer these quieter environments.." Ha.. quiet, right.
"Did I hear you right and you want to cheer as people bleed?"

"Yes, lovely. I want to cheer loudly while I drink beer from a bottle." While in a formal gown. It is possible that she had been hit on the head and was experiencing personality changing head trauma.

"Hey Merci?" As he leads her to the bar area, gesturing to an empty stool for her to sit.

"Mm?" She was on a straight path for the bar, moving as quickly as she could in those heels. "I'm going to...get smashed. Is that how they say it?"

"It is. But, like, before you do and I still have you sober enough.. You want to be my official girlfriend? Like, commitment and all? No others?" And we watch as G turns into a teenager all of a sudden.

A glance was sent aside towards G, but more importantly to his lady friend. At Mercedes' plan of getting smashed Lizzie had to offer a cheerful thumbs up. It was a good plan! Now the pair were getting smooshy. Gag. Back to smacking the bar with her skateboard. "Destroy him, Candy!!"

"I mean, if not, it's cool, you know. We got a good thing going on now. Just, you know. Thought I'd bring it up and all. If you're interested. If not, I am okay with it staying as is and all." She's gonna need a six pack, now. Just to start.

Lizzie?s fingers sank to her lips to give off a whistle. "Hell yeah!"

She stopped. In mid stride. "You want to talk about this right now, G'nort?" She stared at him for a moment, thinking he was obviously joking around. "This is how you deem to punish me for being indecisive about what I want to do after making you dress up? That isn't much of a punishment."

She was suddenly distracted by Lizzie's loud whistle and cheering. The girl was flashed a smile before Merci turned her attention back to G. "Like that...I am going to cheer just like that. LOUDLY!" She even practiced using a loud voice. "Anyway, if you are just joking...it is highly inappropriate to do such a thing as this in public." She still didn't think he was serious, having always believed he was anything but attached enough to want exclusivity.

You know those scenes in anime, where the boy is with his crush, and the crush says something that kills that boy, and the screen goes black and white with two bars on the top and bottom of the screen. Then the face of the boy turns chibi style and blank with just white eyes and open mouth and the sweatdrop appears because he's crushed? That's G right now.

Of course, on the Outside, he has that false cheerful facade. Comes with not usually being so serious, like he was at this moment. But time to play it off until they get alone, maybe. She wanted to drink and cheer and he'd support that. So instead, he does that nervous chuckle with the hand behind his head scratching. "Ah heh, heh. Yeah. Cheer like that. Umm.. that wasn't a punishment. I was.. well.. serious.. but. Yeah anyway!! Beer!"

She lifted the beer, looked at the bottle then shrugged and tipped it up for a few gulps of beer. Gulping was definitely not ladylike. She gave G a thumbs up. "So, I am going to shed this wimpy image. Is this helping?"

Lifts the beer for another big gulp and then yells towards the ring that held King and Lizzie. "WAY TO GO BLONDIE!" Looks at G. "Is that the right way to do it?" Of course, poised on her barstool like a queen on her throne with her hair up, in a fancy dress and jewels probably didn't help her look less out of place here.

Did someone give her props? Lizzie kept her eyes on King but lifted her hand to offer a metal sign for Mercedes.

He raised a brow a moment, pursing his lips. He studied her closely now. "Just so you remain who you are. And.. don't gulp, whores gulp and act the drunkard. You are doing the yelling right."

"How can I be anyone other than who I am? That is impossible. And no gulping. Got it. Yelling is fine though."

"What you want to yell is 'Tear me out some of her hair!'Do that, and the crowd will love it."

"HEY..." She paused mid-yell to look at G again. "What was that woman's name, again, that is in the mud?" Without waiting for his response, she belted out. "HEY MUDDY WOMAN...I WILL THROW MONEY AT YOU IF YOU BEAT SOMEONE ELSE UP"

"Pretty sure that's Candy in there." He chuckles, leaning against the bar as he watches her yell and drink.

It should be noted that Merci was quite proud of the fact that she could even raise her voice that loudly. She took a drink of her beer and tried very hard not to crinkle up her nose at the taste.

"You do not seem to be enjoying yourself. Perhaps you would have preferred the stuffier more uptight crowd? You would have been forced to dance and everything." Tilts her head as she looks at him.

He laughed, shaking his head. "No, I'm enjoying myself. I'm just being careful so that you don't over do it yourself. Being less, as you said, uptight, or whatever, it's a sudden change. Normally one would do it gradually. These sudden changes take a few moments to get used to, you know?" Grins at her.

"And.. don't mind me, too much. I've never been one for giving out enthusiastic cheers." Chuckles. "I've always preferred to watch."

"Oh. Its too much, you think? I should probably not force the change. Right." Did she seem a little relieved? Why yes, she did. "I am just trying to fit in more, you realize. It really isn't much fun to be the weird new kid that no one wants to talk to."

He smiles and wraps an arm around her waist. "Change should come naturally, darling. I'm glad you want to fit in, but too abrupt a change is too obvious, if that makes sense.."

"It makes sense, yes. I feel rather foolish sitting here, behaving this way. I assumed it would be fun." She shrugged a little and turned her attention to the active ring.

"You didn't enjoy it at all? Not even the yelling part? I kinda like the yelling." He chuckles.

After Leaving the Outback 6/4

Leaving the Outback, arm in arm, he was still mulling over the idea of Merci taking fighting lessons from Candy. It wasn't that he didn't want her to learn, actually the more he thought about it, the more he liked it. He wasn't much for hand to hand, which was always why he had one of his weapons with him. He was concerned a little about Candy doing the teaching. Likely that would pass over time, she was a good fighter, maybe she'd be a good teacher. He did consider her a bit brutal, though, so would be paying close attention to those lessons.

At any rate, as he walked alongside his now official girlfriend.. Girlfriend. This thought made him smile. He was a taken man again, though he'd pretty much been taken since he met her. He couldn't really place why he had become so attached to Merci, and was glad he was. She was a lot of what he liked in a woman. Passionate, strong, independant, beautiful, intelligent. His smile began to grow and he was about to say something complimentary to her when...

"grrrrrrwwlll"

His stomach made a familiar sound. He reached down and covered it and realize.. it had been a long time since they'd last eaten. He made an embarrassed expression after hearing that loud noise around them. Surely she had heard it too. He chuckled. "Heh.. excuse me. I guess it's been a while and we did miss dinner. Are you up for anything to eat? There's gotta be something open this late.."

?You poor thing, I didn?t even consider the fact that we were going to be having dinner at the gala when I changed our plans. What a terrible woman I am for starving you!? Merci laughed a little as she walked along at a casual pace.

?I am sure there likely is something open still if you feel like stopping somewhere. If there isn?t, I could always make you something.? Maybe she had some of the qualities he liked in a woman, but her culinary skills (or lack of), wasn?t one of them. Unfortunately for G, she still did not believe this to be the case.

She was careful to keep the hem of her dress from dragging the ground, the material clutched lightly in her free hand.

He chuckled at the thought of her cooking something for him this late. Dangers of her cooking aside, it may be easier to just try and pick something up randomly just to tide him over till the next day. "What about you? Aren't you hungry at all or was that half a Skullsplitter too filling? It's kinda heavy." He chuckled.

He looked down as she struggled to hold up her dress, and got an idea. He quickly began searching around for one of those random horse drawn carriages. Difficult to find late at night, but they were in a well travelled area so it wasn't long before he was able to flag one down. He smiled to Merci and winked. "Late night carriage ride to an all night diner, maybe? You don't mind Horses much, do you?"

She shrugged bare shoulders a little as she chuckled. ?I am not overly hungry, no. I could likely eat something and should probably do so.? The memory of how the ale tasted, had her crinkling up her nose again.

?I do not mind horses at all so long as they don?t try to bite me, kick me, or throw me off of their backs. Since I will not be in that close proximity to them at this time, I think it will be fine.?

She offered him a smile then turned to look over the carriage and horses. ?This will be fun. The all night diner idea is probably your best option at this hour, also.?

That meant that someplace that may have a salad of some sort would be a good idea, or something along those lines. He smiled as the carriage finally pulled up alongside them and held his hand up to help her into the cab. After they got settled and he sat beside her, shifting to face her, he took her hand and played idly with her fingers.

You'll be safe then, in here. Those beasts never bother those in back." He smiled and looked to the driver. "Jerry's Grill, please. No need to rush, it can be a nice slow drive." He turned and winked to Merci, then settled back and moved up beside her before sliding an arm around her shoulder, taking hold of her hand with his other. "This is nice, isn't it? You, me, alone.

Merci leaned over to press a kiss to his pouty lips, even though she really wasn?t sure what he made that face for; it was rather adorable. She remained in that leaning position, tucking her head in the crook of his neck, looking up at him as she spoke.

?My agency doesn?t have any say in that. I will be funding every aspect of my travel, so as long as I show up and do what I am being paid to do, they wouldn?t care if I brought along half of RhyDin.?

She had thankfully been distracted from her irrational fears regarding the fire serpent but frowned a little as he mentioned the island owner having possibly been eaten by it. ?You should be ashamed of yourself, lovely. How can you be so blase about profiting from another person?s misfortune?? Apparently she had forgotten that G was a pirate.

She half-heartedly smacked at the side of his thigh as she chastised him but couldn?t help but grin. ?That is the most beautiful lagoon. It does sound wonderful to be able to travel there without any obstruction to our plans.?

He smiled at the kiss, then reached up with his hand around her shoulders to switch to running fingers through her hair and slowly pet her, then partially tilted his head to lean against hers. "I'm glad that's all you, then. But, let's just leave it to us. Half of Rhydin? Well, where would they sleep?" Chuckling at his joke.

"Hey, you're the one who brought up the demon bangaroo thing. If the guy who allowed it to run free on his island falls prey to it, there's no reason that we can't get the benefits from it. Free enterprise." Grinning as he looked out of the side of the carriage, wondering just how far they were from the diner. "I really like the lagoon too. And every time I watch you under that waterfall, letting the water run over your body.." He couldn't suppress a shudder. And it was a good shudder, too.

"Anyway.. we -have- to be getting close to Jerry's." He wanted to get Those thoughts out of his head. At least until they got home.


Taken from live play and edited. Thanks to the player of G.

Teas and Tomes--6/11



Holds the door to the T&T open, catching a good whiff of all sorts of pastries and cinnamon, coffees, etc. He was starting to talk but suddenly stopped. "....Aaaand I forgot what I was saying. Damn, that smells good."

"You were saying how you are so grateful to me for taking care of you today since you are so banged up from Slugfest last night.? Looks up at him with a little grin. ?I believe you were also going to enthusiastically tell me that you would love to accompany me to yet another party.?

Speeds up the delivery of the next part, knowing how he disliked these work parties. ?Poise is having a sort of open house for all of the elitist snob designers and just about every fashion magazine you can imagine within about five realms. It is a pretty big deal and my attendance is mandatory."

Thinking he would probably find an excuse not to escort her, she dimpled a cute grin for him. "They will be showcasing a lot of my work....you would get to see what I do all day and sometimes night without you..."

"I dunno, Merc. Me, around all those snobbies? Not taking into the fact that I probably won't fit in, but the moment one of those so called "fashion experts" said anything bad about you, well, let's just say they would have more trouble walkin than I do!?

She nodded her head lightly, the grin not fading from her face as she stepped into the tea shop. "Alright, you are off the hook. I think I might ask Lizzie to ask her handsome friend if he would escort me. It doesn't matter if I know him or not, I just need some pretty arm candy to make me look good." She sniffed the air and smiled more widely. Conversation was continued in a casual manner. "Mmm, I smell fresh mint and cinnamon. I am rather impressed with your choice for our excursion."

"Hey, are you saying I'm not pretty arm candy? I didn't say I wouldn't go, just, wouldn't fit in. Besides, I don't think other arm candy would be quite so brutal on some photographer or something saying something bad about you."

He nods as he brings her towards the bakery area. "Sometimes, something quiet and peaceful does the trick. Which is probably best considering that boot to the head I took.."

"You were my first choice, were you not? I think that means you are pretty enough, though I do recall you chastising me once for calling you pretty." She shrugged, continuing to keep a casual demeanor. "I assumed you didn't want to go. I would never try to force you to do something you weren't comfortable with. If you would prefer not to go then I will see if that fellow is available."

She nodded seriously in regards to his last statement. "I was a little concerned. You were calling out in your sleep last night and I was afraid I was going to wake up bruised this morning for all of the thrashing about you did."

"Now, you know I'll go anywhere you ask me to. I just want to be with you. If it means I have to be around snobs, I will be more than happy to be your eye candy." He grinned, nudging her hip to hip.

"I hope I didn't like.. hit you or anything while I was asleep. I don't, unfortunately, remember much. Did I say anything I shouldn't have?"

Her hand snaked out to swat his hip as she turned to the side, laughing. "You said quite a lot actually. Most of it, I am certain you didn't mean for me to hear. So, I didn't hear." She did really, but that was her way of saying she wouldn't be holding him to his words, understanding that he was simply delirious from Jake's big boot to the head.

"Don't be a smartass, G'nort. No one likes a smartass." Well..."Except for me, apparently. I think I have cornered the market on picking a complete and total smartass to fall for." She giggled and moved away quickly when he poked her ribs.

"If you wanna stay here and have your tea and scone then you had better stop all that or else I am dragging your old, injured body back to the ship...." She didn't say for what reason. Let him guess.

"Old, injured? My dear, I am wounded." Then he thinks about it for a moment. Pokepokepokepokepoke, big grin. He knew she adored him, so took the 'Smartass' comments lightly. Just a big old grin.

This was how Mercedes came to realize that G'nort definitely did not need a doctor. His mind was working just like it did before he took that kick to the head. "Come on you wounded, young stud." Reversing her tactic.

"Get your scones to go and buy the tea leaves and I will make you some when we get back." Trying to pull him towards the door already, without letting him get his goodies.

He laughs and releases her, giving another poke. "Okay, just a moment." And then he wanders to the counter, thankful that there isn't anyone else in line. He chose half a dozen scones, with chocolate chips, cause it's the breakfast of champions. Then one of those tins that has the teabags in it.

"Hmm, Normally, I'm an Earl Grey type of guy, but I think I'll go with Chamomile this time. I still have some Grey left."

He pays the poor teen behind the counter who looks oh so interested, and then takes the bag of his items and walks back to Merci. "I should have asked. Did you want anything?"

"No thank you, what I want is on the ship." Taptaptap of her booted foot. "Ready now?" Taptaptap.

He laughs and pushed the door open, holding it for her. "Well then I guess we better get back to the ship and see what it is you want."

"That is a wonderful idea. I am so glad you thought of it." Giggling a little as she steps past him, hip checking him before she passes.

Laughs at the hip check and then heads after her, swatting her backside again. "That's me, always with the good ideas."

"Mm. I am a fortunate woman for that reason right there." She took his hand and picked up the pace so they could get back to the docks before it got all that much darker.

His free hand is clasped in hers, he smiles and quickens his pace to keep up with her, understanding the nervousness. "Fortunate for that reason and much more. Though I doubt as lucky as I am."

"Much much more, definitely." She grinned up at him. "You would be wrong about that, lovely. I am, by far, the luckier one."

Chuckling again. "That is one discussion neither of us will ever agree on."

"I can't imagine us not agreeing, Sweetie Pumpkin." Repeating the pet name he called her last night at the Outback.

Laughing, gesturing up towards the ship they are now approaching. "Oh, you'll remember -that- name. What was the other one I called you?"

"Love of your life." Light nod as she made her way up the ramp.

Pauses, thinking about that, follows her up. "Sounds like something I'd say." Grins and shrugs. "Definitely the more accurate of them all."

"You were asleep. It doesn't count." Grins at him from over her shoulder.

A simple discussion started it, and a suggestion afterwards sealed the deal. Mercedes had a busy couple of weeks with her modelling career and insane ( as he sees it) boss, Aleks, and G, himself, had a pretty active time, as well. Between the wonderful visits to Caradon to visit her and watch her work, to returning and running his businesses (as well as getting in a duel or two at night) it was easy to see that they both could use a good couple of days off and away from the things of man.

So, after she playfully chastised him for not giving her a proper greeting, the suggestion was brought up for taking some time off to go sailing again. Something they hadn't done in a pretty good while.

G brought up going back for a relaxing trip to the Isle de la Floras again, which, of course, set Merci off about not setting foot on the Island after dark, due to superstitions about the Boitata Eye Eating monster. He really was going to have to find a new Island for them to relax on. Surely there are some available nearby. He wanted to sleep on the beach again.

But that's beside the point. What the point really is, was that they decided to take approximately 4 days off and just sail. Two straight days out to sea, and then turning around and turning back to come home. The auto-pilot would do most of the work.

The intent was to set out on Sunday morning, but that was delayed for a day due to getting affairs in order for the week for the two of them, as well as making sure the ship was stocked enough for the trip. It turned out he was low on butter. Need to have butter when you're cooking. Makes the food taste much better than margarine or substitute spreads. Go butter, salted, too. Very tasty.

Anyway, with everything taken cared of, they would be setting sail for a relaxing few days of No Worries.