-Baymun-
The night seemed to be going splendidly. All of my prior planning has paid off; The Lord of Eastborne's daughter did happen to run off crying at one point due to my venomous rejection for an alliance between us two . . . This may work in my favor though because I made sure she saw me being friendly with Ezran's lackey. It would be inaccurate to say I planned for anything to happen, but judging both their personalities, perhaps something would come of it.
Everything else was going according to plan - The banquet, the delegates, even the Council's continual flaunting of potential brides . . .
Everything was as anticipated, except for HER.
She's the only one tonight who consistently managed to surprise me. I didn't expect her to choke (rather comically) creating a scene throughout the entire assembly, nor give the finger to her lackey thereafter. She even partook in a drinking contest with Sir Toval only to amaze me further by offering an unrestrained kiss to his forehead . . . I'd have to inquire with Iren later to find out the particular details of that whole ordeal.
This woman's indeed rare, proving more and more that she's the one I needed to achieve my future goals. I suppose a less calculative man would think that her faults tonight made her no longer worthy of my plans, yet somehow they seemed to draw me to a stronger conviction.
Though, I couldn't help but wonder why she seemed so fidgety - I know she hates me (that's a given) however it seems more than that tonight. She even took a step back when I got too close . . . She's probably very concerned with this banquet and why I'd have her honored. Heaven knows she wouldn't dare to dream that I'd do something like this just for the heck of it. Her reasoning must have something to do with the latest battle . . . If that's the case then I might as well put her at ease, at least for the time being.
I excused myself from the idle chatter when I saw Ezran pat her friend Richie on the back and walk away to a secluded balcony. While crossing the room, my attention was drawn to Lord Jorge De Silva approaching the same balcony with a gleam in his eye.
This might be interesting.
I kept to the side, making sure not to draw unnecessary attention as I waited to see what would happen between the two. This may or may not weigh against my resolution - Since tomorrow was the day that would prove if my plans would come to fruition, I could use some reassurance on what type of woman she was. Just because she didn't take the Zantarkan's offer doesn't mean that a one-night fling isn't more up her alley. If that were the case, it'd be better to know now.
Leaning against a column, I could distinctly hear De Silva murmur sweet nothings to her. This was annoying to no end, yet I remained unmoved. My composure wouldn't be shaken over such a trifling matter.
Ezran turned around with a dazed yet annoyed look, "Lord De Silva was it? You're a rather persistent fellow, I'll give you that."
De Silva bowed low. At this angle, I couldn't see his face but I'm sure he wore that smug charming expression he shows all the ladies, "My dear, I couldn't help but notice you coming out here all alone. Such an act can only make me assume you'd appreciate some company. What you call persistence, I call gentlemanly behavior."
Ezran sighed, taking a step back while crossing her arms, "Gentlemanly behavior huh? I suppose the fact that you probably saw me drinking and kissing an unconscious man didn't weigh in your thoughts at all, did it? That perhaps I was vying for some male attention, hmm?"
She's pretty quick.
De Silva raised a hand to his chest, saying with a hurt tone,"M'lady you are gravely mistaken! That thought never entered my mind I assure you. It's true that I can't help but find you intoxicatingly bewitching; Your spirit is truly one-of-a-kind . . . A woman possessing those traits must get awfully lonely at times, no matter how many 'friends' surround her. You, my fair dove, are so unique from any other person - A man such as myself can only aspire to get to know you better."
Could this man get any more pathetic? Waiting for her reaction, I'll admit I was shocked when Ezran gave a belly-aching laugh, leaning forward to draw forth air. After a few minutes of her fanning herself she finally managed, "Wow! Bravo . . . Very impressive Lord De Silva!"
Giving a few slow claps she smirked, "You know, I've been hit on in the past but that was top-notch! The conviction - Such bravado . . . You must get your fair share of the ladies huh?"
This woman. She had to know damaging a man's ego so blatantly would not bode well for her, right?
De Silva straightened up and stepped forward placing two hands on the balustrade, effectively trapping her in. Her smile was gone in an instant, replaced by pursed lips and one damnably delicate raised eyebrow.
De Silva's voice was annoyingly low and seductive as he replied, "I'll admit to knowing my way around a woman's bed. Do not fret though my love - This would only further your pleasure if you were to accompany me this evening. I promise it's an experience you'd likely never forget."
Ezran cocked her head to the side, "You know, I was in a very good mood before now. I actually got a little tipsy, imagine that? Too bad you had to wreck it." She gave a sigh while shrugging her shoulders, "Oh well - All good things must come to an end. If you'll excuse me, I'd like to retire ALONE to my quarters. Please have a pleasant night."
Easily maneuvering her way out of his embrace, De Silva didn't resist. However when she walked past him I saw the lust in his eyes as he turned to grab her arm roughly, "M'lady I beg you reconsider. I'm certain the Bodach Empire is not giving you the quality of life that a lady like you deserves . . . Becoming my woman would come with tremendous perks."
The clenched jaw and firey eyes didn't escape my notice as she slightly turned her head to look down at her restrained arm, "Going from a one night proposition to your 'woman' is quite a leap, Lord De Silva. Since you have the audacity to put your hand on me, perhaps you DO deserve a night to remember."
Without an ounce of hesitation she grabbed his wrist, twisting till the bones snapped. De Silva's facial reaction was priceless - I had to hand it to her; She didn't fool around. I was quite certain I knew what kind of woman she was now . . . One not to provoke on a whim.
The man yelled with mixed anger and pain as she side-stepped to the balustrade once more, "Now I'm going to ask nicely Lord De Silva. Either you leave and find some treatment for that hand or continue to test my patience. I very much wish that you choose the former; I'd rather not have to explain why the next heir apparent was thrown off the balcony."
De Silva turned in anger but apparently thought better than to mess with her since she was indeed standing very close to the ledge. He spat, "You wretched wench! You'll regret this - Come morning I guarantee I'll have you removed from your fancy little position as Champion, then no one will be able to protect you!"
De Silva stormed off not aware that I was just a few steps away in the dark. I turned back to Ezran who proceeded to hop onto the railing giving a sigh, "I'm not entirely sure how much of that you saw, but I do hope it's enough to be used against that pervert if needed."