Not Very Proper

Writers: Cali, AL
Date Posted: 24th February 2010

Characters: Zathris, Isily, Benani
Description: Benani spies Isily and suggests that Zathris dance with her.
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 7, day 21 of Turn 5

Zathris

Benani

"Zathris." Benani nodded her head in the direction of the young red headed woman sitting alone listing to the harper's play. "Isn't that Isily?"

The Lord of Amber Hills turned his gaze and then nodded in answer to his wife. "Yes, that is. Glad to see she didn't have to work _all_ of the Gather." Zathris had encouraged those who were needed to take turns and sign up for shifts. He wondered if that's what the Technicians had done. "You know, you two should get together some time. I bet you'd get along quite well."

Benani nodded. The girl had always seemed very nice when they'd chatted, and if Zathris counted her as a friend then she must make the effort. "You should go dance a round or two with her. It's late enough that most of the decent men have probably found partners for the evening. She might not get much opportunity and I need a break to go check on a few things."

"But that means I have to let go of you." Zathris brushed a strand of hair behind Benani's ear. "Must you?"

"We _are_ the hosts, dear." Benani leaned against his touch. "I'll be back soon though."

"I miss you already." Zathris swept her into a kiss, then released her. "No slipping and falling now. I'll go entertain Isily while you're gone."

*********

"Well, good evening _Lord_ Zathris." Isily greeted him with a grin and an exaggerated curtzy. "And what brings one such as yourself my way on night like this?"

"Well I saw you sitting here all by your lonesome. Benani's distracted with some things and I was sitting there all by my lonesome. So I thought maybe I should come over here and then neither of us would be lonesome anymore." Zathris grinned, then held out his hand for Isily to take. "Shall we dance?"

Isily accepted his arm and nodded. "A dance would be nice, Zathris. Thank you."

"Only nice?" Zathris leaned closer so that she was the only one who could hear his voice. "Only nice, eh? And here I thought you might actually _enjoy_ my company on occasion."

"Enjoying your company isn't very proper, Lord Holder." Isily's reply was filled with mirth. Teasing Zathris was too fun for her. She really should reign it in, especially with so many eyes on them.

"Why not? I enjoy yours." Zathris pulled Isily into his embrace, then led her into the crowd of dancers. "You're a very enjoyable sort of person."

She let out a small quiet laugh. "And you're a very naive person. Most Lords that enjoy the company of women other than their wives do so for very un-proper reasons. And I'd hate to ruin your reputation and rob you of the fun that comes along with it."

"There is nothing wrong about enjoying the company of a friend." Zathris chided gently, his eyes twinkling. "And this dance was my wife's idea. Don't get me wrong, I would have come and swept you away, but she simply brought the matter up before I did."

"Well fine then." Isily raised her voice slightly so that those who were watching them could hear. "Since Benani insisted you dance with me, I'll keep you safe for her until she returns to claim you."

"You're the only one I would trust with that duty." Zathris growled low, his voice teasing. "I'm lucky, a beautiful woman for a wife and a beautiful woman for a dance partner and friend."

Isily preened at the compliment. She was such a sucker for them. "If only every man was so lucky."

Zathris chuckled and twirled her about. "Yes indeed, if only. Of course, I'm sure you'll have your share of admirers who will take you away as soon as Benani returns."

She glanced around as they moved, but the one face she was looking for was missing. "It would be nice, but probably not."

"Come now, come now, don't be like that. All you will have to do is smile and no man will be able to resist you." Zathris noticed the look. Was she looking for the man who had broken it off? Were they back together? There was a pang in his stomach at the thought and for a moment, his smile faded. "You don't give yourself enough credit."

"_You_ resist me just fine, so my smile can't be _that_ effective." She'd meant it as a joke, but as she said it, she wondered if it sounded like one.

"There you go, underestimating yourself again." Zathris shook his head. "And since you underestimate yourself, I bet the men are underestimating you. You just set that smile and see how many men flock for a dance with you."

part 2

The music slowed, the harpers were taking a break except for one lone gitarist. His song was sad and quiet, and those in the hall, lowered their voices or fell silent as they danced. Zathris didn't loosen his grip on her, if anything, Isily felt herself being pulled closer. "I didn't even smile yet..."

"Benani isn't back yet." He had looked for her, but nowhere could her face be found. Zathris decided he'd simply enjoy another dance with Isily. He didn't mind at all. She was a good friend, he cared about her, and he certainly didn't want to see her standing on the sidelines all night. "And I like this song well enough I don't want to be sitting for it."

"Excuses, excuses." she replied lithely. She needed to be careful. She was thinking very unfriendly thoughts about Zathris, and married men only seemed to bring her trouble. "One more then. After that, I think you should probably dance with a few other sidelined ladies. It's only fair to spread your handsome self around."

"But I enjoy dancing with you and Benani. Why can't I keep a woman, huh?" Zathris chuckled as he guided Isily into a glide. "They always want to run away from me."

Isily smiled. "Didn't you know... girls like to play hard to get."

"Is that what you're doing, eh? You and Benani are quite evil, both of you." Zathris glanced up again, looking for her, but whatever had pulled her away kept her away. "What's a poor man to do?"

"Didn't you also know?" Isily asked. "Girls like to be chased too."

"Perhaps I should go chase Benani then, hm?" Zathris wondered who was chasing Isily. Surely the man would have come to his senses, or another would see how wonderful she was.

Isily nodded, though she was loathe to be released from Zathris's hold. "She would probably be the best one to chase if you're inclined to chase at all. Finish the dance with me first though. It might be all I get for the evening."

"I highly doubt that." Zathris squeezed her lightly in an effort to be comforting. "But yes, I will chase, but not before I finish dancing with the lovely lady currently in my arms."

She playfully wriggled closer into his chest, then backed up, giving them that fingertips space apart that made the difference. "You know you spoil me. I wish all men could be like you."

"My wife would probably say one of me is enough." Her movements were unexpected and brought about a response he didn't expect either. The song ended then and he pulled away, though his smile remained firmly upon his face. He bowed low to her. "My dear, until we meet again."

Isily smiled a wistful, somewhat sad smile. "Thank you for the dances, Zathris."

"And thank you for being a wonderful partner." Zathris took her hand and let his lips run lightly over the back of it. Then he released her and turned to stride off into the crowd. Where was Benani? Perhaps he would pull her away for a while.

Last updated on the February 28th 2010

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Not Very Proper