[IC - Mehitabel Test Drive]

[keepingtabs]

[You've received an invitation to an elegant soiree, and when you arrive you find yourself dressed in fine clothes that look like what you'd wear to a grand performance at a theatre. Chamber music echoes around the venue--a grand ballroom, with candles and floating, glowing orbs glittering about to give the scene a golden glow. There's a woman nearby dressed like so who is giving you a friendly smile, especially if you look like a fish out of water. Perhaps you can talk to her to gain some footing? Or just find out what the event is for.]

Comments

[keepingtabs]

[her lips quirk]

Or perhaps a slightly more appealing headache. Well, the offer is there, if you like.

[leftunsaid]

I'd be intruding.

[keepingtabs]

Not offensively so.

[considers, and gives him a time when she won't have certain other visitors in her dressing room]

We end rehearsals early before the weekend, so if you stop by around then I should have more than enough time to spare. Think on it, at least.

[leftunsaid]

[smiles at her and begins rubbing some of the words out on the wax tablet]

[keepingtabs]

Do be careful, though. Corinna has been known to make eyes at my guests before, especially if they're handsome.

[leftunsaid]

[blushes noticeably]

Well.
For what it's worth I'm not a very good conversationalist.

[keepingtabs]

I think that will be enough to deter her, but she--and Gordeny as well, these days--are a bit like sharks smelling blood in the water. Though, I would contest this.

[taps the words on his tablet]

I happen to enjoy our conversations.

[leftunsaid]

[gives her a crooked close-mouthed smile]

I will endure some hamfisted flirting for good conversation.

[keepingtabs]

Oh, bless your generosity, Gideon.

[leftunsaid]

[laughs at that, though through his nose]

And things are going well for you?

[keepingtabs]

[she could brush that off with ease, but since it's Gideon, she considers the truth of it]

My illustrious career aside... I think so. Not everything is perfect, of course, and I don't know if they'll ever get any better than this, but I'm alright. I'm assuming you're not interested in hearing the particulars between myself and Stephen.

[leftunsaid]

[quirks a brow and shrugs a shoulder]

[keepingtabs]

It's just as well. I prefer to let the rest of court gossip about that.

And what about you, Gideon? Are you faring alright?

[leftunsaid]

[exhales slowly, looking tired suddenly]

[keepingtabs]

... not here?

[leftunsaid]

[shrugs helplessly]

At least I'm not likely to be overheard.
Not that there's much to say.

[keepingtabs]

Sometimes you don't need to say much to mean a lot.

[leftunsaid]

[looks around the room, trying to spot Felix, then looks back at her face and shrugs]

[keepingtabs]

[ah, yes. he's difficult to miss.]

Do you get many visitors, staying with Simon and Rinaldo?

[leftunsaid]

Who would visit me?
I'm quite unwanted in the Mirador.
Not feeling sorry for myself; just an unpleasant truth to deal with.

[keepingtabs]

Being unwanted can bring unwanted visitors, as well, but I do see what you mean.

[she wants to ask about mildmay, but she fears what the answer to that question is]

[leftunsaid]

So far we have been better to forget.
No, only Mildmay has visited.

[keepingtabs]

[... something's on the tip of her tongue, some word of understanding and solidarity, something about wanting to forget but being unable to... but she can't.]

Better, perhaps, but not ideal.

[she places her hand on his writing hand]

Would you dance with me?

[leftunsaid]

[puts his tablet back into his jacket, then bows over her hand]

[keepingtabs]

[smiles and takes his hand with a curtsy, and draws him towards the dance floor]