shipmaster | (no subject)

[If nothing else, the life they've lived has left them athletic, reactive and quick to catch on. It's not long until they take a few moves here and there, leading Miles to mirror them.]

I wonder... still stuck on the distempered ferret from the Rangers?

[ Miles blinks up at Bel at that, still dancing smoothly enough.. ]

Er - who was that again?

Cavilo? Should I have used rabid? That might have worked better.

Ah. Rabid is definitely the better word.

[ He turns a bit on the next step, contemplative. ]

No, I think he's recovered. But Gregor has always been very reserved. And determined not to marry another Vor.

[They follow, ducking a bit as another couple swerves a bit too close, attention tied to each other.]

Does he get to even meet a lot of those?

[ Miles makes an apologetic face at them and continues on. ]

More than he'd like. What's the phrasing he used ... something like being paraded before them like a prize stallion.

[They pause, and snicker.]

Well, it speaks well for his endowments.

[ Goddammit. He gives Bel a light shove, trying not to make a face himself. And failing. ]

Rude, Bel. At his party, no less.

Edited 2016-12-11 04:12 (UTC)

[It was a mirror dance, they had no CHOICE but to shove back. Honestly.

They turn it into pass, shoulders leading the movement as they cut across.]

I'm certain there was only compliments here.

[ Bastard. Subtly, sweetly, Miles leans forward and steps on Bel's foot as they pass. ]

And yet, I think he would not enjoy us speculating in public.

There's not- Ah! [That short exclamation and the curl of Bel's lip was just the agreement of a war declaration. They pull their skirts back, and bow as the small orchestra brings this number to a close.]

Dare another?

I'll even let you lead. Avenge yourself properly.

Leading? Wont that cause a scandal. [Bel's voice was pitched low, but heavy with amusement. They hold out their arm for Miles.] Should I change to slacks to finish it off?

[ Miles takes it gladly. To hell with anyone that wants to talk about them tonight. ]

Bigger scandal if you do it in a skirt, I'm sorry to say. But if you fancy a wardrobe change ...

Oh no, stay as you are. [Another voice called directly to them. Low, confident and dangerously amused. Lady Vorrutyer sweeps through the paused and more discrete onlookers. Her upswept hair and pins of silver, jewels of diamond and crystal glittering in the ballroom lights, and complimented her dress of grey and blue... a deliberate, knowing show of House livery. Everyone knew who really held the power in that District.. and it wasn't the man, redfaced and winded after one dance, lounging deep under his hat on the far side of the room.]

Though I don't suppose I could see you both a moment after this number? [She purrs. There's not a note of a question in her tone, really.]

[ Miles pauses at that to look up at her. He is a bit bemused to have his dance interrupted. And ... well, Vorrutyers, especially that Vorrutyer ... That's always going to be a wild time.

But maybe he could do with a bit of wildness after everything he's been through. He flashes her a bit of a grin before taking Bel's hand again quite firmly. ]

Of course, Lady Vorrutyer. After we're done here.

[The crowd swallows the sight of Donna as they go, though the woman keeps her eyes fixed on them until they set to the patterns of the first dance, and turns to her next quarry.

Bel gives a slight bow to Miles before stepping into the dance. Not on Miles foot. Yet.]

That was...?

[ Yet. He'll give it time. ]

Lady Donna Vorrutyer. The Vorrutyers are ... friends of the family, so to speak.

[Or they could just pour Miles into a dip.]

There's an expression. Should we hop out the back?

[ Miles laughs in startled surprise at that, but grins up at Bel. ]

Please. And not just because there's no way I'm mirroring that move on you.

[The voice, right in Miles' ear, would be sultry if not for the actual words] I admit I was wondering if you'd try.

[Bel waits a moment to right them, and as a rotund, elderly man in parade dress totters by gleefully, with one of the belles snatched into a dance, they vanish from the ballroom, and into the fresh air of one of the many alcoves.]

You'll have to take it from here, I'm about to be straight up lost.

[ He's tempted to try anyway... but that would end up with both of them on the floor, but not in a fun way. Instead he trails after Bel towards the alcove, then steps forward to take the lead. ]

Over here. Mind the drunks.

[ There are a couple places Vorrutyer could be, so he starts by making his way towards the garden. It's cold but quite silent out here. ]

[Most people have gathered far and away, by the roaring fires and much more conveniently placed - the more modern heating systems. The aura from them, and the glass greenhousing kept the garden uncomfortably chill, rather than deadly frozen. Outside, snow whirls against the undoubtedly force screen reinforced glass.

Lady Vorrutyer is standing in the company of a few bland faced armsmen. Having donned a small pile of furs and a warm cup of tea, she looked penultimately prepared from where she sits, regally, in a wrought iron chair.]

Miles, .. Bel, was it? I'm glad you've made it so early, at that. I thought you'd dawdle more in romantic gestures. [Her eyes are bright with that sharp amusement Vorrutyers tended towards.]

[ Miles arches an eyebrow at the setup. If not for Lady Vorrutyer being... well, herself, he might think he was being received by a Count. The same sort of pomp and regality, for sure. And there's no doubt about who really runs that district...

He approaches a bit more casually, with an arm looped through Bel's. ]

I'd rather venture into a literal viper's nest. They, at least, would do me the favor of murdering me immediately and to my face.

[ Not that there's the slightest bit of shame in him. ]

[Bel leans into the gesture, walking lightly besides Miles. The little changes are apparent, how the herm starts walking on the balls of their feet, the casual drift to where a weapon is hidden, just in case.]

It's quite a rare courtesy these days, isn't it? Not like the old savagery. [Donna's smile got a little sharper and then smooths again.] So, I've heard the old lion's shipping out. Are you taking up the voting chair, then?