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Post by Elvander on Jul 29, 2019 19:51:59 GMT
Camilla smiled warmly at Alaric and stretched out her hand for him to kiss before draping herself over the chair opposite his, the desk between them. "My travels were quite safe, thank you for asking," she answered, dragging her gaze from him to the food temporarily. She picked up a grape, looked back at him, and placed it into her mouth in a rather sensual way. Still, she did it in a manner in which Alaric couldn't quite tell whether this had been her intention or whether she was unaware of the appearance it gave.
"You look well," she noted, tilting her head and looking him over. "How have you been since we last saw each other?" It had been a few weeks since that day in the city, and until receiving the letter, she had been beginning to think he wouldn't call upon her.
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Post by Elvander on Jul 29, 2019 19:52:19 GMT
Alaric's lips had barely brushed the back of her hand before she retreated to her seat. He smoothed a hand down the front of his shirt and stepped back behind his desk, reaching for a pitcher of red wine and pouring it into an embellished chalice for her. All the while, his curiosity was apparent as his eyes lingered on her movements, "I've been well," he agreed, sitting down in his chair and looking like the embodiment of nobility, "I suppose I owe you an explanation for the delayed invitation."
He leaned forward slightly, interlacing his fingers and resting his chin upon them, "Admittedly, I wasn't sure I was in the best state of mind to be inviting guests into my life. But, I've gained a bit of clarity in the past few weeks and you were still very much on my mind," he told her. And it was true- the fog in his gaze from a few weeks ago had been replaced with an attentive gleam.
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Post by eragon on Jul 31, 2019 18:29:21 GMT
Camilla watched the wine splash out of the pitcher and fill the chalice. She waited until he had finished pouring it to delicately lift the chalice to her lips and drink while he spoke. After setting it back down and licking her lips, she flashed him a slick smile and said, "You seem much more... Alive. I see in you now the magnificent king that past hymns have been written for. What do you think brought you this clarity?"
She leaned back in her chair and crossed her legs, a gesture which served to reveal a slit in her dress stretching up to her mid-thigh. "I am also glad to hear that I am still on your mind, though I can't say I'm surprised; it is an effect I seem to often have on men."
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Post by Val on Aug 19, 2019 1:14:53 GMT
Alaric kept his eyes on Camilla's despite her suggestive words and movements, maintaining the air of chivalry he was known for. Beyond that, he clearly seemed to have more reason for her to be there than just as a source of female companionship, "I would say you were a catalyst for my recent enlightenment. And time, of course. I've had a lot of time to think and I am ready to try to live up to that magnificent kingship you mentioned," he added with a hint of a smile.
"I think your talents stretch beyond entrancing men. As I see it, you are a powerful force among the city and the people. I want to know more about you, Camilla," he told her, raising his glass to his lips, curious to see what her response would be.
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Post by eragon on Aug 19, 2019 20:34:38 GMT
Camilla couldn't pretend she wasn't at least a little perplexed by Alaric's chivalry. Of course, she had heard of what a gentleman he was, but when they had met in the city, his eyes had wandered a bit more than they were today; perhaps it had something to do with his recent clarity. Whatever the reason, it was rather irritating, as she wasn't used to men being unswayed by the sight of her bare skin.
"Was I really?" She asked, raising a brow and allowing a flutter of surprise to cross her features. "What did I do to induce such a thing?"
When he asked to know more about her, she quieted for a moment, swishing the wine around in her chalice before finishing what was left in one drink and setting the cup back on the table. "I have a certain degree of power as a businesswoman, I suppose. What is it that you want to know about me? My family died when I was young, I became a prostitute as a means to survive, and the previous madam favored me and left her business to me when she died. That's all there is to tell really."
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Post by Val on Aug 26, 2019 21:19:59 GMT
Alaric took his time to finish his drink and then refilled both of their chalices as he seemed to mull over what to say next. He could sense that she was a bit thrown off by his attitude toward her which, admittedly, had been one of his goals going into this meeting. He knew he'd come across as a bit pathetic and submissive in their previous encounter, but now it was time to level the playing field. After all, there was a reason he'd maintained his throne for so long with no special abilities or cruel intentions- he was good at being king.
"There's always more to tell," he noted, leaning back in his seat, "I believe that you and those that report to you have an undeniable influence over the citizens of Nethilor and beyond. I've made the mistake of overlooking the underground operations within the city for so long, but after meeting you I came to the realization that we have the potential for a symbiotic relationship. I help you...you help me," he proposed, testing the waters.
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Post by eragon on Aug 29, 2019 20:02:41 GMT
Camilla watched as he refilled the chalice, then turned her gaze to him. Her expression remained calm and neutral, the sharpness in her eyes the only betrayal to her souring mood. He had toyed with her, led her here under false pretenses, and now wanted to discuss business. Camilla was not the sort of woman to allow such manipulation to go unpunished. She hadn't built her empire by allowing others to walk over her. In due time, there would be retribution.
"Those are pretty words, King," she said, taking a sip of wine. "But stop filling the air with flattery and get to what it is that truly matters. What do you want from me, and what do I get in return?"
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Post by Val on Sept 5, 2019 22:08:02 GMT
Alaric hesitated, sensing the abrupt change in the air. He hadn't meant to offend, but perhaps it was inevitable. He'd needed to balance the power between them, but that didn't mean he'd lied to her, "You're displeased," he stated, deciding to be forthright. He wouldn't start demanding things now- some level of trust was required before he began revealing what he needed.
He splayed his hands out on the table in front of him, fingers adorned with precious jewels, "Yes, I brought you here because I saw business potential. But I also enjoy your company," This time, the gentlemanly facade faded just slightly as his gaze dipped toward her exposed legs, "Tell me...what did you expect from coming here?"
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