the adventures of the love triangle

[Kender Bard]

Verity cast her glance about carefully as she turned to face him, her hands reaching up to run her fingers through his hair slowly. ~Perhaps I shouldn't be so forward but it has been hard to contain my actions and thoughts while we traveled. I must profess I have considered approaching you more than once while we were in Mentis on the subject of perhaps pursuing a pleasurable pastime together.~

She gave him a seductive glance that left little room for interpretation about what 'pastime' she meant in particular.

[tuo]

Shima took hold of her hand gently. ~I know...but there is something between you and Ichi.~ It wasn't a question, he knew there was something between them though he had the grace not to pry into that before now.

[Kender Bard]

Verity frowned thoughtfully and was silent as she contemplated how to answer him. She clapsed his hand tightly and at last responded, ~We are lovers but that name is not apt. I don't think he has any real claim over me. If I choose to give myself clandestinely to another, that should be my choice. For his feelings I choose to move in secrecy.~

She bit her lip slightly then made up her mind. What she was doing was wrong, she knew, but she didn't care. The thought of being shackled to Ichi because of one night of passion was almost enough to anger her. What he didn't know wouldn't kill him, and she wanted to reaffirm her freedom. ~And if I choose to give myself to you, I will. I think you're very desirable.~

[tuo]

Shima gave a small sigh. ~What of Ichi? Does he know where you and he stands?~

[Kender Bard]

Now Verity pushed Shima away slightly. Probably not she thought to herself, a bit too loudly.

She was shocked to find that her heart ached a tiny, tiny bit. She had no illusions that she was in love with Shima. She understood well that she longed for the body, the companionship of his mind, but it was not a deep and tender thing. But his seeming rejection still hurt.

[tuo]

Shima winced slightly at her reaction. ~I did not say no. I just did not want you to have trouble with him later over this.~ He held a hand out to her.

[Kender Bard]

Verity looked at him carefully before slowly extending a hand back to him, stepping closer to him again. ~If we are discreet today and say nothing, it will go well and nothing will occur from it.~ She smiled slightly and brought his fingertips to her lips, kissed them softly, then touched them to her cheek and gazed at him with her eyelids slightly lowered.

~If it will ease your concerns I will speak with him soon and make sure that he does not misunderstand the nature of our relationship.~

[tuo]

Shima nods in understanding and offers her a smile. ~We should acquire a private room my lady.~

[Kender Bard]

Privately, and not unkindly, Verity wondered if Shima had a passionate bone in his body. Well. She would find out soon.

She released his hand and made a sweeping gesture. ~Then procure our rooms, my lord. I leave the choice up to you.~

[tuo]

Shima grins and takes her hand before kissing the back of it. "With pleasure." He begins to search for an unoccupied room with her.