[PRP] The Newcomer In Our Midst (See Inside)

[Phail Ninja]

This is a PRP between my Kealoha, Vanilla, Iolite Chrysocolla & Caius <3

 

[Phail Ninja]

Kealoha cast a careful look about herself, her neck arched regally as she surveyed her surroundings. A fleeting smile flickered across her face as she looked out at the gathered soquili. Already she could feel their eyes upon her, wondering who she was, what she was doing here. After all, she had only just entered their midst recently.

Vanilla’s eyes instinctively caught onto the stranger swimming through their midst. The herd was out and about, enjoying a frivolous night of socialisation between themselves as they often did, but despite the jovial atmosphere Vanilla never quite let her guard down. She herself was fairly new to the Grail, but she had distinguished herself as a capable businesswoman, having taken over the trading aspect of her mate’s crafting. And now, even as the night was young and everyone was out celebrating some young couple’s lifemating ceremony, the seathi made sure to keep eyes and ears on everyone. After all, information was power, and everything could be used as leverage to gain the advantage.

Her movements were graceful, every action of hers poised and radiating her strong presence. Intuition made her look upwards, meeting the pale pink gaze of the seathi mare. She didn't hesitate to move over, instinctively positioning herself before the stranger, her neck arched, shoulders back to accentuate the shape of her chest, the very image of self-confidence before her.

Ahhh, the perfect opportunity had presented itself right there. Vanilla have the newcomer an almost coy smile, her voice silky sweet. "Welcome to the grail." She gave the stranger a quick glance up and down. Seathi by parentage, it appeared, although she bore unusual scales upon her shoulders. She certainly had an air about her, as though she could control the entire herd if she so wanted. A powerful mare then, or one who could quickly become one.

Kealoha's smile deepened. The white mare was smaller than herself, and had the voice to match. Sweet, gentle, and almost too kind. That was the feeling she got from her. But she knew these corsairs, they could all play such a facade, she was sure. "My thanks. I heard there was a celebration about." Her own voice carried more weight than that of Vanilla's, a slightly deeper, huskier tone, but it was laced with an almost titillating note.

Vanilla nodded, "Ah yes, lifematings are a festive time indeed." She let an almost sultry note enter her voice. "I've heard rumours that the best place to meet your own lifemate is at someone else's ceremony." She let out a gentle laugh. Though Iolite and Vanilla were not officially mated yet, the two were certainly in an exclusive relationship, although this stranger wouldn't know that. "Vanilla, by the way, pleased to meet you."

The answering chuckle was deeper, but almost musical in its quality. She leaned in towards Vanilla, a playful gaze creeping into her eyes. Kealoha was flirtatious by nature, and it was easy to play off the advances of this mare. "Oh really? Well, I have heard something similar myself. Although I must say, I’m not the most suited type for a lifemate." Brief trysts were another matter entirely, of course. "Kealoha, a pleasure."  

[Phail Ninja]

There was something about the way she moved that instantly caught his attention. She was poised. She was refined. She was beautiful. Caius had seen many a pretty lady in his time, but something about this one was different. He watched her beneath his bangs, staying close to the edge of the gathering. "Who is that??"

Iolite looked up, hearing the stallion’s sudden remark. "Hmmm?" she mumbled, her mouth full of food. "Mmmppfff…" She cleared her throat before swallowing the obstruction, tuning her focus to Caius. "Sorry, what?"

Caius didn’t break his gaze, watching the seathi saunter across the centre of the grail. "Her. Who is she? I think I’d know if I’d seen her before." Caius was a well seasoned corsair of the herd, and made it his business to know everyone else. But this one, she was a mystery.

The seathi followed his gaze to stare at the newcomer. Huh. A pretty mare. She could see why Caius would want to know. She grinned a knowing smile. "Really, Caius. Already? We just settled down for a lovely meal and you’re going to ditch me." She gave him a friendly wink. The mer had quickly become one of her best friends, and she loved to tease him about his womanising ways (which, thankfully, had never worked on her).

The stallion let out a chuckle, "What, jealous?" He made no move to head towards the mare, however, remaining where he was. "She certainly knows how to draw attention." His attention wasn’t the only she’d managed to garner. Several other stallions had turned their heads too. He suspected that she knew this only too well, someone who moved through a crowd like that had to know the effect she had on the poor male population.

"Oooh, you wish!" Iolite gave a laugh, "Besides, what do I have to be jealous for? I’ve got Vanilla." She ducked her head for a moment, feeling a familiar flush creep through her cheeks. It was still hard to believe that she had fallen for the mare, and even harder to believe that she felt the same way back. Talking about her so casually, her mate, would she ever get used to that? She almost hoped she wouldn’t. This nervous energy that filled her every time she thought about her made her feel alive, made her feel whole, it was almost an echo of the deep love she felt for the mare.

"Oh, are we so sure?" He teased her gently, giving her a nudge and a nod towards Vanilla. She was talking to the strange, beautiful, mare already. That was Vanilla for you, always one step ahead of the game, making sure to scope out absolutely everyone of interest both within and out of the herd. "Seems like she’s getting awfully cosy over there with our guest, don’t you think?"

The mare bit back a sharp retort, turning to gaze towards Vanilla as well. Yes, the two were talking, but Iolite felt no fear in her heart. She knew that the seathi would never be unfaithful to her. "Really Caius, just because every woman leaves you within one day doesn’t mean that’s normal for everyone else."

He let out a loud laugh, "Ahhh my dear Io, that’s how I prefer it."
 

[Phail Ninja]

Caius

Caius couldn’t tear his eyes away. Never had he seen someone so beautiful, it was like she called to his very soul. Such a strong attraction, drawing him right to her. He had been with many women, some he remembered and others had faded into the years, but none like her. None who claimed his attention so thoroughly. None who made him yearn so. None who made his heart flutter deep within his chest. “Iolite, you will have to excuse me. As much as you know I love your excellent company, I must make my entrance here, before Vanilla charms all the scales off her.”

Iolite

Iolite shook her head, stifling a laugh. He was so predictable. But that was Caius for you. See a new woman and off he shot, unable to contain himself. She tried not to take it personally, it was just a part of who he was. But it did suck, being left sitting alone sometimes. Maybe she could catch Vanilla’s attention, whenever she tore herself away from the stranger.

Vanilla

Vanilla gave the mare her best coy smile. It was well practiced. She knew how to play the game. Appear all innocent, sweet and bubbly, but give just that hint of an implication… suggest that there was just a little bit more to her that the other person would want to get in on. There was only one person she would never use such a look on, and that was Iolite. No, for her she reserved her true smiles, she deserved better than such coercion. “Well, I’ve heard you can find all sorts of other encounters too.”

Kealoha

Oh, this mare was good. Probably. Or very naïve. Was she just being flirtatious, or was there more to it? Kealoha wasn’t sure. Honestly, she wasn’t sure if she cared. She was here to do one thing – make an entrance, make others see her. Establish herself in the society. But to do that she couldn’t instantly get pulled in with one individual. She had to play the advantage while everyone’s eyes were on her. She made sure to let her eyes wander somewhat, to catch the gaze of everyone who turned towards her. Occasionally she gave them a sly wink.

Vanilla

Vanilla caught sight of Caius way before Kealoha did. Oh there he went, about to steal the spotlight and ruin her plans. Typical stallion. She almost snorted, but pretended to keep her attention on the newcomer. Something was about to go down.

Caius

Caius eyed up the situation. He had to get her attention somehow, draw all eyes on him. And he had just the tool to do it with. He had been gifted with not only handsome looks, but also a good voice. One he liked to flaunt at all opportunities. But what song? It was a wedding, and he wanted her attention, so of course it had to be some sort of love song. But what would draw her attention? Not a simple ditty, no. It had to be something grand. Something tough. Something that showcased his talents. Something that might…. Draw her in. A ballad. Even better. A duet. Even if she knew not the song, she might notice another join in with him. He knew exactly which one to do. It was an infamous ballad in these waters, one of the hardest from a technical perspective. But it was a beautiful piece of music. He began.

“Still! Sit! For though you listen long
Long would you wait without the hope of song
So sweet as this. As Illien himself set down
An age ago. Master work of a master’s life
Of Savien, and Aloine the woman he would take to wife.”

Iolite

Caius’ voice lilted out across the water. She stiffened as she heard it. The Lay of Sir Savien Traliard, a bold move. He must have really liked her. Would he pull it off? It was a difficult song, notoriously hard. And not to mention… it required two to sing it. She froze.

Vanilla

Vanilla slowly backed away from Kealoha as everyone’s attention drifted to Caius. There was nothing she could do now, that would captivate even the most distracted of individuals. The song was a beautiful one, designed to enrapture all who heard it. She slipped away, heading towards her mate. “Going to sing the female role, Io?” She teased gently, knowing how shy she felt about singing in public. Which was a shame, her mate had a beautiful voice, one that could rival Caius’, but she was much too scared to ever use it. At least, not when she thought anyone else could hear. Vanilla smiled, remembering all the times she had caught Io singing under her breath.

Iolite

Iolite shook her head furiously. “No no no no no, I couldn’t! I mean… I probably physically could. But…” Her eyes scanned across the crowds. “No, I couldn’t. You know I can’t sing in front of everyone.” She jabbed an elbow towards Vanilla, intending more to nudge than to actually hurt her. But… if the mare didn’t join in. Someone would have to. She chewed her lip anxiously. She couldn’t leave Caius hanging like that… could she?

Kealoha

The soft voice rose behind her, instantly captivating her attention. The familiar words twined through the water, the ballad dancing around her ears. It seemed to almost electrify the atmosphere. Such a beautiful voice. Heat flashed through her body. She turned. Slowly. His eyes met hers. A stallion. His skin was pale, but had a pearly sheen to it. Glimmers of pink and blue danced across him, shimmering as they caught the low light. His mane was tightly curled, carefully looked after. A charmer, she was sure. She felt her own heart flutter. Was this a courting challenge? Well, two could play at that game. As it happened, she had studied beneath a bard for a while, learning his songs. And this one she knew. She didn’t know if she could pull it off, but she wasn’t one to ever back down from a challenge. Arching her neck, she met his eyes and began to slowly circle around him. Her own voice was musical, carrying a bold tone to it. It complimented his own well.

“Savien, how could you know
It was the time for you to come to me?
Savien, do you remember
The days we squandered pleasantly?
How well then have you carried what
Have tarried in my heart and memory?”

Iolite

As his verse ended she felt a cold sweat jump up on her brow. Her heart hammered within her chest. No… she couldn’t. There was silence in the air for a moment. Then a voice rose to fill it. But not her own – no. The stranger had taken the partner’s role. Iolite let out a shaky sigh, slumping against her mate. Saved, she was saved.



((I did not write the song! It is from the Kingkiller series by Patrick Rothfuss <3 I take no credit for it and it will not be counted in any word counts for stats! XD))