“...I shall let you know, should the dice of life be on my side. But, a romantic dinner...?†the Duke trailed off in his tranquil voice, now that he was focused entirely upon A'ih. By this time she had begun walking back with the mysterious guest following her tracks. As the two Miqo'te continued to approach him without saying a word, he was quite sure of himself losing the game. He looked back to Miss Mewrilah and made a light shrugging gesture with his free hand. He could easily read the amount of anxiety in her face caused by the response she had made, and he began to think it might be more enjoyable to actually take her up on the offer anyhow. He would spare her the romance though; he knew it was only an effect likely due to the giddiness or the possible placebo effect of the “wineâ€.
A'ih gave her curtsy to the red and blue haired woman she had brought over with her habitual emotionless manner and proceeded to stand beside the Duke in her straight pose and the platter at her waist. He turned his head back to the second guest and gave his charming smile to her as she trod her way across the mahogany floor up to him.
“Indeed, I am he who is called the Duke of the Isles. It is a pleasure to know that my ball is to your liking.â€
A’ih was inconspicuously looking at the woman’s mask from the corner of her eyes, attempting to determine the origin of the heraldry upon it, but eventually she stopped as she had no idea where it was from. She had never seen it before, but it was possible that the Duke might have some understanding of it and she looked to his face. It was at that exact his eyes briefly flashed with the cleverness that always showed when he had figured out a quick move.
“I do ask you to excuse me, fine guest, this may seem a bit peculiar, but do side with me on this…A’ih.â€
“Yes, Duke?â€
“If you would, ask this fine guest her name and repeat it to me.â€
“Your wish is my command,†she managed to say, holding back the questioning in her voice. She had been absent for the wager, and her mind was now occupied with trying to comprehend the reason why this was even necessary. “Miss, if it would not bother you, the Duke requests your name.â€
She did not see it, but there was a playful smirk on the Duke’s face as he looked at Muijh.
A'ih gave her curtsy to the red and blue haired woman she had brought over with her habitual emotionless manner and proceeded to stand beside the Duke in her straight pose and the platter at her waist. He turned his head back to the second guest and gave his charming smile to her as she trod her way across the mahogany floor up to him.
“Indeed, I am he who is called the Duke of the Isles. It is a pleasure to know that my ball is to your liking.â€
~*~
A’ih was inconspicuously looking at the woman’s mask from the corner of her eyes, attempting to determine the origin of the heraldry upon it, but eventually she stopped as she had no idea where it was from. She had never seen it before, but it was possible that the Duke might have some understanding of it and she looked to his face. It was at that exact his eyes briefly flashed with the cleverness that always showed when he had figured out a quick move.
“I do ask you to excuse me, fine guest, this may seem a bit peculiar, but do side with me on this…A’ih.â€
“Yes, Duke?â€
“If you would, ask this fine guest her name and repeat it to me.â€
“Your wish is my command,†she managed to say, holding back the questioning in her voice. She had been absent for the wager, and her mind was now occupied with trying to comprehend the reason why this was even necessary. “Miss, if it would not bother you, the Duke requests your name.â€
She did not see it, but there was a playful smirk on the Duke’s face as he looked at Muijh.
