shelley_winters

"Good."

It's just a pity that these people are all so backstabbing and suspicious of one another that it doesn't affect him in the least.

Then the girl frowns.

"Hang on, you mean, she is going to kill me? Oh, fantastic."

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Ishamael brought his head close to hers. His voice low and intense. He would not let them hurt her, and if they did, then so help them.

"No, she is not."

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Shelley rolls her eyes, not hunching her shoulders at his increased proximity with an effort.

"She'd really want to, though," she says, with grim satisfaction.

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A chuckle as he commented quietly. A glance over to several of the other men. There were fewer people on the dance floor, because this dance was more demanding..

"The dance requires a spin.... Here."

Gently, he spun her, slowly so she would not lose her balance and fall. That would be a socially embarassing situation.

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Despite the care he takes, Shelley almost trips on her long skirts as they swirl with her. She grabs at his hand and glares surreptitiously at the end, managing to steady herself.

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A soft smile as he caught her and they returned to a normal dance steps. It felt good to have her with him. He would keep her safe.

"Honestly, Lady Shelley, I can live with Mesaana's chagrin."

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Shelley shrugs. So can she, if it comes to it, which is precisely why she picked that name to use.

It's not much, considering all Mesaana did to her, but it feels good to have done something she would hate.

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In the low light, the crimson and black of their robes almost blended together across the bright white stone. The watching eyes only gave Ishamael a bit more pleasure. Let them watch. Let them talk. They could do nothing against him and only stew in their frustrations.

He had his own plans and they would not be disturbed by anyone. Let them try.

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Towards the end of the piece, they pass a tall, beautiful woman dressed all in white and silver, who watches them with a sweet, amused smile playing around her mouth. As the music slows for a transition into something different, she approaches the pair with a gentle nod.

"Ishamael. I do apologise for the interruption."

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A cool glance over to her. Now, what did Lanfear want? She was surely after something. Turning, he released Shelley and faced Lanfear, standing close to the little redhead.

"What is it, Lanfear?"

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Lanfear notes the continued proximity as she continues. Even in front of one of the Chosen.

"I realise this is a social occasion, but you and I do have a few matters to discuss. It makes little sense to wait for a later date when we are both here."

She turns a socially acceptable polite smile to the child with red hair as she continues. "We should not be long, provided we can agree on most points. Perhaps the duration of a dance?"

Her eyes flicker meaningfully to the wary but fascinated Darkfriends nearby.

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Ishamael thought for a moment before raising his head. Shelley was quietly closed-mouthed at his side. A quick glance and a nod to her that advised caution. What would Lanfear need to discuss with him that the others did not need to hear?

"I am sure we can manage."

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She almost smiles. Any other Chosen would walk away from their partner now, or send them away, but not Ishamael. Such consideration.

"The local governers in Emar Dal seems likely to cause... problems. I know we have mutual interests there."

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Ishamael nodded. That was a matter that needed discussion. While this did not exonerate her intentions, it certainly added a touch of legitimacy.

"Indeed."

Turning to Shelley, he nodded calmly. He would keep an eye on her, certainly.

"You must excuse me, my lady."

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Shelley almost rolls her eyes and points out that she hardly cares.

"Of course," she says instead, nodding politely to Lanfear, and stepping aside to stand near the table, out of the way of the dance floor.

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Ishamael nodded calmly and took Lanfear by the hand. As the music began to play, he placed his hand on her waist. Now, he would see what Lanfear was up to.

"So what about these governors?"

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She grimaces delicately, placing her hand casually on his arm. Both can dance near enough anything without even thinking about it - convenient, since dancing is the last thing on her mind. Over his shoulder, she can see the child standing alone by the table, making no attempt to speak with anyone else, before they turn so she is facing away again.

"They are considering opening their doors to the Hall of the Servants. Highly inconvenient at the very least."

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Rahvin.

Whether Lanfear put him up to this or he took his own initiative, he was addressing Shelley. A quick calculation. He will not try anything with the other male Forsaken in this room. If he somehow managed to escape notice, he would watch the exits.

Do not look. It would give him what he wanted. He relished that sort of thing.

"Yes, it is. What are you suggesting that we do?"

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A flicker of the eyes, hard to judge. But Lanfear doesn't need to look to know Rahvin is doing his part.

She herself keeps her eyes strictly on Ishamael.

"If we are unable to dissuade enough members of the council, see that our agents are assigned to the inspection, or possibly replace those who are. The arrangements in that place are too complex to rebuild swiftly if interfered with."

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Ishamael kept his eyes firmly on Lanfear for the moment. A small smile as his black robe swirled about him as he made a turn.

"Yes, they are. Perhaps, something to make certain that the council keep their interests at home. Surely we can stir up a little chaos?"

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"Hmm. Most likely we could. What do you suggest?"

Step, step, a graceful turn without breaking rhythm. Out of the corner of her eye, she sees Rahvin leading the child out to dance. Good. Hopefully he will keep his hands in appropriate places, though she admits the results if he does not should be fascinating.

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Rahvin had not yet embraced Saidin. That was comforting, but the man was not bold enough to try anything. Keep thoughts on the task at hand, do not think about Rahvin having his hands on her...

--The council of Emar Dal. A group of small-minded, inbred, bureaucrats would have difficulty dealing with public insurrection.

"I was thinking of a few small riots, perhaps. The hearings alone would keep them busy for months."

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She nods thoughtfully. That would not take too much of their time while still producing the desired effect.

"Indeed. Perhaps I will take a brief journey that way some time in the next few days. A word or two with a few of the anti-establishment groups should do, yes?"

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A firm nod.

"A few carefully timed events should firmly keep that area under our influence for a long time yet."

Lanfear was excellent about dealing in chaos. It was one of the few reasons that she was useful. She caused a great deal of trouble, normally. Gently, he spun her. White skirts whirling. She was breathtakingly beautiful, but the thought only registered lightly.

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