"Thank you."

 

Nodding at the pair of men who opened the gate for him, Duram nudged his heels to his steed.  Alot had changed since he had first arrived, or so he noticed as he cantered onto the estate with wagons rolling behind him.  When he had first arrived, it had been rundown and disused, filthy and troubled by rats and other vermin.  It had been little wonder that he had been able to purchase it cheaply, that and it was on the Calpene Peninsula where the law was to be found least.  Many criminal groups to be dealt with, one way or another, and with the costs of restoring the place it had been difficult.

 

It was for that reason that Duram was glad to have Eden with him, well, Lillen in particular.  He could juggle numbers, but she could make money out of nothing and leave no one the wiser to how it occured, all without cheating as such.  Even now one could see the results of her efforts.  The gardens had been restored, the dead trees ripped out and new ones planted.  The once weedchoked path rang with the clip clop of the horses and was lined with evergreen hedges that gave it a measure of respectability.  Ahead lay the fountain that had been given its former glory, water once more spouting from the four stone lions that sat within.

 

Workmen walking this way and that with materials, the majority of their work was done.  The walls no longer had the corrupted taint that most in the city did, and the four storey manor itself now looked magnificent.  Gleaming white, its once collapsed dome had now been restored and, Duram frowned, gilded with gold.  How Lillen had managed that particular feat he'd want to learn later.  Stopping before the house, he dismounted and handed the reins to one of the stableboys who had seen that they had arrived.  Slipping the lad a silver for being quick to notice, Duram made his way up the marble steps, he nodded approvingly at the calligraphy that bordered the large doorway, messages of welcome, peace and sanctuary in the old tongue had been chiseled into the blue stone.

 

Stopping in his tracks, Duram smiled broadly.  There was Eden, giving orders no less to the workmen about her as to where place different thin-  Seafolk porcelein!  Duram nearly had a heart attack when he saw a pair of men hauling some up the stairs on the far side of the hall up to the next level.  Did they have any money left?  He was going to have to have a discussion with Lillen about this but now wasn't the time.  Now he wanted to talk to Eden whom he hadn't seen since he'd left for Elmora with the caravan.

 

She didn't seem aware that he was there so instead of interrupt her, he stood behind her as he waited for her to finish.

 

 

Duram Laddel Cham

Be`lal, The Netweaver

The day had been one aggravation after another, she thought as she pushed back a stray piece of hair that had fallen from the bun she had pulled her hair into that morning.  Her eyes traced the pale colored walls as she tried to categorize all the things that were still to be delivered today and what still needed overseeing.  She prefered to let the men do their work, but the last time she had given directions and not checked up half the rugs had been misplaced and she had spent the better side of a morning getting it fixed.  Then the man had wanted more money because of the extra time he'd spent!  She'd demanded in no uncertain terms that he leave immediately and he'd be lucky if she didn't explain to her husband how badly the man had botched the work.  The threat had worked and the man had scurried away with many bobs of the head and continued apologies. 

 

If Duram had been there it wouldn't have happened of course.  He wouldn't have pressed her 'husband' for more money on his error but people thought they saw weakness in her and they tried things.  He hadn't been the first though she hoped he was the last.  It still irked her to have to threaten to inform her 'husband' about the transaction.  Not that talking to Duram about any of it would be a chore but the term itself wanted to stick in her throat each time she said it.  Husband.  She could pretend to be the darling little wife all she wanted, but it wasn't real and though she loved Duram with her whole heart, it made her worried that he would never see her as worthy of the title 'wife'. 

 

A voice brought her out of her reverie and it was for the best.  She was happy with Duram and everything she had was because of him.  Title or no, she would stay by his side.  As she began to give directions for the latest delivery she felt eyes on her.  She was a beautiful woman, she knew and the eyes of the working men tended to linger far longer than propriety would allow but it could be ignored when need be.  She nodded her head as the men began taking the delicate porcelains into their home with more than one warning of caution from her and their employer. 

 

Oddly enough, she still felt the eyes on her and with the laborers handled, she turned an icy glare on whoever was starring at her.  When her eyes fell on his though, her glare turned to something much softer and she smiled warmly at him.  "Darian!"  She hated using a false name, but his true name wasn't safe here in the open.  "I didn't know you'd come back already."

 

Eden/Moghedien

Laughing, Duram wrapped his arms around her and kissed her as he twirled her about in the air.  After so long away it was good to hold her again, to have her close.  He hadn't hesitated in leaving when he had to, but he'd certainly regretted it and wished he could have sent someone else in his stead.  But, the Rayasayn family interests could only be represented by the head of the house, himself.  Lifting his head away slightly as he set her down on her feet, his smile was broad as he spoke.  "I missed you, how have you been?"

 

Eden laughed lightly as she was twirled, she let her arms fall across his shoulders as she looked up at him.  "Busy but I'm sure you could see that." She said with an absent wave at the manor.  "And not sleeping well enough without you here."  She leaned up for another kiss before she continued.  How she had missed him while he was gone.  If she thought she could get away with it she would have demanded that he not leave her again, but that wasn't the life they had, no matter what she desired.  "Were you able to settle your business?" She asked, hoping he had and that he would be staying in their new home for some time with no more trips.

 

Grinning, Duram shook his head at Eden's question.  "Its settled, I met with the merchants in Elmora and managed to win some contracts for moving their cargo.  That and a few other odds and ends, but we can talk about that later."  Breaking from their embrace, Duram offered his hand to her as he spoke.  "Would you care to show me around our home?  So much has changed, I'm curious as to how you've decorated since I've been gone."  So help him it was good to be back again.

 

Eden smiled warmly at him as she took his hand and began leading him into the house.  "It's almost done." She said as they walked through the entrance way.  "Most of the items that we are waiting for are decorative pieces.  A few rooms in the servants quarters are still being finished, but they are just spare rooms for now."  The ceiling overhead was a gilted gold much like the dome on the outside had been.  It gave a feeling of richness and prosperity to the once failing manor house.  Paired with pale colored walls, the place had a feel of wealth and stability.  Tarabon rugs lined the floors and exquisite tapestries hung in vibrant colors.  The majority of their furnishings were true to the Taraboner styles though Eden had paired them with delicate sea folk procelian creating a familiar yet slightly exotic flavor to the manor. 

 

She watched him as they walked through, unable to decipher the nods he made as she spoke of different pieces.  In the end, she couldn't stand it.  She had tried hard to make a home for them in the manor and she had truly wanted him to be happy with her work.  "Is it suitable for you, husband?" She asked, still aware that workmen were around.

 

"Suitable?  Its fit for a king."  Smiling at Eden, he realised that perhaps he hadn't been as enthusiastic as he should have been.  She had put in alot of effort as well as Lillen, he wasn't doing much in the way of recognising it.  "I'm sorry, its just that we've been traveling hard the whole way back so I could get here a day earlier, been up since before first light."  Squeezing her hand, Duram grinned at her.  "Has the bath been placed in our sidechamber yet by anychance?  I really need to wash the dirt from traveling from me."  That much was true, but it was also an excuse for them to leave the workmen and have a moment of privacy for themselves without them to overhear everything spoken.

 

"Of course." she said with a wider smile as relief flooded her.  She hadn't realized how much she had wanted him to like it.  Of course she had wanted that, she wanted him to be as happy with the place as she was, but she hadn't realized how unsure his reception would be.  They had few servants running around the manor just yet, but she found one and asked for the bath to be prepared.  She completed the tour taking him lastly to the bedchamber as she watched the servant leave the room with a nod.  "This way." She said, leading him back towards the sidechamber.

 

As much as Duram enjoyed the tour, he was relieved to be alone with Eden finally with no one else around.  It was a chance to relax, to not worry about appearances and just be, important for him after having been Darian without pause for the better part of a month.  That and to have Eden with him, although he could go without her if he forced himself there was the simple fact that he did not want to.  She was one of the things that made this age worthwhile, even if a part of her came from his own age and time.

 

Entering the sidechamber, Duram was impressed with what had been done.  The mosaics and the high windows were distinctly Tarabon in design, yet there was the touch of Mar Rouis to it, the ocean colours and some of the designs in the mosaics if one looked at them more closely.  Lillen's doing no doubt, though whether that was her preference or a jab at him he wasn't sure.  Either way he appreciated the beauty of it as he began to strip away his clothing starting with his swordbelt.  So help him, after so long in the saddle he definitely needed a bath.  "You have no idea how good this bath looks Eden, thank you.  Everything has been fine with the others, they are settling in?"

 

Although the shifts were becoming less and less obvious to those on the outside, Eden was becoming more aware of the change within herself.  Lillen was not at all happy about that change of events.  It made things a little easier, but came with a lot of other issues that she wasn't sure she wanted to face.  Ever.  Coming to full consciousness to find herself sitting in the Sidechamber watching Duram stip for a bath didn't help her mood much either though she decide to bite her tongue.  Unlike the simpering Eden, she had picked out furnishings and decore for her own tastes and no one elses.  It had made an interesting combination she had to agree, all in all very tasetful and respectable if a little showy in places. 

 

She watched as Duram turned and looked at her, realizing she had taken too long to answer.  "The others are settled in just fine, no thanks to you and your absence."  She didn't know why she said that.  She prefered working on her own but it was a month gone when it was easy enough for him to find a way to shorten things.  "They'll be ready to begin working as soon as we have everything in place." She added.

 

Looking sharply at Eden, it became clear to Duram that it wasn't Eden he was speaking to anymore.  Lillen had slid in, but at least that would give him a chance to learn about certain things, like how she'd managed to get the dome gilded.  Stripping off his shirt, he walked over to the tub and sat on the side as he worked at his breeches.  "Good to see you too Lillen.  How have you been Lillen?  Thats good to hear that you've been well."  The sarcasm was a slight reproof, but there wasn't the venom in it that she'd treated him with.  "I don't suppose you'd care to tell me how you managed the dome?  Or the seafolk porcelein?  I saw those and I almost had a heart attack on the spot."

 

"No, I don't think I do care to tell." She said, giving him a langorious smile.  "Never let it be said that I coudln't keep up my side of our bargain.  I believe we now have a home befitting our needs and no, dear husband we are not in the poor house."  It irked to find herself playing the role of the doting wife for anyone, but it served their purpose here well.  It was more a comment on Eden than the circumstance but her tongue had become loose today for some reason.  Probably because the gilding had been Eden's work and not her own.  A chance passing had found a gilder who had bought the materials for someone else's home and had never received payment for it.  The materials were wasting away and Eden with her pretty smile and adoration for Duram had swept in and convinced the man to do the Manor for next to nothing.  "Is there any news from your trip that I should be aware of?"

 

Stripping the last of his clothes off as Lillen asked her question, Duram slid into the bath and made himself at ease before he gave thought to answer.  There wasn't anything particularly unusual, but he had made good use of the time.  "I established those links you wanted, we are now known in Elmora as reputable transporters of goods, needing only now to prove our words with action.  Success there will open up links with other merchanting cartels as needed.  On the way back we stopped by a few different hamlets.  They have decent crops in the making, short of some natural disaster befalling, the heat hasn't touched those areas as badly.  I've bought us the right to first bid in all of those areas, it'll be a couple of months until we can make use of it but it seemed wise to hedge our bets there and it only cost a margin of the full cost of waiting and bidding against others."

 

Stretching, Duram reached for the soap and began to work away at his aching muscles as he spoke on.  "It also seems that there is a great deal of banditry between Elmora and the Amadician border again, perhaps we should look into this.  Once we expand our guard, perhaps we could look into taking on jobs there.  They're dangerous, but they're also lucrative when it comes to the transport of valuables and luxury goods."  Pausing, Duram looked over at her and smiled.  "Come and sit over here, I'm not going to bite."

 

She looked at him for a moment like she didn't believe him, but it was purely for affect.  She did as he asked, wondering what else he had to say.  "If you think I'm going to scrub your back, you can think again."

 

"You young people, always jumping to conclusions."  Smiling at Lillen, Duram continued working away with the soap as he spoke.  "We've been together for quite awhile now, I was hoping that while I was away that might have lessened a little.  I haven't done anything to you yet all this hostility.  As much as we have a deal, this one is based on trust.  You still don't trust me, Lillen?"

 

It was not what she had expected to hear from him and her eyes narrowed slightly.  They'd found a way to work past their differences and forge an alliance so why was she having such trouble today being civil?  Her tongue seemed to have forgotten itself and her manners as well.  Trust.  It was a hard thing to give in life, even more so to those pledged to the Great Lord.  In truth, she trusted him in their business.  She trusted because they both needed the alliance to make their plans work.  She smiled softly at him.  "Trust is hard to come by these days and more so for someone in my... unique position."  Harder than he could realise.  She spent most of her time in this body with another controlling it.  She trusted Duram to keep her safe and it was far more than she wanted to.  "But our alliance is strong Duram.  I do trust you, elsewise I would not have been able to let you see to your end of things without more watchful eyes." She said honestly.

 

Smiling back at her, Duram nodded at her answer.  He wasn't exactly sure how truthful she was being, but as far as he knew she hadn't monitored, not too closely anyway.  Then again, she was capable of watching him without him knowing he was certain, she hadn't been called the spider without merit.  "Good.  I know its difficult where you are, sharing the body with Eden and everything that comes with it, but I appreciate it.  It is not easy for her either..."  A thought came to Duram, and on the spur of the moment he decided to voice it.  "Tell me Lillen, did you ever have someone that you truly loved?  Not as in family, but a partner, someone you trusted absolutely?"

 

She sat up straighter, taken aback by the personal question.  He had a bit of gall to ask it of her but she couldn't find a way to answer him.  "My life is none of your concern." She said coldly.  "And you have no right to ask."  She knew her feathers were ruffled, but she came into this age without her own body and to find herself bedded with one of the Chosen when the former occupant of the body was in control was always disconcerting to Lillen. 

 

It was the answer that really bothered her.  Not that she had ever had and lost anyone, or that she chose to live life alone, but she had never had the time or energy to devote to anyone else.  Certainly not to fools who could recognize her worth in the world.  Eden was the problem really.  He had become so used to her doting that he expected it of her as well.  Worse still was that she had to suffer through the emotions of the other woman who clearly did love Duram.  Even the body she sat in was affected by the sight of him though she had quickly learned to put a damper on that. 

 

In the end she realized that by snapping at him she had answered his question already.  It did no harm now to admit to truth and perhaps she might get a little something from him for it.  "But I'll answer anyway.  No, there was never anyone."  She looked at him and gave a small smile.  "What about you?  Have you ever truly loved someone?"  It could be interesting to say the least if Eden ever came to learn the truth about her lover.

 

The reaction was much sharper than Duram expected and rather than attempt to hide it he let his surprise show.  Perhaps that was what spurred her on to answer his question, though her motives were something he knew he could never discern with complete certainty.  Her parry on the otherhand was a surprise, while most of his life had been hidden, there were some things that had been made very public by...  Well, some men were truly vultures.  "Only one other woman, but you would know of it.  Jelana Astor Katel, I would have married her if not for...  well, as I said, you know of it."

 

The affair over Jelana Astor Katel would have been enough to sour anyone to love but she didn't like the way he had worded that.  She shook her head and pushed forward, uncertain if he would continue answering.  "Only one other?" she asked.

 

"True love."  Chuckling, Duram looked up from his scrubbing at Lillen.  "As simpering as it sounds, and I'd known a number of women before her, none of them had ever inspired in me the feelings that she did.  Nor crushed them so completely when she was ripped away from me.  That pain stays with you, might dull a bit but it remains the deepest wound anyone can endure.  When she was gone...  Well, it made my decision to swear to the Great Lord easier, once the truth of her murderers was discovered.  Not until I found Eden did I find someone who made this beat again."

 

Tapping his chest where the heart lay beneath, Duram shrugged.  "But perhaps these are the ramblings of an old fool, no?  But, let me ask a question.  Why was there never anyone?  Your last body wasn't ugly, when you aren't snapping at me and we forget the fact that we're Chosen you're actually rather pleasant.  So, why?"

 

It was a bit of a surprise to her to hear him speak of Eden so openly and to find that he did seem to care for her as she did him.  Perhaps it shouldn't have, the signs were there to see, but on some level she had always thought it an act for the girl.  It stunned her to the point that she didn't offer up any attempt to push aside his question.  Could he really be in love with Eden?  A disturbing thought, though one that certainly gave her an advantage over him.  "I had no time for simpering fools that couldn't understand their place in the world, or mine."  She looked up from her thoughts then.  "I was not the type to settle or compromise for someone else.  Perhaps I was too selfish for that sort of thing."

 

"Me and Eden are simpering idiots?"  Laughing before she could respond, there was genuine amusement in the laughter but no malice.  Lillen would not have been the first person to say that of him.  "Perhaps, and when I was much younger I remember joking of the vacant and empty headed smiles that my friends gave one another.  Yet when you're the one giving one of those completely oblivious smiles of happiness, and you feel it, it doesn't seem to matter.  But, I think you sell yourself too short.  Too selfish?  It wasn't always that way was it?"

 

She didn't know how to respond to this.  She preferred to be hidden and this was far too much of herself out in the open.  At the same time she wasn't sure how to stop it though.  They were partners, that much was true and they needed to maintain a working relationship.  More than that though, there were lines that had been crossed and even if she didn't want to remember them there were times when she looked at Duram and Eden's memories flooded her.  Times when she understood what it could be to love and trust as she did.  Times when she looked at Duram and remembered the kindness he showed her, or the support and encouragement. 

 

She shook her head, trying to get clear of it as Eden pressed in around her.  "Perhaps not.  I have been the Spider for too long to remember anymore.  Perhaps... perhaps it was always just easier to hide in the Shadow."

 

Looking at Lillen, it wasn't a cruel smirk that Duram gave her like others would have, it was concern.  Lillen had dropped her walls a little, that was a start when it came to real trust.  "If there is one thing I have learned, it is that being one of the Chosen it is all too easy to forget who we were.  We are given the names Be`lal and Moghedien, as the others were given their names.  Its dangerous to let our names define us, look at the others.  Sammael in many ways is in love with his own legend, Rahvin believes himself both immortal and irresistable, all of them have fallen prey to this.  The problem is, if we forget who we were then we become something less.  You might be Moghedien, but you are more than that."  Holding her gaze for a moment, Duram turned back to washing himself as he allowed her to consider his words.

 

Awareness began to fade and it was welcome.  The darkness was welcoming and Lillen Moiral, the woman the world knew as Moghedien, took to her darkness to contemplate the words. 

 

Eden took a deep breath and blinked a few times before realizing what had happened.  She came forward towards the tub and reached a hand down, taking the sponge from Duram's hand and smiled softly at him as she washed his back.  "Feeling better for the bath?" She asked.

 

Truth be told, Duram wasn't entirely surprised when Eden began to speak of him instead of Lillen.  He'd pushed at something, hopefully set something in motion but he would wait and see.  Smiling at Eden, an idea made his smile wider as he spoke.  "Pure bliss.  Well, almost, the bath was missing something."  Snaking his arms around her, he quickly pulled her into the bath with him even as she wrapped her arms around him in turn.

 

It was good to be home.

 

 

Duram Laddel Cham

Be`lal, The Netweaver

 

Eden/Lillen Moiral

Moghedien, The Spider

Opening night.

 

Well, it wasn't a theatre, but the party that had been arranged to celebrate the completion of work on their home was certainly entertainment.  Smiling as he shook hands with another guest, the Captain of the watch in the Calpene Peninsula, Duram made a mental note to himself to speak with the man later.  They had spoken a couple of times before, but with a little alcohol in him he might prove a little more pliable, as well as informative.  But then, that was true of many of the guests that were arriving at the party be they merchants, nobles or other people of import.

 

There were enough amusements to keep them entertained until the dinner commenced, a small band of musicians, dancers and other excesses that had required a fair bit of wheeling and dealing to secure.  It was important to make an impression, tasteful yet wealthy, not overreaching yet making a statement.  It was also a way to advertise its access to luxuries, most of the guests were of means and they would be able to see what they had used in their home, from Saldaean cuisine to Seafolk porcelein they showed that they had access to other markets with luxuries they might desire.  Everything was an opportunity, and this was no different in that respect.

 

But he wasn't enjoying the night's festivities yet, Duram instead had posted himself by the main doors to greet each person as they arrived.  It would have been possible to delegate a servant to handle such things, but it was better to use a more personal touch.  People appreciated it and it allowed him to commit each face to memory along with their names.  He'd then be able to point them out to both Eden and Lillen later, though where she was he couldn't say. 

 

She was preparing herself last he knew, maybe the two of them were still deciding what to wear.  If they actually spoke to each other at all, it wouldn't surprise him if Lillen decided to remain in the background and unnoticed, but women could do the unexpected, its what made them so interesting even after three thousand and three hundred years.  It had been much easier for him, blue pants of the Tarabon cut with a tasteful black belt with a small gold buckle to much the golden embroidery in the white vest he wore open due to the heat.  A simple blue veil to match his pants, it might have taken him all of ten minutes to be ready.  But, he had faith in her, if she needed the time then she needed the time, even if it was extraordinarily long.

 

Smiling at the next guest, he shook the man's hand as he welcomed him to the party.

 

 

Duram Laddel Cham

Be`lal, The Netweaver

 

OOC: Sorry its rushed, have to fetch lunch :)

With Duram there to greet each guest the part of host was filled and left Eden with the advantage of being able to make a late entrance.  It suited her well because after seeing to last minute preparations she wasn't sure she could have made herself even halfway presentable in time to greet the first guests. 

 

Still, with everything done she was pleased with the way the Manor had turned out and the celebration tonight would be entertaining as well as profitable for them.  New to the city, it would give them the chance to meet the right people and to show their new neighbors exactly the type of life they should be living.

 

With a last glance at the looking glass she smiled at her relfection then headed out the doors of their bedchamber.  Duram had yet to see her in the Tarabon costume and she had done in consciously though her wardrobe had a few of the clingy dresses to entertain guests if they had come.  She wondered what he would think of it, though she herself was curious how he would look in the current fashions as well.  She knew what he was wearing, but she had not seen him in the native fashions.

 

She heard the sounds of their guests as she made her way to the top of the grand staircase.  She stopped for a moment and surveyed the people moving in swirls beneath her.  Like so many flies, they had come forth to the web and she wondered with a small smile how many would manage to stay free of their entanglements.  She shook her head of the odd thought as she looked for Duram. 

 

She knew where to find him and her eyes drank in the sight of him in the Taraboner clothing.  She didn't know if it was simply timing or if he had felt her gaze, but his eyes turned upward and she smiled as she began her descent to the main hall. 

 

Her dress was the same shade of blue as his pants, her veil matching his as well.  The silk clung to her in ways that left little to the imagination and yet with the gold emboirdery and delicate folds of fabric she was dressed as well as any Taraboner Noble could with to be.  Soft blue slippers made her steps noiseless.  She almost brushed a stray hair from her face bet held her hand, remembering that she had forgone her normal strict bun to leave her hair falling in long blond curls down her back. 

 

He moved through the crowds towards her and as she reached the last step he was there.  She took a moment to look at him and smiled warmly.  "I hope i'm not too late."  In a lower voice she continued.  "Tarabon looks good on you."

 

Eden/Moghedien

Taking Eden's hand, Duram hadn't quite been prepared for how she would look in the land's native fashion.  Certainly a far cry from the Cairhienin fashion they had garbed themselves in months before, the commoner of Cairhien had a propensity for a riot of colours and there had been times that he had felt a clown in their garb.  But this, sophisticated and elegant, alluring and most certainly distracting, she had picked well and he was certain he was going to have to keep an eye on the few of the guests as a result.  Having said that, it was more than worth it to see her as she was now.

 

"As it does on you, my love."  Kissing her hand, he smiled as she slipped her arm around his.  It was amazing, the effect of having the right woman on your arm.  Not just that of people seeing it and knowing that they saw two people whose marriage was more than convenience, it simply felt right.  But, now it was time to introduce Eden to their guests, especially as dinner was still sometime away.  Leading her to the nearest guests, he introduced her to Lord Hamad Nasreef and his daughter, Lady Liara...

 

 

Dinner had not taken long to prepare once the food was ready.  Great tables were carried in by servants wearing blue and green and following them came the cutlery and cuisine.  Escorting Eden to the head of the table as the other guests began to take their seats, Duram was happy with how things were progressing so far.  They had spoken briefly with the important guests, but had spent the majority of the time with those of lesser rank.  Those of the greater rank had come out of curiosity, but it would not be wise to simply jump to them to answer that curiosity.  Indeed, it would be better to let them approach after the dinner, when it became clear that if they wanted answers they would have to seek them.  There was a good deal of importance to be attached to who approached whom, Duram was not one to underestimate it.

 

Pushing in the chair as Eden took her seat, Duram remained standing until all of his guests were seated, the glasses charged as servants passed by the table to serve whatever drink was preferred.  Tapping his empty glass with a spoon to grab everyone's attention as the servants went about there work, Duram knew it only need be a short speech before the work was done.  Surveying the table before him as he made sure he had everyone's attention, he smiled broadly as he spoke.

 

"Friends, old and new, I thank you for coming tonight to celebrate our home being finished.  Its been three months now and I have to say, after so many years of traveling here and there with only a wagon for walls and ceiling, this place is an exquisite blessing that I am proud to call home.  For that, I would like to thank Masters Aslin and Mistress Surana, if the three of you would please stand?"

 

Gesturing to them as they stood from their seats, Duram continued.  "These three along with their craftsmen and labourers have given me this home, and the fair way in which they treated myself and my wife since our arrival in Tanchico along with their hard work is what has made this possible.  Thank you, and my thanks to all your fellows from the Hammer and Stone Guild."

 

They didn't seem used to the attention they received as they were applauded judging from the awkward smiles, but they appreciated it nevertheless as they took their seats.  Most of the glasses were filled, but there were still more to go and Duram still had words to speak.  "But, I would be remiss if I did not mention all of you.  You have been most gracious in accepting our offer to come to our dinner tonight and have most certainly made us feel welcome.  So much so that I can say with no doubt in my mind that there was truly no better place that we could have made our home."

 

The glasses were filled, and taking his up he knew his timing was perfect.  "To you, I propose a toast.  Good health and fortune for your kindness, asa dovienya taishite!"

 

Smiling as the others took up the old tongue toast, 'luck favour you', he was aware as he took a sip from his glass that there would be some at the table who wouldn't understand it but they would more than likely go and find out after the dinner.  It had been tempting to keep it simple, but it didn't hurt to show that one was educated either, not to mention keep others guessing.  The old tongue was kept alive, though corrupted, by the upper class that had varying degrees of knowledge when it came to the language.  That he knew it always added a little mystery to him, but nothing that would endanger them at least.

 

Having said that, it was annoying using the accent of the day as opposed to his natural tongue.

 

Sitting down beside Eden, he smiled as he took up the large knife and fork on the meat platter.  "What would you like?"

 

 

Duram Laddel Cham

Be`lal, The Netweaver

 

OOC: Can either continue with the dinner section or jump after it towards the dancing or whatnot, up to you :)

Dinner had been a huge success thanks to the skill of their chefs and the amount of extravegance they went to for it.  It would never do to spend all money on entertainment and have the guests complaining about the food, and the one thing they wanted to do was give the air of wealth and luxury.  The deserts had been lavish and she had enjoyed them as well as anyone though she had almost been too full to enjoy them.  Almost. 

 

The talk became more lively around the table and she gave a nod of her head to the musicians who strolled nearby that it was time for the next portion of the evening.  She smiled at Duram and as the music that had become backdrop to the fine dinner now became louder, he stood and offered her his arm.  She wrapped her arm around his and wondered briefly if she could pull off the disguise, if he would realize it was her and not the other, but it seemed a good time to find out. 

 

The musicians played well and as their song filled the halls, the servants quickly and quietly cleared the hall of the feast that had been consumed.  They mingled for a few moments, talking to this or that person before the room was truly ready and the dance music began.  As Duram began to lead her in the first dance she smiled warmly at him.  "It has gone well husband, don't you think?" She asked.

 

Lillen/Moghedien/Eden

Smiling as he stepped back and to the side, Eden following his every step, Duram nodded.  She was right, there hadn't been a single hitch so far which had been a blessing.  "So far, so good.  We are far from done though, the greater players of this game hang back and observe us as well as each other, wondering who will approach first, or whether we ourselves will approach someone.  We must simply outwait them, wait for those who are willing to express their interest to come forward to us.  In the meantime, we have this moment to ourselves."  His smile growing broader at that, he added a flourish to their next step, twirling her about before bring her back into his arms.

 

Whatever she might think of Duram, she couldn't fault his dancing.  She held onto her tongue as he spoke of what was still to come, resisting the urge to remind him that she was well able to sit and wait for the others to come into their nets.  Eden wouldn't say such a thing and for a little while at least, she was going to pretend to be Eden.  It would be good to know if she could fool her partner.  Certainly none of the workman or their associates had noticed any change when they dealt between the two of them, but Duram would know if anyone did. 

 

So she laughed as she was brought into the warmth of his arms.  "Who would have thought with all this we would actually get a moment?" She asked.  "I hope one of them makes their move soon.  The sooner they do, the sooner we can shoo them all out and truly have a moment alone."

 

"Patience, love."  Smiling as they moved together, Duram remembered something from his earlier talks with the guildsmen.  "I discovered something earlier today as well.  While Lillen has been making most of the arrangements with our coin and spending, I didn't realise it was you that arranged for the dome to be gilded.  You did very well to pick up on the opportunity that you did."

 

Her smile faltered for the briefest of seconds as she bit back the retort on her lips.  Considering it was true, she shouldn't react so bad, but after all that she had been working on, it was a hard thing to swallow, his praise of the girl for one simple thing.  She lowered her eyes coyly though and looked up at him through her eyelashes.  "Thank you.  It was good timing was all."  She said in the self deprecating way that Eden sometimes had.  "And he did a masterful job of it.  I'm sure his name will be moving among other tongues tonight for it."

 

"I hope so, I spent most of the earlier part of the evening talking about the craftsmen to advertise their services.  Repaying their good work with advertising their services is the least we can do, and it will mean they will be happy to do work for us in the future should we require it."  Dipping her low at the rallentando, Duram pulled her back up at the a tempo and resumed the dance once more.  "I'm just glad that I've had both you and Lillen watching everything while I've been gone."

 

She gave a small pout to see what she could get away with.  "Do you really think I am so incapable that I have to have her... assistance?"  She doubted Eden had ever said anything of the sort before but after so much work it was hard to hear anyone else given credit.  No matter that she had worked the numbers for him, it had been Eden who had put the physical work into it.  It had been Eden who had put her love of him into it all.  This gave her an opportunity to see what he really thought of her.  He might say something to sooth Eden that would reveal his true thoughts.

 

Covering his shock was a reflex honed from years of intrigue, something he was thankful for with all of the people in the room.  It was unlike her, but then it was difficult to share her body with Lillen without having to share her victories as well.  Still, it was strange.  "That isn't it at all.  You both have a flair for seizing opportunities, but she has had years of training that you haven't, years of experience.  Why begrudge her what she has done when the pair of you have done so much?  Thats unworthy of you Eden."

 

She lowered her eyes to show shame, but it was mostly to cover her surprise at his response.  she didn't know what she thought he would say about her, but she hadn't expected the rebuke, mild as it was, to his little Eden.  Certainly not over her.  "You're right.  We were able to get much done together."  She looked up at him then, feeling she had gotten control over herself before she spoke again.  "Forgive me. It wasn't fair of me to ask that of you.  I know you would trust me on my own, if you could."

 

"I do trust you on your own."  Smiling, Duram couldn't help wonder about the source of this questioning.  Was she becoming more irritated with Lillen being inside of her?  It had caused certain, problems, in the past after all.  "But we all have skills and strengths to contribute, we all do what we can and where we can.  Its not who did this or how much they did, its the fact that we all do what we can.  With time and training, there will be more that you can do and there will be more successes, but its always the fact you try that is important.  Alright?"

 

She nodded her head, uncertain of what to say to that.  She hated the sudden way things had suddenly changed on her.  He didn't understand what had happened and she wasn't inclined to let him in on the secret, but she felt... respect.  He had no reason to tell Eden those things about her if he hadn't meant them and that he seemed to not only acknowledge but to praise her own deeds to Eden showed a level of respect she hadn't thought he had for her.  The problem with being one of the Chosen was that no matter what alliance you made, the others were always looking around for something that offered a better deal.  She herself had become very good at that in the past, but the insecurity of it, while making it easy to separate the boys from the men also left you with no way to trust your companions. 

 

The real complication had come about because of this body and it's occupying soul.  If Duram had never taken her in, if he hadn't fallen for her the alliance might not have ever happened.  Even if it had, she doubted that the level of cooperation would have been as extensive as it was between them.  It was confusing after so many years of mistrust, but he was right.  They had to learn to trust somehow if they were truly to get through these times when their peers were being tossed to the flame. 

 

She made an effort to smile then.  Uncertainty still gripped at her and part of her wanted to retreat to the darkness that had so long been her only consolation, but she could not tonight.  She needed to see this through.  Eden might look the part of the doting wife, but she needed Lillen's mind and ability to manipulate to work the scene tonight.  "You know I always try my best for you." She answered as she reached up and touched his cheek lightly.  "Think no more on this.  We have a manor to celebrate and guests to be joyous with.  Should we move around the crowd again?" She asked.

 

Whatever internal struggle was going on within Eden, Duram decided it would be best if he didn't push it further.  When she was ready she would talk to him if she felt it necessary.  Her question brought a grin to his face, she had slowly but surely changed from the innocent girl that he had first taken in, starving and naive of the world around her.  Much more confident, and much more willing to do what was needed.  This masquerade as husband and wife had been difficult on her at first, and he had some idea of why but now she embraced the role and was focused on what was necessary.  Maybe a little too focused.

 

"One more dance."

 

 

Duram Laddel Cham

Be`lal, The Netweaver

 

Eden/Lillen

Moghedien, The Spider