Dinner Conversations

4th Maludae, the 26th day of the month of Semens (Sem), the 3672nd year of Salvation's Landing

There really was not much Reglin do in the ways of clean up besides taking a wet cloth to various places in hopes of getting rid of any sweat or grime. The baths in the basement were not full. He should have just stayed and seen if he could have used Tabitha’s basin. But once he got as clean as he was going to get, Reglin made his way out of the palace and out by a south guards’ gate, waving and giving the guards on duty some cordial greetings.

Once out into the city proper, Reglin had an idea as to where he was going but didn’t take any chances and asked around to make sure he was homing in on The Blackened Kettle. It was in the northeast part of the city, so he only had to go east toward the Mule River. The river was named so because it was said that it did most of the work in the building of the city by bring supplies from the north via ships.

After asking a few more times, he had the pub in his sight. It looked fine enough. Perhaps more than he figured a soldier and a laundress would normally attend. But, Reglin had a full enough coinpurse for this evening at least, given that he had over five years of pay he hadn’t had a chance to even tap into yet. He knew he would end up giving most of it to his family, but it would be nice to have an evening of niceties.

It was the last Quarterchime of the evening when Reglin entered the door. Once inside, the dining room looked like the usual. A bar on the right side, the kitchen to the back, large tables right there in the middle, and smaller tables off to the left. Shadows played all over the room from tabletop candles and sconces on the walls.

Standing there examining the place gave time for a waitress to spot him and greet him, “Welcome to the Kettle, sir. Any table’s good this night… Dining alone?” She was shorter than average. Her skin was on the pale side and her hair was dark. Reglin would have guessed black, but the shadows made that a gamble. With a round face and full cheeks, she was definitely on the cute side rather than the beauty side. But her charm won points with Reglin.

“Not tonight. I will have one more joining me tonight.” The look on her face might have been disappointment, but it was a subtle thing as she still beamed a smile at him. Reglin could not help but return his own.

“Figures that the one fine looking lad to come in tonight would have company.” Joking with him, or so he thought. “Like I said, take a seat anywhere and I’ll be attending you tonight. My name’s Pinnette.”

Continuing his smile and giving a nod, “Nice to meet you Pinnette. I think I’ll take a little table over there in the corner, thanks.” Reglin turned and made his way to the far corner and sat down against the wall.

Pinnette had followed him to the table and asked him if he would like a drink while waiting. Not knowing what to do in this situation, he asked for a little advice from her, stating that he had spent much of his girl-chasing years in the field. She commiserated with him and offered up a popular bottle of red and brought it to the table. So now all he had to do was wait…

The door opened and Reglin instantly looked to it to see, but it was not Asha. Just a man bellying up to the bar after a long day’s work it seemed. Luckily for Reglin he didn’t have to wait too much longer, as the door opened, and he instantly recognized that button nose and chestnut hair in the entry light from the distance.

Reglin was up and moving toward Asha before she was fully in the establishment, rushing to greet her. As he approached at almost a jog, he saw that she was wearing grey skirts that hung freely, giving Reglin as close to a true accounting of Asha’s hips as he would get. Baring the smallest glimpse of cleavage with a white blouse and those breasts were further enhanced with a black bodice that laced up in the front. Reglin realized in noble circles, the outfit would be near profane, but the commoner was often allowed a wide berth of decency.

Asha saw Reglin approach and smiled nervously, her hands fidgeting and going to her skirts, but otherwise looking rooted to the floor as he came toward her, “Oh Gods, you’re here… A part of me thought this might all be some big tease.” The nervous smile endearing herself to him as he came to stand in front of her.

Giving a shake of the head and a rueful smile, “Not at all, Mistress. You will learn that I mean what I say. But, come with me, please…” Reglin turned and offered Asha his arm, which she took with a giggle and followed him. Leaning over to her as they walked, he said lowly, “You look lovely tonight. I knew I was to spend the evening with a beauty, but I was clearly wrong as to the magnitude of yours. I apologize…” He smiled as charmingly as he could and covered her hand on his arm with his other hand.

The same anxious smile and a giggle once more, “Did you just apologize to me for underestimating my ‘beauty’?” Reglin noticed her offhand was gripping her skirts, trying to work at her nervous energy, he thought.

At the table, Reglin disengaged and pulled the chair out for her. As she sat, he nodded, “I did… Those servants’ garb could not hide your beauty, I know. But I didn’t realize just how effective they were at trying to lessen the enticement of your figure.” Once she was sat and pushed in, he went and sat along the wall, “Please forgive my seating choice. It’s become a habit of mine. I feel a need to see a room before me if I can. Makes me feel more aware.”

Asha just smiles at that, some of the anxiety has left the lips and eyes. She takes hold of her glass of wine, “You didn’t have to do this, you know?” But she took a small sip all the same and her brows climbed in recognition of a flavor she enjoyed.

Smiling at her reaction, he gave a nod, “I’m glad you like it. I’ll admit that I know less than nothing about wine, truly. As to the wine itself, I wanted to. This is my first evening out with a lady and I would like it to be a nice one if I can. Plus, I have years of army pay to cover it, so please, allow me to treat you this night?”

Her eyes narrowed, gauging his words with a small smile. She thought about for a moment before nodding, “I don’t necessarily believe that this would be your first time courting a woman. Not that I am doubting your word, just the idea of it…” Asha’s eyes then looked at him, up and down, taking the whole thing in, “You look dashing in the doublet, by the way.”

Reglin’s cheeks felt warm and he lowered his head with his own nervous smile. He liked to lavish praise onto the beauties he was lucky enough to be around. Given praise about his own looks felt awkward still. It was different from earlier with the noble women, mostly because he knew that Asha meant it, “Thank you…” He cleared his throat and changed it up, “Well, at least I got a good wine by the look you gave!”

Asha laughed and held her glass up again, “No, no… I don’t know a thing about wines either. I just liked this one’s flavor. Don’t take me as some kind of expert.”

Laughing with her, Reglin nodded. “I see, well… Maybe that can be something we can do together? Learn what makes a wine good or bad? But let’s not start tonight. Let’s just enjoy what we have.” He picked up his glass and brought it forward for her to toast with him, “To a night of happiness… And let it be but our first.”

Subtly biting her lip with that twinkle in her eye that Reglin recognized, she brought her glass to his, “I think I would like that indeed…” And the two took small drinks.

Putting his glass down, Reglin pointed at Asha’s eyes, “Those! Those are what drew me to you, just so you know.” Grinning at Asha, who’s face was puzzled by his outburst initially, but recovered quickly to an amused look.

“Oh really? Are you saying that my eyes are really the reason we are here tonight? I have got to hear this.” Asha placed her elbows on the table, brought her hands together with her fingers interlaced and rested her chin on them.

Reglin reached for his glass while nodding and took a quick drink, enjoying the flavor, “Ok. Yesterday… Lim, Boll and I are approaching your laundry house. You are out there hanging up sheets and you see Lim. You immediately start giving him shit! That alone would not mean anything except for that glint in your eyes. Against your better judgement, you actually like Lim. Gods know why…” He grinned at her, “You like him, but you give him hell. I’m a military man, or at least for the last five years or so. That is pretty much how we live and breathe. Now, you being a beauty is just cream on the strawberries…” He took another sip then.

Even in the candlelight Reglin could see her flushing cheeks, though her laughing smile was much more pleasant to see. She had to take a sip, and covered her mouth with her fingers, “I can’t help it… That shovel-faced man just makes me laugh!” Her head bobbing with laughter.

With impeccable timing, Pinnette showed up at their table, “Glad to see you two are enjoying yourselves. Can I take some credit with the wine?” She looked truly entertained by Reglin and Asha’s giddiness. Her smile was that wide and inviting one that Reglin saw when he came to the Kettle.

Grinning still, Reglin nodded at her, “Of course! The lady and I would like to commend you on your choice. It’s quite good, to us at least.” Asha nodded and took another sip, smiling behind her glass.

“That’s great to hear… So, can I get you two something to eat with that red?” Her eyes came to Reglin and didn’t move on. She was eyeing him, perhaps thinking they were a bit more under the influence of the wine so they wouldn’t notice her.

Reglin noticed, but chose to play it off and looked over at Asha, eyes squinting in thought, “Do you have lamb on the menu? I think that it might go well with what we’re drinking… Or maybe I just want some lamb…” He chuckled and Asha snorted a laugh.

Pinnette smiled widely at Reglin, blinking her lashes a few times at him, “Of course we do. With some roasted vegetables? We can do that for you. Let me get that into the kitchen for you.” She patted Reglin’s shoulder then and turned to head to the kitchen.

Asha was grinning ear-to-ear as she watched Pinnette leave them and turned back to Reglin, “She looks like she could be a lot of fun!” She wagged her brows at him and finished her glass.

Already on top of it, Reglin had the bottle and started to fill Asha’s glass once it was on the table, “Oh, I don’t know… She’s a cute one, sure. But I think that you could do better. In fact, I KNOW you could do better.”

With her glass filled, Asha lifted it, “Oh? Perhaps someone at the table, maybe?” She gave Reglin that little mischievous grin. He really did love that look of hers. She just knew how to have fun.

“Pffff! Please! I guess… If you’re Attracted to men, I guess.” Reglin rolled his eyes in mock exasperation, “I’m talking about a woman who has mentioned an appreciation for your… assets.” He wagged his brows at her and trying to give her some eyes.

But his look didn’t seem to be as intriguing to her as the statement he made, “Now you are playing with me. You’ve got to be.” She got a bit more embarrassed, “I barely have any experience with men, and you are trying to tell me that you think a woman is interested in me?” Her face just realized what she just said, “Oh Gods! I hope that doesn’t kill this!”

Reglin just grinned and shook his head, “What? That you have limited experience? Not at all… Hells, I had absolutely no experience not all that long ago.” He laughed at that and just shrugged then, “Now would this woman I know be intrigued enough by you? I don’t know…”

Asha’s mind looked like it was racing all over, but she still looked skeptical, “Just recently for you? Really? Like how long ago?” those hazel eyes peering at him, calling him a liar in a way.

His demeanor sobered up and stared back for a few moments, “I promised I would not lie to you. I have no intention of lying to anyone. Are you sure you want to know?” The change in mood made an impact on her, but she just nodded.

With a long sigh, Reglin followed with, “Yesterday… Up until last night, I was a virgin.” The look of incredulity on Asha’s face made Reglin continue, “Truly… Sorry. Does that bother you?”

Her face sobered up more in thought, but slowly shook her head, “I don’t think it does bother me. I have no claim on you, nor did I last night… Who was it? Can I ask?”

Grimacing slightly, “I would rather not proclaim her out for others to hear. I feel like it’s hers to say.” Asha nodded at that, her face still thoughtful. She took another drink.

Out came Pinnette with their dinners. She placed their plates down and asked Reglin if there was anything more she could do for him. Reglin declined and thanked her. Asha was content to take a conversation break and eat.

They were pretty much done with their meals before the talk restarted, Asha breaking it with, “I’ve been meaning to ask you. I heard you were a farmboy turned messenger, but you sound more… educated? How’s that?”

Finishing his bite, Reglin wiped his mouth, “Well, when I gained employment with House Polivandria I was able to prove myself with my work ethic. In doing so, I caught the attention of the Magistricia and she took me under her wing, so to speak. She tutored me in all kinds of subjects, for which I am eternally grateful…”

Asha was listening and nodding in thought, but something hit her. Her eyes popped open wide and a look of recognition on her face, “Dear Gods! It was her!” and immediately Reglin’s face took on a defensive look. But Asha went on, “It’s not your fault… Well, not really, I guess. When you leaned in to whisper to me earlier today. I could smell you. You had a feint floral smell to you. When I do her laundry, I know it sounds weird, but I love the way her sheets smell after she’s used them. It’s that same smell. Her floral oils or something…”

And just like that, he was had. Or rather, He and Tabitha were had. He spoke quietly, “Can- Can you keep this private? She’s a highly esteemed advisor to Polivandria. If this were to surface, it could embarrass her greatly.” Reglin felt like he should crawl under a rock.

That look caused Asha’s face to appear stricken, “Of course! I would never gossip about anything like that! You have my word. I have no wish to hurt anyone.” But she paused, thinking more, “But, do you have feelings for her?”

Running a hand through his hair a couple times to collect his thoughts, Reglin had to nod, “I do… But that means little in the grand scheme of things. She wants me to be here right this second. Well, maybe she’d like me to be there too, I don’t know. Either way, she said we will not be in a relationship beyond that of student and teacher and that of lovers.” He looked Asha in the eyes. Things were so fun just ten minutes ago and now they were so deep all the sudden. “I’d also be lying if I said I didn’t have feelings for you. But it’s budding and new and exciting… I don’t know. I think there’s something wrong with me. Gods strike me if I don’t want you both…”

To her credit, Asha just maintained that thoughtful expression of hers. He sure had dumped out everything, hadn’t he? Finally, “Ok. I have no reason to doubt anything you’ve said. Unless you are insane, of course. No man would say such things even in jest.” She just looked him in the eyes, once again evaluating him, “It won’t be just the two of us either, I’d be willing to bet, Reglin… Those noble girls didn’t just call on you for giggles. There’s something about you…” She just shook her head and smiled faintly, “Maybe I should run away right now. But I don’t fault you for having other lovers. I just wonder if I could be one. If I have the strength…”

It was quiet again for a time and Pinnette came back to clear away everything. Reglin paid for the meals and wine, then gave a handsome tip, “Thank you for your expertise tonight. You helped make a dinner remarkable.” Pinnette giggled and thanked Reglin, telling him to make to visit again.

Reglin got up then, came to Asha’s chair, and pulled it out for her. Standing beside him, she reached up and cupped his cheek in a tender touch. He felt the warmth permeate between the two. Offering her his arm once more, “Would you join me on a walk tonight? I understand that there is a lot to think about, but I would really like to enjoy your company for a little while longer. I know, it’s selfish and I apologize.” He actually looked chagrined at his words.

She slid her arm into his, “Of course I will, but you are going to be a troublesome one, aren’t you? Perhaps a little walk and some air will help sort some things out.” She chuckled at him, then leaned in and pecked his cheek, “Or confuse them further…”

He truly appreciated these tender gestures from Asha. He had not meant to be so forthright tonight. He wasn’t going to be deceptive, but he was really only hoping to bring her to dinner and have an enjoyable evening. But he really screwed that up. Yet, somehow, she had agreed to walk with him and spend more time with him. He was amazed.

~This is knowledge for the Reader~

The Affection Multiplier

~Mana: 163 (+48) 211 ~

~Mana Channels: ~Labiae Passionii (Lips of Passion) free, ~ Corpu Vigorii (Vigorous Body) 100, ~ Uirtau Proelium (Martial Prowess) 100, ~Mensu Lucidae (Bright Mind) 100, ~ Tactu Beatae (Blissful Touch) 100, ~Plurem Amatrixae Normalii (The Normalcy of Many Loves) 500, ~Corpu Libidaem (Lustful Body) 100, ~Corpu Spectabilum (Intimidating Body) 100

~Tabitha~ Affectionae: 100 Erosii: 66 (+3) 69 Libidae: 100 (Effective 59)
~Lim~ A: 33
~Boll~ A: 20
~Grahm~ A: 29
~Lina~ A: 34
~Asha~ A: 34 (+16) 50 E: 3 (+8) 11 L: 4 (+10) 14
~Princess Katya~ A: -52
~Maiden Caterina~ A: 18 E: 1 L: 2
~Maiden Gwynfuir~ A: 15
~Maiden Erynna~ A:5
~Lady Wilmyna~ A:17 L: 5
~Maiden Freighla~ A: 11 L: 3
~Lady Falina~ A: 12
~Maiden Deela~ A: 9
~Lady Vidala~ A: 6
~Maid Camilla~ A: 6 L: 4
~Night's Shift Guards~ A: (+6)
~Govren~ A: 2