Thread: Noblesse Obligé [Ghostwolf and Thaedael]

Following Victoria into the drawing room, Clara noticed the almost immediate change in the womans posture, losing more of that rigidity she possessed as she appeared to relax even more. Shutting the doors of their sanctuary behind them, Clara closed off the outside world of the reception leaving the two women alone in the quiet solitude of the smaller room. She turned to Victoria just as she began to speak, listening as she invited the woman further into the room to seating arranged at the centre. Do not put yourself down Victoria, shaking her head. The body of every woman has something to offer. Even yours. She smiled, trying to reassure the woman. Clara did not pick up on the real reason the Officer wished to hide her body away, instead coming to the not unreasonable conclusion that it was likely to do with an issue of self-confidence. Oh no! She shook her head more vigorously than the last, her hair resettling itself about her shoulders. I do not presume to insist that you do so, you are your own person, it was simply a suggestion. I understand that you may be reluctant. I was born into this position, one where I am continuously judged upon my appearance. I must always look my best and wear on the finest clothing. Some call me a trend setter. She sighed slightly and rolled her eyes at that, obviously not too keen on that label. I enjoy it for the most part, the fine gowns, the attention, but even I can get a little tired of it at times. So, I understand how it can seem somewhat strange or intimidating to one not used to it Clara explained, nodding. She moved to seat herself on one of the settees within the room, it was carved with ornate curves and scroll like embellishments from a dark exotic wood, while the upholstery was plus and soft, a cream with floral patterning picked out in pale pink. She sat back, relaxing into it and lifted the skirt of her dress enough so that she could cross one leg over the other before letting it fall. There is no need to thank me in anyway, but Clara could think of a few ways she wouldnt mind. She took a sip from the fine glass flute she held casually with grace in her hand before continuing. You have done your duty for the Imperium, Throne knows what horrors you have faced, and although you are not born of this world, you have done Vorlancia proud. My hospitality is the very least I could do for you she continued, giving the woman a friendly smile. Although Clara would do much more if she asked. But, one day in the future, if you do ever decide you would like to wear a fine gown or similar, for your own pleasure or mine, I promise you that I shall endeavour to make sure it is beautiful and flattering, and made to any specifications you require. Her smile grew wider as she promised, watching the woman seat herself on one the chairs of similar design in front of her. The difference in their posture noticeable. Yes, I should think so Clara nodded, returning the womans smile and noting the change in her voice. Her eyes watched the woman removing her gloves, revealing her hands. After all, the medals you wear upon your chest demonstrate that, indicating towards them with her free hand. However, you mentioned that you were an Intelligence Officer. That also requires a fine mind does it not? There is often more to people than can be first seen, or even that they themselves realise. Clara certainly wanted to find out what more Victoria had to offer. Yes, she would like to befriend the woman, and bed her, but it would also be useful to know what other talents she possessed, so that Clara could utilise them if she ever needed to. The room illuminated suddenly, the lights flickering into brighter life automatically as the sky darkened outside, both at the onset of the evening and due to the approach of the storm. Clara let her attention drift to the large window in the room for a moment, just as the rain began to patter against it. As the storm neared Omon, approaching closer every second, the other guests at the reception retreated back into the safety of the palace away from the rain, while only Elizabeth and Ilya remained outside alone. The wind had begun to pick up, blower Elizabeths blonde hair about her face freely, whipping and tugging at her dress. Despite the darkening skies, the clouds starting to loom overhead, Elizabeths attention remained fixed on Ilya as the first rain drops began to fall. Damp spots began to appear upon her dress where the large heavy droplets fell, turning the powder blue of the fabric a darker shade. Then I think I shall do that Sir. Visit you. And often might I add. So much so that I imagine you soon get sick of me. She laughed softly, a pleasant musical sounding noise amidst that of the increasing intensity of the storm. The rain fell harder, but Elizabeth made to effort to move inside, simply remaining stood of the balcony beside Ilya, watching as the rain fell upon him. She did so even after he gave her permission to head back inside. She shook her head. Oh, I have plenty of dresses that I can wear on any number of occasions. It is not often that I get to experience the rain upon my skin, and enjoy it in the company of such a fine gentleman. She smiled sincerely at him, before she turned her gaze out towards the ocean. Then she closed her eyes, and tilted her head back, savouring the feel of the downpour upon her face. Thankfully, the conservative amount of makeup she wore remained in place due to it being waterproof, however the rest of her was not equally protected. Her hair began to stick to the skin of her cheeks and neck, and to her bared chest and shoulders, losing its loose curls. The skin of her arms, chest, and shoulders, and the leg resting between the railings began to glisten softly from where the rain began to coat it, catching the light glowing from inside the palace as the darkness closed in. Water ran from her hair in droplets from where it touched her skin, gravity drawing it slowly downwards as it followed the contours of her body towards her cleavage. The dress she wore began to soak, clinging to the curves and shape of her body even more so before, darkening and beginning to become ever so slightly translucent where it adhered to her skin due to how thin the material was, although the lack of bright intense lighting hid most of what lay beneath. The combination of the cold air and the rain had drawn Elizabeths nipples taught, the beading just to say noticeable as they pressed against the sodden bodice of her dress. Despite this, a grin remained on Beths face and her eyes closed. She let out another laugh, before running her hands through her hair, drawing it away from her face. Eventually she opened her eyes, her blues looking at Ilya as he stood in the rain with her. It continued to fall, the wind blowing, and she resisted the urge to move closer and press herself against him, so that they could share their warmth and remain outside longer, enduring the storm.