[AW] Perils of Cheat and Charmer

[Booker]

The paintings were impressive.

Booker would have never noticed them in the sharp fold of the great canyon unless the light had been right.Most horses traveledin the other direction, with the glare of the desert sun in their eyes.

They were simple, to be sure. And who knew how old they were. But they depicted dancing horses, decked out in some kind of costume,around something that was either a fire or a plant. He couldn't tell, and a good bit of it had been weathered away by wind and scouring sand. Perhaps a drawing of worship, done to celebrate a god. Or a record of some important event from long ago, by horses long gone to dust.

Booker mixed his paints carefully. He wanted to capture the lines just as they appeared. He had a little ink with him; he could make some notes. Maybe somewhere out there a horse would pay for his discovery. Rich idiots, who liked thinking that because they owned fine things it meant they made them. Booker didn't much care, but it would be better off in an archive than in his satchel.

@redandblack

[Bexley]

BEXLEY BRIAR

---

The paintings on the walls of Elatus are one of the Day Court’s best-kept secrets, and Bexley is beyond surprised to see someone already observing them when she peers over the edge of the cliff and into her usual hideout. When people visit Solterra, they usually head straight for the capitol - entranced by that glittering helm of gold on the citadel, and the gauzy silks and jewels layered on Solterran skin, and the bustling inner-city markets - rarely, if ever, has she seen a newcomer make the trek to Elatus, and it’s even rarer for them to remain there.

Which means that this particular newcomer is probably more interesting than the others.

Bex descends into the canyon in a flurry of gold and white. Her long white hair flows behind her in a mass of curls; the chain around her neck glints hot and bright in the mid-afternoon sun. She traverses the slope with practiced steps, picking her way easily through the pebbles and loose dust. In her time in Solterra, and especially since the day Seraphina names her Regent, she’s become adept at making her way across the dunes and even through the shrub-infested gullies with nary a trip nor a pause in step.

They’re fascinating, huh? Bex saunters toward the stranger with slow, lazy steps. When she draws to a stop, it is at his side, shoulder to shoulder, to gaze at the worn-down paintings with him.

---

@booker <3  

[Booker]

Booker was so intent on his work he didn't notice the mare until she spoke. Standing right next to him. So close she was nearly skin-to-skin with him.
Booker's hide shivered involuntarily. He gulped, because this wasn't just any mare. This was the Regent of Solterra. Second only to Seraphina.
"Um ... y-yes ma'am," he mumbled, rinsing out his brush. He had no idea what in the world she would think of a Warrior standing up here in the middle of nowhere, doing silly paintings. "They sure are ..."
He'd shed blood and broken bones for her right to rule. For the hope of a more solid Day court. He couldn't even look her in the face. She'd start asking questions. He couldn't lie to her! But then she'd for certain get angry that he was a celebrated Warrior hiding up here, barely able to speak and doing something incredibly stupid.

@redandblack

[Bexley]

BEXLEY BRIAR

---

Despite the promise that autumn is oncoming, the sun still burns bright overhead, and heat washes over Bexley’s skin as she studies the paintings. In the months that she’s spent in Solterra, the crude ash-figures and swaths of peeling pigment have become familiar, and she’s able to pick them apart even as light pricks at her back, sweat beading across her skin.

When the man speaks, he seems almost nervous - tripping over his own words, unable to meet her eyes. Bexley’s surprised someone so tough-looking would be intimidated by her, but she’s satisfied by it nonetheless, feeling powerful for once. No need to be nervous, she drawls, flicking an amused glance at him. I don’t bite.

Well - that’s not entirely true, not really, but a stranger would have no way of knowing. Bexley’s sharp tongue and penchant for forcefulness are near-invisible to those who don’t know her well. I’m Bexley. And you are?

---

@booker <3  

[Booker]

Booker blushed when she chided him for being nervous. Now he felt even worse.
"I know who you are, Lady Regent, ma'am," he said, ducking his head. "I'm ... Booker."
He still couldn't look at her.
"Not worried about bein' bit, beggin' your pardon." He pretends to rinse his brush again. "I been bit lots of times..."