[AW] The Court of Dreams

[Reichenbach]

R E I C H E N B A C H

LIKE ICARUS LOVED THE SUN -

Smoke and jasmine enveloped him like a cloak of warmth, his smile easy and constant as he greeted each member of Denocte, laughing at the stories some of the merchants brought up - escapades from his teen years. He'd had sticky fingers back then, his body lean and hard and his tongue like quicksilver, a grinning, dirty faced boy-turned-man that set the world aflame with his longing and lust. Reichenbach shook his great head, setting those wild curls bouncing, and excused himself with a smile. 

He was standing beside one of the great burning bonfires when @Lothaire approached, earning a surprised and pleased smile from Reichenbach's sooty mouth. He hadn't thought the serpentine man much of a party-goer - in fact, Lothaire had declared his separation from the busy court life almost as soon as he'd arrived with Rhen. Reich was glad the reclusiveness had not extended to his coronation, and even gladder that he had the support of such an intelligent, level-headed man behind him. 

"Let's hope so" he laughed, rubbing shoulders with the slick, smooth skin of his companion. They stood companionably for a moment in the chaos, Reich watching a high flying ribbon of silk float on the air after one of Denocte's gypsy girls, her own ebony locks abound with flowers and leaves. 

"Actually, Lo... There's something I would like to ask you -" he paused, considering their surroundings for a moment before continuing "Are you free tomorrow...." another pause as he considered what time he would leave the celebration (dawn, or until he was on the verge of falling asleep) "Afternoon?"

The flames caught on burnished horns and Reich slid his silver gaze to the approach of @Camdis Lohir - one of the newest members of their court, his slick skin and argent gaze an almost constant presence in Reichenbach's head. It could have been that Camdis was an intimidating man, or that for some reason the two always seemed to stumble into one another, whatever the reason, Reichenbach flashed a crooked grin as he spoke;

"And I, them, Camdis."

His grin turned abashed before he murmured "This court is Calligo's greatest creation, I am just here to ensure the world see's that - and that our people get the lives they deserve."

He could have continued - would have, for his lips were loose and limber with joy and charm - but his attention was taken by a figure he should have noticed earlier, a dainty thing with avian bones and mischief clinging like dew to her youthful lips. Reichenbach grinned, instantly feeling akin to the svelte skinned woman-child. Her bow is something impish and swift, and only then does he single out her scent among the babble of woodsmoke, sandalwood and other perfumes floating by - Dusk. But otherworldly too, like she'd been travelling through a crisp, dewy morning. The new Sovereign considered her, tilting his great head to the side with a wry, amused smile as she rose and spilled wickedness - no doubt inspiring Camdis' fury.

"Are Denocte parties to your liking, Terrastellan?" @Florentine

There was no ire in his voice, no sign that he might have been alarmed or angered at the intrusion by a foreign court, only deep, musical amusement. 

"You could find out for yourself if you stick around -" a warm glance was thrown to his two companions and a dangerous smile played about his lips as he added "Camdis Lohir here is one of our most devoted citizens - I'm sure he would love to describe Calligo in detail" he paused as a familiar face arrived, a flicker of shame and sadness striking his chest and darkening his long lashed eyes. He excused himself politely, stepping a little away from his small group to greet @Erynvale . 

"Erynvale," he rumbled, placing that shame and sadness carefully behind his ribs. The last thing she needed was pity, or a reminder of times past. "Looking lovely as always," his eyes slid approvingly across her flawless skin, the time and care she had spent on her hair - it looked like spun silk, immaculate and soft and begging to be touched. His eyes warmed at her generous congratulations, knowing full well what it would mean to see someone taking Rhen's place, what feelings it might inspire, what loss. A quick glance about him had his ebony curls bouncing and brushing his cheekbones, his coins tinkling pleasantly in the firelight. "I have been meaning to seek you out - I've an offer for you. Perhaps we could meet tomorrow? Tonight is a time for celebration, and I wouldn't want to mar it with stuffy old politics" he grinned, gesturing for her to come join the small group by the bonfire. As he made to make his way back to the group, a stranger approached - two in one night!

The long-legged mare that approached smelled distinctly of Denocte... though perhaps not of the Court itself. Warm as always, Reichenbach turned toward her, a silly pleased smile spreading his handsome face at her words. "And may you always find happiness in our Court" he responded with curious eyes. His eyes swept her strong body and lingered on the feathers around her neck - the coins. A hefty thud in his chest had him asking "Your coins... you're a gypsy..." a grin erupted upon his face as he tossed his head, shaking free the coins that tangled in his wild mane, dipping his head in an almost-bow, skin tingling. The revelries continued around them, music vibrating his chest and bones like thunder, and for a moment he lowered his lashes, taking in the beauty before him - this girl was a true gypsy, not like the rest of the girls in Denocte who, while beautiful and wild and free, had rarely known what it was to truly live on the road. The fire gilded him red and orange, the smell of woodsmoke and jasmine playing within his ebony locks as he asked her; "Will you join us...?" his gesture toward the group by the flames was something fluid and easy, though he burned with the desire to know her story. @Aislinn

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@Lothaire @Camdis @Florentine @Erynvale @Nora @Noah @Aislinn oops sorry for mega long post, I'll tag each of you at the para's your characters are involved in!