Beauty in All Forms ( 4/22, Fred and Serah, C )

[Lord Frederick von Arles]

"Ah, you do not have the bogeyman here in Demeria?" His eyebrows raised noticeably, and then he nodded, "Yes, indeed. It is the creature we use to help our children behave, since the bogeyman likes to snatch away little troublemakers. The tales, they very on what happens to the children once they are taken. Fortunately, you can be rest assured I have no interest in eating you. If I did so, then whose company would I have left to enjoy?"

But, ah, then she asked the most pertinent question. "Well, if I have to use rope to tie you, I'll make certain that it's soft rope, and that your travel arrangements are comfortable." The tease in his voice was quite apparent, "Though, that depends on how you behave. I may not need the rope at all."

[Lady Serah Lancaster]

Serah just laughed; no, they'd definitely not had that creation in Demeria. "I can promise you, we do not have such creatures here. If we did, I am more than positive my mother would have produced viable threats of their presence to make me behave to her specifications." Not that it would have worked, she knew. There was no creature on this world or any other that would make Serah Lancaster turn into the perfect little copy of her mother.

Hearing him talk of her capture, she smiled and looked up to him through the pale lashes. "If I am to be captured, certainly a token resistance must take place for verisimilitude, don't you agree? Soft rope, or perhaps silken scarves so my delicate flesh is not marred by bruises? And a blindfold. A blindfold is a must so that I am rendered utterly helpless and dependent on your good graces." Oh yes, her mother would be completely scandalised by this discussion, to know her daughter was openly encouraging a foreign visitor to defy hospitality and spirit her away.

[Lord Frederick von Arles]

"The bogeyman will work for a time, and then the children start to get wise to the fact that nothing is going to actually harm them," he chuckled, "I remember when I caught on to the game, and so my father would have to use other means of punishing me. I can assure that he looked very like the bogeyman on the rare instances in which I angered him."

Serah took a place he did not anticipate, but that was only fair. After all, he had caught her off guard twice and now it was his turn. Fortunately, he did not shy away from her suggestions, but it did require all of his willpower not to let his mind dwell on the implications of her words ... for too long, anyway. "In that case, I may just have to sweep you off your feet and carry you off like the winds of spring. Not even give you a chance to react or breathe." The smile returned, but it was clear that he was not being coy.

[Lady Serah Lancaster]

"That is because when parents fail to manifest the horrors, children begin to understand they're manufactured." Serah understood that very well, as it was explained to her at a youthful age by her father. Martin Lancaster was not a man given to fancies and follies, but preferred the evidence of his eyes and ears to explain matters away and logic to confirm it. She shrugged, adding, "I believe every parent resembles what we fear most when their ire is roused. My lady mother can be... formidable."

That was all she was willing to say on the topic of Fiona, relieved when he spoke of spiriting her off. The smile slowly returned, until she had a better look into his eyes. "Oh? You hardly know me, Your Grace. You may find you have the short end of the bargain."

[Lord Frederick von Arles]

The more Frederick heard of Fiona Lancaster, the more curious he became. Just who was this woman and why did she have such a reputation. No doubt, he could find out for himself and that was exactly what he intended to do. It was probably safe to guess that Fiona was the reason that Serah wished to take her leave of Demeria.

"First impressions are often the most important my lady, and you have made a very good one. Also, being a hunter has sharpened my skills of observation, and I have learned to make a good read of people. So, you could say, I am trusting my instincts when it comes to you. And instinct says, strike when I can." The smile was genuine and flirtatious at the same time.

[Lady Serah Lancaster]

A few questions would absolutely confirm that Fiona was the reason Serah wished to bid Demeria a swift and not so fond farewell. If the opportunity arose where she could do so, she was not afraid to seize that moment and take the risk. The camp was not too far ahead now; she could hear sounds faintly and if she strained, she could see what looked like torch or firelight. Within a few minutes, she would need to take her leave of him.

"Thank you, I think, Your Grace. I'll... keep that under advisement, I believe." What a strange, interesting and fun conversation this had been. Serah was reluctant to see it end, yet reality had a way of constantly rearing its ugly, unwanted head at all the wrong times. "We shall see what comes, no?"

[Lord Frederick von Arles]

The thanks amused him, and then he looked ahead to camp growing larger as they got closer. "Yes, indeed, we shall see what comes, and I do hope that I will come to see more of you. I have truly enjoyed this walk. You are welcome to walk me home from further hunting expeditions, if you so wish it." He could tell that she was soon going to make her departure.

Thus, he took a gentle hold of her hand and pressed one more kiss upon the knuckles. "Until the next time we meet, my lady," after holding her eyes for a moment, he released her and moved on toward the camp, intent on passing off his kills to his servants.