Intriguing [6/19: Aristide/Natalie]

[Lord Aristide de Lac]

Right after they arrived in Triadon, the de Lacs decided to go to the tailor for a fresh start. Aristide took pride in his personal appearance and wanted to rid himself of the clothes he had had before, stained with unpleasant memories. He decided that perhaps dark red would suit him, or dark blue, and kept that in mind as they entered the small shop.

The tailor was helpful enough after receiving a dose of all three de Lacs' charms and was more than willing to go to the back to fetch suitable fabrics for the siblings. That meant they needed to wait for a bit of time and Ari let his mind wander until a woman entered the shop.

Lila was lovely, yes, but this woman was strikingly pretty. Her brown hair suited her and she carried herself with an easy confidence that Aristide recognized at once. Perhaps they were alike -- he would have to strike up a conversation with her in order to tell.

"Good morning, my lady!" he greeted her as he took a few steps forward. "The tailor has stepped out into the back for a short time, but I am certain I will be able to entertain you in the meanwhile."

Lady Natalie Kendall

[Lady Natalie Kendall]

Having recently received more funds thanks to her father's shrewd investing, Natalie decided to splurge a bit on herself and acquire a pair of gowns. Natalie's wardrobe would never be large enough in her firm opinion. In addition, she had some ideas for the dress that she wanted to explore as she did so enjoy setting trends. Marisa de Vere's bold style of dress was encouraging her, as well. The woman's dress on the first night of Court and her bold gown at the masque had been quite eyeopening. Natalie made a mental note to visit with the woman again. Natalie would enjoy having her as a friend.

On that day, Natalie was wearing a gown of scarlet that was flattering to her figure, revealing plenty but leaving just enough to the imagination to entice. She did so enjoy leaving people wondering. It may have been a risque manner of dress, but as she had told Katalin, she was all about living life on the edge. Once she entered the shop, she immediately scanned around for the tailor but failed in seeing him.

Instead, she heard a voice. The brunette swiveled to see the source of it, her eyes not hesitating to rake over him. "Oh, you're certain, are you?" She queried with a voice as smooth as rich cream. "And do tell me, my Lord, just how do you intend to entertain me?"

[Lord Aristide de Lac]

Life on the wild side was so much more fun, especially when his time on this world was not so long. He wanted to live with a sparkle instead of a dull finish. Yes, he had difficulty with his mother, but that was not about to stop him from bouncing back and being himself again. Aristide refused to let anyone destroy his sense of self and turn him into a depressed bag of bones. That just was not right.

An alluring woman in red was in front of him, with luck, curious and intrigued about what he could offer her. It depended on how extraverted she was. "Firstly, I am Lord Aristide de Lac. What is your name, good lady?" he asked, keeping eye contact until she answered his question. He intended to concoct strange ideas to amuse her, because he knew that was one of his specialities.

"Do you have an interest in riddles?" he asked, eyes sparkling with mischief. "I have a few that might prove to be quite entertaining. For example, 'What is the difference between purple and pink?'"

[Lady Natalie Kendall]

It took a moment for Natalie to register the name against her memory. Ah, yes, the de Lacs. She recalled hearing quite the scandal regarding them and the de Veres several years ago. There may have been a feud between the de Lacs and her liege house, but she was going to stay out of it. Fortunately, that didn't mean she couldn't speak with de Lacs and theoretically have fun with them. "Mm, charmed, I am sure, my lord," she flashed him a saucy grin. "I am Lady Natalie," but she opted to leave off the family name for now.

"Riddles?" Her eyebrows rose at that, find it interesting that he choose that path for the conversation. However, she was by no means dissuaded. "What is the difference between purple and pink?" She echoed the question and took the studying it. "Well, from a fashion perspective, pink can be a dreadfully annoying color. Yet... I have a feeling that's not exactly what you mean. Perhaps you should enlighten me?"

[Lord Aristide de Lac]

He had forgotten that it was likely his house's reputation preceded him, but he hoped it was only to his benefit. Granted, if she knew his mother, then it would be a different story. If Natalie knew his full name, then it was easier for her to find him in the future. If she wanted, that was. "As am I, Lady Natalie," he said with a full flourishing bow, just for her sake. He treated every woman he met with flattery and it had worked so far. Not knowing her house name was all right for now - best not to think of the future right now. He did not know where this encounter would leave, nor did he care.

Asking riddles was unusual for a conversation, which was the point -- anything to make himself seem more unique in her eyes. He chuckled, a cheeky grin spreading with relish across his face. "The grip," he told her with a wink. Best leave her to think about that for a second, to gauge her reaction and see if she would be appalled by his riddle or not.

[Lady Natalie Kendall]

Natalie at first blinked to the answer and furrowed her brows. It did not make any sense until she let her mind slide toward the more salacious. It was become rapidly apparent that this Lord was a rather naughty man! Nonetheless, she gave him a laugh that was surprisingly rich. "My goodness, Lord of the Lakes, you open with a rather bold riddle and set the bar high for yourself. Now the real question is, can you maintain the performance? Endurance is rather important as I am sure you're well aware."

If Emmaline were here, she would no doubt be thoroughly shocked at the words coming out of Natalie's mouth, but fortunately for the both of them, she was not here. Natalie had been behaving rather well for the past several weeks and she had frankly grown bored with doing so!

[Lord Aristide de Lac]

Her reaction was positive as he had hoped and pleased him to no end to hear her laugh. It appeared as though he was in good company and had the freedom to speak as lewdly as he wanted. (WIthin reason, though, if he wanted anything to happen with her.) "I have a few more devilish riddles in my pocket," he told her, "but a good man does not keep to the same move. He is to vary his approach if there is to be any sort of satisfaction from the encounter." His tone was sincere and his eyes sparkled.

"One more, if you permit me." Aristide cleared his throat in preparation, because this riddle always amused him. The answer was easier to guess than the previous one as well. "I have a stiff shaft. My tip penetrates and I come with a quiver. What am I?" He grinned with anticipation after he spoke, eager to see how quickly she figured this one out, or just pretended not to know. Either way would be fun to see.

If letting loose was her top priority, then Aristide had no problem assisting her in that department, whatever it took.

[Lady Natalie Kendall]

"Only one more" She answered with a tease and smile that came easily to her lips. He certainly had her attention, but she was still going to be just a touch careful with her. While Natalie was one to advocate throwing caution to the wind and living life, she still understood that choices had consequences. Nonetheless, she was looking forward to hearing this riddle of his.

This one was far more blunt than the other and she realized that her eyebrows were raising all the more as it went on. "Ooh," she had to think, her hand coming up to tap her chin in thought. "I do believe that would be an arrow," but then she leaned in to speak quietly toward his ear, "Unless you can profess to being more skilled with another more deeply penetrating weapon." Two could play at this game, after all.

Leaning back, she gave him an amused look.

[Lord Aristide de Lac]

"Correct." He smiled at her, knowing that it was much easier to guess, but it was so much fun to say! Good to know she did not mind his words and was quick to answer the riddle. "I do believe I have been sorely lacking in knowing you before now," Ari said, hoping to flatter her. "Most noble women would be too faint of heart to hear any riddle of mine. I have met a gem, most definitely."

Now to make their encounter all the more interesting. "I have several," he replied in a low tone, taking the opportunity to reach out his hand and trace a gentle fingertip in circles around the dip of her knuckles. That was just a sneak preview! He knew he had to behave himself somewhat with his siblings so close by, but perhaps he would be successful enough to have a private meeting with Natalie in the future. No, he was certain of it. Her life would never be as entertaining as it would be with him.

[Lady Natalie Kendall]

"Oh, I have a very strong feeling that you would have either left with a red mark on your cheek, a glare from the eye, or at the very worst, a gauntlet to the chin from a very protective father, sibling or husband," she replied with an amused tone and promptly shook her head. "I'm surprised your family has let you out of their sight, my lord. Do they keep you check or are you allowed to roam free?"

"Of that, I have no doubt," she allowed him to touch his hand but only for a moment. The hand was playfully slid away as she waggled a finger at him, as though he were being a naughty boy. "I think I am going to keep my eye on you. All of you." A grin flashed across her features, making her look devilish.

[Lord Aristide de Lac]

Aristide chuckled. "Indeed. In fact, I have had all three dealt to me over the span of years, for one reason or another," he confessed. "I have apologized for my actions that have inadvertently led to someone being hurt." He wished for her not to think that he was cruel-hearted in any way. Really, he was only mischievous and lusty, which were not as harmful as other sorts of behavior. He smiled at her latter comment. "Ironically, two of my siblings are right over there," he told her with a gesture of his head. "I am able to have a variety of adventures, worry not."

Talking to her became just as intriguing as he had hoped and she earned a cheerful grin from him. "I have nothing against that," he stated. "Eye away." To assist her inspection, he set his hands on his hips, turning his head to post as a magnificent specimen for her to ogle. Aristide shot a playful smile at her and then relaxed.

He hoped that the tailor would be gone a long, long time.

"So, Lady Natalie, might I inquire what you enjoy in your leisure time?" he asked.

[Lady Natalie Kendall]

When he indicated his siblings, she looked over toward them and immediately thought of her sweet sister. A small smile formed in memory. Natalie missed her. It gave her a prompt send her a letter. Perhaps one day, she might come join her in Court but only once Natalie had figured out all of the pitfalls and traps. Her sister was an innocent; Natalie refused to let her get used or burned the way Natalie had in the past. The attention shifted back to Ari with a smile. "Fortunately, you'll never be truly alone if they keep an eye on you."

Ari's response amused her, rewarding him with another of her golden laughs. "Oh, my. I am going to have to moderate my intake. It is possible to have too much of a good thing, no? I would not want to overindulge and spoil myself." The voice was clearly teasing, easing closer to him as she did so. The tailor had long since been forgotten for the time being.

"That depends on how blunt you want me to be and how openly honest I should be." Another grin formed, "I find it so difficult to draw the line at times."

[Lord Aristide de Lac]

Ari nodded in agreement. Yes, his siblings were frustrating and cramped his style at times, but he would rather have them in his life than to be alone. Their support through this difficult time meant the world to him and one of these days, he needed to return the favor. "They are lovable pains, such as siblings are," he remarked and returned the smile easily with one of his own.

"It will be interesting to see how much self-restraint you have." Ari knew that some women had no problem resisting him or his tantalizing offers, although he thought he was winning her over quickly. "I have no difficulty spoiling you, though, and I am quite good at doing so."

Ari grinned. "Please do not hold anything back on my account. I find a blunt woman to be very refreshing." He wanted to hear her candor, which was bound to be a turn on.

[Lady Natalie Kendall]

"I see," Natalie chuckled again at his open response about spoiling her. While he was, indeed, winning her over, she was still going to keep a close eye on this one. For now, she was focusing on the fun of the encounter. However, it was her experience that such encounters could rapidly grow quite serious, especially when there consequences and feelings involved. Ah, romance. Natalie was quite relieved that she had never been a romantic woman in her life. It was a such a strange concept to her. "I shall have to remember that. You may have set the bar quite high for yourself."

As for what she did, she had to think for a moment. "Well, there are the perfectly mundane things such as sewing, designing clothing, reading and writing. I enjoy a good bottle of wine, especially if I can laze in a tub of endlessly heated water. Let the steam curl around my face as savor the warmth piercing through my skin." A smile followed the statement.

[Lord Aristide de Lac]

Romance was all well and good for other people, but not for himself. If his mother got a hold on another lady friend of his and had her beaten up because of him, he would not be able to live with himself. He barely was able to now, after it happened. He found no harm in flirting and she was receptive, so even more fun.

Problem with making such a good first impression was maintaining it and Ari doubted that he was able to do so. "I will do the best I can," he promised her with a smile.

Designing clothing? Interesting. "What do you enjoy reading? History? Fiction? Poetry?" He clasped his hands behind his back for a moment as a thought. "I am inclined to attempt to write something of my own. Perhaps an aid for physical pleasure -- however, I do not wish others to know all my secrets, necessarily." A good long bath was a wonderful idea and he nodded, planning to keep it in mind. "Are you a fan of massage?"