Little Pitchers, Big Trouble

[Lord Rupert de Vere]

Rupert eyed her for a moment after her blunt assessment before nodding curtly. "Very well, then we shall wait and see. For now, she'll be useful as an occasional fount of information and nothing more. Perhaps when she matures, we will resume our consideration. I've also considered Prince Tristan, but ... " He winced faintly, "I'm worried he's a bit too high profile, if you understand my meaning."

The eyebrows rose at the mention of Lady Julia. "Does he now? How very interesting, indeed. Do you have any idea how she feels with those eyes upon her?"

[Lady Vivianne Trevelyan]

"He is, and if things continue to go the way they have been with Emma, he's likely to find himself on the marriage block." With Rupert, Vivianne didn't bother with mouthing the politest of phrases or couching her words in a manner that wasn't going to offend. If she couldn't be blunt with him, then there was not much point. "So incorporating him may not be the wisest of options, I agree. Not that you were asking."

Dark eyes twinkled at him, thanks to her own words and his question. The soft mouth twitched with amusement. "She's trying not to be interested or intrigued, but I think she is. And I heard he kissed her the other night back in Triadon."

[Lord Rupert de Vere]

Rupert was coming to appreciate Vivianne's blunt tongue and open mind. They amused him. In some ways, she reminded him of Marisa. Fortunately, she was just different enough to make the difference even more appreciated. The smile on his face was evidence of such. "Oh, if I ever have to ask you what is your mind, I know something is terribly wrong. Well observed. We'll have to look elsewhere. I did make a recent contact with a madam in the most popular bordello in Triadon. I made her a lucrative offer that she's prepared to accept. You know how men love to brag, especially when, ah, performing."

The smile was a tight one before he seemed amused at the mention of Lady Julia and Lord Cerevotos. "Oh, really? How delightful. I might enjoy watching Lady Julia get thrown for a loop. I wonder how far the good Duke will take it? And I wonder what her father will think of it all."

[Lady Vivianne Trevelyan]

"If it's who I think it is, you made a good offer. She's ambitious and greedy, but smart." She flashed him a quick, cheeky smile, the better to remind him that she occasionally followed him in an effort to keep an eye on him. One of these days, his own efforts were going to get the better of him and he would need reinforcements. Vivianne intended to be there when that time came.

"Oh, Lord St. Claire will grumble and growl about it. No man is good enough for any of his daughters, least of all Julia," she quipped dryly, though there was definitely a part of her that envied the Dragon's daughters their father's affection. "As for how far he'll take it, I'll see. I can prod and pry a little, though I'd say he's the unpredictable sort. I can only venture to guess whether he'd settle for mere seduction or try something more... risqué."

[Lord Rupert de Vere]

Rupert should not have been surprised to know that Vivianne had been following him. He opened his mouth to say something, but thought better of it. No, it was better to have her in his shadow. It never hurt to have someone you trusted at your back. It was even better that she was learning how to better use the blades she possessed. "She's actually a surprisingly charming companion, too. Apparently, some men get her services simply for company and dinner. I wish my personality were that valuable. Prince Riordan's certainly would have sufficed for a good return. In the past, anyway." She wasn't the only one that could be cheeky.

"Indeed, the next time you're learning from the man, prod him about it. I want to find out just what he has in mind. If it is more risque, it may open the door for us into Linten. I want as many little birds as spread out as possible."

[Lady Vivianne Trevelyan]

"He's got those two others here, you know," she added on a more serious note, having caught a glimpse of the Lord and Lady Luña during a brief prowl about the lands. "It might behoove you to meet them as well. They had the looks of nobility and the sea about them, and the more contacts the better, wouldn't you agree?" Vivianne could be cheeky and pert, but in this case, she was entirely business. They had little progress in gaining ground in Linten; any opportunity to correct that should be seized.

"I will. Perhaps I'll see if he intends to attend the archery tournament and take advantage of that situation."

[Lord Rupert de Vere]

"Ah, really? How interesting. Perhaps I'll invite myself to their dinner. Or... is that rude and should I extend them an invitation to dinner? Surprising people can be such a great deal more fun, though." The man enjoyed keeping people on their toes, especially when it was to his advantage to do so. It didn't gain him many friends...

The thought of friendship made him wonder at Emma. They had a burgeoning friendship a month ago. He wondered if he should take her up on her offer... or perhaps he should go speak with her while she was down. He didn't know what comfort he could offer, but some part of him did want to offer what he could. "Hmm. Yes, that's a fine idea. I'm glad to see you're having fun." He gave her a smile.

[Lady Vivianne Trevelyan]

Vivianne shook her head bemusedly at her mentor's casual manners towards their foreign guests. "Why not surprise them with an impromptu picnic while we're all down at the lake? Take one of the punts out, sail it across for the sake of privacy and lay on an elaborate feast. I know you have an excellent cook in your employ." She was serious... wasn't she? He could decide for himself.

Watching his face, she could see he was thinking on something that wasn't the topic they'd been discussing. What it was, Vivianne could only guess at without any real hope of gaining insight into his mind. Her eyes narrowed a little, wondering if she ought to be concerned. For now, she'd only keep a close eye on him. "I try to make everything fun, my lord. Even duty."

[Lord Rupert de Vere]

"Hmm. That's a good point. I do have the resources to do it. Though, I have tried to steal that cook from Pescadin Keep. I've sampled his cooking many years ago and mm," he toned pointedly with an expression of approval, "Excellent. I hoping he has more than one student so that I might steal one for my own household. Though, I am satisfied with my own." He gave a vague smile as he thought some more.

"Ah, I see," he chuckled quietly, "Well, it's hard to do your job when you hate it. I'm glad you find joy in it. You should. You're very good at what you do and I only see you getting better and better at it."

[Lady Vivianne Trevelyan]

She gave a soft, derisive snort. "You have precisely two chances of luring that cook from the de Lacs, my lord. Slim and none. The de Lacs pay him too well, because they are gourmands through and through. I've had enough late night snacks with Lord Thomas, and encountered Lord Laurent before. I know how they like their food. But you can dream." Vivianne wasn't going to take away all of his hope!

Her eyes sparkled at his compliment, curtsying playfully. "Thank you, sir. I hope to some day accomplish your level of espionage."