Maybe It's Better Out Where It's Wetter [9/26, Morning. Isadore, Larson, Lexington, Rosalie]

[Isadore Bloom]

Isadore looked across the small room at Rosalie, lying on her bed. She'd been there, in very much the same position, ever since the boarded the ship and they'd been told which room was theirs. Isadore had yet to thank Victor herself for allowing them space, but she wasn't sure how to do so without implying that there was some sort of problem in the Letalis family. Which, of course, there was, but the fewer people to know that, the better. Isadore tried her hardest to stay out of the politics that happened between the houses, feeling the necessity to remain a neutral party at all times. The gods did not take sides, and she tried her best to avoid doing so, too.

Watching Rosalie mope was depressing, and she wasn't too chipper herself, truth be told. She was unused to being without Mason; she'd been at his right hand for years now, only having been separated by business a few times, and then only a handfull of days. This was a longer trip, and although she honestly wasn't sad she was missing the funeral, she was actually quite lonely.

"Rosalie," she said, standing up and walking over, holding her hand down to help the girl up. "We're going to go out on deck and get some air." Rosalie made to decline, but Izzie was having none of it. "You're not getting out of it, so just come on. I know your heart is broken, but you need to rejoin the world of the living, a little bit at a time. This is one of those baby steps things, and since you have to put on a good face at your cousin's wedding, we may as well start now."

Taking her hand, she pulled Rosalie up gently, looking her over to make sure she was properly dressed before opening the door. Their room was in a corner of the ship, back towards the servants quarters, but that was fine with Izzie. She led Rosalie down the hallways and up a tight staircase and into the sunshine of morning. The wind tugged at her hair, but she tied it back quickly and then led Rosalie over to a corner of the railing that was far enough from the rigging that they wouldn't be in the way.

"See? It's a beautiful morning, the sun in shining, the sea is favorable. It's not so bad out here, is it?"

[Rosalie Mallory]

Rosalie had been rolling between pissed, depressed, and heartbroken all day now. Hearbroken for the obvious reason that the man she loved was out of the picture, so to speak. Depressed for much the same reason, but also because she knew that now any hope of actually being part of a familial unit, something that had seemed possible with Regina's return, was probably null and void at this point. And pissed because of everything else that had happened.

She'd played over the event in her mind, over and over and over, and through the whole thing she kept finding bits she hadn't noticed that just grated on her nerves. She hated how Rex and Regina spoke to her, and of her, as if she were five years old. It frustrated her to no end that she was never good enough; she wasn't fun, she wasn't smart, she never spoke to the right people or danced the right way. It seemed she was always getting in trouble for whatever she tried to do. No doubt they were pissed off at her for this, too, calling her stupid and a fluff head and, what had the maid told her? They called her a footstool, or something stupid like that. The utter fucking nerve! Those two twins spend their whole lives ignoring her, treating her like she was no better than the droppings of thier horses, and now they parade her to court like she's a prize pony to be sold off, but she can't do a damn thing right.

And the worst part about it was that as a result of the constant berating and belittling, she now had a fraction of the confidence she possessed before. She was always terrified to do anything for fear that it would be wrong and she would get yelled at again. And they had her questioning herself. What if they were right? What if she did really know nothing of how the world worked, and she needed someone older and wiser to hold her hand and lead her through, as though she were going to drool on herself at any moment?

That was how her mental processes had been going for days now, and she was about ready to lose it. Somewhere in her mind she knew that it would help to get out of the room, walk around a little, maybe socialize, but she felt the desire to do none of it. And Isadore was just so damn perky it was driving her insane.

When Izzie told her to stand up, Rosalie's first instinct was to dig in her heels and say no on principle. She was tired of doing things just because she should, or because someone told her to. But it looked like she wasn't taking no for an answer, and so Rosa dragged herself up and tied her hair back, following Isadore to the main deck.

The sunlight hurt her eyes after spending so much time below decks, but it was a beautiful morning. The sea air reminded her of home, which could have been bad if she associated her home life with her family at all. But, thankfully, she didn't; they hadn't been part of her life at home. Taking a deep breath, Rosalie felt herself relax a little bit, and she leaned on the railing and looked over the water. "It's not so bad, no."

She wasn't sure what else to say, so she kept quiet for now. Izzie was so perky she'd probably find something to talk about soon enough, and so for now the quiet would do.

[Larson Castell]

Larson had his feet up on the bed, leaning back in one of the wooden chairs. Both he and Lex were reading, but he just couldn't get into his book, which was unnatural for him. His brain just wasn't diving into the story as he usually was able, and it was driving him nuts.

"Man, we have to get out of here." he finally said, tossing his book to his bed. "This is driving me crazy, I can't stay in this damn room anymore. Let's go for a walk or something."

[Lex Castell Rivers]

Lex had sprawled out over his bunk, limbs akimbo and his book held above his head. He had healed enough that he could move somewhat easier now, although it wasn't great. Still, he'd grown accustomed to the pain of movement, so having a little less was a great thing. He, unlike his brother, was enjoying his book, but it was pretty obvious that Lars wasn't. He kept shifting, moving, sighing. It was getting a little annoying, honestly.

When Lars finally said something, Lex sighed and marked his place. "We have been in here for awhile." Standing, he stretched as well as he could before making sure he was arranged and proper before opening the door. The hallway to the main deck was short, and soon the twins were above in the ocean air.

They walked along the deck for a few moments before Lex stopped, his eyes glued on something across the deck. "Dude...who're those two? I don't recognize them, which means we're probably not related to them. What do you say? Shall we go check it out?"

[Larson Castell]

Throwing on one of his lighter cotton shirts, he was out the door right behind his brother, and lighting his pipe the second they got on deck. The air was so beautiful, he was sure the water would be amazing too, he'd love to just jump over the side and go for a swim. They hadn't been wandering for more then a few moments when Lex pointed out the two mystery ladies.

"We should!" Slowing his step, he made a move to sneak a peek at their faces, realizing one of the women was Rosalie! "Man! Hold this." he said, handing Lex his pipe.

No sooner did he say that, he started sneaking across the deck, right up behind Rosalie, and put his hands over her eyes, whispering. "Guess who baby."

[Lex Castell Rivers]

Lex stared at his brother as he skulked off, following a little behind. He knew these women? And he hadn't introduced them yet? The utter nerve of it all. Still, watching his brother sneak up on one was entertaining, even if he was stuck holding the pipe.

The women that hadn't been pounced was looking quite disturbed, but a little amused, and Lex walked up beside her and smiled at her. "No need to worry, he's mostly harmless. It would seem he's met your lovely companion before. But I am at a disadvantage for both of you, so let me introduce myself." He dropped a bow, taking Isadore's hand and kissing it lightly before standing. "I'm Lexington Castell, and this is my twin brother Larson."

[Rosalie Mallory]

The waves had a calming effect on Rosalie, and she had begun to lose herself in the rhythm of their movements. Isadore had remained quiet, wrapped in her own thoughts, and so Rosalie had wandered out of her own mind, for once being able to think about absolutely nothing.

That changed, though, when she was abruptly brought back to reality. The hands over her eyes caused an immediate gut reaction of terror, and she gripped his wrists tightly as if to try and tear his hands from her. But then the voice registered, and she relaxed so quickly she almost cried. She turned, her face initially stern, but she found it impossible to not smile when confronted with Larson Castell.

Without thinking she wrapped her arms around him, burying her face in his shoulder for a moment before remembering herself and pulling away. She didn't apologize, but her face said just how grateful she was that he had come along. But now there are introductions and such to go through, and she seemed to finally be faced with Larson's twin, Lexington. He was...larger. But he had a kind face, and that meant a lot.

Her mind was so scattered, the first thing she had to say to Larson was perhaps not the best thing. "I have your things! I kept them in my main trunk when I learned that I'd be traveling with your family, in case I ran into you!" After a moment, Rosalie realized how that must sound, and she turned to Izzie to correct matters.

"That isn't as bad as it sounds...my dress got soaked after a feast thing, and he loaned me dry clothes so I wouldn't get sick." Sighing at her own ineptitude, she turned back to Larson. "This is Isadore Bloom. She's the head priestess of the temple, and one step below the Urson himself. Isadore," she said, feeling somewhat awkward using her full name, "This is Larson Castell." It seemed like Larson's companion had already introduced himself, so she spared herself the guess and waited for the customary greetings to be exchanged.

[Isadore Bloom]

Isadore had been standing quietly, letting Rosalie have her space. After all, she'd already dragged the girl out into the open. Baby steps, right? Baby steps. And so she had let her eyes wander over the water, mind going where it would. She had ended up thinking about the gods, no surprise there, and the stories she had been told about them. There were plenty of legends about the god of the water, most of them about his awful temper; she hoped that he looked favorably on their tiny ship while they were sailing.

When Larson barrelled up, Isadore's first instinct was to pry him off of her. She was too fragile right now to be harrassed, and this man was trying to surprise her! But another, somewhat larger man came up and stayed her hand. She looked at him, appriasing him, trying to figure out if he was to be trusted...and decided that he looked like he could do no harm.

"I am Isadore Bloom, Alasa Ursa. It's a pleasure to meet you, Lexington." She watched as Rosalie clung to Larson a little, and smiled as the girl faltered. Perhaps coming out on deck was a better idea than she thought, if it was going to bring Rosa out of her shell a little bit more. "Darling, it's fine," she said, placing a hand on Rosalie's arm. "It was very kind of this man to help you in a time of need, even if I would avoid telling your family about it." She smiled softly, and inclined her head to Larson, acknowledging the introduction. "It's a pleasure to meet you, as well. I'm intensely grateful for anyone who can bring a smile to Rosalie's face these days."

[Larson Castell]

Larson was shocked by Rosalie's initial response. He didn't think he meant that much to her, but he wasn't going to complain, he needed all the attention he could get these days to distract him. He laughed when she mentioned his clothing and caught the look from Lex, he almost told him he'd explain later, but then Rosalie took care of it for him. He took his pipe back from his brother and lit it again as it had gone out in that short amount of time.

He followed his brother's greeting kiss to Isadore's hand with one of his own and smiled to her. "It's a pleasure to meet you as well." But what exactly was making Lady Rosalie sad? He decided to keep that question to himself. Instead he smiled and put his arm around Rosalie's shoulders and gave her a half hug, "I'd do anything for Lady Letalis." He gave her a meaningful look, he hoped maybe if she was upset she'd know that she could talk to him, but women were a mystery so she'd do as she wished.

He looked over to his brother, "Lexington, This is Lady Rosalie Letalis." He then turned back to Rosalie and smiled, "This is my ever-so-dashing twin Lexington. Isn't he the most adorable thing you've ever seen?"

[Lex Castell Rivers]

Lexington watched the interaction between Rosalie and Larson, wondering what the story behind the two was. Surely if something had happened, Lars would have told him? But then, Lars always had a way with girls, even though he seemed to not know what to do with his strange gift sometimes. They just seemed to trust him, no matter whether he encouraged them or not. Maybe this was one of those cases.

After Lars introduced them, Lex bowed and took her hand, placing his lips lightly on her knuckles. "An absolute pleasure, my lady." He ignored the 'adorable' jibe for now...but he wouldn't forget it. Taking a step back, he made sure to include Isadore in their little circle. "Are you ladies enjoying yourselves? I hope the Castell ship experience is treating you both well."

[Rosalie Mallory]

Rosalie shot Isadore a glare when she opened her mouth. She didn't need the woman advertising the fact that she was miserable, damn it! If people couldn't tell by the look on her face, or if she was doing a good enough job at hiding it, she would prefer as many people stay in the dark for as long as possible about it. Of course, it would take a fool to not notice something was wrong; Rosalie knew she had bags under her eyes mighty enough that they should have been down in the hold. That and when she smiled at people, generally there wasn't much mirth behind it; it felt fragile, thin, breakable.

Still, it wasn't hard to smile with Larson around. The way he and his brother interacted reminded her of how she always wished she could be with her siblings. She'd long come to terms with the fact that she would never be like that with anyone, but it was still wonderful to see that sort of relationship between others. She caught the look he shot her and half considered taking him up on the implied offer. Maybe over a pint. Or twenty.

"The pleasure is all mine, Lexington." She grinned, appraising him and then looking back to Larson. "He is indeed adorable, but I think you're just as much so. Perhaps you even beat him, since he does have a bit more bulk to him. Smaller is generally cuter, you know."

She turned her attention more fully back to Lex. "The Castell ship is treating us very well, thank you. It was so kind of your Lord cousin to allow Isadore and I on board on such short notice."

[Larson Castell]

Larson nearly gagged, "I'm cute ... that's like saying I'm to be hung!" he was being a little melodramatic now but it made her smile as he pretended to be offended and throw himself off the side of the boat. "Oh cruel world! How I meet my end! It is the cuteness that ends my life!"

He jumped up on the side of the boat but held onto the rope that connected to the mast. Leaning over the side, he looked down to the water, it was actually quite beautiful, and he was glad he made the move to jump up to see it.

[Isadore Bloom]

Isadore laughed to see them all interacting. This certainly wasn't how those of noble houses behaved from what she'd seen before...but she vastly preferred all this to what she'd observed. These three seemed genuine to one another, whereas mostly she'd seen people putting on false faces to seem more appealing. Sure, Rosalie was hiding her pain right now, but that was different than hiding her own personality. Although the one did seem a little melodramatic.

"Hanged," she said, correcting him. "People are hanged, things are hung. Although I suppose people can be hung, as well," she said, a leering grin on her face. She watched him cavort on the railing, part of her mind fretting that he might fall. She reminded herself, though, that as an adult he could take care of himself, and so she turned her attention back to Lexington.

"The journey has been very pleasurable so far; the quarters are modest but comfortable, and it has thankfully been a very quiet voyage thus far. It's good to have a bit of a break from all the goings on of court, all the drama aside."

[Lex Castell Rivers]

Lex rolled his eyes at Larson's antics, but grinned at Isadore's quip. It was almost unsettling to see a high priestess being...well, bawdy, but he supposed they were people before they were priests and priestesses. And there weren't many tales of the chastity of the gods, so why would the priests and priestesses be any different? Still, it was impossible for him to wrap his mind around encouraging her.

"I'm glad things have been going well for you," he said, glad she wasn't being lewd with him, too. Gods, her being dirty was like finding one of your teachers snogging their significant other. Some jobs just didn't lend themselves to sexy thoughts! "Hopefully the voyage stays quiet and you can catch up on some rest, recharge a little before we gear up for...what's the next event...that would be Donovan and Ramira's wedding, I think."

[Larson Castell]

Larson jumped down from the rail and approached Isadore, he stayed within a few feet of her but looked her up and down. This woman, for a priestess, could be rather raunchy, but in such a stealth fashion that if you weren't paying attention you wouldn't catch it! He laughed at her comment and with a devilish grin asked, "If the lady wishes, I could show her just how hung I am!" He knew she'd understand that he was just teasing her, after all he'd have to do something about having his grammar corrected by another.

He turned around to lean back on the railing, looking out over the water. He tapped his pipes contents out on the wood and brushed it off into the water. Larson's mind was still stuck on Amelie and her lack of letters, it worried him but what could he do? Instead he tried to ponder a new way to harass his company, but fell a bit short. Instead he just grinned stupidly and repacked his pipe.

[Rosalie Mallory]

Rosalie giggled. She had known a little about Isadore's true personality, but seeing her be like that with someone she'd just met was startling and incredibly entertaining. And Larson rolled with it like a champ. "Oh, sure," she said, a mock hurt in her voice, "You get me dripping wet and I get no such invitation, but she simply says a few words and you jump to offer yourself to her? You wound me!"

She smirked, and then moved closer to Lexington. "It's always the cute ones..." she said, shaking her head. "And I'm certainly hoping the journey stays quiet. I'm not sure how much more excitement I can handle..." Her voice drifted off, and then she realized that he'd asked a question. "Yeah, it's Ramira and Donovan's wedding next. What's after that I have no idea, but I do know that's the next big event."

[Larson Castell]

Larson looked up at Rosalie, lighting his pipe, he spoke from the corner of his mouth. "For you, my lady, the invitation is not verbal, nor does it ever expire. Any day, any time, anywhere, anything." He laughed. Urgh, he was becoming a chain smoker now, but what was he supposed to do? He felt like half a man these past few weeks, and Amelie had taken the other half with her, would he ever see her again? As it seemed now, probably not.

He crossed the few feet between him and Rosalie and whisked her off into a dance he only could hear in his head. "Smile, my lady! When you look so concerned, it worries me."

[Lex Castell Rivers]

Uh oh. Lex knew this look. As much as Larson complained about not liking women when they're emotional, he always seemed to want to fix them. He had his eyes set on Rosalie, and whatever her problem, he was in the mode to do everything he could to help her, or distract her, or whatever worked to make her smile again. It was a noble thing, to be sure, but Lex could remember quite a few times where it'd gotten his twin in a good bit of trouble, too.

Still, Rosalie was a good girl, and she got on well with both the twins, but especially Larson. Lex could think of no better hands to leave her in. Offering his arm to Isadore, he smiled charmingly at her. "My lady, I believe we've lost the two of them to...well, each other. May I escort you on a walk around the decks? She's safe with him, I promise you."

Isadore looked up at the goliath of a man that was speaking to her, and then back to where Larson had swept Rosalie into a dance. She had no doubt that if Rosalie had been uncomfortable, she would have let her know by now. And so she laced her hand in Lexington's and nodded, and the two walked off, chatting amiably.

[Rosalie Mallory]

Rosalie couldn't help but grin at Larson. That he was so brash was refreshing, and she fell easily into the familiar state of comfort she had when it was just she and him. She was vaguely aware of the other two shuffling off, but she didn't care; being free from Isadore for a little while would be a good thing. And who knows; maybe Isadore and Lexington would get along smashingly. He was certainly charismatic enough to get along with anyone, and she could think of nobody who disliked Isadore. It seemed perfect.

"I'm sorry," she said, absently. "It's just been shitty lately." She stepped in closer to him, resting her head on his shoulder. He really was just the perfect height. And, sadly, so was Kaedon...

"Hey, you know, I never did get to ask you what happened to your friendly little stalker girl. Did she ever leave you alone? Or was it like children and she just harassed you because she liiiiked you?"

[Larson Castell]

Larson frowned as Rosalie apologized, resting her head on his shoulder. He move to rest his chin on her head, she smelled beautiful, but not like Amelie. "I'm sorry to hear that my Lady. I hope that if you need anything, you'd let me know?" He moved his pipe carefully away, he had let the embers in it cool, so it was easily slid back into his pouch.

He whisked her off into a quiet dance, the sea behind them making a soothing noise, splashing waves against the boat. Rosalie asked him then, about Amelie, and he chuckled. He remembered the scenario that she would remember as well, and grinned stupidly. "Oh she was stalking me because she liked me. Oddly, I have fallen in love with her, she doesn't throw things at me anymore though." he laughed. "I had requested her hand in marriage, well my lord cousin did. Sadly, I was denied, and she has fallen ill and no longer writes to me. Well that's the abridged version, all sorts of sad and depressing huh?"

[Rosalie Mallory]

Moving with Larson as they danced, Rosalie smiled and nodded as he offered his assistance. "Sadly there's not much help for the situation, but your powers of distraction are much appreciated. This is the most I've smiled since before...before the wedding, I think."

She took some satisfaction in having guessed correctly at the source of Amelie's aggression toward him. She was about to smile and say something of the fact when he went on to tell the rest of the story. "Oh, Lars! That's awful..." She squeezed him a little in their dance hold, every intention on giving him a better hug later. "The politics of marriage are awful, and are actually partially to blame for my own dour mood lately...but you're a crafty one, I'm sure you won't let her get away. If you need help kidnapping her or something, you let me in on the plan, okay?" She smiled, but then remembered the ill and not writing part.

"Do you know what she was ill from? I don't recall hearing of any epidemic...Mason and Izzie would surely know about that sort of thing, and I bet they'd tell me. She'll get better, I'm sure, especially if she's got someone like you to live for. I know that would be enough for me." She smiled encouragingly at him. "And as for the not writing...maybe she's still recovering? Although if her family were anything like mine, if you were denied a marriage then someone's probably just stealing her letters and not letting them get to you. My sister would certainly do that if I were to write to my denied love."

[Larson Castell]

"I'm sad to hear that you've not found more reason to smile, as I must say you have a beautiful one. Not to be creepy but you have very beautiful teeth." He smiled, hoping she'd keep her smile on as well.

"C'est la vie." he shrugged. "I know I'll get her eventually, I'll die trying if not." he tensed for a moment, and it dawned on him, he sounded like a tragic poet. None of that now. "I mean to say, I'll work day and night to convince the concerned parties that I'm the one for her. And if not, well then I'll have to move on to my promised bride for when I'm an old man." he said winking at Rosalie.

"I'm not sure what has her so ill, her lord brother did not expound onto it." He smiled, half heartedly now. "I'm not sure what I'd do if she didn't get better." He rolled around in his head, the idea of the letters being taken. "You know, I'm not sure who, but that does sound like a valid way to make sure that she doesn't write to me." He quelled the flash of anger in him, and convinced himself that it's only a theory, he'd work it out later.

[Rosalie Mallory]

"I'm sure things will get better," she said, not really sounding convinced, even to herself. "I just have to be patient and wait, and get through it day by day." She laughed as he mentioned her teeth, grinning for him. "Why thank you. Would've been creepy if I didn't know you as well as I do, though." She wondered if there was anything Larson could do at this point that would creep her out...and couldn't think of anything. But saying so might be a challenge, and as much as it would be entertaining, she wasn't too sure if she was up for that just now.

She reached up and ruffled his hair as he spoke and then corrected himself. "Like I said, if you need help stealing her, you come and find me. I have certain skills that can be useful in situations like that." She winked at him, not sure if he knew of what she was hinting at or not.

"There's no if," she said resolutely. "Amelie will get better." She was convinced she was right, too; she didn't know Amelie too well, but from what she'd seen and heard she seemed like a very strong woman. She didn't seem the sort to be taken down by an illness.

She saw the anger flash across Larson's face and for a moment saw the same cold look she saw when she looked at other Castells. It was a scary thing to see on his face, especially since was at least a little familiar with how little he liked the rest of his family.

"I imagine her family isn't as awful as mine, though, so it's a far-fetched possibility. I mean, hell, I had to watch my brother beat the man I love to semi-consciousness. I have to at least hold out hope that other families aren't like that."

[Larson Castell]

He nodded sadly when she said she was sure that her situation would improve, but nodded when she thanked him for commenting on her smile. He really wished he would have looked up that night to see her face as she moaned, well he did peek, but he wished he would have seen her face when she finished. That thought made his mind toddle off, but it was slapped back in line when Rosalie ruffled his hair.

"You have useful skills for the situation?" he asked tilting his head. He figured that the sight of Rosalie climbing a wall would be a distraction to him, not an aid.

"Yes." he said quietly, "She'll be better, and we'll meet just where we said we would, and .." he trailed off looking out at the sea, spinning Rosalie around in a circle to the music in his head, so she couldn't see the sadness on his face. He truly hoped she'd be there in the gardens at Solbra.

"Have you ever met Victor?" he asked quickly, face solid. "He's friends with your brother too." It wasn't as far-fetched as she was thinking, and he was sure of it. Christopher told Victor no, that would be cause to intercept all letters written and being delivered in and out.

[Rosalie Mallory]

"I have useful skills for many situations," she said, grinning. If she had learned anything from being at court, it would be that well-behaved women rarely excelled at physical things. Which was why it was good that Rosalie never expected to be well-behaved. She could think of many things she could do to aid in a kidnapping...but she wouldn't elaborate unless Larson asked her to.

Spinning, Rosalie could still hear the sadness in Larson's voice. It broke her heart, honestly, to hear him like that and be unable to help him. She cared for him enough that she would have gone straight to where his love was and found some way in to see her, to make sure she was okay. And then she would take the woman away, any way she could, and deliver her to Larson. She would, if only she could. When she turned back to face him, Rosalie put her hand against Larson's cheek, silently comforting him. Like most men, she figured he would not want attention drawn to his sadness, but she needed him to know that she knew, and it was alright.

"I have yet to have the pleasure," she said, unable to mask the dread in her voice. "His reputation is very far reaching, though. I am grateful, though, that he allowed me to travel with you; I would have been left in quite a situation had he said no."

[Larson Castell]

He tried not to take her comment in the wrong direction, at least towards bed conversation. He had a hard time hiding a sly grin though, so he wore it proudly, she probably knew that was what he was thinking anyways, so why bother skirt around it? "Many useful skills, I'll keep that in mind." He nodded, grin still plastered on his face.

When she came back to face him, and placed her palm on his cheek, he leaned into it softly, the feel of her skin comforted him. He closed his eyes and smiled, moving his face to kiss the palm of her hand. "Thank you Rosalie."

"I would have allowed you to come with us, then told him we never heard of his denial. Something of that sort at least. But I wouldn't put it past him to throw out my mail, is what I'm saying." He burned, but attempted to think of other things, now Rosalie was stying him, and she wouldn't want to see him angry.

[Rosalie Mallory]

"Anything for you, love," she said, smiling as he kissed her palm. And she meant it, too; there was very little she wouldn't do for this man. She knew that he wouldn't want more attention drawn to his emotional distress, but she hoped he knew that if there was anyone, outside of his twin of course, who he could let loose and break down to, it would be Rosalie.

"Would you be interested," she asked, her arms going around his neck, "in joining me for a drink? I have a few bottles from home that I believe you would enjoy, and it would seem you could use a drink."

[Larson Castell]

Larson laughed as she spoke, actually blushing a bit. "That sort of promise will get a Lady in trouble." He said with a wink. He broke from the dance and took her arm in hand, wrapping hers around his, and escorted her to the side of the boat. Looking out over the water he took in her words, smiling and nodding.

He turned to face Rosalie, looking her square in the eye. "This is the right time to get a drink, for sure. Since you were so kind to offer, I cannot decline." he spoke dramatically as if Rosa was twisting his arm. After a moment, and a laugh, Larson responded seriously. "I would love a drink, make it a double."