#ccsemberclub

"We both have issues with the house, but you are forgetting something. To him you are just that nice elderly boggan who went into business with me, if he remembers that much. There is nothing suspicious about this. Suspicious will be in you run"

"Hmph." Sulking... but persuadable.

"If you want a compromise, I'll adjust a few things about your complexion or what not..."

CC has drained her martini fast. He clearly gave her a scare.

"Callidora...." Soft "You know I prioritize your well being and safety above my own?"

"Then you won't threaten to leave again" Pointedly "Because having you with me? Is very strongly a part of my well being"

A smile, a kiss. "For now. Yes."

"Forever, you ass" A kiss, "YOu think just because I take other lovers I'm not devoted? You know better."

He kisses her back. "I want you to be well, and...... "

"You've spent too much time around trolls if you think you're protecting me by nobly going off to bear a target alone. "

A semi-glare. "Callidora. Forever?"

"Yes, until you die of old age and heart failure in my bed nude with a smile on your face," She says "I've got a plan about it."

"Fortunately black can be flattering if applied skillfully"

"Every shade is flattered being on you." He assures.

"And... if that is my fate? Are you sure, Dearest? You cannot foresee any other.... interests? I am quite at home with them, you know."

"My interests or yours? My interests include you, I assure you."

"Your interests. Callidora.... are you... settling?"

"You'll have to be more specific . Am I settling for what?"

"For me."

"I'm not settling, I've picked. I have other lovers, but only one love. That's you. There are men who can light me up like a yule tree in a lightning storm, but that's temporary, only you can lift me up and raise me to... oh goodness. You really are surprised? "

"Oh."

"Ok. To avoid any confusion. Let me be simple. I picked you. I love you. I'm staying by your side. I'm happy to do so. You are more important than the club or hold to me. I will take other lovers but if that bothers you let me know and I'll try to cut down."

William seems overcome. "I.. no. Others...no. But...."

"But?" She coaxes.

"To save the Club? Your Balefire?"

"I Lived most of my life without either. I'd hate to lose them, but losing you would be worse."

"But..."

"Particularly to some inane sacrifice on your part where you played the world's shortest troll..."

"Inane..... troll?"

"Callirdora, I want you to have all this after....after I am gone."

"Honey, I know that age protection of the fire aside, you'll probably die before I do. But I don't want you to be in a rush about it. "

"Now... I've been thinking. There's no reason for both of us to meet the knight. I'll just go, speak for us both... it will hardly be suspicious. It will be true when I say you trust me to make the choices"

William seethes quietly.

"Yes."

"Okay, you're mad again. I thought you wanted to avoid scrutiny?"

"I want it all. I want you to have your dreams, and to avoid scrutiny here."

"Then we will down play somethings...so I go alone to this, let them think our relationship is fun for me but not as deep as it is... YOU know better and so do I. And I'll pick up hte foster and we train now and then . You keep your ass here so I won't be miserable or run off handing oer the bale to Caesar. Sound doable?"

He fusses but nods. "Yes."

"Lord. I open my heart to you and you make me feel like I'm taking you hostage. " She looks about the room and seeing no unenchanted, "Watch out folks, one wrong move and the boggan gets me."

It is a testament to how cowed EBG has the staff that if any overheard that, they are not so much as cracking a smile

A scowl.

"Callidora......" warning.

She looks contrite, "Sorry, "And she appears so, "I just..." She takes his hands, "I know why you offered, but.. I want you to know that you leaving is the last thing I want. For any reason. I shouldn't tease in front of the staff though. My apologies. I'll make it up to you. "

A sigh. "The Childling? Here? You won't have Grandchildren soon enough?"

"Actually, if you had listened, the foster is wilder age."

"But under 21"

"they want a mentor, not parents. Thank goodness"

He ROLLS HIS EYES.

"Fine."

Contrite, and a kiss... and she goes off to get ready.