[night court au] company come to call

[stillnotrachel]

It's early afternoon in the Night Court.

Rachelle no Mandrake has been awake for several hours: taking breakfast in the Adept's dining room and catching up on gossip, answering correspondence and scheduling assignations.

The Dowayne has asked her to provide a demonstration for some of the younger initiates before dinner tonight; she's mulling over potential forms while a Novice arranges her hair.

Comments

[stillnotrachel]

"As can the rest of my students, much to their frustration."

The Dowayne has perhaps assigned some of the more overeager novices to Rachelle for remedial instruction.

If they are very lucky, before the session is over, they are allowed to tie a few knots.

(But they all leave in much less of a hurry.)

[gothamsheiress]

Brix laughs.

"Poor things! They'll thank you for it one day. I do hope your young man can match you."

[stillnotrachel]

"I don't take it personally. Mandrake's children are too proud to show their appreciation until much later and more subtly.

And as for the young man, I have high hopes myself. We should know in the next few days how they will be met."

Rachelle lifts one bare foot from the floor and pokes Brix lightly in the calf.

"And how do they match you--your new friend, your new patron? I find myself craving gossip."

[gothamsheiress]

Brix chuckles again, but it has a rueful edge to it this time.

"The friend -- he's a good match. Very . . . kind, when he yields. He enjoys it for its own sake, but for his partner's as well, I think, and that is a lovely combination."

[stillnotrachel]

Rachelle wonders about that laugh, but elects not to pry (yet).

"It is," she agrees.

"A generous lover is a gift; the trick, sometimes, is getting them to be a little selfish."

[gothamsheiress]

"He is certainly vain," Brix says, amused, "but that is not quite the same thing."

[stillnotrachel]

"No, not quite," she laughs.

"Certainly easier to manage, though."

[gothamsheiress]

"Oh, and far be it from me to miss an opportunity to give praise where praise is due."