I found her a wonderful dancer, and let her lead.I found her a wonderful dancer, and let her lead. After a while, though, there was a soft tap on my shoulder, and one of the "Tindal Clones," as I'd started to label them, stood behind me. "May I have this dance?" she asked. Her voice did nothing to give her away. She was almost completely unknown to me. I suddenly recognized another reason behind the tuxedo; it covered everything, and I couldn't get a clear look to see any of the familiar fur patterns that sometimes mark a Tindal. But there was this niggling thought in the back of my mind that told me I should damn well know who this was. She was experienced on the dancefloor, and she took my breath away with her sensuous hips and white gloves. I enjoyed the music pouring through the room and the feeling of her body pressed against mine when the music slowed. And she proved to me, once and for all, that anyone can tango if their partner is good enough. Because I cannot tango. We sat and drank champagne, telling outrageous lies as we were allowed by the masked ball. She told me she was a geologist for the Fleet; I told her I was an explorer, once with The Eldarfaroth, but now living quietly here on Pendor. We exchanged tales; both of us had helped Hall-walkers. She was born before the 'Opening'. I told her I was born in 52, she said 68. Basically, I think we lied through our respective teeth. But her company was comforting and pleasant, especially after that damned Centaur boy, and I was getting a little high from the alcohol and leaned over to kiss her. She acted as if she had fully expected that, leaning into the kiss and opening her mouth against mine. I replied, inviting her tongue into my mouth, feeling it against mine but not really concentrating on how or where it went. "I know of a few empty rooms in Reedhon Castle, if you'd like to go someplace more private," she said. I gave it all of one second to run through my brain. "Of course," I said. "After you." She stood and took my hand in hers, leading me past the crowds clustered around the various hors d'oeuvre tables and champagne bottles. |