[SCENE] Valant and Rhoda in: "Amour, Almost"
((Backdated to a week ago.))
Rhoda: ((swoooon))
Rhoda: ((wait. that is just a ham and cheese sandwich, isn't it :|))
Valant: ((yes))
Valant: ((but does Rhoda know? :V))
Rhoda: ((NOPE <3))
Valant: *having arrived early, Valant sits at a table for two in the Yellow Baron. He's dressed in his usual attire, his cape draped neatly on the back of his chair and hat set on the floor. The evening is off to a disappointing start for him already as no one has given him recognition or asked for an autograph -- instead, the patrons try not to stare*
Rhoda: *arrives just on time in a blue and purple striped blouse and pencil skirt, topped off with a bright Aureolin yellow scarf tied around her neck. She immediately spots the man in yellow--because frankly you'd have to be blind to miss him--and makes her way to the table* Good evening, Mr. Gramarye!
Valant: *stands up, spins his cane and bows* And a good evening to you, Ms. Teneiro. *takes a moment to take her in with his eyes* You're even prettier in person, if I may say.
Rhoda: *blushes* Thank you. You are quite the gentleman, Mr. Gramarye. *with a coy smile* I picked this scarf out just for this occasion. Don't you agree that it matches your cape perfectly?
Valant: *seats himself and gives a forced, nervous laugh as he blushes in return* Ha ha ha! *looks at the scarf and gives an impressed hum* Has anyone ever told you you have an excellent eye for colour? What am I saying -- you are an artist!
Rhoda: *takes a seat across from him and laughs politely* Actually, you would be surprised at how many people say the exact opposite! But as we discussed, I take pride in my work regardless.
Valant: The green-eyed monsters may say what they like. You may call a rose any negative name -- *picks up the napkin on Rhoda's side of the table and shakes it once before flipping it over, producing a red rose* --it doesn't make it smell any less sweet.
Rhoda: ...! *she's left completely flabbergasted at the sudden appearance of the rose which truly just seemed to appear out of thin air!* Oh my! *she takes the rose from Valant and smells it to confirm it is indeed real* How in the world did you do that!
Valant: It's what I do. *winks and picks up the menu while mentally patting himself on the back for arriving early* I'm pleased you proposed that we meet. I need a pick-me-up after what happened weeks ago.
Rhoda: *frowns* Oh yes, I'm terribly sorry to hear what happened! I've seen a lot about it on the news. *daintily places the napkin on her lap and gives a closed-lip smile* I am glad they finally released you.
Valant: *furrows his brows* To think I was almost accused of murdering my master... *shakes his head* Had that prosecutor not caught the fraud, I'd be behind bars without an escape trick.
Rhoda: *nods* Indeed. It's troubling to think there are crooked lawyers like that out there practicing freely. *in a brighter tone* Fortunately, there is now one less.
Valant: *gives a boisterous laugh that would earn a punch in the jaw from Phoenix if he were around* True, true! Have some sparkling wine with me as celebration, won't you?
Rhoda: *politely covers her mouth with her fingers as she laughs along* Oh yes, I would love to! *lifts her glass* What should we toast to?
Valant: *takes his* To justice! No, that's overdone... Ah! *raises it* To our creative spirits: something no courtroom or airline can rob us of.
Rhoda: Cheers! *she softly clinks her glass against his and takes a modest sip* Now that you're free to do as you please, I'm sure you must be very busy scheduling new shows. *a bit shyly* I must confess, I've always been a fan.
Valant: *politely feigning surprise* Is that so? What a surprise! Tell me -- why did you make no mention of it until now? *sips his wine*
Rhoda: Well I was sure you already have so many of them. *gently sets her glass back down and folds her hands on her lap* And I never imagined to ever have the pleasure of dining with you like this...
Valant: The pleasure is all mine. *a small sigh* It may be hard to believe, but fame and fortune can be a foil to one's social life. To meet people outside of showbiz can prove to be a challenge, and when all eyes are on you, making a connection with another performer in private is nigh impossible without rumours running hither to tither.
Rhoda: *listens attentively* Oh yes, I can see how fame could be burden. We often have famous celebrities and politicians aboard on our flights, and they always seem to be under much scrutiny even during their private life.
Valant: I had a feeling that as a first class flight attendant, you would understand fantastically. *scans the menu while idly swishing the wine in his glass* Audience asides, in spite of our importance...it can be lonely, backstage.
Rhoda: *takes her own menu in hand, but is much more interested in the man across from her. She slightly frowns* That's a shame. I suppose the life of a famous magician is not as glamorous as one would expect. *she flips through the menu, although not reading it*
Rhoda: I guess I can relate to that in some ways. My job doesn't allow me to keep a very stable schedule and that puts a damper on having much of a personal life, as well.
Valant: With your travels around the world, I imagine it so. *slow and cautious* Pardon me for prying, but are you, by any chance...attached?
Rhoda: *slightly caught off guard* Oh...n-no, I'm not. Not at the moment. *manages a forced smile* And you, Mr. Gramarye?
Valant: *a wistful tone; he's talking more to himself than he is to Rhoda* No, but I have a tendency to try for the attentions of a woman who is taken. *slightly bitter* Many females cannot distinguish between a gentleman and a brute...! *his hand curls into a fist at the stem of the glass*
Rhoda: *a bit surprised by his sudden rant, her already awkward smile twitches ever so slightly* I see... *Her posture straightens and she smiles at him confidently* Well, at least you wouldn't run into either of those problems with me.
Rhoda: *flustered* Oh, um, not that I mean...well, you know...
Valant: Ah? *catches on* ...Ah! Ha ha ha! *just as flustered, he's relieved when the waiter breaks the moment to ask for their food. He orders a simple steak meal*
Rhoda: *quickly buries her nose in the menu but the words blur together in her state of embarrassment. She opts for the catch of the day special that the waiter recites in a monotone, jaded tone. When the waiter leaves, an awkward silence falls between them* .....
Valant: *clears his throat* So, Miss Teneiro...what is it you do for leisure? Can a flight attendant take a trip by plane and consider it a break from the everyday?
Rhoda: *laughs, this time her smile is much more genuine* Honestly, I don't travel very much on my days off. I usually stay at home with my feet in a massager or sitting in front of a computer playing with new concepts for designs. *idly plays with the tip of her scarf* How does a great magician spend his days out of the spotlight?
Valant: Oh, nothing exciting, exactly. *motions with his hand* Cook, clean...catch up on some sensitive reading.
Rhoda: *blinks in amazement* Oh! How very...domestic of you!
Valant: *a smug chuckle* I feel no need to flaunt my masculinity, unlike others who bare their arms or wear their hair in spikes. Does it surprise you?
Rhoda: Yes, a little bit! I grew up in a household where my mother did most, if not all of the housework. *cheerily* I find it to be quite an attractive quality in a man. What's your best dish, if I may ask?
Valant: I can make a croque-monsieur that is out of this world. *picks up his staff, spins it, and puts it back down* Allakha-delicious!
Rhoda: *her eyes widen* How impressive! My dishes aren't nearly as elaborate... I can't imagine attempting French cuisine.
Valant: *scratches his temple* Well. They say a magician should never reveal his tricks...but one day I could show you how it's done personally, perhaps?
Rhoda: *considers* I've never had a man cook for me before... That would be most lovely! *taps the tip of her fingers to her chin* If you wouldn't mind having a simple sandwich, I would be happy to contribute as well.
Valant: We all have to start from somewhere! *smiles!* I must say, I could not have predicted that we would click quite so quickly.
Rhoda: Me, neither. *tilts her head and smiles back* I'm delighted that we seem to complement each other so well! *her last disaster of a date flashes before her eyes and her smile falters* It's surprisingly difficult to come by someone who shares the same tastes.
Valant: You know what they say: great minds think in similar ways to one another. And your mind, m'lady...is magic.
Rhoda: *for a second she falls back in her chair, awestruck* Oh my! *speedily rights her posture and smiles sweetly* Thank you, Mr. Gramarye. I am deeply touched.
Valant: *mentally pats himself on the back for a second time this evening and raises his glass* Time for another toast -- to us.
Rhoda: *still smiling, raises her own to match* To us.
Valant: *clinks glasses; as he sips, their waiter returns with their meals delivered on lidded plates, which are placed in front of them* Ah, I forgot to mention another past time of mine.
Rhoda: *daintily takes a sip before lowering the glass from her lips when the food arrives. With genuine interest* Oh?
Valant: I pamper my pets! *motions toward Rhoda's dish as the waiter takes off the lid -- revealing two albino dwarf rabbits, munching on the lettuce of the side salad*
Valant: Say hello to Biscuit and Puff-Puff!
Rhoda: .....
Rhoda: .......
Rhoda: *remains frozen in shock at the sight of rodent-like creatures nibbling on her lettuce*
Valant: *not understanding* Cute as buttons, are they not? I raised them myself!
Rhoda: *when she's finally released out of her state of paralysis she proceeds to recoil in utter horror* Th-they are in my food...! G-get them out!
Valant: *stunned* You...are not delighted by the sight of these lovable lagomorphs?
Rhoda: *her voice rises in a most unladylike fashion* N-NO! *She quickly hides her face against the back of her chair* I cannot stand the mere sight of them! Those red beady eyes...th-that tail!
Valant: *almost speechless* A-afraid? Of rabbits? But...but they are like my children!
Rhoda: *points with a trembling finger at her absolutely ruined dinner* I must ask that you remove those things at once! P-Please...!
Valant: *raises his pointer finger with a shy smile* ...If I were to say "no", would we still have a chance at a meaningful romantic relationship?
Rhoda: NO!!! *jumps from her seat, the napkin folded neatly on her lap fluttering dramatically to the ground. The second she's on her feet she makes a dash for the exit--shielding her eyes with her purse from those ghastly creatures hopping about her plate. Spurting out multiple "excuse mes" and "sorries," she pushes passed waiters and fellow patrons, never to look back again*
Valant: *stares at Rhoda making a run for it, mouth agape* Allakha-NOOOOOOOO! *throws his head back and howls as three white doves fly out of his steak*
Rhoda: ((swoooon))
Rhoda: ((wait. that is just a ham and cheese sandwich, isn't it :|))
Valant: ((yes))
Valant: ((but does Rhoda know? :V))
Rhoda: ((NOPE <3))
Valant: *having arrived early, Valant sits at a table for two in the Yellow Baron. He's dressed in his usual attire, his cape draped neatly on the back of his chair and hat set on the floor. The evening is off to a disappointing start for him already as no one has given him recognition or asked for an autograph -- instead, the patrons try not to stare*
Rhoda: *arrives just on time in a blue and purple striped blouse and pencil skirt, topped off with a bright Aureolin yellow scarf tied around her neck. She immediately spots the man in yellow--because frankly you'd have to be blind to miss him--and makes her way to the table* Good evening, Mr. Gramarye!
Valant: *stands up, spins his cane and bows* And a good evening to you, Ms. Teneiro. *takes a moment to take her in with his eyes* You're even prettier in person, if I may say.
Rhoda: *blushes* Thank you. You are quite the gentleman, Mr. Gramarye. *with a coy smile* I picked this scarf out just for this occasion. Don't you agree that it matches your cape perfectly?
Valant: *seats himself and gives a forced, nervous laugh as he blushes in return* Ha ha ha! *looks at the scarf and gives an impressed hum* Has anyone ever told you you have an excellent eye for colour? What am I saying -- you are an artist!
Rhoda: *takes a seat across from him and laughs politely* Actually, you would be surprised at how many people say the exact opposite! But as we discussed, I take pride in my work regardless.
Valant: The green-eyed monsters may say what they like. You may call a rose any negative name -- *picks up the napkin on Rhoda's side of the table and shakes it once before flipping it over, producing a red rose* --it doesn't make it smell any less sweet.
Rhoda: ...! *she's left completely flabbergasted at the sudden appearance of the rose which truly just seemed to appear out of thin air!* Oh my! *she takes the rose from Valant and smells it to confirm it is indeed real* How in the world did you do that!
Valant: It's what I do. *winks and picks up the menu while mentally patting himself on the back for arriving early* I'm pleased you proposed that we meet. I need a pick-me-up after what happened weeks ago.
Rhoda: *frowns* Oh yes, I'm terribly sorry to hear what happened! I've seen a lot about it on the news. *daintily places the napkin on her lap and gives a closed-lip smile* I am glad they finally released you.
Valant: *furrows his brows* To think I was almost accused of murdering my master... *shakes his head* Had that prosecutor not caught the fraud, I'd be behind bars without an escape trick.
Rhoda: *nods* Indeed. It's troubling to think there are crooked lawyers like that out there practicing freely. *in a brighter tone* Fortunately, there is now one less.
Valant: *gives a boisterous laugh that would earn a punch in the jaw from Phoenix if he were around* True, true! Have some sparkling wine with me as celebration, won't you?
Rhoda: *politely covers her mouth with her fingers as she laughs along* Oh yes, I would love to! *lifts her glass* What should we toast to?
Valant: *takes his* To justice! No, that's overdone... Ah! *raises it* To our creative spirits: something no courtroom or airline can rob us of.
Rhoda: Cheers! *she softly clinks her glass against his and takes a modest sip* Now that you're free to do as you please, I'm sure you must be very busy scheduling new shows. *a bit shyly* I must confess, I've always been a fan.
Valant: *politely feigning surprise* Is that so? What a surprise! Tell me -- why did you make no mention of it until now? *sips his wine*
Rhoda: Well I was sure you already have so many of them. *gently sets her glass back down and folds her hands on her lap* And I never imagined to ever have the pleasure of dining with you like this...
Valant: The pleasure is all mine. *a small sigh* It may be hard to believe, but fame and fortune can be a foil to one's social life. To meet people outside of showbiz can prove to be a challenge, and when all eyes are on you, making a connection with another performer in private is nigh impossible without rumours running hither to tither.
Rhoda: *listens attentively* Oh yes, I can see how fame could be burden. We often have famous celebrities and politicians aboard on our flights, and they always seem to be under much scrutiny even during their private life.
Valant: I had a feeling that as a first class flight attendant, you would understand fantastically. *scans the menu while idly swishing the wine in his glass* Audience asides, in spite of our importance...it can be lonely, backstage.
Rhoda: *takes her own menu in hand, but is much more interested in the man across from her. She slightly frowns* That's a shame. I suppose the life of a famous magician is not as glamorous as one would expect. *she flips through the menu, although not reading it*
Rhoda: I guess I can relate to that in some ways. My job doesn't allow me to keep a very stable schedule and that puts a damper on having much of a personal life, as well.
Valant: With your travels around the world, I imagine it so. *slow and cautious* Pardon me for prying, but are you, by any chance...attached?
Rhoda: *slightly caught off guard* Oh...n-no, I'm not. Not at the moment. *manages a forced smile* And you, Mr. Gramarye?
Valant: *a wistful tone; he's talking more to himself than he is to Rhoda* No, but I have a tendency to try for the attentions of a woman who is taken. *slightly bitter* Many females cannot distinguish between a gentleman and a brute...! *his hand curls into a fist at the stem of the glass*
Rhoda: *a bit surprised by his sudden rant, her already awkward smile twitches ever so slightly* I see... *Her posture straightens and she smiles at him confidently* Well, at least you wouldn't run into either of those problems with me.
Rhoda: *flustered* Oh, um, not that I mean...well, you know...
Valant: Ah? *catches on* ...Ah! Ha ha ha! *just as flustered, he's relieved when the waiter breaks the moment to ask for their food. He orders a simple steak meal*
Rhoda: *quickly buries her nose in the menu but the words blur together in her state of embarrassment. She opts for the catch of the day special that the waiter recites in a monotone, jaded tone. When the waiter leaves, an awkward silence falls between them* .....
Valant: *clears his throat* So, Miss Teneiro...what is it you do for leisure? Can a flight attendant take a trip by plane and consider it a break from the everyday?
Rhoda: *laughs, this time her smile is much more genuine* Honestly, I don't travel very much on my days off. I usually stay at home with my feet in a massager or sitting in front of a computer playing with new concepts for designs. *idly plays with the tip of her scarf* How does a great magician spend his days out of the spotlight?
Valant: Oh, nothing exciting, exactly. *motions with his hand* Cook, clean...catch up on some sensitive reading.
Rhoda: *blinks in amazement* Oh! How very...domestic of you!
Valant: *a smug chuckle* I feel no need to flaunt my masculinity, unlike others who bare their arms or wear their hair in spikes. Does it surprise you?
Rhoda: Yes, a little bit! I grew up in a household where my mother did most, if not all of the housework. *cheerily* I find it to be quite an attractive quality in a man. What's your best dish, if I may ask?
Valant: I can make a croque-monsieur that is out of this world. *picks up his staff, spins it, and puts it back down* Allakha-delicious!
Rhoda: *her eyes widen* How impressive! My dishes aren't nearly as elaborate... I can't imagine attempting French cuisine.
Valant: *scratches his temple* Well. They say a magician should never reveal his tricks...but one day I could show you how it's done personally, perhaps?
Rhoda: *considers* I've never had a man cook for me before... That would be most lovely! *taps the tip of her fingers to her chin* If you wouldn't mind having a simple sandwich, I would be happy to contribute as well.
Valant: We all have to start from somewhere! *smiles!* I must say, I could not have predicted that we would click quite so quickly.
Rhoda: Me, neither. *tilts her head and smiles back* I'm delighted that we seem to complement each other so well! *her last disaster of a date flashes before her eyes and her smile falters* It's surprisingly difficult to come by someone who shares the same tastes.
Valant: You know what they say: great minds think in similar ways to one another. And your mind, m'lady...is magic.
Rhoda: *for a second she falls back in her chair, awestruck* Oh my! *speedily rights her posture and smiles sweetly* Thank you, Mr. Gramarye. I am deeply touched.
Valant: *mentally pats himself on the back for a second time this evening and raises his glass* Time for another toast -- to us.
Rhoda: *still smiling, raises her own to match* To us.
Valant: *clinks glasses; as he sips, their waiter returns with their meals delivered on lidded plates, which are placed in front of them* Ah, I forgot to mention another past time of mine.
Rhoda: *daintily takes a sip before lowering the glass from her lips when the food arrives. With genuine interest* Oh?
Valant: I pamper my pets! *motions toward Rhoda's dish as the waiter takes off the lid -- revealing two albino dwarf rabbits, munching on the lettuce of the side salad*
Valant: Say hello to Biscuit and Puff-Puff!
Rhoda: .....
Rhoda: .......
Rhoda: *remains frozen in shock at the sight of rodent-like creatures nibbling on her lettuce*
Valant: *not understanding* Cute as buttons, are they not? I raised them myself!
Rhoda: *when she's finally released out of her state of paralysis she proceeds to recoil in utter horror* Th-they are in my food...! G-get them out!
Valant: *stunned* You...are not delighted by the sight of these lovable lagomorphs?
Rhoda: *her voice rises in a most unladylike fashion* N-NO! *She quickly hides her face against the back of her chair* I cannot stand the mere sight of them! Those red beady eyes...th-that tail!
Valant: *almost speechless* A-afraid? Of rabbits? But...but they are like my children!
Rhoda: *points with a trembling finger at her absolutely ruined dinner* I must ask that you remove those things at once! P-Please...!
Valant: *raises his pointer finger with a shy smile* ...If I were to say "no", would we still have a chance at a meaningful romantic relationship?
Rhoda: NO!!! *jumps from her seat, the napkin folded neatly on her lap fluttering dramatically to the ground. The second she's on her feet she makes a dash for the exit--shielding her eyes with her purse from those ghastly creatures hopping about her plate. Spurting out multiple "excuse mes" and "sorries," she pushes passed waiters and fellow patrons, never to look back again*
Valant: *stares at Rhoda making a run for it, mouth agape* Allakha-NOOOOOOOO! *throws his head back and howls as three white doves fly out of his steak*