Danse Macabre

[Eve Fabron]

Music swelled through the crowd, sending a wave of goosebumps up Eve's arms. The musician's hands seemed to dance just as gracefully as the ballet dancer on the stage--but Eve paid little attention to the costumed performers. She was watching the violins. Faster and faster, more and more frenzied, bows jolted back and forth across the strings. She hadn't played in years, now, but hearing this kind of music brought back an itch she had all but forgotten. She didn't even realize she'd moved to the edge of her seat to get a clearer view of them, putting one hand on Adam Cathain 's knee to support herself as she leaned out over the little balcony. It was too bad that they were here to see if one of the dancers really was supernaturally seducing patrons into giving her valuable gems. She would have liked to just enjoy the performance. 

As the song came to an end, she settled back into her chair and glanced up at Adam, who sat on her right. She realized a little late that her hand was still on his knee, and she took it back nonchalantly, not wanting to seem as if she were flinching away from him, or draw any attention to them. She smoothed her hands over the skirt of her black dress, then applauded politely with the rest of the crowd, before raising an eyebrow at Adam. 

"What do you think, should we try to snag her during the intermission? Or wait out the whole show?"

[Adam Cathain]

The music was certainly lovely, but if you were to ask Adam's opinion, it was not as lovely as his companion for the evening. He didn't know what was more amusing, watching the musicians with their bows, or Eve as she leaned closer to watch them. Clearly interested. He found his eyes wandering over periodically to watch her. They were on a mission however, and those blues of his went back to the dancers on stage. It really was a beautiful performance, but his attention was divided for the moment when he felt Eve place her hand on his knee. 

His blue gaze flickered to her hand, and then back to her. Realizing she hadn't even realized she'd done it. But...That is what came with the territory of being around your best friend he supposed. He noted the way her hang lingered and forced himself to not thing anything of it. He couldn't. It wasn't allowed despite how much he might have liked the contact. He reached up to stick a finger in the collar of his shirt, tugging on it a bit as it was a bit warm in the room, or maybe it was just him. 

He crossed his legs, leaning back in his seat, and stretched an arm out to the back of Eve's chair. It was second nature to him and he didn't think much of it as his free hand smoothed over his vest. "Well, it would be a shame to end a good show early..." He mused quietly. He turned his head lazily to look at her. Reaching up to rub at his clean shaved jaw. It felt weird to not feel the usual stubble, but given what they were attending they had to dress up, so dress up he had. He was struggling, even now not to run a hand through his combed over hair. "Besides, with everyone moving around between the crowd and back stage, it'll easier to grab her in the chaos." He said. A corner of his mouth quirked up before that cat like grin appeared across his face. The dog really did like a good hunt. He'd be lying if he didn't hope she'd give them a bit of a struggle. He had hopes of killing two birds with one stone tonight. Either bringing her in for the wardens, or knocking some sense into her and recruiting her for his fathers cause. "What does the Lady think?" He asked. 

[Eve Fabron]

Eve did her best to keep herself serious, but she couldn’t help the corners of her mouth curling into a sly smirk: a muted echo of her partner’s grin. She flicked her eyes down, then up to look at him through her lashes, and shrugged one shoulder.

“I suppose it won’t hurt to wait until after the second half. We’ll just… head that way a little before the grand finale.” She propped one hand under her chin and gave him her most innocent, wide-eyed look–which wasn’t very innocent at all. “No harm done as long as we still complete our assignment, right?”

The crowd milled around them as the performers rearranged their instruments, and dancers changed costumes backstage. She had noticed Adam’s arm lying along the back of her chair, but only dimly; he’d done it as thoughtlessly as she’d put her hand on his leg, which meant it wasn’t anything to be concerned about. She was more in tune with Adam than anyone else in the world–more than her brother, her parents, or even her own self. To have him in her personal space was only natural. She settled more comfortably back into her chair, subconsciously put at ease by the warmth of him near her.

She idly looked back to the musicians, watching the violinists apply rosin to their bows. She was too far to actually smell the sharp pine scent, but the memory was so strong she imagined she could. Her eyes were dreamy and unfocused, a gentler smile tugging at her lips as she remembered her lessons, so long ago. They had been her favorite. She was good as a fighter, even better with poisons and silent sneak attacks, but music tugged at her soul in a way that nothing else had.

“Did I ever tell you…” she began slowly, not quite in the present moment, tilting her face only slightly toward Adam as her gaze was still tethered to the violinists. “That I play the violin?”

[Adam Cathain]

That cat like grin turned more sly as she agreed to wait until the second half. "Right." He said, leaning back more in his seat. His ankle bounced slightly as he shifted his legs as he rested in ankle up on his knee. He had manners, and although he tried to stick to stick to them, he couldn't resist the urge to sit how he normally would have had they been somewhere else. 

He watched the crowed intently as performers milled around, reminding himself of their mission and what they were really there to do. That didn't mean he didn't notice when Eve settled back against her chair, or how mindless his hand that was draped against the back of her chair brushed lightly against her shoulder. The way his fingers naturally just went to draw idle designs into her shoulder. It was a reminder to himself that she was there. Something so innocent, and friendly, and just something he did that he couldn't not do it. And each time he did it, he slowly died a little bit more inside. 

He dared to glance side long at her again as she watched the musicians and his brow slowly rose in surprise. Seeing that dreamy unfocused look. It was down right adorable. So...vulnerable. Personal. It made him was to reach out and tilt her chin towards him so he could capture those plump red lips between his like he'd dreamed about doing for as long as he knew her. And he couldn't.

She was tempting him and he couldn't afford to give into temptation. She had no idea the power she had over him, and it was both maddening and a blessing a the same. He managed to pull his eyes away and look back to the band. That is, until she leaned her head towards him. His blue gaze was right back on her, watching her as she told him she used to play. That look made a lot more sense now, and he found himself looking out towards the violinist and back at Eve. 

"No you didn't." He spoke softly. Afraid if he spoke any louder it would ruin the spell that Eve was currently under and he quite liked the spell she seemed to be in. He was tempted to ask if she was any good, but he already knew that anwser. Eve would smack him for doubting her anything else then perfection. He knew she would play beautifully without having to ask. "Why haven't you played for me yet?" He said instead. His mouth quirked up into a small smirk. 

[Eve Fabron]

Mmm?" Eve responded absently, acknowledging the question while she considered her answer. "I suppose I never thought about it. It's not the most practical hobby for a woman in my profession. My lessons stopped before we met, and it's not as if I'm holding concerts..."

Her mind seemed to catch up with her mouth, then, and she glanced over at him curiously. "Do you actually want to hear me play, Pup? Or are you just teasing?"

Admittedly, she didn't think that Adam was one to put her down-- he was one of very few people who actually bought into her perfect facade with certainty. He trusted her to be exactly as good as she said she was, and so she put all her energy into being just that. She'd never falter, never disappoint him. Not that she was worries about his opinion in particular, of course... but she did appreciate his support.

Her family, however, had never put much stock in her musical talents. It had only ever been done to make sure that she was "Accomplished" enough to be seen as decent marriage and courtier material. Of course they still expected her to be technically perfect, but whether or not she played with any emotion was beside the point.

She'd gotten into the habit of seeing it as frivolous, just as they did.

[Adam Cathain]

Adam watched her curiously, wanting to know why she hadn't told him sooner, but also wondering is she still played. Now that...would be a sight. With Even wielding that bow just as fiercely and confidently as she did a sword. He could picture her stern, yet beautiful face as she concentrated. He wondered if her eyes would be closed or open. Allowing the music to flow right through her. She could no doubt feel it, and he quickly decided her eyes would be open. Not watching her fingers on the strings, but rather on him. As she played. It was such an innocent image in his mind, and yet....His mind was seducing him with her face just thinking about the imagery of her no doubt serious but intense look. 

She was going to kill him. 

His blue gaze met hers as she glanced at him. He lifted a shoulder and let it drop at her question. "I like music. You play music." So I like you even more now dummy. He thought but he didn't say it. His gaze lazily slid back to the musicians down below. "You should pick it up again. Who says it can't be a hobby of your profession." He said. Watching the crowd mill about before they were settling down again for the second part. The room was quieting down again, and Adam leaned his head in to her ear, not taking his eyes off the stage. "Of course I want to hear you play Ev." He was being honest too. "Gotta hear it for myself how good are." He smirked then before he leaned away. 

[Eve Fabron]

Who said? Her parents, for one, but that would hardly matter to Adam. He was free as a bird, in that way. She'd never heard a negative word about his family. In fact, she hadn't heard much about them at all, enough that she'd actually wondered for a while if he might be an orphan.

Still… If he'd listen, she'd play. She hadn't realized how badly she'd missed the creative outlet. The music humming through the bow and into her bones was a feeling she'd never forget. She had half a mind to go down there and snatch one of the instruments from the players, but she knew better than to draw attention to herself that way. They were meant to be invisible.

He leaned in close to whisper near her ear, and the tickle of his breath made a chill roll down her spine. She wiggled her shoulders to shake it off and shot him an accusing look before she wound up smiling against her better judgment. She rolled her eyes, then settled into her seat as the musicians began to warm up and the lamps near the back dimmed.

As she listened to the performance, more and more of the usual prim stiffness wore off, and without quite realizing, she leaned her head back into Adam's arm and let her eyes fall closed. The music rose and fell like ocean waves, soothing away her stress. She heard the feet of the dancers--the wood in the ballet slippers thudded softly as it met the floor--but she didn't bother to look. They weren't the most important thing to her. A heavy sigh escaped her as she let herself be carried away with the sound, losing track of anything else.

When the song ended and applause took over, she sat up sharply, looking almost irritated despite the traitorous blush on her cheeks.

[Adam Cathain]

Adam let his eyes wander over the crowd below, wanting to make sure there was nothing out of the ordinary happening outside of their designated target. He enjoyed the music while his eyes wandered. He was a diligent guard and warden. Doing what was ri- He tensed suddenly, feeling Eve rest her head back on his arm, and he slowly turned his head to look at her.

The lights had been dimmed once the performance picked up, so the light from the stage was the only thing lit. From their booth the light came up to hit Eve's features just right that literally took his breath away. He eyed the slope of her cheeks, the way her short hair brushed back on her cheeks. The way her long dark eyelashes rested on her cheeks....Damn she was beautiful. She was testing his will every day, and he found some days more difficult then others. 

He watched that heavy sigh, the way her lips parted, and suddenly he felt very hot. He stuck a finger in the collar of his shirt, pulling it away for a moment, before he took a slow deep breath. Today was one of the hard days apparently. How easy it would be to just lean over and press his lips to hers. To claim them for his own like he so desperately wanted to do for years. He found his free hand had moved up to go touch her face, and he stopped himself. Hand clenching he turned back to the performance just in time for her suddenly sit up sharply. 

He took the opportunity to take his arm back so he could join in on the applause, looking over at her playfully with a small smirk. "Enjoy the music?" He asked. She must of if it had put her in that sleep like trance. 

[Eve Fabron]

Eve shot her partner a look that could have cut through iron. He must have been looking at her when she was listening. She hadn't meant to get so carried away; music was one of her few weaknesses. Perhaps she shouldn't have given in to temptation and decided to stay still for the second half of the performance. Letting her guard down like that could put them both in danger.

"Oh, hush," she scolded under her breath, forcing a brilliant smile as she joined the applause. "I happen to like good music, that's all."

Her eyes flicked to movement on the stage, where the woman they were after was going the opposite direction of the others. Eve swore under her breath. She wasn't sure if something had tipped the girl off or...no, she was slowing to trail her fingers over the shoulder of one of the audience members, a man who dripped with more jewels in one outfit than Eve owned in her whole collection.

The man didn't see the stolen gems vanish into her bodice, but Eve did.

"Hm, looks like it might not be so magical after all. Just good old fashioned sex appeal," she murmured.

[Adam Cathain]

“Mmmmhmmmm.” Adam mused, trying to keep the grin off his face more, and trying not to laugh at the look she’d given him. If anything, he’d though she helped sell their act. Just a young couple out to the listen to the music, and she’d done well in showing her interest in it, even if it was genuine.

Adam’s ocean eyes then turned back to the stage as Eve’s did, watching their target move across the stage, away from the rest. His body tensed and it was like a switch had flipped in him as he turned to guard mode. Adam’s eyes flickered back to Eve as she made her observation. “True, but she’s still gonna get caught red handed.” Eve might not have been in the guard, but Adam was. Even if she wasn’t a mystic, she was a jewel thief. One that was slowly becoming notorious, and he wasn’t going to sit by and just let her get away with it. Not when he’d just watched her rob a man. “Work is work…” He mused. Whether he was on Warden, guard, or mystic business, Adam was always working. He lazily climbed to his feet and running a hand over his doublet to smooth out possible wrinkles. He reached up to lightly tussle the hair he’d had slicked back to give him more of a roguish look.

If she sex appeal was how she drew her targets in, then sex appeal was how she was going to get caught. He reached up to his neck, undoing a few buttons as some of his chest hair began to peak up from under his shirt. “Other duty calls,” He said with a sigh, before he threw Eve a smirk and a wink and then started to walk out of the back of their booth.

They’d been prepared for a mystic, and given her M.O. both had been given some gems (that were of course fake but you had to know what you were looking for) to try and temp the woman with. Adam himself had jeweled cuff links and a ruby encrusted pendent draped around his neck as he made his way down the stairs quickly into the crowd below.

[Eve Fabron]

Eve watched as Adam made a few changes to his appearance, and although her expression didn't change, her temperature did. Was it warmer in the concert hall than she'd thought? And then the fool winked at her like it was all some grand joke! Her nostrils flared, but she didn't allow herself any other movement as he swaggered out of their area--she'd slipped up already this evening. It couldn't happen again.

She turned her body slightly away, but even with her face angled away, her dark eyes tracked her partner through the crowd as he approached their target. She hated that she wasn't able to be involved with the capture of non-mystics, if only because waiting around was so dreadfully boring. She'd rather be down there with James, luring the foolish thief into a trap. But alas, she'd have to save her disparaging comments on the woman's taste for the ride to jail.

It seemed Adam's ruse was working, though--their tawdry little suspect was making eyes at him already. She sashayed her way over to him, swinging her hips a little extra, and leaned into his chest, batting her lashes at him as one hand trailed over his chest. Eve hissed before she realized she was doing it. Cheap little harlot, not even subtle, she thought venomously, watching her with growing disgust. How dare she?