Elminster in Myth Drannor - Ed Greenwood [77]
Her cousin wore a rather less revealing gown of dark blue, though one side of it was parted to above her waist to display a fine webwork of golden chains flowing down her bare, almost brown flank. She had flowing honey-blonde hair, startlingly brown eyes, and a far kinder smile than her blue-haired companion, as well as the most tanned skin and lush curves of any elf Elminster had ever seen. But her cousin outshone her beauty as a sun outblazes a night star.
"That is Symrustar in the lead," Earynspieir muttered. "She is heir of her House-and dangerous, sir; her honor consists solely of what she can get away with."
"You deeply prefer the Lady Amaranthae, do you not?" Elminster murmured back.
The High Court Mage turned his head sharply to regard Elminster with eyes that held both respect and a sharp warning. 'You see keener than most elven elders, young lord," he hissed, as the ladies came upon them.
"Well met," the Lady Symrustar purred, tossing her hair aside with easy grace as she leaned forward to kiss Lord Eazynspieir on the cheek. 'You won't mind, wise old Lord, if I take your guest from you? I've- we've-a great hunger to learn more about humans; this is a rare opportunity."
"I… no, of course not, Lady." The elven mage put on a broad smile. "Ladies, may I present to you the lord Elminster of Athalantar? He is a prince in his own land, and newly-as I'm sure you've heard-an armathor of Cormanthor."
Earynspieir turned his head to regard El, a clear warning in his eyes, and continued, "Lord Elminster, it is my great pleasure to make known unto you two of the fairest flowers of our land: the Lady Symrustar, Heir of House Auglamyr, and her cousin, the Lady Amaranthae Auglamyr."
El bowed low, kissing the fingertips of the Lady Symrustar-an unaccustomed gesture, it seemed, from the appreciative purr she gave, and the hesitant way Amaranthae then extended her arm.
"The honor, ladies," he said, "is mine. But surely you cannot think to abandon the guardian of the realm just to talk to me? I am the allure of the unknown, 'tis true, but ladies, I confess I am overwhelmed by just one of ye, and have come to deeply appreciate the attentive wisdom of My Lord Earynspieir since our first meeting; he is a finer speaker than me, by far!"
Something leapt in the High Court Mage's eyes as Elminster spoke so earnestly, but he uttered not a sound as the Lady Symrustar laughed easily and said, "But of course Amaranthae will keep the mightiest mage of Cormanthor close and attentive company while we two talk, Lord Elminster. You are quite right in your estimation of his qualities, and one can accomplish far more face-to-face with just two faces thus engaged. You and Amaranthae can enjoy each other later. How splendidly swift-witted of you! Come, let us away!"
As she laced her fingers with his, Elminster turned to nod a polite farewell to the High Court Mage- whose face was unreadable-and to the Lady Amaranthae, who gave the human a look that was both deeply grateful and a mute warning to him about her cousin; El thanked her for both with a second nod and a smile.
"You seem attracted to my cousin, Lord Elminster," the Lady Symrustar purred in his ear, and El turned swiftly back to her, reminding himself that he was going to have to be very careful with this elven maid.
Very careful. As he turned, she did too, extending one slim leg around his so that they came together, breast to breast. Elminster felt the wire-girded points of her bosom low on his chest, and skin as smooth as silk brushing his breeches. She wore a black lace garter around that leg, and knee-high black boots of leather with spiked heels.
"My apologies for thrusting myself so into your path, Lord," she breathed, sounding completely unapologetic. "I