Midnight Serenade (r)

[victorie]

“Victory at all costs

Victory in spite of all terror, victory however.

The sand glows a dim blue on the mountain tonight Not a footprint to be seen, A kingdom of isolation, the slope up towards the wall only gently scuffed by two sets of footprints and a trail left by the hooves of a single pegasus. It's chilly, the wind whipping up dust devils against the castle wall as the sentries high up on the walls turned left and right, holding their vigil over a seemingly empty expanse before them. And below them, taking shelter beneath the walls from their prying eyes is a wayward Princess and her newest companion followed by a snow white pegasus. It's quite dark, but the moon light is more than enough to give an invader away.

Unless of course one of those intruders happened to be a Princess quite good at this kind of thing.

Victorie squeezed herself against the wall of the castle, gloved hand brushing at the sand stone as she clicks her tongue and gently tugs at the lead of her pegasus. The snow white horse will snort gently and clip after her so that Victorie can wrap an arm around it's neck and pat it's snout gently. "Tss, shh... Quiet now Rose." She'll tut gently under her tongue, now working her other hand around to pet it's cheeks now. "Now, isn't this surprising." She'll whisper, letting her face hover near the pegasus' as she purses her lips and gives her just the most scandalous smile. Which looks quite silly next to the long horse snout. "A Plegian Princess sneaking a pretty young Ylissean noble into her castle in the dead of night?" She'll continue, her eyes peering absolute holes into said Princess, even if she's little more than a shadow among the dark against the wall. "It's because I have a pony doesn't it?" She whispers, flashing her teeth as she tosses a silver braid over her shoulder. And of course, this comment earns a gentle whinny from the pegasus as it clips on the ground once. "Naughty!" She'll squeal under her breath, nodding forward once. It seems the Knight in Shining armor and her glamorous mount are at Inessa's command in the actual process of sneaking in.

### | Inessa | notes

❖ nox ❖

[Inessa]

omg what

YOU'RE JUST CHASING SHADOWS! SHOW US SOME HEART, AND CONFESS YOUR SINS
WE'LL SING WITH EYES CLOSED! YOU CAN TEAR US APART, BUT YOU WON'T BREAK THE SKIN

Sneaking someone else into the castle - someone on top of sneaking herself back into the castle - especially since that someone was bringing in a pegasus with her... well, it was a bit of a herculean effort. Inessa dropped silent, simply paying attention to the surroundings. She barely caught the sound of the Pegasus snorting, but she definitely caught Victorie's words to the horse. Sheesh, couldn't they be a little more quiet? It wasn't like Inessa was going to be in trouble or anything if she was caught in the dead of night snooping around like this. Heaven forbid her mother suddenly start snooping around - but then again, her mother had been reclusive ever since her father croaked. There was probably nothing to fear. Hopefully, nothing to fear. "Now, isn't this surprising." Her company began. Oh no. Oh no, Inessa knew that tone. She was in for some teasing, wasn't she? "A Plegian Princess sneaking a pretty young Ylissean noble into her castle in the dead of night?" Okay, yes, Victorie did have a point, that was pretty weird. But what other option did Inessa have! Victorie was the one that wanted to be in the castle anyway, right? "It's because I have a pony isn't it?" "Naughty!" Man, Inessa could smack her. She probably would have done so (playfully) if they hadn't met each other so recently. "Shh," she said instead, bringing a finger to her lips and trying not to laugh. Just a... little bit closer, and they could slip inside. Once they were inside, it was home free - Inessa could triple check if the stables were open, and if not, well, Rose would fit inside of her room. That was one of the perks of being a princess. Inessa stopped to listen for a few moments, and then turned back to Victorie and her horse. "Okay," she said, lowly. "We're almost there. And yes - it's because you have a pony." Inessa couldn't resist letting that one out, trying - and failing - to stifle a giggle. "Usually once I get inside, I just dash to my room, but pegasi..." well, they have hooves. Everyone would know if one was running around in the castle. "We'll just have to be careful." she said, with a nod, and then opened up a back door, hidden along the walls of the castle. "Here we go," It wasn't too big of a door - something a little uncomfortably tight for a pegasus, more built to be on the air than sneaking around on the ground, but Inessa hoped it wouldn't be too much of an issue. "text"

victorie - oh boy i love reusing code

[victorie]

(( I love it! ))

Where there is Unity

Victory Lies

Victorie put on a mock pout, her cheeks puffing out and the young noble letting a little huffy whine escape between her lips as her hands slide down to her hips and she turns her nose upwards when Inessa confirms it's all about Rose! And, since Horses before Hoe cute Princesses, the Pegasus will snort and clip a hoof before following it's rider and putting her snout into the air. Clearly Victorie has practiced this with the pegasus, and the question whether this is something that is just now paying off is certainly quite a thing. "I mean, Rose might have a better body than me but I'm all the personality." She'll finally giggle under her breath after a moment of playing hard to get, only to quite suddenly hiss under her breath as the pegasus gently nips her shoulder with another snort. "Alright, maybe she has both..." She'll whisper ever more quietly as the door is opened and the knight can peep inside.

"Tight fit." She'll hum under her breath, whether that is some kind of teasing dig at the Princess or a simple comment is up in the air. "After you my lady~" She'll sing song after, still quite quiet as she comes after Inessa, leading Rose gently as she cocks her head a bit to the right. "You never did say why a Princess would wander about the badlands of Plegia... Unless she was hunting for something." She remarks, keeping rose close as the pegasus nickers and flits her wings in response to the tight confines.

"And then one would have to wonder if her Grace caught what she was looking for." She'll muse, cocking both of her eyebrows. She'd guiltily find herself staring at Inessa's back. She really was cute, the way she walked and talked and that air she had about her! But, she was a Princess! An honest to Naga (Grima now?) Princess! But even that fact can't stop her eyes from wandering a bit and her cheeks flushing a bright red as an awful, horrible thought that would make her mother pale and drop dead entered her mind...

Don't Pinch her. Don't pinch her... Don't pinch her.
She would try to restrain herself, she really, really really would, but she can't help it as her hand reaches out. Inessa might feel that tingling on the back of her neck, but if she doesn't turn around sooner rather than later there'll be a nice little pinch! right in the middle of her back! It's an ambush!

### | @tagged | notes

❖ nox ❖

[Inessa]

YOU'RE JUST CHASING SHADOWS! SHOW US SOME HEART, AND CONFESS YOUR SINS
WE'LL SING WITH EYES CLOSED! YOU CAN TEAR US APART, BUT YOU WON'T BREAK THE SKIN

By Grima, Inessa didn't know what was more adorable - the fact that Victorie and her pegasus could stop and stick their noses in the air, or that they must have practiced the little routine. Inessa giggled, but otherwise didn't comment. After Inessa? Hm. The princess hesitated for a moment - she had assumed that Victorie would be going first, but then again, Inessa was the one that knew how to navigate the area. It would likely be best for her to slip in first. With a shrug, she obeyed the command, walking ahead of the two down the hallway, towards the secondary kitchens. Nobody should be in there this late at night. Focused on that, Inessa blinked when Victorie began to speak, casting a glance over her shoulder at her company - You never did say why a Princess would wander about the badlands of Plegia... Unless she was hunting for something. Why, indeed? Why, indeed. ...Hunting for something, not quite. Visiting friends that, by all rights, she shouldn't be visiting? More like it. Inessa laughed, a practiced, light, dismissive laugh - reserved for when she was about to lie her face off. And then one would have to wonder if her Grace caught what she was looking for. "Oh, you could say that," Inessa said, lightly, with a smile - even though her back was turned. "...I was just visiting some friends." It was only a lie by omission - Victorie didn't need to know that Inessa's friends were all Grimleal. "Nothing to worry about. I go out often," For a moment, Inessa toyed with telling Victorie why she had been avoiding the castle, but then again... did Victorie really want to know? Did she really need to know? Surely, she'd appreciate Inessa putting up a front of happiness, instead of her unloading half of her family issues upon a person who she just met. She had been contemplating that little snag when she was suddenly pinched from behind, and Inessa jumped. "H-hey!" she said, turning to face Victorie. And then she laughed, despite herself - that was hardly fair! Was that the reason why the noble wanted her to go first? "At least wait until we get you a room and everything," Inessa said, trying to tease Victorie a bit back - even though Inessa knew whatever Victorie said in response would probably embarrass her far more. "text"

victorie

[victorie]

Where there is Unity

Victory Lies

Inessa would be surprised at how often the need of a synchronized nose turn would come up! Normally it would include a hair flip and a sigh afterwards, but that was a bit harder to do with the braids that hung about her shoulders. And hey, she's happy enough to get at least a giggle from the little show, her sisters had just learned to roll their eyes at this point. That Pegasus had become their bane after all.

Victorie would of course cock an eyebrow at the response, her head tilting somewhat to the right as just the tiniest hint of suspicion falls upon her. There certainly had to be something more to it than that, but the Princess' mannerisms up until this point fit the bill well enough, she was probably just lonely was all, and even the Ylissean noblewoman had a cadre of 'simple' friends she would bother for a taste of a life unlike her own. But, seeing another person like that? Well, it made her tremendously sad, how could someone so pretty and sweet feel forced to put herself into danger looking for companionship?

Of course, this does little to address the dreadful irony hanging over the two, they're both harboring the same secret that they're utterly convinced would destroy the other if they were to let it slip out. But, it says more than a fair amount that Victorie's allegiance to Grima hasn't crossed her mind, her war against the Plegians was an ideal, and would never be aimed against individuals. Most certainly not against a Princess kind enough to take her in for the night.

Too bad she's stashed away that blue ribbon alongside her armor within Rose's saddlebags.

And then she could only grin, resting her hand on her right side and giving Inessa just the biggest grin as she clicks her tongue. "I have no idea what you are talking about my Grace." She remarks oh so very sweetly, tilting left and right as she practically sing songs, only to blink twice at the sudden jab back! There's a queer look for a moment as her cheeks ever so gently turn a healthy pink before she clears her throat some and cocks an eyebrow. That caught her off guard! It had largely been a one way battle with the Princess up to this point, and the counter attack had her reeling! She'll let it simmer for a moment before she sighs some, putting on a face that looks much akin to a disappointed teacher, half lidded eyes, broad stance and all. Uh oh...

And then, after letting the look really settle she'll lean in gently and peck! the princess on the cheek with a loud smack of her lips. "After you, Princess."

Escalation of force was a concept that Victorie knew quite well.

### | Inessa | notes

❖ nox ❖

[Inessa]

YOU'RE JUST CHASING SHADOWS! SHOW US SOME HEART, AND CONFESS YOUR SINS
WE'LL SING WITH EYES CLOSED! YOU CAN TEAR US APART, BUT YOU WON'T BREAK THE SKIN

Inessa allowed herself an internal crow of victory when Victorie seemed thrown by her own little innuendo - but it was all too soon thrown back in her face as Victorie took on a positively intimidating stance, and then pecked her on the cheek. "Ah!..." Despite herself, she giggled - and then backed up, keeping a hand over the pecked cheek, blushing quite a bit. ...Right. After her? Right... Inessa pointedly turned, and then walked the short rest of the distance towards the exit - the door leading into the secondary kitchens. It took only a little bit of fumbling (looks like being flirted with made her fingers clumsy) before she opened the door, stepping out and triple checking that the room was empty before she turned and beckoned for Victorie to come along as well. "Make sure not to trip," Inessa said, pointing out the threshold between the kitchens and the hidden path with ease, and then walked to the other side of the room, gesturing for where Victorie should be wait for her. Then, she turned back to close the hidden door after Victorie and Rose, deciding that she would worry about the possibility of pegasus feathers being left behind in the pathway in the morning, after they both got some sleep. It wasn't well traversed, as far as she knew - past her own usage of it. Who would notice any change overnight, really? With that settled, Inessa moved quietly towards the exit, opening the door to poke her head outside and check the hallways. It seemed like the coast was clear, but... she felt it important to sit and listen for a little bit, at least. She found Victorie's gaze, and then spoke, quietly. "I think the coast is going to be clear, but sometimes guards pass through at this time of night - I'm just waiting to see if I hear any." ...Or, you know, maybe what Inessa wanted was an excuse to repeat a question asked earlier - the subject matter switched around. "...You didn't tell me what you were doing in Grust," Inessa said, her pale pink eyes wide and attentive. Surely, a Ylissean noble was even more out of place in the middle of Grust than a Plegian was - princess or no. "text"

victorie

[victorie]

Where there is Unity

Victory Lies

Victorie could only grin, her hands resting on her hips as she contained a girlish squeal that rang through her head. Oh my Naga/Grima/Gods, that giggle was positively adorable and she had just shut the Princess' flirting game down. She can't help but take a sadistic sense of pleasure out of the act, and really, trumping people in debate and courtly conversation was really the only pleasure she could garner back home in Father's demesne, save for the jousting lists.

Victorie would nod gently, slipping from secret passage to kitchen floor with a gentle little 'oof' before she directed rose down the same step, the pegasus finally taking her chance and stretching her wings with a snort. Of course said wings will brush against some pots and pans up above the auxiliary kitchen, which makes quite a nice little racket. Cue a glare from Victorie directed at the horse, which nickers and seemingly shoots her the same look back. "I've got the brains too." She remarks with a little chuckle under her breath.

The knight will nod along of course, it all sounded very sensible and this wasn't her castle that she had sneaked her way into. And then there's the question, the knight's brown eyes half lidding as she makes the moment of fleeting eye contact, which she breaks with a nervous glance away. One would think after several hours as her companion Victorie would have come up with a good excuse, but she's yet to come up with something utterly water tight.

"Well, my grace, there is the interesting answer and then the true one. The interesting answer of course, is that I'm an Ylissean spy sent by the Halidome's forces to infiltrate the Plegian royal family and do my best to bring it down from within." She starts, her tongue poking out between her lips as she shoots Inessa a wink. "The truth being, I got turned around at the border and found myself forced down by a band of merry Plegian archers. Or Grimleal, it's usually quite hard to tell one arrow from another." She remarks with a gentle hum as she nods. See, the lie didn't seem all that bad when prefaced with something just as likely!

But, now the fact she could actually spy on the Plegians crossed her mind.

Oh...

### | Inessa | notes

❖ nox ❖

[Inessa]

YOU'RE JUST CHASING SHADOWS! SHOW US SOME HEART, AND CONFESS YOUR SINS
WE'LL SING WITH EYES CLOSED! YOU CAN TEAR US APART, BUT YOU WON'T BREAK THE SKIN

Did Inessa strike a nerve or something? For a moment, it seemed like Victorie wasn't confident - she dropped her gaze away from the princess, and it was all that Inessa could do to keep from visibly leaning forward. Interesting answer... and the true one? Inessa offered Victorie a laugh at her joke, even if it actually made her a little nervous. More importantly than the royal family being brought down was keeping all of her secrets safe. Right, though - Victorie did mention being forced down, but... "Do you mean at the border of Grust, or at the border of Medon?" It made more sense for her to be forced down at Medon, but clearly she hadn't been - they found each other in Grust, after all. "That really must have been scary, though," Especially for a pegasus knight. Everyone knew about the vulnerability flying units had towards arrows. "I'm glad I found you before anyone else did. I don't know what I would do with myself if I didn't have the company of a pegasus tonight," Inessa stuck her tongue out at Victorie, and then paused, listening intently. "I think it's fine for us to go. My room isn't too far from here." Sure, it was down a hallway or two, but Inessa lucked out with the placement of her room, in all honesty. She carefully opened the kitchen's doors, and then held them open, beckoning Victorie to come on through and pull Rose along with her. The hallway was far more decadent than the kitchens - at regular intervals along the walls, there'd be paintings of this or that, some pictures of the royal family, framed with a gold-tinged metal. Inessa paid them no heed, her attentions focused on being quiet. Once they got to the room, Inessa could worry about picking up feathers. Hiding the pegasus in the first place was the issue. Once more, she considered trying to sneak to the stables, and once more, she decided it was too much of a risk. What if Arnold woke up and tried to eat poor Rose? Terrible. Her room would just have to do. "text"

victorie

[victorie]

Where there is Unity

Victory Lies

Victorie would shrug her shoulders, her palms pointing to the ceiling as she offers empty air to the Princess. "Remember what I said about your lands having silly names?" She asks, her lips gently puckering. She doesn't even have to feign ignorance, she honestly had no idea how this whole border thing happened. Well, she understood the concept! But, the practical application was far murkier, and a patch of grass on the Ylissean side tended to look the same as Plegian Grass. And, her lack of knowledge regarding territory opens a rather glaring hole into her story. But hey, maybe she's just a really, really bad navigator?

"And well... It was interesting?" She'll ask, biting her lip a bit, she had been shot by an arrow a few days earlier when rescuing Ariel and that twang and *thwip* of the projectiles whipping by struck her right in the heart. "But you know, I am a valiant Pegasus Knight of Ylisse and a noble, the scattered blind firing of Plegian peasants could not phase one with such a strong will and prestigious pedigree." She'll chime back, puffing out her chest a bit and flexing her right bicep as she slaps it with her left hand. And gods, that cheesy smile she's shooting Inessa.

And then the Princess will stick her tongue out at her, which prompts the Pegasus knight to reach her hand out, moving elegantly in an attempt to snatch that tongue with her fingers like her mother would do whenever Victorie had the gall to do the same. But, Inessa saves herself with that moment, and being the elegant picture of grace, Victorie will smoothly follow through with the reach and run her hand through her hair like she totally meant to only do that.

"You know, etiquette dictates that you should at least treat me to dinner first." And she'll let the sentence hang as she steps evenly behind Inessa. Each little clip of her boots sharp and stately, and rather unstealthy as the young woman eyes the paintings hanging on the walls. She's making sure to take in each and everyone of them, if only because she felt so awfully guilty looking forward. Partly because she'd be staring at Inessa again, and that gave her that tumultuous churning of six million butterflies in her gut. But, even more so, she hated the fact that she was committing the route she was taking to memory, from the postern door to the kitchens to the Princess' room. She felt wicked, she always had the idea that being a spy would be exciting and cloaked in an arousing allure! But here, only one thing was arousing and it wasn't the fact she was taking advantage of the unnamed Princess for the herald of Grima.

Regardless, they would really have to worry more about Rose trying to eat Arnold.

"Your grace, I have something to admit." She'll finally remark lowly under her breath, balling her fist so she can cough into it. Her eyes downcast and her cheeks just the smallest hint of pink as she utterly stews in an air of guilt. But what could she possibly be owning up to? Admitting she's a Grimleal spy? Her inhuman obsession with chocolate? That her favorite word is 'squiggles' or that she's been looking at Inessa's butt this whole time?!

Who could know?!

### | Inessa | thatbuttthough

❖ nox ❖

[Inessa]

YOU'RE JUST CHASING SHADOWS! SHOW US SOME HEART, AND CONFESS YOUR SINS
WE'LL SING WITH EYES CLOSED! YOU CAN TEAR US APART, BUT YOU WON'T BREAK THE SKIN

It was a little funny for Victorie to get Grust and Medon confused. After all, one was right next to Ylissean territory, and another was far deeper into Plegia. That said, she could have just been flying blindly before she got forced down? Either way, Inessa figured her story wasn't worth too much scrutiny. Victorie didn't seem the type to lie. No, more like, Inessa didn't want to believe that she was the type to lie. Inessa allowed herself a small laugh as Victorie demanded to be treated to dinner first - "But are you actually hungry?" - The third princess could easily run to the main kitchens and get something for both of them to eat, but the main priority for now was stuffing the big, obvious pegasus into her room, where she wouldn't be seen. Nobody entered the princess' room willy nilly. They were nearing the final hallway when Victorie spoke up once more, and Inessa stopped dead in her tracks. Your grace, I have something to admit. Half of Inessa wanted to tell her to shush. They were so close to their destination! All deep confessions could wait. That said, the way that Victorie fidgeted, blushed... Inessa couldn't stand to just brush her off with a 'we're almost there' or 'it can wait until we're in my room'. "What is it?" Inessa asked, lowly, going to grab one of Victorie's hands - and hopefully comfort her a little bit. "We're really close to my room, if that's what you're worried about..." "text"

victorie

[victorie]

Where there is Unity

Victory Lies

Victorie flinched a bit as her hand is grabbed, the knight going to cover Inessa's hand with her free one, they're touching! Again! Aaaah! This makes it far more awkward, even as the somewhat armor-clad woman blushes all the more. She's missing her chest piece, which really shows off her black and red collared shirt. "I... Have never been in a Pricness' room before." And there goes the blush all the more, red tinting her cheeks as she takes her top hand off to ball it up and put it to her lips. She had just smooched Inessa a scant pair of moments before but this was totally different! She was about to actually enter a Princess' room, after they had been flirting. Good natured teasing was one thing but this was taking action! And that difference make all the world for her! To say nothing of how amazingly wonderful a Princess' room could be! She has imagines of glittering jewelry and stained windows, beautiful works of art and statues and the bed. Oh Naga above the very idea of such a luxurious bed send shivers down her spine. Which... Really must look odd to Inessa as the knight coughs awkwardly once more.

She's yet to realize there is only going to be one bed.

"But, that is me being a blushing maiden." She adds, eyes wide as she pulls her hand back so she can clap both of them in her lap. "Thank you." She'll whisper quickly, her cheeks even redder! She had been the picture of confidence and cool scant moments later but now she's blushing the day way when the gravity that this was actually happening hits her!

Aaaah!

### | Inessa | notes

❖ nox ❖

[Inessa]

YOU'RE JUST CHASING SHADOWS! SHOW US SOME HEART, AND CONFESS YOUR SINS
WE'LL SING WITH EYES CLOSED! YOU CAN TEAR US APART, BUT YOU WON'T BREAK THE SKIN

Her world-shattering confession, her deep, heart to heart show of vulnerability and truthfulness... was just to admit that she'd never been in a princess' bedroom before. Inessa couldn't help it, she laughed at Victorie - at her cute sheepishness and at the notion that being inside a princess' bedroom was really a normal thing at all. "That's okay," Inessa assured her, "I don't make a habit of letting just anyone into my room." Because hidden away in a few corners were things that would definitely incriminate her as a Grimleal, of course. But that wasn't relevant. "Being a beautiful blushing maiden suits you," Inessa said, even as she was a little sad when Victorie pulled her hands away. By Grima, what a loser she was. It took her only a moment to recover, though, moving to her door and opening it for Victorie. "Here you go," She said, moving to lean against the door and prop it open, giving Victorie enough room to slip inside with her Pegasus. The room itself was fancy, befitting of a princess - well cleaned, though it certainly wasn't Inessa's idea that it was that way. Really, if it was left to the princess, the room would probably be a complete mess by now. True to form, there was a large princess bed in the back of the room, and plenty of pillows and other soft items strewn about on it. Paintings on the walls completed the picture, though they seemed to be somewhat dusty, as if Inessa didn't much care about their upkeep. "Make yourself at home," Inessa said, and tried to think about just how the pegasus was going to sleep for tonight. Maybe she could pull out a ton of cushions for it...? "text"

victorie

[victorie]

Where there is Unity

Victory Lies

Buh, of course Inessa would laugh at her, sealing the ultimate deal that was Victorie's all encompassing embarrassment. She may well have been in control mere moments before, but now she's been reduced to the giddy and blushing child with her hands in her lap and chewing on her lip. It's alright Victorie, you're a spy! You've killed people. This is nothing, she's just a cute, nice, kind princess and you're going to be alright!

Cool. Calm. Composed. Blushing.

There'll be a minute where she tries to linger a little longer when they hold hand, the knight gripping just a small bit tighter before they're pulled apart and she clears her throat under her breath as the Princess finally props open the door.

"So that is your style then?" She'll ask, her eyes wide and lips pursed as she puts a hand on the door and holds on to Rose's lead with her other before taking that faithful step into the room.

And nothing feels any different, and to be wholly honest, her room is not much more extravagant than Victorie's back home, Naga knows that bed is brilliant but otherwise? She's not let down or anything of the like, truly she is far more interested than anything else as she peeks this way and that. Categorizing everything and totally judging Inessa! Well, no, not at all, but she's composed herself to the point where she's no longer a blushing mess that she had been a moment before. She is still a nervous wreck on the inside, but she's got herself under control and is ready to start dishing it back to get over the mounting anxiety. "Wow, this is wonderful." She'll hum, whistling under her breath as her brow furrows. "You know, I had expected more pink, maybe a unicorn stuffed toy..." She'll trail off, peering upwards before she suddenly blink blinks.

There's only one bed.

And then there's the comment about making herself at home, this was the defining moment here and now.

"As you wish~" She'll chime in the sweetest sing song one has ever heard as she stands before the bed, her arms going out to their full length right and left as she rises up on to her tippy-toes and then ever so slowly leans forward to let gravity take ahold of her and deliver her face first on to the bed with a FLUMP. Mmmhm~

Rose just snorts and glances at Inessa. She's not sleeping with her.

### | Inessa | Where is Inessa's pony?!

❖ nox ❖

[Inessa]

YOU'RE JUST CHASING SHADOWS! SHOW US SOME HEART, AND CONFESS YOUR SINS
WE'LL SING WITH EYES CLOSED! YOU CAN TEAR US APART, BUT YOU WON'T BREAK THE SKIN

More pink? A unicorn stuffed toy? Well, Inessa did have a bin full of stuffed toys... and more importantly, some were pink. That said, did she really want to make a show of hands like that? (Also, she was using the top of the bin as a place to just stuff anything, making access to her stuffed animals a little bit more of a hassle than it really should be.) "Pink isn't my favorite color anyway," Inessa decided to say, coolly, leaving the issue of those stuffed animals for later. For now, finding a place for the pegasus to sleep would... Wait a minute. Was Victorie going over to her bed? Oh no. Victorie claimed the bed with a large flump. Could... hm. What to do about that? It was a large bed - there was room for two, but would she be overstepping her bounds by considering it? Almost on cue, the pegasus looked right at Inessa. As if Rose wanted to put the pressure on her. Grima damn it... She swallowed. Fidgeted. And then found something else to focus on. "...Are you going to change into something else, or sleep in your armor?" Well, her sort of armor. Victorie was still missing her chest plate. "I have extra clothes you could borrow." Okay, considering Victorie's... erhm, ahem, assets, it likely wouldn't fit very well - but that wasn't important! She had nobody to be embarrassed to, except for... a princess. And her pegasus. The pegasus might judge her. Speaking of that pegasus, though. Inessa began to busy herself with laying out a blanket and a few cushions for it, hoping that it would understand, 'bed not for you, cushions and blanket, for you'. At worst, the pegasus would take the bed and Inessa could sleep with all of the cushions, she supposed. "text"

victorie

[victorie]

Where there is Unity

Victory Lies

"You're right, you seem more like a purple type." The silver knight will chime back, her face set in an expression of absolute comfort as she rubs her cheek on Ineesa's sheets with a little whine. Comfy bed, warm bed, soft bed. Really, it's beds like these that made her consider giving up the whole knight thing and just like, lounging all day ever day in absolute comfort. But then, well, she wouldn't have met Inessa, so that would have been sad.

She'd probably lose her amazing butt just sitting around all day every day too.

But such thoughts will not distract her from enjoying this bed, which means she's probably ruining the sheets do to the fact she's been flying for at least two days, and horses don't necessarily smell like roses after all. "Mmmngh, don't wanna move." The Fallen Lady will mumble, her arms stretched out wide on either side of her as she just gently runs them up and down to cling to the linens, she finally hit that moment where she can relax and it's all rushing away from her. Just, close your eyes Victor- Waaaaaaaait.

"You don't have to do that." She'll reply, pushing herself up with one arm, her hair splaying out over her right side and concealing her eye as she tilts her nose down a small bit. Aaand, there's the color coming back into her cheeks. "I am sure I am walking into some kind of awful joke here, and that you will never let me live this down for as long as we know one another-" And she stops, only to crease her brow. "Which, is going to be a long time." she remarks pointedly with a jab of a finger at the air. "But, if it isn't a burden, could I use a bath as well?" She'll ask, and then there's the blushing, she already figured the answer would be yes but she's about to see a proper princess' bath. Oh my Naga.

"I'm really only asking because I figure we'll have to share the bed and I don't want you to have to sleep next to someone who smells like Rose. The horse, not the flowers." She remarks, pushing herself up now and twiddling her fingers some. "... Did I just say we're going to sleep together?" She'll suddenly ask, as if trying to confirm to herself that she had said something so dumb so aloud. Cue awkward wide eyed grin as a bead of sweat forms on her forehead.

Rose on the other hand, just snorts and flops on to the cushions, much in the same way her owner had just claimed the bed.

### | Inessa | notes

❖ nox ❖