third floor common room - saturday afternoon - 10/11

[new-to-liirness.livejournal.com]

How boring.

He'd never forgive his dear Mummy for sending him here to this ridiculous place, away from the Emerald City and everyone worth talking to. She'd said the change would do him good, that the fresh air was necessary for a lad of his age, that when she was growing up in Gilikin, that she'd savored every day in the countryside and missed it still.

Right. As if Glinda, as she preferred these days, really wanted to head back to her childhood home and give up the fame, fortune, and power she had now. He was like her; he'd done enough of the countryside when he was a boy and the City was what he enjoyed now, the razzmataz slambang spirit of it all. Oz! Bright, beaming and steaming! The theatres, the shops, the miniature furniture...

Besides, it wasn't about the air. It was about the stables, or rather the stable hands she'd found out about him having affairs with. She'd been fine with the maids, of course, as that was just what a young man of station did but that had apparently been too far. So he'd been banished away from the glitz and glamor of the Emerald to this pathetic little island.

Which was why he was sitting in the common room, smoking an imported perguenay cigarette out the window and reading some of the newspapers that'd just come in to see what the damnable bankers were doing with the current Munchkinland crisis.

"...idiots."

[open like an open thing]

Comments

[new-to-liirness.livejournal.com]

He did finally look at her.

"Do you think one of you people could come by my rooms to shine my shoes? I understand that we're not allowed a valet in the dorms for various reasons, but I'd rather not look like a heathen."

[elephantgadget.livejournal.com]

'One of 'we people'?' she thought bitterly. 'Oh, I'm sure if the master needs it, he'll get it.'

To him she merely nodded. "I'm sure I could manage that, Sir."

Not that he'd make it worth her while or anything. He could have at least offered something.

[new-to-liirness.livejournal.com]

He smiled at her.

"Much appreciated. If you can get someone to see to the suits as well I'll certainly make it worth your while."

He looked at her, green eyes just a touch lecherous.

[elephantgadget.livejournal.com]

She raised an eyebrow, wondering what she might gain from dallying with this man, and nodded. "I'm certain that can be arranged, Sir. And I'd be most grateful."

[new-to-liirness.livejournal.com]

"A fine lass," he said with a wider grin. "I'll be certain to put in a good word for you with the administration."

[elephantgadget.livejournal.com]

She smirked at him a bit. "And will there be... anything else?"

[new-to-liirness.livejournal.com]

"You will have to see," he said, his voice smooth and confident.

"Nothing for the moment, however. I'd hate to keep you from your... hard work."

[elephantgadget.livejournal.com]

Her eyes narrowed and she ducked her head quickly to keep him from seeing the anger there. She worked her fingers to the bone for these people and barely made enough to keep herself fed and clothed and he suggested he wasn't working.

It took her a moment to get her anger under control, before she could raise her head and smile politely and say, "Yes, Sir."

[new-to-liirness.livejournal.com]

He left a large bank note on the table for her, to let her know that he did appreciate her work, and to hopefully secure her services later.

[elephantgadget.livejournal.com]

It disappeared quickly into the pocket of her uniform and she made sure to bend over a bit more provocatively than was necessary as she cleaned near him. He could have her 'services' later. And she'd see what information she could get from him and his room in the process.

[new-to-liirness.livejournal.com]

He watched with obvious, but not too terribly distasteful, admiration for her features and considered that perhaps this place wasn't too bad.

[elephantgadget.livejournal.com]

She turned to smile seductively up at him. "Are you sure there's nothing else I can do for you now?" she asked.

[new-to-liirness.livejournal.com]

"I suppose there might be some cleaning to be done in my room," he said. "Would you care to have me let you in?"

[elephantgadget.livejournal.com]

She nodded, trying to look meek. "Please. I would prefer not to be accused of breaking into your room."

[new-to-liirness.livejournal.com]

"Perish the thought."

And he stood from his seat, folding the papers and straightening his suit.

[elephantgadget.livejournal.com]

Helen nodded and gathered her things to follow him. Unless he preferred she proceed him so he could watch.

[new-to-liirness.livejournal.com]

He chose to follow her. It was, after all, QUITE a view. Not a stablehand, but good enough for the evening's entertainments.

[elephantgadget.livejournal.com]

She smiled back over her shoulder at him. Oh yes, she'd get good information out of this one. The Hand of Uquar secret resistance would be most pleased.