A Day Trip

[Cory]

"Can ya believe it?" Cory leaned heavily on the railing of the small personal ferry boat. It had been two days since the match was completed and even after all the congratulatory letters from friends and Barons alike he felt it was all make-believe. He stared dreamily at Quinn as the waters rushed by.
Painted lips of a golden coral were in a constant upward turn. The femme kept on hand on the railing and used the other to pull closer to her beau in the smooth ride across the waters. "It's wonderful, isn't it? Bet you've been missin' this place like it ain't nobody's business." Pearly white teeth showing as she tugged at the corners of her burnt orange shrug in hopes of keeping it in place as the winds rushed over the platform.

"I have, I have. All the mo' sweeter this time now tha' I can share it wit'cha." His wounds from battle were healed by the Ward of Gondar and aided by the enchantments on his new sword. That didn't account for the physical strain on his muscles. There was a slight grimace as he lifted an arm to coil around the femme's lithe frame. Pressing her against him. "I'm happy ya was there fo' me, then 'n now."

"Wouldn't miss it for th' world, m' sweet.." The waters emulated in those almond shaped peepers as hints of turquoise and sapphire went whirling through. Anjolie's head leaned lightly against her beau's shoulder as he held her so very close. Another sly grin surfaced without warning. "Granted now you gotta be puttin' up with m' mad decoratin' and such..."

His head dropped down and rested against hers. Not so much as a reaction as the ferry boat's horn blew announcing their arrival. The ships captain leaning his head out the window. "Welcome to your home, Overlord Havoick!"

Quinn, on the other hand, startled quite violently as the horn blew and her muscles jumped and then clenched together. A slight laugh was given at her own expense while wide eyes went to observing their destination.

Cory chuckled. "Iff'n ya thought decoratin' the ranch was a handful. Think o' the space ya gotta fill now."

"Lookin' forward to it, deary..." The femme reached out her right hand for the leading which she hoped was to come. She had never been to the Overlord's Isle before and would surely be needing a tour.

He tilted his stetson for the captain. "Our thanks." The gruff seaman likewise tipped the brim of his hat. "I'll be here when you two are ready to leave." Activating a lever on the control panel the gangplank dropped down from the starboard side. In turn, Cory escorted Quinn across the deck and led her onto the docks. Through the trees one could barely see the extravagant mansion for use by only the Overlord and his guests. The most distinct feature about the abode was the Lighthouse towering over the tallest trees.

The dark brown gauchos were probably not the best choice when paired with the high heeled sandals in navigating unfamiliar terrain, but the femme managed to saunter off of the ferry and onto the wooden docks with her beau's sweet assistance. Violet peepers went immediately to drinking in the surroundings and the presence of the lighthouse caused one of her dark brows to raise in curiosity. "Is this place a port or somethin'?"

"No no." Going on the assumption she was referring to the lighthouse. "Tha's there to guide ships in'ta the city's harbor and keep'em from crashin' into our island." Extra emphasis on "our"

"Oh... well, that's helpful, then. Hate ta have whole shipload of big-breasted women just crashing onto the shores in the middle of the night." A toothy grin as the femme bumped her beau with her hip mid-stride. The landscaping was absolutely beautiful and Quinn was already scheming about what wonderful barbecues they could have here.

He grinned from ear to ear, but kept quiet after that comment. Making the most of the pleasant stroll along the path parallel to the shore. He paused and turned toward the sea. "Think o' a nearly nev'aendin' vacation on the beach." Just then a voice rang out from behind them. "Excuse me! This way please!" It was Gregory, the Head of Staff. Dressed to the nines in his black tuxedo and silk cummerbund. The emblem of the Duels sewn on the breast of his coat. For someone in charge he appeared quite young, with jet black hair slicked back by oils and taut, pale skin. He waved to the two over.

[Cory]

Quinn was still soaking up the sight of the sea and the city in the distance. She was about to comment on how it reminded her of home whenever the voice and penguin it belonged to came yanking her back to reality. Anjolie decided to keep her opinions about his appearance to herself as she squeezed her beau's hand and prepared to follow his lead.

"Guess we're needed.. Smiling at Quinn. He too was not ready to leave the scenery behind. As instructed he turned and led the way up the steps. "We've been awaiting your arrival, sir. I'd like to introduce you to your new staff before we begin our tour of the mansion." Gregory bowed at the waist to the new Overlord and his lady. Then pivoted around with military style and marched to the front doors. Cory spared a glance to Quinn. An "Oh Lord" look on his face.

The looked was matched as pursed lips tried to lock the threat of laughter. The femme decided to toss her hair over her shoulder, stand up a little bit straighter, and wear a look of keen disinterest in hopes of filling the part of the Overlord's lady.

Wearing a grin he followed behind the man. Pausing just before the opened doors. There was no indication of Cory's next action. There could only be reactions as he stooped down and swept Quinn of her feet. Cradling her in his arms as he carried her over the threshold. In preparation of sorts.

The femme could only give a mild flail and giggle as the ever romantic gesture welcomed her in to the new home. Violet eyes were pulsating with light as she looked into the dark brown pair of her beau's. A kiss was planted on his lips before her gaze finally shifted too look into the open space of the Overlord's Mansion.

"Mm". Revels in the kiss and gingerly sets her feet back to the glossy hardwood floors. Gathered in the foyer were faces of all sorts. Gregory positioned himself among them and went to announcing their names. "My name is Gregory, as you may know. The staff has changed since your last stay in the Mansion, sir." He went down the line of people. As their names were called they bowed or curtsied. "Kevin, Sixto, Jarrod, Alana, India, and Louis. Our chef in presently in the kitchen preparing your meal tonight if you would like to speak with him." At that he glances again to Quinn. Voice hushed to a soft whisper. "How're ya gunna react t'someone else makin' our food?"

A gallant shrug as the femme looked at him, continuing the whispering tones. "I dunno... what am I gonna do?"

"I'm sure ya can give'em some pointers on how t'make a good southern meal." Suddenly overwhelmed with thoughts of country fried steak and thick white gravy. Oo! And some biscuits on the side. His stomach growls in protest. Meanwhile, Gregory waiting semi-patiently for the two to finish their private conversation. Clearing his throat to recapture their attention.

A rather slight nodding motion. "I'll make sure he doesn't muck it up, for ya." Sincerely believing she might have to teach this person how to cook. The penguin then cleared his throat and Quinn backed out of her little huddle with the beau and went back to seeming like this was run of the mill everyday stuff. Violet eyes looked at the penguin as she waited for further instructions.

At Gregory's instruction the staff dispersed to their assigned tasks. "Let's start with the first floor, yes?" Not waiting for a response Gregory turned to his left and opened a set of double doors.

Anjolie noted the penguin's rather fast and fierce pace at which he was setting this tour. She clung to her beau's arm in hopes of not getting left behind or, God forbid, lost in this gigantic building they called a house.

"This is room is commonly used as gathering place for quests." Cory nodded absently. Reaffirming his grip on Anjolie's hand and unable to refrain from smiling oh so proudly. "We have a wood burning fireplace with a marvelous hearth made of stone and marble." He was pointing out the obvious highlights of the room.

The femme seemed to be nodding her head in response. The fireplace was nice, but she was currently looking for the television amidst the lovely furniture and furnishings. The men would be sorely disappointed if their waiting room didn't have a big screen.

Gregory weaves through the through the room with Cory and Quinn hot on his trail. Unfortunately there were no signs of modernized technology, yet. Just ornately carved wooden furniture. Connected to that room was a smaller version of the first. Filled with chairs and a small sofa situated in front of a tall window with a view of the western shore.

The view was the first thing which truly caught Anjolie's eye. The clinging grip she had on Cory's arm was momentarily released as she went to the window to get a better view. The smile with spread across her face was simple and serene. "That's jus' love'ly... " Turning to confirm her statement with Cory.

He stepped up to her flank. Hands sent to rest atop her shoulders. "It's onl'a the beginnin'. Wait 'til we ge' t'te mast'a bedroom."

"I can show you this now if you like." Picking up on this Gregory commented.

Seeing as how the penguin was so close by... the femme turned upon heel and managed to give Cory that look of, 'And the tour ends there, right?' before taking hold of his hand once more. She kissed his bicep briefly before settling back down.

"Dun'cha go' a job t'do?" Spying the look from Quinn he sent a bored look to Gregory. "But this is.. oh, understood." The man bowed his head to the pair and excused himself. Exit stage left.

[Cory]

As the penguin ducked out Quinn couldn't help but snicker a bit. She looked out the window once more. "He seems a bit high-strung, don'cha think?"

With a content sigh he lowered his face to the crook of her neck and shoulder. Pressing gentle kisses to the flesh, and a loving suckle. "Prolly from all the previous Overlord's he's served. I know Damien could be a bit bossy. Cletus too."

"So, you wan' ta finish givin' me th' tour?" Cheeks flushing a tinge at the kisses. The femme's hands rested on Cory's chest as he kissed her and she stared almost entranced at the view from the window.

"Sure thing, babe. Where ya wanna 'splore next?" There was a whole other floor to the building she'd never laid eyes upon.

"You show me your favorite spots..." Fingers now tickling along the sides of his very well toned abdomen. ".. an' then maybe we can settle down for a little bit in this mysterious mast'a bedroom."

He jumped and jerked trying to escape her tickling. "There's a hidden room I escaped to man'a times." Mimicing Quinn's action with some teasing of his own. More brasen by slipping fingertips beneath her clothing. One more taste of luciously painted lips before he slipped a hand in hers. "C'mon ya." Ready or not he dragged her back to the foyer and the curved staircase leading up the upstairs.


The femme was feeling considerably more energetic after the teasing and taunting. A few staff members were given sly grins as she was being towed away with her beau to explore the rest of the mansion. Eyes were taking a look at the foyer as they moved. "Y'know... Azjah says we ought ta have a house warmin' party."

"We could. Dun 'pect me t'dress up fancy, though." It wasn't high on his priority list, but it did seem fitting to honor those who supported him in this climb to the summit. The stairs seemed endless, but they finally reached the top. "This way, dearest." Turning right and leading her down the corridor decorated with portraits of the previous Overlords. Their gazes intense and focused on the two as they passed. Then he halted at the portrait of Xenograg. "Looks like an ordinary wall, eh? Go 'head. Give it a push." Ecouraging her on with a broad grin.

The femme was ever so slightly bewildered by the long hike and then corridor of paintings. She was distracted by what she thought was a rather unflattering one of Anubis whenever her head snapped to focus her gaze on the wall. "Why, yes'sir... it does." The femme then reached out a hand fairly hesitantly and nudged at the wall while looking at Cory the whole time and waiting for some sort of booby-trap to fling out and catch them.

No traps were sprung, but the wall did to give way and swing open. Revealing a private study filled to the brim with books and scrolls of all sorts. Some possibly written by the inhabitants of the manor itself.

The femme's eyes widened to take in the sight. She wasn't entirely crazy about manuscripts, but the study seemed to be filled with what might be fairly significant documents. Quinn looked over her shoulder to Cory before inching her way into the room and taking in the smell of old-stuff.

"There was a few documents I 'member readin' tha' helped me become a bett'ah, smarter dueler." He frowned slightly. Since his last stay the room had been rearranged. "This ain't the onl'a hidden treasure, though." He watched Quinn closely as she timidly ventured further.

"It's not?" ::Peering at the shelves and leather bindings with some interest. After a brief pause inside the room the femme turned to smile at her companion.:: "Wha' else is there?" ::Truly enjoying this tour of the mansion.::

"This is the Overlord Manor. Ya think this is the onl'a hidden compartment? Shoooot.. There's a wine cellar tha' I've go' the onl'a key fo'. Then a l'il somethin' extra attached to the mast'a bedroom."

The wine cellar sounded like quite an interesting proposition. That being said the master bedroom was sounding altogether marvelous at the moment. So, with a little excitement in her voice. "What's attached to th' mast'a bedroom?"

"There's one way t'find out." He extended his right hand. Anxiously awaiting her to finish exploring this one so they could move to the next.

The inspection this room would require was far too much to focus on at the moment. So, Quinn took Cory by the hand and waited for him to drag her off to someplace else.

[Cory]

Backtracking a bit, they headed down the eastern hall. He made sure to point out every bedroom they passed. Seemed there were more bedrooms than one Overlord could ever need. At the eastern path there was a massive pair of oaken doors. Inlaid with gold and crystal knobs.

The doors were a rather extravagant sight on this trip. Quinn eyed the pair for a moment before nudging Cory with a smile. "Watch that be jus' a bathroom or somethin'."

"Wait 'til ya see the mast'a bathroom." He winked and pushed his way inside. This was no doubt the master bedroom. Double the size of the rest and well lit by windows on the north, east and southern faces. The largest bed imaginable rest on the western wall. Posts stretching up to the tall ceilings and sheer fabrics cling to the railing. Creating an enclosure around the bed.

Anjolie squeezed her beau's hand happily as she looked around the room. Contralto tones were almost higher in pitch as she took in the awesome view. "Oh, Cory! It's beautiful, babe!" Releasing her grasp to saunter over to the windowsill overlooking the eastern side of the Isle. The plant-life below was gorgeous and the master bed with sheer curtains seemed to catch the light in just the perfect way.

"Mm, but it dun hold a candle t'wha' I'm lookin' at now.." Brown eyes sparkle with her infectious excitement. Never straying too far from her he settled to a lean beside the window.

It was almost instinct to reach out and curl a hand around his abdomen and lay her head upon his chest. Anjolie stared lovingly down at the Isle as she kept close to the warmth of her beau. "You're sweet... but seriously, I do love it. Everything here is just so perfect." Truly impressed with the grounds and the mansion and satisfied with what the tour had shown her.

Fingers combed through her highlighted mane. Coursing down her spine and settling at the small of her back where he gave a boyish tickle. "Glad ya like it." He now took the opportunity to gaze out the window and the thick foliage surrounding the eastern side of the compound.

She squirmed a bit with the tickling and retaliated with the slightest bit of her own to the left side of his abdomen once more. Violet eyes looked up at him as the femme beamed with contentment. The strangest quirk of her brow interrupted the look of pure bliss. "There isn't a catch, is there?"

"There's always a catch." Cory snickered. "I dunno which Overlord had this addition made, but I can't complain 'bout it." Reluctantly he slid from her grasp and moved to the southern wall. No features made the wall stand out, but with the slightest touch the wall gave way. Much like the secluded study. But this was no study. There were no windows in this totally private room. Only a large, plush bed set in the center. Lined on all sides by scented, colored candles. Obviously a private love nest for the Overlord and his lady.

The femme let her hips sway as she sauntered over to inspect this love nest. After a few moments of silence and a rather quirky smile she responded. "I dun' think that's a catch, m'dear." Anjolie walked forward to pick up one of the candles and sniff at it. "Mmm... cinnamon."

"Oh, ya dun think so?" Wolfish smile. He stood in the doorway silently observing. "I had those brought in solely fo' us. Wha'cha say t'tyin' the knot here? On these grounds?"

"Well..." Setting the candle down softly. "...aren't you jus' a sly o' thing." The femme was turning to meet him whenever he proposed that next statement. "I'd.... well, I'd love to..." Smiling widely as she approached him. "I wasn't sure if you were wantin' a ceremony an' such."

Caresses a hand down her cheek and jaw. Lifting her chin to receive a tender kiss to painted lips and a soft moan. His words for her ears only. "We had a private ceremony las' time. Why not show our love to those we know by bringin'em here 'n lettin' them all be part o' it?"

She basked in the lingering sweetness of the kiss and then tilted her head slowly to feel the comfort of his palm. "Nothin' would make me happier..." The femme inched closer still to wrap her arms up and around his neck with a tender hug of appreciation.

Words couldn't describe his joy at Quinn's confirmation. All he could think about was kissing his beloved. That he did. Capitalizing on the close proximity to claim her lips again as his arms wrapped around her body. "I'll ge' Greg t'work on the preparations, love."

The sapphire and turquoise swirls in her eyes were only accentuated by the presence of her gleaming smile as she returned the kisses. "That would be wonderful..." Unsure if she'd be able to let him go at the current moment.

"Good, 'cause I go' somethin' t'take care of..." But he wasn't moving. Instead he stepped away from the door, otherwise known as a wall. Giving it a kick to send it swinging closed. Distracting Quinn with soft kisses all while luring her toward the plush velvet and silk of the bed covers.