La Salon Écarlate (The Scarlet Lounge)

"Well that would have been...silly...I didn't, uh, get here until after..." He trailed off as he took on the sight of her in that dress. If anyone was put to shame tonight it was him, Eleniel looked truly stunning in that dress, to the point where it took him a few moments o become coherent again. Still in shock, he took her cloak from her and laid it across his left arm, offering his right for her to take. Words would finally manage to come out again once she took his arm, and his tone sounded very different from before, as if he was still in awe.

"Eleniel, you have proven me wrong. Not only are you prettier than ever, in fact I would declare that you are easily more beautiful than any woman I have ever seen. I am a lucky man to be able to enjoy dinner with you this evening."

The gentle tugging on his arm removed the last of the fugue state from his mind and he snapped back into reality. His voice back to its usual calm tone, but with a hint of excitement to it, he was really looking forward to this dinner. He would allow her to lead him into the main area as he spoke.

"Of course my dear Eleniel, lead the way, I am famished."

It was a nearly true statement, after dropping the puppy off at the tavern he had gone for quite a run o calm his nerves about the dinner that night before returning and showering so that he didn't smell like sweat and body odor for dinner.

Zaræn was currently enjoying the envy of almost every man in the lounge. Of course how could he not? He had the ear and the company of the most beautiful woman in the building. Not that he didn't look absolutely at home next to her. The roguishly handsome man was wearing his preferred bright blues and reds, in a simple stylish outfit that accentuated is masculine features. His eyes flick towards were Morrigan had indicated. It was indeed Len and if that dress was any indication she was with a new beaux. He gives his amour his trademark dashing smirk.

"It is indeed amour and yes I would like to say hello. Perhaps I will play wingman, while you play wing woman. That may be fun nest-ce pas?"

With a laugh he stands and offers Morrigan his arm. Once she has taken it he walks over to the table where Len is sitting. He gives the elven maid a quick peck on both cheeks. The traditional Gauldish greeting for close friends.

"Len Mon-cher! So good to see you. What bring you here? Who is your handsome friend? Oh and before I forget, this is Morrigan da Silverlain my amour, the woman I was telling you about during our last few lessons."

He bowed low to the pair of them, his gaze lingering no longer than was appropriate over the beautiful couple. He saw Eleniel blush and grinned, extending his hand out towards Zaraen.

"A pleasure to meet you both, Eleniel has spoken most highly of your establishment, and I am eagerly looking forward to this evening."

Lord Soult was a simple man, more apt to appreciate the daisy then the rose, and his gaze reflected that. He had eyes only for Eleniel this evening, Morrigan was certainly an attractive woman, but most decidedly not his type. He appeared a simple man next to Zaraen anyway, were it not for the crest emblazoned on his chest one would think Zaraen the Lord and he the Tavern owner.

"Amour so generous!"

Zaræn chuckles lightly, free appetizers and dessert was one thing. Free drinks though? That was where she made most of her money. Still it had a certain appeal, depending on the kind of man Soult was it may provide the righ... Lubrication to help fan the sparks so clearly in the Dukes eyes. The tavern owner also wasn't particularly surprised to learn Nicolas was a Duke. After all he had met the man's father briefly, many years ago. It had been during a brief visit to the lords territory Zaræn had taken with his own father.

"It is a pleasure to meet you as well Lord Soult, I think if you have no objections I will be calling you Nicolas. I met your father once when I was much younger. The family resemblance is striking."

"I have no objection to that in the slightest, after all, I am here as just myself, and not as the Lord of Arcoux."

Lord Soult broke into an even wider grin as the man mentioned his father. It was always nice to meet someone who had me his father. He followed them to the booth, taking note of the intimate nature of the atmosphere...and free food and drinks? Eleniel's friends were certainly generous.

He met her gaze, understanding exactly what she was asking and giving a slight nod. She had seemed a little nervous at the prospect of having dinner with him earlier, perhaps the presence of her friends would help ease her nerves.

"Would you two care to join us then? Since you are treating to the drinks and appetizers the least we can do is share them with you."

Zaræn had slid in next to his amour and he also didn't bother with the menu. He had a near perfect memory and he spent a great deal of time here. It'd be odder if he hadn't read it. He can tell that both Soult and Len are quite nervous and a plan is already forming. He and Morrigan would stay through the awkward first part of the date. Then once the two love birds were sufficiently comfortable and plied with alcohol they would depart. Perhaps after leaving a few subtle hints as to the direction their evening could take. Speaking of why not start with something that should excite, but make things awkward?

"Hmmm a scarlet kiss that sounds wonderful, amour."

The bartender isn't looking at the waiter as he says this instead he is looking at Morrigan. Then he leans in and steals a kiss from her. It is deep and passionate, but brief. Not long enough to make the other two at the table very uncomfortable, but hopefully enough to get their minds on the right track. Once he is finished he turns to the waiter and says with a grin.

"That was indeed wonderful. Now to drink I will have a glass of the Siréne."

Lord Soult smiled as she took his hand giving it a slight squeeze just before the other couple decided to intertwine their tongues. His gaze turned to Eleniel, his mind pondering the same questions hers was before also focusing on his menu. Hmmmm, nothing from his fief, perhaps they could negotiate that at a later date. His vineyards had recently come up with an incredible sparkling wine, excellent for toasts at formal events.

"I think a glass of the Carmean Red for me. And I think sharing that to start would be excellent."

Zaræn leaned back into his seat comfortably. He takes careful stock of Nicolas and can easily see why Len had taken to the man. He was simple, straight forward, and honest. The kind of man who had risen in esteem since King Renaux claimed the throne. Len's sunny disposition and similar straight forwardness would go nicely with the man.

Zaræn turns his scrutiny on Len. He is happy that his friend found a man. He is also oddly happy he never took her on that date. It hadn't occurred to him at the time, but he was not what she needed. Though they would have had fun it would have left her unfulfilled.

"Yes, Nicolas tell us how you met. I am quite curious how a Duke meets a baker. It sounds like one of those love stories the bards sing about. A proud nobleman falls in love with a beautiful commoner."