Found:
I was planning to leave today. All that I needed had been packed into Steel's saddlebags. The road lay ahead. The future awaited. Somewhere behind my eyelids were visions of how it would be, how it would look, what I would do next. But then..... Red.
As I passed through Bree, I saw him, balancing atop a fence post with a knife balanced so precisely at the tip of the nose upon his mask, meanwhile juggling more blades. The gathered crowd were clearly enjoying the show and I decided to watch a while. I probably shouldn't have, for lingering to watch him perform has led to me staying for far longer than I had anticipated!
A brief chat later during which he insisted that he was not who I think he is, and the jester went on his way. The eyes alone would be enough to belie his claims, but who am I to deny a man his alter ego? If Red he wishes to be whilst performing, then so be it! I didn't press.
Shortly thereafter Loakee "appeared". It's been several months at least since I spoke with him last and he seemed eager enough for company. Ah, but the man amuses me greatly. He is handsome and he knows it! Speaking with him is, at times, almost like speaking to a younger version of myself. The jests, the flirtations, the tactile tendencies and high degree of self-confidence. The willingness to do almost anything for a laugh, the desire to find naught but joy in any given situation, silver linings - no pun intended!
He goads, trying to get his own way and, insofar as it amuses me to do so, I go along with it, pretending that he has won. It is that very thing, in fact, that led to me purchasing a dress of all things! An agreement was made for me to wear such wretched attire during an evening walk providing he would don a dress in a public setting for a future encounter. I shall enjoy that sight immensely!
In the meantime, he pretends at wooing me as if he wishes more than just the challenge of the chase. As if I don't see it for what it is. I play along for my own entertainment as well as his, which has led to another proposed meeting on the morrow. By me this time.
I cannot deny that he is an attractive man. I cannot deny that spending the evening seated atop his lap was rather more enjoyable than I had expected. I cannot deny that a part of me has missed such closeness, the warmth of a body pressed close to mine, the scent of skin and desire denied... but he is, by nature and design, a firefly.
Regardless, arrangements have been made, as promised. Bessie, the dear matron of the White Wolf, has agreed to my request. In the morning, I shall help her prepare and come evening, Loakee or no Loakee, I shall have a great deal of fun!
