Roads unknown

I R I S Iris’ thoughts continued to race across the water, untethered. Events were set in motion and she was unflinching before all that had to be done and still… Jack seemed to be taking an unbearably long time. Sharp eyes kept watch on the surroundings while fingers played with the strings tying her dress tightly around her waist. It wasn’t a practical choice of clothing for such a risky encounter, but Iris reasoned that if one of the most notorious smugglers in Torchline decided to turn on her it was unlikely her knife skills would deter an attack. Better to dress to disarm… Hence the dress’ opening ended just above Iris’ bellybutton. And still, under the long fabric that flowed around her legs, a dagger was bound thin and tight against her thigh. It was a soothing presence. As time trickled on, shadows became more ominous, making her whole body tingle with anticipation. She sensed movement on the sand before seeing it. When she turned to face the solitary silhouette tentative relief washed over her… along with pressing excitement, a sudden spike of joy. Alone, and finally there. She schooled her expression before the moon revealed a man less cordial, and an unfortunate breach of etiquette. Ironically, this was the only time during the past month and a half that Iris didn’t have a bottle handy. Longheat had been a blur of grief, anger and resentment. And the sweet, giddy respite from all three, and more, was afforded to her by the undeniable talents of Torchline’s hard liquor manufacturers. Tonight, however, her head would be clear. ”Earrings weren’t enough to woo you?”, she asked with an incline on the side of her lips. ”I’ll make it up to you, then.” She walked up to him, slowly, ”It’s good to finally meet you, Jack.”