[for two days ago. ignore us.]

[three_smiles]

He never forgets Michaelmas, not since Simon taught him it was a day made entirely for his own honour (honour he hasn't got any longer). He has been making little gifts for the past several months in preparation

Comments

[danceinblood]

*Salome has always gone barefoot, or worn sandals -- she had a pair of very pretty slippers, lovely, silken things, once, but didn't like the feel of them -- but the days are growing colder, and as she casts her eyes over the shoes, there is a thought in them*

[three_smiles]

*Michael watches her with his blank eyes; he's a little to the side, and sitting very still, so that one doesn't notice him immediately*

[danceinblood]

*she bends to run her hand over a shoe, examining, considering*

[three_smiles]

*he finally speaks, quietly, with little intonation of any kind* They are too big for your feet. You have very small feet. These will be better. *and, kneeling forward, he rescues a pair with a touch of fur in them, and a pattern of blue beads in the stitching*

[danceinblood]

*she looks at her bare feet, and at the shoe, and then nods, understanding* I have not the habit of wearing such things. *the beads catch her eye, and she reaches to touch them -- her hands are small, too, very small*

[three_smiles]

*he makes a soft noise that might be admiring but likely isn't; a neutral sound* Then you are not from a cold place. Russia is a cold place.

[danceinblood]

Where is Russia?

[three_smiles]

I do not know. It is upon the earth. I was sent there.

[danceinblood]

*frowns* I know the place not. I live upon the earth.

[three_smiles]

Where?

[danceinblood]

Judaea.

[three_smiles]

That is where the Son of Man lived in the time of King Herod.

[danceinblood]

Herod is my mother's husband.

[three_smiles]

You are his child?

[danceinblood]

*shakes her head* My father was Herod's brother.

[three_smiles]

*and then--he offers his arms, gently and lovingly, almost not as a result of her words*