Jasseik Frentaelle was a popular name in many estates across Dragon's Tooth Hill. A respectable young man in the eyes of his father, a member of the High Council, and a pleasant addition to the neighborhood. It was because of his noble-born position and ties that he was selected by Lord Olwe to be a friendly companion for his ward, Ialys. Jasseik was an accomplished musician himself and his skills on piano and flute were second to none. It was a hobby that kept Lord Frantaelle in a pleasant mood and allowed the youth to keep up his high society appearances.

The lavish palace of colored crystal and luxurious rose beds was always in a twitter whenever social time between the young master Frentaelle and Miss Elanesse was arranged. The piano would be tuned at eight in the morning and all of the young miss's instruments would be brought into the formal sitting room where there was the most light. The staff would prepare the finest delicacies for the pair to munch on throughout the afternoon. Jasmine tea and Bordertown wine were mixed with lemon-tart pastries and little slices of quail and pheasant dipped in a rich plum sauce and accented with diced oranges.

As with every visit, Jasseik would arrive at ten in the morning to a chorus of fae servants who would usher him inside and spoil him with no expense spared by the generous Lord Elanesse. Master Olwe would take a brief respite from his business to greet the young master and chat with him on the current state of the gang violence, Bordertown politics, and the threat of humankind to the peaceable state of the Trueblood (as Lord Olwe perceived it). At half past the hour Ialys would come dancing down the stairs in a pale blue gown (her father's favorite for receiving guests) and would relieve her guardian in his duties and take over as the hostess for their gatherings.

Good afternoon, Lord Frentaelle. The young Trueblood would curtsy as Jasseik bowed. Good afternoon, Lady Elanesse. Immediately afterwards he would offer her an arm and the pair would go strolling from the parlor to the veranda where tea and snacks were waiting. Their hands would touch briefly as Ialys pulled from the tangle to procure an intricately decorated cup of spun glass and fill it with the jasmine scented tea. It was offered out on a saucer and their sparkling topaz eyes met and lingered for just a second too long.

After Ialys poured herself a cup of tea she would move with an elegant sway and perch rather ceremoniously on the edge of a wicker chair. You are kind to come and visit today, Jasseik. Innocent gaze rose with timidity and the devilishly handsome young master wore a sly grin as he sat with regal poise. Where else would I go' It's such a beautiful day and I can think of no other musician that I would rather spend the time with. Ialys remained perfectly still and composed. This was an act, afterall. Lord Olwe watched them during their tea-time socialization (perhaps hoping to gain some secret news on the household of the high councilman) and the pair had decided it was best to make everything seem as courtly as possible.

Have you seen the latest news on the scandal in Dragontown? It's all very sketchy I'd say. With a socialite's grace her upturned nose gave a little wriggle and pinky finger traced across the spun glass cup as she sipped the sweet-fragranced tea. I'm not really sure what to think of it. On one hand I would like to think that such a prestigious person as Lady Klehelias wouldn't get herself involved in such a venture. On the other....I can't help but think this is a pathetic attempt to drum up sympathy for the halfling misfits that traverse those streets. The young master paused and gave a little snort at the very notion. Without a doubt you wouldn't see something so biased in our paper. The Hill crowd was supplied with their own weekly source of information and its word was often taken as undisputed fact for all those living in the region.

Regardless, it will be quite the topic of gossip in the shoppes for the next few weeks. A twinkle of a smile was flashed towards Jasseik. This was nothing more than a game to them and it was ever so fun to play. Through her peripheral Ialys saw her guardian leave his window box and retreat to the confines of his study. The moment he was out of sight she stood and gave a firm nod to Jasseik. The pair moved inside where they could have privacy and a more serious conversation.

You know, you really ought to be more careful about the situations you put yourself in. The sunlight gleamed and reflected in all directions from the spotless flute as it was pulled from its case and the cool metal pressed against the young master's lips. Artful fingers seemed to danced across the various positions as angelic music spilled into the air. There was a smug look on Jasseik's face as he played and it garnished a rather incredulous one from Ialys. Oh, spare me. I do nothing of the sort. The frog of her bow was pinched between her thumb and forefinger while the knob was twisted with her other hand to tighten the flawless pegasus hair strung from end to end. A meticulous gaze inspected the bend in the expensive purnambuco wood to make sure it was at the perfect angle for playing.

A pompous sway sent young master Frentaelle gliding across the uniformly cut grass to tower over Ialys's perch. Without missing a single note his reached down to pluck the bow from her fingers and hook it around his ring finger. With that the Trueblood turned away from her and continued the chilling melody that wafted through the air along with the scent of roses on the spring breeze. A snobbish wriggle of her nose was followed by an annoyed look as she rose from the wicker chair to follow along behind Jasseik. Jas, stop! You're going to ruin the hair! It was a worthless protest because they both knew he would do nothing of the sort. The young master stopped once the pair had walked around the outer half of the dome. With a final arpeggio his hand lowered with both the flute and bow securely clutched in artful fingers.

In the flash of an instant Lord Frentaelle's nimble fingers spread and his hand shot out to latch around the delicate line of Ialys's throat. A moment later and the bulk of his weight shoved the young Trueblood against the outer curve of the dome. His elbow ground into her chest and a knee pinned her dress close between her legs. It was all so sudden that Ialys reacted instinctually with fear. Brilliant topaz eyes went wide and soprano tones caught in her throat as she tried to suppress a screamed. She gasped and felt her voice waiver before the fear faded and she smiled up at him. You ninny! What do you think you're doing"

The line of his jaw went rigid and sky-blue eyes narrowed to slits at this playful expression she was wearing. The hold around her neck tightened and he pressed his body mercilessly against hers. I'm teaching you a lesson. What was he doing" The blood drained from her face and Ialys could feel her heartbeat practically exploding in her temples. His sneer made her eyes water at the edges and hands raised up in an attempt to claw at his arm. Jasseik! Let me go!

No. Not this time. You implicitly trust everyone and constantly disregard the protection of others. You should never EVER be so naive. The line of pearly teeth showed as his lip curled back and again his fingers closed around her ivory-peach flesh. The world began to spin around her as eyes went wide with this betrayal. Ialys felt the vice-like grip of panic welling up in her chest and it heaved with hopes of gaining more oxygen. She began to feel faint. Something on her face must have said as much because the grip was immediately released. Ialys's knees buckled and the strong arms of the young master reached out to support her weight as innocent topaz eyes rolled into the back of her head and she faded from consciousness.