Through a Glass Darkly, Part Two

Peg had told herself she wouldn’t be back. It was a foolish indulgence, a waste of time…the kind of noble extravagance she despised. But there she was…a lavender drink in hand, conversation floating around her like so many whispers on the wind. She stayed out of the private room this time…drinking alone was still as poor an idea as she had always said it was. But tonight the conversation grated on her. She found no pleasure in the academic discourse, no entertainment in the wordplay. She toyed with the dagger on her belt. She should go find Kevan. He was always good for these sorts of moods. So why was she here?
 
The answer came quickly and unbidden to her mind and she didn’t like it: because he cares about me. And I care about him.
 
None of this was light and joy and ease…things you want for people you love. Kevan. Aloysius. Vera. Her friends.
 
She inquired about the after-dinner menu and ended up in one of the back rooms watching a magic show that combined traditional stage magic with some small real magic, and a dazzling display of fire and sword work. The performers' costumes were revealing and the entire display created a tension of sexuality and danger Peg found appealing, if a bit…distant. She inquired after if they did private shows and was told they would, for a price. She told them she would keep it in mind.
 
It had been the right time to leave then…she’d had a bit to drink and seen a show…but it just wasn’t enough. She wanted more…needed it. More of what, she wasn’t quite sure. Something she could feel, she supposed. Something to silence her mind.
 
She saw a young couple as she was leaving. They whispered to each other, blushing and giggling. She should leave them be, let them enjoy their company. But…
 
It didn’t take as much to convince them to join her as one might have expected. She could be persuasive when she wanted to be. And young nobles, sheltered from life, were often eager to jump at the chance to be introduced to something scandalous. She took them to another show in the back. This one was a string quartet. At first, the young couple Peg had brought back with her looked disappointed.
 
“Don’t fret, dears, the show is about to get more interesting.” She promised them.
 
And it certainly did. They were brought drinks that enhanced the emotion of each piece and which Peg swore made her see the music in color. However, Peg watched the couple more than the show, smiling as they let themselves go little by little. Then another performer joined the stage and began a sensual dance, moving between the musicians and slowly removing their garments. The couple covered their mouths and turned toward each other giggling. Peg leaned over to them.
 
“There is space here for you to make use of. Private from other eyes. Except my own, of course.” She gives them a wicked grin and they both blush brightly, staring at Peg with mouths agape.
 
“Live a little, darlings. I’ll join you, if you’d like.” The staring turned into spluttering and Peg just grinned at them. They finally rather fled from the room, leaving Peg laughing. She turned her attention back to the stage where the musicians were now mostly naked. Everything felt distant again. She frowned, eyes scanning the room for more entertainment, but all the booths were very well situated for privacy. She gathered her things and left. Her search for more would have to continue elsewhere.