Learning together (Closed for Led Astray)

[Asa]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v621/NightPoet/07d98830.jpg

Raveena
5'8"
Raven hair
She was a writer... a designer... advising others about love beauty and money, and helping them look good in clothing designed solely for each client, but she herself was alone.

~~~~~~

She sat back on the little cesna reading over the information about the shoot as well as the the private session helping the latest member of Royal family. The young woman appeared to have done the impossible and the whole world wanted to know more about her so an all new wardrobe and photo shoot to introduce her as well as a few sessions on how to handle this new overwhelming obligations for parties and hostessing foreigner gathering and all of that. Simple enough... a few days here and there about town and the palace getting ideas for new pieces and styles piece of cake. Phillipe was not able to travel with her but he promised her that his son would be taking his place and she would not even miss him. She knew the kid mainly through his father's constant talking... With all his telling her about him she knew the boy better than she knew most of her clients. He would be meeting her there as Phillipe wanted him to go on ahead and scout out the areas that the young Royal wanted them to travel to for the various photo shoots.

She had made several pieces for the young woman already and would do final fittings before each photo shoot. She quickly looked up as they called out that the plane would be landing on the royal airstrip. Looking out the window it looked like they were literally still assembling it as the plane began its decent. Once they touched down and came to a top she began collecting her things and making sure that the cases with the clothing and accessories were handled carefully. An unamused sigh fell from her lips however as a royal soldier walked over and told her that a larger military detail that originally stated would be traveling with them due to risk of dangerous conflict with problematic separatists and rebels.

Smiling a polite smile she simply stated that all they really needed to do is allow her a weapon that there would be no problem at the photo shoot sites which prompted the soldiers to walk off laughing about warrior American...

Turning around she stormed off to make sure that everything was handled properly and so that she would not say something or rip someones face off for stupidity.

 

[Led_Astray]

http://www.beyondmegapixels.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Man-with-camera.jpg

Standing in the shade of a temporary construction store, Adam watched the small plane touch down on the newly constructed landing strip. Its engines roared as it reversed its props in order to come to a hurried stop, then cut out and fell silent.

His dirty-green cotton jacket hung open as he raised his camera - a Phase One 645DF with a 150 mm Schneider Kreuznach leaf shutter lens - and took a few shots of the people hurrying around the plane. It was hot, too hot for the jacket really but his pale English skin tended to burn really easily, and so he suffered the discomfort of beign too hot in order to avoid the pain of sunburnt arms.

Should have packed some long sleeved shirts he thought to himself for the dozenth time since arriving in the country. He briefly ran a hand through his short, dark brown hair and it came away soaked with sweat. Ruefully, he shook it off and wiped it on the seat of his jeans. Should have packed some trousers better suited to the heat, too...

He watched as the passengers disembarked, and saw the brief conversation between one of the local puffed-up military goons and the woman he recognised from his father's briefing pack.

She's really quite beautiful... he thought to himself, even better in the flesh... but she really doesn't look happy...

With that, he reluctantly left the shade of the temporary shelter, and stepped out into the hot sun, his 6 foot tall, lean body casting a long shadow as he hurried across the scorching tarmac.

"Miss Raveena? Miss Raveena!" he called, nervously.

 

[Asa]

Shea heard that ever charming accent and the infernal "Miss Raveena". She understood formality but detested it to her very core. Turning her eyes followed that same dark hair and eyes just in a younger package. SO this must be Adam. Phillipe was always going on and on about his son and how wonderful and stupid he was to give up his career to help his "poor old Da" but she saw right through it he was thrilled to have family back with him now.

Adam I believe? DO me a favor learn alot quicker than the 5 years it took your father to get past your English ways and Drop the Miss... I am Raveena Got it...

She smiled to him as she spoke it was not this young man she was angry with but those "protective" guards who think everyone needs their protection. Nodding to some of the palace aids who had quickly run up to get the finished clothing and hurry it to the princess she waited for Adam to get over to the plane.

 

[Led_Astray]

Adam bobbed apologetically, in that nervous way English men of a certain type do when embarrassed.

"Right.. yes... sorry, Raveena it is. Um, has it really been five years that you've been working with dad? Gosh..."

He had known she was older than him, probably by at least 5 years given the success she had become and her air of confidence, but she didn't look it. Not at all. Especially when she smiled at him.

Flustered, he lifted his camera and took a rapid succession of shots of the amazing woman standing before him. They wouldn't come out properly, not with this lens, this close, but it acted like a psychological barrier between him and her, giving him a precious few seconds to recover his wits.

Even as he raised the camera, Raveena had turned away and started walking towards the plane. Her long shapely legs carried her swiftly away from him and he had to rush to catch up to her, immediately losing the composure he had just tried to recover.

"Ah, so, Mi... um, Raveena, what do you want to do now? I think the aids will manage the unloading, but, ah, is there anything you need me to help you with?"

 

[Asa]

She watched him still so nervous and about to trip over his own words and sighed though smiling still. Was Phillipe ever this nervous she could not picture him ever being so nervous even as a younger man.

How about you calm yourself get your thoughts and gear together and lets go see where they have arranged for us to be staying.

She laughed a little and went to collect up her stuff. She could not help to wonder how much Phillipe had told Adam about her and her "temper" and moods.

So what all did your father warn you about with me?

 

[Led_Astray]

"Oh..." responded Adam, his face flushing suddenly.

Oh god, what did dad tell her, does she know what he said? thought the young photographer to himself. His mind flashed back to his last conversation with his father. Though it had been more of a lecture than a conversation...

***

"And one last thing, Adam" said the older man, sternly. "I've been working with this lady for 5 years now, we have a good working relationship and it has been a very profitable one. If you do anything to jeopardise that..."

The older, larger man cracked his knuckles together, threateningly.

"She's a very attractive woman. You are going to be working far from home, in a hot country, exotic locations. But don't even think about making some stupid, clumsy attempt to chat her up! Firstly, I don't want her offended. Secondly, she is totally out of your league. And thirdly, you couldn't handle her even if she wasn't - she'd chew you up and spit you out without even noticing you. Understand?"

***

With a jolt, Adam returned to the present.

"He, ah, told me that you were a professional and that I was to do what I was told, um, not get in the way and that I could learn a lot from you," Adam replied diplomatically, after a short pause.

Then he added "But you forget, I've been here a week already, my gear is already at the hotel. It's quite nice, though the builders are still in. Trying to tart the place up ready for the tourists now that the country is becoming more stable."

Raveena cannot help but notice a change come over the young man. As soon as he is speaking about something he really knows about rather than trying to make conversation, his shyness vanishes, he straightens up and he speaks confidently and clearly.

"They've finished the top floor and so they have let us move in there, the rest of the hotel is empty for the moment. Of guests, at least. I think some of the security team have rooms on the ground floor."

 

[Asa]

Noting the change she smiled. She knows Phillipe probably tried to convince him that flirting with her would be a waste that she was too dedicated to her work though he talked nearly non stop about his son to her as if he hoped it would make any difference and break her from her dedication to work and helping others.

Well then lets find the transport there so I can get settled in and get to work planning out where the first shoot will be and all of that.

Pulling her hair back in a ponytail she then went to collect her stuff and watched as they closed the plane and it moved to take off back to civilization in comparison to the royal family and their little country. Turning she glanced to him once more and started towards the limo they were being directed towards.

 

[Led_Astray]

The "limo" - in actuallity an extended wheelbase Rolls-Royce Phantom - was waiting not far from the runway. Clearly royal priviledge had been invoked in order to ignore the usual restrictions on vehicles within the flight area. Unusually it was right hand drive, as were the four olive green jeep-like vehicles - that were parked in front and behind it.

"Ah, looks like they were, um, serious about the extra escorts." noted Adam, following along faithfully. Then he began to speak again, more confidently.

"Landrovers... probably left over from the old days when this was a british colony - and when Landrover made vehicles to last. Series 2, maybe 2a, its hard to tell. They must be nearly 40 years old..."

He stopped, noting Raveena's reaction. He flushed, and looked down at his feet.

"Sorry..." he mumbled. "Bit of a hobby of mine..."

Quickly he stumbled forwards and opened the rear door of the waiting vehicle. Unusually, it was hinged at the back and swung open very wide. A welcoming flood of cool air flooded out, evidence that the vehicles air-conditioning was going full blast.

"After you, Miss, uh, I mean, ah, Raveena."

 

[Asa]

Unique little knowledge tidbits like his father. It was entertaining as she felt the air conditioning before climbing in. Getting situated she glanced around understanding the need for the blackened windows to help keep it cooler but this seemed a tad much to her.

Not a problem its just like your father and the birds of any location we went to before and stuff like that.

She did her best to ignore the radioing between the other vehicles and theirs. Seems a tad over the top for a country that was "opening up" to the world and seeking to become a tourist destination. Maybe their internal strife should be completely dealt with before then instead of having their guests deal with such security measures. Her temper held deep in check was etched over her face as they rode a long.

 

[Led_Astray]

Adam sat back in the luxurious rear-facing seat, opposite Raveena - something he soon began to regret, for as they travelled, his eyes were constantly drawn towards her beautiful figure.

I should have sat beside her, then I wouldn't be looking right at her... he thought to himself.

He noticed the restrained anger on her face and was sure that she had caught him staring for too long. He ducked his head and began to fiddle with his camera instead. But the continuing silence made him even more nervous, and so he tried to start a conversation.

"So... ah, I think our first meeting with the client is set for, uhm, tomorrow? Ten O'Clock? Unless you have arranged differently, I mean, you're the boss."

He gave a strained, nervous chuckle, and returned to tweaking the settings on his camera.

 

[Asa]

Perfect. That will give me time to work on the other pieces and hopefully go through pictures of the places they want the photos taken so we can pick out the prefect spots per site.

She watched him figiting with the camera.

Is everything alright?

 

[Led_Astray]

"Oh, ah, yes, I think, everything is fine..." replied Adam.

"I'm just, ah, well, not used to all of this, you know? Most of my photographic work has been static shoots, locations for brochures or products for catalogue... sometimes with models but not, you know, with anyone famous."

He looked up, and met Raveena's sultry brown eyes briefly with his own blue ones before looking away, unable to hold her gaze for more than a moment. Flustered, his tongue ran away with him, and he regained control of what he was saying only at the last second.

"Or, ah, with somebody in charge with such an amazing bod... um, amazing reputation."

Oh god, what did I almost say... I hope she didn't notice...

 

[Asa]

She knew how Phillipe could be with any assistants he brought with him to a shoot she can only imagine what he put this poor kid through before sending him in his place.

Ya know what... I have a really good idea... lets cut the crap screw whatever Phillipe said and get over all the proper crap and lets just work together and survive this insanity. So...

She smiled holds out her hand with an almost chuckle.

Hello I am Raveena glad Phillipe sent you to help me and you would be?

 

[Led_Astray]

Smiling with relief that he hasn't managed to offend her (yet!), Adam leaned forward and shook Raveena's hand with a strong yet gentle grip.

"I'm Adam. Pleased to meet you, Raveeena, and I am looking forward to working with you very much."

He leaned back, feeling slightly less nervous now, and took off his jacket, breifly getting tangled up before realising he need to take of his camera first, but eventually sorting it out and laying the neatly folded jacket on the seat beside him. Whilst this does show off his well muscled young body in his tight grey tee shirt, the effect is somewhat spoiled by the inevitable damp circles speading under each armpit.

"And you are not wrong about this place being insane... They are so determined to show the world how they have put their civil troubles behind them that I think they are ignoring the truth themselves. The palace staff won't say anything, but I've been down to the public marketplace and the people are still scared, and looking over their shoulders."

 

[Asa]

I will want pictures of the young couple walking through the market. I can understand a few guards blending in with the villagers. Or show the truth with the over the top security.

She smirked and glanced to the guards who were mumbling between themselves. They tried so hard not to get caught glancing back as she talked... focusing on the radio messages and the roads before them and lands around them intently.

So any ideas from what all you have seen around here that would make good locations? Really wanting something perfect for the purple dress she has been the most excited to finally wear.

 

[Led_Astray]

Adam shook his head doubtfully.

"I very much doubt we'd be allowed to shoot in the marketplace... there is no way they could by certain of keeping the princess safe if the insurgents decided to try something. Too many nooks and crannies."

He smiled brightly, leaning forward enthusastically.

"I bet you would love it, though. It's a riot of colour. All manner of goods, from bolts of bright silks to finished clothes, huge baskets of the local fruits, big wooden tubs of bright spices, it's amazing."

Adam leaned back into the luxurious leather seat, rubbing his chin in thought.

"As for purple... there are some ruins on the edge of the city, partly over-run by the jungle. Platforms and columns of yellow sandstone that should set off a purple dress quite well..."

He began to mumble to himself, lost in thought.

"Of course, the yellow might reflect onto her skin, don't want her looking sallow but I can adjust for that with some fixed lighting or in post-shoot manipulation. Will need the F/4.5 lens though, or I could try a couple with the 2.8..."

 

[Asa]

Sitting back her eyes closed listening to him figure out how to make her plans work. Phillipe taught him well.

I want a way to show the young couple interacting with villagers though... children elderly... everyone... any ideas?

She wondered how long the ride would be to this resort hotel finding she was a tad more tired than expected.

 

[Led_Astray]

"Well... if we can persuade them to make an un-publicised visit to one of the outlying villages... that way there should be little chance of anyone deliberately causing trouble..."

Noticing that Raveena's eyes were closed, Adam took the opportunity to look her over properly, his eyes travelling slowly from her head to her toes without fear of being caught staring.

She really is stunning... Dad was right, though. Way out of my league...

He felt the luxurious car begin to slow, then draw to a stop.

"Ah, here we are." he said brightly. He scoped up his jacket and slid quickly out of his seat, opening the door and climbing out, then holding open it for his beautiful companion.

"Welcome to the Royal" he announced, with mock grandeur. "Don't be put off by the state of some of the building, they've done a pretty good job on our floor."

 

[Asa]

Eyes open as she glanced around with a slight smile... finally she could rest.

So what are the amenities or are they afraid that someone will try to track us down as well so we have to stay in our rooms or in the building unless they want to wander around with us in town scaring all of the people from truly interacting with us?

Clearly directed at the guards till one of them muttered something in their language and she fired off in their language as well bringing the attention of the one clearly in charge who began apologizing for his soldiers attitude and lack of professional understanding. With a plastered on smile she allowed the guard to make amends for his words by carrying her bags for her up to their floor though he merely set them out of the elevator as his CO was no where to be seen.

Lead on to our rooms Adam.

She smiled to him glad the door closed and the idiot was on his way back down to his own floor with the other guards.

 

[Led_Astray]

Gallantly, Adam picked up Raveena's bags without waiting to be asked.

"This way, then." he said, heading down the short hallway.

It soon became clear that, apart from a the one leading to the emergency stairwell, there was only one door on this floor.

"Its what you call a penthouse suite, I think," said Adam. "The entire floor is ours." he set down the bags and pulled a key from his pocket. Deftly, he opened the door and gestured for his companion to enter.

"A large lounge area with a few other rooms leading off, 4 of them bedrooms, each with their own en suite bathroom, I think. I've taken one on the left, you can take your pick of the others. There's a meeting room, too, and a well stocked bar, though I haven't really explored that yet."

Picking up the bags, he followed Raveena into the room and set them down again.

Then he moved his hands in a sweeping gesture that encompassed the whole room. "They've really been quite generous, I think they must be really keen to impress you."

 

[Asa]

Checking out the other rooms and quickly picking one out to put her stuff in before investigating the rest of the suite. She was pleasantly surprised to see a room service menu with hours.

Rest first then food I believe.

With that she slipped off to her room and soon found her mind too active and opted for a long hot bath first before resting.

 

[Led_Astray]

"Sounds like a good idea. Do you want me to order for you? And I wouldn't worry about the menu, since the hotel isn't actually open yet the kitchen staff are pretty much happy to make anything you like. And I could open some wine, if you like?"

As Raveen disappeared into her room, Adam sighed. Just keep your mind on the job, Adam... he thought to himself. Don't make a fool out of yourself, stick to what you are good at.

And so, in the shared lounge area between the bedrooms, Adam busied himself setting up his laptop and plugging in his camera. Not only did he want to see if any of the random shots he had taken today had any merit, he figured he could show Raveena a few of the location shots he had taken over the last week, see if anything took her fancy.

He heard the water running, and guessed his new boss was filling the bath. She'd be a while, he assumed, and so returned to looking at the results of today's pictures.

There were shots of the plane landing, of everybody disembarking, and of the soldiers surrounding it. More, now he came to look at the picture, than he had realised. As he had suspected, the close-up shots of his new boss were out of focus - the wrong lens at that distance.

But there was one shot of her from when she was just stepping out of the plane... the perfect distance for the lens' focal length. She was stretching after the long journey, her breasts jutting high and forwards, hand raised to shield her eyes against the blazing sun, silver jewellery ablaze with reflected light. She looked lithe and exotic - and, in fact, quite erotic. Adam was torn... should he delete the picture, keep it for his portfolio, or share it with the subject?

For now, he saved it. He'd make that decision later.

 

[Asa]

She slipped back into the main room a few hours later feeling better and much calmer in a loose t shirt and jeans.

So whats first on the agenda work or food?

She smiled watching him there at the computer as she walked by to look out the window to find a balcony and pondered walking out onto it to get a better look at the city.

 

[Led_Astray]

Adam looked up at Raveena in surprise that after her long journey and long rest she would still be more interested in work than food.

"Well, ah, I would have thought you were hungry?" responded Adam, shaking his head slightly. "I know I am."

If I'd known she was going to be that long... he thought, slightly annoyed but doing his best not to show it. He'd long since stopped looking at the location shots and had been idly looking around on the internet, but he quickly shut down the browser and called up his location pictures.

Then he followed her out onto the balcony. The view was quiet spectacular - the hotel was one of the more modern - and thus taller - buildings in the city, and thus the view was unrestricted all the way to the edge of the city where, in this direction, the buildings ended abruptly and ancient primary forest took over.

"But if you are keen to get on, we can always order then look at some possible locations whilst we wait for the food to turn up?"

 

[Asa]

Sounds great Lets order food then while we wait I could go through the pictures if you wanna rest.

She turned around and smiled leaning against the railing tossing her head back taking a deep breath. Work really was all she knew which always tended in time to rub everyone the wrong way except Phillipe. He always seemed to understand even though he was in no way like that her at all. He could turn it off... the work and the constant focus and drive. She envied that.