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Post by Grace Ouilet on Jun 6, 2011 22:32:27 GMT -5
I didn't know what I was doing, not really. All I knew is that I was so very tired of riding, tired from not sleeping the best, and terrified of what might happen if we were caught out alone. I didn't let Miryelle venture away from me even for a moment, though given her young two years it wasn't goo difficult for her to stay near me. I was sick too, exhausted from the early pregnancy, and I knew my running had come to an end: I needed to find somewhere, and I needed to settle in. My daughter needed a steady home, needed a steady place to know to go to. We wouldn't have much.. it was a far cry, this running and eating stale bread and dried meats from the fancy dresses and comfortable estates I'd grown used to, but it was for the better. Here we wouldn't be harassed. Here, we could be ourselves,and though I didn't think I'd ever love again, Miryelle was free to do so without worrying about her mother turning her back on her like mine had done to me, unless I married the men they chose. Both times I'd given in; the first ended abruptly with my husband dead of the plague, but he'd given me Miryelle... and the second? The second was how cruel fate could be. I'd met Marcel, the only person I'd ever loved or wanted to love, a week before I was set to marry, and neither of us knew until I was walking down the isle that that man I was to marry was his father. It broke me apart, and him too, and in the end Jean had offered Marcel to the Crown to marry the then-Dauphine to get him out of the house and away from me.
Gods, I missed him. Without thinking I ran my hand tenderly over my stomach, caressed the little bump in my stomach where my pregnancy was just beginning to show. Who would it be? What would it look like? I longed to see it and know it, but for now I was content to just snuggle my daughter, the sweetest little girl ever to walk the face of the earth. Now though, she was tired too, and I began walking the horse with her at my hip, making my way up the sixth drive so far today. No luck yet; no one wanted a woman with a babe on her hip and one on her way, no matter that I'd put on my one clean dress and had painstakingly washed Miryelle and I in the nearby river first. We were presentable, or as much as we could be.
"Be a good girl," I whispered, rubbing my nose against my daughters before I lashed our horse to a hitching post and made my way to the door. Miryelle laid her head on my shoulder, little fists rubbing her eyes, and I carefully shifted her weight a little on my long-since numb arm; Elua but she was getting heavy!
Reaching out, I knocked politely upon the door and drew a small breath, holding it and praying silently that this home would have some work for us.
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Post by Hjalmar Fellstone (I) on Jun 7, 2011 5:58:53 GMT -5
Gastone sighed as he heard a knock at the door. He'd been on his way to the kitchen for lunch. Still, it was his duty and he moved to see what sort of visitor they might have.
Opening the door he is greeted by the sight of a pretty young woman, though ragged and disheveled. It is obvious she has been traveling. A young girl rests quietly in her arms and it is not hard to see the beginnings of her swollen belly. She was pregnant.
His face was impassive as he asked politely, "How may I help you?"
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Post by Grace Ouilet on Jun 7, 2011 7:59:10 GMT -5
I'd expected a maid of sorts, someone with her hair drawn up neatly in a cap, an impatient look in her eyes.. That was how the past four houses had gone, at any rate. The first had resulted in the Master himself answering and sending me on my way, the second had been a serving man of sorts; he'd given Maigrey a bit of cheese and a small honeycake too, and I'd blessed him with tears in my eyes for his generosity while making my way off the porch.
I didn't hold hope of charity, and in truth I didn't want it.. but I needed employment, somewhere I could live and watch Maigrey at the same time. My heart fluttered, and it made the smile on my mouth quiver slightly; I was never a bold person.
"Good morning, monsieur," I started, then hurried on before he could interrupt me to send me away. "I was wondering - hoping - that mayhap your master has need of a help? I can sew very well, neat and fine stitching, can clean and polish, work the gardens.. whatever it is that your Master needs."
I was desperate. My pride got in the way of actually pleading so far, but I was on the cusp of cracking and doing it irregardless. I held my daughter a little tighter to me, trying to fight off the desperation so it didn't enter my voice. "Please," I added, breaking enough to beg. "Please, if there's anything, anything at all, I'd be willing.. I'm honest, a hard worker. My daughter won't get in the way, I promise. Please, monsieur.."
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Post by Hjalmar Fellstone (I) on Jun 7, 2011 8:13:40 GMT -5
Gastone sighed inwardly. "Madam, I assure you that..."
"Who is it Gastone?" a voice called from somewhere close by, but within the house.
The manservant's brows furrowed slightly and his eyes had narrowed the smallest bit. "Nobody sir! They..."
Again he did not get very far when I decided to interrupt. I had watched from my study upstairs as the young woman had struggled with her child and walked up the driveway. Knowing just what sort of reception Gastone would give, I had decided to intervene myself. Gastone was set in his ways. D'Angeline ways. He needed to learn some humility, some charity.
I laid a hand on his shoulder. "I'll take care of it." I said. My voice was stern. It brooked little argument.
"As you wish sir." he had replied, and turned on his heel.
Turning to face the woman, an easy smile on my face, I said softly, "Hjalmar de Valliers, dear lady. But please, call me Hal. Come in. Sit." I moved out of the doorway and gestured towards the interior of the house. The woman looked like she might be hungry. Of course, I had heard what she had requested of Gastone, but I wanted to hear it again for myself. Would she have the courage to ask me to my face? My eyes looked her over. Until now I had not been able to see that she was with child.
With child. And no man in sight. A pang of sadness washed through me momentarily. Had circumstances been different, this could have been my own mother when she was carrying me. Let it never be said that Skaldi are incapable of compassion. Many see us as cold, uncaring. It is far from the truth. But none ever explore our ways. Perhaps, maybe slowly, I can show this woman what Skaldic warmth can be. She was welcome in my home.
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Post by Grace Ouilet on Jun 7, 2011 10:23:13 GMT -5
The rejection was coming.. I could see it in the boredom of his eyes before he even spoke, and the desperation started to bubble up in me, but before he could even finish with kicking me off the step and on my way, a voice spoke from behind and a hand appeared upon his shoulder.
My cheeks flooded crimson, but even with my embarrassment at having the master witness his manservant send me away, hope blossomed hard in my chest. Maybe, maybe I could get him to listen and allow me to stay.. Oh Elua, please!
The manservant sent away, I was left face with a formidable man standing before me. Nearly a foot taller, he was corded with muscle, something well evident given he wore not a stitch above his well-fitted short breeches. I very nearly backed away, but stood rooted to the ground and began relaxing almost instantly when he gave me a smile, and invited me into his home.
I was nervous. It was one thing to talk to a maid or a butler, quite another to be invited in by the Lord of the house himself. My cheeks still suffused with pink, I cradled Miryelle against me as I dropped him a curtsy, the movement fluid and graceful by habit alone. "Thank you, my Lord."
I knew my voice was too breathless by far, but I was so tired, both physically and mentally. I crossed the threshold into his home, and made for a chair that he gestured to, grateful to him already beyond words. Miryelle shifted in my arms as I sat, sleeping already on me, and I gave him a genuine smile as I smoothed my skirts over my knees. The fabric was fine, neatly woven and soft, almost a luxury compared to what I'd dealt with of late.
"I'm.. M.. Grace Ouilet," I offered, wincing already at my mistake and hoping he took it for a stutter only, not that that was a great thing either. "I'm new to this area, and I was looking.. hoping..."
Oh Elua, how did one go about this? I'd never had to search employment before; my life had been spent at my parents growing up, learning and doing things on my own before they arranged my marriage ot my first husband. On his death, I returned to them before they arranged my marraige to my second husband.. the marriage that ended up undoing me and allowing me to meet my salvation both. I was out of my element, though I wasn't sure I ever had found my element in life.
"I'm looking for employment," I finished, my voice pitched gently, but loud enough for him to hear it without straining. "I have a fine hand at sewing and stitching, I know a fair bit about cleaning and polishing.. and I'm willing to learn anything." I didn't add that I knew how to clean only from watching others do it, but it didn't look too hard, just time consuming. Cooking was beyond me, but if he wanted me to spend my days up to my elbows in greasy soap, I'd do it for my daughter. "Anything at all. I'm honest, I'll work hard for you," I added before catching my lower lip between my teeth again.
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Post by Hjalmar Fellstone (I) on Jun 7, 2011 11:10:51 GMT -5
I watched with compassion as she entered my home, and shut the door behind her. I knew what she wanted, what she needed. I knew too, that she would do anything she needed to for her children. Any good mother would. So as she floundered and tried to think of how best to word her question, I went and retrieved the shirt I had tossed on a nearby chair. I slipped it on, not bothering to button it, and then moved to sit in a chair across from her.
I did not answer her question at first, merely regarded her and her daughter. Then my eyes settled upon the swell of her belly.
"Are you hungry?" I asked, concerned.
Her eyes turned down as she nodded and I stood. "C'mon then." I gestured for her to follow and led her to the kitchen. Once there I checked the pantry and the icebox. With a smile I produced a half-loaf of bread, some cheese, a butt of ham, several apples and a large pitcher of water. Grabbing some plates and flatware, and some mugs, I quickly set the table.
"You'll have to forgive me. This is all I have without having to cook. I can stoke the fire if you'd like something hot though. It is no bother."
I was already thinking of where they could sleep. I had two guest rooms, and she'd be welcome to one of them.
"Eat. And then we'll talk about what sort of employment I may have for you." I gestured at the food encouragingly.
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Post by Grace Ouilet on Jun 7, 2011 11:38:15 GMT -5
He didn't reply to me, but merely took Miryelle and I in, then dropped his gaze to my stomach, rising with my growing child. I colored again, but a thread of defensiveness was rising in me; I could take any number of abuse to myself, but if he was going to say something about my children...
But he didn't. I blinked in surprise before looking down, ashamed of what I'd thought, and nodded. I'd been saving the little food we had; I had money, but that needed to go towards finding a place for us to live, a shoppe to work out of, and I had precious little to spare. I followed him into his kitchens, walking quietly and smoothly so as not to disturb my sleeping babe, though my arms were beginning to ache from holding her for so long.
He gathered an array of things, and I watched almost dumbfounded at the kindness that was pouring out of him. By the time he had the table set, I had tears in my eyes that I was struggling to not let spill, and my mouth quivered with gratefulness. "Oh, my Lord," I whispered, my voice naught but a breath on the wind. Had I known him better I'd have hugged him, but as it was I looked up at his strong but kindly face, wishing I could say more, or do more for him.
Obedience was a start, though, and I sat, cradling my daughter on my lap again. "This is.. Elua it's more than enough, it's a feast. Truly," I said, and the smile on my mouth to him was heartfelt as I waited for him to sit as well. Miryelle stirred in my arms, but didn't wake, and I knew better than to wake my sleepy two year old up; I'd give her something later, whether we were here or walking down the road again. I'd buy her something.. neither of us had eaten meat in a couple of days now.
Gingerly I took a little of everything, and began eating. I tried not to think of how far I'd fallen; it was done at my own choice, and Miryelle and I would get through this. I was determined of it, somehow. Before I knew it, all the food I'd taken was gone, and I was left fingering the lone apple I'd selected, turning it over in my hands just above my lap.
"Thank you, so much," I said, feeling better, more strong and sure of myself now that the core in my stomach had been filled. I wondered where to go from here, but was unsure.. My mouth opened before closing again, and I brought my eyes to his, a feeling of awkwardness descending over me.
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Post by Hjalmar Fellstone (I) on Jun 7, 2011 12:11:00 GMT -5
I gently corrected her. "Call me Hal." My voice was soft, and though I did allow Gastone and Arabelle to call me sir, 'Lord' was not spoken in this house. I was no lord, despite whatever title I was given. I didn't feel like one at least. I was merely a man, helping someone in need. No, three someones in need.
I'm sure I could not hide the smile on my face as I watched her eat. It was heartening. It showed she was far from giving up. Besides, when Arabelle got back from the market she could eat a more proper meal.
For a moment after she finished eating I paused. A thick silence hung in the air and she looked at me. Her eyes met mine and I smiled gently. She was unafraid. Determined. Whatever life had thrown at her, she refused to yield. I try to hide the grin that threatens to overcome me. She would have made a good Skaldic woman. But should I grin overly much, or laugh, she might think I have aimed it toward her. So I shrug it off as she speaks. "Well now, I suppose a bath should be next?" I stood and said, "You just rest there a moment. I'll draw one for you, alright?" I had given the maid, Sabine, the week off to visit family. It seemed that Grace's appearance on my doorstep happened to coincide in such a way with the staff that I would have to take care of a lot of this myself.
I did not mind in the least.
I made my way upstairs and went to the guest room with the adjoining bath. Though it took some time, I eventually had her bath drawn and the water hot but not scalding. I quickly went back downstairs.
"Grace?" I asked softly, "I have a bath drawn and a room somewhat prepared. I'll have to try and find you some clothes. Probably something of Sabine's. You two look about the same size." I knew it was forward but I asked softly, "Would you like me to carry your daughter? If not, the just follow me." Regardless of her answer I did lead her up the stairs to the second floor and the guest room I had selected.
"This will be your room. The washroom is there, and feel free to lie down and sleep. I am sure you need it. On the morrow we can talk about employment, yes?" I look to her expectantly. There was no need to make hasty decisions today. She needed fed and washed and then sleep.
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Post by Grace Ouilet on Jun 7, 2011 15:16:44 GMT -5
Call him Hal.
Such a simple request, and one that probably made me more comfortable than if he'd said anything else in the world. My smile edged on my lips again, and I hesitated in the nervous turning of my apple as I took him in. He was large, that much I knew already, but if he was full-blooded d'Angeline than I was a Skaldic.. Wait. Was he Skaldic? This close to the border it wouldn't be too surprising, but a Skaldic Lord.. Queen Ysandre had to have been rolling over in her grave.
I didn't care, not one whit. He was kind, he was thoughtful and generous, and already I owed him more than I'd owed anyone since I left. I wanted to stay here to pay back some of his kindness, and I knew if he did hire me on, I'd work as hard as I could to prove myself to him.
When he suggested a bath, I colored yet again, but I knew he was right. A wash in the river didn't compare to a soaking bath, and I knew Miryelle would enjoy it; she was always a little waterbug. He disappeared for a while and left me to my own devises, and I remained seated where I was, not disturbing my sleeping child, but more to show him he could trust that I wouldn't begin rifling through his belongings the moment his back was turned. I wanted him to trust me, to see the good in me.. Elua, but I think the only one who saw any good in me anymore was Marcel, and even that might be fleeting. I didn't know anymore, about anything or anyone.. I was just glad I was away from Jacques, away from Marcels new estate.
He reappeared, and I looked up more because of his voice than the name he said. That was going to take some getting used to undoubtedly. I began to rise with my daughter in my arms as he spoke, not wanting to keep him waiting, but the more he said, the more shocked I was.
"Oh Hal," I breathed, fighting tears for a second time as I made my way to him on quiet feet, but he was off, and I cuddled my slowly waking child to me as I followed him up the stairs. He showed me to a bedroom, explained a few things to me, and by the time he finished the few simple words I was overwhelmed with gratitude and emotion. Without thinking or hesitating. I reached out and took his hand in mine, then brought it to my face. Tears fell from my eyes as they closed, and I pressed my cheek to the back of his hand, letting it hold for only a quick moment before releasing him again, not wanting him to feel awkward. "I owe you so much already," I responded, my hand going to Miryelles back as she lifted her blond little head and rubbed at her eyes. "So very much.. It means more to me than you could ever understand. Thank you."
Thank you wasn't enough, but I didn't know what else to say. I drew a shaky breath to try and steady myself, to show him I wasn't going to break or be broken, that he could assign me whatever task pleased him and I'd be happy to do it. I glanced into the room again, and compared to the shrubs and trees we'd slept under, reins held tight in one hand and Miryelle tight in the other, this seemed a palace.
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Post by Hjalmar Fellstone (I) on Jun 7, 2011 15:59:30 GMT -5
The way she said my name sent shivers along my arms. I don't think I had ever heard anyone say my name with such emotion. I have to admit that it touched me. One might expect such emotion from one's parents. Maybe from a lover. But from a complete stranger? Simply for a little kindness? She must have had things more difficult than I thought.
I led her upstairs and showed her the room and the bath. I had made sure there was plenty of cloths and soap and towels. I turned back to her then and that was when... that was when she took my hand.
The act surprised me. And as she held the back of my hand to her cheek I felt her tears. Just as quickly as she had grabbed it she let go, but I had already taken a step towards her. I wrapped my arms about her, gently, and softly kissed the top of her head. "Peace be upon you Grace. And upon your children. You are welcome here, and safe."
I knew not what it was, but she was running. I let her go after a moment, not wishing for her to think I would in any way ever take advantage of her. My hands rested on her shoulders a moment as I looked at her. "Please stay and rest. We'll ring you for dinner."
I smiled easily at her and then turned and left, leaving her to bathe. "I'll find you some clothes and leave them on the bed. The washroom has a door, so just shut it. I promise not to peek." I smiled as I shut the door to the bedroom softly behind me.
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Post by Grace Ouilet on Jun 10, 2011 9:59:22 GMT -5
When he wrapped his arms around me and kissed the top of my head, it would have been so easy to break down in his arms, to press my face into his chest and cry my heart out at everything that had happened, but I couldn't. I couldn't be weak, I couldn't let myself break down and grieve. The past was in the past, the future was what was important, and my future was here, in this next village. I'd find a place somewhere and set up shoppe, and earn a living enough to support my children and I. No lovers, no men or women outside of friendship; just Miryelle, my unborn babe and I, forever.
He pulled back and I bit my lower lip to keep it from quivering, knowing how strong I had to be, how I needed to change who I was in order to survive.
"Thank you," I said softly, my eyes dry now, but my lashes still glistened wetly. Gently I touched his hand as it lay upon my shoulder; the words of thanks weren't enough, but I didn't know what else to say. Miryelle was awaking more and more, starting to squirm to get down, and as Hal walked away I obliged her and set her on the floor, but held her hand. I watched his large form as he ambled away, his gait rolling and self-confident, and I took comfort in it. Turning, I closed the door softly and led Miryelle into the adjacent washing room, and when the moist air kissed my face, I couldn't undress fast enough. Miryelle too, and we sat in the bath together; I luxuriating as much as I could, and she splashing and squealing and laughing such as I hadn't heard since we left. I laughed too and tried to stop her from pushing the water out of the tub, distracting her with making silly faces and running water through her pretty blond curls. My little girl emerged from dirt accumulated since the river this morning, and I kissed the tip of her nose before I began soaping myself down as well.
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Post by Hjalmar Fellstone (I) on Jun 10, 2011 10:12:43 GMT -5
I looked through Sarielle's things. They weren't fancy, but were clean and sturdy. I found some suitable clothes and then winced slightly. There was nothing for her child. The girl couldn't run about naked. I'd have to pursue another course.
The tell-tale click-clack of claws on the hardwood floor made me turn. Geri and Freki entered, both coming to lean against me. I petted them.
"We have company. You two guard them well." I said absently. Then, I led them down the hall. I could hear the child laughing and playing in the water. A pang of emptiness hit me. I knocked softly, and hoped she had followed my instructions to close the door to the washroom. I peered inside and quickly made my way to the bed and left the clothes.
Pointing at the door I told the two wolfhounds, "Guard." Obediently they both lowered themselves to the floor, heads resting on their paws just outside the bedroom. Nodding in satisfaction, I went downstairs. The hounds would make sure that they were safe. I wondered just what it was she was running from.
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Post by Grace Ouilet on Jun 10, 2011 12:52:45 GMT -5
I spent a goodly amount of time in the bath with Miryelle, enjoying the soaking, soaping and resoaping both of us til we near gleamed with cleanliness. At one point I heard a voice in the next room, and I shushed Miryelle, stilling her so I could listen, but before long it was gone again and I relaxed. I didn't mistrust him, but neither did I know him, and Elua I was on edge.
By the time we climbed from the water, it was cooling, and I fretted over how dirty it was. Mortified that anyone would see, I wondered how I could empty it myself, but I didn't see where I could dump it and nor could I do much strenuous activity being pregnant, something I'd learned when pregnant with Miryelle. Wrapping a towel around my midsection, I bundled her up in one as well and peeked out the bathing room door to make sure it was empty, the opposite closed.
Sure enough, it was, and giving Miryelle a grin I opened the door wider and stepped in befor realizing two dogs were laying on the floor. I squeaked and jumped back, but they just rolled their eyes to look at me placidly, unaffected by my presence. I eyed them nervously for a moment before stepping forward, but when they didn't move beyond one flopping over to lay full-out on his side, I began to relax, and set Miryelle upon the bed to inspect the dress that lay draped there.
It was... basic. I ran my fingers over the stitchings before took my towel off and layed it neatly on a nearby chair, then pulled the dress over my head. It wasn't what I was used to; the fabric was coarser than my dresses had been, it was cut plainly, with little in the way of trimmings or fanciful adornments. I ran my hands over the little bump protruding from my stomach as a smile grew across my mouth, and I flashed it to Miryelle. The dress wasn't much, but I loved it. I loved what it symbolized, our new life, and I was proud to wear it.
Miryelle had nothing laid out, but our packs were set upon the floor near the door, and I picked up the one I knew held her belongings and began rifling through them. I was a tidy person if nothing else, and I picked through them til I found one that was still quite clean, and one of my favorites that I hadn't been able to bring myself to part with. A soft pink silk with tiny pearl seeds lightly decorating the front, it made her look like the angel she was, and I admired her as I finished buttoning it up in back. "My darling girl," I whispered, before kissing her forehead. Our hair was next; hers was brushed and guided into the loose ringlets that it always held, and mine was brushed and pulled up into a self sustaining lovers-knot, keeping my face fresh and clear of obstruction. Miryelle giggled and petted the dogs as I dressed and took care of the towels, trying to keep things as neat as I could to prove already I would be worth his keep. At last I gathered her up on my hip and made my way down again, walking slowly and peering about me, not quite sure where to go.
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Post by Hjalmar Fellstone (I) on Jun 10, 2011 14:46:17 GMT -5
The evening passed quietly. I'd heard Grace and her young one exit the tub, but they did not come downstairs. Neither did Freki and Geri, which meant they were still guarding the two. The hour soon became late and I went to eat my dinner. Arabelle had returned and the pantry was now better stocked. Their meal in the morning would be well enough to break their fast. I retired, my mind troubled.
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The next morning I awoke, and following my normal routine I grabbed my axe and my sword and went outside to practice. There in the morning sun, I went through my forms, body soon covered in a sheen of sweat.
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Post by Grace Ouilet on Jun 11, 2011 12:44:15 GMT -5
By the time Miryelle and I had awoke the following morning, I was more rested than I had been in so very long. Even before we had left the de Layne estate, I'd not slept soundly, curled as I was much of the time on the floor near Miryelles bed in efforts to avoid my husband. Odd, that one night in a borrowed bed sat in a place we didn't know could comfort me so, but I'd slept with my arms around my daughter, and the two dogs lolling about the floor.
My conscious mind came to me slowly, exiting the post-sleep fog at it's own sloth-like pace. Somehow I didn't worry where I was, and I felt content, peaceful. Miryelle shifted beside me, and much like her usual self she sat up almost instantly with waking, little fists rubbing her eyes, her blond curls a mass of disarray. I smiled softly and reached up to stroke her tresses, and as I did, I looked around me, remembering.
I was gone. I was free. Free! For the first time in my life, I was free of anything and anyone, free to go where I wanted, to do what I wanted, to care for myself and my children as I wanted. The soft sleepy smile on my mouth bloomed widely, and I moved to sit up to gather my little girl in my arms, but before I could shift I felt movement in my stomach.
It was like.. bubbles. A little flutter, a pause, another little flutter. My lip trembled and I automatically touched my belly tenderly, low, though I knew I wouldn't be able to feel it in my hand yet.
It was moving.. My babe, it was moving, and I felt it for the first time. Tears came to my eyes as I felt it, and I luxuriated in it for as long as it would last, but it was over within a few scant minutes. Only then did I sit up, and I gathered Miryelle in my arms, kissing the top of her head, and trying not to cry into her hair.
"Lets get ready to go downstairs," I whispered into her locks, and kissed her cheek once more before climbing out of bed. For the next few minutes I was busy dressing and straightening myself, putting the little pink dress back on Miryelle that she'd worn so briefly yesterday, and that no one had seen her in. I chattered with her and tickled her, and before long we made our way down the stairs, my hair pulled back into the lovers knot again; my tresses were crimped and wavy from it anyway, and Miryelles hair was brushed and tamed as much as a little girls hair could ever be.
We explored, she and I, not seeing anyone for a little while, but respectfully keeping our noses out of any rooms and only glancing into the ones that were open as we looked for Hal, or another servant. Already I considered myself one, and by the time we found the kitchens, Miryelle was walking beside me, her hand in mine.
"He's out back," whom I presumed was the cook said, waving her hand in the general direction. "Just make you sure you don't get close! Wouldn't want that pretty little head getting lopped off accidentally."
Lopped off? I frowned and bobbed a little curtsy as I thanked her, then made my way to the door, opening it and taking in the picture before me. Hal worked, sweeping and cutting forms, the sun glinting off the metal of his weapon and the sheen of his sweat. For a scant moment all was quiet, then Miryelle tugged against my grasp to follow a butterfly, squealing with an unexpected peal of laughter.
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Post by Hjalmar Fellstone (I) on Jun 11, 2011 13:40:28 GMT -5
The wolfhounds followed them close, though not crowding them, but it was the squeal of the little girl that drew my attention first. I stopped in my exercise and turned, an easy smile and a wave coming to me. "Good morning!" I called and rested the blade against a tree. I motioned for them to come on out as I set it aside and grabbed a towel from a branch nearby. I wiped off my face and arms, making myself at least a little more presentable. Despite what she thought, this Grace, I still felt she was more guest than employee. After all, I still was not sure in what capacity should could help around here. I was more than happy to give her shelter, simply open my home until there was a time she could get on her feet. But long-term employment? I had no idea how that might work.
I would make it work, somehow.
I walked over, whistling softly and making a flat motion with my hand. Geri and Freki moved away from the woman and her child, heading to the back porch for their breakfast. "Did you rest well?" I asked.
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Post by Grace Ouilet on Jun 12, 2011 8:52:46 GMT -5
Miryelles laughter gave him pause, and it wasn't until after that I realized I should have been tense that somehow the weight of the ax's head might have slipped from his fingers. My heart fluttered though it were silly to do so now, and I glanced to either side of us as the dogs melted away at his express, if silent, command.
"Good morning," I said through my soft smile, a bit shyly. Miryelle, normally a fairly quiet and reserved child, pulled free at last to chase the butterfly, her little legs toddling across the ground. I winced when she almost fell once, but didn't chase after her, deciding I had to show trust if I was going to prove that I, too, could be trusted.
"I rested beautifully," I answered, my voice a little breathy with sincerity. "To be honest, I cannot remember the last time I slept so well. I am sorry for missing dinner last night; I had no intentions on falling asleep like I did, and especially staying asleep throughout the entirety of the night."
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Post by Hjalmar Fellstone (I) on Jun 12, 2011 13:52:12 GMT -5
I couldn't help but smile as the small child wandered after the butterfly. I'm sure Grace did as well, but I kept a close eye upon her, as my blade leaned against the tree. Turning sideways to watch the girl, I nodded at Grace. "I am glad that you slept well. Sometimes sleeping in a strange bed does not lend itself to rest. But I am certainly happy that you were able to. Regarding dinner, there is no need to worry. The pantry is now stocked and there is plenty of food. I am sure you are famished. As you can see, I set my two hounds to watch you. I know I should have asked first, for that I am sorry."
I paused then, unsure how to continue. But I was never a man to mince words. "I set them to guard you, not to keep you from stealing, if that is what you might think. I won't ask you what your business is Grace, it is not my place, and I am sure you would not say. I have never seen a woman traveling with her child, and another on the way, alone. Not unless she was heading somewhere, or unless she was leaving something behind. Since you are looking for employment, you likely are not heading anywhere. That leaves the latter choice. The dogs are for your protection. As is my household."
I looked at her then and continued softly, "You are welcome to stay here Grace, for as long as you need. The house is not large, and the staff is competent. I will be forthright and tell you that I have no place for a permanent employee with a dedicated position. However, each member of the staff is amenable to you picking up slack, and helping them in their own duties. I will simply add you as a member of the staff, and you just help where it is needed. It may be in the garden, or over the stove, or washing clothes... I do not know, and so long as you agree, I do not care. You will be paid as any other member of the staff. Also, like them, you will have two days off per week. You'll need to coordinate with them if you do not mind, so that the house is not shorthanded. Yesterday was an anomaly, and there was a family emergency. But there are to be three staff on hand most of the time. But as I said, this house is not large. All of us welcome you and your child."
I felt that I had talked quite a lot, but I wanted her to know just where she stood. She was welcome here and I always spoke as plainly as I could.
It was then that I noticed the little one walking toward the tree and I moved swiftly, skirting past her to grab the axe. I hoisted it and turned, a smile on my face.
"Does my proposition sounds reasonable?" I was wholly unprepared for an answer given in a negative, and hoped she would agree.
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Post by Grace Ouilet on Jun 12, 2011 19:23:05 GMT -5
I listened as he spoke, and when he finished, I wasn't quite sure what to say or how to react. It would hardly be proper for me to hug him or touch him as I had yesterday, so instead I curtsied, a smooth, sweeping gesture that was filled with the grace of past days.
No sooner had I risen though that I watched him hurry to pick up his ax, and I bit my lip; the danger was removed and there was no point in me going after my daughter, but I watched her anyway, this place a house of unknowns for me.
"I thank you for your warm welcome, Master," I said heartfelt, and remembering too that his servants called him that betimes. If I couldn't address him as lord, Master it would be. "And for.. oh Elua everything. For understanding, for offering your home to my daughter and I, for not.." asking questions "..putting us out. Truth be, I hope we need stay here but a very short time.. I have some little coin you see, and was hoping to secure a shoppe in the next village that Miryelle and I could stay at, and I could work from. I've a talented had as a seamstress," I said, hoping to pull it off that I was an experienced one. Truth was that I was not, but I did know my way around, and had made many of Miryelles clothes as well as some for myself. I wanted to tell him my real name, but truth told, it was already easy for me to respond to Grace.. mayhap it was a piece of me willing to let go of the old in hopes for the new.
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Post by Hjalmar Fellstone (I) on Jun 13, 2011 7:04:45 GMT -5
I winced inwardly as she called me Master, and felt that it was not a good fit. Yet I doubt she would change her mind and there was no use arguing. So instead I simply nodded. Then she spoke of her dreams, of opening a shoppe. That brought a grin. "Well, we shall see how you do, and I can help you save money. I'll pay your wage, and provide what I can. Perhaps sooner than you know you will have that shoppe."
I waved away her thanks with an easy smile and responded. "Grace, I cannot turn away most who show up at my door, if they are truly in need. Perhaps I am a fool, and I am sure I have been made one more than once, but I feel rather sad at the behavior of my fellow countrymen. They turned away a young girl and a pregnant woman. It does not speak well for the hospitality and kindness of those here in Camlach, let me assure you of that. Perhaps it is a slight distrust of strangers in this time, wanting to keep oneself guarded, what with the brewings on the border.
I tell myself that is what it is anyway, to ease my own mind. Because surely not all you talked with before me are so normally cruel."
It is easy to see that as I speak of it that I get upset, but soon I breathe deep and gesture to the house. "Join me for breakfast?"
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Post by Grace Ouilet on Jun 15, 2011 10:15:07 GMT -5
"Oh, no, please, you don't have to pay me aught for my services," I said hurriedly, shaking my head. Part of me warned already that he'd do it anyway, and if he should I was determined to leave the monies he gave me in a tidy bundle somewhere in the house where he would find it, with my gratitude, and as gracious a refusal as I could muster.
"I have coin enough, but I haven't a place to stay and.. make myself useful," I added, not wanting to add too that I feared word might be sent to boarding houses, questioning the whereabouts of a lone woman and her daughter. I still ran the risk by opening a shoppe, but it was a risk I'd have to take eventually, and at least this way it was more low-key. "I thank you for your generosity, though... Food and shelter is all I need for my daughter, and the ability to go into town betimes to seek out a place for us to move to?"
It was a question, and though I didn't think he would disagree with it it still needed to be asked, he being the Master and all. I pressed my hands over my hips , feeling the slight swell of my stomach as I did, and my heart fluttered with everything my future had in store.
I listened to him, and as I did I had to keep my brows from furrowing slightly. How had he known I'd been turned away? I'd not mentioned it, not wishing to look the part of a beggar, but I supposed he might have made inquisitions the night before as I slept. People have done odder things, after all. I colored, my secrets exposed, and swept my eyes towards the ground.
"I would be honored," I replied, and, bobbing a little curtsy, I took the excuse given to hurry and gather Miryelle, lifting her into my arms and cuddling her close.
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Post by Hjalmar Fellstone (I) on Jun 16, 2011 7:13:18 GMT -5
We ate together that day and she did everything anyone required of her. Quiet and reserved she did her job well, and I could make no complaints. She did not stay long and in just a few weeks she informed me of her plans to leave. I was happy for her and wished her well on whatever life brought her.
And just as quickly as she came into my life she was gone.
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