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Post by Guy de Layne on May 11, 2009 12:18:29 GMT -5
I was quiet when she began to talk about Sophine going along; I knew it wasn't likely, but I didn't have the heart to disappoint her. And who knew, maybe Sophine would be able to convince father yet, if she was as smart and clever as Sandrine claimed. I had to admit, I was getting more curious to meet her all the time.
I was tempted to do a little trick with my daggers at her next comment, but we had been relentlessly drilled in the dangers of showing off, so I simply smiled and patted the hilt of my sword. "Well, I do know how to use it, but I find that simply the threat can often avert violence."
I stopped suddenly when she did, a cute expression of dismay on her face. I was the type to finding pouting tiresome, but on Sandrine, it was adorable, and I had to chuckle at her obvious disappointment. "Would you miss my company so much, already?" I found I couldn't bear to think of her being unhappy, so I smiled and said, "Don't worry, I can pull strings if I have to. Besides, if you hire me, it will be 'work', right?"
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Sandrine nó Orchis
Adept
Orchis House
A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.
Posts: 776
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Post by Sandrine nó Orchis on May 11, 2009 12:48:08 GMT -5
I nodded when he mentioned how the threat could be worse than the actual violence. "Yes, I learned that much from the Shahrizai. I was so scared after his threat that I didn't sleep well for weeks. And even when I was out on the street I kept looking over my shoulder."
"I would miss you. A little. Maybe," I teased, willing myself not to blush and not really succeeding. "You're very nice, and strong, and you might be better than me in a fight, I suppose." I grinned. "Plus it would be good for Sophine, too, having a brother along and all..." I paused and looked down, feeling a little bit like the child I had been impersonating. "Though I don't know if I'll have the coin to hire a ship, let alone a Cassiline." To my utter horror, my lip quivered for an instant, and I shut my eyes tight, to avoid what I knew was suddenly coming. "Sometimes I don't know how it'll happen, but..." I cleared my throat, trying to get a hold of myself. I didn't really show my fears to anyone. Generally I was the strong one around my small circle of friends. But Guy was such a noble figure, so indomitable, I felt like I could tell him things like this. Elua knew I didn't mean to cry, though. I looked up at him, my face resolute. "...it's got to happen, somehow."
"If you have any connections with a ship..." I said, smiling, almost back to my normal self, "well, then I'd definitely love to have you along."
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Post by Guy de Layne on May 11, 2009 16:07:15 GMT -5
I chuckled as she spoke of this Shahrizai that had so tied her in knots, and I was surprised to feel the sudden urge to throttle the man, whoever he was. I shook it off as she continued, and blushed as she said she might miss me. Had a blush ever looked so fetching on any other woman?
"I might be better in a fight, though I don't know, you seem like you might hold your own." I teased back, reaching out to give her a little poke in the ribs as she had done to me earlier. Her happy mood seemed to take a turn for the worse as she mentioned finances, and I saw that underneath her carefree exterior, there was a woman there, one who worried about mundane things like finances, and it somehow made her all the more appealing. "I don't doubt that you will make it happen, Sandrine. I think the phrase 'where there's a will, there's a way' was invented with you in mind."
I chuckled as she pulled her spirits back up - I doubt anything could keep them down for long - and shook my head. "Not as of yet, but I shall endeavor to make such connections as I can while you make your marque, so that I might be of service." I grinned and bowed low to her, coming up smiling. "I certainly do not wish to be left behind."
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Sandrine nó Orchis
Adept
Orchis House
A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.
Posts: 776
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Post by Sandrine nó Orchis on May 11, 2009 16:40:03 GMT -5
"Unlike you, Cassiline, I fight dirty," I said, giggling as he poked me. "Stoppit, I'm too ticklish! You're as bad as my patron!" I stopped laughing as I realized what I had said. Elua, Sandrine, would you ever shut up?
"Your support means a lot to me, Guy," I said, looking back up at him. "This might be hard to believe, but sometimes I doubt myself. Thank you."
When he implied that he wanted to come, I really blushed then. "Oh, you don't really want to come, do you? Don't get my hopes up for nothing! And stop bowing, you're making me feel like a peer of the realm." As soon as he stood up, I took his arm, unable to stop a shiver running through me at the feel of his skin against mine. For once I was grateful for the tiny dress I wore. "If you don't quit genuflecting I'll never get back and you'll have to explain yourself to your ward." I looked up at him. "Do you know the way to Mont Nuit? I know you haven't been here long."
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Post by Guy de Layne on May 11, 2009 22:28:17 GMT -5
I could believe she would fight dirty - and probably win too. I tried not to imagine her patron tickling her, and failed miserably, and it was the first time in my life that I wanted to punch an unknown stranger in the face. I got myself under control as she turned serious again, the girl was as mercurial as the sea itself!
"Well, don't be discouraged." I said, smiling. "I have faith in you." I grinned as she blushed again. "I would like to go, really." I said, and I found that I did. "I don't know if I'll be able to, but it won't be because I don't wish to."
I laughed, grinning like an idiot when she took my arm. "Oh, well, I think you deserve the same respect as any peer. Why should an accident of birth determine respect?" After her question, I nodded.
"In theory, at any rate. I've made a study of maps of the City, so that I might better serve my ward. I think that we are not far now, am I correct?" I looked down at her, and at her arm in mine, the contrast of her dark skin against my fair skin making a beautiful picture in the early morning light.
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Sandrine nó Orchis
Adept
Orchis House
A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.
Posts: 776
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Post by Sandrine nó Orchis on May 12, 2009 4:27:33 GMT -5
"I'm not discouraged, not after that resounding show of support." I grinned broadly. "Though I'm glad someone has faith in me." I tilted my head and listened to him. "Oh no, I won't take no for an an answer, now that you've got my hopes up. You have to go. If you can't make it happen, I will." I couldn't put my finger on why I was so resolute on this, but I knew that it would be difficult to leave without Guy, even though I barely knew him. It was women's intuition. Sometimes we just knew these things.
I noted his smile when I grabbed his arm. I held on to him like he was my lifeline, grinning broadly. For all I knew, he could be my lifeline, especially on the trip of a lifetime. "Really?" I said, a bit incredulous. Quickly I shifted my voice into a fair approximation of an upper crust d'Angeline, standing up ramrod straight and looking down my nose at everything. "Oh, I think I am just as good as any peer, if not better. There are distinct advantages to being one of the 'common folk'." I let my voice slide back into normal tones. "For one, only Alexandrine, my Dowayne, would be looking for me at this hour. I bet if Sophine went missing with some handsome escort there would be hell to pay. I'm more free to do what I wish." I sighed softly. "The money would be nice, though...
"And it's not an accident," I said firmly. "I was put here to do something, I believe. Whatever it is, I relish it. I am half Jebean by someone's design, for example, though certainly not my own."
When he mentioned maps of the city, I wrinkled my nose. "You sound like Sophine. You can't learn everything from books." I reached down to his hand and squeezed it gently, his palm dwarfing mine. "Though it's a good start."
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Post by Guy de Layne on May 12, 2009 19:11:10 GMT -5
I was impressed with her outlook on life, and I could tell that she wasn't the kind of person who stayed discouraged for long. Her impression of the upper-crust made me laugh out loud, and I imagined that that was something I would do a lot in her company. I realized with a start that it was a foregone conclusion in my mind that I would be spending more time in her company.
Bemused by the realization, I chuckled at her mention of Sophine. "Yes, actually, I'm sure myself and anyone else I could round up would be scouring the City for her, and any man she was with would of course get a talking-to from me." I could just imagine how well that would go over with my sister; even if I didn't know her, I knew girls her age, and she wasn't likely to appreciate a mostly-absent older brother poking his nose where it didn't belong. Of course, I would do it anyway.
I grinned and squeezed her hand back, though softly. "Even growing up apart, it appears siblings are alike." I lifted our entwined hands and brought hers to my lips, kissing it gently. "I'm glad you stopped this morning, Sandrine." Even as the words left my mouth, I wondered if it was unwise of me to speak so. I couldn't seem to help myself around her, however.
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Sandrine nó Orchis
Adept
Orchis House
A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.
Posts: 776
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Post by Sandrine nó Orchis on May 12, 2009 19:45:42 GMT -5
I looked at him, aghast. "Oh, Guy, you can't do that. Poor Sophine will be mortified!" I bit my lip as I thought of what to say. This was important, if only so that Guy wouldn't be running around after Sophine all the time and cramping her style. "It's kind of like what you said before...how young people have to get in trouble so they can learn about life on their own. I mean, it's different hearing the platitudes from your parents, and then being put in the situation yourself." I smiled. "Sophine has a good head on her shoulders. You'll know it as soon as you talk to her, I promise. And it's okay to be the big brother...just don't run off every guy she looks at with your shiny daggers."
My eyes followed our hands and then moved to meet his as he kissed my fingers. It was perhaps one of the most innocent touches I had ever felt in my years as an adept, and yet my eyes fluttered closed and a soft sigh escaped my lips at the feel of his gentle kiss. I felt a quick flush of heat as my imagination ran through all of the things that kiss might mean, all of the things I could show him, all of the ways I knew how to make him moan and cry out my name...
Quickly I untangled my fingers from his, my cheeks burning with a strange mixture of guilt and arousal. I had to stop this, right now, before something terrible happened. Of all the things I had ever done in my life, this would be the worst by far.
"I'm glad I stopped too," I said, with a shaky smile. "I always need someone to get me out of trouble. Obviously I'm not good at watching out for myself." My smile grew a bit bigger and stronger. "And now I get to see where Sophine gets her noble bearings and charming good looks."
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Post by Guy de Layne on May 12, 2009 20:15:35 GMT -5
I listened to her advice about Sophine with an open mind, though I had to admit that although I knew she was right, I didn't like the idea. "As long as the men are the right sort, I suppose I shall try to refrain from frightening them away."
My smile faded slightly as she pulled her hand out of mine, a blush on her lovely cheeks. How had I managed to make an Adept blush? I realized then that Sandrine must know her effect on me, and unlike myself, she was smart enough to put me out of harm's way. It only made her seem sweeter in my eyes, and I felt like walking on glass ... one wrong step could cut us both. Taking a cue from her, I kept my hands to myself, though I wanted nothing more than to feel her skin on mine. That way lay danger, however, and I wasn't the sort to throw away everything I believed because a beautiful woman smiled my way. Until this day, I had never even been tempted.
Her next words caused me to laugh softly, and to forget the turmoil I was feeling, if only for a moment. "Oh, I think you can look out for yourself, but sometimes it's nice to have a little help." Then I paused and grinned at her. "And yes, Sophine has definitely taken a page from my book with looks and bearing." I struck a pose as I said this, then laughed again. "Of course, I suppose I should have a look at her before I say such things."
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Sandrine nó Orchis
Adept
Orchis House
A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.
Posts: 776
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Post by Sandrine nó Orchis on May 12, 2009 22:30:28 GMT -5
Men were so frustrating! My cheeks were still heated from the feel of his lips on my hand, but now I felt myself getting a little annoyed. He didn't know any better, but still! "No, she has to figure it out on her own. Think about it," I said, seriously, "if you tell her all the time who is good and who is bad, how will she gain the intuition to figure it out on her own? And what if she thinks she is in love with the man? She will ignore all reason to be with him, especially the counsel of her elder brother. She might even think that you are jealous and trying to break them up." I smiled, a bit sadly, remembering. "Believe me, I've been in situations where I tried to talk a friend out of a bad relationship...and it never ends well. You have to just be there when she needs you, that's all."
I saw his smile fade and I felt terrible. But it was for the best, I knew it. At least that's what I would have to tell myself. I clenched my fists, in order to not touch him. I didn't want to tempt him, or myself, any further. I really wished he hadn't taken off his shirt.
I quirked an eyebrow at his pose, then burst out laughing, thankful for the change in conversation. I knew I would accept any help he would offer me, and the idea made me bite my lip for an instant. "You know, I've never seen Sophine look quite like that," I said, still laughing. "But the de Laynes are a very good looking family, if you two are any indication." I let my eyes roam over his body for a few moments before stopping myself. "When do you plan to visit...Dyan, isn't it? And Sophine?"
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Post by Guy de Layne on May 13, 2009 10:42:05 GMT -5
I sighed deeply as she attempted to convince to stay out of Sophine's personal life, but I simply could not imagine standing by and saying nothing if my sister were going to get hurt. What could I say, though? The things she said made sense, indeed, I had seen some of them happen with my own eyes, and I supposed I had better at least meet my sister before getting worked up about her possible love life. "I shall endeavor to keep my distance from Sophine's personal life, as much as I can." I said, conceding her point, but leaving a little leeway in case I just couldn't stay out of it.
I considered her question, I had been in the City a week already, it really was past time for me to call on my family. "The day after tomorrow, I think." I said, smiling. "I wonder if I should surprise them, or send a note to apprise them of my arrival? What do you think?"
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Sandrine nó Orchis
Adept
Orchis House
A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.
Posts: 776
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Post by Sandrine nó Orchis on May 13, 2009 11:34:43 GMT -5
I suppressed the urge to roll my eyes at him. 'As much as I can'? Poor Sophine. Poor Luc! It was very endearing, the way Guy wanted to protect a sister he barely knew, but unless he stepped back Sophine wouldn't have any fun. I was looking out for my friend here! At least hopefully he would think before he leaped into some romantic dalliance of Sophine's, daggers flashing.
"You're a good brother," I said, truthfully. "I wish that I had someone like you around when I was growing up." I smiled wickedly. "Of course, I would have still found a way to evade you, but I would have appreciated the thought." I really wanted him to come on my trip now. I knew that no matter what, he wouldn't let anything happen to his sister. Or me.
All of my nervousness and blushing had to be because he was so forbidden to me. I wasn't used to not having what I wanted. Guy was sensible, brave, noble, older, gorgeous...damn near perfect. It wouldn't do, he and I, not at all. But still...
I considered his questions for a few instants. "Well, you have to remember, I'm not a noble like yourself. I suppose a peer of the realm has to be very proper about the whole thing, writing letters and waiting for the other to respond. At least that way they can prepare themselves. However," I said, grinning, "since I am naught but an adept, and a known troublemaker, I have a little more leeway for what I do. Personally, I would just show up, but it might cause a stir. From the few moments that I have shared with Dyan, I think she would probably prefer the first option."
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Post by Guy de Layne on May 13, 2009 22:22:47 GMT -5
I felt a flush of what, exactly? Pride? Embarrassment? I pushed it aside and chuckled at her. "Oh, I'm fairly resourceful, and not above enlisting aid. I should have found a way to keep up with you, or give you a run for you money at least!"
I listened to her reasoning, then laughed at her assessment of Dyan. She had always been quite the little priss, if I recalled correctly. "I think you're right about that, but I think I shall drop in unannounced anyhow. What better way to gauge the household than to surprise them?" I waggled my finger at her, becoming the 'stern Cassiline' I was so accustomed to being. "Now don't you go spoiling my fun and warning Sophine!"
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Sandrine nó Orchis
Adept
Orchis House
A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.
Posts: 776
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Post by Sandrine nó Orchis on May 13, 2009 22:41:31 GMT -5
I grinned back at him. "I'll let you think that, Guy. Though I don't doubt you would try your best."
I returned his admonishment with a loud burst of laughter, unable to help myself. "Do you think that I, of all people, would try to spoil your fun? I'm already trying to figure out how I can somehow be there so I can see everyone's face." My smile faltered for a second. "Though...I doubt I would be invited over," I said, thinking of the last few times I had visited Sophine at home. "So I'll have to think of another way."
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Post by Guy de Layne on May 13, 2009 22:55:51 GMT -5
"Why wouldn't you be invited over?" I asked, frowning slightly. "If you are Sophine's friend, I'm sure she would be a gracious hostess." I couldn't imagine that her foster-family hadn't taught her better manners than that, and I couldn't conceive of a reason that someone might not want to have Sandrine around.
I could tell that we were drawing closer to Mont Nuit, and I realized that I was dragging my feet, walking much slower than I usually did, not wanting this walk to end.
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Sandrine nó Orchis
Adept
Orchis House
A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.
Posts: 776
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Post by Sandrine nó Orchis on May 14, 2009 3:23:55 GMT -5
I had said too much. I wasn't quite sure how to explain about Dyan and the way she looked down her nose at me, as if I was a mangy dog that had followed Sophine home.
"I guess I should say that I don't like going over there," I lied, blushing slightly. I figured Guy would take the blush for my embarrassment. I really hated to lie to him, but hopefully I would make myself look worse than his sister. "I...don't always feel comfortable around nobles...not sure if you could tell. It's a little intimidating. I have never really told Sophine...I don't want to hurt her feelings." I smiled, thinking of a way to use misdirection. "But now that you'll be there, I'll have more than one reason to come visit."
Mont Nuit was visible in the distance, and there awaited chores and Alexandrine and a whole host of things I didn't want to deal with. I wished that my chores were already done. I wished that I already completed my marque, and that I was preparing for my trip. I wished that I could spend more time with Guy, and I really wished that he wasn't a Cassiline, even though it was one of the things I admired most about him.
Well, maybe I could make one of those wishes come true.
"I'm not sure what I could do to repay you for escorting me through the dangerous streets of The City," I began, slowly, "but have you eaten yet today? I'm sure I could scrounge up something in the kitchens for you." I grinned mischievously. "The cook doesn't start preparing breakfast for another hour or so...we could be in and out quickly. What do you think?"
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Post by Guy de Layne on May 14, 2009 19:02:36 GMT -5
I nodded as she explained her feelings, though I had to admit that they were foreign to me. Even though I had been raised a Cassiline, before that I was a noble child, and all of my assignments had been among the nobility. Still, I could see how it could be intimidating, though I couldn't imagine Sandrine being intimidated by much. I wondered suddenly if the problem was Dyan; I remembered her as being quite the haughty elder sister, and I doubted that had changed. Well, it would if I had anything to say about it.
"Good, I should like to have you visit." I said, smiling. "I would visit you at home as well, though I imagine the rumors would be quite scandalous." I chuckled at the imaginary look of horror on the Prefect's face upon hearing that I was frequenting the Night Court.
I smiled even more widely, if that were possible at this point, when Sandrine invited me to breakfast. As if on cue, my stomach rumbled loudly and I looked down, laughing. "I think that is your answer! I would love to break my fast with you, Sandrine." I felt suddenly lighter, as if reaching our destination was no longer the low point of my morning.
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Sandrine nó Orchis
Adept
Orchis House
A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.
Posts: 776
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Post by Sandrine nó Orchis on May 15, 2009 1:10:59 GMT -5
I looked at him, pretending to be shocked. "You? Worried about rumors? I thought we had already covered this." I looked at him appraisingly. "It's too bad you left your shirt at home instead of your daggers...I could maybe explain away a strange man, but I'm not sure what to do with a half-naked Cassiline." Actually, I knew exactly what to do with this half-naked Cassiline, and while I didn't elaborate I was sure the flush in my cheeks showed exactly what I was thinking.
I laughed with him when his stomach rumbled. "That sounds quite dangerous, Guy. We'll have to take care of it as soon as possible." My mind raced as I tried to think of who might be awake, what door we could use, and so on. It was funny, we might end up using the same route as I had with Sophine. "I think the servant's door should be unattended. I hope you don't mind using that," I said, partly teasing. "There should be plenty of food around, as long as you are quiet. You can handle that, right?" I smiled up at him, restraining myself from taking his arm again.
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Post by Guy de Layne on May 16, 2009 15:12:43 GMT -5
I chuckled, "We did cover this, didn't we?" I raised a brow and added, "If anyone looks as if they are going to ask questions, I simply glare at them until they go away." I was jesting, but in truth, I had found that tactic to work more often than not. No one wanted to have words with a Cassiline if it wasn't necessary.
"I don't mind," I said in response to her comment about using the servant's entrance. "I've gone that route once or twice before." I rubbed my stomach at the idea of food and grinned. "Even as starving as I am, I can be as quiet as a mouse." I looked down at her, happy now that I knew reaching Mont Nuit wasn't the end of our journey. "Do you feed every man who walks you home in the early hours of the morning?" Why do you want her answer to be no?
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Sandrine nó Orchis
Adept
Orchis House
A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.
Posts: 776
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Post by Sandrine nó Orchis on May 17, 2009 0:19:58 GMT -5
I laughed at the idea of Guy glaring at anyone. "I can't imagine it. I think you're too nice." I gave him a skeptical look. "Maybe I just haven't got on your bad side yet. Try me, I want to know what you look like angry so I can avoid it at all costs."
When he mentioned going that route before, I raised my eyebrows, curious. "Does that involve more stories? I'd like to hear them, if you're still in the storytelling mood.
"As for men walking me home..." I trailed off, chuckling. "They pay for a carriage or I walk home myself, if it's not too far. Generally they're too worn out to make sure I get home okay." As soon as the words escaped my lips I stopped laughing and clapped both hands over my mouth, blushing again, unable to look him in the face. I knew that my profession was one of the most sacred in Terre d'Ange, but I didn't need to share the intricate details of my assignations with a celibate Cassiline. "I'm so sorry, Guy, I didn't mean...ah, sometimes I speak before I think!"
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Post by Guy de Layne on May 17, 2009 0:41:35 GMT -5
"Are you sure you want to see that?" I teased, wondering if I would even be able to muster 'the glare' in the amused and happy mood that Sandrine seemed to engender in me. I took a deep breath to find the calm, inner peace that my training had instilled me and let my face go to stone. I looked at her, narrowed my eyes, and simply glared. I could only hold it for a moment though, before a smile cracked the stony facade and I laughed. "There you see, I can be menacing when I need to be."
I shook my head at her comment about stories. "Oh no, no more stories until I have some breakfast in me; I can't be expected to keep you entertained on an empty stomach, can I?"
I had to force the stony, silent glare off of my face when she began speaking about how she usually got home from assignations, trying to decipher the burning feeling in my gut at the image of her with her patrons. I forced myself to laugh, hoping it wasn't obvious to her that it was false, then said, "Oh, don't be sorry. I did ask, after all." Unlike some Cassilines I had known, I didn't have an issue with Servants of Naamah, so where were these sudden feelings coming from?
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Sandrine nó Orchis
Adept
Orchis House
A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.
Posts: 776
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Post by Sandrine nó Orchis on May 17, 2009 0:51:51 GMT -5
I cowered under his expression, though I laughed when he did. "Oh, very scary. I think you frightened a few of the songbirds out of the trees," I snorted. "I'm sure you'll find it very useful when we are facing down vagabonds and thieves on the road."
"Fine, fine, it's only fair. Stories always sound better while you're eating anyway." I grinned at the idea of him entertaining me. "If you want to amuse me, all you have to do is glare some more, does that require nourishment?"
I was relieved when he laughed. Thank Elua he wasn't offended. I didn't know the official Cassiline position on Servants of Naamah, but it didn't seem like Guy was upset by it. I found myself wishing, futilely, that Guy was one of my patrons, but I quickly realized that was a fantasy better meant for more private times. "I'll try not to give you details," I said, the blush finally fading from my cheeks. "But, you know, ask a silly question..." I smiled at him, noting that we were very close to the base of Mont Nuit.
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