|
Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Dec 31, 2010 21:36:54 GMT -5
I smiled, truly touched by what she said, because I could tell that she meant it. I knew full well that family can often blindly compliment a person, but I didn't get that sense. "Thank you, and I truly hope you are right. And yes, friendship is the one thing that could almost be thought of as better, unless you truly love the person, then there is no way under the sun that friendship can satisfy."
|
|
Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
Noble (Staff)
Sovereign Duchesse of Eisande, Lady of Marsilikos *Voted Member of Best Storyline 2010*
Wife of Fydor Romanov
Posts: 2,623
|
Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Dec 31, 2010 21:44:28 GMT -5
I could only flush slightly at his final words and nod a bit. Could I ever look at Fydor as just a friend after opening my heart to him as I had? I could pretend, I knew my way around court that well, but I couldn't truly feel it. "I understand what you mean," I said, my hand going to fidget with my engagement ring again. That ring and his words were proof of his love in his absence and my comfort.
Knowing that I probably seemed rude I managed to pull myself out of my thoughts and smiled as I took another sip of wine. "I hope that you never have to try though. It would be very difficult indeed and I wouldn't want to see you in so much hardship."
|
|
|
Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Dec 31, 2010 22:02:34 GMT -5
I nodded again. "Thanks. Your words are kind and encouraging, sweet really. And yes I cannot imagine trying to be merely friends when you feel so much more, it must be such a strain on the heart." I then took a deep breath. "But on to lighter things, such as dessert?"
|
|
Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
Noble (Staff)
Sovereign Duchesse of Eisande, Lady of Marsilikos *Voted Member of Best Storyline 2010*
Wife of Fydor Romanov
Posts: 2,623
|
Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Dec 31, 2010 22:21:49 GMT -5
He was right, this conversation was getting much deeper and darker than people generally preferred at meals. "Dessert sounds very nice, thank you," I said as I set my wineglass down again. Without even thinking about it I'd actually made it through the meal and had more to eat at one sitting then I probably had in days. Maybe I really did need to relax more often. From now on I'd make more of an effort to try. After all not eating didn't do me any good except make me more easily distracted and anxious, and I doubted Fydor would be happy if he saw me and I was even thinner than now.
|
|
|
Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Dec 31, 2010 22:50:59 GMT -5
I smiled as she accepted the offer. "Well I'll the chef to whip something up. He makes an excellent pudding if you'd like that." I rose from my seat to go into the kitchen and talk to the chef. "I will just be a moment."
|
|
Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
Noble (Staff)
Sovereign Duchesse of Eisande, Lady of Marsilikos *Voted Member of Best Storyline 2010*
Wife of Fydor Romanov
Posts: 2,623
|
Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Dec 31, 2010 23:47:10 GMT -5
He was being really obliging and if not for his smile I would have felt a little guilty to Guy for making him do so much work. "Whatever you choose will be great I'm sure," I replied with a ready smile that was by now not really leaving my face. This dinner with my cousin was turning out to be a lot more fun than I'd expected and I was starting to understand why Fydor held all of his siblings in such high regard. I'd never had an older brother but if I did I'd want him to be like Guy.
|
|
|
Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Dec 31, 2010 23:55:44 GMT -5
I nodded and walked into the kitchen,returning a few minutes later. "He said it will be about fifteen minutes. We can return to the salon if you'd like, I really don't have a problem with food in there." I smirked and offered to help her from her chair. I already felt close to my cousin in a short period of time, almost as if she were my sister.
|
|
Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
Noble (Staff)
Sovereign Duchesse of Eisande, Lady of Marsilikos *Voted Member of Best Storyline 2010*
Wife of Fydor Romanov
Posts: 2,623
|
Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Jan 1, 2011 0:12:05 GMT -5
I could only smile as I took his arm and stood from my chair. "I don't mind being in the salon," I told him in a sincere tone, glad that I'd come to this meal and meeting. Sometimes my luck wasn't with me, but this time it was and it had given me a wonderful family. "What were you reading before? I know it was Caerdiccan poetry but I couldn't see the title completely." Normally I wouldn't have admitted to trying to figure it out but my curiosity had the better of me.
|
|
|
Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Jan 1, 2011 0:29:07 GMT -5
I led her into the salon and took my seat, offering her one across from me. "It's called The Song of the Shepherd. It's a correspondence between a shepherd and his lover, a maiden of the sea. It's a little sappy, but I find it beautiful at the same time." I smirked and glanced down. If any of my former soldiers had caught me reading such I would have been laughed out.
|
|
Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
Noble (Staff)
Sovereign Duchesse of Eisande, Lady of Marsilikos *Voted Member of Best Storyline 2010*
Wife of Fydor Romanov
Posts: 2,623
|
Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Jan 1, 2011 0:35:58 GMT -5
I took the seat he offered me readily and cocked my head slightly at his explanation, understanding completely how he felt. An avid reader I had a soft spot for romance stories even though many times they were considered 'lesser works'. "I think almost all Caerdiccan poetry is lovely, no matter the topic," I admitted with a slight flush as I looked aside as well. "And I think I've read some version of that story as well. It was the first language I learned after d'Angeline so I can't recall for certain everything that I've read in that tongue."
|
|
|
Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Jan 1, 2011 0:59:22 GMT -5
I nodded and grinned. "There are a few versions of it. In one the lady of the sea is actually Venus in dsiguise, in another the shepherd dies to save his love. This one is my favorite however because of the words and the way it treats love."
|
|
Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
Noble (Staff)
Sovereign Duchesse of Eisande, Lady of Marsilikos *Voted Member of Best Storyline 2010*
Wife of Fydor Romanov
Posts: 2,623
|
Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Jan 1, 2011 1:12:50 GMT -5
It was interesting how stories could change through time and interpretation, and even through translation. I always tried to read things in their original language before undertaking other versions just so I could see where the shift happened and gain a deeper understanding of the writers and translators. "Which version are you reading?" I asked interestedly.
|
|
|
Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Jan 1, 2011 1:18:37 GMT -5
"One of the earliest," I replied. "Simply a tale of a shepherd and a girl who lived by the seaside. Some suggest that these are even original letters, embellished slightly. Overtime the characters were embellished as well. The story became more fantastic, but the sense of love was lost, they no longer felt real."
|
|
Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
Noble (Staff)
Sovereign Duchesse of Eisande, Lady of Marsilikos *Voted Member of Best Storyline 2010*
Wife of Fydor Romanov
Posts: 2,623
|
Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Jan 1, 2011 1:41:56 GMT -5
There was a point where a story became a myth and sometimes it could lose something in that process. It was hard to be approachable and human when dealing with things that most people had a problem identifying with. "It sounds like a beautiful story," I said honestly, smiling slightly as I thought of it. I wasn't the kind to think I lived in any great romance story but with Fydor I came as close as anyone I'd ever heard of. "They're not going to die at the end, are they?"
|
|
|
Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Jan 1, 2011 1:46:05 GMT -5
I chuckled. "No not in this version. We don't really know how it ends. The lovers just keep on writing to one another. It's hinted that they will see eachoter soon. I guess they just kept on loving. For that, there needs be no end. I've never really liked star-crossed-lovers' tales. I think the only time death is of any beauty is when it is in defense of a man's people."
|
|
Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
Noble (Staff)
Sovereign Duchesse of Eisande, Lady of Marsilikos *Voted Member of Best Storyline 2010*
Wife of Fydor Romanov
Posts: 2,623
|
Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Jan 1, 2011 1:58:47 GMT -5
His way of thinking really was an honorable one and I could see the point in it. The only matter I could dispute was the fact that most lovers would rather do anything than die for love, but perhaps that was part of the point. "But when gods and spirits are involved they can't really die, can they?" I speculated in a thoughtful but quiet tone as I ran the idea through my head. "I don't think anyone wants to die for love if they can avoid it, but everyone has different things that they would die for. That's part of 'love as thou wilt'. We all have loves that we'd give everything for."
|
|
|
Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Jan 1, 2011 2:10:02 GMT -5
I nodded. "To die for real love would be a something. However, in most of the stories the characters do not really love one another. Some do, and I do enjoy those stories. Well not enjoy, but appreciate. I quite agree with you."
The chef brought in the pudding, firm on top and full of goodness just below the surface, and a scent that made my mouth water the moment it arrived, served with a little berry on top. "Looks wonderful, Francois."
|
|
Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
Noble (Staff)
Sovereign Duchesse of Eisande, Lady of Marsilikos *Voted Member of Best Storyline 2010*
Wife of Fydor Romanov
Posts: 2,623
|
Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Jan 1, 2011 2:29:32 GMT -5
It was almost surprising how much Guy and I agreed on, at least in terms of the major things, and I had to wonder if that had to do with blood or simply with his general nature. I wasn't going to question it though. It was nice just to have someone to talk to that I didn't have to worry so much about offending. When the pudding was brought in I smiled again and watched with curiosity though I stayed in my seat politely, but it did smell delicious and I gave the cook a smile as well. I had no doubt it would taste as good as it smelled.
|
|
|
Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Jan 1, 2011 2:34:53 GMT -5
he chef served each of us on small, silver trays. I took a bite of the dish and closed my eyes. "It's delicious, Francois, thank you." I smiled. He smiled. As he left I turned to Lessandrie. "Do you have a favorite dish? I should have to ask him to prepare it next time you visit."
|
|
Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
Noble (Staff)
Sovereign Duchesse of Eisande, Lady of Marsilikos *Voted Member of Best Storyline 2010*
Wife of Fydor Romanov
Posts: 2,623
|
Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Jan 1, 2011 11:48:05 GMT -5
I delicately took the tray that I was handed and smiled to the cook again before I looked back at Guy. "I really should have you at my house first so that's something I should ask you," I told him in a light tone of humor before I picked up the spoon and took a bite of the pudding, then swallowed. "This is really good. What is it?"
Now that I wasn't feeling so nervous about speaking or making a bad impression my natural curiosity had started to come back out, something that it hadn't done around others since I'd been asking Fydor for the definition of Ruskovian words. It was nice to have someone to talk to without having to concern myself with whether or not they might be hiding something.
|
|
|
Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Jan 1, 2011 15:41:37 GMT -5
I took another bite of the pudding. I really wasn't sure of the flavor. "Some kind of custard I think, I'm not entirely certain. As for my favorite dish. I'm very fond of venison in any form, stew, roasted... For dessert I enjoy a simple berry pie." Most of my tastes tended to stray from a lot of the bland, fancy food we nobles are often characterized as eating. Then again, I never set out in my heart to be anything more than a soldier.
|
|
Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
Noble (Staff)
Sovereign Duchesse of Eisande, Lady of Marsilikos *Voted Member of Best Storyline 2010*
Wife of Fydor Romanov
Posts: 2,623
|
Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Jan 1, 2011 15:53:11 GMT -5
"I like some sweets but not too many," I admitted with a smile. "Have you tried Bhodistani foods? They're spicy and savory all at once, and really interesting." I had a large interest in Bhodistani culture and read as much about it as I could though the information we had was less than that for some other nations. "Venison is nice too though I haven't had it very often; there's a good deal of fishing in Marsilikos so almost everything has some kind of fish in it." Smiling slightly I took another bite of my pudding, enjoying the flavor of it and then politely swallowing. "What about wine, or do you prefer a different kind of drink?"
|
|
|
Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Jan 1, 2011 16:41:41 GMT -5
"I have tried some Bhodistani food before. It was good, though a bit of a shock to the tongue at first." I smiled and had a little more of the pudding. "Actually tea is my favorite drink. I was never really overly fond of wine, simply because it's just a little harder to think straight when you have it, and clear thinking is a necessity for a soldier."
|
|
Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
Noble (Staff)
Sovereign Duchesse of Eisande, Lady of Marsilikos *Voted Member of Best Storyline 2010*
Wife of Fydor Romanov
Posts: 2,623
|
Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Jan 1, 2011 16:58:28 GMT -5
It made sense that when he was in the army he'd avoid strong drinks, and it showed that he really was responsible. "I drink a little wine but most of the time I feel better with my head clear too," I admitted, looking sideways a bit and smiling. Being at court from time to time I always felt that I had to keep up appearances and the Lady of Marsilikos behaving in such a way would harm my standing and possibly my trade agreements. When in doubt there was always Eisande to think about and I'd only recently started to understand that my actions were of smaller impact and wouldn't lead to the world ending.
|
|
|
Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Jan 1, 2011 17:13:54 GMT -5
I nodded with a grin. "It is lifting to drink it at times, but yes, for the most part, being clear headed is a much better feeling in my opinion. Though I know a lot of my former troops would have disagreed. I need to stop talking about them though. Seems like I always relate things to the past."
|
|
Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
Noble (Staff)
Sovereign Duchesse of Eisande, Lady of Marsilikos *Voted Member of Best Storyline 2010*
Wife of Fydor Romanov
Posts: 2,623
|
Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Jan 1, 2011 17:32:05 GMT -5
There was almost something pensive about what he said near the end but I could only smile and hope that I could help him feel a bit better. "I don't mind hearing about your past if you don't mind talking about it," I told him gently, my eyes sympathetic. "Our past shapes a lot of who we are and it seems natural that you would miss it." I wasn't quite sure what had happened in regards to his military career but it seemed to have a large amount of sorrow behind it.
|
|
|
Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Jan 1, 2011 17:43:21 GMT -5
"Thank you, Lessandrie, however, we can sometimes grow so close to our past we forget to live in today. Being a soldier was my life's goal from a young age. I received an injury a few years ago which ended my time there. It came around the same time my brother died, so I had his shoes to fill as well. It has not been easy. But when I focus on what I have in the present it doesn't matter quite as much," I told her. I had shared a lot with her in a very short amount of time which was good. I was building trust, and trust never comes back empty-handed.
|
|
Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
Noble (Staff)
Sovereign Duchesse of Eisande, Lady of Marsilikos *Voted Member of Best Storyline 2010*
Wife of Fydor Romanov
Posts: 2,623
|
Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Jan 1, 2011 17:56:52 GMT -5
I was sorry that my cousin had been forced to give up his dream due to such a thing as an injury; even with the best doctors in all of Terre d'Ange being in Eisande there was only so much that they could do, and that became more and more apparent with every case like this that came to my attention. I tried to make sure the best possible was done for the wounded but in the end I couldn't personally watch every single case.
"I just realized I've been asking you for help and I never asked how I could help you," I replied with a small smile, fidgeting with my spoon slightly. "Is there anything I can do to help, cousin? I know that I'm not the wisest in terms of controlling troops or anything military outside of the basics of strategy and tactics, but is there anything you want to do? I'll do my best to make sure it's done."
|
|
|
Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Jan 1, 2011 18:43:00 GMT -5
I smiled at her, thankful for the offer. "Well, I cannot really think of anything that I need at this point, I am really quite content. If I think of something I won't hesitate to let you know though." In reality there were few things in this world I could ask for to make life better. I had a few close friends, a nice home, money, and a good balance of leisure time to work time.
|
|
Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
Noble (Staff)
Sovereign Duchesse of Eisande, Lady of Marsilikos *Voted Member of Best Storyline 2010*
Wife of Fydor Romanov
Posts: 2,623
|
Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Jan 1, 2011 18:52:42 GMT -5
"I hope you really will, and that you'll come and talk to me from time to time if you'd like to," I said sincerely. "And- I hope you won't mind if I do the same. I try to know as much as I can about everything but there are times that I don't." It was hard for me to admit that, but it was his decision whether or not he was willing to.
|
|