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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Mar 8, 2008 11:59:43 GMT -5
4 days after the Royal Hunt Fete Lessa's last letter had made me sigh. Hoping to see you happy. I wasn't happy. I had a broken heart, and it found new ways every day to make me remember the pain. I had pride, too, to keep me going, and anger, to keep me from falling to the throes of depression. But I didn't want to impose that on her. Dignity. So I arrived at Desir dressed in elegant black and blue, my hair tied back neatly to conceal the hole Riva had left when she had cut my hair. My hands ached still just a little, but were overall fine, merely a yellow hue to remind me of old bruises. The gash on my arm from the ritual was healing nicely. Having arrived shortly before 8, I found a table in a discreet corner, and ordered a glass of wine while I waited for Lessa to arrive.
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Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
Noble (Staff)
Sovereign Duchesse of Eisande, Lady of Marsilikos *Voted Member of Best Storyline 2010*
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Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Mar 8, 2008 12:05:48 GMT -5
I'd chosen to dress subtly and modestly for this meal, my gown a subdued blue-grey silk with a modest cut, hair down and as straight as I could convince it to be with rigorous brushing, which left it with small waves.
Once inside I discreetly mentioned the table I was looking for and was lead politely over- Gil was waiting, and I smiled and flushed to see him. There was a depth of pain in his eyes- but perhaps that was only the remnants of the ordeal he'd been through. "Good evening," I bid him politely as the attendant pulled out my chair and I sat as gracefully as I could.
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Mar 8, 2008 12:11:04 GMT -5
When Lessa arrived, I stood, though the servant was fast enough that I didn't have a moment to hold her chair. "Good evening Lessa," I replied with a smile that held a measure of truth, for I was glad to see her. As she sat, so did I, and I took a moment to look at her. "You look lovely," I said with a light tone. "Long hair does become you."
The attendant was standing, and I said, "Will you have an apperitive, to start?"
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Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
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Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Mar 8, 2008 12:15:33 GMT -5
"I think it only seems longer because it's lying straight today," I replied modestly but with a smile, glad to see that he was pleased by my company and determined to be light-hearted to see if I could cheer him further.
At his question I looked to the attendant,then back to Gil. "If you will," I said politely. "I'm sure you know the menu here much better than I do at present."
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Mar 8, 2008 12:49:17 GMT -5
I wondered if Lessa would ever learn to appreciate her own prettiness. I hoped so. "Believe it or not, it's the first time I come to Desir," I said with a smile. "And I am already having it," I added as I pointed to my glass of wine, still quite full. "But maybe the staff can make some suggestions?" I glanced at the waiting lad. He rattled off a long list of possibilities, and I looked at Lessa inquiringly.
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Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
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Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Mar 8, 2008 14:05:40 GMT -5
Flushing, I nodded and listed a soft, floral white wine at which the server turned to fetch it. "I've been to Desir a few times, but I thought you would have come more often," I replied softly. "I tend to think I'm shut away in my home often, and therefore everyone else must be visiting the place I haven't been able to."
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Mar 8, 2008 14:20:20 GMT -5
I laughed lightly, finding this the epitome of irony - for I, worldly, flamboyant Gil, had spent quite a bit of time locked up myself.
"Well it seems neither of us is as they seem then," I said with an amused smile. "I have spent a great deal of time indoors myself, Lessa."
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Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
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Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Mar 8, 2008 15:09:15 GMT -5
"Have you?" I asked curiously. "I've been actually spending more time out in my gardens, as the weather's gotten so nice of late. What's driven you in?"
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Mar 9, 2008 11:43:58 GMT -5
"A combination of things," I replied, enjoying the fact that I could be straightforward with Lessa. "Until the ritual, I did avoid going out - to control my opium intake. Since the ritual... I've had a lot of work. The house is being modified, amongst other things, and I have been training new help." I cocked my head and grinned mischievously, for the memory of the rumor Nicola had share with me still amused me in its ironic cruelty. "You might have heard that I bought an adept's marque?"
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Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
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Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Mar 9, 2008 12:15:41 GMT -5
"No, I hadn't, but I am not usually one who hears many rumors," I replied, a bit surprised but not unpleasantly so. Gil didn't seem the type to be cruel to an adept in such ways. "One must be near people to hear what they speak of. Has the purchase kept you so happy lately you're avoiding the presence of others for fear of these rumors?"
My wine had arrived and I said a soft thank-you to the attendant before I sipped it and gracefully opened the menu.
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Mar 9, 2008 13:03:28 GMT -5
I shook my head in negation, and said, “She’s lovely, but no. She will be working with me, and so there has been much training to give, along with facilitating her adaptation to the new life in the House.” I shook my head at Lessa a little – it was important to stay informed, and even if they needed to be weeded out, rumours usually did hold a kernel of truth.
I followed her lead and idly looked at the menu myself, though I had a fair idea of what I wanted. Having confirmed its availability, I closed it once more.
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Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
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Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Mar 9, 2008 13:08:40 GMT -5
His mood- and his disapproval- hurt a bit, and I whispered a small apology, flushing more deeply as I cast my eyes to the menu before me and steeled myself. Perhaps I didn't listen to gossips- but that was because I instead observed things with my own eyes and made my own connections, which I trusted more. I'd been trying to be social and cheerful while feeling nervous and confused, and I'd failed.
Luckily, my expression had long ago become serene by force of habit and I simply looked over the offerings, trying to remember what I'd had when I'd come here with Simon the first time. Eisheth, but I missed Simon.
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Mar 9, 2008 13:21:19 GMT -5
Lessa was quiet, and I assumed she was maybe burying whatever it is that I had said that had ruffled her feathers into her observation of the menu. Patiently, I waited, leaving her leisure to pick what she wanted. I hadn’t expressed disapproval in ill will – I cared for her, and it was merely disagreement on methods, perhaps.
I used this moment of silence to recollect myself – these days, I was moody, with reason. Ah. I’d tried to avoid bringing it up, but it was one of the things that I intended to share with Lessa. I’d not really opened my heart to anyone since the Hunt Fete – I’d gotten stone drunk with To-Biko, but I’d done it in almost complete silence. I had a mind to look up Christophe soon – we’d agreed to spar, but for now I didn’t trust myself with a blade. Besides, the Salle wasn’t ready just yet.
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Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
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Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Mar 9, 2008 15:07:10 GMT -5
I was beginning to realize that Gil, lovely friend that he was, tended to look inwardly at subjective things more than outwardly to glimpse the situation as a whole. It wasn't a bad thing, any more than my detached observation of the world through objective eyes was- it simply meant we'd always have that intrinsic difference of opinion.
Smiling softly as I collected my thoughts and ran my finger along a couple choice entrees to look at them specifically for what I would enjoy most, then chose and looked up at him briefly, eyes questioning whether he'd decided yet. I'd wait for him to speak, since my last statement had sat so poorly with him.
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Mar 9, 2008 16:39:14 GMT -5
Lessa took her time, and I waited patiently, smiling at her when she looked up. "Have you found something that you like?" I asked amicably. I felt suddenly sorry. It seemed I'd silenced the delicate woman with merely a headshake - I must be losing my touch, I decided.
My hand rested on the closed menu, a clear indication that I was done with considering my options, and so I didn't bother to state the obvious, though I smiled and kept my demeanor relaxed as much as it could be. I wanted to enjoy this stolen time with her as much as we could.
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Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
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Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Mar 9, 2008 19:46:42 GMT -5
"I believe so, thank you," I replied quietly to his inquiry and softly closed my own menu, waiting for the server to come back and take our orders. I was still bothered by his lack of faith in me, when lately I'd had others who accepted me much more easily, but I reminded myself that Gillermo had known me longer and had his own reasons. "I'm glad to see you're well after your ordeal- congratulations on your freedom."
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Mar 9, 2008 20:00:36 GMT -5
"Thank you, Lessa," I replied softly. "You look well yourself," I said with an agreeable smile.
I fiddled a little. Prideful, self-absorbed blood of the Azzalese makes apologies a complicated matter, and a painful process. I forced it upon myself, though, for the sake of her tender self, and because I liked her enough... because if I were to open my heart to her on other matters, I should check my pride at the door.
"I apologize if I've hurt you," I said at length, looking at her earnestly. "It is no excuse, but... I've been moody lately, and forcing good humor on myself more than I should have."
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Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
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Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Mar 10, 2008 10:41:23 GMT -5
"It's alright," I told him, smiling shyly. "I've been too sensitive of late and I should know better. Why have you been forcing yourself to merriness? Has the cure you sought been less than effective?"
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Mar 10, 2008 11:09:23 GMT -5
"Don't be worried, it's all me, only me," I replied reassuringly. "It's too bad I didn't see you right after, you would have found me merrier than is bearable, in truth. No, it was the night of the Hunt Fete..."
I fiddled, feeling myself grow somber for it, and sighed. "Mirielle...." I whispered the name, and looked at Lessa. I wasn't hiding it. I was in pain.
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Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
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Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Mar 10, 2008 11:14:38 GMT -5
He was hurt, I could see that, and it hurt to see him in such pain. "I'm sorry," I said simply and with great sympathy. I wasn't going to push him to speak; after all, that would only cause further hurt and perhaps anger, which would do no good. He would speak with time- if a person began to mention such things they often found it impossible to stop.
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Mar 10, 2008 11:21:38 GMT -5
I nodded, finding it hard to breathe suddenly. I didn't want to be angry. I didn't want to lose control. I didn't want to become a weakling. But I was hurt, and part of me wanted to show how I did really feel - how I wanted to shrivel into a little ball of nothingness and stay huddled in a dark corner.
"Thank you," I said, my voice croaking a little for it. "I'm sorry to disappoint you," I added with a wistful chuckle.
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Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
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Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Mar 11, 2008 14:28:56 GMT -5
"I'm not disappointed," I assured him softly and lightly stroked his arm. "Things just happen sometimes, don't they? It's awful at that moment, and the ones after, but it does ease, with time."
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Mar 11, 2008 14:54:51 GMT -5
“Thank you,” I said after I’d taken a deep breath. There was something soothing in the way she spoke, the way she touched me. Eiseth’s blood gave her that gift, that I knew. I smiled bravely and said, “I haven’t told anyone else yet. I thought it would be easiest to tell you.”
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Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
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Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Mar 11, 2008 18:00:33 GMT -5
"I certainly won't judge you for it," I told him sincerely. "I'm glad you trust me enough to tell me, and that you're willing to speak of it a bit, for that will certainly help it ease- or so I've found. As much or as little as you'd like to tell me, I'll be willing to listen."
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Mar 12, 2008 12:40:16 GMT -5
I nodded, smiling wanly for my appreciation of her support was tampered with by the waking ache the conversation brought to me. “You know, I never expected to be one of the men who fawned over a woman until it broke them. This is new and terribly embarrassing, not to mention painful.” I was indeed feeling like a dolt for it, even as my mind filled with memories of Mirielle. It was a bewildering experience, to feel so vulnerable – I’d been at the mercy of the demon before, and I had been helpless in Mirielle’s care, but this was different. I didn’t feel like the world was right.
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Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
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Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Mar 12, 2008 18:01:32 GMT -5
"I think we all have things that break us- and some of them are woefully simple, though impossible to see," I told him comfortingly. "But without those things, we wouldn't have an appreciation for the others that befall us and go well. It's easy to be complacent when the parts fall into place until we know the destruction sowed by the entire world crashing down."
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Mar 13, 2008 2:42:17 GMT -5
“Yes, night is necessary to enjoy daylight, and evil gives good its signification,” I replied with a sigh. She was right, and those were words of wisdom which had seemed ever so true before. Now, it seemed too much. I toyed with the stem of my glass, and opened my mouth to speak, but the looming figure of the waiter over us silenced me.
“Are you ready to order?” I asked, schooling my demeanor to a more sedate one, trying to contain myself.
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Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
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Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Mar 13, 2008 13:32:08 GMT -5
"Yes, I believe so," I replied with a smile I turned on the server and ordered a Hellene dish of shepherd's pie with creamed roasted potatoes, mutton and a vegetable medley before turning my gaze back to Gillermo.
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Mar 14, 2008 7:50:06 GMT -5
Lessa's order taken, I ordered a steak with pepper sauce and sauteed green beans. Politely, I insisted on medium rare seizure. The waited smiled and left us with assurances of delights to come.
I watched him leave, and turned to Lessa, smiling. The intermission had allowed me to gather myself some.
"I certainly appreciate seeing you today," I said warmly. "Espescially with your busy schedule."
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Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
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Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Mar 15, 2008 12:44:28 GMT -5
"I'm only sorry I had to rush you into this time because the others were taken," I told him softly and with a shy smile. "It's terribly rude of me, I know."
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