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Post by Jaiden Liatris-Durante (D) on Mar 14, 2006 22:51:35 GMT -5
My armor was laid out on the large bed. Methodical, precise, and in the order it was to be donned. And though it was constructed of brocade and silk, it would protect me to a degree. I frowned, I would have preferred leather and steel.
Hose, garters, chemise. Simple enough. The corset was next. Torture devices, ingenious really. I knew how to wear one in theory but that was about the extent of my knowledge. My frown deepened.
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Post by Aleron Carle(Retired) on Mar 14, 2006 22:56:33 GMT -5
I decided it would be best to go and check on Jaiden to make sure she was really intending on going in the gown I had purchased for her. Walking to the door, shirt and pants on but not completely presentable, I kncoked on her door.
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Post by Jaiden Liatris-Durante (D) on Mar 14, 2006 22:59:48 GMT -5
"Enter!" It was partly on, I had unlaced it to fit it to my body, but the laces were in back. I had it twisted so I could thread the silk through, but it was not working as I had planned.
"Blast these things to Kushiel. Why would someone wear this?"
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Post by Aleron Carle(Retired) on Mar 14, 2006 23:02:35 GMT -5
"Because they make one look presentable," I said coolly as I entered, watching her chase laces like a dog after its own tail. "Thank you for deciding to wear it rather than the armor, now would you like some help?"
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Post by Jaiden Liatris-Durante (D) on Mar 14, 2006 23:11:00 GMT -5
"Yes, I'm so worried about present-ability at a fete that we are crashing that is being attended by half naked lordlings and adepts. Make yourself useful." I turned my back to him, twisting the corset into what I assumed was it's proper place.
"Have all of the commissioned outfits come in yet, or is there still more to take up space in my trunks?"
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Post by Aleron Carle(Retired) on Mar 14, 2006 23:13:37 GMT -5
I walked behind her, lacing the ties and tightening them it the way that would most flatter her figure. "Yes, all of your clothing is in, as well as your accessories and shoes."
Turning I picked up the gown, turning back to her to help her into it.
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Post by Jaiden Liatris-Durante (D) on Mar 14, 2006 23:33:10 GMT -5
I could still breath, a small mercy. I stepped into the gown and he pulled it up. The short sleeves and scooped neck pleased me, and though the skirts were long I had freedom of movement. Deftly he laced the gown closed.
"Do you do hair? And are you prepared for this as well, names, ranks and any usefull information?"
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Post by Aleron Carle(Retired) on Mar 14, 2006 23:39:12 GMT -5
I let myself subtly take her in; she really cleaned up quite nicely. "I can do some minor hair artistry, but nothing terribly spectacular. Your hair nets did come in though and I could put one of those in easily."
Gracefully I stepped in front of her, tight breeches, well-fitted shirt and boots on, though I had not gotten my overjacket from the room yet. My hair was brushed and gleaming. "Yes, I know all that I can be expected to find out; do you need to remind me of anything or practice some of the dancing?"
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Post by Jaiden Liatris-Durante (D) on Mar 15, 2006 9:50:01 GMT -5
"That will be fine." I studied my reflection in the glass. I almost looked elegant, Mother would have loved seeing me dressed so.
Where had that come from? Aleron moving on front of me banished the thoughts. He looked entirely too sensual in his fitted clothes.
"I don't think the dancing will be necessary." I couldn't think of anything else to grill him on, and I did not want to lay hands on him in my bedroom.
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Post by Aleron Carle(Retired) on Mar 15, 2006 9:52:02 GMT -5
I noticed her becoming slightly discomfitted in my presence and hid my amusement. "Shall I get a hair net or would you rather just brush it and leave it down?"
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Post by Jaiden Liatris-Durante (D) on Mar 15, 2006 9:58:50 GMT -5
"A net. It's impractical to wear my hair loose." My hair rarely left it's utilitarian braid, even now it was braided, not knowing what else I could do with it. It brushed my mid back and the only reason I kept it long was to give my head padding under my helm.
I sat down at the little used vanity and gestured to the haphazard pile of 'accessories' he had purchased. "Do what you will, this is all I have."
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Post by Aleron Carle(Retired) on Mar 15, 2006 10:41:49 GMT -5
I looked at the jumble of jewelery and ribbon she had on her table with a raised eyebrow, then started detangling them. Aften the things I wanted were neatly set aside- a pearl necklace, a hair net edged in pearl and crystal and some shimmery dust.
Picking up her hairbrush I went behind her and pilled out the braid, then began to run the brush through her masses of hair. It posessed waves from being in a braid so often, and it fell to her buttocks once it was free to hang. Gently I used a comb to pick at the knots until her hair was a curtain of blonde.
Picking up her masses of hair I began to pin them to the top of her head artfully, so the hain under the net would be smooth and crisp.
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Post by Jaiden Liatris-Durante (D) on Mar 15, 2006 10:57:12 GMT -5
I closed my eyes, enjoying the sensation of a brush through my hair. He was gentle and despite the knots he managed to get my hair to lie smooth.
I studied the reflection in the mirror. My hair down softened me somehow, made me look more feminine. I won't say lovely, because I wasn't, but softer. It made me uneasy.
I reached for the necklace and unclasped it, then set it back on the tabletop. I knew I'd just fumble trying to put it on, so I'd let him assist.
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Post by Aleron Carle(Retired) on Mar 15, 2006 11:02:41 GMT -5
Moving alongside her I picked up the necklace and netting, placing the peals along her neck and fastening it, barely letting my fingers brush her flesh. THen I placed the net in her hair, keeping it even and pinning in into place invisibly. "What do you think," I asked nonchalantly.
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Post by Jaiden Liatris-Durante (D) on Mar 15, 2006 11:09:03 GMT -5
I adjusted the pearls around my throat, ignoring the tingle his fingers on my skin had provoked. I looked critically upon his handiwork.
I wasn't sure if I liked it, it was perfect, but the change it produced in my appearance was not. "It will suffice. Thank you for the assistance. I recommend that you finish dressing. I have a few more things to attend before we leave, so let's say in the hour we will depart." I stood and faced him, hands automatically smoothing the gown down.
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Post by Aleron Carle(Retired) on Mar 15, 2006 11:15:02 GMT -5
I bowed deeply, seeing her uncomfortable with her attractiveness. "As you wish, my lady," I said, leaving the room.
Back in my own chambers I slipped into my ivory brocaded overcoat and checked myself; just put together enough, not so much that it would look like I was trying too hard. Sitting on my bed I ran through the information in my head, waiting to leave.
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Post by Jaiden Liatris-Durante (D) on Mar 15, 2006 11:22:14 GMT -5
With one last look at the reflection I left my rooms for the study. Disturbing, how just some simple fabric could change my appearance so.
I strode down the halls, ignoring the rustle of fabric as my skirts moved.
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Post by Elton Tulare-Durante (D) on Mar 15, 2006 11:26:42 GMT -5
I stood in shock. She didn't see me standing with my mouth agape, which was all to the good. I was too busy drinking her in. She looked so strange out of leathers and breeches. The same confident walk that looked so intimidating in armor was transmuted into a glide by the dress.
She was in a dress. I could count the number of times on one hand that I had seen her thus. Against my better judgment I followed in her wake. It was ill considered, but I didn't care.
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Post by Aleron Carle(Retired) on Mar 15, 2006 11:32:34 GMT -5
Hearing the rustle of fabric coming down hall and I waited, wonderig if she was coming to my door for some reason. I had plans for her for this evening; the half-healed wounds on my palms itched in reminder of my revenge.
I smiled wryly at myself in the mirror again; I was very handsome, and I knew it in a professional way. Part of myself wondered if the little Gentian almost-adpet would be there, but I quickly squashed that; it was of no good, and besides, I was sure she wouldn't be. Part of myself just knew.
Grinning wider I turned before the mirror. This would be an interesting evening.
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Post by Jaiden Liatris-Durante (D) on Mar 15, 2006 20:42:45 GMT -5
I entered my study, but left the door open. Elton's tread was unmistakable behind me. We hadn't spoken since the incident. No doubt he had something else to complain about.
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Post by Elton Tulare-Durante (D) on Mar 16, 2006 23:43:45 GMT -5
I followed her in and closed the door. I briefly considered telling her some excuse for my visit, but didn't. She always saw through my rouses. I smiled, albeit sadly.
"You look... different. Stunning. I think you armed yourself wisely." I leaned against the closed door, just looking at her. So imposing and cold. Beautiful.
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Post by Jaiden Liatris-Durante (D) on Mar 16, 2006 23:54:04 GMT -5
I looked at him for a moment, leaning against the door, all casual ease. What had changed in him? I didn't understand it, or him anymore.
"It's just a dress, Elton, just fabric nothing more. A little artifice, my hair twisted up. It doesn't change me." Yes it does.
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Post by Elton Tulare-Durante (D) on Mar 17, 2006 0:05:11 GMT -5
"Well and so, you'd look stunning out of it as well. I should know." I watched her stiffen at my comment but walked over to her none the less.
"Take a compliment Jaiden, it won't kill you."
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Post by Jaiden Liatris-Durante (D) on Mar 17, 2006 12:11:49 GMT -5
"No, but I may kill you, you have no permission to address me so informally." I wanted to retreat behind my desk, but the simple fact that I felt I had to kept me firmly in my place. I would not show weakness, I was not afraid of him, even though now he was within touching distance.
"Captain, don't you have duties to be attending to?"
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Post by Elton Tulare-Durante (D) on Mar 17, 2006 12:17:03 GMT -5
"No, as you saw fit to give the majority of the men permission to revel, only the watch is on duty and all is as it should be. I have naught but time." I traced fingertips down the exposed skin of her arms from elbow to wrist. She shudders again, but refuses to run. How well I know her, because I can see that she wants to. I sigh.
"Do you find my touch so unbearable?"
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Post by Jaiden Liatris-Durante (D) on Mar 17, 2006 12:23:20 GMT -5
"Yes."
I look him in the eyes, so pale compared to my dark ones. I can see the pain blossoming inside him and for just an instant I feel bad for hurting him. Instead I step back, his hands falling from me.
I want to say something, try to explain, but any words freeze in my mouth. I don't know how to express feelings. For so long I barely even had any and now...
"I have some work to accomplish, Elton. Please leave." I turned my back on him but didn't move, couldn't. A strange tightness constricted my chest. Blasted corsets.
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Post by Elton Tulare-Durante (D) on Mar 17, 2006 12:26:58 GMT -5
Another wound.
I step behind her, looking down on the exposed nape of her neck. Tenderly I lay a kiss on the fragile skin. Her breath hitches and I know she feels, something. Before she turns around or speaks I step back, salute and leave her lair.
I leave the house in fact, taking my horse and riding the streets. Mayhap I'll go find me a willing woman.
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Post by Aleron Carle(Retired) on Mar 17, 2006 12:35:54 GMT -5
It was almost time to be leaving; in sudden suspision that the Lady may be trying to find a way to sneak in weapons I walked to her study door, which stood open, and looked in. I had on my overcoat, my hair brushed and flowing over my shoulders in shiny curls.
"It's almost time; are you trying to hide a dagger in your corset," I ask chidingly.
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Post by Jaiden Liatris-Durante (D) on Mar 17, 2006 12:47:36 GMT -5
I was still standing where Elton had left me, thoughts racing furiously through my head. All formless, just brief snippets of feelings and words but nothing logical or that made sense. Aleron's intrusion snapped me back to familiar ground.
"No, that's the first place to check for weapons on a woman. A garrote in the hair is much harder to find." I turn and look him over.
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Post by Aleron Carle(Retired) on Mar 17, 2006 12:59:47 GMT -5
I nodded, taking in the informations and letting her look at me. "It's almost time to leave, or would you like to arrive when it's over?" I asked pragmatically.
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