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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on May 16, 2007 4:40:23 GMT -5
As soon as we were out of sight of the townhome, I sided Freya by Nicole's steed, a strong brown Percheron who would not be so unstable for her unsteady hold.
"Nicole, don't worry, I'll not get you into any trouble. I just need some air, is all."
"I understand, M'lady," she stuttered. "I saw Jonas leave this morning, and he is as distraught as you are, if it's any consolation to you."
I looked at her in surprise. Must the whole house know about my heart-break? For really, I was heart-broken, and angry, and it would not leave me so very soon.
I took in a breath, and looked at the first green patches as we headed out of the City.
"Nicole, do you know of an inn where I might have a meal on the way?"
"Yes, M'Lady, just a short ride ahead, you will find one."
"Great. Nicole, I'm going to gallop a bit, and wait for you there. Don't tell Kendrick, please."
She chuckled, "Are you asking me to be your accomplice?"
"Yes, I am, Nicole, but I'm really asking you to be my friend. Would you call me Julie, please?"
She smiled heartily, "You have my word, now, go, Julie, I'll see you there."
With a quick smile, I reined up Freya, and as she stood on her hind legs, I lifted my hat in salute, and she broke into a powerful gallop.
The wind grazed my face, and I allowed my lips to part in a long howl of pain, my tears blending in the wind. Freya galloped, and pounced, and jumped at my command. I screamed it as she went, knowing she was used to my antics and would not be disturbed by it so much.
"Elua's ball, Why? Why? Why? I will curse you to the end of Terre d'Ange-that-lies beyond, you heretic. My children will remember you as the man who loved me wrongly, and broke my heart for it."
Obscenities left my lips time and time again, and I passed unwittingly the inn, turning Freya around with a curse.
I jumped off the horse, and entered for the inn without ceremony. Striding quickly to the innkeep, I gathered my information efficiently. There was a glade I could train on just 10 minutes away. Perfect. I left a note for Nicole to join me there, and made for the training ground.
I stretched my arms and legs a moment, readying my body for the punishment I wanted it to endure. Once it was done, I set myself to hit a neighboring hill, and broke to a run, pushing my self to exhaustion as I labored up the slope, then ran back down. As I panted against Freya’s side, Nicole pulled up, pink and fresh.
“I’m glad to find you here, Julie,” she said, “I was worried you’d leave me to my own devices.”
“I would cheat my freedom out of Kendrick, Nicole, but not at the expense of your safety, Nicole. The only reason I left you behind is that it’s broad daylight, and a very short ride from the city. Now, make yourself at ease, and enjoy the view,” I said as I stepped away and took out my sword.
In the training circle, a mannequin with a dummy sword was hanging from a pole. I sent it to a swing with a powerful kick and ducked to avoid the coming hit, straightening back up in a defensive stance.
The dummy moved forward, and I dodged, parading with a swift move, my sword teasing the side of it. “Take that!” and I backed again as it swung back towards me. I pushed again forward, my arm and leg a swift mirror image of each other, and countered the second hit, my sword planting itself in to middle of the dummy this time. “You bastard,” I panted, my hands freed of my weapon. I leapt on the placebo opponent and straddled its behind, my hands clawing at it and ripping its mock garments, then fell back as it swung a little too violently.
My back on the grass, the scarecrow swinging over my head, I cried, and closed my eyes.
“Julie, Julie,” Nicole was slapping me softly. I caught her hand. “I’m fine Nicole. I was merely resting.” I stood, wiping the grass off my blakc jacket and trousers, and picked up my blue feathered-hat, putting it back on my head. “What time is it?” I asked, pulling my sword from the dummy.
“It’s past noon, Julie.” I chuckled. My chubby maid must be hungry. “Fine,” I said, “Let’s go back to the inn.”
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Post by Adrienne Ambre de Rocaille (D) on May 20, 2007 14:33:36 GMT -5
It was my second day in the city and I had managed to get all my coronation planning done yesterday, so I hadn't had much time for myself and the city, well... I wasn't used to it yet.
I was used to trees and horses, and great wide open spaces. I mean yes there was a small city to Rocaille, but my father's estate was some miles away and encompassed a great expanse of Siovale, so it was with much interest that I had explored every nook and cranny I could find.
I was escaping, just for a little while I told myself as I saddled up Justine's stallion, Firestride. I didn't have a horse of my own in the city yet, and a great stallion was my first choice. Though I doubted my mother would of liked it.
He was fast, and a great orange red color, it was how he'd got his name. I was in one of my old riding pants, riding boots to the knee, and a long sleeved shirt that's color buttoned three quarters over my breasts. It wasn't the best spring riding outfit, but my light summer dress wouldn't let me ride astride well, I was going to get pants made for it one of these days, so this outfit had been my first pick.
Saddled up and Ansy Firestride was ready to go, Brian, was, once again with me, but this time he wasn't frowning. He looked very happy and he gave me a side smile as we sat atop our horses. He had chosen his own stallion, the Rocaille pay was good.
I gave him a grin, and snapped the reins leaning forward, and off we went past the gates of the glorious white city and into the surrounding lands. We road some time from early morning to mid afternoon and my stomach started to grumble, and my sweat was merciless on my brow.
I brought Firestride to a trot, glancing back towards Brian, he was born to the saddle, and hadn't had much trouble keeping up with me.
In the distance I saw two figures and a training circle. Bright red hair flashed in the afternoon sun under a blue hat. "I pointed to Brian, we should ask them for directions to the nearest inn, I'm quite parched."
"As you wish my lady." He was smiling at me, and I knew he was probably just as hungry. I set firestride to a gallop closing the distance between the two figures and us, in near seconds, Brian at my side.
The girl climbing onto her mount finally noticed me when she had settled, and her companion looked a bit surprised and more than a little nervous.
I smiled brightly. "Hello... I was wondering if you could give us directions to the nearest place for food, we're new tot he city, and I don't believe we've figure out all of the out-landing roads and lands."
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on May 20, 2007 14:49:57 GMT -5
I'd just settled on Phreya, and was waiting for Nicole to do the same, when a couple of riders approached, the younger one addressing me. I looked up, and smiled brightly. Another lover of breeches ! And I'd just spent 3 days being coaxed into wearing a dress. Well that would be the day.
"Why of course, in fact, we were on our way there ourselves," I replied. I turned around, and noticed Nicole had managed to get up on her percheron, and right away decided she was changing to breeches at the inn, whether she liked it or not. Her dress was definitely not appropriate. Turning Phreya around, I said, "Would you be fast enough to follow?"
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Post by Adrienne Ambre de Rocaille (D) on May 20, 2007 15:00:44 GMT -5
"Why my lady, we ride fine stallions here, I believe my Firestride can keep up the pace, but would we not lose yonder lady?" I pointed a gloved rained hand towards her maid, but grinned. My mount was tired, but he was well trained and well breed.
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on May 20, 2007 15:09:40 GMT -5
I chuckled at the amount of "ladies" in the rider's short question, and teased her with my answer. "My lady would perhaps gracefully request of yonder lord if he would see to it that yonder lady is safe, and yonder lady will humbly indicate to yonder lord the way, as she knows it as well as I," I finished in a large explosion of mirth. "My name is Julie Deveroix, and if you call me Lady again while I am dressed as such, I may have to challenge you to a duel, My Lady," I said with a mischievous smirk.
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Post by Adrienne Ambre de Rocaille (D) on May 20, 2007 15:28:32 GMT -5
I burst out laughing and leaned over Firestride's neck ebfore rising and smirking at Julie.
"While I quite agree on the lady side of things, I figured it would better be safe than sorry, in case you would come by my mother and she should find out that my manners aren't so proper, and more so while the fun of dueling seems entertaining, looking over you..." I glanced toward her sword and then the dummy's holes, "I'm quite sure I'd lose. I think I'd rather settle on calling you Julie until you wear a dress and my mother is behind my shoulder watching me. My name is Adrienne Ambre de Rocaille, and I do believe I'd prefer you to call me Ambre."
Brian was not looking entertained glancing at Julie's companion, but I though I'd rather race myself. "Brian will you stay and help out Julie's friend?" He grunted, and gave a quick nod, but he wasn't looking too happy about it. "As long as Julie can protect you from assilants and the like. Otherwise your mother will have my hide," Brian said.
Giving a glance to Julie I waited for your reply, but I knew what her answer would be, and I believed it too.
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on May 20, 2007 15:45:27 GMT -5
"Worry not, frightful retainer, I will act in your stead," I replied with a ceremonious jest, giving a somewhat ridiculous ceremonial bow and a look of disapproval in my abilities. "I will gladly challenge you if you doubt it," I added, for I'd had a mind to pick a fight for a moment.
Nicole looked at Brian in interest, her eyes vaguely gleaming. "Watch out Nicole. Retainers are hearbreakers," I said wistfully.
Turning back to Ambre, my body tense and my heels ready to kick Freya into a powerful gallop, I said, "Well, Ambre, are you ready, then?"
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Post by Adrienne Ambre de Rocaille (D) on May 20, 2007 15:49:07 GMT -5
Brian smiled and shook his head, he wansn't much for drawing his sword unless he had to, although I knew he was a good fighter, I'd seen him.
Smiling I turned my attention away from Brian back towards Julie. "I believe I am! After you, since I still don't know in which direction to take my heading."
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on May 20, 2007 16:08:43 GMT -5
At Ambre's words, I kicked Freya in the sides, sending her into a frantic gallop. The wind blew on my face, and I laughed heartily, the remainder of my tension releasing in the euphoria of the ride.
In a short moment, we were at the inn, and I looked around to see how Ambre was doing, though the constant sound of her horse's hoofs had never been far behind.
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Post by Adrienne Ambre de Rocaille (D) on May 20, 2007 16:12:53 GMT -5
"I reined up as Julie slowed in front of the inn. I had been a few paces behind her, but her horse was faster than Firestride, they were still well matched though.
"Is this it?" I nodded my head towards the building.
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on May 20, 2007 16:17:05 GMT -5
"It is, my lady," I replied with a strong tease in my voice as I jumped off Freya and made my way to the inside, my saddle bag over my shoulder. "Were you going in for some refreshments?"
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Post by Adrienne Ambre de Rocaille (D) on May 20, 2007 16:31:06 GMT -5
I hopped down off my horse, and tied him to a post, making sure he was close to water. I followed Julie inside and smiled. "Anything good in this place?"
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on May 20, 2007 16:47:17 GMT -5
I shrugged. "I don't know, to be honest, Nicole would be better at answering you question. She knows the place, I never came here before, safe to locate the training ground. Would you care to have an ale with me?" I smiled to myself. I'd promised Kendrick I wouldn't drink, and here I was suggesting it. Only one wouldn't possibly hurt me, I thought.
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Post by Adrienne Ambre de Rocaille (D) on May 20, 2007 16:59:07 GMT -5
Ale wasn't my cup of tea, but I thought it wouldn't be so bad, so I accepted. "I would love one." I pointed towards a table on the wall towards the back of the inn, and started to walk there expecting Julie to follow, and then slid into the booth.
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on May 20, 2007 17:02:28 GMT -5
I sat with Ambre in the booth, and ordered the two ales. Soon enough, the inkeep set two mugs covered in frothy ale in front of us, and I smiled. "I don't often meet women who drink ale, Ambre. I'm impressed," I said as I held my mug up in a toast.
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Post by Adrienne Ambre de Rocaille (D) on May 20, 2007 17:08:02 GMT -5
I laughed taking the ale mug in my hands, "Don't be too impressed, I don't generally drink ale, do you?" I raised my glass to hers.
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on May 20, 2007 17:13:43 GMT -5
"We shall remedy to that expediously, then," I replied gingerly. "I was introduced to ale by the retainers on the estate. For some reason, I really like it, even though it does taste awful." I replied in a chuckle.
"To chance meetings?" I suggested.
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Post by Adrienne Ambre de Rocaille (D) on May 20, 2007 17:16:54 GMT -5
My smile broadened, "To chance meetings." I clicked my cup against hers and took a sip, the bitter taste sliding down my throat.
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on May 20, 2007 17:36:59 GMT -5
I downed the mug, stopping myself halfway as I remembered it would be my only one. I let out a small breath of satisfaction. "I'm famished, will you be eating some?" I said as I gestured the innkeep once again.
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Post by Adrienne Ambre de Rocaille (D) on May 20, 2007 17:41:56 GMT -5
"Famished." I agreed, "What should we get?" I hadn't had as much as Julie, maybe a quarter, but it was enough that I would rather be eating something. "When do you think our companions will be arriving? Should we get something for them too?"
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on May 20, 2007 17:44:42 GMT -5
I chuckled. "I would rather let Nicole order what she wants, she has quite an appetite. As for your retainer," I swallowed the word, "I guess you would know already about his tastes and such. They won't be very long to come by," I added.
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Post by Adrienne Ambre de Rocaille (D) on May 20, 2007 17:55:35 GMT -5
I laughed, "I guess we better let them order then. So Julie are you living in the city?"
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on May 20, 2007 18:09:11 GMT -5
"As a matter of fact, I am. I arrived just a few days ago."
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Post by Adrienne Ambre de Rocaille (D) on May 20, 2007 18:15:14 GMT -5
"That's interesting, I just arrived yesterday. How do you like it so far?"
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on May 20, 2007 18:22:28 GMT -5
I sighed. "It's been very overwhelming. I am very happy to be out today, to be sincere."
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Post by Adrienne Ambre de Rocaille (D) on May 20, 2007 18:39:25 GMT -5
I took a sip more of the ale. "Me too, and I haven't been in court for that long. My mother has been trying to make me in a lady for about five years now. Are people very concerned with that? I'm afraid I'll make a fool of myself to be honest. I grew up with my brothers and not many other girls"
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on May 21, 2007 4:14:48 GMT -5
I smiled a bit more widely. "I'm the same, a girl amongst boys, though most of them were absent for the better part of my childhood. I do have a brother that I am very close to, though,” I added, thinking with warmth about Kendrick. “Do you get along well with yours?”
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Post by Adrienne Ambre de Rocaille (D) on May 21, 2007 11:45:41 GMT -5
I thought about my brothers and how they had teased me so, trying to grip wooden swords, to train hawks, to climb trees, they were there always laughing and telling me to don a dress. "I am close to them, but they have been more of an annoyance in my life than a closeness, although I am quite fond of them. I am happy to have someone I can rely on here at court. My brother is here too, Justine, he will be the next Comte, and I'm glad the responsibility is his and not mine. What was your childhood like?"
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on May 21, 2007 12:10:58 GMT -5
I smiled. "A wonderful experience, really. I am the youngest, you see, and I think I was somewhat unplanned. Kendrick, the oldest, stayed on the estate. He will be the next comte. Leo entered the Cassiline Brotherhood, and Vincent... Vince was fostered at Gentian house, but didn't fit in very well... Once in a while, he writes letters." I sighed. "So really, I've only been close to Kendrick. But all this was to say there no plans for me, so my father just let me do my bidding. I do what I want on the Estate."
Edited for character consistency with Vincent Deveroix no Gentian
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Post by Adrienne Ambre de Rocaille (D) on May 21, 2007 12:32:04 GMT -5
I thought about what it must be like to be in control of your own destiny and left to your own devices, which had been coming harder for me to come by in the last few years. Around 11 my mother started to clean me up, and put me in dresses. "I wish I'd had that freedom, I had it for a few years, and I'm an only girl too, but my mother thought it better to start showing me how to be a lady. Which I do agree is important, and I'm not so angry about it since I know she is doing what she thinks is best, but still I yearn to have something more. My mother, she got to travel and explore, I'd like to do that. The good news is that court is new to me still so I will be less bored, but in a few months? When I know more people? I'm afraid I will become restless. I always feel restless."
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