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Post by Kendrick Deveroix on Apr 19, 2007 12:46:18 GMT -5
She would not speak, and I would not put myself out again until she diegned the moment right. Taking a seat on the opposite side, I had let Jonas sit next to Julie and simply waited the ride out, my expression remaining impassive, unreadable.
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on Apr 19, 2007 12:51:35 GMT -5
When the door closed on us, I let out a sigh.
Fiddling with my hat, I stared absorbingly at it for a moment. I took a deep breath and jumped in. Kendrick, I knew, was going to give me hell. I loved him enough to let him do so for a while.
"You seemed to know better who my friends were, but for your information, I was having a drink with Phreya de la Courcel, Noelle d'Aubigne and Oriel no Cereus. The man in black was Mordred no Mandrake, but I didn't have a chance to meet him. He joined the table after you came."
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Post by Kendrick Deveroix on Apr 19, 2007 12:57:23 GMT -5
"So I saw," I said dryly, lifting one brow slightly as I looked at her. "Princess Phreya de la Courcel, Noelle d"Aubigne and Oriel no Cerus. Interesting enough to know, I suppose." Interesting for her, and information to be tucked away if ever needed, but it truly held no allure in it for me.
The carriage ride was bumpy thanks to early-spring roads, though rather than bracing myself, I leaned back into a corner of the seat, one leg stretched out enough that it nearly touched her seat, opposite-corner from me. Would it annoy her? I wasn't sure with the mood she was in, though a part of me was mischevious enough to hope so.
"How is father?" I asked, my voice holding interest.
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on Apr 19, 2007 13:04:03 GMT -5
I looked absently outside the window. I was nestled in the carriage between Jonas and Kendrick, and my heart was weary of the road. I longed for a bath, suddenly, and a hug, and a sunset. I shouldn't expect to get all three, I thought sourly.
I sighed my fatigue, and looked back into Kendrick's eyes. "We should wait to be home to talk about Father, Kendrick," I said softly, voice a bit shaky.
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Post by Kendrick Deveroix on Apr 19, 2007 13:07:04 GMT -5
Watching as she acted bone-weary, I gave a nod and looked away again, focusing outside the window. The ride wasn't over-long, and in a few minutes we were rolling to a stop outside of the townhome. Not waiting for the door to be opened, I saw to it myself and stepped out, holding one hand to assist Julie; no matter how much she hated being treated like a girl, she was. A woman, in all good truth.
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on Apr 19, 2007 13:10:33 GMT -5
I'd never been one for being treated like a lady. I may be a Comte's daughter, I am also a fighter, a tree-climber, a rider, a warrior. But when he held out his hand, I took it, and leaned a bit on him. My foot was unsure, and for a moment, the world spun.
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Post by Kendrick Deveroix on Apr 19, 2007 13:15:03 GMT -5
"Julie." I spoke one word, saying her name in effort to ground her, my voice quiet. She was always as sure-footed as the old lead-pony we both had learned to ride on when we were no bigger than Fathers knee, and to see her disoriented enough to wobble from a coach... Giving her little time to react, I bent and caught her up behind her knees, lifting her while supporting her with my other high up on her back. "Don't fight me," I said, my voice stern enough to bring a low growl.
"Bring the bags if you don't mind, Jonas." Glancing over my shoulder as I spoke it to him, I turned and walked to the townhome, calling for someone to open the door ahead of me. I'd wring Julies neck still, but only when she could properly handle it.
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on Apr 19, 2007 13:26:44 GMT -5
I opened my eyes and found myself in Kendrick's arms. It is only a respite. I pulled my arms around his neck and took in his strength. Elua! I needed it more then I'd thought.
Kissing my brother's shoulder softly, I whispered "I'm not here to fight you, Kendrick."
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Post by Kendrick Deveroix on Apr 19, 2007 13:38:06 GMT -5
Her docile demeanor was more than enough to make me eye her askew, especially when she laid a kiss upon my shoulder, though I said nothing as I carried her inside. Forgoing the recieving rooms where I would have otherwise settled her until she were steady, I took her instead up the stairs, choosing out a guest room that was bigger than the rest, supplied with a bathing room adjacent. Her room, should she want it; it mattered little to me.
Settling her dust-ridden form on the bed, I let go and stepped back, looking down at her in part worry, part confusement. "What's going on, Julie? Are you ill? Is father worse?"
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on Apr 19, 2007 13:46:28 GMT -5
I took in a moment to breath it in. "Kendrick, I'm not ill, don't worry. You can string my neck in a minute, when I've bathed and eaten." Curse that innkeep! He never did bring the food I'd ordered.
Sitting up on the bed, I looked at him and added, "Once you've done that, we can talk about why I'm here." I wasn't going to try to talk him into anything until he'd cooled down, and said all he had to say. I knew my brother, and he needed me just as much as I needed him, but that would be said after everything else, as it should be between us.
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Post by Kendrick Deveroix on Apr 19, 2007 13:51:19 GMT -5
In a minute, when she'd eaten and bathed? Frowning, I leaned in towards her, locking my eyes upon her own. She was as stubborn as a mule-headed ox, but as much as she dug her heels in, she often forgot my own roots were much of the same.
"Now, Julie. Tell me what's brought you here, and then you can go freshen yourself." Keeping my gaze on hers like a hawk, I awaited her responce, prepared fully to strap her to the chair should I have to.
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on Apr 19, 2007 13:59:45 GMT -5
When Kendrick stared me in the eye like he was going to lock me up in a dungeon for life should I disobey, I pursed my lips a little. Then, I clenched them steadfast. It was bubbling in me, and I couldn't help it. My laughter exploded and I smiled it back at him, my head convulsing on the pillow.
I took in a deep breath and wiped a laughter tear from my dusty face, as I told him, heartily, "I'm here for you, Kendrick. You are the sole purpose of my trip. You are the only reason I left home. There are other matters at hand, but the gist of it is, I came for you." I bit my lip to straighten my smile and when it escaped me again, eyes shimmering, I added, "and I'm very, very happy to see you."
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Post by Kendrick Deveroix on Apr 19, 2007 14:05:09 GMT -5
I grunted as she began to laugh, rightening my posture and staring with annoyance only partially forced. Partially, of course; I was in no mood to laugh with her right now, though her giggles were infectious - she'd gotten out of trouble many-a-time by using her smile alone.
"You're happy to see me?" I asked, stepping forward enough that she'd be forced to look up at me. "I ought to forgo the bath for you and dump you the birdbath out back." Leaning forward, I made as if to pick her up again, knowing I'd likely either get yelled at or swatted for the effort. That made me grin, because there was a very, very good chance that I would infact dump her in the slimy water outside.
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on Apr 19, 2007 14:08:32 GMT -5
"Very happy, no matter what bath you give me," I replied. Grinning widely, I braced for impact and readied my fists, partly out of jest.
At this point, I was dusty, my face was stricken with laughter tears, and there was a likely chance my travel garb was ruined. I had never cared much for my own appearance, one way or the other.
If he wanted to throw me in the bird bath, then he should, but not without taking a hit for it. Besides, it was time Kendrick started to respect my fighting abilities. I grinned inwardly. This is what I can give you, brother. Get it out.
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Post by Kendrick Deveroix on Apr 19, 2007 14:16:10 GMT -5
Moving in wide, I left my chest and arms open for any hit that she'd deliver, then scooped her up and hauled her over my shoulder in one fell movement. "Bath time, Little Sparrow." Recalling the name I'd used for her growing up, I headed not for the door, but the adjacent bathing room.
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on Apr 19, 2007 14:25:04 GMT -5
I was disappointed when he opened wide. I can't hit if there is no defense to break down. When he scooped me up, I wriggled and fought him ruthlessly, suppressing my growing laughter. Give him a run for it, I thought to myself. I didn't want to hurt him to much but I pinched, kicked and resisted with all I had.
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Post by Kendrick Deveroix on Apr 19, 2007 14:28:32 GMT -5
Stiffening my shoulder to support her wriggling frame easier, I endured her attempted escaped well enough; it was but a short walk, anyway. Bending slightly, I gave a fling of my shoulder and sent her upright again, catching her back should she be off-balance.
Depositing her neatly into the copper tub, I called to the servents to bring cold water for bathing, giving Julie a wordless, fully amused grin.
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on Apr 19, 2007 14:34:45 GMT -5
Cold water? Now that I would not endure, no matter how much I loved my older brother. I stepped out of the tub and took a fighting stand.
"Hold that," I screamed at the attention of the servant. "It will not be said that a Lady of House Deveroix will be bathed like a worthless dog."
Rage made its way into my eyes. Kendrick was pushing me, and I knew he was getting exactly what he wanted. Oh well, I'm here for him, better give him what he wants anyway.
I braced for impact and readied my stance. I was out of the tub, and the first person to come forward with cold water was going to get a show for their money, or at least their fair share of frozen bones.
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Post by Kendrick Deveroix on Apr 19, 2007 14:40:28 GMT -5
"You won't be bathed like a worthless dog," I said, crossing my arms over my chest. "You can scrub yourself, unless you've turned more feminine than I remember and need a maid-servent to wash your back for you."
The grin never left my face, though I made no move to give approval of her demand on the servent. They knew her not, and I hadn't once spoken to them on who she was, so the likelihood that they'd heed her word over mine was minimal. Watching her openly, I laughed as she absolutely fumed and scrambled out of the tub. There was the sister I remember, not the teary-eyed lass that I had to carry up the stairs.
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on Apr 19, 2007 14:47:17 GMT -5
I strode over to Kendrick in three quick steps and threw a punch in his shoulder.
"You are unbearable. Now get out of this bathroom, unless you want to see your baby sister's naked bottom. Besides, you need to change too," I added with a chuckle as I mirrored his earlier gesture and expression and brushed off some dust from his shirt.
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Post by Kendrick Deveroix on Apr 19, 2007 14:52:52 GMT -5
"By all means, I'll leave," I said in haste, rolling the shoulder she'd landed a punch on. "Have fun with your cold bath," I called back, shutting the door to her room behind me with an audible click.
Catching a servent by his sleeve, I grinned, asking politely to have hot water brought up to her. I would tease her as any other time, though I was not so cruel as to make her wash in freezing water.
Not this time, anyway, I thought with a grin, moving off down the hall to my room to change.
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on Apr 19, 2007 15:01:28 GMT -5
When Kendrick left, I smiled in satisfaction. I'd bathed in freezing water the last three days, it would be no issue to do so again, even though I'd dreamt of the hot water during the last night.
When the servant brought in hot water, I did use it only a bit, succombing to the temptation of it.
The bath was comforting, and I relished it, although I did not take too long with it. I was never one for bathrooms anyway.
When I was done scrubbing the dust off of me, I walked out of the bathroom, stark naked, and found that Jonas had brought in my saddle bags. I had nothing else than breeches, so I pulled out a clean black pair and a white shirt. I combed my hair as best as I could and braided it in a clean, though lumpy, braid.
I walked out of the house, looking for a servant, and requested that they ask Kendrick to come for me. In the meantime, I settled in the room, pulling out of the bag some bread from the last inn and some wine I'd picked up on the way. I didn't need Kendrick to feed me, after all.
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Post by Kendrick Deveroix on Apr 19, 2007 15:06:52 GMT -5
Changing took me far less time than it took to heat and fill the tup, let alone for Julie to bathe and clothe herself. Dinner time was nearing, and when the servent gave me the message I almost asked him to bring her to the dining room instead.
Reaching her room in a matter of a minute, I knocked on the door, settling back on my heels.
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on Apr 19, 2007 15:10:01 GMT -5
Ah. There he was, I thought, halfway in the loaf of bread and drinking a sip of wine straight from the bottle. I reclined in the armchair, my barefeet rested lazyly on the nearby ottoman, and sent in a nonchalant "Come in."
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Post by Kendrick Deveroix on Apr 19, 2007 15:15:33 GMT -5
The copper handle gave way easily to the pressure of my hand, and with a soft sound I entered the room, leaning against the doorframe as the door continued to open.
Breeches again, I saw. "I ought to have you stripped down and forced into a dress," I said, torn between amusement and an urge to test her patience as she'd always tested mine. "Perhaps I'll ask Jonas to do it." A broad smile grew on my mouth, and I motioned for her to join me.
"Dinner is ready, should you want something more than stale bread and cheap wine." Whether it was cheap or not I didn't know, though I'd lay a solid bet that it was from an inn and not our fathers wine cellar.
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on Apr 19, 2007 15:21:06 GMT -5
I suppressed the urge to remind Kendrick that he shouldn't be so eager to see me in a dress, seeing as the last time I'd worn one was at Falla's funeral. Instead, I moodily grumbled, "Complain as much as you like, the breeches suit me fine. I foretell that one day, all women will wear them, and more often then gowns."
I picked up my bottle to follow him to the dining room. It wasn't the best wine I'd had, but it was a symbol of my independance and I wasn't letting go. Besides, it would drive Kendrick crazy, I thought to my self with a wry smile.
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Post by Kendrick Deveroix on Apr 19, 2007 15:36:30 GMT -5
"I'm not complaining," I said blandly, holding the door open for her. The bottle of wine she clutched to did irk me some, though if I knew her well enough that was her intention, and I'd not fall into it. Leading her down to the table, I remained quiet, letting a servent hold a chair out for her; she was my sister, after all, not my betrothed.
Betrothed. Falla. Ah hells.
Before she had perished, the simple thought of her name brought a joyous happiness to me, a warmth and light I'd never before dreamed... And now... Now it brought pain, a surety of a darkening in my mood.
Refraining from speaking, I let the silence linger on, lounging back in my chair and waiting for the food to be brought.
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on Apr 19, 2007 15:43:22 GMT -5
I stayed silent when pain washed over Kendrick's face. Sitting on the chair like a lady, in breeches and barefeet, I knew I was completely out of place, so appearances didn't matter. Silently, softly, as though I'd pick up a wounded sparrow, I walked to his chair, and put my hand on his shoulder. You have a family.
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Post by Kendrick Deveroix on Apr 19, 2007 15:50:00 GMT -5
Bowing my head slightly as Julies touch registered on my shoulder, I lifted my hand, placing it momentarily on hers. I know. I'm fine. Always fine.
Strength. It was the one thing I had in me that I would not give up, and I called on it now. Forcing thoughts of Fallas laughing face, of her shrieking in terror as she fell from her horse, of her dead, lifeless form in my arms as I carried her home, I sat up, straightening my posture. Strength was what got me through so far, family aside, and it would for a while longer yet. A while longer.
"Julie," I said, using even tones until I'd fully well lost myself again, "You say you came for me, but why? I fail to understand." Glancing up, I looked at her, breeches and a braid and smelling of soap.
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on Apr 19, 2007 15:59:51 GMT -5
My lip trembled when I saw Kendrick's barriers waver before he put them up again. Oh, stubborn Deveroix blood!
Still standing in front of him my hand went softly to his cheek.
"Do you not know I feel your soul all the way in Namarre, every day? It was unbearable to be so far, to think of you struggling on your own, escaping the Estate and diving into unknown distractions?" I kept my eyes locked into his as I continued to tell him all I'd reflected on during the silent ride from the Estate.
"The Estate needs you, Kendrick. And you need me. You have thread this painful path alone long enough. Let me walk with you for a while." A silent tear escaped my eye. "I love you, Kendrick, and I can't bear to stand and see you suffer, and do nothing."
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