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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on Feb 21, 2008 0:30:13 GMT -5
“Well you can always talk to me if you need to,” I replied with warmth. “You don’t have to bear this alone…” I winked. Did I want to stick my finger in the wheel of the Night Court’s politics? Naamah’s tits would yield sour milk before I did. It was one thing to go as a patron, and another to not mind one’s own business.
“I’ve heard bad things about your man Octavier,” I said after a while. “Rumors about corporal punishment, unfair treatment of adepts…” I almost spat in contempt. “He hasn’t treated you poorly, now, has he?” The latter was asked with concern. I didn’t like much that idea- even if a lash in bedplay did sound enticing to me.
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Post by Vincent nó Gentian(D) on Feb 21, 2008 0:46:36 GMT -5
"I know." I said. "As for Octavier, no, not as of yet. I think he took pity on me for a time, born with miserable luck of vision and patronage. He turns a blind eye to my inscent stays in the opium rooms. I'm sure some of the rumors have been exaggerated, though he can be harsh for not having visited mandrake."
I placed my hand to my chin. "Though, I can't imagine I'd be so lucky if I were found out about that night."
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on Feb 21, 2008 0:53:00 GMT -5
I nodded, understanding. “Well… what are the odds?” I asked with an accomplice grin – I had my share of secrets and dissembles, and I knew a thing or two about sneaking around. If I did, likely, Vince, who was always more discreet than me and better at catching food from the estate’s kitchen, probably had even keener chances of going by unnoticed.
This little conversation made me smile softly – for all our own little pranks, all the things we did as children. I’d never forgotten – rather, I’d missed him when he’d left.
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Post by Vincent nó Gentian(D) on Feb 21, 2008 11:31:08 GMT -5
I sighed, smiling once more, "But, I think it's far to soon to be worrying about such things for now. The last thing I should do is worry myself...or you for matter, needlessly." I looked and Julie, sensing a nostalgic pattern of thought on her face.
"Memories of home?"
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on Feb 21, 2008 11:38:34 GMT -5
“Always,” I replied with a quiet sigh. “I know you don’t miss it, and neither does Tiger, but I love that place, and I long for it, at times. I long for the times where we were all home.” I shrugged. “No use turning back now. Things are as they are, and they won’t change for the better.”
I’d tried to warn Vince about Father. I’d told Kendrick about the letters. Sometimes I wondered if I was the only one to care. Perhaps I would be better off going home, marrying (shudder) one of my lovers, and taking on the estate’s day to day activities. I’d need to learn, though.
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Post by Vincent nó Gentian(D) on Feb 21, 2008 13:09:23 GMT -5
I chuckled a bit. "If you spent enough time with my patrons, one might like to think otherwise."
A long silence followed, as we both searched, I wondered, for something to break it.
"Curious. Do you know what Kendrick ever thought of my decision to dedicate myself?"
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on Feb 21, 2008 14:49:45 GMT -5
I’d shrugged at his reply. No-one quite paid heed to my warnings in that respect, not even my fore-seeing Gentian brother. It wasn’t foresight, though – it was merely logic. Why no-one listened was beyond me.
“I do not recall that he ever commented,” I replied avec I’d taken a moment to reflect on it. “I don’t know what he’s thinking half the time anyway.” I shrugged. I wanted things with Kendrick to be better… so badly. “But he obviously doesn’t think ill of it now, seeing as he showed up at the Boar last time.”
I made a non-committal pout. To me, it had always made sense. One heir, one Casseline brother, one Servant of Naamah. It was always the fourth child who was heedless – I was just thankful Father had never thought to use me for political purposes, and make me wed into a rich family.
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Post by Vincent nó Gentian(D) on Feb 21, 2008 21:44:03 GMT -5
"Just thought maybe you'd know. You seem to be the most connected one in the family. Despite all the rumors I've heard, and their many, I've never heard his name come up. Ever." I shrugged. "I've heard a few stories though, referencing a blade slinging beauty on occasion, and I can't imagine there are many of those."
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on Feb 22, 2008 3:38:35 GMT -5
“Is that so?” I asked, both about Kendrick’s low profile and my own rumors. I’d never been confronted with any – and my so-called blade slinging had, for now, been confined to the salle, or to gardens, both mine and Gad’s. “Well do tell, brother, I am beyond curious,” I said as I leaned back, sincerely wondering what in the world was circulating about me.
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Post by Vincent nó Gentian(D) on Feb 22, 2008 9:49:41 GMT -5
"Oh, don't get all high and mighty on me. Names aren't used, and by the time they reached me, they seemed very...distorted." As I spoke, I tried to recall some of the stories I heard. They were a bit fuzzy at first, though the two features that were always consistent were fire red hair, and boyish attire.
"But I can tell you someone likes to talk about you."
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on Feb 23, 2008 12:20:23 GMT -5
“Oh,” I replied, thinking. I tapped my chin, reflecting on the matter. “I can’t seem to decide whether it’s a good or a bad thing, Vince. It’s not demeaning to the House, now, is it?” I asked as concern filled my heart, likely seeping through my eyes.
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Post by Vincent nó Gentian(D) on Feb 23, 2008 13:01:01 GMT -5
"Nah, I haven't heard the Deveroix name used in any instance, so for now, it's just your personal stardom at stake." I gave her a small grin. "You don't want the spotlight, do you?"
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on Feb 24, 2008 7:05:53 GMT -5
In earnest, I shook my head in negation. I'd never looked for glory - I didn't care for it, I didn't quite see the interest in it. I was used to doing as I wished, and usually without the onlook of others.
"You know me, Vince," I replied with a little smile. "I've never even been quite the one to seek attention at home - if it came my way, it was happenstance." I shrugged. "I guess wild and free in the City is rarer than one might think."
That made me sigh. I'd have to work on keeping a lower profile, it seemed.
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Post by Vincent nó Gentian(D) on Feb 24, 2008 19:10:37 GMT -5
I gave her a small grin. "Julie, I was joking. Do you think I'm completely devoid of humor." "I'm sure you do what ever you want within Elua's reason, and I know you could not be so easily influenced by others." I stroked her hair for a moment. "I am your brother remember."
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on Feb 25, 2008 10:38:31 GMT -5
I wished I could see the humor in that – all that I could see was how terribly failed I was, not even able to pick out Owl’s joke. Still, I smiled, and let out a chuckle of relief.
Into his caress, I leaned, letting myself appreciate it a moment and drift back into our years of innocence. Idly, my hand drifted to capture a lock of his white hair, a harsh reminder that those days were gone.
“I know, Owl. I guess I’m the one without the sense of humor,” I replied with a little sigh. “I’m just worried now that I may be a source of shame. You see, I did something….” My voice trailed off. I had trouble continuing.
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Post by Vincent nó Gentian(D) on Feb 25, 2008 14:15:09 GMT -5
I sighed happily. "Julie, if there is one trait you could do without, it's your overwhelming worrying. Come, we should do something to take your mind of things. Perhaps..."
I actually thought about it, my remeedy for this would be for the opium rooms, but it might not be the best course here. "Any ideas?"
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on Feb 28, 2008 15:58:54 GMT -5
“Vince, thank you,” I replied, kissing his cheek impetuously, the way I did when we were children.
“Well, what about going for a ride?” I asked with a quirky grin. “Do you remember anything of it?”
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Post by Vincent nó Gentian(D) on Feb 29, 2008 12:41:01 GMT -5
"A little I believe. It has been awhile, but I think that sounds like a great idea." I looked around. "I assume you have horses here then?" I said, stealing one more morsel of food from the table.
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on Feb 29, 2008 15:54:18 GMT -5
“Of course,” I replied with a smile. “I have my horse here, and I can saddle one of the carriage horses for you. They’re tame enough, you’ll be fine.” I didn’t say that Kendrick also had his horse – the beast wasn’t mind to lend to Vince.
I had a lazy piece of food, happy to see Vince eating, and asked, “so… did you get a chance at all since you came to Gentian?”
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Post by Vincent nó Gentian(D) on Feb 29, 2008 17:36:26 GMT -5
"No, not really. Anytime the adepts go anywhere, it's usually by carriage. You'll have to put up with my relearning then, ok little sis.
I figured I'd pick it up quick, it's not something you forget easily. But I doubt Julie could pass up an opportunity to have some control. I might think anyways.
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on Feb 29, 2008 17:52:57 GMT -5
“We’ll go easy,” I replied with an accommodating smile. I had no problem with a quiet ride rather than mad races – I had trained in the morning, and had no need for further exertions just yet.
“Ready when you are,” I said with a smile. “Would you like to come with me to the horses?” I offered, laying with a teasing smirk. I loved the smell of the stable, but I had no idea if my pampered adept of a brother would enjoy it as much as I did.
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Post by Vincent nó Gentian(D) on Mar 1, 2008 0:01:09 GMT -5
"Sure." I followed her leave. As we walked, I secured my robes, making sure to shorten what I could of any loose cloth. As we made it into the stables, I did note the more peasant like odor, and wrinkled my nose. Once a time, I'd known this smells, and others like it well, now, I'd been unused to it. I wrinkled my nose, but otherwise made no comment.
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on Mar 1, 2008 12:33:05 GMT -5
The entrance to the stable was gained, and the lad who took care of the horses simpered a little when he saw us make our way to the stalls.
“This is Ignace,” I said to Vince, “He handles the beasts when I’m busy at the salle. Ignace, this is Vincent, my brother.”
The boy gawked, and bowed to Owl, making me smirk in amusement. “Well met, My Lord,” he stammered.
Letting Vince deal with Ignace, I moved to Freya’s stable, and gave her a sweet pat on the nose. Cooing apologies for my neglect of her, I entered, caressing her neck and sides, and already she fretted, excited by the exercise to come.
I removed the cushion pad from the half door and laid it on her back with a practiced movement, and then deposited the saddle on her before I proceeded to fastening it around her belly.
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Post by Vincent nó Gentian(D) on Mar 4, 2008 9:34:58 GMT -5
I bowed quaintly, that of an adept, and perhaps showed the extent of my station. I could forget that in some circles, the term 'lord' still did a ply. Ignace led me over to another stall, and insisted that I wait while her put the saddle on. I couldn't think of a good excuse, and so I stayed.
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on Mar 7, 2008 12:23:17 GMT -5
A glance to the other stall told me that Ignace was already saddling the gelding, and I grinned. If Vince had been a while without riding, the old horse was a good choice – he was peaceful, without much of a rebellious streak.
I finished readying Freya, and holding her by the reins, I led her out, and waited in the drive. Passing my brother, I added, “Come along, Ignace will bring your mount.”
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Post by Vincent nó Gentian(D) on Mar 10, 2008 17:18:39 GMT -5
I wandered up past ignace, giving him a smile, and next to Julie. "I hope you treat the help well Julie, or at least better than at home," I said with a little smirk. The comment was more an attempt to gauge how much she hadn't changed since I'd left her as a child.
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on Mar 11, 2008 2:56:00 GMT -5
I wanted to give Vincent a withering look, and caught myself - it wasn't his fault, and he didn't know yet about Jonas and how he'd... I'd..... oh, what a mess that was.
"I think Ignace has no complaints," I said with a smile. He tottled along with the gelding's reins in hand, and I added with a teasing smirk, "do you need help getting up?"
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Post by Vincent nó Gentian(D) on Mar 11, 2008 15:49:33 GMT -5
I looked back. "I think I'll manage." I walked over, and surprised myself how easy I could get up, though I tried to hide that emotion from Julie. An adepts deftness of movement has many benefits it seems. "See, nothing too it."
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on Mar 11, 2008 16:01:21 GMT -5
I gave Vince a pleased smile. "That's my brother!" I said with happy enthusiasm. "Once a rider, always a rider," I added with a merry wink. With effortless ease, I hopped onto Freya, her body feeling familiar as a lover's. I noticed Ignace handing Vince the reigns, and I added, "Will that come back too?"
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Post by Vincent nó Gentian(D) on Mar 11, 2008 16:04:02 GMT -5
"Well, we'll find out very quickly, won't we." I said in a subdued humor. I gave it a light tap to the torso, and went out on a slight hurried speed. After a moment, I felt my center, and got my balance. I gave a wave back without turning around signaling that I was quite fine.
It was great. I hadn't felt this free in a long time.
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