Pre Hunt Fete: A Quiet Hour

[Kendrick Deveroix]

Ugh, my head hurt. It split like I'd just gotten socked between the eyes, which, coincidently, I had less than twelve hours ago. Over and over again.

I grimaced, and more for the knowledge of what had happened than the headache that was plaguing me. The damn Dauphin was the one that I'd gotten into the brawl with - had it been anyone else I wouldn't have cared, might have even thanked whoever was grabbing him for holding him still for me. Not like I would have beat the crap out of him while he was being held... but one punch? Oh yeah, I'd have gotten one good punch in. I was too damn drunk to really hit him how I wanted, anyway.

The only positive I could see in this was the fact that I forgot about Falla for the rest of the night. Instead my night was spent getting lost on my way home, finally riding up the drive two hours after leaving the tavern. From there a doctor was called much to my dismay, and I was put under the scrutiny of knowing, capable, cold hands. Why were doctors hands always so cold? He'd set my broken nose, wrapped my broken pinky tightly to my right ring finger, addressed the scatterings of other bruises and welts. Gods almighty. The Dauphin.

I moaned in pain as I tugged my shirt on, buttoning it up as I readied myself for the fete. The only damn reason I was going was because I wouldn't let it be known that Kendrick Deveroix and Christien de la Courcel (Gods!) got into a brawl and the Lord Deveroix was bedridden the next day. To the hells with that, I was going. My left eye was black and blue, my nose a deep purple, and other bruises speckled my body, but at least I didn't back down. It was just too bad I'd missed the bugger and punched the wooden post behind his head instead. My pinky was really hating me for that one.

[Julie Deveroix (D)]

I’d been waiting in the family room for Kendrick. I was glad for my decision to go unescorted to the Fete – if anything, it allowed me to spend some time with my older brother. Falla’s death’s anniversary had come and gone, and that night, he’d gone out, that I knew, though I’d not seen him since.

I assumed he was nursing a hangover worthy of the seven devils, and waited patiently, until concern that we be caught in painful traffic made me go up to his room, and knock gently on the door. For all my own antics, I had a mind to be adorable and patient – this wasn’t an easy time of the year for him.

[Kendrick Deveroix]

I was halfway through stuffing my good hand through my coat when I heard a knock on the door; not timid, not harsh, just gentle and slightly questionable. Giving myself one last stoic look in the mirror, I walked to the door and opened it, expecting to see any number of the servants that helped run this household.

Instead met me a face I'd known near all my life, and I bit back a grimace. Damn. Every moment longer I had to go without explaining myself, the better, even when I knew it'd come shortly. "Hello Julie," I said idly as I stepped through the rest of the way, shutting the door behind me. "Ready to go?"

[Julie Deveroix (D)]

I couldn’t help it. I gasped. And he was acting like he wasn’t wearing the colors of the rainbow on his face. Damn Kendrick. I found my breath back, and forced a smile. “Yes, ready, are you?” I asked patiently.

Gods. What in the world happened to him? Elua have mercy on me, I was wanting to bombard him with questions and worry – but seeing the good it had done last time, I tried not to… and failed. “That’s a nice look you’re wearing,” I observed quietly. “Care to share your secret with me?” Good gods. I was trying to make light of it, but I felt horrified. As much as this was a look I would dream to inflict on some acquaintances of mine, on him, it was… It perturbed me.

[Kendrick Deveroix]

"As ready as I'll ever be," I said as I stepped off, leading her through the hall and towards the front door.

Her question caught me slightly off guard; I'd expected nothing but a constant stream of questions and exclimations, of lip-gnashing and grumbling, curses... I couldn't keep the curiousity out of my eyes as I glanced back at her, lifting my left hand - the one without the bandage. "Right here," I said as I balled it into a fist. "Like to try some out for yourself?"

I attempted a grin and pain instantly flared out of my nose; grunting, I dropped my hand again and brushed past the maid who was moving to open the door for us, seeing it to it myself.

[Julie Deveroix (D)]

Whether Kendrick saw my frown or not, I couldn't tell, so fast it was that he darted out of the room. I shook my head, but I couldn't quite say much, could I, seeing as I'd myself had my share of brawl recently.

From the looks of it, it was a broken nose, and something to his right hand, countless bruises. Whoever had done him in hadn't been gentle. That's what I got for not looking out more, I wagered. Of course, I'd never say such a thing, now, would I?

I followed silently, and when I was out next to him, I replied. "Maybe next time. I'd hate for it to clash with my dress," I said as I batted my eyelashes ridiculously. Of course I'd ask questions. Just... well, I'd try to do it gently, respectfully. I liked to beat around the bush myself, so, heck, he was entitled to it too.

[Kendrick Deveroix]

I began to grin again before thinking better on it, changing instead to a more smartass answer. "Well, let me know whenever you want one. I'm sure I can find someone who'd oblige." I flexed the fingers of my left hand; they felt stiff since last night. Better that than the shooting pain that radiated up my other hand, though, or the pain that seemed like it was going to encompass my entire face. Little bastard.

The carriage was waiting for us and I opened the door for her, holding out my good hand to aid her up. "You look like you want to ask me something," I commented as I waited for her to take my hand, my face back to being fairly stoic once more.

[Julie Deveroix (D)]

I took his hand and hopped in the carriage, giving him a smile of thanks. Distractedly, I wondered if he would say anything about the fiery wind on my left shoulder blade - I didn't think he'd seen it, just yet.

I waited for him to settle before I actually addressed his comment. "I always want to ask you a million things, Tiger," I replied cockily. "But just now, I'm dying to know how your face came to match your shirt in such a perfect shade of purple," I admitted, trying to keep my tone light, giving him a teasing smirk.

I wouldn't make it hard on him, for a large variety of reasons. One, that he was my brother, and I loved him, no matter what he did. Two, that I'd myself gotten in trouble more than my share. Three, that whoever did it, I had good reason to believe it had to do with Falla's death-day, and just for that, I had an inkling of the misery he was in.

[Kendrick Deveroix]

I glanced down at my shirt before looking back up, curiosity and mingled with amsuement writ on my face. "Purple? Funny, I always thought this was blue..." I sobered near instantly as I reflected back onto the seriousness of the situation, and gave a sigh as I climbed in and sat opposite of her. Time to play confessions.

"Bar room brawl," I said simply, flatly. "Smartass chit who ran his mouth, so I shut it for him." I attempted to wrinkle my nose, then grimaced in pain. "Though he had a better double cross than I would have thought."

[Julie Deveroix (D)]

So he didn't notice the tatoo, or was too absorbed in his own pain to notice. Not a good sign - my big brother is usually quite good at noticing the new and out of the ordinary. Too busy sidestepping, perhaps.

Fair and well. I'd ask again, a little later. I was stubborn enough (and he knew it), not to give up so fast. But he could take his sweet time - the ride was long enough.

"So it seems," I replied with a grin. "Promise me that he looks as bad as you, or worse, and I won't resent you for brawling without me," I told him warmly. Or for anything else, you big dodo!

[Kendrick Deveroix]

"He looks..." I paused, reflecting back on it. "His eye was already near swelled shut when he was dragged off." By that damn Casseline, fire in his eyes and smoke on his breath. I didn't think of it at the time, but reflecting back on it, I was glad he didn't take his anger out on me.

"I don't think he ever caught my name, though, so that's a plus." Gods, was it ever, though I didn't think it'd really matter once people started putting two and two together.

"What've you been up to lately?" I asked, giving a lazy attempt to change the subject.

[Julie Deveroix (D)]

My eyes narrowed a little, giving him a look of disbelief. I know you're not telling me everything, you pig. Eh, it wasn't really a big deal, now, was it? Except if it was a plus that Kendrick's name was unknown, then it meant he knew who it was, and that his brawl partner, apparently, was potentially harmful. I tried to ignore the knot of worry that filled me, and immediately chided myself for it. What, I'm the kid, he's the older one, why would I get worried and try to mother him? Still, I silently expressed my skepticism, even though I decided to have mercy and not press. For now, anyway.

"A brawl," I replied laconically. "Sort of." A wry smile creased my lips. He wanted more? We'd have to trade, then. It was more for fun than anything else, though.

[Kendrick Deveroix]

I looked at her a touch suspiciously, wondering what game she was playing at. She didn't look worse for the wear, and I leaned forward, ignoring the flaring protests my body exhibited at the crunching movement. "A brawl? How'd you end up getting into a fight?"

[Julie Deveroix (D)]

I chuckled. “In fact, much like you did. A self-possessed prig decided to insult me during practice, and it got a bit out of hand. He gave me a good blow, but you cant’ see it…” I moved forward to meet him, and separated the hairs at my temple, “because of all that hair.” I’d checked, it was kind of blue, still. Thank Elua, the migraine had subsided. “I dare say he got the brunt of it, though,” I added with a smile.

I gave him a look of unadulterated affection. What could I say? We were of the same blood, weren't we?

[Kendrick Deveroix]

I shook my head after looking at her injury, leaning back again. "What a name our family will get: Deveroix, the fighters. Or brawlers, beaters, anything else of the sort." My tone was dry, and I looked at her slighty askance. "What did he say to provoke you?"

[Julie Deveroix (D)]

For his words, I gave a weak smile. “Bah, we’re temperamental, that’s all. But you and I alike, our hearts are in the right place.”

I frowned, trying to recollect the event. It wasn’t particularly pleasant. “Ridiculed me in front of the D’Neige Guard, insulted my feminity and ability to fight both, implied false things about Elton Tulare-Durante and me that I couldn’t let go unheeded. He said hurtful things, things about how people talked behind my back, how no-one respected me,” I replied, not adding the particularly annoying jab at the color of my heat’s hair. “He made me feel worthless, and useless, like I had no place what so ever. As though I'd be better use dead.”

I hugged myself, repressing a shudder, but as my throat tightened, I looked out a moment, trying to contain myself. I didn’t want to cry. This wasn’t the time. Truth was, those words had cut deep, and I wasn’t sure why. I was, after the fact, slowly learning the taste of hatred in my mouth, and I didn’t like it much. I’d sooner things be otherwise, I mused.

“What did your brawler say to provoke you?” I asked after I’d overcome my emotion.

[Kendrick Deveroix]

I listened to her; the tone of her voice, the look on her face all pointed at emotions other than just anger. After last night, I didn't have any place to prod. I wouldn't anyway; it wasn't my way. She'd tell me if she wanted to.

"Should'a socked him in the eye," I mumbled. "My brawler? Called me old, feeble, asked me if there was an old woman waiting for me at home." The last had really burned me - any other day of the year and I'd have taken it much differently. "So I broke my bottle of whiskey, told him to apologize, and proceeded to teach him a lesson. He was a young little chit, anyway." I paused, glancing at my hand. "I got most hits in, anyway. He got a few, too."

[Julie Deveroix (D)]

“What an ass,” I hissed between my teeth. “The idiot had probably no idea who he was dealing with,” I added after a while, though the thought still displeased me greatly.

I placed my hand on his knee soothingly, in a touch barely there, since I was afraid mayhap there was something painful under the fabric. “You did him in, though, so that’s good.” I cocked my head to the side, and asked him in sincere askance, “You know I’d stick by you, no matter what, right?”

[Kendrick Deveroix]

I looked at her curiously and a little worriedly, though the worry annoyed me to no ends. She'd find out eventually who it was that I'd pummeled, and who'd pummeled me, and I didn't have any reason to fear her finding out.

I reached out and patted her hand a little awkwardly. "I know, Jules. And no, I don't think he knew who I was. But thinking back on it, I don't think it really mattered much." Not to him, anyway, being the damned crowned prince. I cleared my throat and looked out the window, seeing the Palace nearing. "Anyone you're planning on going home with tonight? I don't know if you saw, but I had my horse tethered on the back of the carriage. The carriage is yours; I'll ride my horse home."

I'd do it sober, too. Or mostly sober, anyway - they had fantastic wine here. I just didn't want to spend another two hours trying to figure out where I lived.

[Julie Deveroix (D)]

I looked at him with growing concern. That knot between his eyebrows... it didn't reassure me one bit. "I'm going home with no-one tonight," I replied laconically. "And if you wonder why..." I sighed. "I don't know why myself. I just know I'm feeling somewhat tired, and I'm taking some time alone."

There was a simple truth to it, and I didn't want to admit it to myself. The unarticulated emotion was there, and I purposely left it as such. I couldn't deal with it so soon. Somekind of a strange seedling that was planted in me and growing, and that filled me with a strange, unexpressed dread.

"Thank you, though," I added warmly. "You never know, you might get lucky. I can ride back, if you like. Besides, you look like you could use it, more than I."

[Kendrick Deveroix]

I nodded; I'd experienced little in the way of physical love this past year. Very un-d'Angeline, but it didn't really matter. I knew I should cease mourning Falla quite so much as well, but when she'd died, she'd taken my heart with her. I was still trying to learn how to live without it, and wondering if it would ever return. The chances were beginning to seem quite grim.

I sighed, patting her hand again. "I don't have any plans on it myself. This isn't exactly the face of someone you want to wake up next to. " I gave her a wry look, attempting a smile. It hurt, and my heart wasn't really into it, but at least I tried. "I'll ride my horse. You take the carriage."

The palace was nearing closer, rising beautifully out of sculpted grounds, manicured and decorated tastefully. "You about ready to go into the wasps nest?" I asked, glancing back to her.

[Julie Deveroix (D)]

“Nonsense,” I told him with a wry smile and a little shrug. “I know some girls who are quite turned on by the beat up looks.” What? It was very likely that if Gad looked as used as Tiger did this night, I’d want him just as bad.

For a moment, I absorbed myself in the contemplation of the Palace. Ah. The nest of wasps. Not everyone wanted to go in, and there were times like these, where I understood why. I gave him a smile and retrieved my hand. “As ready as I’ll ever be, Tiger,” I replied thoughtfully. I brooded over it for a split second, and added, “Think I’ll ever fit in there?”

I didn’t think I would, but I was willing to try. Truth be, I felt more at home sparring and climbing trees with my friends.

[Kendrick Deveroix]

I smiled, though I wasn't so positive on her upbeat outlook at love found tonight. Besides, my hand would impede me, and my nose would likely bring a hellish ache into my skull. I grunted, smile disappearing. I was becoming an old stiff.

"Mayhap," I said in response to her question, glancing back at the rapidly approaching palace. "I can't say for sure, but I think you'd be happier in an open field than surrounded by marble and gilt."

[Julie Deveroix (D)]

I smiled as I let out a silent breath. "No-one knows me like you do, brother," I replied softly. "It's a wager you'd win. I miss home, sometimes." But I can't go back and face Jonas.

The carriage came to a stop, and I smiled. "Alright, let's see what bugs you and I can squash tonight, yes?" I was trying to be brave, absolutely. I had no idea if it would work, but I was making a very, very sincere effort.

A door was open, and before he could move, I was out, not wanting him to bother with his injured hand. It seemed to be a source of problems, and I didn't want any part in that.

[Kendrick Deveroix]

Before I had a chance to reply, she bounded out, light on her feet and with her ebony dress swirling. I wondered idly at why she chose black for a spring fete, but before I contimplated it further I caught a glimpse of something on her shoulder.

Climbing out, I made my movements graceful and purposeful, not allowing the fact that my body ached in pain to show. I moved around her, caught sight of it again, then looked up to meet her face. "A tattoo?" Why did it surprise me? It shouldn't. An unreadable, stoic look covered my face as I grunted at myself, then began to lead us up the path to the Palace.

[Julie Deveroix (D)]

As my brother made a show of not being in pain (ah! Men and their ever lasting phallus waving!) I smoothed my skirts, making sure the heeled boots that covered my tight breeches were not showing too much. It was black lace, as it turned out - and so it didn't crumple too much, Naamah be thanked.

Ah ! So he'd noticed, then. "Yes, a tatoo," I replied. "I got it after the coronation." Ah, there were plenty stories to tell. Let him ask, if he cared. I had nothing to hide. I gave him a brilliant smile, and asked as I followed him, "Do you like it?"

[Kendrick Deveroix]

"It's nice," I said, making my voice as near to pleasant as I could. "Do you like it? How can you even see it, on the back of your shoulder like that?" I glanced at her with a teasing light to my eye, though my facial expression didn't change overmuch. Gods, what a pair we made. My sister, fiery red hair, new tattoo on her shoulder and dressed in black for a spring fete, and myself, bruised and broken, entering for a fete at the Palace.

It was already shaping up to be a long night.

[Julie Deveroix (D)]

"That's what mirrors are for, you dolt," I replied with a teasing grin. "The artist made it especially for me," I replied, preening a little. "I'm very proud of it." I looked towards the door of the palace, and said, smiling, "Well, are we going to go, or are we going to stay out all night?"

There was a little chill, and I had no wrap. I couldn't wait to get inside, in truth.