Joie de Mornay
Aristocrat
Engaged to Quinn du Paras; House Mornay
Love and be loved.
Posts: 1,724
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Post by Joie de Mornay on Apr 26, 2007 8:29:38 GMT -5
An emergency earlier in the morning had delayed my appearance to Seigfrieds medical practice, and with a fret as I finally stepped into the carriage to return his book, I sighed. I disliked being late, especially by hours, and urged the driver to go as fast as he safely could.
It was early in the afternoon when I made my way through the door of his practice, clad in an soft, powdery blue that made me think of a robins egg.
The lady on staff glanced to me curiously, and, book held safely in my right hand, I asked for Seigfried Strasbourg.
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Post by Siegfried de Strasbourg(D) on Apr 26, 2007 10:37:17 GMT -5
I'd come in late, having to deal with several issues at home, consequences of my nightly absence, and had barely arrived when I heard a familiar voice in the lobby. Frowning at my own distraction, I quickly finished settling in, just in time for Joelle to come in the study.
"A lady is here to see you, Mylord. She wouldn't say her name," she added conspicuously.
I shrugged. "She doesn't need to, she is a friend. Bring her in."
Despite the fact that I was annoyed at myself for neglecting my duties, my heart was light and full of a joy unfelt before.
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Joie de Mornay
Aristocrat
Engaged to Quinn du Paras; House Mornay
Love and be loved.
Posts: 1,724
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Post by Joie de Mornay on Apr 26, 2007 10:40:42 GMT -5
I'd barely begun to look about the waiting room when the woman returned and beckoned me to follow, giving me a small look-over before leading the way. Confusion swept over me as I looked down, wondering if I had perchance stained my dress or splashed mud on it before walking it. I was still giving her a bit of a funny look as we entered a room, and the woman backed out without a word.
"Seifried," I said with a smile, greeting him with a slight tease. "It's been a long time, no?"
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Post by Siegfried de Strasbourg(D) on Apr 26, 2007 10:50:37 GMT -5
I bent down in a casual bow and kissed her hand. "Joie. It's always a pleasure to see you," and it indeed was. I take pleasure in the company of smart women, I thought.
"Please, have a seat," I offered. "Joelle," I said firmly, "Please,kindly have some tea prepared for Mylady De Mornay and myself."
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Joie de Mornay
Aristocrat
Engaged to Quinn du Paras; House Mornay
Love and be loved.
Posts: 1,724
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Post by Joie de Mornay on Apr 26, 2007 10:54:19 GMT -5
I took the seat he gestured to, giving him a smile as I did so. "The place looks fantastic, if you don't mind me saying so," I commented, settling comfortably into the chair.
"And, as promised, here is the book." I leaned forward to hand it to him, smiling happily. "It is slow reading in the beginning, but it makes up for it in the end, or so I think."
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Post by Siegfried de Strasbourg(D) on Apr 26, 2007 11:17:39 GMT -5
"Thank you, Joie. Both for the compliment and the book," I said as I took it from her hand, our fingers just grazing each other.
I ran my fingers on the side of the book. It was a bit old, and a faint smell of mold emanated from it. I would find great interest in the ancient work, I felt it.
"I look forward to reading this," I said with a introspective smile. "If I am not too distracted, I might be able to return it by our dinner."
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Joie de Mornay
Aristocrat
Engaged to Quinn du Paras; House Mornay
Love and be loved.
Posts: 1,724
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Post by Joie de Mornay on Apr 26, 2007 11:58:09 GMT -5
I smiled softly, tucking my hands into my lap after handing him the book. "Please, don't feel the need to rush. I've read it twice through now, and pretty well have it memorized." Sitting back in the chair slightly, I watched him as he sat.
"The dinner sounds like it'll be fun, if interesting. It's to be held, what... Six days from now?"
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Post by Siegfried de Strasbourg(D) on Apr 26, 2007 12:05:17 GMT -5
I smiled. Smart woman. "That is correct. I'll see what happens by then. I meant to ask you something about the dinner. Was there a dish in particular that strikes your fancy?"
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Joie de Mornay
Aristocrat
Engaged to Quinn du Paras; House Mornay
Love and be loved.
Posts: 1,724
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Post by Joie de Mornay on Apr 26, 2007 12:08:29 GMT -5
I shook my head, noting once again the fact that Siegfried seemed to be truly concerned about the welfare of those around him. "I'm not hard to please, really. Anything that's prepared is good enough for me. And if it's not prepared, then I have no problem seeing to it myself." Grinning, I jested lightly, knowing he wouldn't invite people over without having the dishes done beforehand.
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Post by Siegfried de Strasbourg(D) on Apr 26, 2007 12:16:03 GMT -5
I laughed, one thing for sure, Joie would be a feast for Yann, and I relished that.
"I also wanted to say that if there is..." I hesitated, not being sure how to formulate it, "...a friend you would like to invite, they will be welcome. Just warn me so I can include them in my head count," I added with a warm smile, and without one inch of calculation.
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Joie de Mornay
Aristocrat
Engaged to Quinn du Paras; House Mornay
Love and be loved.
Posts: 1,724
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Post by Joie de Mornay on Apr 26, 2007 12:23:12 GMT -5
"Oh!" I said, caught by surprise at his friendly gesture, "I very much appreciate that. Thank you." A warm smile lifted my lips as I looked at him, content and at ease. Did he entertain much? It was hard to tell. "I..." A slight blush covered my cheeks, and I looked down for a second. "I'm not sure if I will bring anyone. There is only two I would invite; the first I'm not sure of the reaction or outcome, and the other is my sister. If she hasn't left for her trip by then, then she would likely be neck deep in preperations for it. It's very kind of you to offer, Seig. I hope you know I heartily appreciate it."
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Post by Siegfried de Strasbourg(D) on Apr 26, 2007 12:31:57 GMT -5
I smiled. Joie was up to her forehead in a story, as I was, and without anymore bearing then I had. Somehow, it reassured me.
I smiled gently, "Well, if you'd like to chat about it, seeing as you are in my office, I will extend the mantle of confidentiality over the discussion." I didn't mean to pry, but she seemed slightly confused, and I felt compelled to lend her my ear if she would have it.
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Joie de Mornay
Aristocrat
Engaged to Quinn du Paras; House Mornay
Love and be loved.
Posts: 1,724
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Post by Joie de Mornay on Apr 26, 2007 12:37:26 GMT -5
I hesitated for a quick moment before answering, my eyes watching his. "As much as I would like to, there's little to tell. Time will tell all eventually, right?" Had he been near me I would have kissed his cheek for the sweetness of it all, though seated as we were it would have been awkward. Settling for simply crossing my legs, I gave him a small smile. "Will you be bringing someone yourself?"
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Post by Siegfried de Strasbourg(D) on Apr 26, 2007 12:46:24 GMT -5
"Yes dear, time tells all, all the time," I replied thoughtfully. Answering her question, I went on, "I thought about it. But I liked the chemistry we had as a quatuor, and like you, am unsure of the outcome."
I took in a deep breath and smiled reassuringly. Not a bad thing for both of us, to stay amongst friends for one evening. "I will be sending a carriage to pick up Aelan and Caine. Will you be taking yours or shall I send for you as well?"
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Joie de Mornay
Aristocrat
Engaged to Quinn du Paras; House Mornay
Love and be loved.
Posts: 1,724
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Post by Joie de Mornay on Apr 26, 2007 12:51:06 GMT -5
My smile turned gentle as I listened to him, having not expected him to speak of a personal matter; Seig apparently was good at surprising me. "I'll take my own, though I do appreciate the offer. This way you only have to worry about getting two out of the three of us home." My smile widened to a grin as I teased lightly, attempting to lighten the mood again.
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Post by Siegfried de Strasbourg(D) on Apr 26, 2007 13:15:10 GMT -5
Chuckling, I replied "It sounds perfect." I smiled at her tease. A perfect D'Angeline. "Joie, you carry your name wonderfully. Has anyone ever been sad in your company?"
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Joie de Mornay
Aristocrat
Engaged to Quinn du Paras; House Mornay
Love and be loved.
Posts: 1,724
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Post by Joie de Mornay on Apr 26, 2007 13:21:31 GMT -5
I laughed, though his compliment was not lost on me. "Many times, I'm sure. Life isn't about being sad though, or I don't think. It's about being happy, content, isn't it?"
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Post by Siegfried de Strasbourg(D) on Apr 26, 2007 13:34:08 GMT -5
"Oh indeed it is, my dear. Do not be concerned if I am stern. It is my normal state, and does not preclude the joy that is in my heart. You will see next week, there is much laughter in my house," I reassured her.
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Joie de Mornay
Aristocrat
Engaged to Quinn du Paras; House Mornay
Love and be loved.
Posts: 1,724
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Post by Joie de Mornay on Apr 26, 2007 13:39:18 GMT -5
Oh Elua, he took that the wrong way. Looking mildly abashed, I shook my head gently, trying to keep my movements, and myself, small. "Oh no, I didn't think that way about you at all; in fact it's quite the opposite. You seem like someone who enjoys happiness both in himself and in those around him... And unless I've read you wrong, I think you derive some of your own pleasure from the contentment and joy of those around you."
I smiled, though inwardly bit my lip, hoping he was not put off by it all.
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Post by Siegfried de Strasbourg(D) on Apr 26, 2007 13:46:35 GMT -5
I laughed heartily, and had we been just a bit more intimate, I would have give Joie one of the "bear hugs" as my son calls them. I spoke as I left my seat to walk to her, in a warm, tone. "Oh dearest Joie, don't be so troubled. Even if you did, it's something I'm told very often, and I wouldn't take exception to it. You've read me right. I do take much pleasure from the joy of others, and yours is contagious." By her side, I said softly, "Be free, take over the world in your beautiful happiness, Joie. I don't like to see you shrink like you just did."
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Joie de Mornay
Aristocrat
Engaged to Quinn du Paras; House Mornay
Love and be loved.
Posts: 1,724
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Post by Joie de Mornay on Apr 26, 2007 13:52:55 GMT -5
I rose without thinking as he did, though I was unsure why either of us did so. Still, I'd have felt foolish and awkward if I'd sat again and so instead I remained standing, listening to him with a faint blush.
"I'll try," I said, meaning it in both aspects of what he had said. "If it is any consolation, though, I have yet to think you are stern. You seem open-hearted, and I very much appreciate that."
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Post by Siegfried de Strasbourg(D) on Apr 26, 2007 13:59:00 GMT -5
I was towering over her, and it felt a bit awkward. I leaned against the desk, so that our eyes would be at the same level. "I cannot be stern around you. It is your gift, to lift hearts."
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Joie de Mornay
Aristocrat
Engaged to Quinn du Paras; House Mornay
Love and be loved.
Posts: 1,724
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Post by Joie de Mornay on Apr 26, 2007 14:07:34 GMT -5
I couldn't remember anyone ever having said something along those lines to me, and for the third time since I first walked into the room, a blush appeared on my cheeks. "Thank you," I said, feeling like I should speak more and not knowing what to say. In leau of words I leaned up and kissed his cheek, supporting my thanks physically.
Settling back on my heels I looked at him, quiet and calm. "I don't believe I have ever met someone quiet like you before, Seifried de Strasbourg."
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Post by Siegfried de Strasbourg(D) on Apr 26, 2007 14:18:30 GMT -5
I had embarrassed her with my compliment, when my only intention had been to tell her something that I thought was true, but that she didn't seem to know.
Very serious, suppressing an urge to smile, I replied "that is because there is no-one like me," my voice a little bit lower then usual, an intentionnal jest I sometimes used with children.
I looked at Joie, waiting for her reaction, trying very hard not to laugh. In her presence, I had a sense of humour. Some might have called it the Joie effect.
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Joie de Mornay
Aristocrat
Engaged to Quinn du Paras; House Mornay
Love and be loved.
Posts: 1,724
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Post by Joie de Mornay on Apr 26, 2007 14:22:38 GMT -5
I stared up at him for a long moment, then abruptly narrowed an eye. "Don't tease me," I said playfully, letting the other eye narrow as well. "I may have to tease back, and then where would we be?"
A smile came back onto my face as I relaxed, looking almost eye level to him as he leaned on the desk.
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Post by Siegfried de Strasbourg(D) on Apr 26, 2007 14:26:18 GMT -5
I let my laughter come out, something light, short, but sincere. "Welcome back," I said with a smile.
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Joie de Mornay
Aristocrat
Engaged to Quinn du Paras; House Mornay
Love and be loved.
Posts: 1,724
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Post by Joie de Mornay on Apr 26, 2007 14:38:23 GMT -5
"Thank you," I said, my smile flashing to a grin.
"It's a good thing you didn't tease me further," I said, my grin growing a hair as I teased him. "You may be big, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't win..."
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Post by Siegfried de Strasbourg(D) on Apr 26, 2007 14:44:27 GMT -5
"Beware of ferocious Joie," I teased freely, though I had no doubt she would overcome me, at least in the arena of jest. "She called me big," I said, my hand to my heart, a mock teary face my mask.
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Joie de Mornay
Aristocrat
Engaged to Quinn du Paras; House Mornay
Love and be loved.
Posts: 1,724
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Post by Joie de Mornay on Apr 26, 2007 14:59:09 GMT -5
My laughter came from me unchecked as he gave me a friendly mocking, and if I hadn't before I decided then that Seig was good to have as a friend.
"Would you have it that I labeled you otherwise?" I asked, mirth making my eyes sparkle, "You may be twice my size..." I grinned openly, looking at him.
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Post by Siegfried de Strasbourg(D) on Apr 26, 2007 15:05:54 GMT -5
"Call me tall, grand, formidable, superb, remarkable," I jested, my hand still on my heart and my posture that of the declaming poet. Lowering my tone, I added "You can do better then big. Don't go easy on me," a wry smile itching my lips.
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