A Tiger, an Owl, and a Phoenix at the Boar...

[Julie Deveroix (D)]

I nodded, though I wasn't sure he understood me either, and just said, "I wasn't suggesting you lie, brother. I never would. I was only telling you that I trusted your kindness."

I took a sip of ale, and looked over at Kendrick, wondering what he thought of it.

[Kendrick Deveroix]

I was still reclining and drinking my brandy, listening to Julie and Vincent chatter on when a quiet shadow came to my elbow, passing me a folded piece of parchment. I glanced up and recognized one of the staff members of the townhome, then unfolded it and read on.

"Thank you," I said in dismissal as I folded the paper back up, my gaze turning to Julie and Vincents. "I'm sorry," I said regretfully, sitting up and setting my glass down. "A matter's come up from the estate that I must deal with immediately."

I paused as I started to stand, realizing how it may have sounded. "It's not Father, don't worry." I leaned over and kissed Julies forehead, then ruffled Vincents hair like I did when we were young. "Good to see you again, brother. Feel free to come by the townhome whenever you'd like. You know you're always more than welcome."

[Vincent nó Gentian(D)]

I blinked as Kendrick made a somewhat quick leave. And then I sighed before looking at Julie. "I guess some things never change completely, Brother always taking on new responsibilities." I finished off my soup, and pushed it forward of me, thinking on the conversation.

[Julie Deveroix (D)]

I'd leaned to his kiss, my hand squeezing Kendrick's arm affectionately before he left, and I had let my eyes trail on him until he was no longer in sight as Vincent spoke.

"Kendrick has a lot of work, all the time," I said, and I paused, thinking. "And he has a lot on his mind."

[Vincent nó Gentian(D)]

"I'm sure he does." I leveled my gaze. "And if I'm mistaken, so do you." I gave her a warm smile. "Something you want to talk about, I can't think of many people who can understand you better than me." I think only Julie would find that comment not arrogant.

[Julie Deveroix (D)]

I puffed, touching a strand of Vincent's hair lightly. "Both of us, yes. And what weighs on his mind, at least part of it, is my fault," I said absently. "So which part do you want to hear first? My troubles, or the Tigers?"

[Vincent nó Gentian(D)]

I smiled. "Yours. I think I could grasp those better." I beckoned the maid for some wine if they had any available, not usually enjoying the bitter ale.

I folded my hands, resting my chin, waiting patiently.

[Julie Deveroix (D)]

“Well…” I paused, recollecting.

“I think the last news you had, I had taken to learning the blade. Since then, much happened. Kendrick came to the city, and Father was getting ill, the estate was turning more and more like a sad place of memories. I wanted to bring Kendrick back (foolish me), and so I set out with Jonas… well, I set out alone, and Jonas forced himself as my escort.” I said.

“When I arrived, there was a bit of a commotion, and in the end Tiger and I were fine. Then… I met an adept, an Eglantine, and had an assignation,” I paused, blushing. This was getting to the embarrassing part, and though I knew Vinny was an adept, I was still a little timid about such things.

[Vincent nó Gentian(D)]

I smiled and nodded as she recanted her brief escape from the estate. Jonas was odd, but so was Kendrick. I'd have to wait to get the full story, but for now, I let Julie clear her mind.

Even after all this time, she still had that look of innocence, and it made me think of our childhood, at least what I remember. I gave her my most trusting look as she mentioned the assignation. And Eglantine too, I couldn't have thought of much better house for her to begin with. Energetic, but not aggressive. Mayhap only Orchis, or Assylum would have worked well too.

"Don't worry sparrow, you can tell me anything. I doubt theres anything you've done that I've not seen, heard, or done myself."

[Julie Deveroix (D)]

I smiled gently, grateful that Vince was so level-headed. "Well... I had the assignation, and it was my first time. I'll admit I understood a great deal more of your letter, after that, but events unchained and such reflections only came later. When I came home after the assignation, Jonas was there, and he was blue, he was angry beyond words. He said he loved me, and he had been waiting, because of his duties. And I loved him too, and so we had each other, and it was grand. And in the morning... he was gone."

I paused, giving him time to react to it.

[Vincent nó Gentian(D)]

If she expected shock, she was still naive. As it stood, I simply gave her an understanding grin as she stumbled her way though the explanation. At most, I blinked with the idea with Jonas, but not surprised, I'd not been there when things would have gotten closer. If anything, I felt pity for him, for he most likely did not understand himself. And poor Julie was just as confused, and left to ponder her own devices.

"You did nothing wrong, as far as I see it. At worst, you were just a little naive, and that is still charming in its own way."

[Julie Deveroix (D)]

I nodded, patting his hand softly, a tender gesture of thanks.

"Well, with all that, I wasn't ready to go home, and Kendrick accepted that I stay. That morning, I was rather in need of air, and I went out riding. There, I met a friend - Adrienne de Rocaille - it was nice, and it did me good to rest from such things. Then... there was the Coronation."

I paused, and looked at Vince, "Where were you, at the Coronation?"

[Vincent nó Gentian(D)]

"Not there. It's not exactly the type of event where one needs an adept with my skills." I paused as I received a glass of wine I ordered, taking a sip. It was a lower quality, I shouldn't have been surprised. "And I didn't have any inkling to attend on my own. I've attended enough fetes as is to afford to pick and choose."

"But do tell me what you saw there, for I am interested in your happenings."

[Julie Deveroix (D)]

"Bah..." I paused, thinking, "Kendrick and I spent a lot of time together, and I met some people... Pierre de Somerville - he wasn't very pleasant, but very good lookin." I shrugged, "And I met a Vicomte who showed me his house," I said, winking. "Also, I met Phreya de la Courcel for a second time, and Elton Tulare-Durante. You know who that is, do you?"

[Vincent nó Gentian(D)]

Any adept would recognized the names of royalty such as Somerville and Courcel. I'd not had any meetings with high ranked peers other than perhaps a bow and I moved on my way, easily forgotten. I don't know how much she got to converse, but it was a start. I did catch her wink at the mention of the Vicomte thought. I'm surprised she just didn't say it, but I guess that's women trying to be sly.

Her last one though was confusing. "No, I'm afraid not. Should I?"

[Julie Deveroix (D)]

"He is the husband, to Jaiden Liatris, the Sovereign Duchess of Camlach," I explained. "She is a figure of legends, a fierce warrior, really. And through him, I had the chance to make my plea for formal training at House Liatris," I said, preening for it.

[Vincent nó Gentian(D)]

"So, does that mean that you'll be moving to Calmach then?" I thought she would be fine for the long journey, but her concerns with relationships seemed interesting, and imminante, I can't imagine her taking off so soon.

[Julie Deveroix (D)]

“No, not at all,” I replied. “Training is ongoing here, in the City. Though there is no telling the Duchesse won’t bid me go to Camlach one day. For now, I train here, and do what I must.”

I paused an instant. It had never occurred to me that I may be asked to leave the City – and going away from Gad, when we had just found each other… that was a horrible reflection. Well, I would deal with it if and when I had to.

“And so that is where I am. And of course, there is Gad. Gadleon Shahrizai,” my smile softened, “he…” I paused, “I love him. Jonas was but a mere prediction of him, if you ask me. Besides, he wasn’t man enough to stay.” I had a bit of anger, still, at Jonas. The truth was, I preferred Gad, because he had taken me, he had bested me, and he possessed me entirely. “Jonas had been meek and shy, and though I was grateful for his loyalty, it made me feel… I didn’t know how it made me feel. Just not as complete as with Gad.” In truth, Gadleon had whipped my mind, and with him in my life, and Rannan, I had love galore, and I was happy. “Besides,” I grinned impishly, “We’re not monogamous…”

[Vincent nó Gentian(D)]

I did something I did rarely, and gave a full throat laugh at her last statement. When I calmed down. "Ah Julie, I remember you befriended every person at the manner before you could barely walk. I am not the least bit surprised that as you grew up, you'd only act the same way with your lovers."

I was truly heartened that she found someone. I wouldn't need to explain her feelings for her, that was her journey. I'd seen enough not to be outright shocked by the interesting taste of a companion, merely curious.

"Seems like you've done quite well for yourself in such a short time. You always were a quick learner."

[Julie Deveroix (D)]

I gave an amused bow, smiling. “It’s good to see you happy for me. Kendrick didn’t quite react the same way,” I replied a little wistfully. “He came to terms with it all… but…” I sighed. “It wasn’t the most peaceful night of my life, if you ask me.”

I looked at Vince, and pressed my lips to his cheek. “I’m so glad you’re back in my life, you know that? I’ve missed you, Owl.” The kind and patient, quiet brother… oh yes, it was so good to see him again.

[Vincent nó Gentian(D)]

"I'm glad too, more so that you'll be in the city for a time. I do wish to know what Kendrick was thinking though." I took another sip. "It seems like the estate really has him tied down. He's lost....well, he doesn't look altogether, broken mayhap." I said the words specutivily, trying to piece them together.

Kendrick was always responsible from when I can remember, but he usually didn't look that somber.

[Julie Deveroix (D)]

I sighed. It wasn't up to me to tell Vincent about it, was it? Oh, but it was an important event, and it would give him so much insight....

"Well, Vince," I paused. "I'm not sure it's my news to tell. But Kendrick has been through a lot, this year. He's better now, but he's suffered a lot. He won't talk about it, so there's no use prying. He has a lot to mourn for."

I left it there, praying Vincent would have enough wit to piece it together. I didn't want to be overly indiscreet.

[Vincent nó Gentian(D)]

"Mourn?" I didn't think of Julie as one to misuese words. Who could he have lost. Fathers not dead, mother, well, that was my torment. Who else was there.


"Wait." I said looking up and working through my memory. "Falla?"

[Julie Deveroix (D)]

I nodded, taking a sip of ale. I didn't want to speak of it more. I always thought Vince had a good memory - and a good mind for such connections.

"Let him talk about it, if he wants to," I said after a dark moment of silence. "He won't discuss her with me, and likely, he won't with you either. Please, don't."

My tone was both imploring and commanding - I was serious about my request.

[Vincent nó Gentian(D)]

"Very well." It seemed to be a painful and touch subject. No matter, it could wait. My only hope was that Kendrick didn't sulk for to long. Regret can only breed festering feelings if not cleaned.

In an effort to relieve Julie's tension. "So, what are your plans now? Training and Loving is all?" I questioned.

[Julie Deveroix (D)]

“My plans?” I paused. “There are a lot of things to do for me here in the city, for now, though I’ll likely go home soon, just to see Father. You should come, in fact,” I added sweetly. “It would be good, for you to see him, and for him to see you.”

[Vincent nó Gentian(D)]

"Well, that might be a problem." I lowered my eyes. It would be nice, and I'd been able to bend the rules, but leaving that far. The guild is explicit that they own my marque. I was given reign of the city only so often, and I knew that I took risks not staying in the salons should patrons arrive.

"I'm not allowed to leave the city Julie, not until my marque is made. Only a patron can buy me out of here." I leveled plainly with her.

[Julie Deveroix (D)]

My hand went to his arm naturally, and I caressed it gently, seeking to give him what comfort I could.

"I figured you had such a rule," I said understandingly. "I think there would be good reasons for House Deveroix to incur the expense though. Kendrick will tell us, but... I know my brother, he wouldn't leave you behind."

[Vincent nó Gentian(D)]

"Wait....you don't mean...you would pay for me to leave?" I didn't know what to think of that. Did she mean to have the estate buy my marque. I don't even know if i wanted that. As much as I loathed being chained, I respected my service to Naamah.

I furrowed my brows in confusion.

[Julie Deveroix (D)]

“I mean, Vince,” I said reflectingly, “That it would be rather unseemly for your Dowayne to refuse to let you visit Naamah’s Shrine. Almost as unseemly, as to refuse that your brothers and sister call you forth to visit your hailing father. If you want to see him, I’ve no doubt we will find a way for it to happen.”