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

[Vincent nó Gentian(D)]

"I suppose." I started. "But it's not that simple. Becoming one of Naamah's Servants isn't the same as joining the palace guard, or hiring another maid staff. There is a reason you take the dedication ceremony..." I clasped my hands together, shutting my eyes. "For all that we give, one of them is our own freedom, until we have earned it, that is the guild law."

I opened my eyes. "I can talk to my Dowayne, and see what I can do, I don't think it's impossible. Just understand that for the time being, I don't have as many liberties as most people." It was a truth I didn't like to admit to even myself. I'd not found out the gravity of it till after I'd been dedicated myself.

[Julie Deveroix (D)]

I raised an eyebrow. "I understand. I will monitor the situation, Vince. But if Kendrick were to pass title...."

I let it hang in the air. Vince was intelligent enough to understand my meaning.

[Vincent nó Gentian(D)]

I see, so it was that serious.

"Then Kendrick will inherit. Honestly Julie, even if he's had such a tragedy, he's still the most capable one to deal with the estate."

I took in a deep breathe. "Forgive me if I don't hold the same sentiments about father as you might. We were never as close. He wasn't as approving of my decision as mother, and sometimes I think he blames me for her death." I realized that I've never actually spoken about this with her before.

"I'm sorry Julie, but the Deveroix estate is not my home. You and Kendrick are, but..." I didn't feel the need to say the rest.

[Julie Deveroix (D)]

“Of course Kendrick is the one for the job,” I said matter of factly, wondering what opinion Vince thought I had of Kendrick. Whatever perplexity I felt was obliterated and destroyed by his further words, and it made me sad, so very sad, that I could not hide it. Vincent was throwing his childhood out the door, really.

“I understand, Vinny,” I said contritely. “And Kendrick who doesn’t want to go back… that leaves me, since Leo has his duties, and I am not fit for it. The estate is doomed to become a dead place then.”

That filled me with sadness and regret so great, I could not hide it, though I did not cry. It was something I had a fear for – and it made me regret it all the more. Tragedy – it was once again the word I had in mind.

[Vincent nó Gentian(D)]

We sat in silence for a moment, for I could not think of anything to say right away. The estate had been a somewhat dead place for me since I left. I missed the people, that I wouldn't deny. But I'd lost any sort of connection with the land, and what the estate represented to our family.

But, Julie hurt more, it shown on her face. Her pride wouldn't let her break down, but I'd known her, even after this time, that she cared far more than I.

"Julie, if you truly love it, you should help Kendrick. If he's in bad a shape as you say, it is up to you to not let it die from you."

[Julie Deveroix (D)]

I sighed, nodding. “It may very well happen,” I replied. “But for now, I cannot leave the city. I have pledged myself to the Sovereign Duchess of Camlach as her pupil, and I am in love with a man who is in service to the Palace. I am no better than either of you… my destiny, it seems, is in the City.”

I paused, and took a long, reassuring swig of ale. “I have to let go of the past, that’s all. Besides, what would I be doing out there, if you and Kendrick are here?”

[Vincent nó Gentian(D)]

"You have a good point." I took a sip of my wine. "I suppose for the time being should." I put it delicately as I could, "Father pass, the estate can be entrusted to the senchals, right?" It was important, I thought, to look at what was likely to be, and not try to hide the truth. I was my house cannon through and through.

[Julie Deveroix (D)]

"Yes, that is the current situation anyway," I said. "I would suppose a little visit once in a while would be required - I like Benoit Tanerdier, but all that in the hands of only one man..."

I smiled more calmly, and teased, "Maybe I'll want to go back, one day, and raise my children there." That made me laugh wildly - I didn't see my self as a mother, ever

[Vincent nó Gentian(D)]

I gave a wry smile. "Perhaps. Does this mean you've fallen head over heals for your lover. No doubts, no misgivings..." I let her finish my train of thought.

If they were lucky, perhaps the Deveroix estate would merely go into a period of slumber before the next generation was born. A small death, waiting to reborn perhaps.

[Julie Deveroix (D)]

“Head over heels is true enough, Vince,” I replied gleefully. “But I don’t think I will be the one to bear the next generation of Deveroix. A sword-wielding vixen such as me would become rather useless, if she were to carry around babes… and I can’t seem to imagine myself as a mother, really, I can’t.”

In truth, it was much to early to think on it – I had merely jested.

[Vincent nó Gentian(D)]

"Yes, well, your more caring then you'd let yourself believe." I mused. I gave a blinked look. "In all honesty, I'm not sure I would even want to produce an heir myself, should I find someone I love. I have no idea if this little...ability, is passed by blood. I don't think I would like to continue it any further."

[Julie Deveroix (D)]

“Such bridges will be crossed in due time, Vince. I’m only 18, after all… and you’re much up ahead of me. There is plenty of time.”

I took another swig, and looked, desolate, at the bottom of the mug. I set it down with a shrug, and said, “What of you? Is there love in your life?”

[Vincent nó Gentian(D)]

"Me, no." I was blatent, and direct. I didn't know if that was a good or a bad thing. I'd always felt that I loved my patrons not as people, but simply as souls that I've helped. I'd never let myself become attached to one, instead letting myself become a sort of temporary sacrifice in the Service of Naamah.

"No, not in anything that could be understood at least." I gave her a somewhat judging and sorrowful look.

[Julie Deveroix (D)]

“Oh, alright,” I replied quietly. “Is it something you miss?” I couldn’t help but wonder. We were of Nammarre, scions of Elua’s companions, even as our blood was mixed. Love was the stuff we were made of – even Kendrick, though his was tragic.

My eyes were on Vincent with all the sisterly affection I could muster – mostly, I was worried about him, and I hoped he was happy. It was the core of my sentiment.

[Vincent nó Gentian(D)]

"What do you mean miss?" I wasn't sure what she meant. I guess I might have been to vague.

"Let's say that what you have," I paused hoping to indicated her love match, "that, I have never had that. Do you understand?" I asked gently.

[Julie Deveroix (D)]

“I understand,” I replied soberly. “But I wonder…” I paused, thinking, “… are adepts even allowed that sort of thing? And what was that look about, Vince?”

He was confusing me, more and more – why did he seem so hurt?

[Vincent nó Gentian(D)]

"Well, it would seem very hard for the servant's guild to be able to control our emotions. We are human in the end." I leaned my head back a bit, before turning back to Julie.

"I think it might be better said that they put many obstacles between such a goal. But, in the end, it is dependent on the person, everyone is different."

I wasn't sure if I had loved, if I would, and if I wanted to. I didn't let my self think about it. Should I have?

[Julie Deveroix (D)]

"Ah, alright," I replied, letting the matter drop. I was not convinced, but I felt it may be a complex matter. "A little bit strange, then," I replied. "You know... Love as thou will?"

I was confused as to why adepts were not allowed love. Now that I'd had a taste of it... I felt that it were what made life worth aspiring.

[Vincent nó Gentian(D)]

I chuckled. "It's a different world. At least, it seems so to me. But I like it, for all it's surreal charm." I mused.

We shared one more bottle of wine, discussing more benign matters of living in the city, some affairs of state that we knew, which wasn't much, and reminisced about some good times on the estate.

Eventually, the started to set, and I looked at Julie with some relief and surrender.
"It's been a day, perhaps we should make a good end to it, hmm." I gave her a sincere smile. I left my portion on the table, and stood up, to kiss her on the cheek, and give her a warm embrace.

"Stay out of trouble will you?" I asked brotherly.

[Julie Deveroix (D)]

“Only as much as you do, big brother,” I replied with a wide grin.

I noticed the money he left – it took all my good sense not to tell him to let me pay, but had I been in his stead, I would have had enough pride to want to pay my way, even at my marque’s expense.

“Let’s not make it another few years until next time, yes?” I added as I let his embrace enfold me. “I missed you, Vince – don’t be a stranger, alright?”

[Vincent nó Gentian(D)]

"Send me a letter when ever you need to talk, alright," I caressed her cheek. "I'm not going anywhere."

And with the smile, I make my graceful leave, somewhat perplexed at the questions, but mostly relieved at the situation.

[Julie Deveroix (D)]

“Will do – and the same goes for you,” I said as he left. I stayed at the table a moment, looking at my empty glass.

It seemed, even if we all loved each other, we had all grown apart. I sighed. Growing up was really a pain.