Malabelle Shahrizai
Aristocrat
Lady of House Shahrizai
Wife of Christophe Legard no' Shahrizai
Posts: 2,756
|
Post by Malabelle Shahrizai on Jan 27, 2008 2:26:06 GMT -5
I had gone into the shopping district to take care of a few errands. Christophe was off on some things of his own, so I gazed out the carriage window as we passed down the streets. A whim caught me as we passed a store and I called for my driver to stop.
I stepped out of the carriage and went into the store that had sparked my interest. The scents of the place greeted me as I opened the door, and I smiled as I began to browse.
|
|
Géraldine Grangier
Citizen
Former Heliotrope adept; Fully marqued
Thou, and no other.
Posts: 2,001
|
Post by Géraldine Grangier on Jan 27, 2008 12:45:10 GMT -5
It was a quiet day, and I'd asked for leave to hobble about Night's doorstep, feeling restless beyond imagination. I had a mind to go to the marquist's, for I had had four assignations since my last marquing and heavens knew I was remiss. My mind was idle for it, though, and so I stopped by a shop I hadn't quite seen before. A perfumer. Unable to sample the goods as I would normally, that is, by looking at the window, I entered the shop.
Scents of lavender and patchouli battled for my attention as I entered the room, and I chose lavender, naturally enclined to it by memories of old. I was merely looking - I had no money to spare for perfume, and plenty of scents to adorn myself at Heliotrope. My gaze admired the bottles, and I wondered what miracles they held.
|
|
Malabelle Shahrizai
Aristocrat
Lady of House Shahrizai
Wife of Christophe Legard no' Shahrizai
Posts: 2,756
|
Post by Malabelle Shahrizai on Jan 27, 2008 20:17:50 GMT -5
I happened to be facing the door when someone else walked in, so I noticed the girl walk in. My gaze then returned to the display of masculine scents in front of me.
Reaching out with my gloved hand, I lifted the vial labeled autumn spice and smelled it, trying to decide if it fit Christophe or not.
|
|
Géraldine Grangier
Citizen
Former Heliotrope adept; Fully marqued
Thou, and no other.
Posts: 2,001
|
Post by Géraldine Grangier on Jan 27, 2008 20:39:16 GMT -5
The scent of cinnamon and clove filled the section to myself, and I turned, trying to see its origin. It wasn’t for me, likely not even for a woman, but it smelled wonderful. My eyes located the source. A woman had opened a bottle, smelling it, and I noticed immediately the cast of her features. Shahrizai. She was familiar, but… where had I seen her?
I couldn’t quite remember, though I knew I’d met her before. It was more than the certitude that I’d seen her before, because I wouldn’t have had that same nagging feeling. I tried not to stare, but it ate at me.
|
|
Malabelle Shahrizai
Aristocrat
Lady of House Shahrizai
Wife of Christophe Legard no' Shahrizai
Posts: 2,756
|
Post by Malabelle Shahrizai on Jan 27, 2008 21:08:28 GMT -5
The undeniable feeling of someone looking at me tickled at my concentration and I looked up. The girl I'd seen coming in was glancing at me in that 'not trying to stare' sort of way.
I gave her a polite smile and returned to what I was doing. I set the vial down, deciding it didn't fit right and instead chose one labeled sunlight.
|
|
Géraldine Grangier
Citizen
Former Heliotrope adept; Fully marqued
Thou, and no other.
Posts: 2,001
|
Post by Géraldine Grangier on Jan 27, 2008 21:11:32 GMT -5
Caught! That didn't bode too well. I felt myself blushing, and tried to focus on my inner eye rather than outer. Where had I seen this woman? Faces and events were flashing in my mind, memories long gone. Not at the L'Envers wedding. It must have been at the Coronation.
I busied myself with the flasks in front of me, though my fussing was nonchalant and without a goal. I was too busy trying to remember, and it drove me mad.
|
|
Malabelle Shahrizai
Aristocrat
Lady of House Shahrizai
Wife of Christophe Legard no' Shahrizai
Posts: 2,756
|
Post by Malabelle Shahrizai on Jan 27, 2008 21:16:29 GMT -5
Ah, this was it, I thought with a smile. Masculine yet filled with light and happiness. It was perfect. Signaling to a clerk, I asked for a vial of this scent to be prepared while I continued to shop.
That task done, I began to browse again, my steps taking me to the bathing oils.
|
|
Géraldine Grangier
Citizen
Former Heliotrope adept; Fully marqued
Thou, and no other.
Posts: 2,001
|
Post by Géraldine Grangier on Jan 27, 2008 21:38:12 GMT -5
At the Coronation, the Coronation... of course! What an idiot I was! Then again, I'd barely seen her. This was Malabelle, Christophe's 'Friend', as he'd put it then, the woman whose betrothal ring I'd helped pick out. No wonder I felt the need to remember. For the flash of remembrance, a little exclamation left my lips, and I smiled bright.
I guess it would be too bad not to greet her, I decided. I wondered if she was wearing the ring, if she'd liked it. Christophe had put so much effort into it... I took a few quiet steps in her direction, and very quietly, I waited for an opportunity to catch her attention. I felt a little foolish for it, but for some reason, I was intimidated.
|
|
Malabelle Shahrizai
Aristocrat
Lady of House Shahrizai
Wife of Christophe Legard no' Shahrizai
Posts: 2,756
|
Post by Malabelle Shahrizai on Jan 28, 2008 11:47:07 GMT -5
A squeak made me look up and at that same girl. The look on her face was one of success.
"Good day," I said to her politely, smiling again.
|
|
Géraldine Grangier
Citizen
Former Heliotrope adept; Fully marqued
Thou, and no other.
Posts: 2,001
|
Post by Géraldine Grangier on Jan 28, 2008 12:23:17 GMT -5
If she had any memory of meeting me before, she hid it well. She seemed to be completely oblivious to my person – not remembering much, or so it seemed. One never knows with the Shahrizai.
“Good day, Milady,” I told her, dipping a curtsy. “Forgive me, I don’t think you remember me, but aren’t you Malabelle Shahrizai?” I gave her a gentle, open smile. This was my friend’s beloved – and so I only had good intentions. Then again, I rarely thought ill things. Oh, Naamah, this was awkward. I added, faster than I wanted to, “My name is Geraldine no Heliotrope.”
Maybe recollection would strike. If not, well... I'd indulge a trip down memory lane.
|
|
Malabelle Shahrizai
Aristocrat
Lady of House Shahrizai
Wife of Christophe Legard no' Shahrizai
Posts: 2,756
|
Post by Malabelle Shahrizai on Jan 28, 2008 13:23:13 GMT -5
It took me a moment, but then I recalled why it was she knew me.
"Christophe's friend," I said, nodding slightly. "I remember you now. How are you?"
|
|
Géraldine Grangier
Citizen
Former Heliotrope adept; Fully marqued
Thou, and no other.
Posts: 2,001
|
Post by Géraldine Grangier on Jan 28, 2008 14:15:22 GMT -5
I smiled brightly, glad that no more explaining was necessary. Hopefully, this would be all the awkwardness for the day. “I’m well, thank you,” I replied. “How are you?”
I didn’t as much as flinch away from her gaze. There was no reason for me to.
|
|
Malabelle Shahrizai
Aristocrat
Lady of House Shahrizai
Wife of Christophe Legard no' Shahrizai
Posts: 2,756
|
Post by Malabelle Shahrizai on Jan 28, 2008 17:30:18 GMT -5
"I'm well, thank you," I replied. "Taking care of some errands, you?"
|
|
Géraldine Grangier
Citizen
Former Heliotrope adept; Fully marqued
Thou, and no other.
Posts: 2,001
|
Post by Géraldine Grangier on Jan 28, 2008 17:32:51 GMT -5
“Just a little of window shopping…” I grinned, added, “but one can’t quite smell perfume from outside….” I shrugged. It had been mere curiosity on my part.
|
|
Malabelle Shahrizai
Aristocrat
Lady of House Shahrizai
Wife of Christophe Legard no' Shahrizai
Posts: 2,756
|
Post by Malabelle Shahrizai on Jan 28, 2008 17:52:53 GMT -5
"True," I said with a soft chuckle. "Have you smelled anything you like?"
|
|
Géraldine Grangier
Citizen
Former Heliotrope adept; Fully marqued
Thou, and no other.
Posts: 2,001
|
Post by Géraldine Grangier on Jan 28, 2008 17:57:46 GMT -5
“They have lavender, in the ladies’ section,:” I replied with the smile of a child caught with a hand in the cookie jar. “I have weakness for it, and it seems quite good. I may well decide to come back when my supplies are low.” I glanced at the display, and added, “What about you?”
|
|
Malabelle Shahrizai
Aristocrat
Lady of House Shahrizai
Wife of Christophe Legard no' Shahrizai
Posts: 2,756
|
Post by Malabelle Shahrizai on Jan 28, 2008 18:00:17 GMT -5
"Yes, I found something for Christophe and was about to look through the bath oils," I told her, motioning to the display in front of me.
|
|
Géraldine Grangier
Citizen
Former Heliotrope adept; Fully marqued
Thou, and no other.
Posts: 2,001
|
Post by Géraldine Grangier on Jan 28, 2008 18:41:54 GMT -5
My gaze followed her indication, though I smiled for her gesture. It was sweet that she was looking for something for Christophe. "They have a very wide selection," I noted with interest. "Were you looking for something in particular?" I asked as I smelled one idly, and winced. Camphr. Urgh. That one wasn't for fun, it was for the flu.
|
|
Malabelle Shahrizai
Aristocrat
Lady of House Shahrizai
Wife of Christophe Legard no' Shahrizai
Posts: 2,756
|
Post by Malabelle Shahrizai on Jan 29, 2008 1:47:25 GMT -5
"Not really, just something new perhaps," I replied.
I picked up a vial labeled sage and tried it. it wasn't bad but not what I was looking for.
|
|
Géraldine Grangier
Citizen
Former Heliotrope adept; Fully marqued
Thou, and no other.
Posts: 2,001
|
Post by Géraldine Grangier on Jan 29, 2008 10:36:09 GMT -5
“Are you up for some company in your exploration, then?” I asked with a little smile. I didn’t want to impose if she wanted to be alone, so I gave her an out.
I opened something that was labeled Orange peel and smelled it. I let out a small sigh of appreciation. It wasn’t for me, but it was pleasant. Something Aaliyah might enjoy, I thought.
|
|
Malabelle Shahrizai
Aristocrat
Lady of House Shahrizai
Wife of Christophe Legard no' Shahrizai
Posts: 2,756
|
Post by Malabelle Shahrizai on Jan 29, 2008 17:56:41 GMT -5
"Either way, is fine with me. Though I'm not certain exactly what it is I'm looking for," I said, smiling. I wondered why the girl wanted to join me, but I wasn't in the mood at the moment to be mean and send her away.
Selecting one titled passionflower, I sampled it. The scent was sweet, but rather soothing. Perhaps.
|
|
Géraldine Grangier
Citizen
Former Heliotrope adept; Fully marqued
Thou, and no other.
Posts: 2,001
|
Post by Géraldine Grangier on Jan 29, 2008 19:22:34 GMT -5
Well… she was incredibly nonchalant. Then again, I remembered like a searing burn Aramis’ reaction to my extended hand. The Shahrizai kept to themselves, I wagered.
“I wouldn’t want to be a bore,” I replied with a tiny smile. I came across a bottle of rose oil, and smelled it. It was pleasant, though I wasn’t sure it was for me – I really did stay in my own ways.
|
|
Malabelle Shahrizai
Aristocrat
Lady of House Shahrizai
Wife of Christophe Legard no' Shahrizai
Posts: 2,756
|
Post by Malabelle Shahrizai on Jan 30, 2008 11:29:21 GMT -5
"What do you think of this?" I asked, offering her the vial of passionflower oil.
|
|
Géraldine Grangier
Citizen
Former Heliotrope adept; Fully marqued
Thou, and no other.
Posts: 2,001
|
Post by Géraldine Grangier on Jan 30, 2008 12:21:10 GMT -5
“Sweet, a little acid,” I noted after I’d smelled the oil. “It smells like summer, doesn’t it?” I offered with a wider smile. “This one is even sweeter, too much so to my taste,” I added pointing at the orange peel oil.
|
|
Malabelle Shahrizai
Aristocrat
Lady of House Shahrizai
Wife of Christophe Legard no' Shahrizai
Posts: 2,756
|
Post by Malabelle Shahrizai on Jan 30, 2008 16:41:30 GMT -5
My brow furrowed as she described the passionflower scent as acid, for there had been none of that to me. I smelled the orange peel and shook my head.
"You and I seem to have very different descriptions," I said. "There is a much more acid scent to the orange to me."
I looked at the other vials, trying to decide what to smell next.
|
|
Géraldine Grangier
Citizen
Former Heliotrope adept; Fully marqued
Thou, and no other.
Posts: 2,001
|
Post by Géraldine Grangier on Jan 30, 2008 17:53:52 GMT -5
“It is,” I replied with a nod. “Citrus is pleasant, but not for me.” I cocked my head to the side, and asked, “What types of scents to you favor?”
Idly, my hand touched the counter. It was cool and just a little bit less warm than I expected, and the chill grounded me.
|
|
Malabelle Shahrizai
Aristocrat
Lady of House Shahrizai
Wife of Christophe Legard no' Shahrizai
Posts: 2,756
|
Post by Malabelle Shahrizai on Jan 30, 2008 19:00:47 GMT -5
"Depends on the situation," I answered, trailing my fingers over the vials idly. "What I prefer for a relaxing bath would be very different than what I would want for a sexual situation. What do you like?"
|
|
Géraldine Grangier
Citizen
Former Heliotrope adept; Fully marqued
Thou, and no other.
Posts: 2,001
|
Post by Géraldine Grangier on Jan 30, 2008 19:11:14 GMT -5
"Flower scents, mostly," I replied with a little smile. "Lavender, lily... I have a taste for garden herbs as well, though most of them are used in cooking more so than in perfumes. I find mint to be very pleasant in a bath, though."
|
|
Malabelle Shahrizai
Aristocrat
Lady of House Shahrizai
Wife of Christophe Legard no' Shahrizai
Posts: 2,756
|
Post by Malabelle Shahrizai on Jan 31, 2008 16:05:12 GMT -5
"In my experience you can usually find a wide variety of herbed oils." I pointed to the selection of sage, mint, rosemary, cinnamon and ginger right in front of me. In fact, I picked up the ginger and tested it, gauging its potency.
|
|
Géraldine Grangier
Citizen
Former Heliotrope adept; Fully marqued
Thou, and no other.
Posts: 2,001
|
Post by Géraldine Grangier on Jan 31, 2008 21:52:50 GMT -5
I smiled with delight, “Indeed,” I replied as I opened a vial of sage perfumed oil. “Oh, this is so tempting,” I said with mitigated regret. Oh, Elua, I had the money, I’d had four assignations since my last marquing, but I was saving it as much as I could, since my intention was to make my marque sooner, rather than later. I pondered as the scent of sage filled my nostrils. In truth, I didn’t need it. “What do you think of this?” I asked as I offered the vial up.
|
|