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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on May 10, 2007 8:56:26 GMT -5
I cleared my throat softly as Geraldine spoke of hiding her marque; the only thing I could guess at was a low back. "Depending on the style of the dress and the cut at the back," I offered softly, glancing up to assure myself she knew I was speaking to her, "you may be able to get away with masking it. A heavy lace, perhaps, or several strings of beads; either dropping beads or thin, small ones. Where did you purchase it at, if not here?"
I had three dresses slung over my arm by now, and a sales clerk, taking well note of it, came by to offer to hold them til I was ready to try them on. With a grateful smile I handed them over, continuing to look through the rack as Geraldine posed her companion question to Seanna. To me too, perhaps, though I wasn't nearly so pushy as to nose my way in. Besides, I was alotting myself this one day to find two dresses, shoes and perhaps jewelry to match, and it gave me good excuse to try and blend myself in with the racks, letting my frustration from the night before melt away into the drone of shopping.
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Géraldine Grangier
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Post by Géraldine Grangier on May 10, 2007 13:48:10 GMT -5
I'd smiled at Lady Bellamont's suggestion, and giving Seanna a look of apology, I replied to her my thanks.
Stepping away from the counter, I moved 3 paces closer to her. "That a crafty suggestion, My Lady, thank you, I will heed it." I cocked my head to the side a little, and looking at her compulsive demeanor, I asked, "You appear to be on a quest. Were you looking for something in particular?"
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on May 10, 2007 13:57:18 GMT -5
Giving Geraldine a little grin, I peeked at her. "Something elegant for the coronation, and something flattering for the fete. I've not been in the City long, and it pays to impress, as I'm sure you know well." I liked her, with her friendly attitude and openness to conversation, for it was honestly what I needed. I'd thought of visiting a tavern in hopes of drowning myself out an finding someone to talk to, but it simply was out of the question for now.
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Géraldine Grangier
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Post by Géraldine Grangier on May 10, 2007 14:25:51 GMT -5
Staying in my place, smiling warmly but not getting closer, I looked at her again, trying to gauge her figure and signature features. She was really remarkable.
"You speak the truth, My Lady, although you have naturally noble features and beauty to match. You need no garments to impress," I said in all earnest.
I strode over to the neighboring rack, looking at some lace garnishings. One of them was a shimmering petroleum green that I thought might do.
Turning to both women, I asked "Do you think this would do the trick?"
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Post by Seanna nó Valerian(D) on May 10, 2007 14:32:42 GMT -5
I looked at the fabric and thought a moment. It looked dark enough to cover a marque. "I think that might do nicely. You wouldn't be able to see anything unless you looked awful close. Does it go with your dress?"
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on May 10, 2007 14:38:39 GMT -5
"Mirelle," I said, my grin warming again. "Just Mirielle. Thank you for your kind words, for they truly are nice to hear. Something tells me, though, that I do; instincts I suppose it should be called. I know no one in this city save for two now." Glancing from her to Seanna, I corrected myself. "Make that four, and happily so."
My gaze followed hers as she selected a dress from a neighboring rack, my mouth bunching softly in contimplation. "Perhaps, though I do not know what the dress looks like to compare colors. It should cover; you could go to the dressing room and hold it against your back if nothing else.
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Géraldine Grangier
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Post by Géraldine Grangier on May 10, 2007 14:48:43 GMT -5
I grinned at Mirielle, "Then welcome to the City of Elua, then, My Lad..., er, Mirielle. "
Walking back to the counter where the clerk had left my dress, I smiled to Seanna, answering her question, while addressing Mirielle's comment. "It's a dark color, and depending on lighting it appears to be dark blue, dark green, or black. I thought this color was a good compromise," I said as I held up the garnish against the material, trying to evaluate my own perception of it.
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Post by Seanna nó Valerian(D) on May 10, 2007 15:02:37 GMT -5
Looking at the time, I figured I should get going. I needed to get back to house for I still had some preparations to do.
I took out all of my coins and paid for the dress. I waited while the clerk wrapped it up. Then taking the parcel I moved towards the door.
I stopped when I was passing Géraldine, to whom I said, "It was very nice to meet you. And I do hope that you find something that works for you. And," Curtsying to Mirielle, I said, "I hope you a lovely day and also find what you are looking for, my lady... or Mirielle." I said the last with a slight waver in my voice.
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Géraldine Grangier
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Post by Géraldine Grangier on May 10, 2007 15:06:24 GMT -5
I gave Seanna a warm smile as she left the store. "It was nice meeting you too. I'll see you at the Fete."
Turning back to Mirielle, I asked, "Well, what do you think?"
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on May 10, 2007 15:19:03 GMT -5
I gave a smile to Seanna, watching her pause in the door. "Perhaps I'll see you at the fete," I said. "I hope your day is a grand one."
My attention turned back to Geraldine as she spoke towards me, my eyes turning to the cloth in her hand. "Lace is lovely for Spring, an airy fabric, but I always found I liked the way beads felt against my skin." Reaching out I let my fingers trail across the fabric she held; it was silken to the touch, finely made. "If lace is what you want, then this would work I think."
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Géraldine Grangier
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Post by Géraldine Grangier on May 10, 2007 15:40:44 GMT -5
"I like beads too, on other people, in fact," I said with a small laugh. "Whenever I wear jewellery..." I stopped, laughing more openly. "When NEVER I wear jewellery, I feel a bit offhandish. I think I am of the sober kind, if you know what I mean. Thank you so much for such a great idea. I have a friend at Eglantine who can help with the altering, so it is a perfect deal for me."
I turned back to the rack. "It seems I am your obliged Mirielle. I should try to help you in return. Are you satisfied with your pre-selection, or would you like me to see if anything here is worthy of your remarkable beauty?"
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on May 10, 2007 20:54:57 GMT -5
I couldn't help but smile to Geraldine; she was instantly likeable, and I wholely appreciated it. "You have enough natural beauty that you don't need embellishments - much unlike the rest of us." My eyes twinkled as I spoke, honest, though with a small hint of laughter to keep the mood light. "You're not obliged for anything, truly." My smile remained and I gave a sigh. "I should start with what I've selected thus far, I suppose. Mayhap I'll get lucky and find two dresses in that bunch."
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Géraldine Grangier
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Post by Géraldine Grangier on May 11, 2007 9:02:34 GMT -5
Mirielle's demeanor was lightening up, and that pleased me much. Grinning, I curtsied, although I expected she would understand it was merely a way of thanking her. "You flatter me, Mirielle. Coming from you, it is a privilege."
I leaned leisurely against the counter, "I'll wait while you try them on, and since I am freed of my obligation, I hope you will show me every one of them as you try them on. It would be a shame for noone to enjoy the view," I added teasingly. In fact, I was rather looking forward to it. Mirielle was both a warm and accessible woman, and one of the lovelier ones I'd ever met.
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on May 12, 2007 13:28:58 GMT -5
I laughed as she leaned agaisnt the counter and merely waited, turning to go into the dressing room. "I promise nothing," I called to her over my shoulder, a merry glint to my eye.
The dresses were hung by order of color, and closing the door behind me I stripped out of my gown. The first was a dark blue, sleek and with minimal embellishments trailing down the back and across the bust. I immediatly liked it, and, smoothing it over my hips I stepped out the dressing room door.
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Géraldine Grangier
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Post by Géraldine Grangier on May 12, 2007 18:09:25 GMT -5
I'd been fiddling with the garnish I'd just bought, waiting for Mirielle to step out when she came out of the booth, a vision of blue smoothness. I gaped a little.
"Mirielle, that is just stunning. Look at you, you are superb." I moved closer. "Your blond hair complements the color of the dress wonderfully. And your curves... you'd damn anyone in this dress." I gestured to touch the material. "It's soft and pleasant to the touch, very enticing to be closer to you," I added.
I backed again and looked at her. "I can't wait to see your next choice. This, however, is splendid."
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on May 13, 2007 12:21:11 GMT -5
Geraldines breathy words causes a stain of pink to wash over my upper cheeks, though I gave her a soft, sweet smile for them. "Here's hoping you're right," I said, a mischevious glint lighting my eyes while my tone hinted around a devilish jest. I'd want just that in all good honesty, though I'd settle for even a quarter of it.
On impulse I gave Geraldine a girlish grin and examined myself in the mirror, twisting to the side to look at all angles. "The fete, I think. This would work well with the fete. Now for something more elegant..." And into the dressing room I went once more, carefully peeling off the dress and donning a green one. I didn't like the way it felt, especially in comparison, and as such opened the door to see the pretty adept to give her a teasingly wrinkled nose, my head shaking. Off it came, and, skipping over a cloth-of-gold, I plucked an off-silver dress whose color reminded me more of champagne. Donning that I went back out, my arms still behind me as I walked, doing up a fine row of seedy pearls.
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Géraldine Grangier
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Post by Géraldine Grangier on May 13, 2007 12:46:01 GMT -5
I'd giggled in amusement at Mirielle's antics, and waited patiently for her to come out. There was some shuffling happening there, and I figured she was cheating and not showing me everything she had selected. No matter. I'd requested, but it was her prerogative not to grant my request. Besides, I was having almost as much fun with her as I was with my best friend Aaliyah.
When Mirielle came out, I smiled, and nodded in approval at the new dress. The other one was sultry, this one was the epitome of elegance.
"When I said earlier I enjoyed jewellery on other people, I had no idea you would take me at my word, Mirielle. That is more then lovely. In fact, it is regal."
I thought a moment, looking for better words, and beamed when they came to me. "You have redefined elegance, that's what I am trying to say. Feminine and sensual, but with all the nobility of your person." I looked at her a bit more, contemplating her sensual figure and fair hair. "It appears to have been created with you in mind."
I cocked my head to the side, thinking aloud. "I hope you won't mind my observation, but it looks like you are trying to achieve two different goals with the dresses. The blue one seems intended to entice," I paused there. I would have bet my own dress that she had someone in mind, but it was not my place to say. "This one intends to impress, and say to the world what lovely, respectable and impressive woman you are. But it is also less beckoning, because it is more impressive."
Satisfied with my commentary, I concluded, "If that is what you are looking for, then I would say you have achieved your goal." I had been rambling on for much too long, and I realized it then.
"I'm sorry, I'm only an adept and it is only my point of view. I hope it helps," I said in all honesty.
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on May 13, 2007 16:13:02 GMT -5
"Oh Geraldine," I said softly, reaching out and catching her hand up with mine, "you aren't just an adept. You're a d'Angeline, attuned beauty and loveliness, and apparently in touch with you inner self, your inner thoughts." My hand squeezed hers just slightly as I continued, a smile on my face. "I very much appreciate all you've had to say, and not from an egotistical point of view - from a woman to woman, d'Angeline to d'Angeline point of view."
Releasing her hand with a soft whisp of skin upon skin, I moved to the mirror and studied myself harder than I had with the blue dress, seeking out imperfections. This dress needed to be perfect in its own right in comparison to the fete dress, for this one would introduce me to the Citys society formally. I criticized myself a long time before finally nodding slightly and stepping away again, giving Geraldine a grateful smile.
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Géraldine Grangier
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Post by Géraldine Grangier on May 13, 2007 17:29:17 GMT -5
I'd been speechless at Mirielle's spontaneous show of affection and respect. This kind of treatment, I'd learned, was not readily afforded to adepts by all peers, and so it was more than impressive, and excessively touching. I'd smiled at her warmly, and returned the squeeze, but no words could come to me, so I let my eyes do the talking.
I waited patiently during her silent debate, discreetly paying for my garnish in the meantime. When she was done, I said, with a warm smile, "Well, are you happy with your shopping?"
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on May 13, 2007 19:59:16 GMT -5
Her eyes spoke, and it reminded me of the grand statues of Elua I'd seen among his many temples; kindness, understanding, acceptance. With a quick smile and a nod, I stepped off into the dressing room and replaced the elegant gown with the dark red one I'd worn in. "Quite," I called out to her in answer as I was doing so, then plucked the blue and champagne colored dresses from the pile and carried them out. I could have left them there and sent a sales clerk to fetch them for me, though it was really rather useless as I was going to the counter anyway.
"And what about you?" I asked, glancing at her with a friendly look as I stepped up to the counter, exchanging heavy coins for the two dresses. "Are you truly happy with what you'll be wearing to the fete?"
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Géraldine Grangier
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Post by Géraldine Grangier on May 14, 2007 3:50:29 GMT -5
"In a mitigated manner, I am, although I'll be happier once your idea comes to life. I was so overly spontaneous when I bought the dress, I didn't even realize my marque was showing, or at least at the time, it didn't seem to be an issue." I paused a moment, thinking about my foolish hit for Aramis. How idiotic of me, to buy a dress in the hopes of pleasing a Shahrizai.
I resumed quickly my though, "Then my Dowayne, Valeraine, she noticed and made a comment - and it's been on my mind since."
I smiled to myself, a secret re-emerging in my heart. I blushed. "She said it was of the worst taste, and that it would likely be seen as a sign of poor education. It's not something I want to project at the Fete." A small shiver when through my spine as a warm feeling budded in my chest.
I smiled mysteriously to Mirielle. "Does the Fete hold any mysteries for you?" I whispered playfully, "I'll tell you mine if you tell me yours," no really thinking she would confide, but offering her the opportunity to talk, should she want to.
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on May 14, 2007 10:10:16 GMT -5
I listened to her without breaking in with comment, though when she were through I gave an understanding nod. "Sometimes it's easy to be pulled into the heat of the moment," I said, my voice reassuring. "At least you found out before, though, and were able to make corrections from there. There's something to be said about that if nothing else."
My attention was drawn away from her as the clerk cleared his throat discretely, handing me two packages that held my dresses. With a soft word of thanks I turned away from him and back to the lovely adept before me, training my eyes on hers through my amusement. "Fetes always hold mysteries for me," I said, my voice as soft as hers was playful. "This one, though, shall hopefully answer a few questions rather than open more." With a grin I moved a few feet towards the door. "I'd like to get these to my carriage for safe keeping; you're more than welcome to come, if you don't mind a short walk."
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Géraldine Grangier
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Post by Géraldine Grangier on May 14, 2007 10:56:21 GMT -5
"With pleasure, Mirielle, here, let me help with that," I offered.
As we walked back to the carriage, I smiled discreetly, my tone now more reflective than playful. "Mysteries can hold some good, Mirielle. Don't you think? I like the idea of the unknown, it prickles my curiosity and stimulates my mind."
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on May 14, 2007 11:16:27 GMT -5
I grinned at her as we moved in and out of the buildings shadows, shugging softly to what she'd said. "At times mysteries can hold interest and intrigue, though other times they just frustrate me to the ends of my wit." I wasn't completely sure, though a small portion of me wondered if Geraldine was trying to squirrel out some sort of information on the basis of my own mysteries. Whether or not I'd indulge I couldn't say, and I didn't like her less for it, though at the moment I wasn't ready to speak of hurt pride to someone I barely knew. I wouldn't speak of it to anyone I really knew, for that matter.
Not letting it show on my face at all, I kept my smile warm as we reached my carriage and I handed the packages to my driver to store away. "Do you ever have that? Mysteries that frustrate as opposed to intrigue?"
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Géraldine Grangier
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Post by Géraldine Grangier on May 14, 2007 11:49:13 GMT -5
I smiled good-naturedly at Mirielle's question. "Of course. In fact, I get my fare share of those more often then of the pleasant, beckoning sort. But I don't let them get to me."
I chuckled. "I usually have low expectations, so I rarely dwell on it for long. But it happens to me all the time, maybe more so then you'd think. It even clouds my judgement, before I move on to other things."
I thought a moment. "I guess I've optimistic about this one mystery because it holds no promise, but no threat. Only the possibility of the unexpected."
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on May 14, 2007 12:07:16 GMT -5
I was quiet a moment, thinking on what she'd said. "That's probably true for most mysteries, though not something I think I'll ever learn to appreciate fully. Oh well," I said, a smile breaking out onto my face, "at least if all else fails, the fete should still prove to hold an endless supply of entertaining fun." A twinkle entered my eye, and I made my voice a touch more impish. "Here's hoping, for you and for I, that we'll both get what we want in the end."
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Géraldine Grangier
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Post by Géraldine Grangier on May 14, 2007 13:11:45 GMT -5
"Oh, it will be fun, Mirielle, don't be concerned. And with those gowns," I pointed to the boxes, "you will turn heads and hearts alike. Come the morning after the Coronation, you won't have enough hands to count the number of people you know in the city."
I smiled warmly, "I'm not worried. In the end, you will get what you want, I don't doubt it."
My tone lightened even more, and I laughed, "as for myself, I am going with no other expectation then to have a good time and to meet some friends, mystery, or not."
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on May 14, 2007 13:38:09 GMT -5
I laughed. She was full of good intentions, Geraldine, though I didn't think nearly half of her bright-faced outcomes would actually come true for me. "That's the best intention to go with, I think. If you go with any other you'll only mask the pleasures for yourself... I'm trying not to, but it may prove difficult."
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Géraldine Grangier
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Post by Géraldine Grangier on May 14, 2007 13:48:47 GMT -5
My brow furrowed for a moment, and I couldn't resist the movement of putting my hand on her arm. I planted my eyes in hers, and whispering, I told her my secret for surviving at Heliotrope despite my own passions.
"Woman to woman, D'Angeline to D'Angeline, I'd like to tell you something. We are only human, Mirielle. Just leave none of it affect how you see yourself, that's all. You are beautiful, intelligent, and good, a regal D'Angeline noble if I ever met one. Remember it, and embrace it - and let noone steal that beleif from you. The rest is little niceties not to be concerned with overall."
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on May 14, 2007 14:05:20 GMT -5
She was attempting to boost my confidence.
I sighed, vexed with myself for allowing it to go so far as to let someone else, a relative stranger, think me so confused and distraught that I should need an ego boosting. Still, she was doing what she thought was right and with an entirely generous heart, and I could find no fault for her for it; just myself.
Leaning over I gave her a kiss upon her lower cheek, my lips touching the corner of her mouth as I did so, though meaning nothing of it more than a friendly kiss. "I know, Geraldine, and I very much intend on letting no one steal anything from me. I appreciate your outlook on me, and I appreciate your good heart."
With a smile I leaned back again, squaring my shoulders and straightening my back. What a curious afternoon this turned out to be. "I should be heading back to my townhome; would you like a ride to Heliotrope, or did you have somewhat else in mind?"
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