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Post by Siegfried de Strasbourg(D) on Dec 6, 2007 1:45:30 GMT -5
It had occured to me that I was wearing a lot of blue, and that my coat, as handsome as it was, was starting to look worn out. It was a quiet day, and so I set about the Clothier district, in search of something a little different.
I had a mind to attend the Royal Hunt Fete, amongst other things - I needed to practice my social skills if I was to convince the Comte Brice to allow Raegan and I to wed.
I was a man on a mission.
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Joie de Mornay
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Engaged to Quinn du Paras; House Mornay
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Post by Joie de Mornay on Dec 6, 2007 9:39:49 GMT -5
The opening of my massage parlor would be underway within the next few weeks, and I was so damned excited that it was hard to remain around the house. I'd exhausted the shoppes and stands that sold oils, bathing needs, river rocks, wooden rolling tools and countless other items I would need, so today I went instead to the clothiers district to find a garment to wear on my first day of business.
Threading through the crowds, I was looking idly from the shoppe windows to those I passed when the tall, looming shape some few paces infront of me caught my eye. Blond hair, relaxed poise, broad shoulders and a good breadth of back... "Hey you! Mind bending over a little so the rest of us don't feel so short?"
I grinned as I called it out, my joyfulness near beaming from me.
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Post by Siegfried de Strasbourg(D) on Dec 6, 2007 10:08:47 GMT -5
I was looking into a window, pondering green instead, wondering what Reagan would think of it, when someone called up. I almost, almost barked back, then a glimpse of auburn hair caught my eye, and I felt my face split in half.
"Well in Elua's name, Odhinn be damned, Joie de Mornay! Where are your manners? Come here, you imp!" I bellowed, opening my arms wide. "Come here, and give me a hug, instead of making this ugly display of jealousy!" I added, more calmly, still smiling wide.
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Joie de Mornay
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Engaged to Quinn du Paras; House Mornay
Love and be loved.
Posts: 1,724
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Post by Joie de Mornay on Dec 6, 2007 16:05:09 GMT -5
My grin held strong as I near bounced into his arms, my own going around his neck in a fond hello. "An imp and an ape," I said teasingly as I settled back on my heels, mirth strong in my voice. "What a combination we are. How have you been??"
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Post by Siegfried de Strasbourg(D) on Dec 6, 2007 16:43:57 GMT -5
I crushed her just a little playfully, and smiled wide. "I've been well, very well indeed," I replied with a wide smile. I took a step back, holding her shoulders still, and eyed her. "You look spendid, Joie. Like you've been basking in the Sun, in fact. Have you turned into a mischievous Heliotrope, then?"
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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 Dec 6, 2007 23:05:00 GMT -5
I wheezed at his crush, playing it out as if he'd neigh broken my bones. "You brute," I admonished, though I ruined it by grinning at him. "Heliotrope? Oh, no no... though I admit, I always have been rather lovely." I patted my hair and gave a whimsical sigh, play-acting it out.
"You look rather dashing yourself, Sieg. How are things with you and your lady? An your little one? He is an absolute darling."
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Post by Siegfried de Strasbourg(D) on Dec 7, 2007 0:03:38 GMT -5
"Tease," I replied, chuckling for her manners. "We're all fine. Yann is getting along famously with Raegan - he worships her and calls her Princess. Rae is also doing well - and we are close and happy together as ever. You need to tell me about your own stories though - have you resolved your conundrum, I wonder... " I concluded, lifting a curious brow that was pretending to be just a little bit nonchalant.
I offered her a companionable arm, and asked, "Shall we walk?"
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Joie de Mornay
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Engaged to Quinn du Paras; House Mornay
Love and be loved.
Posts: 1,724
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Post by Joie de Mornay on Dec 8, 2007 23:45:30 GMT -5
"But of course," I responded, smiling up at him as I accepted his arm and we began strolling. "Raegan sounds like she is an absolute darling. You're very lucky she saw something in you, you know." I grinned teasingly at him, knowing he'd very likely agree with me.
"As for me... Lets just say life has been treating me well as of late." I paused, then tugged on his arm playfully. "Let me buy you lunch and I'll tell you about it."
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Post by Siegfried de Strasbourg(D) on Dec 9, 2007 1:40:29 GMT -5
"I know!" I replied to her tease, very emphatically. "It's a wonder, every day. I have no clue why she tolerates me, but I'm not complaining. Now, do promise not to divulge that I am a horrible fraud, won't you?"
"Alright, alright" I added, smiling wide. "Lunch sounds great, but on one condition, though... I need your expert advice, after lunch," I said, grinning wide. "You know... men and clothes...."
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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 Dec 10, 2007 23:54:12 GMT -5
"Deal," I said without hesitation, my smile beaming. "Come -- I know this quaint little bistro just around the corner."
As we walked, I patted his forearm, feeling at ease and comfortable around him as I always did. "I promise not to tell her what a fraud you are, by the way," I responded, a twinkle in my eye. "Besides, I have an inkling that she's far smarter than needed to know how you truly are. What did you need new clothes for, by the by?"
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Post by Siegfried de Strasbourg(D) on Dec 12, 2007 23:01:05 GMT -5
We started strolling about, companionably, and I followed Joie without question. “I have a mind to attend the Hunt Fete,” I replied. “I need to hone my social skills, really,” I added. “I’ve been cooped up in a comfortable cocoon, with work, and family… and I’m afraid that won’t suffice for later endeavours,” I said laconically.
It was a warm spring day, and the sun smiled on us. I was so glad to have bumped into Joie – she bore her name like no other could.
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Joie de Mornay
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Engaged to Quinn du Paras; House Mornay
Love and be loved.
Posts: 1,724
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Post by Joie de Mornay on Dec 14, 2007 14:57:34 GMT -5
I gave him a curious look, wondering what exactly he was meaning behind his vague words. "Endeavors - more than just the Hunt fete, then," I observed as we walked. The sun was warming the top of my head and I enjoyed it, feeling the heat down to the depths of my bones and chasing off whatever lasting chill winter had left in me. "Is there anything else that you need to shop for? It'd help when choosing clothes to know."
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Post by Siegfried de Strasbourg(D) on Dec 16, 2007 18:47:11 GMT -5
“Hhmm, curious cat,” I replied with a chuckle. “Lunch will bring many revelations, I believe…. Including that of the place where I intend to shop,” I said with a wide, amused grin.
She was beaming, Joie, this day. It was contagious.
I let mysterious silence seep in, and added, "I just need to prove the world that I can wear successfully something else than blue. Where I buy it matters very little."
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Joie de Mornay
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Engaged to Quinn du Paras; House Mornay
Love and be loved.
Posts: 1,724
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Post by Joie de Mornay on Dec 21, 2007 0:58:48 GMT -5
"What luck it is that we've arrived," I said, flashing him a bright smile as I turned, essentially leading him just up to the small estabishment. "Would you like to sit outside? It's so pretty out here today." I glanced at the blue sky and back to him again, tilting my head somewhat. "Alright, no blue." I stood back a little, releasing his arm and looking him up and down like my mothers tailor had done a few times, my finger tapping on my jaw. "Green then. But I must say, I think blue looks wonderful on you."
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Post by Siegfried de Strasbourg(D) on Dec 21, 2007 19:59:23 GMT -5
"I remit my fate in your hands, dear," I replied with an obliging bow and a wide grin. I held out a chair for her, seeing as we were on the terrace, and already getting strange looks from patrons and staff alike, and once she'd taken her seat, I sat across from her.
"Thank you for the compliment," I replied once we were settled. "It's been my token shade, truth be, for the better part of the last decade. I like it enough, I guess," I added, smiling matter-of-factly.
The waiter came by, and handed us the menu. For a moment, I quietly surveyed it, and settled for meat and mashed potatoes, though I did not place my order yet. "Are you ready to order, Joie?" I asked after a moment of careful consideration.
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Joie de Mornay
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Engaged to Quinn du Paras; House Mornay
Love and be loved.
Posts: 1,724
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Post by Joie de Mornay on Dec 29, 2007 0:40:01 GMT -5
I took my seat lightly and smiled at him in thanks, then settled down to the task of deciding what I wanted. There were a few dishes here that I enjoyed, but one stood out from the rest. I wasn't overly hungry today, and it made the decision easy for me. "A blackened chicken salad, please," I said, smiling a little wider as I handed the menu to the waiter. "And you, Sieg? What would you like to eat today?"
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Post by Siegfried de Strasbourg(D) on Dec 31, 2007 17:36:48 GMT -5
“I’m starving,” I replied with a grinning growl. “I’ll have the roasted beef plate, and green beans on the side,” I told the waiter as I handed them my menu.
He nodded politely, leaving us with a complimentary bottle of wine, and a short explanation that it was offered by the house, who was trying out some new saplings – our only payment would be our comments on its quality.
I angled the bottle to serve Joie with a questioning raised eyebrow as I spoke. “So, do tell, what is all the excitement about?”
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Joie de Mornay
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Engaged to Quinn du Paras; House Mornay
Love and be loved.
Posts: 1,724
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Post by Joie de Mornay on Jan 3, 2008 16:12:02 GMT -5
I smiled warmly as the server left the bottle of wine and Sieg offered it, my glass raised and angled just slightly to meet the end of the wine bottle. "Oh," I mused as my smile grew into a grin. "It's nothing terribly amazing. Just the opening of my massage parlor has been sealed and will commence in a few weeks time." Happy color brought a rosy tinge to my cheeks as I looked at him, not gauging his reaction so much as just wanting to share my joy.
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Post by Siegfried de Strasbourg(D) on Jan 3, 2008 16:17:57 GMT -5
She didn't protest, and I poured the wine in her glass, then in my own, my smile widening as her news came about. "Well, that's something to toast about," I said matter-of-factly, though it was only because it was my way. In truth, I was very excited for her. "So where will it be located, that I may perhaps send some patients your way ?"
I raised my glass, waiting for her to clink with me, smiling wide. I was very pleased for her - I hadn't forgotten her interest in the matter. We could perhaps help one another in bringing healing to the world.
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Joie de Mornay
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Engaged to Quinn du Paras; House Mornay
Love and be loved.
Posts: 1,724
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Post by Joie de Mornay on Jan 3, 2008 16:51:58 GMT -5
"Near the clothiers and the jewelers districts," I replied, beaming. "I've been shopping for the past few weeks to secure the items I need. I think I have everything except customers now." I daintily dinged my glass upon his and took a drink, savoring the flavor of the wine on my tongue. "Thank you ahead of time, though, if you do send some over. I'll be sure to return the favor... You know. Those who come to me with fungus's of the foot and the like." I grinned at him, teasing.
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Post by Siegfried de Strasbourg(D) on Jan 3, 2008 17:12:23 GMT -5
"Right, you get the lovely skin, I get the fungus," I grumbled, though I was ready to chuckle. "Never an ounce of fairness in the world, I tell you," I said as I lifted my glass to my lips, smirking in amusement.
I took a sip, and clicked my tongue. It wasn't bad at all. "And when is the grand opening? It's all very exciting, indeed," I asked, still grinning wide.
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Joie de Mornay
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Engaged to Quinn du Paras; House Mornay
Love and be loved.
Posts: 1,724
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Post by Joie de Mornay on Jan 8, 2008 13:21:30 GMT -5
I laughed, mirth flowing freely through me with his grumbling, lowly growl of a reaction. "It's to open two weeks from yesterday. On a countdown, now," I replied, smiling brightly at him. "Unfortunately my sister is gone on her travels; she won't be here for the opening."
I leaned back, toying with the rim of my wineglass as I lounged. "And what of you? I know life seems to be treating you well, but is there anything that rises above anything else?"
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Post by Siegfried de Strasbourg(D) on Jan 9, 2008 12:52:44 GMT -5
I let out my contained chuckle when she laughed, and toasted her some.
“Well I wager we’ll be counting together,” I replied warmly, “Provided you let me visit the place, make sure it’s worthy of you, sweet thing.”
The food arrived, and I let out a groan of delight. The meat smelled wonderful, and I felt ravenous. With a look of apology for my manners, I took a bite and chewed on it pensively. I swallowed, enjoying every little bit of juicy meat, and once I was done, I said, teasingly. “You never mentioned your sister before, and now that you have, it’s to tell me she is gone? Tsk tsk tsk. Hiding your friends from your family…”
I washed it down with some wine, and added casually, “I have news indeed. I asked Rae to be my wife.”
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Joie de Mornay
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Engaged to Quinn du Paras; House Mornay
Love and be loved.
Posts: 1,724
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Post by Joie de Mornay on Jan 9, 2008 14:34:36 GMT -5
I smiled broadly, enjoying his teasing as I our food was delivered. Picking up my fork, I toyed a little with my food as I explained my family to Sieg. "How tragic - I must make it up to you when she comes back." My smile widened a little, teasing him lightly. "Her name is Jessamine, de Mornay, of course. She wrote a book about a year ago; you might have heard of her from it. Now she's traveling to see different places; her first stop was Eire, the homeland of our grannie."
Gathering half a forkful of food, I was halfway to eating it when he casually mentioned Rae. "Sieg! You toad! You tease me about hiding friends from family and you failed to mention that little tidbit until just now?" I waggled my fork at him, causing most of the food to tumble back off. "Congratulations! Has she given an answer yet?"
I fair beamed at him - a parlor for me, and mayhap a wife for him.
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Post by Siegfried de Strasbourg(D) on Jan 10, 2008 15:18:55 GMT -5
I made a mental note. Jessamine de Mornay. I wasn’t one much for literature – I left that to those who didn’t understand science. That I’d never heard of her, though… that meant she was nowhere close to healing matters. A poet, perhaps. I’d look her up, though.
I couldn’t help but laugh wildly for her clumsy movement and the spilled food, and seeing as I was about to swallow some mashed potato, I nigh chocked myself. A small cough and a punch in the chest did the trick.
Wiping my eyes with the napkin, I grinned, full of mirth, still. “She agreed,” I told her, smiling wide. “But I’ll have to convince her father first. It seems the fellow is rather difficult in that respect.”
I shrugged. If Rae and I wanted each other, there was very little I would refuse to do to have her. I would not go against Elua’s precept.
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Joie de Mornay
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Love and be loved.
Posts: 1,724
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Post by Joie de Mornay on Jan 10, 2008 15:43:43 GMT -5
I felt bad, but his choking laughter spurred me to laugh in turn, all the more glad that I hadn't actually taken a bite. "One step down and one left to go then," I responded, grinning at him as the last vestiges of mirth left me. "Does Raegan seem positive that he'll agree? After all, you'd have to look far and wide to match someone of your caliber." I paused in gathering more food again. "No pun intended. You're simply well versed."
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Post by Siegfried de Strasbourg(D) on Jan 11, 2008 19:56:14 GMT -5
I shrugged, meditating on her question. “She didn’t seem very optimistic,” I replied eventually. Unwittingly, as I thought, my fork had come to rest on my chin. I let out a small curse and wiped myself, shaking my head at my distraction. “She doesn’t talk much about her family. Her mother passed very early in her life – I wager her father must still be surly for it.”
I shrugged, and smiled, “If he refuses, I will find out the reason and vanquish it.” I remembered suddenly tales of those who, in Skaldia, wanted a betrothed – they worked on the steadings until their inlaws accepted them. “Seems my Skaldi blood is coming out after all.” I tapped my forehead with my index. “They’re a hard headed folk, I’m told.”
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Joie de Mornay
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Post by Joie de Mornay on Jan 11, 2008 22:05:29 GMT -5
"And good hearted if you're any example." Then again, though, the war Skaldia had helped bring into d'Angeline was only a few generations gone; fresh still in the broad scheme. It'd been circulated that they were a good people none the less, but since Sieg was the only one I'd ever met, I really had none to compare with.
I reached out and touched his hand with mine, giving him a soft, sincere smile. "Whatever happens, Sieg, will be for the best. Yann loves you, and you have many friends who do, too."
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Post by Siegfried de Strasbourg(D) on Jan 11, 2008 22:31:41 GMT -5
I smiled warmly. "And I love my son, and my friends, very dearly," I told her sincerely, warmth spreading in my smile. "Though I couldn't tell you anything about the Skaldi, you know." I chuckled, and added, not really wistfully, for I felt quite D'Angeline indeed, "I've never met any of my would-be country men, and I don't even know the language."
That reminded me of the man who'd walked into the clinic and called me a thane, and I laughed, "There are even some D'Angelines in this City who know more than I do about Skaldia. Believe me, I've met them!"
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Joie de Mornay
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Love and be loved.
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Post by Joie de Mornay on Jan 11, 2008 22:49:29 GMT -5
It made me wonder... How had Sieg ended up the way he had? All the hardships... I leaned back and picked at my food, eating the bits I liked best first. "I'll bet you have. Did they emphasize the point with a rotten tomato, or was it something more pleasant, such as a bag of scat?"
I shook my head, surpressing the overwhelming urge to kiss his great cheek. How could anyone get any feeling but relaxed contentment and welcome from Siegfried de Strasbourg?
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