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Post by Amélie d’Essoms (D) on May 14, 2006 21:45:37 GMT -5
It was my third day in the wonderful City of Elua, and I planned on making it a grand event by visiting Mont Nuit and seeing what trinkets I could find to decorate my new house with. I would also look for something to grace the Princess with at our visit. I would not think about the day before. The morning before. Theodor. I would not. Waking up early, I had bathed, pouring scented lavender into the hot water to soak in. I dug out my favorite gown from my wardrobe, a simple yet elegant gown my mother had bought for me. It was a D'Angeline style, made of of dark red velvet. I threw on a dark grey cloak, with an oval-shaped silver brooch. Twisting my hair up in a knot, I clipped it up with a long exquisite silver clip. I let a few wild pieces of hair fall out of place. It looked more natural.
Walking along a busy street, I watched as a mother grasped her daughters hand, pointing in a window filled with dolls. As I passed them, I heard the girl pleading to her mother to buy her one and I smiled. I gazed into shop windows, seeing brilliant rugs, furniture, paintings, candies, jewelry, gowns, all arrays of clothing, and trinkets. Oh... how I loved trinkets. Small metal boxes to hide candies in around the house, or shiny hairbrush and mirror sets. Truth be told... I was a magpie at heart.
I stopped at a window and peered in to see the display of silver boxes and other shiny, useless, trinkets.
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Post by Prince Christien de la Courcel on May 14, 2006 21:56:47 GMT -5
My meetings for the day were over and I was tired of resting inside the Palace walls, where at any moment I could run into someone I didn't want to see, so I decided to take a walk around Mont Nuit, which I hadn't had the opportunity to before. Shops, people- most of the same things there were everywhere, but in greater display and number. I tended to fit in, dressed in simple clothing and, since Shadow hadn't picked my outfit, I actually wore something besides red. Today it was blue, a color enough in contrast to my eyes to make them stand out, and a creamy tan like caramel.
Walking along I thought I saw a familiar figure in a window reflection- dark hair and a pretty face, hair up and yet parts falling down to call attention to the delicateness of her skin. Well, what a perfect opportunity. Grinning a little evilly on the inside but showing only charm and brooding on the outside- women loved that mask, it made me seem deep- I walked over and stood beside her. "Good afternoon, Comtesse," I said politely.
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Post by Amélie d’Essoms (D) on May 14, 2006 22:08:38 GMT -5
Hearing an unfamiliar voice beside me, I was a little startled, turning to see who the voice belonged to. Even more taken aback by who exactly it was that addressed me, I raised my brows in surprise. The quiet twin. Memories of the other night raced through my mind. The Prince's jealous and ill-mannered twin... what did I have in store for me this day? And I was to meet his older sister in a day. Gaining a bit of composure, I gave a polite curtsy.
"Your Highness, it is an honor," I said with a smile, brushing a wisp of hair back. "How do you fair this afternoon, my Prince?"
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Post by Prince Christien de la Courcel on May 14, 2006 22:25:09 GMT -5
Inclining my head respectfully I said, "Please, call me Christien. I fare very well, thank you, and I hope that you are doing the same."
I'd startled her and she wasn't sure of what to make of me- no doubt she was thinking of Desir and Coretta's reaction to her. Well, that could be used to my advantage. Looking regal but a little abashed I added, "The real reason I came over here is to apologize for walking out of Desir as I did and for my sister's behavior- she's got a sensitive nature and takes things to heart rather easily. Still, his actions shouldn't have spilled over onto you."
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Post by Amélie d’Essoms (D) on May 14, 2006 22:54:03 GMT -5
I clasped my hands in front of me, standing with every ounce of dignity I could gather after being taken off guard. I nodded my head in respect, for he was a charming young man. His apology seemed sincere, and I smiled at his attempt for mending the rude scene fro mthe previous night.
"Thank you for your sincere consideration, Christien." The name seemed foreign on my tongue. Although growing up in a D'Angeline influenced environment, the language was still different to me. "But I must apologize as well. I tried to convince the Duc de Morhban that it wasn't the best time to confront your family thus. I confess that I was more than slightly embarassed when he rushed over to the table."
Oh, I told myself I would not think of yesterday. Damnit. I forced my eyes from welling. I could show no weakness in front of the Prince. My brows furrowed at the thought, and I could not keep them from showing the emotion that swam through me.
"He does seem to get himself into trouble, doesn't he?" I tried to mask the emotion with an amused grin.
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Post by Prince Christien de la Courcel on May 14, 2006 23:03:16 GMT -5
"Thank you for understanding, and you have no need to apologize; the Duc is a grown man and should know better, " I said with a sympathetic grin. Her brows furrowed when she thought of Theo- a lovers quarrel already? And they'd seemed so sublime and untouchable. "I seem to remember that Theodor had a tendency towards rash action and brusqueness- I guess it hasn't been tempered with time."
Cocking my head sideways I assumed a concerned expression and my posture remained calm and relaxed. "Please don't be offended by my saying this, but is something wrong? You seem a little upset."
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Post by Amélie d’Essoms (D) on May 14, 2006 23:17:42 GMT -5
Bringing a hand to my cheek, I looked away from the Prince in humiliation. Was I really that easy to read? It seems my mother failed in her quest to perfect my mask of deception. My mind raced, thinking it through a moment. It was obvious that I couldn't tell him why I was truly angry and upset. And although I was already beginning to seem weak in front of the second in line to the D'Angeline throne, I would not make the situation any worse. Let it seem as though I were hiding something, even if I was, it made things more interesting. He could not expect me to tell him much of anything, anyway, for I barely knew the man.
"It is nothing. Really. Just a bit of dust from the street. It seemed to be attracted to my eyes," I laughed, rubbing my eyes to convince him, wanting to lighten the mood. I didn't want to think about the matter of Theodor and I any longer.
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Post by Prince Christien de la Courcel on May 14, 2006 23:27:40 GMT -5
She turned away as though hiding something- still, what her thoughts and feelings were wasn't really my concern, only that it appeared that it was. My mask was perfect, down to the lights that shone in my eyes. "Yes, that road dust can be a problem, especially on cobblestone streets," I said dryly but with grace, as though I knew she was ducking the subject but letting her have her way.
Looking around I noticed that the streets were mostly empty today. "You know, I have heard that there is less of a chance for things to settle in the eye when one keeps moving," I said with a little charming smile as I offered her my arm. "I promise I won't snap as my sister did."
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Post by Amélie d’Essoms (D) on May 14, 2006 23:39:17 GMT -5
Good. At least he knew I held up a poorly hidden fan of deception. It was always interesting to keep people guessing... to keep them on their toes. I hesitated a moment before taking his arm in mine, thinking of my actions, and wondering where this path would lead to. Although I would rather walk beside him, I didn't want to offend him by not taking his arm. He was young still, learning about the ways to charm and woo ladies.
"Just as long as you promise," I teased, giving a wicked grin. Winding my arm about his, I continued, "So tell me. How do you spend your days, Christien?"
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Post by Prince Christien de la Courcel on May 14, 2006 23:51:53 GMT -5
"Oh, I do promise," I said with a wider, more honest looking grin. "Well, my sister recently assigned me the position of Minister of Finance, so for now I'm trying to settle into that job. I've always rather liked working with numbers, so I think it suits me." That part was true- it was always best to throw in a legitimate fact or two, just to keep the level of sincerity up. "And what about yourself?"
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Post by Amélie d’Essoms (D) on May 15, 2006 0:03:41 GMT -5
"That sounds exciting," I teased. "At least you have some sort of schedule to your day. I currently have nothing. Except taking my horse for daily rides. I did that for the first time yesterday. It was a bit chilly, but none the less, it took my mind off of things..." Back to thoughts of yesterday again. Damnit. Think of something else. "When the weather is nicer I would like to work in the garden. It wouldn't mean anything to me if I had a gardener do it. I wouldn't look at it and proudly say that it was my garden. I'm looking forward to the Midwinter Masque, though. I guess that is one of the only things nobles look forward to in the winters, hmm?" I was letting myself become more comfortable with the Prince, keeping the talk casual, but not giving away much.
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Post by Prince Christien de la Courcel on May 15, 2006 0:10:46 GMT -5
"A ride in the cool air does sound like it would be good for clearing the mind," I said in agreement, "Though I don't think I'd like working in a garden. Plants have never had much of a draw for me, I prefer things that are a little more- responding. Plants tend to just sit there and look pretty, but animals can do extrordinary things."
Thinking about the Midwinter Masque, I said, "I think it's so popular because winter is the time when most people are in the City, settling in to be close to one another to keep out the chill. I'm sure this year will be as lovely as the last." Never mind that I hadn't seen the last, being too young to enter the Night Court; the closer I could get her to thinking that we were almost equals in age the easier all of this would be.
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Post by Amélie d’Essoms (D) on May 15, 2006 0:25:25 GMT -5
I turned my head to grin at Christien, "Ah, I enjoy playing in both the plant and animal worlds. Riding has been my favorite free time since I was a tiny child, but my grandmother still had me on my hands and knees working hard to make the garden beautiful back home."
"Although I have heard of the Midwinter Masque, I've obviously never been to one. Just arriving here the other day. Would you tell me of it, Christien?" I turned my face away from him, watching the few people who inhabited the street today. I glanced over the shops, looking into the windows, remembering which to come back to later on.
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Post by Prince Christien de la Courcel on May 15, 2006 6:58:39 GMT -5
Smoothly, without losing a beat, I answered her by saying, "It's beautiful- Cereus House hosts it, and every House has their own theme. The peers and nobles and adepts of the Realm all mingle and dance and drink joie all night. Adepts normally don't take assignations on that night. Also, it's reminiscent of a ritual and celebration that was on this land before Elua even arrived, and he thought it was so poigiant and lovely he kept it, as do we."
Smiling, I asked, "I take it you will be attending this year then? I'm sure you and the Duc will have a lovely time."
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Post by Amélie d’Essoms (D) on May 15, 2006 12:54:29 GMT -5
With an expression of wonder and delight, I looked back at him with a smile. I knew, of course, what the Midwinter Masque was like. My mother, an adept of Camellia, had once been the Winter Queen a long while ago. But, I had wanted to see what the Prince knew of it. I wondered if he had snuck out to any other celebrations before the fete. Imagining what my mother described - the wonderful costumes, the whirling skirts of women dancing in the arms of masked men, the endless supply of joie - it was easy enough for me to look at the Prince in wonder, as though I had never heard of such a thing.
"Nothing will be able to stop me from attending," I stated sternly, in a jesting manner. I ignored his talk of Theodor. My eyes brightened thinking of the dancing and whirling of skirts, "I absolutely adore dancing. My mother taught me many D'Angeline dances, where my grandmother taught me many traditional Ephesian dances. Do you enjoy twirling women about on the dance floor?" I gave a slight grin.
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Post by Prince Christien de la Courcel on May 15, 2006 13:07:47 GMT -5
She looked at me with a sort of vapid adoration that was both sweet and a little sticky with effort. Flushing a little with being so flattered I said, "Well, I like to dance whenever I can convince a girl to actually do so- I think something about me intimidates them, for some reason or another. I guess I don't act like I'm supposed to, completely sweet and disarming; I have my flaws and I admit to them freely."
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Post by Amélie d’Essoms (D) on May 15, 2006 13:23:06 GMT -5
Although this Prince was easy enough to hold a conversation with, figuring out the young man's intentions and thoughts was a different matter. I had become so used to the drooling Ephesian nobles, that this was a completely different game. Resolving that this challenge was a good experience for me, I would keep trying. The flush of his cheeks made his D'Angeline features even more handsome... if that were possible. Maybe I should try a more natural approach...
"Considering that you are the second in line to the throne, that might intimidate them. Some women find it flattering when a Prince chooses them to dance with, but there are still many who think they do not deserve the chance of dancing with a Prince. They haven't done anything to earn the attention. Maybe that is just an Ephesian trait though, for that is all I have known in my life." I smiled, a bit distant from the conversation, thinking of home. I shook off the thought and looked back at the Prince, squeezing his arm and giving him a sympathetic smile, "I must let you in on a small secret. There are so many men who act 'sweet and disarming', as you say, that to me, that sort of man is completely and utterly boring. You lose all sense of character."
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Post by Prince Christien de la Courcel on May 15, 2006 13:39:08 GMT -5
"If I were anyone else I think I would still have the same problem, though I can't be sure because I can only be who I am," I said wryly. "It just seems strange that people should judge me on that; after all, not that long ago I was only a minor Prince."
She squeezed my arm and turned her pretty face into a mask of smypathy and my smile, though wan, became a little more cheerful. "I wonder why the tutors spend their time fitting us all into some cookie-cutter image of nobleman. It seems to make the entire world expect the wrong things from people."
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Post by Amélie d’Essoms (D) on May 15, 2006 13:57:46 GMT -5
"Especially for royalty, I think. It seems sometimes that noblemen having nothing to do but make judgements of other noblemen." I laughed softly, "I'm not sure I could handle such a role, tormented as you probably are. I am content where I am right now." I nodded to myself.
Looking up at the Prince, seeing his expression a bit more cheerful, I smiled. "As far as tutors go, I believe that they teach the same material over and over again because it is the easiest way for them to get paid." My tone was altogether quite cynical. I paused a moment, watching the passing folk. They did not stare, which was good. The Prince seemed to fit in nicely to the scene. In all sincerity, I continued, "That isn't to say there aren't great teachers in the world, for that is not true."
I looked at him worriedly, realizing I was speaking to him a bit openly. Why did he seem so easy to talk to... "I am sorry if I speak too openly about things. I hope I am not offensive in any way..."
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Post by Prince Christien de la Courcel on May 15, 2006 14:08:03 GMT -5
"Of course you're not offending me," I said in a shocked tone. "I rather like it when people speak to me as though I'm a person and not a statue that one has to address or be thought mad. I speak my mind around you- does that mean I'm being rude? For if you are, so am I."
Patting her hand softly I continued, "As to your statements about teachers, I've always preferred to either learn by doing or by reading- having someone speak to me in depth when a written page would do just as well seems like a waste of breath and time. Then again, I always a loner."
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Post by Amélie d’Essoms (D) on May 15, 2006 14:21:43 GMT -5
That was true. He was speaking openly to me. I nodded in agreement. Though, I was beginning to wonder if this was a tightly knotted mask that the Prince was wearing. Oh well, if it was, it would show in time. I would not dwell on it. The last thing I wanted was to assume something, and have him reveal to both his sisters that I was a rude and uncivil woman. Let time be the judge.
I enjoyed how comfortable he seemed as he patted my hand, even though we had only been talking for a short while. Acting as though familiar with someone always brought out more words that would usually be said. Taking my eyes away from the street scene, and glancing him over with a curious brow, I said, "A loner? Really? I would not think so, looking at you now." He really did not, so my response was natural enough.
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Post by Prince Christien de la Courcel on May 15, 2006 14:32:41 GMT -5
"Oh yes, I was really very quiet- never exactly shy, but I never had very much to say. Still, everyone has habits they grow out of, and I guess that reclusiveness was one of mine. It would be hard to accomplish my work or represent my family otherwise. I've even learned to enjoy being sociable, when the person is work talking to," I teased lightly, eyes flashing with good humor even as my smile became wider. Most people said I was very charming when I wanted to be, and right now it was very nice to be so.
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Post by Amélie d’Essoms (D) on May 15, 2006 14:43:34 GMT -5
I smiled, finding his words enticing I felt my cheeks blush slightly. Hopefully he would not be able to tell. The cold air nipped at my nose and cheeks, and by now, they were probably an embarassing shade of red. Yes, he was very quiet the other night... I remembered.
"Well, those who have always known me would never say I was quiet or shy. Fiery, energetic, and spirited maybe. Never shy, though. It has gotten me into trouble many times before," I laughed.
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Post by Prince Christien de la Courcel on May 15, 2006 14:50:39 GMT -5
"But at least trouble can be interesting," I said with a wink. "And I'm absolutely sure you're fiery and intelligent enough to get yourself out of any trouble you get yourself into. I, on the other hand, tend to be so quiet at times I let trouble just run away with me and get in trouble simply by being in the vicinity."
The last bit I said a little bitterly- no matter how much both Shadow and I were involved, the brunt of the blame fell onto my shoulders. After all, I was the one with the bill to Mandrake to pay, the one Sabrina threatened to send away simply for being too slow to answer the door. Still, I was completely composed, looking as though I wasn't thinking any more deeply that the current conversation.
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Post by Amélie d’Essoms (D) on May 15, 2006 15:02:53 GMT -5
Picking up on his tone, I watched his expression as we walked along the street. He was rather good at masking his problems. It was a good trait to have. The mask. I had always had a difficult time grasping on to mine, for it always seemed to be consumed by my fiery nature. Of course, I would not admit to it though. That was something I would not share with anyone... apparent as it may be.
"Really? I would think that quietness would be an advantage. You would be so quiet as to go unnoticed..." I looked at him quizzically. This may turn out to be information I could use later on. I laughed, then, "Trouble may be interesting. But it's not as easy to get out of as you make it sound... but then, we all learn from our mistakes. Do we not?"
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Post by Prince Christien de la Courcel on May 15, 2006 15:08:32 GMT -5
"Only if you are quiet and also passive- and even though I am quiet, I have an agressive nature that seems to attract me attention," I said whimsically, as though my mood had passed. "And some people learn from their mistakes more quickly than others, don't you agree? For some, today is only a repeat of yesterday and they keep doing the same actions, thinking that tomorrow everything is going to change. Personally, I don't think that makes any sense whatsoever. I learn the first time and avoid the situation from then on."
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Post by Amélie d’Essoms (D) on May 15, 2006 15:21:13 GMT -5
"Yes, they think that because they commited the action the world will change its view, and society revolves around them. They think that they are in the right because tomorrow the consequences might change or they may be excused. Yes, yes." I nodded. I would not make the mistake of giving my heart to someone I barely knew, as though it were nothing at all but a handkerchief to drop for a handsome man to pick up. There it was again. The memory of yesterday. And the day before. The stupid mistake... oh, I certainly learned from it.
I hugged my grey cloak to me with my free hand. Winter certainly had its toll on the weather. Letting go of my cloak, I brought my hand to my mouth and breathed into my hand, warming my face with my breath. "It certainly is a chilly day, don't you think?" I hated to complain, but the cloak only did so much to keep the cold from getting to me.
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Post by Prince Christien de la Courcel on May 15, 2006 15:27:09 GMT -5
She was sounding bitter again and look chilled, so I said calmly and kindly, "Yes, it is getting chilly, and it will only get colder. What do you say to going somewhere to get some tea, or maybe something a little stronger? Unless, of course, you and the Duc have plans of some sort.."
Really, I wasn't a monster, I just happened to act like one sometimes- and now I was feeling like a human being. It wasn't right to let people shiver in the cold- and besides, who knew what else I could learn by continuing to speak with her? Though she did look lovely with her cheeks flushed so..
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Post by Amélie d’Essoms (D) on May 15, 2006 15:45:17 GMT -5
I couldn't help but frown at the thought, "No, we do not." I pushed the thoughts away once more, smiling up at the Prince. "That sounds like a wonderful idea!" I said delightfully. Anything to keep my mind off of the days prior. Although with Christien, it might not be possible. I would just have to ignore it.
"Where do you prepose we go? You know the city better than I do, my Prince." I laughed lightly.
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Post by Prince Christien de la Courcel on May 15, 2006 15:53:28 GMT -5
"Well, Comtesse," I said with a grin to remind her that I had asked her to call me by my name, "There are assorted cafes everywhere around here- what do you say we duck into one?" I didn't call attention to the fact I had noticed her frown at the thought of Theodor- that reinforced the thought I'd had earlier that they'd had a falling out. If I wanted to continue this, it would most likely be best not to mention him again. Besides, it wasn't really polite anyway.
Her hand still on my arm I began to lead her to a little cafe that stood on the street we'd been walking.
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