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Post by Amélie d’Essoms (D) on May 15, 2006 16:09:26 GMT -5
Walking into the quaint cafe, I looked around for an available table. There seemed to be many open tables, so I chose one that was up against the window. My eyes glancing over the room, I found that there were few people in the cafe. I always enjoyed quiet places like this, despite my spirited nature. It was a place to have a moment of peace and calm.
"This is a lovely place. And it is warm," I smiled, removing my cloak to reveal the long-sleeved deep-red gown. I placed the cloak on the back of the chair, and sat down at the table. "I think I will have a cup of tea to warm up. What will you have, my Prince?" I said, in a teasing tone, watching him sit down.
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Post by Prince Christien de la Courcel on May 15, 2006 16:29:14 GMT -5
Eyes flashing in good humor I teased back, "If you keep calling me by my title I will slip into perfect ettiquette training and be a prefectly boring companion for tea. But, you're the lady, so it's your choice; personally, I'd rather just relax and warm up, if you don't mind."
Smiling and hoping she knew I was joking I hung my own cloak on the back of my seat and ran a hand through my hair, settling it.
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Post by Amélie d’Essoms (D) on May 15, 2006 16:44:25 GMT -5
"As would I," I grinned. "What fun would it be though, if I didn't provoke you just a little? I wouldn't want to doze off from being completely bored of you, and then offend you by my awful snore." I gave him a curious glance. I had no idea if I snored or not, but I wondered what his response would be.
"I would rather not be called 'Comtesse' by my friends either. My guard does it in jest to annoy me," I rolled my eyes.
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Post by Prince Christien de la Courcel on May 15, 2006 16:59:52 GMT -5
"Oh, perish the thought," I said teasingly, "Though I have yet to put anyone asleep with my sheer presence or anything else about me. Then again, maybe I was so wrapped up in myself I failed to notice their snores. Still, at least it means that those close to me at least get their rest."
Leaning in a little confidentially I said quietly, "I dislike it when almost anyone calls me by my title after I have given them my name; after all, if I'm going to be disliked, it should be for who I am, not what I am."
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Post by Amélie d’Essoms (D) on May 15, 2006 17:10:46 GMT -5
"Then, let us agree that I will only call you by your title when I am angry with you," I leaned in smiling. "Do not think I do not appreciate the honor of being given the privilege of calling you thus. For I do appreciate it very much so." I leaned back then, sitting up with my hands placed politely in my lap... it was habit. Or maybe just drilled into my head to be the right thing to do at a table.
"So what will you have, then, Christien?"
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Post by Prince Christien de la Courcel on May 15, 2006 17:20:27 GMT -5
"I think I will have tea as well," I said, a charming smile creasing my features. "And I doubt I will ever get angry enough at you for the necessity of my title- as unlikely as it may seem or you may have heard, I am remarkably good at holding my temper- I should be, after years of being baited to it. If I wasn't, there would be quite a few people whose heads would be spinning from the turnaround in my nature."
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Post by Amélie d’Essoms (D) on May 15, 2006 17:57:24 GMT -5
Grinning, I couldn't help but ask, "Anyone who's names you would reveal to a newly found friend?" I doubted he would say, having a mask of hard metal, but if we were speaking openly to one another I might as well ask the question looming in my mind. It might be apparent, due to his knowledge of my fiery nature, but I would not reveal how short my wick could be. Not to say I had no control, for I did carry a good amount of it. It was the situation that mattered.
"And, I have heard nothing of you. Only the mention of your name. Nothing more. And despite what the Princess Coretta might think of me, which I hope is not what I assume her to think of me, I kept out of the her and the Duc's situation as much as I possibly could. It was not my business to know. It is unfortunate that that was my first impression of her. I hope to make amends. You do not have to apologize again for the actions of your sister, just know that I am not so low as to make rash judgements of people I know nothing of." I kept my voice light and hopeful, not wanting to sound irritated. It was all a misunderstanding. I smiled reassuringly.
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Post by Prince Christien de la Courcel on May 15, 2006 18:12:44 GMT -5
Hesitantly, in an attempt to be open, I said, "I have to admit that the Duc has never been my favorite person- I was always a bit of a non-entity to him, and I see that hasn't changed. No offense, but in the situation with my twin he was the older and wiser one- Coretta's reasons may have been wrong, but I can't help but feel that he was required to take no responsibility for his part. I saw them flirting in the garden and did nothing, and for that I am guilty, but I can't help but wonder what his reasons were. Being male doesn't seem to be a very good excuse- after all, so am I and I have the self-restraint to behave at a fete."
I really hoped she wouldn't get angry or hurt by my words, but I felt that there was some sort of understanding that needed to be reached. This whole chaotic situation needed to be resolved.
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Post by Amélie d’Essoms (D) on May 15, 2006 18:38:59 GMT -5
"Having nothing to do with the situation that happened before the Duc de Morhban saved me from making a fool of myself before the Duchesse L'Envers, I can not have an opinion of anyone's actions. Yes, it was the Duc's responsibility to act with a bit of decency, and he chose not to. Please do not think that I am siding with him or anyone here. It is not my place." I looked down at my hands, pausing, then looked back up to eye the Prince. Talking of Theodor again was beginning to make my stomach turn. "I most definately cannot apologize for Theodor's rash behavior. It is his doing, his mistake, and there are no excuses for it."
I could not let myself say anymore of the matter, for my poorly tied mask was already beginning to unravel itself. "But, now that my part in it is resolved, let us talk of the fete! Something more cheerful, for I am done with him." I closed my eyes, slipping in my words, "With it, I mean." As intelligent and quick as Christien seemed to be, it was hopeless to think that he didn't catch the slip.
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Post by Prince Christien de la Courcel on May 15, 2006 18:54:50 GMT -5
"I wouldn't consider asking you- or even expecting you- to take a side in this little social battle; people will only come out with their nerves in tatters."
She was fraying around the edges, face tense as though in emotional pain and that slip- Blessed Elua, what had made such a dramatic change in her? In their relationship? With a look of mature sympathy I sighed, saying, "I can see that- and maybe you deserve to be done with such things- after all, you being included can only make something better, not worse."
Taking a hand I lay it across hers and squeezed it gently.
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Post by Amélie d’Essoms (D) on May 15, 2006 19:10:15 GMT -5
I let him touch my hand, not because of his words, but just for the simple comfort it gave me. He knew, and there was no way to take back what I had said. Oh well. What did it matter anyway. Why did I want to keep it a secret. That wasn't it... I just didn't want Coretta to think she had won. I wanted to keep it discreet. That was it. To hell with that now. She would know as soon as Christien entered the Palace doors. So be it. It's not as though my reputation so far in this society could get any worse for it, with being thrown out of Desir.
"What do you mean by that?" I looked down at his hand atop my own.
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Post by Prince Christien de la Courcel on May 15, 2006 19:17:10 GMT -5
Bluntly, I looked into her face with an honest expression. "I mean that I don't think Theodor deserves you any more than he deserves my sisters- he's crass and egotistical as well as immature in my eyes- I did warn you that I wasn't terribly fond of him," I reminded her with a wry grin. "He has changed Sabrina into someone who turns on a foreign royal to take his side and condemns her own siblings in public, and my twin is bitter from being heartbroken. I let them make their own actions, but you at least I can warn."
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Post by Amélie d’Essoms (D) on May 15, 2006 20:06:55 GMT -5
I smiled in thanks, yet tired of the entire situation. I just wanted to be done with it, to move on, but I still had a while before I could get through it... before I could clear things up. It hurt, but it would not consume and defeat me as it seemed to have done with Sabrina. I would stand strong and push aside these stupid and rash feelings.
"Thank you for the warning and your concern. Knowing me for not even a day, and you have enough concern as though I were another sister beguiled by the Duc's mask of charm. The warning is a bit late though, as you have already guessed. I escaped his dark world of selffish wants and desires before he had a complete grasp on my heart. I have seen the effect the Duc has had on her Highness, Princess Sabrina... the look in her eyes as she watched him. And what ideas he had given Coretta. He will no longer have any influence in my world. No offense to either of your sisters, but I feel I am stronger than that to let it effect me any more than it has." I nodded, sternly, and then looked up at the Prince.
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Post by Prince Christien de la Courcel on May 15, 2006 20:25:24 GMT -5
"See, but I'm not warning you as if you were one of my sisters, but as my friend; in my family, we all take care of ourselves and meddling is looked down on. As my friend, I can warn you and offer you solace that they would spurn."
Placing a hand to her face I smiled encouragingly at her, ignoring the fact that I was somewhat irked at her mentioning of my sisters. One of them was going to be queen, after all. "Still, time heals all things- Sabrina even now moves on,and Coretta is young enough to rebound well and love truly. How will you move on?" Gently I let my hand stroke her cheek.
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Post by Amélie d’Essoms (D) on May 15, 2006 21:02:29 GMT -5
He spoke so knowingly for one so young. How old was he again? Sixteen? Seventeen? No matter, it was still a comfort to talk with him. As his fingers stroked my cheek, I was unsure of what his intentions were. I would not make the mistake of letting things go so easily again. I pulled my face back, grinning in amusement and good humor, "Christien, we may be friends, but I have only been talking with you for an hour. I find comfort in your words, there is no need to comfort me with your gentle fingers," I stated kindly.
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Post by Prince Christien de la Courcel on May 16, 2006 7:43:59 GMT -5
With a raised brow I smoothly pulled my hand away and lay it on the table, completely nonplussed though inwardly I was a little irritated by her assumptions about me. Theo must have handled this one very roughly to have her shying away from simple compassion. Then again, it could just be her upbringing, though she hadn't seemed so reluctant to be touched in public before. At least now she had some dignity.
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Post by Amélie d’Essoms (D) on May 16, 2006 9:49:11 GMT -5
"Thank you, Christien," I smiled, appreciatively, "It is just that I had lost much of my modesty and poise, being with Theodor the last three days. I had thought that I needed to loose myself from that part of my upbringing. Theodor even required it of me. But now I see that that was not the best decision on my part, and I am now trying to gain back the modesty I so quickly gave away." I placed my hand on the same hand he pulled away, "This is less intimate," I smiled hoping he would understand.
Having not forgotten his last question, I decided that I should probably answer it. "As for moving on. I will be having tea with her Majesty, Princess Sabrina, on the morrow. I have much to tell her about Ephesus, that I hope she won't become bored with me." I laughed, then, remembering our earlier talk about drooling. "I am hoping that she will except my offer of service to the crown, and that I might be given some sort of job around the City. If there is nothing she sees me fit to do, then I will be limited to attending fetes and fixing my home to my liking. I might just as well shove a quill pen in my eye," I grinned. Watching him, I wondered what the Prince thought of me. Was this really a game to him, or was he being completely honest and sincere with his intentions? Was I beginning to make assumptions I had no right to? Time would tell. We would see.
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Post by Prince Christien de la Courcel on May 16, 2006 10:29:55 GMT -5
"I see, and I think that's awful," I said with a grimace, hiding the fact that I remembered she'd seemed more than willing to show her affection at Desir, not in the slightest bit forced. Was he that terrifying, was she that good of a liar, or was it both? Well, all I could do was keep my eyes open.
"Sabrina loves hearing about foreign places," I added with a smile. "I think she'll love to hear about Ephesus."
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Post by Amélie d’Essoms (D) on May 16, 2006 17:53:57 GMT -5
"Good. Then there won't be any dozing, and I won't feel terrible for wasting her Majesty's time," I grinned. No matter who it was with, I had always loved holding conversation. In return, I had been told I was easy to talk to, always with a good ear for listening.
"And what of you, Christien? Have you traveled?" I took my hand from his, and bent my elbow to rest it on the table, using my hand as a pillow for my chin.
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Post by Prince Christien de la Courcel on May 16, 2006 18:02:20 GMT -5
"I haven't thought about it, honestly," I said with a grin. "And even if I did want to I don't think I would be allowed, considering the state of the nation at the moment."
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Post by Amélie d’Essoms (D) on May 17, 2006 15:29:48 GMT -5
"Well, you have a long while ahead of you, isn't that so?" I grinned, then turned my head, my eyes in search of the waiter. The waiter in sight seemed to be discussing with an angry customer. My thoughts drifted, and I wondered what was the commotion. Poor service, perhaps? Ah well, I wouldn't be hard on the man.
Turning back to the Prince, I smiled once more. "Where would be the first place you'd want to visit?"
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Post by Prince Christien de la Courcel on May 17, 2006 15:38:11 GMT -5
"How long does anyone really have?" I asked cryptically. "As for where I would go first, I have no idea- maybe nowhere, I don't think I have a drop of wanderlust in me."
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Post by Amélie d’Essoms (D) on May 17, 2006 17:09:34 GMT -5
Giving him a questioning glance, I wasn't sure I should respond to the question that could never be completely answered. I had my own opinions about the matter, but it was something usually spoken of in hushed tones. Always believing that I should face what's in front of me with clear eyes and a stable stance, I could only catch life as it was thrown at me. One thing was clear... mistakes could possibly get me in the right direction.
"You have as long as you want, Christien," I gave a slight smile, now just leaning my chin on one fisted hand. "I say that as long as I truly want to stay in this world, I will. If I have a strong enough will to live, and if fate believes that I am truly worthy, I'll have as long as I want. Even then... there are legends and stories. I am not greedy, though. I think I will know when it is time for me to leave this place..." I laughed then, wanting to lighten the mood, "Not to sound morbid, it is simply a fact of life that everyone faces."
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Post by Prince Christien de la Courcel on May 17, 2006 17:38:22 GMT -5
"Unfortunately, that is one of those things no one can know for sure until they're dead," I said with a cynical laugh. "I don't wonder about it truly, I have no desire to find out for certain- and one shoudl never go looking for answers they don't have the slightest inkling to, which I don't. I rather like being alive and life has its own challenges without me worrying about death."
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Post by Amélie d’Essoms (D) on May 17, 2006 17:48:46 GMT -5
"Believe me, I too have no desire to find answers that I know will always be far from my grasp. That is one thing I know for sure," I laughed softly. "If I believe that I have as long as I want then I don't have to worry about the question."
Beginning to think about what I enjoyed most about life, I might have seemed distant again for a long moment. "Life was the best gift I was ever graced with. I have no regrets to dwell on, just silly mistakes to learn from and move on. Tell me, Christien, what do you enjoy doing in your spare time? What do you enjoy most about life?" I know these questions might be too deep in the well of conversation, but they slipped from my lips, just as easily as a well bucket might tip.
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Post by Prince Christien de la Courcel on May 17, 2006 17:54:37 GMT -5
She kept zoning in and out of the conversation and it gave me the distinct impression that she was either bored or easily distracted. "Most people, I'm sure, would say that I don't do much," I replied smoothly with a wry grin. "Usually just being who I am takes up a great deal of my time. What free hours I have I spend reading or getting into trouble."
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Post by Amélie d’Essoms (D) on May 18, 2006 12:31:11 GMT -5
I laughed wholeheartedly. My opinion of the Prince became much more sincere at the words he spoke. He was being entirely honest, and that, in my book, was extremely admirable. He had sounded older in his speech previously, and this just revealed the child left in him. What a challenge it is for some to remember their mischievous youth... and how boring they are for it.
"How interesting. Well, I won't say that it must be easier for you to get away with your roguish acts, at the age you are." I paused, glancing up at him apologetically, "I do not intend to offend you, Christien, for you do seem remarkably mature for your age. That is very becoming." I smiled sweetly. "Remembering back to my youth, it was difficult for me to get away with many a thing that I could get away with now, as old as I am," my tone changed at the last part of the sentence, as in jest. For I was only in my early I spoke to the Prince as though he were as old as I, for I knew how he must feel. It used to irritate me a great deal when I was spoken to like a young child by those who knew nothing of me, and assumed because of my age, that I wasn't mature enough to hold an adult conversation. Learning from that, I addressed this conversation as though the Prince were older.
"Tell me, Christien, what sorts of books do you enjoy reading? What are you currently reading? I found myself re-reading the epic poetry of Thelesis de Mornay yesterday, among some Ephesian works... so that I might keep up my strengths in reading and writing Ephesian. That is one thing I do not want to lose in my time spent here," waiting in earnest for his answer, I moved my chin to my other hand, giving the one arm a break.
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Post by Prince Christien de la Courcel on May 18, 2006 12:47:23 GMT -5
"As usual, I am reading some obscure history or other- I coulnd't tell you the name, it's more for academic purposes that pleasure. After all, if one knows history one is less likely to repeat it, so maybe it is best to know as much about the past as possible. Reading factual things has always appealed to me more that fiction; I want to know what is real before I work on filling my mind with nonsense."
The waiter looked like he was done with whatever had kept him busy and began to walk over.
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Post by Amélie d’Essoms (D) on May 18, 2006 13:07:08 GMT -5
I nodded, but I could only agree with him partially, "Although I do read historical books based on fact, I must say that I enjoy fiction a thousand time more. I cannot agree that fiction is entirely nonsense, although there are bad authors who write poor work. The best author, entwines a plot with thought-out characters who have flaws as well as good traits, who grow and learn within the story. And lessons. A great story should have lessons engraved into them, for that is what you read about. You can learn from fiction, it is not all the nonsense that you speak of. You can learn of love, of sorrow... of deception." I had always loved a good debate. My competitive nature would have nothing less.
I watched as the waiter approached us, a grim look on his face as though his world was ending. Poor man. I wonder what had made him look so gloomy as he hovered over the Prince and I. He had even forgotten to introduce himself. I would give him a break, for it seemed like his day could not get any worse.
"Good afternoon, sir. It looks as though you've been working since dawn. Don't worry," I assured, smiling sympathetically up at him, "We will not be as demanding as that previous customer seemed to be." At that, the waiter's expression brightened a little. I turned to the Prince, smiling still, politely waiting for him to order our tea.
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Post by Prince Christien de la Courcel on May 18, 2006 13:13:31 GMT -5
"Hot tea for me please," I said with a polite smile as I looked at Amelie- I hoped she didn't expect me to order for her, I'd always found that terribly rude. Then again, I had a different outlook on it than most men, having been raised with my sister and the knowledge that women weren't simpletons who couldn't speak for themselves. Then again, Theo seemed like the sort of person to think exactly that.
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