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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on May 15, 2007 23:44:14 GMT -5
The walls of my townhome were too small for me from the time I woke up, and with a lighter heart I'd had since coming to the City I had rose from my bed early and bathed quickly. A dress of pale lavender was chosen and I donned it readily, happily accepting a maids help with the criss-crossing ties that wound up my back by a thin silken ribbon as I set to work brushing my hair. I'd leave it down, I decided, and let it settle itself into loose waves about my back; I didn't think it'd be too windy today, though I supposed I should take a hair clip with me in the event that the weather changed its mind. A few girlish touches and I was done, giving the maid a heartfelt thanks as I headed down the stairs.
Breakfast was politely refused and thus skipped; I was too eager to be gone to eat, and luckily for me I wasn't hungry toboot. My carriage was brought around almost before I could step out the door, and with a grin to the doorman I made my way inside of it, settling down. Mont Nuit was the only destination I could give for I had no idea of what I wanted to do; window shop, mayhap.
It was still early when the carriage rolled to a stop, the driver bending around to ask if there was anywhere in particular I wanted to go. With a smile and a shake of my head I indicated I was ready to exit, and the door opened before I could see to it myself.
"Go home," I said warmly to the men who'd brought me here. I didn't think they'd eaten yet, for sleep still clung about their eyes and mouths, and the pair of them argued they should stay. I shook my head and repeated myself before moving off, knowing they'd never listen so long as I stood there to argue with. They deserved better than to sit with growling stomachs; I could always hire a carriage to take me home.
Roughly half the shops were open as I meandered past, the people behind the glass seeming to be mildly surprised to see someone milling around without much cause to be outside this early, and I stifled a laugh for it. Turning into a park to escape their wondering eyes, I walked slowly through it, letting the tips of my fingers reach out to trail along an early spring bush. Drops of dew glistened softly as they transferred to my fingertips, and I let myself become immersed in simply enjoying the beginning of a seemingly beautiful day.
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on May 16, 2007 10:24:59 GMT -5
It had been a few days since I had been out, and had a mind to loiter around a little, mayhap to visit a bookshop in quest of a good book, or to buy some Serenissiman Brocolli at a foreign food shop Giovanna had mentionned. She would have gone on her own, but I was curious about the owners, and figured I might strike a conversation with them, if I could.
I'd wandered aimlessly into a park, and was observing the scene from a bench, when a sight of D'Angeline beauty strolled in the distance, elegant and refined, blond hair tickled by the summer breeze. I squinted to see her better. Mirielle.
My mind reeled at an accelerated pace, attempting to decide on the better course of action. I chose to stay as I was for the time being, and to enjoy her beauty from where I was, avoiding however to stare, my gaze merely embracing her as part of the scene she was in, my blood beating in my veins at the thought that she was in the vicinity.
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on May 16, 2007 10:46:45 GMT -5
So lost in thought was I that I failed to take note of a change in leaves; my fingers skipped easily from one leaf to another, touching stems and stalks here and there, though before I'd refocused on where my fingers were trailing a thorn pricked me, drawing blood from one of my fingertips. With a gasp I snatched my hand back and held it before me, skirting instinctively away from the bush before realizing the cause of my folly. Taking a small linen napkin from a small pouch in my dress I wrapped it around my finger, soaking up any blood that lay upon my flesh rather than in it. Luck for me, the flow had stemmed completely, and I returned the napkin to my pouch before continuing on, keeping my hands off of the bushes lining the path.
The trivial encounter with the rose thorn caused me to break my thoughts enough that I became aware of my surroundings in full again, and with an inward start I realized I was not alone in the park. A man sat on a bench ahead of me, looking around him as if he hadn't a care, and immediatly I was sharply aware: Gillermo.
Oh Elua, but I was but a dozen paces from him by now. My feet stopped mid-track before I could make them work again, slower, my heart leaping into my throat. I was aware, and likely he was too, and I wouldn't be caught like a deer frozen of fear.
If only I could make myself think of him as less than he was, less rugged in a non-d'Angeline way, less beautiful. Glancing from him and to the path again, I wondered what to do. What indeed.
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on May 16, 2007 11:04:14 GMT -5
Mirielle's sudden movement had broken the painting-like scene, and I suddenly realized she must have seen me, her whole body suddenly tense. It didn't make her less beautiful, but it meant I could no longer be merely a spectator. If she knew I was there, I could no longer affect an idle mind.
I stood at the ready, and strode to her in self confidence, but not overly fast that she may feel hunted. "Fancy meeting you here, My Lady Bellamont," I said with a courtly bow and a grin, sincere enough, for as chancy as the meeting was, I was happy to see her again.
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on May 16, 2007 11:12:55 GMT -5
When he acted my wit returned to me, the shock of seeing him fading away to a low bubble. His bow was almost out of place in the park, though his grin brought a smile to my face before I had a chance to curtail it to a smaller one. "Fancy that," I said softly, looking up at him for a second before glancing about us. "I wouldn't have expected to see you here, especially so early."
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on May 16, 2007 11:18:03 GMT -5
"I'm sorry to disappoint you, Mirielle. There is no sleep for the wicked," I replied apologetically. "How are you?"
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on May 16, 2007 11:27:34 GMT -5
Disappoint? Elua, I wasn't disappointed, no matter how much I wished I could be... Even for a second. "I'm well," I said truthfully, trying to still the flutter of butterflies in my stomach by gently pressing my hands against my waist. "How are you, my Lord Stregazza? Feeling wicked as ever this morning, or did you sleep it away?"
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on May 16, 2007 11:35:20 GMT -5
"I just told you, my angelic Lady Bellamont, wicked Serenissiman nobles do not sleep, or shed their ways. But for your sake, I will shed the mantle of wickedness, and be as cherubic as I can, though I give you no garantees."
Asherat, Naamah, Elua, help me. She was so very lovely, and her hair, her hair.... I would have wished to touch it. I looked around. She was alone, utterly alone, again. Such a beautifu women should always have a retainer on hand, I thought.
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on May 16, 2007 11:39:19 GMT -5
"Please," I said, going along with his playfulness, "Don't shed an ounce for me. Keep your wickedness if it pleases you, for I'll simply have to counter it should it reach out to touch me." Touch me. The butterflies flurried anew, and I had to force my hands away from my stomach, dragging them along my hips in an attempt to smooth my dress.
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on May 16, 2007 11:55:02 GMT -5
I smiled more widely. "I'll make sure to tuck all my wickedness away next time we dance, then, Mirielle. May I ask what blessed place you so leisurely strolling to?"
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on May 16, 2007 11:59:14 GMT -5
"No place in paticular," I said, glancing from the path beyond him and to his deep blue eyes. "And you? Was there something you were contemplating on taking your wickedness out on while sitting on the bench?" My voice held faint amusement, and from the corner of my eye I could see his hair move, the gentle morning breeze sifting through the handsome locks that lay atop his head.
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on May 16, 2007 12:15:27 GMT -5
"No plans in particular," I replied. "And though I'm loath to correct you, I would usually take my wickedness out on someone, not something, my dear. I did have a mind to visit some of the more exotic shops of Night's Doorstep when I went out, but my mindless walking took me here." I paused, and looked into her intelligent eyes, wise beyond reason. "To you."
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on May 16, 2007 12:23:07 GMT -5
Someone and not something; my mind worked, and I kept my gaze on his as long as I could bear. "Valerian must prize you, I'm sure." I ached slightly with it for reasons I couldn't begin to guess, and with a sigh held inside my mouth I dropped my gaze to his chest. "Some might say fate intervened, but others would say it was merely happenstance that we should meet in this particular park of the City, this early in the morning." Steeling my courage, I looked back up at his eyes, curious. "Which would you say was correct, my Lord?"
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on May 16, 2007 12:53:12 GMT -5
I shrugged at Mirielle's mention of Valerian. My last encounter with one of their adepts had left me a little disturbed. Besides, I am a man of many hungers.
"I am a man of many facets, Mirielle, and hold more mysteries than you seem to think," I replied, smiling mischievously. "As for whether fate or happenstance brought us back together so soon, I would think to blame it on both Blessed Elua and Asherat. The gods have a mind of their own, and enjoy playing with us, mere mortals."
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on May 16, 2007 13:02:54 GMT -5
"If we are so lucky to have called the attentions of not only one, but two blessed gods, then I think I should make a visit to Eluas temple later today." My mouth quirked some for the amusing thought of it all.
"As for you..." My voice trailed off as I studied his face, the butterflies quieting some in concentration. "I think you hold more mysteries than I can count."
I'd said it softly, enough that it brushed just above a whisper, my eyes grazing across the features that formed his handsome face.
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on May 16, 2007 13:09:41 GMT -5
"I guess I am privileged to prickle your curiosity, beautiful Mirielle," I replied sympathetically. "Don't count the mysteries, let them be, and what is to unfold will unfold. The gods, in the end, make merry games of us, but I doubt they would be cruel to you."
I held out my hand to Mirielle in a delicate gesture of affection, hoping she would take it.
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on May 16, 2007 13:15:25 GMT -5
"The gods will be cruel to anyone; I don't think I'm spared in the slightest." His hand was held out for me, and I had to fight the urge to close my eyes to the sight of it. Geraldines voice echoed in my ears, sound advice I knew I should heed, and Eluas loving face before my eyes. It was over in the flash of a second, less than a heartbeat, and I extended my own arm; my hand slid neatly into his, palms touching.
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on May 16, 2007 13:57:00 GMT -5
Her hand was all I remembered it to be, and more. Soft, warm, the embodiment of sensuality. I brought it to my lips, bending to kiss it in submission. "And I promise you that you, Mirielle, Lady of Azzalle, will be spared, even if I must fight the minions of Kushiel with my bare hands." I looked up at her, planting my eyes into hers. "I always keep my promises."
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on May 16, 2007 14:08:54 GMT -5
My hand was light in his purposely, for I didn't trust myself completely around him, but when he brought it up and bent to kiss it, I lost track, my hand becoming pressed between the solid heat of his palm and fingers and the softness of his lips. "A hefty promise," I said, my voice faulting to a whisper. "Though I hope you never have to fight, especially on my behalf." I steeled myself some and gave him a smile, meeting his gaze quietly. A thought occurred to me as to where To-Biko was, though I didn't voice it yet. It wasn't a proper moment.
Letting my hand remain in his for the moment, I bent first and broke my gaze from his trying to ignore the fact that he were close enough to me that he parted the gentle breeze; I felt it only on my back, lifting and toying with my hair ever so slightly.
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on May 16, 2007 14:21:17 GMT -5
"I am not a fighter by profession, Mirielle," I said as I regained a straight posture, my hand still holding hers. "But I will not let harm come to you, from anyone," I added, my tone serious and my afterthought strong in my eyes. Not even from myself.
More lightly, I asked, "Would you care for a small walk in my company, or is my wickedness still a threat to your lovely person?"
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on May 16, 2007 14:28:59 GMT -5
There was something more reflected in his gaze, and I was thankful I had glanced up to meet it when he started talking. Elua, I wish I knew what, so this guessing game and tip toeing might be at an end one way or another. "Remember Gil," I said, leaving all formalities behind as I took a half step up to him. "I am stronger than I look." My face was turned upward to meet his, and I searched his eyes a moment longer before glancing away, not wishing pressure - for myself as much as for him.
"I never said your wickedness was a threat to me," I countered, a smile on my lips as I moved slightly, angling my body to walk onward. "Nor did I think it, in all good honesty."
My hand remained in his still, the touch a current that would send my knees buckling if I were to allow it, and I half thought of taking it away. Still, Geraldines voice was strong still, and going against greater instinct I let myself merely be open to it, my fingers closing softly against the back of his hand.
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on May 16, 2007 14:55:09 GMT -5
I tucked her arm under mine, and we picked up a leisurely pace. "Good, I am glad I was wrong on that one, Miri," I replied softly, using for the first time a diminutive, though I was merely mirroring her use of mine. "I know you are strong, and I'll complete that by adding that you are cunning, and generous. It won't stop me from keeping my promise, though." I paused. "Tell me, how have you spent the last few days?"
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on May 16, 2007 15:03:31 GMT -5
"Cunning?" I said, glancing up at him as we strolled down the loose-stone lane. "I'm not sure if I've ever been called that before in all good honesty, but thank you for your promise." I looped my hand across the top of his arm placidly, though I was aware of the muscles that rested under my fingertips. "If I should ever find myself in a situation of that sort, I shall call your name out for rescue."
I smiled, softly teasing, though not taking his promise lightly; I had a feeling he meant it. "I went shopping the day before yesterday for clothing to don at the celebration in the Palace, and yesterday I spent most of the day planning and settling further in my townhome. And," I said, "I recieved your gift."
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on May 16, 2007 15:39:17 GMT -5
I put my hand on her hand, and nodded, waiting for her to continue. "You received the bracelet...."
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on May 16, 2007 15:42:54 GMT -5
I'd promisd myself I would let him know I didn't forget - for indeed I did not, though I was not without fault myself. Nodding, we moved another few steps in silence before I glanced up, seeking his eyes out with mine. "I did, and in truth I am sorry too. I should not have behaved the way I did; I was frustrated more than anything." My cheeks blushed some as I voiced what I'd refused to admit until now, though I held my gaze to his, hoping he knew I meant it.
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on May 16, 2007 15:48:12 GMT -5
"I know you were, and that is why I apologized, Mirielle," I replied. "I may not have acted on it, but have no doubt that you are as irresistible as you wish to be." My spare hand gently went to her cheek, and I carressed it gently.
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on May 16, 2007 15:58:24 GMT -5
I was beginning to understand him somewhat more, though I still couldn't shed all the confusion that had built up during our last encounter. Still, the touch of his hand to my cheek was so gentle that I reacted to it without thinking, my face turning inward towards his palm. "I suppose," I said softly, "that I will have to take your word for it." And I will see in the end, though I did not bother voicing that. Straightening my form I glanced forward; we were still walking and I had no wish to trip for being unable to see correctly.
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on May 16, 2007 16:22:55 GMT -5
The soft touch of Mirielle's skin, her short surrender quickened me, and when she glanced forward, I brought us both to a stop, and pulled her against me. "Hush," my lips brushed hers gently, teasing my own hunger, and I controlled my own urge to kiss her more powerfully a moment, slowly giving in to a deeper kiss.
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on May 16, 2007 16:33:07 GMT -5
Oh Elua.
He responded immediatly with his lips upon mine, and before I knew it I reacted alike. My hands raised, one placed upon his chest and the other brushing along the side of his neck as I kissed him in turn, my lips following the lead of his, my breath shallow in my lungs.
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on May 16, 2007 16:58:07 GMT -5
My kiss deepened, and I lost my self a little, in the kiss and the embrace, in her response and her caress, and my mind reeled.
I stuttered back to reality as I heard someone clear their throat. Reluctantly, I left the kiss, and looked about.
"I'm sorry, Gil, Mirielle," said To-Biko with a bow. "An urgent matter beckons. You must come at once."
I sighed. Another pressing instruction from Emilio, very likely so.
I pressed my lips to Mirielle's again, and whispered, "Matters of state await, and I must heed the call. I'm so very sorry, Mirielle."
I left her embrace and left with a final bow, and followed To-Biko, turning around one last time to embrace her sultry figure of lavender fabric and blond hair .
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