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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Aug 18, 2007 17:11:26 GMT -5
A yawn was tickling at the back of my throat as I stepped into the spice shop and I swallowed it as best as I could, not wanting to give into it. Tears strung alongside my lower lids for the effort of keeping it at bay, and I gingerly wiped them away, blinking at the same time.
So blotted was my vision that I didn't see the person until I'd nearly bumped into them; with a surprised gasp I stepped back, silently thanking my dance classes for giving me a graceful step and a sure foot. At least I hadn't knocked over a glass spice container.
"I'm sorry," I said, though my voice trailed off at the end. I recognized him, this person I'd nearly run into. Flashes of the fete from the night before swam before my minds eye, of seeing him and he seeing me, though neither of us approaching the other. My cheeks held a tinge of blush that grew slightly, and I ducked my gaze before bringing it back again.
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Post by Tabién de Valclesa(I) on Aug 18, 2007 17:18:10 GMT -5
Rosemary, Nutmeg, Alcarcorous, Chadins, Cheyen and a few others. Honestly, I'd take anything D'Angline after eating Argonian food. It just wasn't the same. I was holding a bottle of ground pepper, half minded to buy it, and smuggle it across the border like some sort of criminal, until a body disturbed me. I inhaled a puff, and turned around. Smallish, blonde, noble bred. And...
"Achoo!" I sneezed into a quickly raised hand. I removed a handkerchief, and wiped my hands, then looked up, and stared for a minute with squinted eyes.
"Hmmm, you look familiar. Wait don't tell me." I returned my handkerchief, and tapped my temple in thought.
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Aug 18, 2007 17:31:05 GMT -5
His sneeze caught me completely off guard and I blinked for it, my face melting into a look of surprise that was larger than when I'd first bumped into him. A small smile nestled onto my mouth as he tried to place me, and I settled back onto my heel, gaining a patient look.
"I won't, then," I said quietly, content to see how long it took him to remember me; especially considering I'd recognized him straight off.
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Post by Tabién de Valclesa(I) on Aug 18, 2007 17:38:59 GMT -5
Let see...it was...the town house, no. Oh, the fete I think, but where? Ah, dance floor, of course. She seemed pretty graceful on the floor, not outstanding, but holding her own. I might have introduced myself had I not had to leave early that night. I must have been thinking more than a moment, because I could swear she was smiling at me. What must I look like lost in thought. Shaking my head, I smiled back pleasantly, "The fete, yes. You were a guest there." I'd withhold my introduction until I made sure I was right.
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Aug 18, 2007 17:46:32 GMT -5
I gave a single nod, my smile growing ever so slightly. "As were you, of course."
The spice racks were pressing in and thus I gave him a small, contained curtsy, something more out of habit than of necessity. "I'm Mirielle Bellamont."
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Post by Tabién de Valclesa(I) on Aug 18, 2007 17:51:48 GMT -5
I couldn't help but grin. I returned a constrained bow. "Tabien Sh...Valcesa. A pleasure." I like my mother's title more. Not giving her a chance to question the slip. "So what brings you to such a shop, Mirielle? You don't seem to be suffering from lack of taste."
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Aug 18, 2007 18:06:31 GMT -5
Tabien Sh...? It was hard to miss as the sounds the emitted from his mouth were very different from one another, though he pressed on and left my wonderings to be locked away until another time.
"You can never have too many varieties of spices," I said, my smile blooming as his grin came out onto his face. "It keeps things from getting boring." I paused, looking up at him. "And you, Tabien? Is there something in particular that strikes you fancy, or were you just looking to clear your nose out?"
My voice turned teasing with the last and my smile remained, mirth in my face.
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Post by Tabién de Valclesa(I) on Aug 18, 2007 18:20:32 GMT -5
"Oh that. My apologies. No, I was looking for something to take back with me. If you ever travel to Argonia, take your own selection. The food is either bland, or two over flavored." I let my grin slip a mere moment thinking about my return. I wanted to stay in Terre De Ange. Somehow my eyes wondered along her body, but I snapped back quickly. "Do you have any recommendations. Beyond what I distaste, I carry eclectic tastes." and with that let the grin return to my face.
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Aug 18, 2007 18:38:20 GMT -5
Argonia - well traveled then; I didn't think he was much older than a few years past myself. Augusts age, mayhap, or Sabriels. Sabriel. My face fell a little before I could catch it, though I wrapped my arms around myself and spoke, letting the emotions of his banishment flow back into my hidden well once again.
"I can't say I've been to Argonia," I said with a pleasant smile. His own grin slipped a little as his attentions seemed to move inward, and a touch of color returned to barely light my cheeks as his eyes went over my figure. "Anise seed is interesting," I said automatically. I'd seen it on the shelf to our left a moment ago, though I knew very little about it. "I hear it is good on fish, or in gingerbread dough."
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Post by Tabién de Valclesa(I) on Aug 18, 2007 18:46:32 GMT -5
"Ansie Seed." I nodded politely, and turned around on my heel. I stared up a little at the shelves. I think the hairs on the back of my neck rose. Shifting focus, I looked at the shelves. Alphabetical order I assumed. "Elua knows I get a fair share of fish in my diet there. Sometimes I think I'm likely to grow gills." I said aloud, having turned away. I tried to keep myself composed.
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Aug 18, 2007 21:24:42 GMT -5
I gave a soft laugh for the mental picture of Tabien sporting gills, my eyes sparkling with humor as he searched. "You would most definitely be unique if you did," I said, my smile amused.
As he searched I moved up a step, leaning forward as I brought my arm out near his, laying my finger upon the anise seed. "Is it pretty there, in Argonia?" I asked, looking up at him as I leaned back again.
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Post by Tabién de Valclesa(I) on Aug 18, 2007 23:29:27 GMT -5
She laughed, soft, but real. I thought nothing of the comment, but I must have sparked something. I grabbed the spice from the shelf, and brought it in a high arch over her head, though I didn't realize it at the moment. Turning, I realized that she had moved closer. I caught myself stepping back, and remained there. An expression I can only describe as hopeful eclipsed my face. "Well, from what little I've seen, it's not to much different. At least the countryside. But the cities seem bleak, and worn. They don't pay as much attention to the upkeep of their structures." I shrugged. Now I was getting curious. "Tell me, are you a regular party attendee." I paused. "Not that I was staring, but among the guests, you didn't seem out of place."
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Aug 19, 2007 10:28:24 GMT -5
I hadn't thought very far in advance, but the realization that he would be so close when he turned around hadn't dawned on me until he actually did it. I just barely stopped myself from ducking as he swung the glass jar over my head, my eyes breaking from his long enough to glance at it before moving back to him again. "Even if it isn't as pretty, you're lucky to have seen it," I said, a smile coming over my lips.
He looked almost hopeful and it nearly made me blush again; forcing it away, I dropped my gaze for a slight diversion and took half a step back, giving the both of us more room. The last thing I wanted was to appear as if I were needy... I'd never live it down, not if caught.
"I've been to a handful fetes before," I replied, my gaze and smile coming back to him. "My foster family has held a few, and I've come to the City for a touch more. What of you? You didn't look as if you were nervous to me." A teasing tone came into my voice, and I could feel my smile lift into a small grin. "Not that I was staring either."
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Post by Tabién de Valclesa(I) on Aug 19, 2007 10:48:43 GMT -5
So, she noticed the proximity too. I was both a little relieved and despaired. Having returned from my first visit to the Court of Night Blooming flowers, I was more relaxed than I had been in awhile. And given the current situation, I think I was even becoming a bit aggressive. I dispelled the thought. Tabien, don't be a fool. One night with an Eglantine adept is not cue to get cocky. Besides, she looked like someone of importance, or at least the offspring of said important people.
Seeking to regain my composure, I popped the lid on the jar, and took a quick sniff. It was airy and cool, and seeped down my lungs. Interesting, no doubt. Looking back up, I offered the jar for a comparison, meanwhile giving a more passive expression. "It was less nervousness, and more a simple lack of caring. I hate fetes like that, used as games in adults intrigue. "
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Aug 20, 2007 8:13:41 GMT -5
I couldn't quite figure Tabien out... He seemed laid back and with a good humor, if his grins were any indication, but there was a certain factor, one I couldn't pinpoint, that left me grasping. Still, I had no wish to know everything about him in one sitting, and I was happy enough to take him as he was.
I watched as he took in the scent of the anise seed, then proffered it for me to do the same. Witholding a blink, I leaned in near his hand and whiffed it softly before leaning back again. "Ah," I replied, looking back up at him. "Adults intrigues will be ours one day. I try and pay attention, but I must confess, I'd rather dance or laugh rather than plot and plan."
My smile was light and amused, my posture relaxed. "Did you have fun, though, even through it all?"
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Post by Tabién de Valclesa(I) on Aug 20, 2007 8:54:39 GMT -5
I envied her composure then, it seemed more natural than my own, like her dancing. But she seemed carefree enough that I didn't begrudge her for it. Closing the top on the jar, I did manage a smile. "More or less. As it appears, not all the good times were had that night." I gave a quick wink before tucking the jar under my shoulder, and lifting another one of ground pepper I'd been eying. I gave Mirielle a subtle nod to follow as I took the spices to the clerk to be measured and packaged.
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Aug 20, 2007 10:12:31 GMT -5
My smile held a curiously amused cast as he bade me follow him. For a second I merely remained where I was, though intrigue quickly won out and I stepped up along behind him as he waited for the clerk to care for his choices. "Not all good times were had that night?" I asked. "That's good to know; I'd hate to think your life was boring and stagnant, especially with being able to experience traveling outside of Terra d'Ange."
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Post by Tabién de Valclesa(I) on Aug 20, 2007 10:21:14 GMT -5
I took coin from my pocket and paid the clerk, tucking away the spices under my arm. Facing Mirielle, I raised an eyebrow, "I'm surprised to find that you spend time thinking what my life is like." I gave a sheepish smile, then let it fade. "Though, it's far more stagnet then I would hope." A thought crossed my mind.
With no agenda written on my face, I offered a suggestion. "Hmm. I'm in the city for a few days still. If you'd like, you could come by and visit. Truth be told, this is one of the most entertaining conversations I've had in a while, and I seemed starved for meaningful discussion."
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Aug 20, 2007 10:52:14 GMT -5
I laughed again with his initial words, my cheeks blooming a little more color for it all. "It wasn't much time to think on it," I said in good humor. "Though if it makes you feel better, I'll say the seconds seemed to drag on as if they were hours."
His invitation caught me by surprise, my brows lifting slightly. "Ah, but my lord de Valclesa," I said, a hint of coyness at my mouth, "I barely know you. How could I ensure my safety in your home?"
I was joyful, and in truth thought going would prove to be a pleasant time in the least, though I knew if I did I would be accompanied by a pair of guards; the same that stood outside right now, lounging comfortably by the door. I hated that I were followed everywhere and vowed that when I was on my own I would have none of it, though I understood the Trevalions innate need to protect me, and I loved them all the more for it.
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Post by Tabién de Valclesa(I) on Aug 20, 2007 11:02:03 GMT -5
"Well I.." I caught myself dumbstruck. Guards, of course. I"m an idiot. Offspring of said important people, you just said it you dolt! I should my head. "True. I cannot. But like you said, I barely know you, so I doubt there would be any hidden agenda. You could bring an escort." I paused for breath. "My mother has kept me on a tight leash since I've been here. It seems I'm hard pressed to find anyone in close proximity compare interests and the like. She keeps me on a tight leash I'm afraid."
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Aug 20, 2007 11:59:53 GMT -5
Oh, he took me seriously, or so I assumed from his reaction. My features softened and I reached out a hand, touching his arm lightly. "I didn't mean to offend you, Tabien, if that is what I did; I was merely jesting. I'd be happy to come to your townhome and see you if you would like. Is there a particular time that would be convenient for you and your family?"
I smiled gently. "I too enjoy a good round of conversation, and if I have my guess right, you have wit to go with it."
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Post by Tabién de Valclesa(I) on Aug 20, 2007 12:16:00 GMT -5
"Right of course, a jest." I did my best to demur. I should really learn to read between the lines more, it will get me in trouble some day, I swear.
Turning back to the task at hand, my voice took on a more didactic tone. "Well, I suppose anytime is fine, maybe mid day. Unless the gods seem cruel and seek to drag me along with my mothers shopping, I should be there." I didn't respond to her last comment, thinking it better not to set myself up for high expectations.
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Aug 20, 2007 13:52:17 GMT -5
Elua, Tabien did confuse me, though I did my best to roll with what he said and wanted rather than trying to figure him out. "Midday within the next few days, then," I said, giving a slight nod of my head. "And shopping isn't all bad if you can do it right," I added. "Sometimes you meet interesting people."
I grinned at him for that as we'd just met one other, though I had a feeling it was simply what his mother enjoyed shopping for that made him disdain it, or the boringness of it. Still, I had the feeling he was on his way out and as such I didn't press, and gave a glance around the shop to give him an out to excuse himself.
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Post by Tabién de Valclesa(I) on Aug 20, 2007 13:59:04 GMT -5
I meant to respond to her remark about shopping being not all bad, but before I could put voice to my thoughts, she said some more. I shrugged with a grin, and took a slight step back, that I might offer a full bow. "Then I await your visit M'lady Mirielle." Seeing as there was no need to continue the conversation, I briefly detailed the townhouse location, I thanked the clerked, thanked Mirielle once more, and strode calmly out the door. I couldn't help but notice the two guards outside, who had not been there when I entered. They must be hers I thought. Important people indeed. Best be careful Tabien, very careful. Terre de Ange thrives on things like this.
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Aug 20, 2007 14:30:07 GMT -5
I gave him a departing smile as he left in all formality, returning his bow with a curtsy of my own. I had a feeling the meeting would be interesting, for if nothing else, Tabien was proving to be able to keep me on my toes without seeming to even know it.
Turning, I made my way back in for a cinnamon blend, interested in finding something to help subtly light the entry of my room, though my thoughts were directed towards the meeting scheduled, and not the task at hand.
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