Come Wander with Me

[Navarre nó Mandrake]

After a few days of having nothing to do, no patrons to entertain and nothing else pressing enough to warrant attention, I decided to get out of Mandrake for a while and wander the town.

It was just the thing for a day such as this, to wander the shops and admire passing beauties and play at guessing who was an adept and who was a noble or peer. It passed the time anyway, and as mid-day drew into afternoon I had finally begun to enjoy myself.

[Géraldine Grangier]

It was just after the wedding, and I had a mind to take a walk, needing to clear my thoughts of all the recent happenings. I left the house, and found myself loitering around Camellia House for a bit, though I didn't dare knock. And so instead, I went down the road, thinking of my last walk with Christophe. His upcoming happiness made me smile as well, and lost in my thoughts I ended up in Night's Doorstep, until I stumbled upon a male figure I hadn't really paid heed to.

"I'm sorry, M'Lord," I stuttered, and I looked up, my shy demeanor dying to transmute to a wide grin. "Navarre ! Fancy meeting you here !" I said warmly, and I almost kissed him in greeting, then didn't dare, remembering he did have a thing about his own space.

[Navarre nó Mandrake]

All a sudden I found myself being run into by a pretty face, and as she realized what she had done I recognized the bright smile and singsong voice of Géraldine. "Well, well, If it isn't Géraldine nó Heliotrope. Fancy meeting you here indeed." I replied with a grin, glad to have run into her. "What are you doing out today? I would have thought you'd be entertaining one of your beaus on a day like today." I said, teasing.

[Géraldine Grangier]

"Seems I'm out to entertain you instead," I replied companionably. "Besides, I never did have that dance at the L'Envers - in fact, I didn't see you there at all...." I paused, taking a breath for my excitement to see Navarre again, and said, more calmly, rather demurely, "I'm glad to see you. How have you been?"

Entertaining one of my beaus... ah! I did have a few lovely patrons, though my last one, Felix, had left me troubled in my cares, and I was glad I had sometime to myself, though if it were to be spent in Navarre's company, I wouldn't be sorry.

[Navarre nó Mandrake]

"Ah then, a noble pursuit." I said smiling, "I am sorry to have missed you at the L'Enver's Wedding, It was I who didn't really stay long." I told her, looking her over, she looked rather well and happy, and it made me glad. "I've been getting along alright, how about yourself? You seem in quite good spirits."

I was truly glad to see her, more than I would have thought actually. I guess it was her smile, or mayber her laughter, but perhaps it was that with her I didn't have to act any certain way. I could just be myself, and she understood that.

[Géraldine Grangier]

"Always," I replied good naturedly. "I'm sorry I missed you too," I said with a gentle smile. "I'm sure you would have been a wonderful dance partner." And I wonder what it would be to be in your arms.

"But I've been busy, to answer your question - I've had a few patrons. One for the wedding, actually, and then another before, another after..." I let out a breath. Between them, and Eddie's... oh, I had no idea what to call that, and shopping for Mala's ring... it had been a hectic time. "I'm glad to have sometime to relax with a friend," I added, looking at him sideways with a gentle grin.

[Navarre nó Mandrake]

"That's quite a full schedule! I'm amazed to see you're all in one piece." I teased, a grin at my lips, "I've been wasting time indoors too much recently and had to get out and enjoy the day for once. And since I didn't get the chance to share a dance with you now would be as good a time as any to spend with you in exchange, that is if you'll take the trade?" I asked her, my eyes meeting her sideways glance.

[Géraldine Grangier]

"Yes, you do need to get out more," I replied teasingly. "Your lovely complexion needs the sun to be at its best, darling," I added, not exactly coddling, but certainly with a mix of care and jest. "But I'm all in one piece... and why not?" My lips were smiling, and I felt like laughing a little. "You're always welcome to spend time with me Navarre," I told him merrily. "I like you, you know that."

[Navarre nó Mandrake]

I shrugged, chuckling at her jest, "I'm not one for noticing things like that, but if you say so," I added, "And yes, it's nice to see you, too, Geraldine." I said, knowing she'd be pleased to hear me say it.

[Géraldine Grangier]

Ah, Navarre... taking affection as gracefully as ever. "Well, what shall we do then?" I asked with a wide grin. "I think there is a new place, have you heard of it? The Laughing Parrot?" The moment I said it, I bit my lip - maybe that was a bit bold of me. I wondered - were all Mandrake adepts such as he? Tortured inside, but with a heart of gold, and merits unseen form themselves, but blatant to the rest of the world... I would have to ask Aaliyah if her model Ideaus was this way too.

[Navarre nó Mandrake]

I grinned, "I have yes, and it's pretty nice from what I hear, I'd be glad to go with you, I've been wanting to see the place myself, actually." I told her, thouroughly enjoying the afternoon's turn of events.

[Géraldine Grangier]

"Oh, that's great," I replied with a wide grin. "And tickets are on me," I added, and before he protested, I said, "It's my turn." It was non-negotiable. I realized I had agreed to go to the Parrot with Eddie - but I would simply go twice - it wasn't as if going to the Parrot was an act that demanded exclusivity, now, was it?

"I've never been either," I added as we started to walk. "It will be our baptism," I said with a little giggle.

[Navarre nó Mandrake]

I laughed good naturedly, "Alright then, it's a deal, I won't argue with you." I said, still chuckling at her bold move. I was more than happy to oblige her request, and besided, it would just give me an oportunity to take her out on my treat the next time we met.

"Baptism? Oh I get it," I added, "Very funny, at least I know I'll enjoy your company." I told her, still grinning as we followed the road down to the Laughing Parrot.

[Géraldine Grangier]

Walking with Navarre meant people stayed out of the way - it also meant eyes were on the pair of us. I felt like saying, what, you've never seen a couple of adepts out for some fun? but the looks on the gawkers' faces were envious, and admiring, and so I said naught, simply smiling for them.

"That's right," I replied with a wide grin. For a moment, I just kept silent, enjoying his strong presence. "If the Parrot isn't that funny, I'll step in and do my best," I told him with a warm smile. "Though I fully expect you to back me up - I can only entertain as much on my own, and after a while, I need you to help me out, you charming adept you," I said, teasing him affectionately.

[Navarre nó Mandrake]

"Let's just hope the show goes well, then, I don't think I have much of a talent for entertaining the public." I told her, grinning, "Or at least not the type they might enjoy."

[Géraldine Grangier]

"Oh, nonsense, Navarre," I replied with an easy grin. "You are very charismatic, you know," I added more seriously. For a moment I kept silent, thinking. "You know, I'm not overly familiar with your House's art. Maybe one day you can tell me about it?"

It was true. Ideaus had somewhat told me about surrendering and control, but nevertheless, I wondered. It wasn't unlike my friendship with Christophe, and my confusion at the art of Valerian.

[Navarre nó Mandrake]

I flashed her a grin for her compliment and then turned up my eyebrows at her casual comment about my House's arts. "Ah, well now," I paused, not knowing how to reply to her out of the blue question, "There is a lot to tell," I frowned, trying not to get uncomfortable about it, "It's not easily understood, but I could give it a try." I told her, not wanting to say no.

[Géraldine Grangier]

“I will be a patient and studious pupil,” I replied with confident, warm eyes. “And I have no doubt you can be a masterful teacher,” I added with a smile. I considered his words for a moment, and thoughtfully, I asked, “Why is it not easily understood?” I remembered something Ideaus had said – about skill and yielding – it escaped my mind now, but it had made sense to me then. Regrettably, I just couldn’t remember it.

[Navarre nó Mandrake]

"Oh I'm sure, you seem like you would, It's just that some people find it hard to comprehend is all." I said, finding my mind wandering at her words. I was quite impressed that she had asked, actually, and was wondering that if she had already accepted me knowing what she did if she could accept the other side of me, the dark side of me that enjoyed causing pain in others.

I was who I was because of my past and I had delt with most of it by being a Mandrake. I just didn't know how much of me she could take. I gave up trying to figure it out and just hoped she was every bit as understanding as she had been so far.

[Géraldine Grangier]

I smiled, nodding. "Maybe it's just a matter of patience, and keeping one's mind open," I offered candidly. "Besides, I trust you," I told him with a gentle grin.

My eisandine nature felt it - his moment of doubt. It pained me for him. I sought out his eyes, and trying to lock into them, I added, very softly, affectionately, "I know you, Navarre... You are a good man, deep inside."

[Navarre nó Mandrake]

"Ah well, what can I say?" I said, shrugging off the doubt I still felt. I was never one for compliments and I felt a bit of pride in her confidence in me.

Grinning sideways at her I nodded my thanks, "I am glad for your company, Geraldine, you have become a steady rock on which I can rest from the tempest tide of my emotions." I said, genuinely thankful for the friendship we shared.

[Géraldine Grangier]

"I am honored," I replied softly. I blushed a little for what could only be an outburst of affection. "I cherish your friendship too, Navarre," I told him, looking down as I lifted my skirts from the gutter, a guise to afford myself some pudor. He was a friend and that was that, but I was still very touched - he wasn't overly demonstrative for such matters, that I knew.

"You touch me very deeply," I added sincerely, looking back at him. "And you bring mystery and change to my life."

[Navarre nó Mandrake]

"Ah, yes, I guess you could call me that, mysterious." I chuckled, "Never thought I'd hear that, but I suppose it fits." I added, continuing to walk with her with no real purpose or destination, even though we had dicussed the Laughing Parrot as an entertainment possibility. I just left it up to her where we went, I didn't mind the stroll, just being with her was good.

I smiled, remembering, "You know, I never did thank you for what you did, our chat really did help. It really is true what they say about how a burden shared is a burden halved, I never thought to give it any credit until now." I said, "So I guess I owe you one." I added, giving her a look.

[Géraldine Grangier]

I think if my face could have been more slit in two by a wide smile, it would have fallen apart. My smile was so wide, my cheeks hurt a little. "I'm so happy for you," I told him, eyes sparkling with sincere emotion, genuine care. "But you don't owe me anything, Navarre. I..." I paused, looking for my words a little. "I didn't do anything, you did all the talking..." I concluded, grinning at my little pleasantry.

Besides, I didn't see friendship as debits and credits - though maybe the Bryony did. For me, it was just a matter of being there when it mattered. It had been mere happenstance that had brought us together that day.

[Navarre nó Mandrake]

I shrugged, still grinning, "You did all the listening, and I wouldn't say that was nothing. Not everyone can listen to a persons' past and be so understanding." I said simply, "But don't worry, I think going to the Laughing Parrot with me will more than cover it." I added, giving her a wink to let her know I was kidding around.

[Géraldine Grangier]

"Fair enough," I replied with a happy smile. Just ahead was the looming sign of the establishment, painted in bright colors and glinting a little in the afternoon sun. I looked at him a moment, and added, "Did I ever tell you that your face lights up in ways absolutely dashing, when you smile? Mysterious and seductive suddenly turns to warm and charming - you are rather blessed, darling."

[Navarre nó Mandrake]

"You just did," I said, pointing out the obvious, "But that only makes once, for today anyway." I continued, enjoying the light tone. It was all so different when she was around, like I was begining to see the world through her eyes or some such thing. I couldn't quite place it but it felt wonderful.

[Géraldine Grangier]

"I'll try not to spoil you," I replied with a teasing smile. "I wouldn't want to be responsible for turning Charming Navarre into Navarre-who-can't-enter-the-Generous-Patron-Because-His-Head-Is-Too-Large...." I gave him a reassuring grin. I was well aware that Navarre had no such issues. Hence my teasing.

[Navarre nó Mandrake]

"Yes, now that would be kind of you," I nodded, pausing to open the door to the Laughing Parrot and escorting her inside, my hand at the small of her back as we entered the establishment.

[Géraldine Grangier]

I smiled for his gentlemanly gesture, and shivered a little for his touch at my back. I'd always found him desirable, that wasn't about to change.

Inside, it was bright, and colorful. Small tables filled the room, each with a little candle on them, though the place was lit by a complicated chandelier. A stage was set, and the lass whispered something about, "it's about to start," so I gave Navarre an inquiring look.

Quietly, I whispered, "Where would you like to sit?"