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Post by Justin de Rocaille on Jun 11, 2008 22:19:24 GMT -5
I exhaled and leaned back into a more relaxed position, my hands coming to behind my back. Steady on Justin, what would father say?
"With all do respect my lord Duc, Avive asked me here today because it was important that she had the blessings of her cousin, before the continuation of our engagement. I personally did not see the point my lord because frankly I will marry Avive no matter your approval or not. I strickly follow Elua's precept; love as thou wilt." I looked back at him with a steady gaze making sure I spoke firmly without giving offence and causing shame to my family.
"I came here today for her and its important that she get your blessing. But I don't see how it was that she offended you so, and I don't see why you had to speak to her such. Especially considering her high praise of you, I find it hard that its so easy for you to chide her with out as much provocation."
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Post by Alain de Mauvais (D) on Jun 11, 2008 23:11:59 GMT -5
“You two come here, inform me that after one night of just meeting and then apparently spending the night in bed you have fallen so deeply in love that there is no choice but to follow Elua’s precept and expect me to what, believe you? My quarrel with Avive is because I asked her to do something so that I could meet with you alone, see what sort of man you were, and she deliberately flaunted my wishes. I have been doting and indulgent of her from the moment she arrived, giving her everything she needed and then some to make the most of her time here in the City, I will not have some boy who thinks one night between her thighs equates to love, question my character.” My voice still hadn’t risen, but the tone had become just slightly sharper. “As for you marrying her, unless I agree to it you might not ever see her again. I do not wish to even have to contemplate such things, but you know as well as I do that it’s the truth.”
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Post by Justin de Rocaille on Jun 11, 2008 23:31:22 GMT -5
"I love her enough to know that it enrages me to see her hurt and treated so rudely by some one she loves." I said firmly. I wasn't going to let him corner me or make me back down.
"And obviously you've never been in love if you would treat it so causally and so vulgarly. You're nieces virtue is nothing to be mocked by you. You speak of her as though she is a child, or some whore." I narrowed my eyes a little.
"And you mock her intelligence my lord, in choosing a bed mate so easily." I took a breath. "And as for questioning your character my lord, I do so as a free D'Angeline. The farther you sent her the farther I go. I will follow her to the ends of the earth if I have to and I will see her no matter your thoughts or words. Forgive me lord Duc, but you won't stop me."
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Post by Alain de Mauvais (D) on Jun 11, 2008 23:44:19 GMT -5
“I speak of love as one who knows it is more than a wonderful night with a fun partner. Love is not something to be mistaken for passion or lust, as so many seem to think it is.”
I took a step closer to him. “And she is a child, in the way of the world. She’s barely made her majority and until she came to the City she was about as innocent as you can imagine. I have done my best to protect her and let her experience life at the same time. I will not have her heart broken by you or anyone else because she catches your fancy now and then a year into marriage her bed is cold and you’ve moved on to the kitchen girl.”
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Post by Justin de Rocaille on Jun 11, 2008 23:48:28 GMT -5
"Then you have no idea who I am my lord. Avive and I have already discussed such matters and I would never betray her vows to me, nor mine to her. Is your objection to me only to do with the thought that I will hurt her?" I asked curiously. "Because I'm more then willing to prove you wrong." I kept my hands clapsed behind me, not flinching as he came forward. "And Avive is not a child. You obviously don't know her very well if you think that. Avive is a brillant woman and she's intelligent to know what a marriage at this age means. Something we've already discussed as well."
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Post by Alain de Mauvais (D) on Jun 12, 2008 0:08:24 GMT -5
“No, I don’t know who you are, that’s what I was wanting to find out when I asked to see you alone,” I told him.
“Do you know she fell for a Shahrizai? The one just tried for rape. That she believed he had pure intentions?”
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Post by Justin de Rocaille on Jun 12, 2008 0:12:39 GMT -5
"And one mistake intitles her to a life time of tyranny from her cousin?" I asked raising a brow slightly. "Just because she was fooled by a cunning man does not mean she deserves to be kept under lock and key."
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Post by Alain de Mauvais (D) on Jun 12, 2008 10:27:35 GMT -5
“Didn’t she arrive at the fete alone? In her very own carriage? With no one watching her at all, no chaperone, no bodyguard. Free to do as she liked and then spent the night away from home without sending a single word of where she would be and not coming home until nearly the afternoon? You two spent so much time pouring out your life stories, did she once tell you that she’s not allowed to come and go as she pleases? Do as she wishes? Tell me Justin,” I stepped closer to him, his name sour on my tongue. “Exactly how does that translate into tyranny on my part?”
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Post by Justin de Rocaille on Jun 12, 2008 12:07:21 GMT -5
He came closer and I wondered deeply why a man of his age and supposed kindness be so unkind to me and Avive. "I'm sorry, I was under the impression that Avive was eighteen and a free d'Angeline as well." I stared up at him not flinching and standing still as to not sway. "It surprises me to know that you think that not allowing her to come and go as she pleases does not strike you as tyranny. Did she not come here to experience the city, to understand the ways of court?" I narrowed my brow a bit. "Isn't that what she's doing?" I asked. "Besides, my father and Avive's have already agreed to the marriage. What ever your feelings, you won't stop us and you have no right to. The only people that have any say in what we do, is Avive and I." My words were spoken calmly knowing that it was true, despite what the Duc felt he couldn't stop this if Avive and I willed it so.
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Post by Alain de Mauvais (D) on Jun 12, 2008 13:51:04 GMT -5
“You’re wrong again, for her father will do as I say and if I forbid her to marry you then it will never happen, nor will you ever see her again no matter what you seem to think, so be careful what it is you assume. You’ve called me all sorts of names, impugned my character, and shown me nothing but disrespect. I want you to explain to me exactly how it is I’ve been a tyrant towards Avive since you are so fond of that particular name calling.”
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Post by Justin de Rocaille on Jun 12, 2008 14:30:07 GMT -5
"The fact that you need to tell anyone what to do makes me wonder my lord." I said firmly. "And you're wrong, you can't stop me. You too should be careful to assume what you can and can not do. Despite your title, you do not have supreme power over Avive and she will do as she wills. I can see that rational thoughts are not present here, since you have showed the same disrespect and unfair judgement toward me, I shall leave you now." I bowed to him and righted myself.
"I will take up my proposal with the Queen herself and I will let her decide my future instead of you. Good day my lord." I bowed once more and turned heading for the door.
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Post by Alain de Mauvais (D) on Jun 12, 2008 15:36:38 GMT -5
I laughed at him, truly and deeply amused.
“So, this is what sort of person you are. The type to make slanderous comments and when asked to support them refuses to and runs away. How interested Avive will be to find out about this side of you, her father and the Queen as well.”
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Post by Justin de Rocaille on Jun 12, 2008 17:31:30 GMT -5
I turned and bowed my head to him. "I'm not running away my lord," I said after I righted my stance, my hands still behind my back as I stood there calmly. "You have offended me, and has I seem to have done the same and no accord can be came to, it is simply my assumption that one of us should be the adult and leave the matter to the crown. Which my lord, if you are not aware, is the proper proceedure when dealing with matters of marriage, engagement and other matrimonial affairs. Since this matter won't come to a conclusion with our verbal sparing, it will be to the court to decide." I raised a brow wondering if he would fight me on it.
"You may very well forbid me from seeing Avive, you may also convince her father that I am a horrible match. Though you've giving no actual support as to your reason for not agreeing with the marriage, other then obviously not liking me. You may very well win and the Queen will tell me to leave her alone. But only the highest of high will stop me." I lifted my chin proud and strong.
"Now if you wish to continue to yell at me more, I suggest you follow me to my carriage, you can even yell jests at me as I drive away."
I raised my brows and gave a half smile that I'm sure looked smug but I couldn't help it. The image of him following me as I walked to my carriage, getting into my carriage, following me home and then once I was in bed. All the while I staying silent and just listening to his rantings, made me chuckle and I was sure it was seen on my face. How ever he interpted that was of his own business.
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Post by Alain de Mauvais (D) on Jun 12, 2008 21:22:30 GMT -5
I laughed at him again. “I’d never realized one person could be wrong so very many times in one little speech,” I said, shaking my head and walking around behind my desk.
There was a wicked parchment knife on my desk and a pleasant image of it sticking out of Justin’s forehead flashed through my mind.
“Firstly, the proper procedure is to seek mediation from our Sovereign Duc. This is not a matter of state, but of province. Secondly, having never raised my voice I never yelled at you.” though I was certain someone as obviously weak as Justin took anything that wasn’t complete acceding to his will as yelling and being mean. “And lastly, I never once said I didn’t like you and have still not made up my mind on the subject. Though your refusal to stand behind your words does not make me inclined to do so.”
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Post by Justin de Rocaille on Jun 12, 2008 22:30:41 GMT -5
"Then forgive me, I'll go to the Sovereign first." I bowed again. "You've already made your mind about me my lord, you've told me I'll never see her again, you've told me that you plan to tell Avive's father what to do. You're sure that instead of trying to walk away from a fruitles conversation, I'm some how 'running' away. And that for disagreeing with you and your actions that I have slandered you... So unless you are willing to actually discuss my engagement to Avive, then there is nothing more I can say. Good day." I bowed and turned this time leaving the room and closing the door behind me. I was going to the Queen either way, I was sure about that. I walked down the hall and wondered if I should try to find Avive or not.
I decided to search a little called out her name. "Avive." I said softly.
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Post by Alain de Mauvais (D) on Jun 12, 2008 22:38:43 GMT -5
I was just a step behind him, opening the door as soon as it was shut. My hand came down on his shoulder and I shoved him towards the front door.
“Out,” I said firmly.
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Post by Avive de Rocaille on Jun 12, 2008 22:39:52 GMT -5
I was in my room, sobbing softly with the pain of waiting. I heard a male voice distantly say my name, but was unsure if I should come out until someone actually came to fetch me. Deciding to play it safe, I stayed in my room, though it was truly torture to do so.
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Post by Justin de Rocaille on Jun 12, 2008 22:47:11 GMT -5
I turned facing back toward the rooms and shouted of his shoulder. "I'll see you soon Avive, don't worry." I said looking at the Duc.
"And I will." I raised a brow and turned slowly, walking slowly away I kept myself calm.
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Post by Avive de Rocaille on Jun 12, 2008 22:50:52 GMT -5
I heard shouting, and concerned, I left my room, and appeared at the top of the stairs just in time to see Justin leave, and Alain looking furious. I darted back into the hallway, out of sight, unsure what to do or say. It couldn't possibly have gone well, and I was nearly hysterical. Sliding down against the wall, I buried my face in my knees.
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Post by Alain de Mauvais (D) on Jun 12, 2008 23:07:24 GMT -5
I waited until the door was shut behind him. I looked over and as expected one of my men was standing there, having witnessed the whole thing. “Get him off my property this minute, by force if you need to. Neither he, nor any of his people are allowed back on this property, until you hear from me,” I said, my voice as even as it had ever been.
Turning I climbed the stairs and found Avive slumped in the hall, crying. My anger with her had long passed; it had been a momentary thing even at its inception. I held out my hand to her. “Come on love, let’s go talk somewhere more private,” I said gently.
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Post by Avive de Rocaille on Jun 12, 2008 23:12:13 GMT -5
My weeping, which I had been trying to keep under control, now grew into full fledged sobs. I wasn't sure to feel relief that he was being kind to me, or despair that Justin was gone. Accepting his hand, I let him pull me off the floor. I was sure I looked a mess, face wet and eyes swollen from crying, hair sweaty and mussed. I looked at him with streaming eyes. "A-all right," I said. "Ca-can I have some wuh-water?" I felt so ashamed to be crying like this; after trying to show him that I wanted to be married, I was blubbering like an infant.
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Post by Alain de Mauvais (D) on Jun 12, 2008 23:14:41 GMT -5
“Of course,” I said, and then pulled her into my arms, hugging her tightly and stroking her hair.
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Post by Avive de Rocaille on Jun 12, 2008 23:17:52 GMT -5
Overwhelmed by his display of affection, I began to cry hard into his chest, clinging to him. "I'm s-sorry," I sobbed. "I d-d-didn't mean for everyone to get s-so upset. I've ruh-ruined everything. P-please forgive me."
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Post by Alain de Mauvais (D) on Jun 12, 2008 23:22:10 GMT -5
“Ah love, it’s not your fault. I was overwhelmed and got upset. I never should have snapped at you,” I told her, trying to soothe her. “None of this is your fault. None of what happened after you left was because of you, I promise.” I continued to stroke her hair.
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Post by Avive de Rocaille on Jun 12, 2008 23:30:29 GMT -5
"N-no, it was," I said. "If Juh-Justin hadn't seen me, or if I hadn't gotten upset, it would have been ah-all right. He ruh-really just wuh-wanted to make me happy." I raised my wet blue eyes. "Or, or if I had, maybe, told you muh-more of what we talked about, or, or..." I dissolved into tears again, burying my face back in his chest. I wanted to beg him to give Justin a second chance, but I would wait until we had talked more. Everyone had been so upset, maybe if we all were calmer, things might go better.
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Post by Alain de Mauvais (D) on Jun 12, 2008 23:33:58 GMT -5
Shifting my grip on her, I picked her up in my arms and carried her to the settee in the hall. I sat down and cradled her in my lap, letting her cry herself out.
I rocked slightly, stroking her hair and making soothing sounds.
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Post by Avive de Rocaille on Jun 12, 2008 23:36:11 GMT -5
I cried and cried, until my throat was raw and I couldn't make another tear. The whole time, Alain held me in his arms, and despite how difficult the morning had been, I had never been more assured of his unconditional love.
Lifting my head, I wiped the last of my tears away with the back of my head. "I think I am ready to talk now," I said, albeit a bit sniffly.
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Post by Alain de Mauvais (D) on Jun 12, 2008 23:37:47 GMT -5
I pulled a kerchief from my pocket and offered it to her. “Do you want some water first?” I asked, stroking her hair back from her face.
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Post by Avive de Rocaille on Jun 12, 2008 23:39:46 GMT -5
Gratefully accepting his handkerchief, I nodded and said, "Yes," before wiping my face dry and giving my nose a good blow. My hair must have been in my face, for Alain was stroking it back, and I let him do it, his touch soothing.
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Post by Alain de Mauvais (D) on Jun 12, 2008 23:43:12 GMT -5
“There’s some in my room, do you want to come with me or shall I bring you some here?” I asked.
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