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Post by Azriel Shahrizai on Jun 21, 2008 0:05:39 GMT -5
I nodded and looked to Nicole, who gave me a wierd look and went back to her other conversation. "When I was about sixteen." I said looking to her. "After your grandmother and my father died."
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Lillianne Prévost
Aristocrat
Future Duchesse de Moulins; Ward of Azriel Shahrizai
Daughter of G?rard and Nicole Pr?vost
Posts: 1,148
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Post by Lillianne Prévost on Jun 22, 2008 16:19:16 GMT -5
I nodded somberly. "I don't remember them. I wish I did."
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Post by Azriel Shahrizai on Jun 22, 2008 23:46:10 GMT -5
I nodded. "You would have love my mother... Nicole and my mother." I said thinking on her. "She...she was like Nicole except far more humourous." I teased glancing to Nicole momentarily then looked to Lillianne. "I don't think you would have got on with my father." I shrugged a little thinking on him. "He was like me, but worse." I teased.
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Lillianne Prévost
Aristocrat
Future Duchesse de Moulins; Ward of Azriel Shahrizai
Daughter of G?rard and Nicole Pr?vost
Posts: 1,148
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Post by Lillianne Prévost on Jun 23, 2008 0:17:36 GMT -5
I smiled softly at his dig at my mother, then wider at his tease. "Worse that you Azriel? That's hard to imagine," I teased back.
The servants had been coming around, exchanging our empty plates with those of dessert, and I leaned in and nudged my uncle. "Are you going to toast Mama?" I whispered as close to his ear as I could get.
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Post by Azriel Shahrizai on Jun 23, 2008 0:26:56 GMT -5
I chuckled and when she nudged me I leaned over to listen to her speak. When she did I hissed and grit my teeth, clenching my jaw as I did. "Do I have to?" I gave her an imploring look.
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Lillianne Prévost
Aristocrat
Future Duchesse de Moulins; Ward of Azriel Shahrizai
Daughter of G?rard and Nicole Pr?vost
Posts: 1,148
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Post by Lillianne Prévost on Jun 24, 2008 17:03:06 GMT -5
"It would make her smile," I replied, though with sympathy. "You wouldn't have to say much. Once you start, all the other men will feel they should toast her as well." And you'll get all the recognition in her eyes.
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Post by Azriel Shahrizai on Jun 24, 2008 18:24:39 GMT -5
"Ah." I said softly then turned to the rest of the table and stood. I lifted my wine glass thought it had my dreaded wine still, I would hold it anyway.
"Everyone;" I called out. "I'd like to make a toast to my sister on her 45th natal." I waited for everyone to quiet. "Nicole," I said softly and swallowed standing nervously, though I was sure it only showed a little. "Nicole, you are my sister." I said smiling and then shaking my head at how stupid that sounding. "And because of that, two strangers where forced to be friends." I saw her chuckle and understood, it made it easier to speak. "Some would think that our difference in age would change how we felt of one or another, but it never did. We always argued anyway." She chuckled again. "I jest." I said looking to the others. "Actually, Nicole and I were fiercely close growing up, despite the fact that she married when I was young. But we were close never the less, writing to each other on a regular basis." I raised my glass a little. "Now here we are today." I swallowed a little "Joyeux natal Nicole." I raised my glass and sat.
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Lillianne Prévost
Aristocrat
Future Duchesse de Moulins; Ward of Azriel Shahrizai
Daughter of G?rard and Nicole Pr?vost
Posts: 1,148
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Post by Lillianne Prévost on Jun 25, 2008 13:57:22 GMT -5
Well, that was awkward. But I had been right, my mother's face brightened even further. "Joyeux natal." We all raised our glasses and drank, and then Lord Pierre stood to offer similar words, though a touch more eloquent than my uncle. I touched Azriel's shoulder subtly, and smiled my thanks.
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Post by Azriel Shahrizai on Jun 25, 2008 21:16:01 GMT -5
I gave a lamenting smile to Lillianne before shrugging, though Nicole blew me a kiss when she caught my eye. The lord finished his speech and sat, and I wondered if I'd ever be as eloquent as him. I never had been, why start now.
The meal returned to normal and our dishes, not clean, had servings of cake for our pleasure.
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Lillianne Prévost
Aristocrat
Future Duchesse de Moulins; Ward of Azriel Shahrizai
Daughter of G?rard and Nicole Pr?vost
Posts: 1,148
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Post by Lillianne Prévost on Jun 26, 2008 1:50:27 GMT -5
I happily started in on my cake, the icing just sweet enough without being cloying. I made a little noise of innocent pleasure. "Good job choosing the cake Mama," I told her with a smile.
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Post by Azriel Shahrizai on Jun 26, 2008 10:49:35 GMT -5
I smiled and looked to Lilli and then to Nicole, my lips pursed. Nicole raised a brow, my eyes darted a little. "Yes, very nice." I said smiling.
"You haven't even taken a bite brother." She said with a smile. I looked down and released my hands were in my lap.
"Right." I said with a soft sharp exhale of breath, then picked up my fork and began to indulge. Not that I didn't like cake, truth be told the cake held its own, but I was never a fan of sweets. "Good." I said finally, nodding enthusiastically.
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Lillianne Prévost
Aristocrat
Future Duchesse de Moulins; Ward of Azriel Shahrizai
Daughter of G?rard and Nicole Pr?vost
Posts: 1,148
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Post by Lillianne Prévost on Jun 26, 2008 13:41:42 GMT -5
Uncle Azriel nodded a little too enthusiastically for his feelings to be real, and I had to smother a giggle at the skeptic look on my mother's face. It almost felt like I had a brother more than an uncle.
"What's your favourite dessert Azriel?" I asked to move the conversation on. And perhaps learn something if I ever needed to get on his good side.
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Post by Azriel Shahrizai on Jun 26, 2008 14:21:26 GMT -5
I looked to Nicole and then glanced sidelong at her. "Uh, roast beef?" I said furrowing my brow as I could not find a desert I enjoyed. I gave a bit of a smile but it had to have showed that I was unable to find a response better then the one I gave.
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Lillianne Prévost
Aristocrat
Future Duchesse de Moulins; Ward of Azriel Shahrizai
Daughter of G?rard and Nicole Pr?vost
Posts: 1,148
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Post by Lillianne Prévost on Jun 26, 2008 15:54:36 GMT -5
I chuckled as if he had meant to make the jest. "Horseradish or gravy?" I asked with a teasing smile.
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Post by Azriel Shahrizai on Jun 26, 2008 16:14:31 GMT -5
"Oh both." I said smiling now. "Most definately." I took another bit of the cake. It was good, just not my favourite. "What about you?" I asked.
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Lillianne Prévost
Aristocrat
Future Duchesse de Moulins; Ward of Azriel Shahrizai
Daughter of G?rard and Nicole Pr?vost
Posts: 1,148
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Post by Lillianne Prévost on Jun 28, 2008 2:17:04 GMT -5
"Horseradish," I replied with a smile. "Or almond square, depending what you're asking after."
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Post by Azriel Shahrizai on Jun 28, 2008 10:13:49 GMT -5
I chuckled....quick. I liked that.
"I was asking what sort of desert you enjoyed but I'll remember both. I thank you for the information."
Dishes were once again being cleared and I glanced to Nicole who gave me a...'its not over yet' look and stood.
"Ladies and gentlemen," She said with great courtier grace. "Drinks will be served in the salon." It must be early still.
I stood too with the others picking up my drink I handed it to the servant and asked for him to bring me a cognac. I followed the others, hands clasped behind my back.
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Lillianne Prévost
Aristocrat
Future Duchesse de Moulins; Ward of Azriel Shahrizai
Daughter of G?rard and Nicole Pr?vost
Posts: 1,148
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Post by Lillianne Prévost on Jun 28, 2008 13:24:08 GMT -5
I smiled, pleased that my uncle found me at least a little clever. I kept that smile as we moved into the salon, though it was more difficult. I knew my mother would try to send me to bed soon.
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Post by Azriel Shahrizai on Jun 28, 2008 14:17:21 GMT -5
I followed the others till the salon appeared and found a single chair off to the side, not taking a couch on purpose so that I wouldn't have to sit next to anyone.
"Lillianne," I heard my sister's voice. "Soon." She cautioned and I looked to my niece with furrowed brows.
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Lillianne Prévost
Aristocrat
Future Duchesse de Moulins; Ward of Azriel Shahrizai
Daughter of G?rard and Nicole Pr?vost
Posts: 1,148
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Post by Lillianne Prévost on Jun 29, 2008 13:22:20 GMT -5
My lower lip came out as Mama didn't miss a beat. Didn't she understand that next year I could go to the Night Court? I wasn't a child any longer.
I saw Uncle Azriel look questioningly in my direction, and I tried to turn my pout back into a smile. "She wants to send me to bed," I explained as a servant appeared with a glass of some liquor for him.
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Post by Azriel Shahrizai on Jun 29, 2008 22:06:45 GMT -5
I nodded to her taking the glass that was proffered, I nodded my thanks to him and looked back to Lillianne. "When you're off, I'll walk you to your room. I'm tired myself. " I gave her a reluctant smile.
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Lillianne Prévost
Aristocrat
Future Duchesse de Moulins; Ward of Azriel Shahrizai
Daughter of G?rard and Nicole Pr?vost
Posts: 1,148
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Post by Lillianne Prévost on Jul 2, 2008 15:22:22 GMT -5
Yes, but tired of the party.
"Alright," I said, smile firmer now that I had a minute to settle it in. I still didn't want to go to bed. I glanced around the room, seeing my father speaking with Patriece and my mother ensconced with Marié. The other two guests were having an animated conversation on a couch. That left me free to speak more with my uncle.
"You haven't been in the City for a long time, have you?"
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Post by Azriel Shahrizai on Jul 2, 2008 15:29:50 GMT -5
I shook my head as I sipped my drink. "Uh, not for many years. At least ten years and then I was only passing though. Your mother was furious at me for that." I smiled at the memory. She had found out that I, instead of coming to her, I stayed at an inn.
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Lillianne Prévost
Aristocrat
Future Duchesse de Moulins; Ward of Azriel Shahrizai
Daughter of G?rard and Nicole Pr?vost
Posts: 1,148
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Post by Lillianne Prévost on Jul 2, 2008 17:43:20 GMT -5
"That sounds like her," I said with a grin. "She mentions you a lot you know."
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Post by Azriel Shahrizai on Jul 2, 2008 21:37:48 GMT -5
I turned my raised brows on her. "Truly?" I asked softly. "I would not think that she would have, considering her brood."
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Lillianne Prévost
Aristocrat
Future Duchesse de Moulins; Ward of Azriel Shahrizai
Daughter of G?rard and Nicole Pr?vost
Posts: 1,148
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Post by Lillianne Prévost on Jul 3, 2008 12:39:15 GMT -5
"She misses you more than she thinks she ought," I replied, watching his face.
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Post by Azriel Shahrizai on Jul 3, 2008 13:20:34 GMT -5
I looked away from a moment and nodded, it hurt, I admitted it. I loved Nicole very much, but I had my own life and I couldn't feel guilty about that.
"Why didn't your mother have more children?" I asked curiously, and slightly hoping to change the subject. It seemed ot hurt too much.
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Lillianne Prévost
Aristocrat
Future Duchesse de Moulins; Ward of Azriel Shahrizai
Daughter of G?rard and Nicole Pr?vost
Posts: 1,148
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Post by Lillianne Prévost on Jul 4, 2008 1:31:38 GMT -5
I shook my head. "I don't know. I've never asked."
His reaction had showed guilt and grief. It somehow occurred to me that he might hate the City because of the accident that killed his parents.
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Post by Azriel Shahrizai on Jul 4, 2008 13:03:38 GMT -5
I nodded a little, staring into my glass as I swirled it. "Thats too bad," I said smiling softly, though with a wry hint and looked back at her. "They seem to have done a decent job with you." I looked away again. "Have you ever wished for siblings?" I wondered if she saw the bond between Nicole and I and ever wanted the same.
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Lillianne Prévost
Aristocrat
Future Duchesse de Moulins; Ward of Azriel Shahrizai
Daughter of G?rard and Nicole Pr?vost
Posts: 1,148
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Post by Lillianne Prévost on Jul 5, 2008 0:58:23 GMT -5
I smiled at his little joke, but grew more somber at his question. "Yes," I admitted, voice soft. I didn't know very many families with only one child. I made friends easily, but it was never quite the same as a real sibling.
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