|
Post by Mirielle Bellamont on May 7, 2007 22:09:56 GMT -5
I laughed at To-Bikos remark to Gillermo, my amusement fading away into a returning smile to the foreign diplomat. "And you share my dislike of turtle. I like that."
My smile bloomed some into a grin as I continued to meet his gaze, lifting my wineglass again and taking a small drink.
It truly did taste horrible.
|
|
|
Post by Gillermo Stregazza on May 7, 2007 22:15:35 GMT -5
Annoyed at our good-natured banter, To-Biko picked up his plate, his mouth still full, bowed, and moved to a neighbouring table, to a place where he could enjoy his snapper in peace.
I smiled as he left, knowing his flare would be short-lived.
"Don't worry about him, he's going to Turtle lover heaven for a while. He'll be back."
|
|
|
Post by Mirielle Bellamont on May 7, 2007 22:19:32 GMT -5
I was saddened to see him go, and even with Gillermos reassurance I fretted over it guiltily. "I hope so," I said, glancing up to Gillermos face. "Because, you know, I look silly now with my chair so close to an empty one."
A jest, however small and short, though if he said To-Biko would be fine then I would believe him.
|
|
|
Post by Gillermo Stregazza on May 7, 2007 22:27:01 GMT -5
I leaned towards Mirielle, "He has a bit of a temper, but nothing some turtle and wine won't fix. In the meantime, I really do not wish for you to look silly," I said as I abandonned my plate to sit in To-Biko's place, my arm dangerously close to her waist, my smile a happy smirk of victory.
|
|
|
Post by Mirielle Bellamont on May 7, 2007 22:57:08 GMT -5
I tensed as he switched chairs, his arm close enough to my midsection that it nearly touched. Forcing myself to relax again I smiled up at him, mirth in my eyes. "A charmer and a savior, I see," I said, though nevertheless letting my body lean towards his a fraction of an inch.
|
|
|
Post by Gillermo Stregazza on May 7, 2007 23:37:16 GMT -5
I let my gaze fleet into hers, and let my smirk turn into a grin. "For you, always, Mirielle."
|
|
|
Post by Mirielle Bellamont on May 8, 2007 8:46:14 GMT -5
I looked over at him, giving him a little grin as he spoke. "Ah, the charmer again. The women must be mourning the loss of you in La Serenissima." And I truly thought so - a prize of the Stregazza family, blessed by good looks and an engaging nature, held away from them and in the rich lands of Terre d'Ange.
Breaking eye contact, I glanced at my mostly finished plate and set my fork down atop of it before reaching up and gathering my hair off of my shoulders, letting it fall down my back. Distractions, distractions.
|
|
|
Post by Gillermo Stregazza on May 8, 2007 9:03:35 GMT -5
I smiled as Mirielle lost some more contenance. Her hair seemed soft, and I itched to play with one of the strands.
I replied, my voice even and comfortable. "One is, particularly, I'll admit. And another one loved me so much she followed me here," I replied earnestly, but with a measure of mischief in my eyes.
|
|
|
Post by Mirielle Bellamont on May 8, 2007 9:09:25 GMT -5
His earnest tone and wording made me glance back up at him, studying his face for a quiet moment. "Well well," I said in a playful voice, "Let's see... From the way you act, both physically and verbally, I would have to say the infatuated woman would have to be a relative." I was taking a complete stab in the dark with this one, though it was my experiance that men did not talk about other women to strange females... Perhaps it was different in La Serenissima, though. I didn't know. Never the less, though, my eyes reflected my humor - I was more than ready to accept that I was infact wrong.
|
|
|
Post by Gillermo Stregazza on May 8, 2007 10:42:48 GMT -5
I shrugged. Annoyed for a moment that my jest had failed, I jumped back on my steed that same moment, not wanting to lose the rythm of the discussion, or to let Mirielle see my short flustered instant.
"Am I so uninspiring, that only a blood relative would follow me to a strange land?" I asked in mock distress, though part of me wondered if that was how she felt.
|
|
|
Post by Mirielle Bellamont on May 8, 2007 10:48:29 GMT -5
"No," I said quietly, my hand reaching out on its own will to brush a stray lock of hair behind his ear. "I just hoped I wouldn't have such compelling competition at the fete, lest you forget to claim your dance for it." I gave him an unreadable smile before sitting back, putting space between us.
"I think I'd like to step outside a moment, clear the smokey air from here from my lungs."
|
|
|
Post by Gillermo Stregazza on May 8, 2007 10:55:51 GMT -5
"Please Mirielle, be at ease," I replied. "I'll be right here waiting."
|
|
|
Post by Mirielle Bellamont on May 8, 2007 11:04:51 GMT -5
"I'm at ease enough," I said, glancing at him while standing. "You're more than welcome to join me, though I won't be affronted if you decide to remain here."
A smile came to my face in a wordless goodbye, and I turned without waiting to see if he'd follow and headed out of the tavern. If he would he would, but if not I wasn't going to over-linger and guilt him into coming.
The air outside was fantasticly fresh, though cool, and I relished it with a deep breath, moving down the path leading from the tavern a few paces.
|
|
|
Post by Gillermo Stregazza on May 8, 2007 11:16:49 GMT -5
I toyed with it an instant. Would I go? Would I not?
To-Biko had finished his turtle a moment ago already, and, sitting at my old place, looked me in the eye. "Gil, if you don't mind me saying so, you're in a pickle. She's got you wrapped around her pretty finger alright. What is your plan?"
Mirielle was gone, and he spoke his mind alright. I was both grateful for it, and annoyed.
I sighed. To-Biko always spoke the truth, and as much as I cherished his honesty, I wasn't ready for any soul searching. "Right now, I'm going to get some fresh air. We'll see after the Coronation," I replied.
I stepped out silently, and stood in a covered spot, a fair distance from her. When she didn't know she was being observed, she was even more beautiful.
Moments later, I broke the silence, not moving from my place. "Aren't you cold and lonely out here?"
|
|
|
Post by Mirielle Bellamont on May 8, 2007 11:29:39 GMT -5
The stars twinkled above me and I looked up to them, wishing silently I had some sort of guiding hand to turn to in this City. There was always August that I could turn to - even having not seen him in a few years I knew he'd be there for me, but I still couldn't help but feel alone. Ah, well. Such as it was when I left my parents to be fostered with the Trevalions, and such as it was when I left them to return to my empty estate. Such as it was, and is now. I would prevail.
Lost in my thoughts I didn't hear the door open, and when Gils voice called out to me I jumped in startlement, my hand coming quickly to land upon my waist as I turned. "Oh gods Gil, you're able to sneak about better than anyone I know." I was blushing from the surprise and I knew it, though I was thankful he couldn't see it. "A little chilled, but not overly lonely. I'm used to being on my own by now."
|
|
|
Post by Gillermo Stregazza on May 8, 2007 12:00:20 GMT -5
"I'm sorry I startled you, Mirielle, but you shouldn't be out on your own at this time of night. The city isn't as safe as it used to be, I'm told." I extended my arm to her, not to offer it, but to wrap it around her refreshed figure. "If you are going to gaze at the stars, do it safely, both from the cold and the thugs," I offered with a frank smile.
|
|
|
Post by Mirielle Bellamont on May 8, 2007 12:13:19 GMT -5
He held his arm for me, not to take, but to allow myself to be enfolded into. I hesitated, though I masked it with a smile and a soft jest. "I'm stronger than I look. Any thug who tried to steal my purse would be in for a surprise." His arm still held, and not willing to risk a second hesitation I walked over to him, my hands folding up to cup my upper arms against my palms.
|
|
|
Post by Gillermo Stregazza on May 8, 2007 12:25:20 GMT -5
"Well then think of it of my good soul getting out to the thugs of Terre d'Ange, and protecting them from a fearsome foe," I said softly as I folded my arms around Mirielle. This was more contact then I'd hoped, but her lonely and huddled figure had prompted such a gesture naturally, and I did not wish to take it back.
|
|
|
Post by Mirielle Bellamont on May 8, 2007 12:45:54 GMT -5
I'd expected one, not two of his arms, and as they both encircled me and drew me close I nearly lost my breath. "And again a savior," I murmured as I turned within his arms, my back against his chest so I could look out to the darkened city around us. "Not only for distressed women, but for burly thugs too." I smiled out into the dark at the thought, listening to the sounds of the night.
|
|
|
Post by Gillermo Stregazza on May 8, 2007 13:02:38 GMT -5
I smiled, as I whispered in her ear, "Would you rather I leave them to their own devices?"
She was lovely, and warm, and my arms around her fit naturally. Asherat ! Grant me strength. I summoned thoughts of war, and putrid prison cells, and terrible Menekhetan foods to chase away my growing desire to do more. When I'd already taken from her more then I'd wished to.
|
|
|
Post by Mirielle Bellamont on May 8, 2007 13:14:11 GMT -5
His breath stirred along my ear, and I closed my eyes to keep from gasping with it, thankful for the second time that he couldn't see my face. "No," I said softly, my voice humming just over a returning whisper, "Please don't... I'd hate to dirty my dress just to kick someone in the shins."
It was a silly sort of thing to say given the moment, but I needed distraction, for the heat of his body upon my back was beginning to make it hard for me to concentrate. A pair of lovers, at least partially drunken, meandered down the street ahead of us, and I let my eyes follow them.
|
|
|
Post by Gillermo Stregazza on May 8, 2007 13:24:05 GMT -5
I'd noticed the pair, happy and carefree as perhaps we appeared to them. I whispered in her ear "I'd love to see you kick a thug in the chins. It might give me a glimpse of your delicate ankles," I said lightly. "They're lovely, aren't they?" I said, referring to the lovers, though I was leaving plenty of room for confusion purposely.
|
|
|
Post by Mirielle Bellamont on May 8, 2007 13:29:45 GMT -5
The lovers laughed as the male tripped over Elua knows what, sending him sprawling and laying on the flat of his back. The girl knelt over him with a giggle, and he pulled her down to kiss her. A smile came onto my face for it; it was comical and romantic, a night without cares and full of freedom. Gils voice in my ear brought me back around, and my smile stayed on my lips for it.
For the first time I glanced up at him, tilting my head back and up to see his face. "My ankles? They're alright I suppose... Nothing out of the ordinary about them."
|
|
|
Post by Gillermo Stregazza on May 8, 2007 13:36:13 GMT -5
The soft spot of skin where Mirielle's neck met her shoulder had been eying me coyly for several minutes.
I chuckled, and as I whispered, "I have no doubt that every inch of you is lovely, Mirielle, I was talking about them," my breath died on her skin, as I gave in to my growing temptation to kiss the impertinent soft spot.
|
|
|
Post by Mirielle Bellamont on May 8, 2007 13:50:52 GMT -5
A soft breath slipped out from my lips as his head dipped down to grace my lower neck, and I fought the urge to roll my head to the side to make the access easier. "They're beyond comparison," I whispered breathlessly as my fingers rose out of his hold to curl upon his forearms, my back pressing inwardly against his chest, relishing in the strength and heat that was held there.
My eyes swept closed for a second before I pulled away again, trying to regain my breath. "Gil," I said softly, wishing desperatly he'd pull me back again, though knowing the chances of it were slim. Even if he did I'd likely balk once more, though I was finding it hard to resist him.
|
|
|
Post by Gillermo Stregazza on May 8, 2007 14:11:12 GMT -5
A soft moan of protest escaped my lips when she left my embrace, and I turned away when she did, grateful that she had more strength than I did. She was doing what was best for her, not something I could begrudge her for.
I breathed for a second, collecting my toughts. "I'm sorry, Milady," I said with a willful distance, "it was inappropriate. Please forgive my impulsiveness."
With a formal bow, I went back inside, gesturing to To-Biko to please see that she was safe, and to escort her home, against her will if he must, should she not desire to be back in the inn. I had almost faltered, but her safety would not suffer from it, one way, or another.
|
|
|
Post by Mirielle Bellamont on May 8, 2007 14:19:25 GMT -5
I was dumbstruck as he turned and went back inside - I hadn't expected him to react as so, not even in the slightest. I wanted to call after him, to ask him to come back to me, but the door shut before I could open my mouth. I turned, struck still, and made my way away from the spot where he had held me.
Remaining in the shadows was the only thing that gave me comfort, and while there was nothing I could do for my fair skin and light hair, at least my dark dress helped to blend me in. Elua, I could still feel him against me, my neck still tingled for it, and the butterflies still rose in my stomach at the mere thought of his embrace. A long moment passed as I gathered myself, watching the lovers disappear into the distance.
I envied them.
|
|
|
Post by Gillermo Stregazza on May 8, 2007 15:11:02 GMT -5
The moment I'd entered the Generous Patron, To-Biko had been at my side. His eyes did not lie. "You've watched it all, haven't you?" I asked. He nodded, not out of regret but because it was true.
"Your pickle just turned sour," he said. I shrugged. "It's best this way, To-Biko. I care too much about her to break her heart."
Besides, I thought to myself, angering the Trevalions is bad business.
"Just go out there and keep an eye out for her, will you? If she wishes to go home, escort her there. Otherwise, just keep an eye out for her until she gets back. By then, I'll have a plan."
I interrupted his silent protest. "I'll wait for you here."
With a loud sigh that said a lot about his opinion of my amourous behaviour, my Jebean Perfect Companion stepped out to find Mirielle.
|
|
|
Post by Mirielle Bellamont on May 8, 2007 15:23:52 GMT -5
The sudden burst of light into the darkness told me someone exited the building, and I glanced over to see if it was Gil. To-Bikos large form met my eyes instead, and I bit back a sigh; he left me standing out here, then sent his companion in his stead.
"To-Biko," I said softly, figuring he'd see my skin and hair once his eyes became adjusted to the night.
|
|
|
Post by Gillermo Stregazza on May 8, 2007 16:00:38 GMT -5
To-Biko went out, and where I was, leaning against the wall and thinking myself to death, I heard him address Miri.
"My lady Mirielle," he said, probably bowing, "are you alright?"
|
|