Marc Liatris
Noble
Sovereign Duc of Camlach; Duc d'Neige-House Liatris
Son of Eddard Liatris. Husband to Veronique Liatris
Posts: 207
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Post by Marc Liatris on Aug 7, 2008 21:48:39 GMT -5
I had sent word to Veronique and told her that I had secured my position as Sovereign and she had returned the letter telling me that they would arrive soon. I was excited to see my family, it had been almost four months since I had seen them and I was eager to have the hustle and bustle of the house return.
I was eager to see Veronique and hold her in my arms, to greet her as the Sovereign Duchesse of Camlach.
Too, I was eager to see Benedict and Etta, my lovely children.
So it was that I waited in my study, my servants aware that they would be arriving and that they were to alert me as soon as they arrived.
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Layonette Liatris(I)
Inactive
Daughter of the Duc d'Neige, Sovereign Duc of Camlach- House Liatris
Fierce beauty
Posts: 58
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Post by Layonette Liatris(I) on Aug 7, 2008 21:54:18 GMT -5
As soon as Father's letter had arrived, the house had been in some sort of chaos, preparing to leave for the City. I had been a very impatient soul, and now, this carriage ride was close to lasting forever, it seemed. I fidgeted, glancing out the windows every five seconds, just to see if anything had changed.
We were now passing the City walls, and I knew it wouldn't be long now before we arrived. I tried to scoot closer to the window, eager to see the City.
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Post by Benedict Liatris on Aug 7, 2008 21:59:20 GMT -5
We'd had to leave early in the morning; there'd been no time for me to do my morning exercises. As such, I was irritable and moody throughout the whole carriage ride. "Will you stop fidgeting, Etta?" I complained. "It's bothering me."
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Layonette Liatris(I)
Inactive
Daughter of the Duc d'Neige, Sovereign Duc of Camlach- House Liatris
Fierce beauty
Posts: 58
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Post by Layonette Liatris(I) on Aug 7, 2008 22:08:18 GMT -5
I shot my brother as nasty a look as I thought I could muster, and sighed. "Sorry, dear brother." I tried to keep my voice dripping with sarcasm, and failed. Submitting my defeat, I gave him a small smile. "I'll stop." I stopped fidgeting, but continued to look out the window, gazing in some awe at the large size of the City.
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Post by Benedict Liatris on Aug 7, 2008 22:12:19 GMT -5
"Thank you, sister dear," I replied with equal sarcasm before closing my eyes and trying to nap a bit. I didn't really care to see the city from a carriage.
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Layonette Liatris(I)
Inactive
Daughter of the Duc d'Neige, Sovereign Duc of Camlach- House Liatris
Fierce beauty
Posts: 58
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Post by Layonette Liatris(I) on Aug 7, 2008 22:26:25 GMT -5
As he shut his eyes, I couldn't help but smile. Benedict and I may not always get along, but in the end, we were of the same blood, and did get along... some of the time. I could feel the carriage as it rumbled on the cobblestone streets, and I began to feel a bit sleepy, with the rocking back and forth. Maybe Ben did have the right idea. I shut my eyes, if only for a moment, to gain some sort of slight rest.
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Post by Veronique Liatris (H) on Aug 10, 2008 1:09:40 GMT -5
I watched my children with a smile playing around my lips. They may be reaching their majority, but they still had the same tendencies they always had. Etta's excitement was obvious, Benedict's a little less obvious. They both were ready for their lives to start anew. For that's exactly how this felt. It felt like someone had taken what I knew of my life and twisted it into something else, entirely. I watched Ben and Etta pretend to nap and smiled at them both, happy that they'd settled their little disagreement without my intervention, before turning my eyes to look through the carriage window at the passing trees.
The walls of the City were soon in view and I reached out to Etta. "Etta, love, we are nearly there. Look, you can see the walls over that rise," I pointed out the window, still smiling as Etta reacted the way I thought she might. Her eyes danced in eagerness, not bothering to hide that she was excited about this new avenue of her life. We watched the City together through that window, exclaiming about one sight or another until I fear we thoroughly annoyed Ben. It's hard to say who was more happy when the carriage stopped in front of the townhouse we would reside in. I had missed Marc more than I had before, Etta had been on pins and needles waiting for her big trip, and Ben... I slid my gaze to my son a second before the carriage door was opened and the footman reached for my hand. Ben was probably just glad to get away from us for a little while. Being couped up in a carriage from Camlach to the City of Eula with two women who were antsy about getting here must've been torture. I might need to arrange a good dinner of a few of his favorite foods to make up for it.
I fought the urge to run as I stepped down from the carriage, moving a few feet out and waiting on Etta and Ben to step down behind me. I hadn't truly felt my new title until this very moment and I took a deep breath as I looked up at the house. I feared that nothing in my life would be the same when I crossed that threshhold. Some things I would scarcely miss and others... Others I would miss dearly. I prayed silently that the thing I wanted most hadn't changed, at all.
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Layonette Liatris(I)
Inactive
Daughter of the Duc d'Neige, Sovereign Duc of Camlach- House Liatris
Fierce beauty
Posts: 58
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Post by Layonette Liatris(I) on Aug 10, 2008 1:47:13 GMT -5
After the long carriage ride, there was nothing more I wanted than to get out of this box on wheels, to see my father, to take in the essence of the City proper! As my mother stepped out, I followed her, stepping down with a sigh of relief on solid ground. Glancing at mother, I saw she look a bit... nervous? Reaching over, I took her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze, and a reassuring, excited smile. "I'm awfully glad we're here, aren't you? I can't wait to see father!"
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Post by Benedict Liatris on Aug 10, 2008 20:31:54 GMT -5
I offered Mother my arm. "Come, let's go up to the house," I said.
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Post by Veronique Liatris (H) on Aug 10, 2008 21:04:28 GMT -5
I smiled at Etta, squeezing her hand in return. How could I explain to her that I had never considered coming to the City as an option, much less in such a grand state. It wasn't that I wasn't looking forward to it. To be honest, it was more that I was afraid I would be bad at it. I had been relieved when my heart turned to a man with no title. Etta wouldn't understand that for a while, yet, I think. I smiled warmly at her, nodding. "Aye, love, I can't wait to see him, either. These four months have felt like a lifetime." It wasn't a lie. They had seemed to drag on forever.
Ben approached on my other side and offered me his arm. My smile felt like it would stretch my face out of shape. He was growing up to be such a wonderful gentleman. I took his arm and curled Etta's in my other arm. "Yes," I laughed softly as we all move towards the doorway. "Let's go up to the house and see what your father's been up to."
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Layonette Liatris(I)
Inactive
Daughter of the Duc d'Neige, Sovereign Duc of Camlach- House Liatris
Fierce beauty
Posts: 58
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Post by Layonette Liatris(I) on Aug 10, 2008 21:14:57 GMT -5
On my mother's arm, I felt like I was on top of the world. I have no doubt that I had the most ridiculous smile plastered upon my face. As we climbed the steps to the doorway, I could feel the anticipation in me. I had begun to fidget again, with my free hand. It was definitely one of my bad habits.
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Post by Benedict Liatris on Aug 11, 2008 9:10:04 GMT -5
I noticed Etta fidgeting again. "By all the Gods, Etta," I said as we approached the door, "you'll drive me mad with your twitching."
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Post by Veronique Liatris (H) on Aug 11, 2008 13:11:43 GMT -5
I laughed, tightening my grip on both of them. "Come now, both of you. You're nobility, now." My smile was still in place and my voice held none of the motherly censure the words would imply. I let them both enter the house before me, knowing Etta would tear through the house to find her father. Ben and I would be content to follow until she found him, albeit at a much slower pace. "I do hope we haven't come when he's away..." I murmured, my eyes wide as they took in the house I walked through.
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Layonette Liatris(I)
Inactive
Daughter of the Duc d'Neige, Sovereign Duc of Camlach- House Liatris
Fierce beauty
Posts: 58
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Post by Layonette Liatris(I) on Aug 11, 2008 21:14:35 GMT -5
As we walked into the house, my eyes widened just a bit. This was grand, wonderful, and fitting of our new title, just... possibly overwhelming. I wondered where the heck I should begin in the hunt for my father.
I spun around, taking in everything, wondering whether I should try the stairs, go down the hall, go left, or go right! I decided for now that straight would be best, saving the upstairs for last. I began to wander, feeling as if gliding across the floor rather than walking. I entered a grand dining room just down the hall, flitting in and seeing he was not there, flitting right back out. I wandered along to a heavier door and pushing it open, found myself enjoying my explorations of the house for my father, wondering where exactly he was.
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Post by Benedict Liatris on Aug 11, 2008 21:21:14 GMT -5
The house was very grand, to be sure, much grander than our home in Camlach. Layonette took off running, but I stayed put, taking a seat in the foyer. I knew Etta would find Father; I could wait.
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Marc Liatris
Noble
Sovereign Duc of Camlach; Duc d'Neige-House Liatris
Son of Eddard Liatris. Husband to Veronique Liatris
Posts: 207
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Post by Marc Liatris on Aug 11, 2008 21:45:31 GMT -5
"Your grace?" There was a voice at the door of my study. "The Duchesse and your children have arrived."
I grinned, standing quickly and thanking her before running down the hall and down the stairs.
"Where are my wife and children!" I called out as I searched them out hearing them coming from the foyer and from beyond.
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Layonette Liatris(I)
Inactive
Daughter of the Duc d'Neige, Sovereign Duc of Camlach- House Liatris
Fierce beauty
Posts: 58
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Post by Layonette Liatris(I) on Aug 11, 2008 22:03:37 GMT -5
Just before I could open the heavy door, I heard Father calling from... somewhere I couldn't exactly pinpoint. I'd have to explore extensively at a later date. I raced back to the foyer, to Mother and Ben, and saw Father practically flying down the stairs towards us. A giant grin crossed my face, a sparkle in my eyes.
As enthused as I was, I didn't feel like getting freight trained over by my father, so I tried very hard to allow him to get all the way down the stairs before I practically leaped into his arms, hugging him hard. "It's good to see you, Father!" I said, near breathlessly.
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Marc Liatris
Noble
Sovereign Duc of Camlach; Duc d'Neige-House Liatris
Son of Eddard Liatris. Husband to Veronique Liatris
Posts: 207
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Post by Marc Liatris on Aug 11, 2008 22:37:22 GMT -5
I wrapped my arms around Layonette's waist and sung her gently around, laughing and burying my face into her hair. "Oh my lovely daughter, its good to see you too." I said softly before catching sight of Benedict and Veronique.
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Post by Benedict Liatris on Aug 11, 2008 23:17:25 GMT -5
I stood when Father came downstairs, but before I could greet him, Etta bounded into his arms. "Hello, Father." I waited for him to let go of Etta to embrace him.
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Marc Liatris
Noble
Sovereign Duc of Camlach; Duc d'Neige-House Liatris
Son of Eddard Liatris. Husband to Veronique Liatris
Posts: 207
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Post by Marc Liatris on Aug 11, 2008 23:23:19 GMT -5
I kissed Layonette's head and released her before turning to my son.
"Benedict." I said grasping his shoulders abefore pulling him to me and embracing him with a thump. "You look well son, are you making sure to keep up with your exercises?"
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Post by Benedict Liatris on Aug 11, 2008 23:34:16 GMT -5
"Every day, Father," I replied, embracing him in return. "Unfortunately, I did not get to go riding today, but I will tomorrow."
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Marc Liatris
Noble
Sovereign Duc of Camlach; Duc d'Neige-House Liatris
Son of Eddard Liatris. Husband to Veronique Liatris
Posts: 207
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Post by Marc Liatris on Aug 11, 2008 23:51:47 GMT -5
"Good man." I said pulling back and slapping his face playfully and quite gently then turned to Veronique.
"Hello my wife." I said moving toward her, I reached for her and embraced her, pressing my lips to hers gently.
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Post by Veronique Liatris (H) on Aug 12, 2008 0:02:37 GMT -5
I smiled, watching Etta and Ben greet their father. It gave me a wonderful opportunity to watch him, as if something would be different about him, something changed over the last four months. Nothing seemed to have changed and I allowed myself to relax. The biggest fear I had was officially laid to rest. When his eyes finally met mine, I let the rest of my fears go. Nothing was important as long as he looked at me like that.
My hands met his and being wrapped in his arms was all the welcome I needed. I met his lips with my own, then smiled up at him. "Hello, my husband," I said softly. I looked over his shoulder at the children and then back at him. "I have missed you greatly these last four months. Have you taken care of yourself well? I'm assuming there's a cook in this house, as I know your cooking would never see you so fit after four months of eating it..." My smile deepened and my hands ran down his sides to emphasize the point.
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Marc Liatris
Noble
Sovereign Duc of Camlach; Duc d'Neige-House Liatris
Son of Eddard Liatris. Husband to Veronique Liatris
Posts: 207
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Post by Marc Liatris on Aug 12, 2008 0:26:44 GMT -5
I grinned her hands reminding me of the months we'd been apart and I was happy and eager to take her into our new bed. "They feed me well yes." I said still smiling at her and pressing another kiss to her lips. My hand took hers in mine and I turned to the children.
"So, how was the ride to the City. Boring I would imagine." I teased grinning at Etta and knowing she was probably the most excited in the group.
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Layonette Liatris(I)
Inactive
Daughter of the Duc d'Neige, Sovereign Duc of Camlach- House Liatris
Fierce beauty
Posts: 58
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Post by Layonette Liatris(I) on Aug 12, 2008 16:54:16 GMT -5
I rolled my eyes playfully. "Father!" A bit of childlike exasperation still edged my voice, and I smiled at him. "It was rather boring, most of the way. Till we got into the City at least. Everything is so... so..." I searched my mind, trying to find the right word for it. "Its all so big, and grand!" I spun around, my arms flung out, laughing.
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Post by Veronique Liatris (H) on Aug 12, 2008 18:23:28 GMT -5
I smiled, watching Etta's expression as she responded. The ride had been long and boring, it would've seemed more so to Etta with all of her enthusiasm. I wondered whether I would reach this point, find this excitement that held no drop of fear. Fear, I was feeling rather vividly. I'd been taught how to act in this position, but I'd never had to use it. Marrying Marc had saved me from that life. It was irony that I was here now, simple irony.
"Just wait until we go shopping for a proper wardrobe, Etta." I grinned at that, imagining setting all of her enthusiasm loose in a seamstress's shop. I winked up at Marc, wondering if he'd play along. "We can hardly appear in public wearing these country clothes, love..."
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Marc Liatris
Noble
Sovereign Duc of Camlach; Duc d'Neige-House Liatris
Son of Eddard Liatris. Husband to Veronique Liatris
Posts: 207
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Post by Marc Liatris on Aug 12, 2008 19:40:14 GMT -5
I chuckled watching my young daughter, she was so young still despite her sixteen years. In truth I was worried about her in the city. Benedict was of age and he had a stiphen that I allowed him to have in order to let him make his way in the world, but when it came to Layonette, she was still young and I still controlled her funding for the most part. That still didn't make me wonder about what she would get up to within the City unsupervised. Camlach, and more specifically Liatris, was not big enough to let her get into too much trouble. But here was different.
"Oh yes of course my dear." I said smiling despite my thoughts. "You all need some proper court clothing and I've made sure that there are funds just for that." I turned to Veronique and kissed her cheek.
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Layonette Liatris(I)
Inactive
Daughter of the Duc d'Neige, Sovereign Duc of Camlach- House Liatris
Fierce beauty
Posts: 58
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Post by Layonette Liatris(I) on Aug 12, 2008 22:28:08 GMT -5
My mind raced, at the possibility of new clothing. I did love clothes! I was breathless, and brought myself to a stop, to catch my breath. I was happy to be here, and to prove that maybe I had matured, just a bit. I may have been carefree, but I did know that to be able to do anything in this City, I'd have to demonstrate some discipline. I did envy Ben's amount of freedom he had, and I wanted it myself. But for now, I'd play the part I always did, the enthusiastic daughter.
I smiled at my parents. They looked content together, Father looking happy to be with Mother, and Mother looking... relieved? But also happy. "I cannot wait, Father." As I spoke, I smoothed my skirt unconsciously.
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Post by Veronique Liatris (H) on Aug 13, 2008 21:18:28 GMT -5
I felt the tension in Marc's hand and squeezed his hand reassuringly. Etta was enthusiastic, but I thought with a bit of guidance, she'd handle City life well enough. Not that it didn't frighten me a bit. Marc's kiss made me turn my head and smile up at him. I dearly wanted to be alone with him, but I could wait. I wouldn't steal these moments from the children. Once the night came was a different story, however.
I wondered idly if Ben really grasped how much more freedom he'd have in the City than he did at home. Well, perhaps it's wasn't more, just more options of things to do with his freedom here. It made me stop and wonder which of my children I should be more afraid for.
"You must tell us how it went when you put your petition forward," I said, hoping to lighten the somewhat heavy mood that seemed to descend on us all. "Was there a great fuss over it?"
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Post by Benedict Liatris on Aug 16, 2008 12:55:26 GMT -5
I inwardly groaned at the mention of shopping, but thought if I could get some new riding boots out of it, it wouldn't be so bad.
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