Looking Around

[Abigail d'Aubigne]

Inwardly, I could not imagine travel ever being as dull as that, but instead I said, "What do you like about it?"

[Claes de las Aragonia (I)]

"I find the sights very beautiful," I replied simply, "But I find the people much more interesting. Back in Aragonia I felt constrained by class, but here I feel much more relaxed."

[Abigail d'Aubigne]

"Class?" I asked. "Do you mean to say you are nobility?"

[Claes de las Aragonia (I)]

"Ah, well I prefer not to mention it, but I suppose you could say as much. Let me see, my exact title would be 'Cousin of the Prince of Aragonia', though I am really only a half-cousin."

Having said that, I tore off another chunk of bread from my loaf, which I had almost forgotten about, and ate it.

[Abigail d'Aubigne]

My eyes widened, but I remembered that he just wanted to be treated normally. "I can understand why you might feel that way, then," I said. "My elder sister holds our family's title, but she has never let it bother her, at least, not that I can tell."

[Claes de las Aragonia (I)]

She seemed surprised, but she managed to suppress it pretty well. It's not as if you can simply talk to royalty every day, so I can understand her reaction.

"I think stoicism must run in your family, then." I laughed, "If she is never bothered by it, she must be quite bleak to begin with."

"But it's not as if it is entirely a bad thing." I added, contemplatively, "Certainly, as a noble one can do much more than a commoner can, and with less concern for money."

[Abigail d'Aubigne]

"Stoicism, maybe," I said, "but my sister is never bleak. She keeps her own counsel, but she is very bright." It needled me that he would assume that Noelle was dull, but I'd given him no indication that we d'Aubignes were anything but. I couldn't help my shyness! Time to step up. "We did have every opportunity growing up. My father liked it better when we were at home in Camlach, but he knows I'm happier here, and Noelle, my sister, she is doing excellently at court."

[Claes de las Aragonia (I)]

Maybe I had struck a nerve, because Abigail started speaking much more fervently than she was wont to. Well, that is good, I suppose. I at least get to have a break from leading the conversation for a bit.

"You must really respect your sister. You speak of her very highly." I commented, "Are you two very close?"

[Abigail d'Aubigne]

"Yes," I said. "She is my only sister. We had a brother too, but...he passed away." I didn't really feel like talking about the incident, it was very depressing, and I was only a child when it happened. "We did everything together as children."

[Claes de las Aragonia (I)]

"I see." I replied, at a loss for words. I wasn't expecting the part about her brother. I had never lost anyone close, so I could only empathize and let the matter drop. I think she would become rather upset if I broached the topic. I think I will keep the focus on her sister...

"So, what sort of things do you enjoy doing with your sister, or even just by yourself?" I asked her somewhat hesitantly.

[Abigail d'Aubigne]

"My sister and I, we go to gardens, or libraries, or just sit and talk," I said. "When I'm by myself, I like to read, or play the pianoforte." I pinked a bit at this one. "I'm pretty good, but audiences make me nervous. I just...freeze up."