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Post by Naia Shahrizai on Mar 18, 2009 23:40:42 GMT -5
I didn't bring a carriage, as Sarielle suggested. I had some of the help bring my trunk in after me, but I took Chretienne and rode ahead. I wore a scarlet silk divided riding dress and my hair pulled back, a light cloak on my shoulders. Gods, it felt good to be on the open road, the past at my back. For the first leg of the journey I road Chretienne hard ... mayhap I could outrun my conflicted feelings.
No such luck, and that night I stayed in a passable inn in a nameless place, taking a hot bath and a pitcher of ale. I preferred my rum, but I'd take whatever was available. Not to get drunk, but just to help me sleep. I was tired from the long ride, and I slept like the dead, awakening early the next morning and beginning again.
That day I set a more leisurely pace, not thinking about anything except enjoying the trip. It took some time, but in due course, the City rose ahead of me like dry land on the horizon. I slowed my pace even more, but eventually it didn't matter how I dragged my feet (or rather, Chretienne's hooves), I arrived.
From the City gates, I got directions and it wasn't difficult to find Sarielle's townhome. I gave it a critical look as I slid from Chretienne's back, but I could find no fault with the outside at least. While I was standing there, a stablehand appeared as if from thin air and took Chretienne's reins, and I allowed it, going to the front door and opening it slowly. I suppose I might have knocked, but I chose not to, entering on quiet feet and wondering if Sarielle were even home.
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Post by Sarielle Shahrizai on Mar 19, 2009 11:39:19 GMT -5
I had received word from Naia that she would be coming. It was short, very short considering the letter I had written her, but it was something. I was never one to worry, or fuss overmuch about appearances or anything of the sort, but this news made me antsy. I made sure the house was up to scratch, and the biggest guest room was made ready for her arrival. She should have been arriving any day now, and while in my dance studio, the oor open, as I sat in the chaise, looking out the back window, I heard the clip clop of hooves and knew, right then, that she was here. My stomach seemed to want to heave, mixing and moving, contorting in my body, making me feel queasy. Gods, it has been years, years since we had spoken more than a few words in passing to each other, and the last time, well, it wasn't under the best of circumstances for our household. I sighed deeply, hearing the door creep open to the house, and stood. Taking a deep breath, looking in the wall of mirrors and running my hands through my loose locks, I walked out of the room, down the hall, and into the foyer where I would find Naia.
"Naia," I breathed her name, wondering still if it were an apparition, if I were in a waking dream. "Sister, welcome," I said, a little louder this tie. I was not sure what to expect, what her reaction would be to me, to this situation. And Gods, she had grown. The resemblance we had was uncanny, she a younger version of me, and both of us younger versions of our mother. I stepped up to her and gave her the kiss of greeting.
"Is the stable boy looking after the carriage?" I asked as I looked at her. We were of a height, she and I, so I did not need to look down, nor up to peer into her mirrored gaze.
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Post by Naia Shahrizai on Mar 19, 2009 12:16:05 GMT -5
I hadn't realized that I was so nervous, until I saw her. She was almost a mirror image of myself, and it startled me as it had at our father's funeral. She said we looked like our mother, yet I had no remembrance of such things. I shook off my dark thoughts, or tried to, when she came forward to greet me. I was a bit gratified to see that she appeared a tad nervous, which meant I wasn't the only one. It also gave me a feeling of strength; perhaps she wasn't as serene and confident as I imagined her. "Greetings, Sarielle." I said, returning her greeting. When she mentioned the carriage, I smiled slightly.
"The carriage is likely a day or so behind me. I rode ahead." I indicated my riding clothes and boots, and the travel dust which clung to me. "I prefer not to ride hidden away in a carriage, if I have a choice."
I took another step into the house, looking it over with my critical gaze. I couldn't fault it, which was a bit irksome, as I had intended on finding fault with Sarielle whenever possible. Instead I said, "So, you live here by yourself?"
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Post by Sarielle Shahrizai on Mar 19, 2009 13:17:38 GMT -5
I watched her intently as she looked around, and sensed some sort of disappointment. I wonderedd, for a moment if she found fault in my home, but brushed it away. If she did that could be retified at another time.
"Yes," I replied, softly, my hands clasped before me as I turned away from her for a moment, looking around the foyer, up the stairs that lead to the second level, and down the corridors, beofre I brought my gaze back to her. THis had been my home for many, many years. In some ways it was more of a home than the estate in Kusheth had been. "Except for the help."
I looked her over, quickly, out the corner of my eye as I turned. "I can introduce you to them later, if you like. Right now, would you like to see your room? Or the house, or maybe something to eat?" I asked. It didn't bother me that the carriage was not here, but I wondered what she would wear in the meantime if she wished to freshen up.
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Post by Naia Shahrizai on Mar 19, 2009 18:11:02 GMT -5
I considered my options, and decided that more than anything I wanted a bath and something to eat. "How about a bath?" I said, lifting up a dust stained lock and making a face at it. "And do you have something I can sleep in?" I gave her a once over, slowly, the way I would someone I was interested in. I thought it might make her uncomfortable, and I liked the idea. "We look to be about the same size." I said, after a moment.
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Post by Sarielle Shahrizai on Mar 19, 2009 21:45:17 GMT -5
I watched her, her eyes grazing over my body, and the look in her eyes. Ah Elua, this was going to be a difficult time, I could tell. But she had so much to learn. I gave her back the same gaze, though mine was a might more critical. "Yes, though I am a little fuller in the hips and thighs, old age and all," I said with a smile, calm an collected. "Your room has a lavatory in it. I will have Moira draw you a bath, and I will bring you out a selection of things to wear. Do you have a preference as to what to eat?"
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Post by Naia Shahrizai on Mar 19, 2009 22:18:29 GMT -5
I was a bit taken aback by Sarielle's composure and the way she glossed over my rudeness. I realized immediately that staying here was going to be harder than I thought; at least, if I intended to give her a hard time.
But Sarielle wasn't the only one who could take things in stride. I kept my voice and demeanor cool, nodding. "Yes, I prefer meat, rare. At least two types of cheeses, and bread. Oh, and wine." I watched her beneath my thick lashes, to see what she would make of my demands. Part of me was aching for a good row; it had been far too long since father died and there was anyone to fight with. Alyss, Jean, and Pascal would never have dared, and that was part of why I spent time with them.
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Post by Sarielle Shahrizai on Mar 19, 2009 22:49:33 GMT -5
"Good," I said, not paying her snootyness any mind. It wouldn't do to fight with her, when she was itching for one, so obvious I could feel it crackling off of her skin. "Here, you can tell Moira yourself. Moira!" I called out. Within moments, she appeared, rotund but beautiful, with dark hair, silvered with age, kind eyes and a soft smile.
"Yes my lady?" She said looking to me, then she looked to Naia and had a double take, her jaw dropping for a moment before she snapped it shut.
"Moira," I murmured, "this is..."
"Naia!" She exclaimed. "Dear Gods, you two ... the spitting image..." she trailed off, turning to me and clearing her throat. "Yes, my lady?"
I smiled at her. "Oh, cut the formalities. Naia here has a few requests." I looked to Naia, motioning for her to proceed.
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Post by Naia Shahrizai on Mar 19, 2009 23:25:08 GMT -5
I nearly ground my teeth as Sarielle smoothly brought the housekeeper out to hear my "requests" - which were one thing when speaking to my sister, but felt petty and rude directed at this poor woman who had done nothing to deserve my ill-temper. In the last several minutes I had been forced to revise my opinion of my sister - she was far more intelligent than our father, and therefore would be harder to best.
This didn't mean I was giving up, by any means, but it wouldn't do any good to alienate Moira. "Oh, I was just wondering if I couldn't have a bath to get some of this travel dust off, and then mayhap something to eat? Just whatever you have lying around is fine." I could be as sweet as honey when I chose. I carefully avoided looking at Sarielle, even as I wondered what she made of my abrupt turnaround.
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Post by Sarielle Shahrizai on Mar 19, 2009 23:44:57 GMT -5
I smiled at Moira, a knowing smile, and I was sure she understood. I sighed inwardly. She had lied, which meant that she was, indeed, trying to irk me. I could understand, considering, and I had expected no less, not from someone who had spent time in father's clutches and had no doubt been poisoned by him. But that, would wait. I smiled over at Naia, showing nothing of what I had figured out.
"Meats and cheeses would be a good idea," I said to Moira. Then, I turned to face Naia. It was nice to have someone who didn't cower under my presence, and had the gall to challenge it, in my own home, and family at that. But saddening, nonetheless. "Would you like to be shown to your room?" I asked presently, smiling as though nothing had passed.
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Post by Naia Shahrizai on Mar 19, 2009 23:53:34 GMT -5
I smiled sweetly, but inwardly I was seething with irritation. Unlike father, Sarielle was appearing much more difficult to provoke. I was morbidly curious about what would happen when I did finally manage to anger her; with father it would be a beating, which in my mind had always been a victory. I had driven him to it; therefore, I was in control of the situation. What would Sarielle do, if sufficiently provoked? We were Shahrizai, proud and not likely to suffer slights and insults lightly.
Well, no matter. Tonight I would let her think she had bested me. I wanted nothing more than a bath, some food, and a bed, and it was being offered. I could be gracious when it suited me as well. "Yes, please." I responded, taking a cue from her and pretending that our little game had gone unnoticed.
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Post by Sarielle Shahrizai on Mar 20, 2009 5:00:25 GMT -5
Nodding towards the stairs I started the rise up them.
"Come," I uttered, leading the way up the stairs. I figured that maybe trying to get her to converse instead of brood was a much better idea.
"How was your ride here, Naia?" I inquired, mounting the steps slowly ahead of her, and, upon reaching the top, I turned to the left, starting down the short corridor, and making another left.
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Post by Naia Shahrizai on Mar 21, 2009 12:15:11 GMT -5
As I followed Sarielle up to my room, I realized suddenly that I was bone tired. The journey had taken more out of me than I had expected; it was the first time I'd been out of Kusheth, after all.
"Oh, it was fine." I answered, as we turned down another hallway. "Uneventful." I stifled a yawn. That wasn't entirely true; there had been those twins at one of the taverns I'd frequented. I kept that to myself; for the moment, anyway. I was too tired to come up with any smart remarks, so I didn't bother. "I like to ride, so it wasn't too bad."
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Post by Sarielle Shahrizai on Mar 22, 2009 11:22:44 GMT -5
To the right of me was the door to her room. It was a corner room, having windows on two out of the four walls, a set overlooking the back of the house, and a set the side. The lavatory was off to the left, through a doorway. It was small, but there was a separate, larger one elsewhere in the house.
The rom it was large, with a large bed, and minimal furniture -- a dresser with a mirror, an armoire closet and a small table with chair. Should she want to add to it, she would be free to. It was, afterall, her room.
"You've always loved horses," I replied with a soft smile, pushing the door open and walking through it. "Here we are. Please, make yourself comfortable. The lavatory has been fully stocked, and someone shall be around to fill your tub, as well." I looked at her, looking her over. I know everyone had said I looked like mother, but now I knew how it felt to look at someone else who held a great deal of her image as well. It was fascinating, albeit startling.
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Post by Naia Shahrizai on Mar 22, 2009 17:13:56 GMT -5
As we walked into what was to be my room, I looked around with a critical eye. The space was larger - much larger than my room at home - and although there were few furnishings, what was there was of good quality. Again I could find no fault with it, which was a tad bit frustrating.
When Sarielle spoke about my love of horses, my heart constricted painfully. Our childhood together was like another lifetime to me; it was far from idyllic, but what had followed made it seem like paradise. To be honest, how could I blame Sarielle for leaving? Life with father was a misery no one should be forced to endure. I couldn't help but resent her, however, for leaving me behind.
I nodded as she explained about the lavatory, and the bath. I wished suddenly that I had brought some of my own clothes, because I wanted nothing more than to curl up in my favorite dressing gown after a hot bath. I walked over to one of the windows and gazed out at the City. I felt Sarielle's eyes on me, and I knew what she was seeing. Looking at her was like looking into a mirror, only to see yourself as you could be. Sarielle's eyes didn't bear the hooded look of mine, her mouth wasn't twisted into the scowl I habitually wore. When she saw me, she saw our mother; when I saw her, I saw what I might have been if I had grown up differently.
I turned back to face her and smiled the smile that never reached my eyes. "Thank you, Sarielle. I think that I will bathe, and then sleep. I'm exhausted."
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Post by Sarielle Shahrizai on Mar 22, 2009 18:01:35 GMT -5
When she spoke, the smile not her own, not the genuine smile I remembered, I dreamt about, ah Kushiel, I could have wept. Repairing this was going to be long, and painful, for the both of us.
I bowed my head in understanding. "Yes of course. I will bring around a dressing gown and some clothing items. Would you like me to leave them outside for you or bring them in?" I asked. I tried to remove the emotion from my face, the knitting of my eyebrows was only for a moment, and I was not so sure of her nature to recognize it for what it was.
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Post by Naia Shahrizai on Mar 22, 2009 18:09:38 GMT -5
I wanted to tell her to bring it in herself... I wanted to tell her to sit with me, to eat with me, to talk to me ... but it was too much, too soon. I wanted to ask her why she had left, but I was afraid of the answer, so the moment passed and I swallowed the sudden surge of emotion I was so unused to feeling and said simply, "You can leave them." I turned back to the window, not trusting my yearning not to show in my eyes. They were too expressive by far and I did not wish to be betrayed by them. She was Shahrizai, how could she fail to read them like an open book?
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Post by Sarielle Shahrizai on Mar 22, 2009 18:51:02 GMT -5
I let a soft sigh escape me. I was hoping she would have let me bring them in to her. But it had most likely been a long day, and who was to say how much pain and anger she carried around. We are who we are. And we are a passionate family.
"As you wish, Naia. I will leave them outside your door and knock so you know they are ready. I have a few arrangements to take care of, but should you need anything, call for me or Moira. We will get whatever it is you may need.". And with that, I walked swiftly out of her room, silently closing the door behind me.
I went first to my room, entering and closing the door. I put my hands in my hair, pulling at the roots in quiet frustration. Not at her, not at myself, but at the one who had made life so darned difficult for us. He was my father, but, Kushiel help me, I was glad he was dead.
Releasing my grip on my locks I went to my armoire throwing it open. I found a deep blue silk dressing gown for her to sleep in. It was light enough for the warm summer nights but not something scandalously tailored. Moving through the dresses, I took out two, one evening dress and one daytime dress. The evening dress was a deep red one, sleeveless, strapless with a brocaded bodice and long skirts, in a light satin. The day dress was white and chiffon silk with straps. It had long skirts of layered chiffon, but was not voluminous as the style seemed to be lately. It was more form fitting so it would fit her frame well, her hips being smaller than mine. Taking the items I sat on the edge of the bed and waited a few moments before going to leave them for her. The help would be around her room soon with the bath water, and I wanted to give her her space.
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Post by Naia Shahrizai on Mar 22, 2009 20:25:13 GMT -5
I was still at the window when the servants began to fill my tub. I really couldn't wait to soak in the hot water, so I disrobed and left my travel-stained clothes in a heap on the bed - my bed. I wasn't shy about my body, even with the usual scrapes and bruises I always seemed to have, so I wasn't worried about anyone seeing me. I cast about for a looking glass, and found it over the dresser. I walked over and surveyed myself, almost taken aback anew by my resemblance to Sarielle. I looked as tired as I felt, with circles forming beneath my eyes and my hair was lackluster at best. I frowned softly; this really wasn't the way I'd wanted to look when I met Sarielle, but there was nothing for it now.
I walked into the next room, where the servants had just finished filling the tub with steaming hot water. Around the edge of the tub were various oils and soaps and I paused to pick up the bottles and unstopper them, sniffing experimentally.
"Do you need anything else, Miss?" One of the servants questioned, curtseying.
"No, thank you." I said dismissively, stepping a foot over the edge of the tub and sinking into the water. The woman left me to my own devices and I sank up to my chin in the hot water. It was so hot I gasped and bit my lip. I liked it this way, however; I could soak longer before it got cold. I poured a little of one bottle and some of another into the water and leaned my head back against the edge of the tub, letting myself relax.
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Post by Sarielle Shahrizai on Mar 23, 2009 0:19:32 GMT -5
I heard a small commotion, and knew that she had just been delivered her water. I walked out of my room with the items in my arms and ran into Moira.
"How is the meal coming along?" I asked her, my arms full of dresses.
"Should be done within the hour. Sarielle, if need help with her..." she started, but I waved my hand dismissively.
"That won't be necessary. But if I need it, I will remember your offer." I patted her on the shoulder and she nodded, heading down the stairs.
Walking to in front of Naia's door, I did as I said I would, knocking a few times to let her know the items were there, but instead of leaving, I stood, staring at the door, thinking for a moment.
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Post by Naia Shahrizai on Mar 23, 2009 0:26:49 GMT -5
I think I must have drifted off in the tub, for a knock on the door startled me and I sat up quickly, sending water sloshing over the sides of the tub. I blinked a few times, pushing back my thick, wet hair and rubbing my eyes. I wasn't even certain I'd heard anything, so I sat quietly, listening.
You're imagining things, Naia, I told myself, shaking my head. I must have been more tired than I thought, and when my stomach rumbled loudly, I realized I was very hungry too. My long soak was about to become a quick rinse; I was famished and exhausted!
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Post by Sarielle Shahrizai on Mar 23, 2009 0:44:51 GMT -5
Hearing no movement and coming to my senses I walked back to the stairs, going to the right and into the dining room, and through the door leading to the kitchen.
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Post by Naia Shahrizai on Mar 23, 2009 0:53:10 GMT -5
I finally decided that I had indeed been imagining things and slid under the water to wash my hair. After scrubbing the grime of the road from my body, I rose and reached for the towel someone had left for me. It was large and fluffy and I snuggled into it as if it were a blanket. Padding into my room, I found that my food hadn't quite arrived yet, nor my clothes. Remembering the knock I thought I had heard, I walked over to the door and pulled it open. Sure enough, the clothing was there and I bent forward to pick it up. Back in my room, I dried off and slid into the dressing gown. Like everything else here, it was simple yet well made. Sarielle had impeccable taste, it seemed.
While I waited for the food to arrive, I sat on the bed, combing the tangles from my hair with the comb I found on the dresser. Sarielle thought of everything, apparently.
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Post by Sarielle Shahrizai on Mar 23, 2009 8:43:09 GMT -5
Arriving in the kitchen, I saw that everything was rather well underay, and that the cheese and bread platter was ready. I wasn't sure whether she wanted to take her food down here, with me, or whether she would rather it in her room. Bringing a small plate with a small selection on it, and a glass of red wine, as something of a peace offering of sorts, I padded back up the stairs, going to her door, I took a deep breath and knocked.
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Post by Naia Shahrizai on Mar 23, 2009 16:33:38 GMT -5
I was still brushing out my tangles when there was a knock on the door. I assumed it was a servant with my food, so I called out, "Come in!" and kept on working out the tangles. I was facing away from the door, and I didn't bother to look up when I heard the door swing open. "You can just put it over there somewhere..." I waved my brush in the direction of the bed, glancing up and stopping in surprise. "Oh." I said, momentarily at a loss for words. It was Sarielle with the food, not a servant, and it was so unexpected that I really didn't know what to say. "You can just put that anywhere," I said, lamely.
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Post by Sarielle Shahrizai on Mar 23, 2009 20:02:04 GMT -5
I watched as she waved me off, then caught herself, realising I wasn't a servant. It grated at me, a little bit, but I would explain soon enough that the maids and servants here weren't to be treated as such. I brushed it off, walking in and placing the plate and glass down on a table beside her bed.
"I came myself," I said with soft smile, "so that I might see if you wanted a bit more than that to eat, and, if you did, to invite you to have a proper meal with me. It has been a long day for you, I am sure, so if you decline, there is no problem." I said, clasping my hands in front of me. I was not one for walking on eggshells, and I had been hermited most of my life, except for visits with minor cousins, and that was long ago. I was trying to become more... socialized, but it was a slow and painful process, full of mistakes. I awaited her response, watching her as she sat, the comb still halfway to her head. Oh the things I could teach you, dear sister I thought silently to myself, schooling my features to soft kindness.
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Post by Naia Shahrizai on Mar 23, 2009 21:56:21 GMT -5
I was caught, my hair halfway done as I stared at my sister. I snapped my open mouth shut and tried to decide what to say. Part of me wanted nothing more than to snub her efforts, to punish her for leaving me. It was what I had come for, after all. But a bigger part of me wanted to be in her presence. I had thought that I hated her, but I was almost mesmerized by her.
I know we looked alike, so was it a conceit that I found her beautiful? Graceful, her blue eyes kind, her smile genuine. So alike, yet so different. I realized that I was staring, and I shook my head. "Sorry, I'm a little tired. No, I'd like to have dinner with you, actually." I told myself that I needed to study my enemy, and that was all.
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Post by Sarielle Shahrizai on Mar 23, 2009 22:19:52 GMT -5
I smiled more fully when she agreed, though I raised an eyebrow as she stared. I could understand though. It was like I was her older twin, a reflection of what she would be once she reached my age, perhaps. I took up the food and the drink. "I will take these back down then. I will be in the dining room, the food should be fully ready now too. It is just down the stairs and the door to the right. I will be waiting," I said as I turned, leaving her room and closing the door, giving her the privacy to finish doing what she needed before she came down. I let out a breath I knew I was holding, shuddering with it. I had invited her to sup with me, yes, but what was I going to use as conversation. I didn't want to broach the topic of Kusheth yet, or anything about childhoods... I wasn't sure if that would be a wise course of action. I thought on it as I blindly made my way down the stairs and to the dining room, pushing open the door to the kitchen to let the cook know she was coming and to bring the items out to the dining room.
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Post by Naia Shahrizai on Mar 23, 2009 22:44:08 GMT -5
After Sarielle left, I finished brushing out my hair, leaving the damp locks hanging down my back. I stared at myself in the mirror for a moment, comparing myself to my sister. We weren't identical, I could spot the minute differences, but they were negligible. I took a deep breath and rose, making my way to the door and down the stairs. I found the dining room by Sarielle's instructions, and saw that she was already there, waiting. What would we talk about? I could ask her all the questions bubbling inside of me, but it was too soon, too raw. I was tired, as well, and whatever her answers were, they promised to be emotional and draining. I didn't have the strength for it right now.
Instead I sat at the table, fidgeting with my fingernails. They were ragged from my biting them, and I worried at a hangnail that had appeared on my index finger. I had to make a conscious effort to keep my fingers out of my mouth, and I couldn't wait for the food to arrive, if only to give me something else to do with my hands.
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Post by Sarielle Shahrizai on Mar 24, 2009 8:43:18 GMT -5
I sat across from her, watching her intently. One might call it staring, perhaps, but regardless, I was doing it. She was silent, and fidgeting. She was nervous. That was clearly evident, and I was too, only I didn't display it. I wasn't sure what to talk about, and started to regret having given her the option of supping with me. A part of me wanted to get this sillyness out of the way, to talk about what had hapened to her, to me, when we were separated, and right wrongs. I was ready for the serpents that would come out fo the woodworks, but it would have been cruel to do it now.
I cleared my throat gently, and was about to speak, when Moira and another of the help came in bearig a large serving plate of a variety of cheeses, a small bowl of what smelled like beef stew, a jug of wine with glasses, and the sweets that were my utmost favourite -- honey filled crispy pastries. It was definitely a peace offering meal, and I smiled at it. I could tell the household members wanted things to go over as smoothly as I did. They placed them down on the table and stood around, watching us. I could have laughed at the taut anticipation that thickened the air.
"That will be all you two, thank you," I said in a gentle voice. They checked themselves and left, leaving us in silence again. The table had been set already, bowls, plates and utensils awaiting use. I went for the jug of wine and poured myself a glass.
"Is the room to your liking?" I asked finally, trying to find some sort of neutral ground.
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