Luc Bradamante
Aristocrat
Son of Duc and Duchesse Michael and Sarah Bradamante
Posts: 866
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Post by Luc Bradamante on Mar 23, 2009 20:34:45 GMT -5
Before the seat at my desk could get cold, there was a knock at the townhouse door, and the same messenger was admitted. The poor boy looked rather tired. I took the missive from him, reading it, smiling from ear to ear. I dismissed him, tossing him whatever coin it was that I had in my pocket, telling him I would be over, and to tell his mistress to make ready.
I bounded up the stairs to my room, humming a tune I had heard played in a bar once, a soft tune on a lyre, as I stripped down. Knowing women, having a younger sister myself, and one who always made sure she looked good, I knew that it would probably take a bit more time than it would me for Sophine to get ready. I called to a servant and asked to have a bath drawn. While that was in the works, I went to my armoire to pick out an outfit. She was lucky, too. If it had of been tomorrow, I would have had to decline. But, as it were, I was not apprenticing today. I drew out a pair of black breeches and a tan tunic, placing it on my bed as the tub was filled with warm water.
I passed some time in the tub, thinking over how quickly this had happened. And I had thought that things would have been so slow coming, like letters back out in Namarre, that it would be weeks until we were able to batten something down of a surety.
I rose from he tub, drying off brusquely, and dressing quickly, tucking the tunic in$to my breeches and leaving the laces at the neck undone. I pulled on my boots, running a dry cloth over them, shining them slightly. Taking a light weigt cloak out of my armoir, I hoisted it over my arm as I ran down the stairs, taking them two by two. Pushing past the door, stopping only to close it, I made my way to the stables, telling one of the lads to hitch up the carriage for the afternoon, and to do it fast. I watched him work, anxious, and decided to help, making the job go by faster.
I got into the back and made my way over to Sophine's. It didn't take long to arrive, and once the carriage stopped I pushed open the door, my lips already spread in a grin as I reached the door.
I rapped once, twice, thrice, and waited for someone to answer.
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Post by Sophine Shahrizai de Amodour on Mar 23, 2009 21:44:34 GMT -5
I got the message that Luc would be arriving that afternoon just as I was finishing my letter to Lilli. I felt a flutter of nervous anticipation as I left it on my desk and dashed to my armoire. Whatever would I wear? I moved from dress to dress, this one too revealing, that one not enough so. I finally settled on a light pink dress that was perfect for a summer afternoon. It was casual, yet delicate, and it fit me to perfection. I had already had a bath that morning, so it didn't take me long to get dressed. My hair took a bit longer. Up or down? I settled for half-up, a twist at the crown of my head, the rest falling down to my shoulders in soft waves. A little blush, a little kohl and I paused to take stock of myself in the glass. Well, I was no raving beauty, but I would do. Even though I didn't think I was taking overlong, Luc still managed to arrive before I was done. My niece couldn't wait to tell me that I had a gentleman caller, her dark eyes wide and round with excitement. I had taken to calling her my little shadow, and I had to admit that I enjoyed having a "little sister." As the youngest, it was a new experience. I grabbed a matching pink wrap and threw it around my shoulders, heading downstairs with little Denyse at my heels. I was nervous, but excited. Denyse had told me that the servants had let Luc in and left him waiting for me in the sitting room, so that was where I headed. Denyse beat me to it, however, and by the time I came in, she was already there, staring at him. "Are you going to marry Sophine?" she asked, giving him the once over. I must have turned three shades of crimson, and I wanted to disappear through the floor. *sophine's dress:
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Luc Bradamante
Aristocrat
Son of Duc and Duchesse Michael and Sarah Bradamante
Posts: 866
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Post by Luc Bradamante on Mar 24, 2009 8:53:57 GMT -5
I waited for her, hearing steps in the distance, and a few soft quick padding ones. I was looking about eye level when I had to look down, a sweet little girl coming in front of me, looking me over with a smile. She started to speak, and as Sophine entered, my eyes diverted from the little one's attention, to gaze at her instead. I heard the question, and smiled, but the smile was not at the question. No, it was for Sophine. She blushed admirably, reaching a shade of pink so deep I started to wonder if she ahd choked on her words. But she was beautiful, dark haired, pale skinned, minus, of course, the blush. Her eyes rimmed in khol and sporting a pretty pink dress, baring her ankles and calves. Daring! I chuckled as I looked down at the litle girl. I crouched, caressing the top of her head.
"I don't know, little one," I said with a soft smile, flashing a glance to Sophine, then back to the child in front of me, "do you think that I should?"
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Post by Sophine Shahrizai de Amodour on Mar 24, 2009 20:59:26 GMT -5
"She thinks her mother is calling her." I said firmly, shooing Denyse from the room. "Go on, love, I'll see you for dinner." Denyse flounced out of the room, pouting I was sure. I struggled to regain my composure so that I might greet Luc.
"Thank you for accepting my invitation, Luc." I said, stepping forward to give him a kiss of greeting. "I'm sorry about my niece, she can be a little precocious."
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Luc Bradamante
Aristocrat
Son of Duc and Duchesse Michael and Sarah Bradamante
Posts: 866
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Post by Luc Bradamante on Mar 24, 2009 21:02:44 GMT -5
I accepted the kiss of greeting, and smiled at her as she stepped back, being all manners. I was hoping, by the time we got some food in us, that she would be as easy going as I had seen her at her party.
"She sees things the way I wish I still did. That innocence is refreshing," I said with a smile, "although maybe just a tad embarassing for you. Not to worry though. I was far too busy watching you make your entrance. You look lovely," I said ernestly, offering her my arm. "Are you ready to leave, my lady? You chariot awaits," I said with a soft laugh.
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Post by Sophine Shahrizai de Amodour on Mar 24, 2009 21:13:36 GMT -5
Already I agreed with my brother's assessment of Luc. He put me at my ease right away, with his friendly manner and warm smile. "Well, thank you, you look handsome yourself."
I took his arm with a grin, "I'm ready, kind sir." I gave his arm a soft squeeze. "I'm looking forward to it."
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Luc Bradamante
Aristocrat
Son of Duc and Duchesse Michael and Sarah Bradamante
Posts: 866
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Post by Luc Bradamante on Mar 24, 2009 21:42:55 GMT -5
"Me too. I was all set to meet you at your fete, but it just wasn't in the stars, it seems," I said with a smile. The weight of her arm on mine was a nice comfort, and I lead us out her front door to the carriage, opening it's door and offering my other hand to help her up to the seat.
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Post by Sophine Shahrizai de Amodour on Mar 24, 2009 21:59:01 GMT -5
Once we were comfortably ensconced in the carriage, I thought about what he'd said about my fete. Part of me really wanted to ask him if that was him I'd seen in the garden, but part of me knew that it would be terribly rude. Instead, I moved the conversation to a safe subject. "So, my brother keeps telling me that you are smart, funny, and all around amazing." I giggled softly. "I think he might be in love with you!"
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Luc Bradamante
Aristocrat
Son of Duc and Duchesse Michael and Sarah Bradamante
Posts: 866
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Post by Luc Bradamante on Mar 25, 2009 9:48:27 GMT -5
I laughed at her, looking down upon her face. The thought of Marc being in love with me! "If he were in love, he would make a terrible lover, leaving me all to myself as he travels off to Tiberium. I would be a jilted lover, at best!" I said with a laugh, then shaking my head, still smiling. "No, I just think we both have very similar ideals, although there are times where we disagreed. We are both easy going, and it seems we like people who are easygoing like ourselves." I smiled. "Your brother spoke your praises as well, Sophine. If I remember he said you were kind, understanding and fun-loving." I said with a riased brow. "Do you think, maybe, we've been set up!" I exclaimed with mock surprise and then chuckled as the carriage jolted to a start.
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Post by Sophine Shahrizai de Amodour on Mar 25, 2009 13:03:38 GMT -5
I had to laugh aloud. "I suppose if Marc were in love with you, he might have stayed, hmm?" It seemed that Marc had been right about Luc's sense of humor - he was already making me laugh.
When he mentioned what my brother had said about me, I snorted softly. "And how should he know? We haven't seen each other since I was six years old!" I did smile, though, and add,"Although I'd like to think he's right." Luc's next observation made more sense than I would have liked, and I made a face.
"That sounds like something Dyan would do, though I suppose Marc isn't above her influence." I was a little embarrassed at the thought of my overbearing family pushing us together like this. "No pressure, though." I said with a wry grin.
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Luc Bradamante
Aristocrat
Son of Duc and Duchesse Michael and Sarah Bradamante
Posts: 866
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Post by Luc Bradamante on Mar 25, 2009 13:49:53 GMT -5
I laughed at her again. She was carefree, he was right, even if he had not seen her. Maybe she had not changed, or maybe he was an impeccable judge of character.
Or maybe, indeed, there was some conspiracy putting us together. But I doubted it.
The carriage was steadily on its way, and at the rate we were going we would reach the Artisan's District very soon. I settled back into the seat, still looking over at Sophine. I tried my best not to let my eyes wander, especially not in such close proximity. I would hate her to think that I was having lunch with her with ulterior motives. But there was no denying, she was gorgeous.
"Well, I think they might have chosen better! Me, with no title, the youngest son of many children, and a carpenter! Honest work for certain but, nonetheless, nothing grandiose like a duke or royalty," I said with a quirky smile. "As for pressure, I might say the same to you," I said raising an eyebrow. "Though I am sure we will have fun, I already am, regardless of anyone's devising." I chuckled softly. "So have you yet gone through all of your gifts?" I asked, wondering what she might have thought of mine. Not so much for my own egotistical gain, but more just wondering if it was... well... good enough.
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Post by Sophine Shahrizai de Amodour on Mar 25, 2009 20:39:17 GMT -5
I laughed again when he commented on his social status. "Well, my sister did seem impressed that I was kissing a Duc." I rolled my eyes at my sister's social climbing. "However, as the seventh daughter of a minor peer, I much prefer the company of carpenters." It reminded me of his lovely gift, which I was about to remark upon when he himself brought it up.
Great minds... I thought, smiling. "I did, and your gift was beautiful, Luc. I love it so much, and I've already had it hung in the part of the garden beneath my window, so that I can hear it whenever the wind blows."
I realized something then. "So, you are a carpenter... did you make the chimes yourself?" If he did, I had to say that I was impressed.
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Luc Bradamante
Aristocrat
Son of Duc and Duchesse Michael and Sarah Bradamante
Posts: 866
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Post by Luc Bradamante on Mar 25, 2009 22:09:04 GMT -5
I beamed as she explained how she had it hung so she might hear it, dipping my head in modesty.
"I am very glad you like it," I murmured softly, raising my head, levelling my eyes on hers. "And yes, I made it with my own bare hands," I said, smiling as I raised my hands for her to view. "I hope you don't think me... cheap," I chuckled. "And I wasn't sure what to make you... but with the free spirit your brother explained, I thought... well something that rang its own tune to the dance of the wind, free and uninhibited..." I did feel my cheeks heat then. It was not often this happened. I ran my hand through my hair.
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Post by Sophine Shahrizai de Amodour on Mar 25, 2009 23:00:09 GMT -5
I thought it was extremely cute the way he blushed when he was explaining his gift. It was nice not to always be the one with the heated cheeks stammering over explanations and feeling silly.
"I don't think you're cheap at all!" I said. "Actually, I'm amazed that you could make something like that with your own two hands. And a little envious." I said, scrunching my nose and making a bit of a face. "I have thus far not found that I possess any talents, unless you count getting lost and stabbing my fingers during needlepoint."
The carriage took a bit of a sharp turn and I had to brace myself against the side to avoid being thrown into Luc's lap. "Your driver is a little, um, enthusiastic."
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Luc Bradamante
Aristocrat
Son of Duc and Duchesse Michael and Sarah Bradamante
Posts: 866
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Post by Luc Bradamante on Mar 26, 2009 8:11:45 GMT -5
I smiled, looking up at her. "He was in the middle of something when I tore him away from it. He is loyal, to a fault, but I'm sure it might rub at him that he is being used for 'children's whimsical fancies,'" I said with a raised brow. "And thank you. I am very glad you like it, Sophine. Who knows, maybe I could teach you a little woodworking, if you're good," I said with a wink and a chuckle. I glanced out the window, the curtains to the carriage were open, and saw that we were approaching very quickly, our destination. "We should be there in a few moments," I said, looking to her.
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Post by Sophine Shahrizai de Amodour on Mar 26, 2009 22:02:31 GMT -5
I laughed out loud when he mentioned teaching me woodworking. "Oh Blessed Elua, I'm certain that one or both of us would lose a finger." I was still giggling when he mentioned that we should be there soon.
"Oh good, I'm famished." I was glad that Luc was so down-to-earth and friendly, so I decided to share my sister's wisdom. "Dyan tried to make me eat a full lunch before you got there, so I wouldn't eat too much to be ladylike while we were out." I shook my head. "That is so ridiculous to me; if a person doesn't like you because of how much you eat, they're an ass anyway."
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Luc Bradamante
Aristocrat
Son of Duc and Duchesse Michael and Sarah Bradamante
Posts: 866
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Post by Luc Bradamante on Mar 27, 2009 11:39:46 GMT -5
I laughed out loud at her sister's attempts at manners. Quirking an eyebrow and donning a cocky smile, I looked intently at Sophine. "So, what yuo mean to tell me is that, not only was yoru sister worried about what I would think, whether I would 'like you' but you were apprehensive about the matter too?" I almost laughed, my lips twitching at holding it back, but I kept the cocky smile for good measure. "Now why on earth would you need to impress little old me?" I felt us roll to a jolting stop, and, glancing outside, saw the sign for our destination. Regardless, I definitely would not be letting her use that as a distraction to get away from the inquisition. I was far too amused.
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Post by Sophine Shahrizai de Amodour on Mar 27, 2009 21:12:54 GMT -5
I felt the heat creeping up my neck, but I tried not to rise to the bait and stammer out a nervous answer. "Well, Dyan is all about appearances. I prefer to know more about a person before I make judgments than how much they eat." I attempted to dodge his real question with a non-answer as the carriage pulled to a stop.
"Well, here we are!" I exclaimed, practically jumping out of the carriage.
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Luc Bradamante
Aristocrat
Son of Duc and Duchesse Michael and Sarah Bradamante
Posts: 866
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Post by Luc Bradamante on Mar 27, 2009 21:41:02 GMT -5
I stiffled a laugh as she pushed past me, like a doe caught in the crosshairs and knowing it was about to get pinned. I smiled after her, leaving the carriage slowly and instructing the driver on an approximate time and where to meet us, and alternatives should we be late. Then, as he drove off in amelange of loud hooves and rising dust, I turned to her, proferring her my arm.
"It is okay if you want me to like you, Sophine," I murmured, not letting the topic rest, though my lips still smiled playfully. "If I were you I'd want me to like me too," I chuckled.
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Post by Sophine Shahrizai de Amodour on Mar 27, 2009 21:48:59 GMT -5
I couldn't help it - I rolled my eyes. "Perhaps the person who is in love with you is you!" I said, laughing. "If I'm being honest, of course I want to be liked, who doesn't?" I watched the carriage drive off, then smiled. "Besides, you know you want me to like you too!"
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Luc Bradamante
Aristocrat
Son of Duc and Duchesse Michael and Sarah Bradamante
Posts: 866
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Post by Luc Bradamante on Mar 27, 2009 22:02:03 GMT -5
"Oh of course! The key to loving others is loving yourself first, and I love myself well, and often." I added that last part under my breath, hoping she hadn't heard it, though I snickered at my own dirty quip. "And of course I want you to like me, Sophine. I would hate for you to sit through a whole carriage ride and meal only to find that you would rather have spent your time with a herd of wild boar." I took her arm, directing her to the cafe.
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