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Post by Sophine Shahrizai de Amodour on Mar 27, 2009 22:13:56 GMT -5
I did hear him, and my eyes widened. I wasn't used to anyone (except perhaps Sandrine) being so free with such words in my presence. Even Maric and Lilli might have thought twice about saying such a thing. Rather than being offended, I laughed out loud. "My, my, my. I'm getting to know you better already."
We entered the cafe and were seated efficiently by a tall, long-legged waitress who handed us our menus and then disappeared. The cafe was about half-full, and I glanced around curiously, then to my menu. "Have you eaten here before?" I asked, wondering if he would have a recomendation.
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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 22:24:13 GMT -5
"Don't get too carried away now, we're in public," I whispered as we entered.
We were seated and gifted with menus. "I have indeed, Sophine. I have eaten here a few times, usually when I am on lunch from work, and I try to have something new each time. But I guess it depends on what you feel for, sweet or savoury, tender or hard, cripsy or melt in your mouth?" I said with a soft smile, looking up from my menu, through my lashes, in mock flirtation.
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Post by Sophine Shahrizai de Amodour on Mar 27, 2009 22:30:31 GMT -5
Oh, he was bad! But I was enjoying his company immensely, his humor matched mine perfectly. Whatever else, I felt immediately that I had made a friend for life.
His comment about us being in public really made me want to ask him about the garden at my fete, but our friendship was too new for me to test that way, so instead I simply chuckled and opened my menu.
"I think I am in the mood for something... meaty." Ha, I could be as amusing as he!
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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 22:49:17 GMT -5
"Well," I murmured with a raised brow. "They have something of a pastry... sausage in a fluffy but crusty bread type pastry, and it really does melt in the mouth," I said, stiffling a laugh. I could have easily said the terribly naughty but witty comeback that had she told me that earlier, I could have provided and we could have stayed in. But I did not. "Or if you really, really want some meat," I said, leaning in over my menu, "I know just... the... thing..."
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Post by Sophine Shahrizai de Amodour on Mar 27, 2009 23:05:48 GMT -5
The first thing he mentioned sounded great, but when he leaned in and began speaking, I was almost afraid to ask what he had in mind. I giggled softly, moving my menu aside to peek at him. "What do you have in mind?" I was practically holding my breath awaiting his answer.
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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 28, 2009 8:28:50 GMT -5
I stiffled a laugh, holding back the answer that was waiting. It was far too crass, even if I spoke freely with Sophine, although I would like to see if I could ever make this girl display a full blush. Maybe a variation.
"Well, I would have said me, but, since we're speaking seriously, I would suggest the tortiere." I smiled wickedly at her, still leaning forward, and praying she wouldn't slap me for my brazenness.
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Post by Sophine Shahrizai de Amodour on Mar 28, 2009 12:15:55 GMT -5
I smiled, what Lilli called my 'secret smile,' because she said it made me look like I had some amusing knowledge that no one else did. It seemed appropriate in this situation. "Perhaps I shall save you for dessert, and have the tortiere in the meantime."
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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 28, 2009 12:44:45 GMT -5
My brows raised a fraction, but only a fraction. That smile! "If I didn't know any better, Mademoiselle de Layne, I would say that you are flirting with me," I said, raising my head and looking down my nose at her. "Really!"
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Post by Sophine Shahrizai de Amodour on Mar 28, 2009 12:50:02 GMT -5
"Perhaps I am." I said, in a nonchalant tone. "Is that terrible of me?" I fluttered my eyelashes at him in my best imitation of some of the brainless twits that my sister had tried to force on me as friends.
I could hardly keep a straight face doing it, and dissolved into giggles that got us looks from neighboring tables. I bit my lip and tried to fight back my laughter.
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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 28, 2009 13:08:16 GMT -5
I laughed so hard at her play at feminine innocence, joining her as she giggled, and noticed the stares, which only goaded me further. Then, I stopped suddenly. "No, I think its rather charming. And cannot play like I am innocent in the matter either," I said with a wink. "Besides, I might do the same, tourtiere for lunch, you for dessert," I murmured leaning in with a soft smile. "And if not you then it better be something that seems just as sweetly satisfying," I stiffled a laugh, worried I might have taken it a mite too far.
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Post by Sophine Shahrizai de Amodour on Mar 28, 2009 13:43:07 GMT -5
I felt a thrill run up my spine that I hadn't felt since Manot, and it was a little scary, yet exciting at the same time. I had the fleeting thought that I should have to send Marc a letter commending him on his choice of friends. "Oh, I don't know if there is anything on the menu thatsweet."
Before we could continue with our flirtatious chitchat, the waitress returned to take our orders. True to my word, I ordered the tortiere, and a glass of red wine. Once she had gone, I turned back to Luc and said in a more serious tone. "Well, since we are supposed to be getting to know each other, tell me something about you that I should know."
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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 28, 2009 14:37:28 GMT -5
A look of ... something... flashed across her features before we were rightly interrupted by the waitress, and right when I was ready with a flirtatious quip. No matter, there would be plenty of time to try to get her to blush. Sophine ordered the tortiere and a glass of wine, and I followed suit.
"Hmm, let us see. Something about me..." I pondered, leaning forward on folded arms. "Well, I can be single minded sometimes, to the point of self-destruction." It was normally something that most people would not tell someone they were trying to impress, but it was honest and true to my nature, and it was not something that I shirked... it just... was.
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Post by Sophine Shahrizai de Amodour on Mar 28, 2009 17:38:53 GMT -5
I regarded him with serious eyes as he made his confession. I could relate to it, though in all honesty it was a side of myself that rarely came out; I think I just had a stubborn streak. "Well, single-mindedness in itself isn't necessarily a bad quality." I said, leaning back as the wine arrived. The waitress was in and out so quickly I hardly noticed her; it just seemed that suddenly I had a glass of wine.
"But of course, you don't wish to be self-destructive. That seems counterproductive." I imagined he knew that already. Way to state the obvious.
I took a drink to cover my discomfiture, and then added. "Tell me something about your family. Did you say you came from a large one?"
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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 28, 2009 18:53:38 GMT -5
I smiled, the waitress delivering the wine and leaving. I took mine in hand, swishing it gently in a circle. "Yes, large family. Four older brothers and a sister you met at your fete. I call her little one, although her presence is large. I watch over her, to be sure, though not as terrifyingly big-brother-like as my older siblings. She and I... we have an understanding. She is the reason I am here. That and my single-mindedness," I said with a laugh, relating my life story. "Brothers a plenty and one sister who can fight and hunt just as well as the rest of us. But, enough about me. Tell me about your family," I said with a smile, sipping the wine.
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Post by Sophine Shahrizai de Amodour on Mar 28, 2009 19:00:38 GMT -5
I liked the way he talked about his family; you could tell they were close, and I was a bit envious. "Well, you saw my sister Dyan, she's the oldest of the two of us girls. I have five brothers as well, you know Marc." I said, smiling. "Although, being the youngest, I feel like I don't know them well. The elder siblings were all off being fostered or becoming Cassilines by the time I was old enough to walk, and then Marc and Henri went to Namarre. So, I was fostered in Kusheth from the time I was 10 until now. Really, Maric and Lilli are more like family to me." It was somewhat painful to admit, but it was true, the du Verais' were more family than the de Laynes.
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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 28, 2009 20:29:59 GMT -5
I knitted my eyebrows. "Why were you all fostered in different places?" I asked, curious as I sipped my wine.
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Post by Sophine Shahrizai de Amodour on Mar 28, 2009 20:45:46 GMT -5
I shrugged. "You'd have to ask my father that one." Then I smiled, adding, "Although, one place probably just wasn't big enough for our entire brood. I think everyone who was fostered went to Namarre except me." It was the first time I realized that, and I frowned slightly. "Hmm, I suppose I've never thought about it before, I shall have to ask Dyan."
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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 28, 2009 20:48:51 GMT -5
I frowned as well. "I am sure there is a reason for it. Maybe he thought you would fit in better there. Although if you were fostered in Namarre, well, we might have met earlier, and I wouldn't have had to learn second hand stories from your brother. No matter," I murmured as the waitress brought around both of our large slices of tortiere, "we are here now. Did you like it, in Kusheth?" I asked as I nodded thanks and dismissal to the waitress.
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Post by Sophine Shahrizai de Amodour on Mar 28, 2009 20:58:08 GMT -5
I felt a twinge of something - pain, envy? - that I had gone elsewhere than my brothers. It was something I thought I'd long dealt with, but perhaps it still hurt more than I knew. No matter, I didn't wish to dwell on the past, and hadn't it turned out perfectly, after all? And then Luc asked me about one of my favorite subjects, and all was forgotten. My face lit up and I barely noticed the arrival of the food.
"Oh, Kusheth is beautiful. The du Verais estate is near the sea, so we spent a lot of time on the beach ... I loved it there, honestly. As much as I enjoy the City, I miss Kusheth so much. Nothing really compares to the salt on the air, the surf in your ears. Sometimes I can't sleep without that sound." I flushed when I realized I was gushing. "I'm sorry, I do go on sometimes." I took a bite of my food to shut myself up.
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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 28, 2009 21:03:38 GMT -5
The passion lit her eyes, lit her whole face as she explained her love for Kusheth. "So glaringly different from the City. It must be a little jarring for you. You'd probably have had more connection to a place like Marsilikos." I frowned gently. "Do you like it here though at all?" I took a bite of the tortiere. It was as good as usual, meaty, with corn, carrots and peas in it as well.
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Post by Sophine Shahrizai de Amodour on Mar 28, 2009 21:11:01 GMT -5
"Oh, I've always wanted to see all the provinces, and Marsilikos is high up on my lips." I smiled softly then. "Oh, don't get me wrong, the City of Elua is a wonderful place in its own right. It is just very different, and I have been a little homesick. I thought it would help having Maric here..." I began, then trailed off. I didn't think troubles with other men were good table conversation. "At any rate, the longer I'm here, the more it grows on me."
I took another bite, then said, "This is really good, actually. Thank you for suggesting 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 28, 2009 21:19:06 GMT -5
I smiled, though I raised an eyebrow at the mention of this Maric person. I brushed it off, as she had done, guessing it was not a good idea to continue down that avenue. "The City does that to you. One moment you are home sick and angry at the world, at circumstance, the next you are loving it and you don't even remember why you didn't like it in the first place. Like having an argument with a lover, and coming to terms." I explained. "And you are utterly welcome, although now you owe me."
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Post by Sophine Shahrizai de Amodour on Mar 28, 2009 21:28:59 GMT -5
"Do I?" I grinned. "Well, let me know when you are ready to collect." I smiled and toyed with my food. "What about you? Do you miss Namarre? What is it like there?" I had been talking about myself much more than I was used to, and didn't Dyan always say to keep the conversation focused on the man? Supposedly they were more interested in talking about themselves than hearing about you, but Luc didn't seem like that kind of a person to me. Then again, you could put what I knew about men in a thimble and still have space left over.
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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 28, 2009 21:41:01 GMT -5
"Oh I will keep you wondering when I will come to collect. Making someone mete out their days in aniticpation is always payment enough." Then I thought on her question as I took another bite of tortiere. Chewing, then swallowing I answered her question. "I do, sometimes. But sometimes not. Being in a big family, you don't always get attention, and I am not saying I need or look for attention. I think that makes for more dynamics, especially as a child. What does a child want more if not their parents love and attention. I think that might be why I'm so singleminded sometimes." I had gotten rather off topic. I shook my head and brought my answer back to the topic at hand. "I miss it and I don't. It was lovely there, and my family is there but, here, I have Josie and Denis, so it's like being at home, minus the lands, and the country. Sometimes I miss the simplicity of that." I was blathering like an idiot, and ducked my head to hide the heat in my cheeks, running a hand through my long, shaggy locks.
"So, what is one thing that nobody knows about you, that you hide away?" I asked, then checked myself. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't be asking you that, we've only really just met, I don't expect you to be divulging your life's secrets."
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Post by Sophine Shahrizai de Amodour on Mar 28, 2009 22:04:25 GMT -5
I was interested in his words about his family, because even though I was from a large family, I really had no idea what it was like to be part of one. Luc seemed a little embarrassed, but I was moved by his words. I reached across the table and put my hand on his, smiling. "It sounds like we have some things in common, you and I." I said.
When he asked for a secret, I had to smile and think for a moment. "Hmm, it's hard to say... I'm a fairly open person, so there isn't much about me that no one knows." Normally I probably would have left it at that, but there was something about Luc that made me want to confide in him. I wanted him to know me in ways that no one else did. "This is silly, but sometimes at night while I'm going to sleep, I imagine myself the heroine of my favorite stories." I took a drink of wine, a little embarrassed at the admission.
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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 29, 2009 2:20:20 GMT -5
I felt the sudden warmth and smoothness of her hand on mine, and I looked up at her with a sot smile. I thought she would have left it at that but she continued on, and divulged a secret to me. I smiled, not in mockery, just a soft smile.
"Really?" I asked in a low voice. "It isn't silly. Does the thought ever cross over to your dreams?" I asked, interested. I was glad she shared it with me, and I felt warm.
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Post by Sophine Shahrizai de Amodour on Mar 29, 2009 17:24:20 GMT -5
"Sometimes." I said, taking a sip of my wine. "There are times when I am loathe to wake up and get back to my extremely mundane life." I sighed, then, a little melancholy at the thought of my boring existence. "I mean, what adventure will I ever have? Needlepoint, studies, get married, have children...not that those aren't worthwhile pursuits, well, not needlepoint, but I just feel like there should be more, you know?" I hadn't meant to get so passionate about it, but I couldn't help myself.
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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 29, 2009 17:33:58 GMT -5
"Well you know," I said looking at her, understanding, "my sister never had to do those things. She was always with us boys. I guess it is harder, having an older sister who wants to prime you for marriage but... those things don't have to be the utmost in boredom. Dancing lessons, music lessons, painting, those things can be fun. Instead of getting some dour old maid to teach you, how about suggesting an adept, or another peer? And you can make your own adventure, try to lead a double life. But, you know," I said softly, leaning forward, clasping my hands on the table, "not all men want a woman to stay home, cook and clean and breed for him, some want a woman to explore with him, as his true better half." I looked up at her then. "And you still have plenty of time before you even have to worry about settling down. Until then, live life to the fullest extent you can." I leaned back, smiling softly before I took a sip of my wine and another forkfull of tortiere.
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Post by Sophine Shahrizai de Amodour on Mar 29, 2009 17:45:35 GMT -5
I had to take a moment to digest what he'd said. He was right, I hadn't looked at it that way. "You are amazing." I said, pointing my fork at him. "I have been moping around half my life, thinking that it would always be as dull as dishwater, and here in one lunch you have given me more insight than people I've known almost my entire life. Impressive." I took another bite of my food, I could hardly chew it, I was smiling so. "You know, you've rather cheered me right out my melancholy mood."
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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 29, 2009 17:51:55 GMT -5
I smiled wide, probably rather idiotically, but I was happy. "Well, I am glad that I could help! I would hate for you to be sad, especially on my watch. I am glad that my ideas help. They usually end up in some sort of pain or worry." I decided I would explain. "You see... that's part of my problem... my imagination. When I get an idea of something to build.... once it is in my head, I must complete it... even if I am stuck in my shed for hours and days on end, no sleep, little food... my sister worries when I get like that." I rememberd fondly how she had given me the time I would need ot make our parent's table, caring more about my health than about getting to the City that much sooner. I smiled at the memory.
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