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Post by Guy de Layne on May 18, 2009 1:36:35 GMT -5
I chuckled at her response, obviously she was not one to be cowed by a dirty look. "Well, if that doesn't work, I always have my daggers." I said, gesturing at them as I spoke. Her next comment elicited another chuckle. "Yes, it is quite tiring, and one really cannot glare properly on an empty stomach."
I kept up the laughter, but it was a little less genuine at this point. Still, she was right, I needn't ask questions that I didn't want to hear the answer to, something I thought I had learned by now.
I realized suddenlyt that we were already at Mont Nuit, and Sandrine had taken the lead, heading for Orchis house, I presumed. When we reached it, I stopped her with my brows furrowed in concern, and asked, "I'm not going to get you in trouble, am I?"
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Sandrine nó Orchis
Adept
Orchis House
A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.
Posts: 776
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Post by Sandrine nó Orchis on May 18, 2009 1:55:33 GMT -5
I looked at him and shrugged, a crooked smile on my face. "So what if you are? I'm always in trouble. Today will be no different." I looked at his weapons. "Though I'd appreciate it if you didn't stab or cut anyone. I might be able to explain you away, but I can't cover up any bloodshed."
His laughter sounded a little strange, and I shot him a quizzical look as we stopped in front of the side door into Orchis, but I decided to wait until we were inside. Putting a finger to my lips to make sure he remained silent, I opened the door and stuck my head inside, looking right and left. Then I grabbed his hand and pulled him inside.
I led him through the hall in absolute silence, hoping his daggers did not make any noise. Finally I poked my head into the kitchen. Empty, just as I had suspected, and thank Elua there were some leftovers from dinner. I drew him in behind me and closed the door, letting out a breath I did not know I was holding.
"Here we are," I said, smiling, as I led him over to the counter. I was so excited at our successful infiltration that I fairly bounced on my heels. "Here we have cheese and a bit of bread...oh, and a few slices of ham...I could look in the cupboard as well..." I looked up at him, still holding his hand, not even thinking of the earlier awkward moments. "What would you like?"
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Post by Guy de Layne on May 18, 2009 12:19:08 GMT -5
I couldn't imagine anything that would cause me to shed blood at Orchis House, but then again, one never knew. I didn't think on that overmuch, as we had slipped into Orchis, and I had to keep quiet, which of course was not a problem for a Cassiline.
We made it to the kitchen without incident, and I could see that Sandrine was quite relieved. I was about to comment on that when she began pointing out the food and my stomach rumbled again. It was quite embarrassing, but I ignored that fact in favor of the food. "A little bit of everything?" I said, squeezing her hand, which felt so nice in mine.
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Sandrine nó Orchis
Adept
Orchis House
A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.
Posts: 776
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Post by Sandrine nó Orchis on May 18, 2009 13:01:44 GMT -5
I looked down at his hand in mine. I had taken it without even thinking, caught up in sneaking in.
We were in the kitchen, alone, and the door was closed. No one would ever know what happened here. Even he resisted for a few moments, I knew that resolve might quickly crumble in the face of desire, and then we could do anything. Everything. I could teach him all that I knew and then we could learn more from each other...
All of this flashed through my mind in an instant. I bit my lip to stop the revelry. All of that was totally ridiculous. He would never give in to my advances. He was older and stronger than I was, and he would be able to resist.
I would have to be content with holding his hand.
"A man after my own heart!" I said, my voice giving off a cheer that I did not totally feel. I let go of his hand and picked up a knife, cutting the bread. For once I was glad for all the work I had done in the kitchen, because I was fairly proficient with a knife.
I looked up at him as I cut the last slice. "So when you're not escorting me around, what do you spend your time--ah!" Not paying attention, I had sliced into my index finger. The cut wasn't deep, but it hurt, and tears sprang to my eyes put my finger in my mouth to try and stop the flow of blood. That's what Cook had always done.
"Maybe I should have left the cutting to you," I quipped, a weak smile on my face. "You're probably much better with knives than I am."
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Post by Guy de Layne on May 18, 2009 13:15:51 GMT -5
I chuckled as she began to prepare the food, but that mirth turned sour when she exclaimed and put her finger to her lips. I sprang forward and reached for her wrist. "Let me see..." I said firmly, though I was more affected by the shine of tears in her large, dark eyes than anything else. I tugged her finger gently from her mouth and looked at the cut. It wasn't terribly deep, but the blood welled up nonetheless. "You should put a little pressure on it." I said, reaching for a nearby towel and pressing it against her finger. "It will be allright in a moment."
Her weak smile and little joke brought a small smile to my face as I reached up and brushed her cheek softly. "Perhaps you are right. Sit, and let me finish this." At the monastery, we all spent time in the kitchens, so I knew my way around a meal.
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Sandrine nó Orchis
Adept
Orchis House
A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.
Posts: 776
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Post by Sandrine nó Orchis on May 18, 2009 13:33:39 GMT -5
I let him help me, looking up at him as he applied the pressure to my finger. One of the tears slid down my cheek as I blinked, and I quickly used my other hand to wipe them away. "Hurts a little bit, that's all," I said quietly. "Thank you, Guy."
And then he brushed my cheek and I sighed softly, closing my eyes for a moment, leaning a bit into the stroke of his hand. Every touch was like fire against my skin. Did he know what he was doing to me, or was he completely oblivious? I felt my cheeks heat as he moved away.
"I can't let you do it," I protested. "What will you think of me?" And I lowered my voice into an impression of his own deep timbre. "Sandrine invites me over and yet she makes me do the cooking?" I laughed. I removed the towel, trying to see if the bleeding had stopped. It hadn't. "I don't want to leave a worse impression than I already have."
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Post by Guy de Layne on May 18, 2009 22:36:09 GMT -5
"I wish I had something handy for the pain, but I promise it will feel better soon." I said softly, staring down at her, mesmerized by her dark curls, her sweet, soft skin... I cleared my throat and turned my attention back to the food, my skin feeling suddenly clammy.
"Leave a bad impression? You? Don't be silly." She was certainly leaving an impression, all right, and I didn't know if it was a good thing or not. "Let me help, please. We can do it together." I looked down at her still bleeding finger. "Well, you keep the pressure on that, and you can supervise." I reached for the knife, wiping it clean against my breeches, then began to deftly slice the ham. It only took me moments, and then I was reaching for the cheese, then the bread. In minutes I had a nice spread of food all cut up and ready for us.
"There now, breakfast is served, and no more injuries."
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Sandrine nó Orchis
Adept
Orchis House
A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.
Posts: 776
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Post by Sandrine nó Orchis on May 19, 2009 10:37:14 GMT -5
I met his eyes as he looked at me and smiled. "It's not that bad," I said, truthfully. "I just hate the sight of blood. You're lucky I didn't faint...then you would have had much more to deal with besides breakfast."
I acquiesced, allowing him to finish what I had started. He made it look extremely easy, and I couldn't help but be impressed, even though I was still a little embarrassed about my accident. I flushed a bit when he said that I hadn't left a bad impression. I was honestly happy that he seemed to like me as much as I liked him. Normally I didn't care too much about what people thought of me.
"Good job, Guy!" I said, applauding gingerly. I took a piece of bread and placed ham and cheese on it, rolling everything together. I hadn't realized how hungry I was until I had gotten into the kitchen. Now I felt my stomach was rumbling as loud as Guy's. I took a bite, not too big and not too small, and chewed happily. I was about to say something, but I thought better and swallowed first. "I'm sorry it's not very fancy..." I took another bite as I started looking through the cupboards, finding two cups and a jug of water, which I placed on the counter. "...maybe next time we can go to a restaurant. There are plenty of nice ones near where you are staying." It probably sounded presumptuous, but I didn't care. Though I wasn't sure what I would do if there was no "next time".
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Post by Guy de Layne on May 19, 2009 18:49:13 GMT -5
"I can just imagine trying to explain to your Dowayne what I was doing in her kitchen with a bloody and unconscious adept!" I laughed aloud at the very thought, and was extremely grateful - for more reasons than one - that it hadn't come to pass.
I joined Sandrine in eating, polishing off several pieces of ham, bread, and cheese, and just as I looked about for something to drink, there she was with a jug of water. I smiled and poured us each a glass of water as she mentioned our possible 'next time.' I had to admit that I liked the idea, and I was inexplicably thrilled that she was my sister's friend, so that I would have excuses to see her again.
I handed her a glass of water and then raised my own in a toast. "Cheers, then." I said, "To next times." I grinned and took a long draught of water, then picked up another piece of cheese. "Although I do have to say, this is quite good enough for me." We could have been eating dirt, for all I cared - it was the company that made the meal as wonderful as it was.
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Sandrine nó Orchis
Adept
Orchis House
A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.
Posts: 776
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Post by Sandrine nó Orchis on May 20, 2009 0:55:06 GMT -5
I thought about how Alexandrine would react and I couldn't help but shudder. "Thank Elua it hasn't come to that. I'd hate to get you in trouble." That wasn't strictly true, but I wasn't going to say it out loud.
I ate as he did, trying not to make a mess. I kept checking my finger, looking to see if it had stopped bleeding, and finally it did. I smiled when he toasted, clinking my cup against his and looking into his eyes. "I should have known...Cassilines are used to more...ah, rustic meals anyway, right?" I laughed. "Most of the people I know like elaborate meals and long dresses and..." I trailed off and looked at him. "But I'm sure you don't care about things like that." I lowered my voice conspiratorially. "Truth be told, neither do I. But if you're going to be here a while you should at least go to some of the really nice parts of the City."
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Post by Guy de Layne on May 20, 2009 18:55:15 GMT -5
I nodded, agreeing with her about the Cassiline preference for simple fare, then I added, "You're right, those things don't mean very much to me, but then again, I do tend to spend time in nicer areas, simply because my wards tend to be wealthy or nobility, or both." I shook my head as I ate another piece of ham. "It is sometimes disheartening to see places where people struggle to get by, and then come to a place like this where the people have even more than they need." I had by no means travelled the world, but part of our training required us to spend time in less than ideal conditions, so I had indeed seen my share of suffering. Most D'angelines had no idea how good they had it, myself included.
I made a face and then smiled at Sandrine, her exotic loveliness reminding me why people flocked to Terre d'Ange like bees to honey. "I'm sorry, I try not to be so stereotypically serious all the time."
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Sandrine nó Orchis
Adept
Orchis House
A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.
Posts: 776
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Post by Sandrine nó Orchis on May 20, 2009 20:22:35 GMT -5
I had been to Night's Doorstep, of course, and I had seen what he meant, but I hadn't given it any thought at all. I felt a sudden rush of shame--here I was, living in a gilded cage, happy and fed, while there were people right at the foot of the hill who didn't even have enough for breakfast this morning. "I never thought of that," I said, softly. "And you're not so serious." I smiled, a bit sadly. "Maybe I'm not serious enough. You might not believe this, but I'm not very...ah...I wish..." I trailed off, not sure how to finish that sentence. I wished I was more generous and thoughtful, that was for sure. Maybe being around Guy would help me grow up a little bit.
"I'm sorry, you've caught me in a rare situation where I don't have words to continue." I looked around the kitchen, trying to think of what to say, and then my eyes met his and I blushed a little. "Though...I do have an idea. It might make both the Cook and my Dowayne angry...but it would definitely make a lot of other people happy." A smile spread across my face as my mind started to work.
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Post by Guy de Layne on May 20, 2009 20:36:33 GMT -5
I immediately felt contrite; I hadn't meant to make Sandrine feel bad. "Please," I said, touching her arm softly. "Don't feel badly, most people don't think of these things, when you are raised with them right under your nose." Without really thinking about it, I rubbed my thumb back and forth over the smooth, brown skin of her arm, so soft to the touch ... I suddenly pulled my hand back as if I'd been burned. Where had that come from?
I was more than happy to focus on her next words, though they made me a little nervous. "I can just see the wheels turning in that pretty little head of yours." I said, laughing softly. "I'm almost afraid to ask what you have in mind."
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Sandrine nó Orchis
Adept
Orchis House
A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.
Posts: 776
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Post by Sandrine nó Orchis on May 20, 2009 21:28:41 GMT -5
"But that's no excuse," I said. "I still should..." I trailed off as he touched me, my eyes looking at his hand on my arm. When he pulled his hand away I looked up at him, meeting his eyes. I was sure that I wore a confused expression. Why did he keep touching me? Did he enjoy this, the slight anguish that I felt every time our skin met? Did he know what he was doing to me?
"I-I just was thinking that I knew when all of the food deliveries take place..." I said slowly, trying to regain my composure. "...and maybe there were some people somewhere who would appreciate it more than some fat Orchis adepts."
I chuckled. "That's ambitious, even for me. I'd have to talk to the Dowayne. But there's plenty of waste...maybe we can give some to the people on Night's Doorstep." I grinned at him, though I felt my stomach churning with nerves. "See, I'm not all tricks and pranks. Just mostly."
On an impulse, I reached forward and grabbed his hand. "Do you think it's a good idea?" I asked, wanting to know his honest opinion.
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Post by Guy de Layne on May 20, 2009 21:59:06 GMT -5
I met her eyes, but I had no answers for her searching gaze ... only a multitude of the most confusing, uncomfortable, and yet wonderful emotions churning inside of me. I had to look away, and was relieved when Sandrine elaborated on her plan and gave me something else to focus on.
I started to interrupt, fearing that her plan was going to be "rob from the rich, give to the poor", which while a nice thought, would still land one in chains. Thankfully, I didn't have to play devil's advocate, since Sandrine reined herself in, possibly having the same thoughts.
What she actually proposed was a wonderful idea, and I nodded vigorously. "That is a wonderful idea, Sandrine. How could your Dowayne resist? And you wouldn't have to stop with just Orchis house, you know... the other Dowaynes might be willing to help out as well." I smiled at her, feeling inexplicably proud in that moment. Her hand on mine was distracting, but I found that I welcomed her touch - more than I should have, I realized. "I never believed you were only tricks and pranks, one only has to look a little more deeply to see that there's much more to you than what is on the surface."
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Sandrine nó Orchis
Adept
Orchis House
A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.
Posts: 776
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Post by Sandrine nó Orchis on May 20, 2009 23:13:39 GMT -5
I thought about the other Dowaynes I knew. I wasn't sure how they would feel about me asking for a favor, especially Cassander. Well, nothing ventured, nothing gained. Maybe, if Guy came with me, I wouldn't feel scared. And they wouldn't throw me out.
"That's even better!" I said, a grin spreading across my face. "It might take some convincing, but I could start with Orchis, and then...well, why not?"
The next thing he said made me blush furiously. "Maybe that's true..." I said, looking away. I rubbed my thumb against the back of his hand. "But most people don't seem to look that closely. Half the time I don't believe it myself. It's so much a part of what I am that it's hard to think past it." I felt very small saying that. I hadn't really admitted it to anyone...not even Faolan. "But...maybe...if I can do something like this..."
I had only just met Guy, and he already believed in me more than I ever had.
I hugged him, wrapping my arms around his warm body, hoping against hope he couldn't feel the tears that I was sure were standing in my eyes. Not sad, of course...but wondrously, deliriously happy.
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Post by Guy de Layne on May 20, 2009 23:45:23 GMT -5
I was pleased to see her enthusiasm, and it was a bit infectious. "Exactly, why not? People always ask, 'What can I do?', but really, what can't you do? If everyone does a little, a lot can be accomplished. Even one person that goes to bed with a full belly makes a difference." I realized that I was sounding cliche and preachy, and I blushed slightly, especially when she began to rub her thumb on my hand. It wasn't as if a woman had never touched me in friendship before, what was so different about Sandrine?
When she opened herself up to me, however, I knew what it was that was so different. Sandrine was genuine, something I hadn't seen very much of with the women I'd known. There was no artifice, she was who she was, and I found that I very much liked the person she was. "Anyone that doesn't bother to look, doesn't deserve to see." I said, my voice a bit more hoarse than usual.
I was taken aback by her hug at first, but her body seemed to fit against mine as if it were made to go there, and I settled my arms around her, giving her a light squeeze. "Don't ever let anyone make you feel less than you are, Sandrine." I said, trying my best not to inhale deeply of her fragrance; I knew that would only lead to trouble.
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Sandrine nó Orchis
Adept
Orchis House
A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.
Posts: 776
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Post by Sandrine nó Orchis on May 21, 2009 0:18:50 GMT -5
I sniffled once when he said that those who didn't look didn't deserve to see. It made me think of my father, who I missed terribly. He was always saying things like that, but somehow it affected me differently when Guy said it. I let out a happy sigh when he hugged me back, affirming that he enjoyed my company just as much as I enjoyed his. It felt so good to be held by someone who wasn't a patron, who liked me because of who I was and not because of what I could do for them...
I breathed in and out, committing his scent to memory, my body conforming to his. Almost unconsciously, my hands moved down his back, tracing the gentle curve of his spine with the tips of my fingers before coming to rest on his lower back. I turned my head to kiss his chest once, twice, feeling his muscles moving almost imperceptibly below the surface, and I opened my mouth just slightly so I could taste his skin...
No, no, this was all types of wrong! Quickly I pulled away, untangling myself from the sanctuary of his arms. "Guy, I'm sorry," I said, softly. "Well...I'm not sorry," I said, smiling crookedly. "But...I don't want..." My eyes flickered to his daggers before I looked at him again. "...you know."
I sighed heavily and turned away, my hands trembling slightly at what I had almost done. This lack of self-control was going to be a problem, especially if I saw Guy again.
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Post by Guy de Layne on May 21, 2009 15:06:59 GMT -5
I was just relaxing into the hug, one of brotherly affection, I told myself sternly, when Sandrine's fingers began to move over my back. I tensed, unsure how to react, and then I felt her lips on my chest and I was so surprised I stood stock still. If she had come at me with a knife, I would have known how to react, but this onslaught wasn't something my training had prepared me for. Well, other than not putting oneself in this situation, at which I was failing miserably for the first time in my life.
Sandrine pulled away quickly, saving me from having to figure out what to do. She apologized, even with her beautiful smile ... and did I see something deeper in her eyes? I wondered what she saw in mine, I could hardly think past the myriad of emotions she engendered.
"It's allright." I said, smiling wryly as her eyes glanced at my daggers. "But you know I can't... I mean, there can never be more than friendship between us." I knew that she knew it, intellectually, as did I, but for some reason it was hard for me to say the words; they tasted bitter on my tongue. "Perhaps I should be going..." I really didn't want to, and that in itself was a sure sign that I should go.
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Sandrine nó Orchis
Adept
Orchis House
A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.
Posts: 776
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Post by Sandrine nó Orchis on May 21, 2009 17:17:18 GMT -5
"Of course I know, Guy," I said, my eyes welling up with tears of embarrassment and shame. I couldn't even look at him, I felt so terrible. "I still want to be your friend, but I can understand if..." I choked back a sob. "If you want to..."
And then I heard Cook at the door, complaining about whoever had closed it. I quickly turned to Guy, my eyes darting around, tears forgotten. There was no other exit besides the one we had already used. I wasn't sure how Cook or Alexandrine would react to a shirtless Cassiline closed in the kitchen with me, so I determined the best course of action would be to hide. Luckily I had hidden many times in the kitchen, so I knew the layout well. Silently I grabbed Guy by the arm and pulled him into one of the closets with items mostly used for heavier winter dishes, shutting the door behind us.
I had never hidden with another person, let alone someone as imposing as a Cassiline. I tried to shift so my body wasn't pressing against his, but no matter how I turned we were touching somehow. I ended up with my back against his chest, standing on a sack of winter roots, so I was only a few inches shorter than him. I tried my best to ignore how he felt next to me, how our bodies matched together. Even though it was quite dark, some light shone in through the door, and I put my finger against my lips to indicate silence as I heard Cook finally come in.
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Post by Guy de Layne on May 21, 2009 22:12:14 GMT -5
I hated to see any woman cry, but Sandrine's tears especially moved me. "Of course we can still be friends..." I began, but was interrupted by the look of wide eyed fear on Sandrine's face. I heard the voices behind the door, and realized that it must be someone that shouldn't find us here.
I was considering what I might say to this person by way of explanation, thinking that the truth was probably best, that I'd walked Sandrine home and in turn she had given me some breakfast. That wasn't so bad, was it? Apparently it was, because Sandrine suddenly grabbed me and dragged me into a closet. This was just as foreign to me as her touch of earlier, though far more amusing and with less consternation.
We crammed in together, far too close for comfort, though I was loathe to complain. With her back pressed against me, I wanted nothing more than to put my arms around her and nestle my face in her wild curls ... I shook my head slightly, trying to stop those thoughts from running through my mind, or lower.
We heard someone come in and I didn't need Sandrine's admonishment to be quiet. The last thing I wanted was to be caught in a closet with an Adept; the scandal would surely get back to the prefect and I would likely be recalled.
"Now who has been into all this food?" A woman's voice said loudly, and I heard the sounds of pots and pans banging together loudly. "Gotta be that Sandrine..." the woman muttered, "that girl is no good, absolutely no good." I felt a bit indignant on Sandrine's part, and I wondering how she was taking it.
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Sandrine nó Orchis
Adept
Orchis House
A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.
Posts: 776
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Post by Sandrine nó Orchis on May 21, 2009 23:20:58 GMT -5
I laughed quietly when she correctly guessed the culprit--me! I was becoming quite infamous. I gave an indignant gasp when she said that I was no good. After all the times I had helped her in the kitchens! I would have to get back at her. But that plot would have to wait for another time.
I tried to listen against the door, holding my ear against the wood. It had the unfortunate consequence of pressing my backside against Guy, but in the cramped space there was little room for decorum. Not that I minded overmuch. I shifted again and almost fell against the door, grabbing blindly for Guy's arm to steady myself. I shook with silent laughter, trying not to burst out in giggles. I glanced over my shoulder at Guy, but I couldn't see his face in the near darkness. What was he thinking, I wondered? Was his imagination as detailed and vivid as mine?
Cook said a very unladylike word, which I took to mean that she forgot something, and I listened as she shuffled out of the kitchen. "Come on!" I whispered, pushing the door open and pulling him out. We quickly crossed the kitchen and went into the hall, where I opened the side door we had entered from before. I dragged him into the nearby bushes where I near collapsed in helpless laughter.
"I'm sorry," I gasped, trying to catch my breath. "I can't...You should have seen your face!...you were more panicked than I was!" It was a few minutes before I could compose myself. "Gods, was that funny." I grinned. "I'm sorry I got you caught up in such silliness...but it was fun, wasn't it?"
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Post by Guy de Layne on May 22, 2009 0:00:20 GMT -5
I felt Sandrine shaking against me, and at first I was alarmed - until I realized that she was laughing. I was relieved, because I feared that if she was upset I wouldn't be able to stop myself from leaving this closet to give whoever was talking about her a good thrashing.
Her laughter was infectious, and soon I was stifling my own, imagining the shenanigans that would ensue at the sound of my deep, booming laugh coming from the closet. It was difficult, but I managed. Then suddenly, Sandrine was dragging me out of the closet and outside, into the bushes, where we could laugh to our hearts' content.
"It was fun, actually." I said, feeling much more relaxed now that there was no danger of being caught. "I don't know if I could do that on a daily basis, however. I think that just took a year off of my life!" I was still laughing softly, shaking my head at the silliness of the entire situation.
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Sandrine nó Orchis
Adept
Orchis House
A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.
Posts: 776
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Post by Sandrine nó Orchis on May 22, 2009 2:40:28 GMT -5
I loved to hear him laugh. The life of a Cassiline struck me as serious and regimented...and a little boring. No wonder they had pulled the prank, and probably many others.
"Well, I don't do it on a daily basis either. Normally I'm in and out. But today I had a special guest, so I wasn't as efficient." I beamed up at Guy, poking him gently in the ribs again. I was trying to think of a reason for him to stay longer--something, anything...
"I suppose you have to return to your ward now," I sighed, looking down at my feet. "She's probably up now and wondering who is going to protect her from the dangers in the marketplace." I was trying not to sulk but I couldn't help it, and I was sure I sounded a bit like I was pouting.
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Post by Guy de Layne on May 22, 2009 10:41:55 GMT -5
I chuckled at her words. "Inefficient? If that were I, we would have been caught out for certain. It isn't as if I could fight my way out of that situation." I laughed at the very thought.
My mirth disintegrated at her next comment. She was right, time was getting on, and Rochelle would be up soon, and probably want to get out of the house. Sandrine's tone turned sulky, and I smiled, reaching over to pluck a leaf from her curls. "Yes, I shall have to be getting back soon, the poor child will need someone to carry her packages and shield her from a backache." I teased, though inside I daresay I felt quite as sulky as Sandrine.
"But, I promise, we shall see each other again. After all, you are my sister's friend, and now mine as well." I knew I shouldn't have said it, made a promise that I shouldn't be keeping, but how could I say that I might not see her again? That I shouldn't see her again, because being in her presence put my vows in danger. Perhaps I should have told her, but I said none of those things.
"I'm glad you stopped to watch me this morning, Sandrine." I said instead, letting my hand linger there, in her curls, for longer than was prudent. "And thank you for breakfast, it was quite the most exciting meal I've had in some time. Or ever, for that matter."
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Sandrine nó Orchis
Adept
Orchis House
A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.
Posts: 776
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Post by Sandrine nó Orchis on May 22, 2009 12:54:43 GMT -5
I laughed too. "I don't know, you haven't seen Cook at her angriest. She's deadly with a cleaver and a frying pan."
When he talked about this Rochelle, I felt a flare of jealousy that surprised me. She was so lucky to be around Guy all the time. And then I frowned despite myself when he mentioned "carrying packages". I was right, his was a boring life.
I smiled brightly when he said we would see each other again. I had been a little worried after my ridiculous actions in the kitchen, but it seemed like he had forgiven me. Inwardly I resolved never to allow myself to do anything like that again. Even if I could never be in that sort of relationship with him, I still wanted to be friends. Being close to him was better than nothing.
And then he touched my hair while looking into my eyes, those strong hands somehow so gentle, and my resolve crumbled all over again. "Well, I couldn't help it. You were very hard to miss." Hating myself, I stood on my toes and kissed his cheek, just brushing my lips against his skin. "I promise the next time we meet will be utterly normal and boring."
I started to walk away, but something he said still bothered me, and I turned to face him once more. Before I could stop myself, I started talking. "It's not fair, Guy...you're a highly trained warrior...you should be defending the realm from invaders or protecting the Queen from vagabonds, not carrying packages." I bit my lip and looked down, sure I sounded like a whiny child, before I met his gaze again. "That's why you have to come with me to Jebe-Barkal, okay? You need it as badly as I do." I reached out and squeezed his hand, once, a wistful smile on my face. "Goodbye, Guy. Come by any time," I joked.
And then, before I said something else stupid, I turned quickly and slipped back into Orchis. Now I could start formulating how I was going to propose my plan to Alexandrine during chores. Hopefully I would be able to ignore the images of Guy that even now flitted tantalizingly through my mind.
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Post by Guy de Layne on May 22, 2009 13:54:01 GMT -5
I watched her go and suddenly the sun didn't seem to shine as brightly, or the birds to sing as happily. Her parting words also made me think, as I began the trek back to the North Borough. We Cassilines were trained to be bodyguards, and some of us got to use our skills to the fullest, depending on who we ended up guarding. For myself, I had had one ward on the border during the war and had seen enough bloodshed to be heartily sick of it. However, Sandrine was right, neither was I content to trail spoiled girls on their shopping treks and lunch dates. Here in the City, I had to wonder why Rochelle's father had even hired me; what was the danger here?
I sighed, running my hand through my close-cropped hair and continuing to walk. This morning had begun so dull, and now I felt as if my entire life had been upended in the space of a few hours. I had never questioned my resolve before, never had a difficult time keeping my vows, never wondered what it would be like to lie with a woman. It wasn't that I didn't find them attractive, and I'd had my difficult moments during puberty, but I had never truly been tempted. Sandrine, however... I'd never looked at a woman the way I looked at her. Never felt this fire... I shook my head, I needed to stop thinking about her that way, not if there was a hope of the two of being friends.
Seeing her as a friend was better than not seeing her at all.
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