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Post by Maric du Verais on May 26, 2009 22:34:57 GMT -5
I lead us from Nights Doorstep into the Artisan's District and straight to the Adept's Inn. I wasn't sure why, I just thought that it would be more comfortable to have a conversation with Avianna in a place that was more causal.
I didn't talk much, I mumbled on about my sister a little, and threw out some nervous platitudes dialogue about the area. But other then that out conversation was uneventful and I felt a bit like a fool for letting my thoughts get away from me.
In honesty, I thought much about her arm around mine and how much I wanted to touch her hair again. I thought about how she genuinely seemed interested in me and wondered about if things would go anywhere. It was stupid I know, to be planning or even thinking about where things would go between us. The cold hard truth was that she was a Mandrake adept, and at least a few years my senior. My father was have be filet if I mentioned anything about her, if I even for one moment suggested that she would be some one I'd want to court. He'd tell me to get it out of my system and then find some one better suited. Then he'd have all the people he knew in the City with daughters my age "run" into me and strike up a conversation.
Either way, I was determinded to see at least where things would go today, and as we neared the Adept's Inn I smiled to Avianna.
"I hope this is alright for you." I said softly. "I'd take you some where fancy, but I'm saving my coin for another assignation." I said with a chuckle and a teasing lilt, though I blushed a little and ran my hand through my hair at my continued nervousness.
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Post by Avianna nó Mandrake on May 26, 2009 22:44:26 GMT -5
As we walked toward whatever destination Maric had in mind; the Artisan District, it seemed. He seemed a bit nervous and I endeavored to put him at his ease, listening to his words about his sister and other such chitchat. I knew that it was hard for most people to see me as something other than "Mistress Avianna" and for the most part, I was accustomed to that. It was a large part of who I was, but the part that rankled was that there was more to me than that. No one ever looked deeper however, and I knew better than to get my hopes up, for whatever interest Maric evinced would probably evaporate when the novelty of what I was had worn off.
At any rate, I wanted to enjoy what he offered, even the semblance of friendship. When we drew near the Adept's Inn, I smiled widely. "Oh this is one of my favorite places in the City!" I exclaimed, squeezing his arm. "Of course it is allright, better than allright." His next comment made me laugh softly. "Perhaps I shall give you a discount, just so that you don't have to save quite so much."
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Post by Maric du Verais on May 26, 2009 22:57:06 GMT -5
I grinned wide, eager that she was pleased with my choice. My chest felt light and heavy all at once, the sensation almost overwhelming. It gave me a prideful feeling that I was getting to know her enough to know that she would feel happy and at ease here, making it easier to converse with her. All nervousness was lost until she teased about giving me a discount and I went red and ran my hand through my hair as we stopped in front of the door. I turned to her, looking at the floor for a moment before up at her. "You don't have to do that." I said softly as I stared into her beautiful eyes. I felt lost in them and I had to look away for a moment. "I'll come and see you no matter what the cost." It was true, I wanted more from Avianna... That sounded strange as I said it in my head. But it was true for the most part. Yes I wanted a physical relationship with some one, but it was more then that for me. There was desire in having a connection with some one, and it was a big reason why I hadn't given up my virginity. I wanted to lay with a woman that wanted more from me.
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Post by Avianna nó Mandrake on May 27, 2009 10:40:57 GMT -5
I immediately felt contrite when his face reddened and he ran his hand through his hair the way he did when he was nervous or uncomfortable. "I'm sorry..." I said, reaching out to touch his arm gently. "I was only teasing." I made a little face. "I'm not always very good at it, forgive me." It was true, as the type of 'teasing' I usually did wasn't verbal, and so I hadn't much practice at this sort of everyday interaction.
"Come, let's go eat." I said, squeezing his arm softly. I don't know why I felt so badly about embarrassing him, I didn't always have much care for the feelings of others. Still, there was something about him; something sweet and soft, and it made me feel good that he seemed genuinely interested in me. It made me want to return the favor.
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Post by Maric du Verais on May 27, 2009 14:11:33 GMT -5
I reached out and took her lacing my fingers with hers. I wasn't sure if it was too bold a move or not, but I took the chance and did it anyway. "I know you were teasing." I said softly with a gentle smile. "It doesn't change the truth of what I said. I would come and see you no matter what." My voice held nothing but truth, and perhaps a little bit of longing that perhaps Avianna would come to see me as some one other then just a patron. I knew, despite myself, that it would be a bad idea to get involved with her. If I fell in love with her... well things could end badly. She would either reject me, or she would return my feelings and that would put me in a tight place. But I pushed those thoughts aside for the moment as my thumb run gently over hers, a small shiver generated fromt he touch spreading over my body. I wanted to kiss her, very badly, but that would be inappropriate and I didn't want either of us to get in trouble. So I turned and tugged her gently, leading her through the door of the building and inside to where the tables were. I found one that was out of the way a little, but not so secluded as to cause issue. I wanted privacy but I didn't want to seem indecent. When we reached the table I released her hand and pulled out the chair for her, gesturing for her to sit with a pleasant smile on my face.
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Post by Avianna nó Mandrake on May 27, 2009 20:17:07 GMT -5
I couldn't help but thrill at his words, which made me wonder what was going on with me. He wouldn't be the first patron to profess such things, or even undying love; I suppose the difference was, I believed he actually meant it. I had had patrons who spent more money than they had to come see me, with stars in their eyes, but their feelings for me were based on what I could do for them. None of them knew me, or thought to do something so simple as take me out to a nice lunch. Maric held no artifice, no selfish desire, and it was refreshing.
I followed him - in itself a novel sensation - into the Adept's Inn and to the table he found for us, pulling out my chair. I sat with a smile. "Thank you, Maric." I said, settling at the table. "I'm glad I ran into to you today. A nice lunch with a friend is just what I needed."
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Post by Maric du Verais on May 27, 2009 22:52:13 GMT -5
I pushed in her chair before going around to the other side and sitting across from her. Her words made me smile and I had to chuckle a little. "I'm pleased you find me a friend." I said softly. "Or are you waiting for some one else." I teased with a wink.
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Post by Avianna nó Mandrake on May 28, 2009 20:59:45 GMT -5
I laughed at his jest, noticing that we seemed to share a sense of humor. Most people thought that I didn't possess one, but it was just that a joking Mandrake wasn't most people's idea of what they wanted in an Adept. "Oh no, you'll do." I teased back, returning his little wink.
We had been given menus, but I didn't bother to look at mine, I always ordered the same thing. Tapping my fingers lightly against the table, I asked, "Have you eaten here before?"
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Post by Maric du Verais on May 28, 2009 22:21:26 GMT -5
I laughed softly at her teasing back and smiled as I picked up the menu. "Glad to hear it." I said softly, smiling at her a little longer then probably appropriate before I spoke. "Never actually, have you?" I asked as I began to look over everything they had.
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Post by Avianna nó Mandrake on May 29, 2009 13:04:14 GMT -5
"A few times." I said, returning his smile. I found his attentiveness endearing and sweet. "I recommend the pasta salad, if you feel like something light." I reached over and tapped the listing for it on Maric's menu. "Also, they have an iced fruit drink that is just amazing on a hot day." My stomach growled lightly and I made a face, "It appears that I'm a bit hungrier than I realized."
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Post by Maric du Verais on May 29, 2009 14:57:47 GMT -5
I chuckled softly at her last comment. "Its a good think you found me then." I said grinning a little. "What are you having?"
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Post by Avianna nó Mandrake on May 29, 2009 15:27:45 GMT -5
"Oh the usual," I laughed. "The pasta salad. It really is to die for." I tossed a length of white-gold hair over my shoulder. "You'll see, they'll know what I want. I always get the same thing."
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Post by Maric du Verais on May 29, 2009 15:34:59 GMT -5
I watched as she shifted her hair and I was almost mesmurized by it; spun gold and perfect to touch. I realized I had been staring and pretended to be locked in thought, though my cheeks coloured so I looked down at the menu and ran my hand through my hair. "Hmm, well, I'm not sure." I said as I vascilated over my choices. "I don't want to copy you." I teased as I looked up and gave her a smile. "The chicken and shimp dish looks good." I shrugged as I looked back down again. "What did you want to drink, wine?" I looked up once more.
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Post by Avianna nó Mandrake on May 29, 2009 19:11:49 GMT -5
Amused, I watched his cheeks color slightly as he stared at me. I admit, I fair preened under all of the attention. I thought sometimes that that was one of the things that made me a good Mandrake, not only did my presence command attention, I enjoyed it perhaps more than was proper for a woman.
"Chicken and shrimp does sound good." I said, smiling and considering his question. "No, it's a little early in the day for wine. I think I'll have fruit juice, it's good here."
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Post by Maric du Verais on May 31, 2009 0:14:49 GMT -5
I looked up, a little surprise but never the less perfectly alright with the choice. "Then I'll have juice too." I said softly. "And the chicken and shrimp, if you think you'd enjoy sharing a little."
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Post by Avianna nó Mandrake on May 31, 2009 13:18:11 GMT -5
"Not at all, I don't mind sharing." I smiled and took a moment to glance around the Inn. No one I really knew, though I did recognize some of the people who worked there. Turning my attention back to my companion, I tapped my fingers lightly on the table.
"So, aside from the brainless girl who doesn't return your affections, how have you liked the City so far?"
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Post by Maric du Verais on Jun 1, 2009 0:24:38 GMT -5
Was she bored? She suddenly seemed uninterested in me, looking around and rapping her fingers against the table. "Uh..." I said trying to compose myself and not become self conscious. "I like it, there are lots of beautiful women here." I was trying to think about positive things to say about the City as I composed my inner thoughts.
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Post by Avianna nó Mandrake on Jun 1, 2009 21:38:17 GMT -5
He seemed a bit nervous still and I smiled, reaching across the table and touching his hand lightly. "I hope you are including me in that assessment." I teased, smiling coyly, not an expression that came naturally to my face, and I did hope that it didn't make me look too ridiculous.
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Post by Maric du Verais on Jun 2, 2009 15:43:19 GMT -5
She reached over and touched my hand, I smiled a little wider as I looked to her. See fool, just relax. I chuckled, releasing all my unhappy thoughts. "I am." I said grinning a little. "You're probably the best thing thats happened to me since I've been here." I said softly.
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Post by Avianna nó Mandrake on Jun 2, 2009 21:51:45 GMT -5
"That is a very sweet thing to say." I said, smiling softly. I was beginning to feel a genuine affection for Maric, which wasn't something I was accustomed to, but I had to admit that it did feel nice. "I hope I can continue to be a good thing about your life here." For once it wasn't something I was saying simply to enjoy further patronage; I actually meant it. The realization was startling, but not altogether bad and I smiled more widely than usual.
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Post by Maric du Verais on Jun 3, 2009 12:13:54 GMT -5
Her reaction set my mouth to grin a little wider and I reached across and boldly took her left hand in my right. My eyes danced gently between her hand and her face, judging her reaction as my fingers laced with hers for a moment pressing my palm to hers for a moment and curling my fingers over her hand. I kept my smile, unable to do much else as I eventually disengaged out hands and took her left in both of my hands, turning it palm up. My thumbs stroked circles over the soft skin of her palm as I finally locked my gaze with hers. "Have you ever had your palm read?" I asked curiously. "In the summer when the Kumpani's come to Kusheth there are always faires and festivals, some of the women have stalls where they'll read your palm for a gold piece."
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Post by Avianna nó Mandrake on Jun 4, 2009 21:51:40 GMT -5
I was surprised, but not displeased, when Maric reached over to take my hand and then caress my palm. I shook my head slightly in answer to his question.
"No, actually. I have never even heard of that, actually. Do you think they can really tell you anything of interest?" I smiled and took a sip of my juice. I was enjoying our time together, and had a vision of the two of us strolling the Tsingani fairs and having our palms read by mystics. "Have you ever been?"
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Post by Maric du Verais on Jun 4, 2009 22:20:28 GMT -5
"All the time." I said grinning as I leaned forward a little toward her, resting my elbows on the table as I held her hand in mine, still caressing it. "I spend all my summers at the faires they hold. The two faires before last my father fainly gave in and bought me my most prized posession in the world. He bought me one of the Tsingano bred and trainned horses." I held my bright grin, keeping my hand with hers as I absently memorized the lines in her palm with my index finger. "Ramsang is probably the only thing I had of value, but I'd never sell him. Next to my sister he's the most important person in my life." I chuckled. I was about to say more when the bar matron came over to take our orders.
"Yes, the lady will have the pasta salad please, and I'll have this chicken and shrimp dish." I smiled and nodded my thanks before turning back to Avianna.
"Oh, sorry. You didn't mind if I ordered your lunch for you did you?" I asked frowning a little. "I was always taught it was polite to order for a lady. I never gave a thought to whether or not you'd find it offensive for me to be taking charge."
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Post by Avianna nó Mandrake on Jun 13, 2009 15:41:32 GMT -5
I was listening to Maric's tale while enjoying the feeling of his hand against mine, when the server appeared. Maric gave our orders and then turned contrite as the woman walked away.
I considered as he spoke, then smiled a bit wickedly. "Well, how I feel about it depends on the situation. As friends, I don't mind overmuch. Now, if this were part of our assignation, I might feel differently." I winked at him as I ran the fingertip of my free hand against his wrist. "In that case, you might find yourself being punished before lunch has even begun."
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Post by Maric du Verais on Jun 15, 2009 16:55:33 GMT -5
I chuckled softly as I looked at her, still holding her hand. "That wouldn't be so bad." I offered with a little bit wider of a grin.
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Post by Avianna nó Mandrake on Jun 16, 2009 22:58:16 GMT -5
I laughed lightly at his response, and his wide smile. "Ah, well, there are some punishments that actually are punishments ... if I feel like being unpleasant." I grinned wickedly, tapping a fingernail on the back of his hand. "It all depends on the circumstance, I suppose."
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Post by Maric du Verais on Jun 17, 2009 11:35:32 GMT -5
I grinned back at her comment and had to chuckle a little. "And what would constitute an actual punishment from you my lady?" I asked.
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Post by Avianna nó Mandrake on Jun 17, 2009 20:51:34 GMT -5
"Well that depends." I said softly. "Every person is different, and what is punishment to one might not be so to another." I smiled and tucked a strand of hear behind one ear. "Take you, for example. I might whip you, but would that really be punishment? Another person, on the other hand, might loathe the whip and so to them, it would be punishment."
"As for you specifically, I would have to spend more time with you in order to learn what would be effective as true punishment."
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Post by Maric du Verais on Jun 17, 2009 22:56:28 GMT -5
I listened, facinated as she spoke, her last words made me laugh though and I grinned. "Ah well, when you figure that out let me know." I said with a teasing grin.
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Post by Avianna nó Mandrake on Jun 21, 2009 17:22:41 GMT -5
"You could give me clues, if you like." I teased in return, laughing softly. "Though not everyone knows what true punishment is to them. It can be quite the journey of self-discovery, I'm told." For myself, I knew easily where my likes and dislikes lay, and though I did not suffer punishment easily, I had been disciplined enough in the past to see why Ignace was head of Mandrake house.
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