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Post by Christophe Legard nó Shahrizai on Jul 7, 2009 20:58:18 GMT -5
I guided Marie into Malabelle's and my townhouse, Henri following on our heels. I wondered how long Pierre would take, and then decided not to worry about it. He would come in his own time.
A quick conversation with the butler told me that the sitting room was set up to receive everyone, and that yes of course sir, he would be happy to fetch Mala. I smiled and thanked him, then led my younger siblings into the sitting room. "Here we are," I said to them with a smile. "Come sit down. Can I get you anything to drink?"
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Malabelle Shahrizai
Aristocrat
Lady of House Shahrizai
Wife of Christophe Legard no' Shahrizai
Posts: 2,756
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Post by Malabelle Shahrizai on Jul 7, 2009 21:05:47 GMT -5
I had been fussing since before Christophe had left to meet his family. It had only gotten worse with him no longer here to calm me. I’d made the servants clean everything twice and had gone through several different menus of what food would be prepared for when they arrived.
Finally I had gone up to bathe and dress. I was in a deep red gown with an attractive but not daring cut. My hair was pulled up on the sides but hung mostly loose down my back. I’d just finished applying a dab of perfume when I was told that Christophe had returned.
Looking myself over one last time, I took a deep breath and told myself I could do this. He’s met my family and they were far worse than his could ever be.
I paused at the top of the stairs to draw another breath.
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Post by Marie Legard on Jul 8, 2009 0:09:33 GMT -5
Somehow mercifully I managed not to gape as Christophe led us inside. The inside of the house was even more impressive than the outside, and there were servants attending us as soon as we stepped through the door. I clutched my bag and shook my head at the offer to relieve me of my burden.
“Wine, please,” I said, sitting in a chair, grateful for the support.
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Henri Legard
Citizen
Son of Phillipe and Henrietta Legard. Brother of Pierre, Marie, and Christophe Legard
Posts: 354
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Post by Henri Legard on Jul 9, 2009 11:09:11 GMT -5
I followed Marie and Christophe inside, smiling, then remembering to calm myself and stop acting like an inexperienced little country boy. I tried my best at a soft smile, though as we entered, I did take my breath in sharply, but managed not to drop my draw and have it hit the floor. Christophe lead us to the sitting room and I wanted to take a seat, felt nervous not knowing where to sit exactly. There was furniture enough, but I felt like I was intruding. I picked a chair and sat down carefully, slowly, looking to Christophe as he spoke, though it took a moment for it to sink in.
"Might I have the same as Marie?" I asked softly, looking around me. "Your home... it's lovely."
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Post by Christophe Legard nó Shahrizai on Jul 9, 2009 15:03:06 GMT -5
I went over to the sideboard and took out the cork on a bottle of red. "Thank you. Though it's far more Mala's doing than mine," I replied with a smile. I returned with a glass for each of them, then went back to pour myself one.
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Pierre Legard (D)
Deceased
Member of the Queen's Guard
Son of Phillipe and Henrietta Legard. Brother of Christophe, Marie and Henri Legard
Posts: 318
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Post by Pierre Legard (D) on Jul 10, 2009 23:22:15 GMT -5
The whole way through the city and toward Christophe's bride-to-be's town house, I for lack of a better word, sulked. I hated being here, against my will especially. All my friends took their time teasing me before I left, making fun of my new position at the palace guard. It was an embarassment to be here and I hated it even more as we reached the house.
I listened and watched as Christophe walked Marie and Henri inside, not bothering to worry about me. I decided that I didn't want to follow into the house, instead remaining outside. I waited till then had entered into the house before I got out of the carriage. The staff around me bustled as they unloaded our things and brought them into the house of that whore my brother. I grit my teeth and began to pace, needing time before I let myself willingly enter into the building, surely they weren't waiting for me.
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Post by Marie Legard on Jul 11, 2009 14:14:46 GMT -5
“Thank you,” I said, taking the glass of wine and then indulging in a long drink. The wine burned a little but mostly from the amount I was drinking at one time.
“Well, it is very lovely,” I told Christophe, the wine warming my blood and allowing me to smile a little stronger. “How long have you been living here?”
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Malabelle Shahrizai
Aristocrat
Lady of House Shahrizai
Wife of Christophe Legard no' Shahrizai
Posts: 2,756
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Post by Malabelle Shahrizai on Jul 11, 2009 14:21:56 GMT -5
I was just about to head down the stairs when through the window next to the stairs I noticed someone pacing outside and paused, watching him for a moment. Even from this distance I could see his resemblance to Christophe, and from his age I guessed it was Pierre. There was no mistaking the fact that he was not happy, all one had to do was look at how he was pacing out there with no one but servants around. I could hear the murmur of Christophe’s voice and that of another male and a girl; presumably Henri and Marie. Christophe had said he wasn’t even sure Pierre was going to come, even after getting his father’s letter.
I felt calmer suddenly. It was easier now that I knew my enemy. That one, out there in the yard, he would be the one I had to be most careful of, the one who would hurt Christophe. Smiling easier now, I headed down the stairs to meet the rest of Christophe’s siblings.
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Post by Christophe Legard nó Shahrizai on Jul 11, 2009 21:58:05 GMT -5
"A few weeks after Midwinter, I moved in," I replied, moving to a seat across from them, wine glass in hand. "I never thought that I'd leave Valerian, then Mala came along. Camael, I still can't get over the two of you. All grown up." I grinned as I looked at them. They really were a sight for sore eyes.
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Post by Marie Legard on Jul 12, 2009 0:46:08 GMT -5
I smiled at Christophe. "It's so nice to hear someone refer to us as grown up," I said, chuckling.
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Henri Legard
Citizen
Son of Phillipe and Henrietta Legard. Brother of Pierre, Marie, and Christophe Legard
Posts: 354
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Post by Henri Legard on Jul 12, 2009 15:10:57 GMT -5
I smiled and chuckled softly. "Ah, grown up is a state of mind. I'm sure we were all grown before our bodies finally caught up." I took a sip from the glass, a small sip. It was far better than any I had tasted.
"I am anxious to meet the woman who stole your heart away," I said with a smile. It was a romantic notion, the idea of finding someone that made you give up a part of yourself for them, and judging from his smile, it seemed he had found it in this Mala. "Speaking of," I said as I leaned in, "is she coming do you think? She knows we're here, right? We're not disrupting her slumber or ought else are we?"
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Malabelle Shahrizai
Aristocrat
Lady of House Shahrizai
Wife of Christophe Legard no' Shahrizai
Posts: 2,756
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Post by Malabelle Shahrizai on Jul 12, 2009 16:14:22 GMT -5
“Not disturbing me at all,” I said with a wide smile as I entered the sitting room, having caught the last of the conversation. “I was just waiting for the right moment to make a grand entrance.” Chuckling softly, I moved over to stand next to where Christophe was sitting.
“You must be Henri and Marie. I’m Malabelle. It’s a pleasure to meet you and welcome to our home,” I told them, my hand lying lightly on Christophe’s shoulder.
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Henri Legard
Citizen
Son of Phillipe and Henrietta Legard. Brother of Pierre, Marie, and Christophe Legard
Posts: 354
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Post by Henri Legard on Jul 13, 2009 15:10:24 GMT -5
I blushed a bit at being caught out and I tried not to stare but she was, well, beautiful. Christophe had done well, but, of course he was a good looking man.
Almost forgetting my manners, I rose from my seat and made a respectful bow to her, smiling as I stood.
"It is a pleasure to meet you Malabelle," I said with a smile. I wasn't sure if I could call her Malabelle, or if I should call her Lady Malabelle or somewhat else, but since she did not include title in her introduction, I followed suit. Feeling a little awkward, I remained standing, waiting for the lady of the house to take her seat if she was going to.
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Post by Marie Legard on Jul 13, 2009 16:50:05 GMT -5
Christophe’s love entered the room and my eyes went wide. She was stunning. And though I had never met one personally, there was no mistaking her bloodline.
Shahrizai
I tore my eyes from her and looked at Christophe, before remembering my manners and rising along with Henri and curtseying.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” I said softly, feeling so out of place. “Thank you for having us in your home.”
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Malabelle Shahrizai
Aristocrat
Lady of House Shahrizai
Wife of Christophe Legard no' Shahrizai
Posts: 2,756
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Post by Malabelle Shahrizai on Jul 13, 2009 16:51:41 GMT -5
“Please sit,” I said, motioning to them. “I am sure after such a long trip a comfortable seat must feel very nice.” Smiling, I moved to take a seat beside Christophe, smoothing my skirts as I did.
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Post by Christophe Legard nó Shahrizai on Jul 14, 2009 0:35:25 GMT -5
I looked up when I heard Mala's voice, and like always my smile widened at the sight of her. Though I didn't miss the look Marie sent me, almost a glare, and knew that she was hurt that I hadn't warned her. But there had been no way to tell her without telling my brothers, and while Henri was a toss up, Pierre would certainly react negatively. I was tired to being judged by my family, so I had put it off.
"Would you like a glass of wine love?" I asked, my hand going to hers.
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Henri Legard
Citizen
Son of Phillipe and Henrietta Legard. Brother of Pierre, Marie, and Christophe Legard
Posts: 354
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Post by Henri Legard on Jul 14, 2009 8:40:24 GMT -5
I watched as they interacted, so smoothly together, the looks they gave one another. Ahh Camael. And from what I had heard, Shahrizai have a particular... relationship with those of Valerian. I thought mayhap it was just the thing of rumours, having never been to the City or visited the Night Court myself. But I guess it was not.
At her bequest I took my seat again, sitting back, pondering silently, but with a smile. How was Pierre going to take this, or had he already known? And I prayed he would not make a scene. He should have been here by now either way, which meant he must have been hovering about, maybe calming... I felt the tension within me rise a bit, but tried not to show it outwardly.
"Thank you, my lady," I said, sitting forward. "You are quite right. Jostling about in a carriage for days can be rather unnerving," especially when you have a bitter sulk for an older brother I amended in my head. "Thank you for opening your home to us."
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Malabelle Shahrizai
Aristocrat
Lady of House Shahrizai
Wife of Christophe Legard no' Shahrizai
Posts: 2,756
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Post by Malabelle Shahrizai on Jul 14, 2009 16:46:23 GMT -5
“Yes, thank you,” I said, smiling at Christophe and squeezing his hand softly. Then I turned my attention back to his siblings.
“This is Christophe’s home too and his family is always welcome here,” I said to Henri. “If you two are hungry, there are snacks prepared and dinner should be ready in an hour or so.”
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Post by Marie Legard on Jul 14, 2009 16:53:08 GMT -5
I took my seat along with the others, and tried not to stare. Oh Camael, she was so sophisticated I felt even more like a country mouse.
What was most mesmerizing though was the relationship between her and my brother. He looked so different next to her. He wasn’t just my brother any longer, but a grown man who had won the heart of the woman beside him. I felt a soft ache inside me. Christophe had changed from the brother I remembered, it was only natural of course, but it took seeing him here with the woman he loved to really make me understand.
I stayed quiet, letting the others talk and tried to settle the emotions inside me.
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Post by Christophe Legard nó Shahrizai on Jul 14, 2009 22:40:46 GMT -5
I rose and returned with a glass for Mala. I studied my siblings as I sat back down, taking in their faces. Henri had a thoughtful look on his, but I couldn't read Marie. Well, at least neither of them had stormed out of the room with self-righteous anger. Speaking of self-righteous, where was Pierre?
If it had been anyone else, I would have gone out to check on him.
"It's not as if we are lacking space," I said with a smile.
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Malabelle Shahrizai
Aristocrat
Lady of House Shahrizai
Wife of Christophe Legard no' Shahrizai
Posts: 2,756
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Post by Malabelle Shahrizai on Jul 15, 2009 0:38:06 GMT -5
I smiled a thank you at Christophe and took the glass of wine, having a sip before I set it aside. I tried to get a better feel for his siblings, but it was difficult right now.
“Very true,” I added, chuckling. “Speaking of all this space, was it just the two of you who came?”
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Post by Marie Legard on Jul 15, 2009 12:59:55 GMT -5
I couldn’t help the little noise that escaped me, half exasperation and half regret. “Oh no,” I said, speaking before I really thought about what I was saying. “Pierre came as well. He’s out with the carriage.”
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Post by Christophe Legard nó Shahrizai on Jul 17, 2009 1:20:57 GMT -5
My mouth twisted slightly. "Did the priests of Camael bless the carriage? For our brother seems rather attached to it," I observed, fighting to keep my voice neutral.
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Post by Marie Legard on Jul 17, 2009 1:29:59 GMT -5
I burst into a giggle at Christophe's words, unable to stop myself. My free hand came up and covered my mouth as I fought to control myself.
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Malabelle Shahrizai
Aristocrat
Lady of House Shahrizai
Wife of Christophe Legard no' Shahrizai
Posts: 2,756
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Post by Malabelle Shahrizai on Jul 20, 2009 12:22:48 GMT -5
Marie’s giggle made my lips twitch in a wider smile and I glanced at Christophe, wondering how he was reacting to his older brother and if the comment had been more of frustration or deeper conflict.
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Henri Legard
Citizen
Son of Phillipe and Henrietta Legard. Brother of Pierre, Marie, and Christophe Legard
Posts: 354
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Post by Henri Legard on Jul 20, 2009 13:02:21 GMT -5
I stiffled a laugh in something of a snort, which only made me laugh a little louder, my body shaking to hold back the full-bodied laughter that would have come out. It wasn't nice, to be speaking of Pierre so, but he seemed to bring it upon himself with his piggish attitude and terrible manners towards - if nothing else - those who were his hosts. I let out a sigh after recovering. "Should I go fetch him?"
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Post by Christophe Legard nó Shahrizai on Jul 21, 2009 13:08:28 GMT -5
At least I could still make my younger sibling laugh. But the knowledge was bittersweet, and it made my smile sad.
"Only if you wish Henri. Pierre's a big boy, he can find the door on his own." Already, the tension of his presence was getting to me, and I had to force myself to relax my grip on Mala's hand.
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Malabelle Shahrizai
Aristocrat
Lady of House Shahrizai
Wife of Christophe Legard no' Shahrizai
Posts: 2,756
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Post by Malabelle Shahrizai on Jul 21, 2009 18:46:24 GMT -5
I squeezed Christophe’s hand reassuringly. “Perhaps he’s waiting for a formal invitation. I can go get him,” I said, smiling.
It was an excuse. In truth I thought it might be better for Pierre and I to have our first meeting without Christophe there. Let Pierre say what he would to me without Christophe having to hear it. I squeezed Christophe’s hand again before rising.
“I’ll have some snacks sent in as well before I go find Pierre,” I told them before excusing myself and heading out of the room.
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Pierre Legard (D)
Deceased
Member of the Queen's Guard
Son of Phillipe and Henrietta Legard. Brother of Christophe, Marie and Henri Legard
Posts: 318
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Post by Pierre Legard (D) on Jul 21, 2009 21:10:16 GMT -5
I paced till I had practically worn a trench in the gravel drive, the staff and attendents staring at me until everything was done and I was now alone standing outside the large town house.
Lucky bastard.
I had to admit to myself that I hated the fact that Christophe had ended up so comfortably. Wealth and security always seems just out of my grasp, and for Christophe to do nothing but convince the dumb girl he loved her.... It was a travisty.
Either way, I had to make my presence known in the house, whether it galled me or not. So I stepped up to the door, turned the knob and entered, closing the door behind me. Taking moderate steps I entered, looking around and trying not to gawk as I did, I found my way toward the sitting room.
When I reached the room and saw my siblings I cleared my throat and waited at the entrance way. Alright, alright... play nice at least little Pierre. You're on their territory now. "You have a nice home Christophe." I said, my voice strong and steady, and gave nothing more then common politeness.
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Post by Christophe Legard nó Shahrizai on Jul 23, 2009 14:13:19 GMT -5
It seemed as soon as Mala bustled off, Pierre arrived, his spine stiff with the effort it took to be polite. Some things in this world one wishes would never change. My brother's attitude was certainly not one of them.
"Thank you," I replied simply. I could be as polite as he. "Please, have a seat. Mala has just gone to fetch us some snacks." And then you. Wonder if you have any idea what you just dodged... "May I pour you a glass of wine?"
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