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 23, 2009 16:49:22 GMT -5
I ordered the trays of tidbits delivered to the sitting room; bits of cheese, slices of cured beef on thin sliced bread and topped with an olive mixture, grapes, almonds, and chocolate cookies; then started to head outside. I stopped when I heard a new voice coming from the sitting room. Ah, it seems Pierre had come inside on his own. Changing my direction, I headed for the room where they were all gathered.
“I can do it love,” I said, smiling at Christophe as I stepped into the room and stopped beside Pierre.
I turned my attention to the oldest of the brood. “Red or white?” I asked with a smile. “Or would you prefer something besides wine?”
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Post by Marie Legard on Jul 23, 2009 16:52:19 GMT -5
My giggling had stopped before Christophe’s fiancé’ offered to go get Pierre. I rather hoped to witness their first meeting, I had a feeling Malabelle would give Pierre as good as she got from him if not better. I was trying to think of a reason to follow her outside when Pierre appeared in the doorway.
Trying not to draw attention to myself, I took a drink of wine and pressed back into my chair, waiting to see what unfolded.
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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 24, 2009 9:18:48 GMT -5
I raised a brow, intrigued. Malabelle seemed to be the more.... dominant, as I had heard rumour all Shahrizai were, and well, Pierre definitely wouldn't like anyone stepping in where he felt he had the power. I watched the two with keen interest... like two roosters, poised and ready to attack, if need be.
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Post by Christophe Legard nó Shahrizai on Jul 24, 2009 12:53:26 GMT -5
As soon as I heard her voice again, I braced myself. Not because of Mala. Because of Pierre. My polite smile vanished as I watched his face, waiting, readying myself for his scathing words. Though I took comfort in the fact that Mala would put up with even less of his shit than I would.
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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 27, 2009 0:34:10 GMT -5
I was a little startled when his bride to be snuck up on me and I jumped a little, turning to look at her. And there she was.... a Shahrizai.
I looked to Christophe and laughed, of course a Valerian whore would become a lap dog for a Shahrizai. I shouldn't have been so surprised, I crossed my arms and looked at Christophe, leaning against the door way. "Figures as much." I said as I looked at him and then turned back, uncrossing my arms and turned toward the Shahrizai bitch. "No thank you." I sneered at her and then brushed past her, deciding that I had more interest in finding a bed then to mingle with my family. I found the stairs and climbed them, trying to find the room that held my trunks.
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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 27, 2009 0:42:15 GMT -5
“I’ll be right back,” I said to the room. “Here’s the food.”
The trays of food were brought into the sitting room while I followed Pierre in long strides, catching up to him on the stairs.
“Would you like me to show you to your room?” I asked, my voice icily polite. “You must be tired.”
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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 27, 2009 0:45:39 GMT -5
I sighed obviously as my brothers whore caught up to me, climbing the stairs with me. I kept looking forward though as I shook my head a little and continued to walk. "Yes, please." I said looking back at her for a moment, my jaw set and my tone matching hers and then looked forward again.
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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 27, 2009 0:52:11 GMT -5
“Just so I know, do you hate me on principal because I am marrying your brother or because of my family name?” I asked. We reached the top of the stairs and I turned to the right.
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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 27, 2009 0:55:31 GMT -5
I sighed again, deeply, obviously as I glanced to look at her side long and pressed my tongue to my cheek before I answered. "And who says I hate you, my lady?" I answered her with a mocking question, my tone putting a hard tone on the 'lady' part of my sentance.
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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 27, 2009 0:57:36 GMT -5
I laughed deeply. “No one has to say it, Pierre,” I answered. “A blind person could read it on you from five miles away. I don’t care if you hate me; I’d just like to know why.”
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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 27, 2009 1:17:09 GMT -5
I gave a derisive snort as I shook my head, reaching the top of the stairs I turned to her and leaned in a little. "Oh well, if you want to know..." I said giving her a smile. "Too bad, because I don't have to tell you." I looked forward and continued, taking up a quick step. I really doubted the Shahrizai bride was actually going to take me to my room so I went to the first door and turned the knob to open it.
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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 27, 2009 1:22:29 GMT -5
Again, I was beside him quickly, reaching out and grabbing his wrist before he could open the door. “That is not your room,” I said, my voice no longer amused. “Yours is the last room on the left. I had them put you near the back stairs so you would have a quick way in and out when you go to work.” And so he wasn’t bothering anyone. It was also the furthest bedroom my own. “This one is Henri’s.”
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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 27, 2009 1:33:08 GMT -5
I pulled my hand back from her grasp and leaned over, coming extremely close to her. "Thank you." I said in a hard tone and then turned from her, walking toward the last room on the left.
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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 27, 2009 1:34:53 GMT -5
“You’re welcome Pierre,” I said, my voice still edgy as I watched him walk away. “Welcome to our home.”
With that I turned and headed back downstairs.
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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 27, 2009 10:28:48 GMT -5
Pierre, of course, was rude. We al knew it would happened, though mayhap I was the only onestill holding uot hope that our brother would not be so insolent and pigheaded. Apparently it was done in vain. He stormed off and Malabelle excused herself politely, walking after him. The words were muffled, but I knew that there were not sweet brotherly words exchanged, and I sighed, praying that our coming here was not going to put any rift between Malabelle and Christophe. He seemed happy, as did she, at least before Pierre came in all hell and high water. The food had come in and been set down but... I couldn't move myself to eat, even as hungry as I was.
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Post by Marie Legard on Jul 27, 2009 13:14:15 GMT -5
“I suppose it should be a comfort to know he’s an ass to everyone,” I said, mostly under my breath but I knew Henri at least could hear me. There were at least two people here stronger than I who could deal with Pierre, so I decided to just pretend like he’d never come in.
Leaning forward, I took one of the slices of bread with meat and olives on it. Then I leaned back and began nibbling at it.
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Post by Christophe Legard nó Shahrizai on Jul 27, 2009 17:52:19 GMT -5
He laughed at me. The bastard laughed at me. I had to put my glass down so that I would be sure not to break it. The only thing that stopped me from throwing him out then and there was Mala following him upstairs. Their voices floated back down to us, leaving it clear that the conversation wasn't heading anywhere more positive.
I drained the rest of my wine in one go, and rose to refill it, my body one big ball of tension that I tried to relax as I moved. But it didn't help. "It should be, but it's not," I told Marie, my back to my siblings as I tried to keep my control.
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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 27, 2009 18:05:27 GMT -5
The air in the sitting room was nearly crackling when I reentered. I glanced at Henri and Marie, but my attention went to Christophe. I went to where he was standing, gently laying my hand on his arm.
“Come love, sit back down with me,” I said softly, calmly. I smiled, my other hand coming up to touch his cheek gently.
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Post by Christophe Legard nó Shahrizai on Jul 27, 2009 22:50:35 GMT -5
I shuddered as her touch eased some of the tension away. I let her. I hated that he made me feel like this, made me feel like Mama had all those years ago. Sick, wrong, inadequate. I left my glass on the side board because I knew that getting drunk with Pierre in the house was a very bad idea. Instead my hand went around Mala's waist for a moment, and I kissed her forehead. "Of course," I murmured, then let my hand drop so that we could do what she had suggested.
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Post by Marie Legard on Jul 27, 2009 22:59:41 GMT -5
I watched, fascinated by their interaction. I could not imagine being that connected to another person. Her touch, a few soft words, and you could see him begin to relax. I tried not to stare, but it was difficult, even though I felt like I was spying on something very private. Envy welled up in me though I doubted anyone here would pay enough attention to me to notice.
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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 27, 2009 23:04:37 GMT -5
I laced my fingers with his and led him back to where we had been sitting before.
“Your things are already in your rooms if you should wish to rest or freshen up,” I told the siblings. “Henri, you room is to the right of the top of the stairs, first door. Marie, yours is to the left, of the stairs, second door. I hope you will find them suitable.”
I smiled at Christophe, hoping that focusing on his other siblings would help ease away more of his tension.
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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 27, 2009 23:25:00 GMT -5
I closed the door harder then polite behind me as I entered into the dimly lit room. I saw my trunks right away and walked around, looking at the room and taking it in. Christophe. Gods! How did he have the right to this place, there place; and to a Shahrizai no less. What would my peers think of me? Of my family?!
I sighed out loud and laid in bed, closing my eyes as I thought about everything, sleep taking me over.
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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 28, 2009 7:43:47 GMT -5
I smiled as Malabelle re-entered, an watched as the two in love moved about each other, with each other, and it made my heart lighter. As much hatred and anger there was and would be in this house there was still much love and trust. It was a balance, seen throughout the world, being played out in this very home. I sighed, releived, and also followed Marie in reaching forward and grabbing soething to eat, my appetite returning.
"I fear if I don't leave to freshen up I may devour everything you've had arranged for us to eat?" I said, looking to them both with a chuckle. I took a bite and let the food hit my stomach. It tasted good, much better than that stew we had had during our travels. No doubt Pierre had locked himself in his room, at least for the evening, and would refuse to interact with everyone as much as possible, so it ws safe to say that things would calm for the night. I wondered, idly, if they might have lands that need tending, to give myself something to do in the morning, but decided that might be able to wait for a time where things were more at ease.
I took another treat from the tray, and sipped my wine until it had finished, chewing thoughtfully.
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Post by Christophe Legard nó Shahrizai on Jul 28, 2009 12:16:04 GMT -5
"Mala and our staff have gotten used to the appetite of a Camaeline. Trust me Henri, eat if you're hungry, there's always more," I said with a tight smile. I was trying desperately to relax, but Pierre had upset me too much to just pretend away. Bastard. Fine. I hadn't worn my collar for their arrival, wanting smoother waters. But he was going to be a phallus regardless, so I'd wear it tomorrow. Flaunt my relationship with Mala. Let him think whatever he damn well wanted.
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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 28, 2009 12:23:19 GMT -5
“Absolutely,” I said with a chuckle. I shifted my weight as I sat, a seemingly innocent gesture but it allowed me to settle where my side was pressed against Christophe’s arm. I could do more to help ease his tension in private, but for now I would do what I could.
“I had a new room added to the house just to hold enough food. Christophe regularly cleans out the pantry as it is, I figured I’d better prepare for an army with his family coming,” I added, my voice conveying my obvious gentle tease. “If you would like to clean up before dinner though there is no rush. I hope you both will feel comfortable and at home here.”
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Post by Marie Legard on Jul 28, 2009 12:26:37 GMT -5
I watched the interaction between all of them as I ate one of the cookies, wondering what Henri was thinking.
“I would like to clean up a little. It would be nice to not smell like the road for my first real meal here,” I said with a smile. I stood up, smoothing my skirts.
“Thank you very much for your hospitality, you have been very kind.” I stepped over to Christophe, leaning in and kissing his cheek. “It’s good to see you again, brother.”
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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 29, 2009 9:28:04 GMT -5
I took another bite, devouring what I had taken, smiling after. "I may have to follow suit, as famished as I am, it doesn't seem right ot get some of the dust of the road off of me, even if it does feel like home," I said with a laugh. I hadn't been royally and utterly sullied in days and i could feel the unrest starting to seep in even now. I rose to my feet, bowing to Malabelle and to Christophe, then, on second thought, I opened my arms to my brother to embrace him.
"Thank you both again."
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Post by Christophe Legard nó Shahrizai on Jul 29, 2009 23:31:08 GMT -5
Mala did her best without actually hugging me to her, and I appreciated her efforts as a little more tightness eased from my shoulders. And then my siblings swooped down on me. I squeezed Marie's hand in response to the sweet kiss, and I managed to hug Henri back a little in the face of his impromptu hug. Their gestures, more than anything, let me know that I had made the right decision inviting my family. Even if Pierre was trying to ruin it, Marie and Henri still loved me.
"It's good to see you too," I said with a smile for them both. "Go freshen up, I'll see you at dinner."
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Post by Marie Legard on Jul 29, 2009 23:33:41 GMT -5
I took Henri’s hand and led him out of the room and towards the stairs, leaving the couple in peace.
Once we were out of earshot, I asked him quietly, “Well, what do you think?”
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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 29, 2009 23:37:01 GMT -5
Once we were alone, I turned towards Christophe. My free hand cupped his cheek and I leaned in, pressing my lips to his.
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