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Post by Guy de Layne on Jul 8, 2009 22:28:03 GMT -5
I had been charged by my sister with keeping Sandrine occupied for a time, and then bringing her to the restaurant in time to be surprised. I was a terrible liar, however, and found this charge to be rather a strain on my abilities. Also, how was I to be sure everyone had arrived before I showed up with the guest of honor? What if Sandrine saw right through me? Sophine had laughed at my fears, and coached me on a story, but still...
Sighing, I arrived at the base of Mont Nuit, where I had arranged to meet Sandrine, ostensibly for her help in choosing a birthday gift for Rochelle, whose natale was only two weeks hence. Nervously, I shifted from one foot to the other, waiting anxiously for Sandrine to arrive.
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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 Jul 10, 2009 7:58:12 GMT -5
Today had been somewhat of a comedy of errors. My hair was all over the place, I couldn't find any of the dresses I wanted to wear, and I had almost broken my neck tripping over some fosterling's toys as I ran out the door. I felt much better after Bellamy cheering me up, but I still hadn't left the House very much since the incident in Night's Doorstep. I thought that helping Guy find a present for Rochelle was an important step in moving forward.
Plus, it was my birthday. I hadn't really made a big deal of it, and even though some of the fosterlings had surprised me with a song and a badly constructed cake, I hadn't heard anything from Sophine or Faolan or any of my other friends. I didn't expect Guy to know, but the fact that none of my close friends had sent me a card or said anything hurt just a little bit.
Maybe I could casually mention it to Guy, and we could go get a torte. The idea made me shiver with pleasure.
Disgusted with my hair, I had finally decided to put it up into a messy ponytail, with several tendrils escaping my hurried work. My dress was a softer shade of orange and short, as usual. I almost wished I could wear Rosalyn's dress, if only to see Guy's reaction, but I knew it was too indecent and showed too much of my marque.
I could see Guy at the foot of Mont Nuit as I hurried down, holding my skirts in my hands to make sure I didn't trip over them. A huge smile came to my face unbidden. He was handsome, that was true, but he was also kind and sweet and so strong...
If the circumstances were different, I knew he would have no trouble taking care of me. And I loved him for it.
I bounded down the hill, skidding to a stop in front of him, the same smile on my face. "I'm so sorry I'm late," I said, by way of hello. I wanted to kiss him, of course, but the near brawl with Vincent had convinced me that we needed to be more careful. Instead I reached over and squeezed his hand, discretely trying to catch my breath. "Ready?"
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Post by Guy de Layne on Jul 11, 2009 21:52:01 GMT -5
My hand went automatically to my earlobe as soon as I saw her practically racing down the hill. Gods, she was amazing, so full of life and joy - Orchis was indeed the perfect House for her. It was with some effort that I managed not to enfold her in an embrace when she stopped in front of me and apologized for being late.
"It is of no matter, there is no hurry." I said, beginning the walk to the Artisan's District. Or was there? I really wasn't sure when we should arrive and I felt myself wishing that I had quizzed Sophine further on the matter.
As we approached the Artisan District, and Caisse de Pomme, I began to feel a nervous knot form in my stomach. This was the part where I had to lie, and though I had rehearsed for hours last night, I wasn't sure if it would come out right.
"I know we're supposed to be shopping, but I haven't had a chance to eat yet? Would you mind stopping for a bite to eat?"
I held my breath while I waited for her to answer, hoping that my deception wasn't written all over my face.
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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 Jul 13, 2009 13:12:46 GMT -5
I grinned at our secret gesture. I was still very glad that he didn't think I was silly.
"Oh good," I said, relieved. "I would hate to keep you waiting, Lord Cassiline." I inclined my head in a sort of bow.
And then he asked if I wanted to get something to eat. I opened my mouth to speak, but I stopped when I saw the look on his face. There was something there, some sort of apprehension that I couldn't place. Our relationship was already tenuous enough. Often I thought that I was extremely lucky to have someone like Guy, despite our restrictions. Maybe the luck had run out. I racked my brain, but I couldn't think of anything I had done.
I stopped and looked at him, a quizzical expression on my face. "Guy, is everything alright?" I asked, biting my lip. "I won't turn down food--you know that--but you seem..." I trailed off, not sure what to say.
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Post by Guy de Layne on Jul 15, 2009 23:20:20 GMT -5
I immediately felt a stab of guilt at the worried look in her eyes. Nevermind that I knew nothing was wrong, I didn't want her to worry for a moment. Still, Sophine would have my hide if I ruined her surprise. How did I end up caught between these women?
"No, nothing's wrong." I said, smiling half-heartedly. "I'm just a bit hungry." I took her hand, relishing the feeling of her soft skin against mine, and began walking toward Caisse de Pomme. It had been awhile and I had a feeling we were a bit late. Sophine was probably beside herself by now!
I was keeping up a brisk pace, in part to get there more quickly, and in part to outrun Sandrine's quick wit and questions.
"Oh look, there it is now." I said lamely, pointing at Caisse de Pomme as if I were a lost sailor who had just sighted land.
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