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A tour.
May 17, 2007 13:13:21 GMT -5
Post by Mirielle Bellamont on May 17, 2007 13:13:21 GMT -5
I made a soft sound as she blushed, trying to soothe her and her crimson cheeks. "I'm honored you chose to with me, then. If it's any consolation, I've not spoken about Gil to anyone but you either."
I bent down and air-touched a flower, marvelling at its beauty as it looked up towards the sun. "Perhaps we contemplate too much on things. I know I do at times."
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Géraldine Grangier
Citizen
Former Heliotrope adept; Fully marqued
Thou, and no other.
Posts: 2,001
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A tour.
May 17, 2007 13:22:40 GMT -5
Post by Géraldine Grangier on May 17, 2007 13:22:40 GMT -5
I chuckled. "We do, indeed." I looked at Sacha, resting trustfully in my arms. "I was about to say little ones are blessed that way, but here we have a perfect counter-example."
I pointed to a corner of the garden. "That, there, is a little something special. You should go have a look," I indicated. "I would accompany you, but this babe is weighing me down."
The place I'd indicated was one where a visiting patron had planted some herbs, and standing by it, one could smell a lovely bouquet of fragrances. I would let Mirielle enjoy the surprise.
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A tour.
May 17, 2007 13:44:51 GMT -5
Post by Mirielle Bellamont on May 17, 2007 13:44:51 GMT -5
I gave Geraldine a curious look before walking off in the direction she gestured in, my skirts shuffling softly about my ankles. The aroma of spices and flowers grew stronger, and with a soft sigh I stopped. It's perfect, and what I needed at home.
Glancing about my feet I attempted to make a mental note of everything that was growing around me, and with a satisfied smile I made my way back. "That was wonderful," I said softly. "Thank you."
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Géraldine Grangier
Citizen
Former Heliotrope adept; Fully marqued
Thou, and no other.
Posts: 2,001
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A tour.
May 17, 2007 13:47:23 GMT -5
Post by Géraldine Grangier on May 17, 2007 13:47:23 GMT -5
"You're welcome, though you would have to thank someone else," I replied mysteriously.
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A tour.
May 17, 2007 13:50:38 GMT -5
Post by Mirielle Bellamont on May 17, 2007 13:50:38 GMT -5
"I would?" I asked, raising an eyebrow at her. "And who should I thank, then?"
Geraldine was being mysterious on purpose - that much I could tell, though I could not help but let my curiousity be perked. Looking at her I waited, my amusement beginning to rise.
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Géraldine Grangier
Citizen
Former Heliotrope adept; Fully marqued
Thou, and no other.
Posts: 2,001
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A tour.
May 17, 2007 13:56:24 GMT -5
Post by Géraldine Grangier on May 17, 2007 13:56:24 GMT -5
"Stefano Calderón, Sword-Master extraordinaire," I replied with mirth, waiting to see if the name was familiar.
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A tour.
May 17, 2007 14:02:59 GMT -5
Post by Mirielle Bellamont on May 17, 2007 14:02:59 GMT -5
Tilting my head slightly, I thought a moment; from her expression I figured I was supposed to know the name, but all it did was ring a few faint bells. "A sword-master planted an herb garden?" I asked, giving her a small smile.
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Géraldine Grangier
Citizen
Former Heliotrope adept; Fully marqued
Thou, and no other.
Posts: 2,001
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A tour.
May 17, 2007 15:11:43 GMT -5
Post by Géraldine Grangier on May 17, 2007 15:11:43 GMT -5
I smiled softly. "He was a former patron of the House. In some circles, he is rather reknowned for his teachings. He was a good man, very generous and kind. When he left, he had this arranged so he would be remembered here after he went back to Aragonia."
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A tour.
May 17, 2007 15:15:58 GMT -5
Post by Mirielle Bellamont on May 17, 2007 15:15:58 GMT -5
I smiled widly, mirth bubbling up inside of me. "I've never been one much with a sword," I said in an overly regrettable voice. "August and Sabriel were, though I stayed out of such things. Did you ever meet him, then?"
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Géraldine Grangier
Citizen
Former Heliotrope adept; Fully marqued
Thou, and no other.
Posts: 2,001
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A tour.
May 17, 2007 15:33:33 GMT -5
Post by Géraldine Grangier on May 17, 2007 15:33:33 GMT -5
"As a matter of fact, I did meet him. He was here last year. He is a little older, in his mid-forties perhaps. He was not as handsome as our younger patrons, but his body was still strong, and his face was fair. He was a very warm man," I said, my smile keeping a delicious memory. "But if you don't mind me asking, who are August and Sabriel?"
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A tour.
May 17, 2007 22:27:24 GMT -5
Post by Mirielle Bellamont on May 17, 2007 22:27:24 GMT -5
"He sounded like a wonderful man, and a grand one to have as a patron," I said. I didn't know as much of the latter as Geraldine would for obvious reasons, though it didn't take much thinking to realize he would be a lovely patron.
Sitting down next to her as she rested with the slumbering child, I arranged my skirts, peeking up at her from between locks of my hair. "August de Trevalion and Sabriel de Trevalion." I left thier titles off; such things didn't matter much to me, and if Geraldine knew their names then she'd know their titles as well. "I'd watch them train with their swords, though it never occurred to me to pick one up."
A grin lit my mouth for the thought of myself weilding a long piece of steel, and I laughed for it.
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Géraldine Grangier
Citizen
Former Heliotrope adept; Fully marqued
Thou, and no other.
Posts: 2,001
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A tour.
May 18, 2007 0:52:47 GMT -5
Post by Géraldine Grangier on May 18, 2007 0:52:47 GMT -5
I gasped a little. I knew the Trevalions, though I'd never met them. They were, however, famous in the Adept community, Augustin particularly, for his passionate affair with Mara nó Valerian had ended tragically. I assumed Sabriel was his brother or cousin, then.
"Oh," I paused, no sure what to say, "I've heard of the Sovereign Duc of Azzalle, August de Trevalion," I thought aloud, "he is rumored to be more than charming, and a hero to match. It is as they say?"
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A tour.
May 18, 2007 7:13:33 GMT -5
Post by Mirielle Bellamont on May 18, 2007 7:13:33 GMT -5
My smile softened a little on my face as I reflected inward. "It is," I answered truthfully. "For both, really, though Sabriel was more quiet than August."
I hadn't seen either in years, though I didn't think that would change much - especially if the light of his letters were of any indication. My heart ached a little; I missed both of them, and looked forward to the fete so I might find August at least.
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Géraldine Grangier
Citizen
Former Heliotrope adept; Fully marqued
Thou, and no other.
Posts: 2,001
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A tour.
May 18, 2007 7:42:28 GMT -5
Post by Géraldine Grangier on May 18, 2007 7:42:28 GMT -5
"I heard little of Sabriel, I guess he is less on the forefront than August," I thought aloud. "You seem to truely have an affection for them both, Mirielle. Are they like brothers to you?"
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A tour.
May 18, 2007 9:45:56 GMT -5
Post by Mirielle Bellamont on May 18, 2007 9:45:56 GMT -5
I sat back, thinking on her words. "In a sense, I suppose, but not traditionally. I was fostered with them from the time I was eight, and stayed with them for ten years before returning back to my estate."
Pausing, I thought inward, then shook my head. "I adore them, though I view them more as friends; brothers doesn't seem to fit right."
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Géraldine Grangier
Citizen
Former Heliotrope adept; Fully marqued
Thou, and no other.
Posts: 2,001
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A tour.
May 18, 2007 9:48:13 GMT -5
Post by Géraldine Grangier on May 18, 2007 9:48:13 GMT -5
I smiled. "Having friends is nice too." I paused. "I don't really have family, so friendships are very important to me."
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A tour.
May 18, 2007 9:50:18 GMT -5
Post by Mirielle Bellamont on May 18, 2007 9:50:18 GMT -5
"Something we share in common, then," I said with a smile. "My parents died when I was younger and any close family isn't really close at all; friends are very important. They're good for the soul, even in bad times."
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Géraldine Grangier
Citizen
Former Heliotrope adept; Fully marqued
Thou, and no other.
Posts: 2,001
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A tour.
May 18, 2007 9:59:03 GMT -5
Post by Géraldine Grangier on May 18, 2007 9:59:03 GMT -5
I smiled in understanding at Mirielle's words. "My parents died too. Well, my mother did, anyway. My father, I don't know what became of him.... it's been 12 years since I've seen him. So yes, friendships are an important part of my life," I concluded.
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A tour.
May 18, 2007 10:03:18 GMT -5
Post by Mirielle Bellamont on May 18, 2007 10:03:18 GMT -5
Her tale made me curious, but I wasn't so rude as to ask, or let it show on my face. Instead I reached out and brushed a lock of her hair that had fallen over the side of her face, placing it over her back with the rest of it as I spoke. "You're a lovely woman, Geraldine, and I'm sure if your parents could see you now they'd be in tears for the pride."
I smiled and let my hand fall away gently, looking out over the gardens again. It really was a pretty day, and I was glad I was able to enjoy it outside rather than working on ledgers again.
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Géraldine Grangier
Citizen
Former Heliotrope adept; Fully marqued
Thou, and no other.
Posts: 2,001
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A tour.
May 18, 2007 10:08:26 GMT -5
Post by Géraldine Grangier on May 18, 2007 10:08:26 GMT -5
My eyes felt wet at her words, for I often thought of my mother, and wondered what she would think. I stifled it, and cradled Sacha with much care, reporting my attention on her to hide my emotion. Smiling up at Mirielle, I answered : "Thank you, Mirielle. That means a lot to me. You are quite an accomplishment yourself, if I may say so."
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A tour.
May 18, 2007 10:24:05 GMT -5
Post by Mirielle Bellamont on May 18, 2007 10:24:05 GMT -5
I gave Geraldine a smile in return as I looked back to her, her voice wavering slightly, but not enough for me to think much on it. "Thank you, too," I said quietly, my voice giving way to the singsong of a pair of lovebirds nestled on a bush across the path from us.
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Géraldine Grangier
Citizen
Former Heliotrope adept; Fully marqued
Thou, and no other.
Posts: 2,001
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A tour.
May 18, 2007 13:00:58 GMT -5
Post by Géraldine Grangier on May 18, 2007 13:00:58 GMT -5
I stayed quiet a moment, listening with Mirielle to the sounds of the garden. In my arms, Sacha's body was limp, and I reclined against the bench for better comfort.
A soft smile edged on my lips. Mirielle, I felt, would be perhaps one day a friend, as uncanny as such a friendship may be. But she was no patron, and I was unassigned. I was completely comfortable, truth be.
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A tour.
May 18, 2007 14:29:12 GMT -5
Post by Mirielle Bellamont on May 18, 2007 14:29:12 GMT -5
Silence reigned for a few long moments and I embraced it, drawing air pungent with the natural perfumes of flowers and leaves into my lungs and letting my thoughts and worries drain away into the songs of the birds and insects. It was more than beautiful, and I could have sat on the hard bench through the day without complaint.
Still, I knew my duties loomed on the horizon, and for as much as I wanted to not admit it I would have to get back eventually. Besides, Heliotrope wouldn't allow me to live in their garden, I thought with some degree of amusement.
Stretching my legs out before me, I basked in the warmth of the suns gentle rays. My hair was gathered and coiled over one shoulder as I glanced to Geraldine and the slumbering child, giving her a small smile. "What do you usually do with your time off?"
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Géraldine Grangier
Citizen
Former Heliotrope adept; Fully marqued
Thou, and no other.
Posts: 2,001
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A tour.
May 18, 2007 14:36:49 GMT -5
Post by Géraldine Grangier on May 18, 2007 14:36:49 GMT -5
I shrug. "This, or what you saw me doing in the clothier's district," I replied. "I have a friend at Eglantine. Sometimes we visit each other or we go out on Night's Doorstep. But mostly, I spend my days with the children." I chuckled, "I tried painting once, and it was horrible. I'll never do it again, though my artist friend keeps on insisting I try some more."
I had another hobby of mine, but it was so private, I wouldn't be ready to mention it just yet.
"How about yourself?"
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A tour.
May 18, 2007 14:52:03 GMT -5
Post by Mirielle Bellamont on May 18, 2007 14:52:03 GMT -5
"Art isn't a hobby of mine either, if it's any consolation," I said, smiling a little. "I rather like going out for a ride, reading, shopping... Any number of things depending on the weather and my mood." I trailed off, contemplating what I'd just said; I sounded fickle, though in truth I didn't think I was.
"On the estate I used to play with the children, though since there are none here I find myself working more than I'm used to." I didn't mind it though, really; I knew what had to be done and did it. It simply gave me more time for afternoons like today.
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Géraldine Grangier
Citizen
Former Heliotrope adept; Fully marqued
Thou, and no other.
Posts: 2,001
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A tour.
May 18, 2007 15:08:42 GMT -5
Post by Géraldine Grangier on May 18, 2007 15:08:42 GMT -5
"If you miss them, you are welcome to come by and see them, as long as Daniel or myself are around," I replied with a smile. "I don't think Valeraine will terribly mind."
It dawned on me that I wasn't overly familiar with the day-to-day life of a peer. "Mirielle, if you don't mind my asking, what is your work like?"
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A tour.
May 18, 2007 15:53:34 GMT -5
Post by Mirielle Bellamont on May 18, 2007 15:53:34 GMT -5
"That's kind of you to offer," I honestly said. And it was, though I wasn't sure if I would take her up on it for a number of different reasons; none of them relating to her herself.
"There's not a lot to say," I admitted, thinking back on what I did. "Updating ledgers and creating new ones, reviewing reports if you have more than one estate, farms, orchards, livestock or any other type of business. The hardest part is the decision making, the most tedious the paperwork. Sometimes I wonder if I'll get lost in it."
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Géraldine Grangier
Citizen
Former Heliotrope adept; Fully marqued
Thou, and no other.
Posts: 2,001
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A tour.
May 18, 2007 15:57:09 GMT -5
Post by Géraldine Grangier on May 18, 2007 15:57:09 GMT -5
"It sounds a little.... taking," I said, though I'd almost said it sounded boring. "It must demand a lot of your time. Is it straining as well?"
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A tour.
May 19, 2007 23:02:24 GMT -5
Post by Mirielle Bellamont on May 19, 2007 23:02:24 GMT -5
I grinned, having caught the slight hesitation in her voice; if I had to bet my last centime on it, I'd have placed it on her thinking it was dull.
"Only straining in the fact that it's tedious and exhasperating in turns," I replied, my voice holding a mild amusement.
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Géraldine Grangier
Citizen
Former Heliotrope adept; Fully marqued
Thou, and no other.
Posts: 2,001
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A tour.
May 20, 2007 2:26:46 GMT -5
Post by Géraldine Grangier on May 20, 2007 2:26:46 GMT -5
My eyebrows shot up in curiosity. "Really? How so?"
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