|
Post by Annette nó Fronsac on Sept 9, 2009 18:10:30 GMT -5
It was getting harder to leave the house as the babe grew within me each day. It seemed that as he grew (for I thought it was a he, my intuition told me so), my strength waned. I was old to be a mother again, but I had thought that with Gregoire by my side, things would be easier.
But Gregoire was gone, and I needed help. So it was with aching feet and a heavy heart that I made my way to Eisheth's temple, to bathe my feet in her healing waters, and to pray.
An acolyte showed me to the pools, and settled me comfortable beside one, feet in the cool water.
|
|
|
Post by Bellamy nó Eglantine on Sept 10, 2009 12:03:00 GMT -5
I came occasionally to Eisheth's temple to pray for my parents. She had birthed music and story, that which I had been gifted with as well, supposedly from my parents. I knew little of them, other than the fact that neither of them had been of an adept birth and both had been extremely talented musicians and storytellers until they had met a cold winter, their reason for leaving me at Eglantine, my Dowayne had said. I did not know even their names, but I did have my father's mandolin. I could still see their face blurry and dim if I think back hard enough and feel my mother's hands. I told myself at times that they would have come back for me, at least to visit if they were healthy, but at times I told myself they were merely busy or ashamed and unsure of what to tell me. I wished for their health and protection, be they still alive.
I did not come often, but I prayed long and I prayed hard and made an offering of my extra earnings as a singer at the Laughing Parrot or as an actor of Aristide de Crier. I finally rose, feeling like a burden was lifted off of me and was making my way out when I stopped and saw the woman in the pool. She looked vaguely familiar and I never forgot a face of a member of Eglantine House.
"Annette...?" I asked cautiously, not wanting to make a mistake. It had been years. I could easily have been wrong.
|
|
|
Post by Annette nó Fronsac on Sept 10, 2009 21:41:51 GMT -5
I heard my name, and turned my head to face the direction the call had come from. My eyes widened, and I reached out a hand to the familiar figure standing there. "Bellamy? Perchance my eyes fool me...is that you?"
|
|
|
Post by Bellamy nó Eglantine on Sept 11, 2009 1:51:04 GMT -5
"Annie!" I practically squealed. It did not matter how old we were, perhaps, a bit too old for nicknames and yelling in a temple, I covered my mouth quickly and let out a silent laugh, though my eyes spoke more for me, and hurried my way over towards her. I moved onto one knee so that I was as close as I could to her and the pool without climbing in myself. Had this not been Eisheth's temple, I would have jumped in without qualms about getting my clothes wet. I gathered her in my arms in a tight squeeze and grinned, only then noticing her round belly and if possible, I smiled even wider.
"Eisheth has blessed you." It was no secret of mine that I loved children and the idea that she was with child sent a shudder down my spine. "Please, you must tell me everything about the child and the father... about where you have been these past couple of years!" I was so elated and well, quite the chatterbox I couldn't quite stop. "I've been great myself. I'm Second of Eglantine, can you believe it? And I'm working at the Laughing Parrot and got hired as an actor... oh Annie, I have missed you so dearly. Eglantine is not the same without you."
|
|
|
Post by Annette nó Fronsac on Sept 12, 2009 15:54:15 GMT -5
I hugged him back, thrilled beyond words to see my old friend. "It's only been a year, Bell," I said, patting my stomach, "though it does seem longer." Then I registered what he had said and hugged him again. "Congratulations on the Second post! That's wonderful, I am so proud of you. It seems that you too have been blessed with so many opportunities."
I pulled away a bit to touch my stomach. "I lost the child's father, the Duc de Fronsac, in the plague," I said, leaving out the part about Prince Delaunay's theory of Gregoire's death. "He left me enough to be comfortable through all my days, and I will be the child's legal caretaker and regent until he comes of age."
|
|
|
Post by Bellamy nó Eglantine on Sept 13, 2009 1:41:20 GMT -5
I felt instantly guilty though it was no fault of mine, but I had been so blessed while she had lost her love and was with child. I did not know how to express it and I could already feel the tears welling in my eyes. No. No. I had to be the one to cheer her up, I could not bring her down. I forced a smile on my face and soon it was natural. "A year or not, it felt like forever. It seems the adepts keep getting younger and I keep getting older," I chuckled a little and clasped a hand on her shoulder.
"Still... a child being raised alone without his father? I am sure you will have all the help you need, but if you ever get tired and need a good, athletic role model." I flexed for her, hoping to make her smile as I did so. "Then I would be willing to watch over the child, maybe take him to be entertained at Eglantine. If not, I can always take you out sometime. You may be with child but that does not mean you cannot have any fun." Or anything. I was willing to do practically anything to assist her.
|
|
|
Post by Annette nó Fronsac on Sept 13, 2009 15:15:21 GMT -5
I laughed dryly. "I fear that fun is hard to come by in my condition," I said. "I can hardly move, let alone dance. The only thing that brings me any pleasure these days is eating." I laughed. "I could eat pie all day long."
"I would be glad for my son to spend time with my old friends," I continued. "Though he must be groomed for his role as Duc. I cannot tempt him with thoughts of adepthood." I was serious again. "I have to obey my late consort's wishes."
|
|
|
Post by Bellamy nó Eglantine on Sept 14, 2009 2:28:49 GMT -5
She laughed dryly but I laughed heartily, despite myself. "Oh I think I can show you a good time even in your condition." She seemed far along, but not terribly so. I ran my hand gently along her belly. "You could come drop by Eglantine House. I am sure everyone would love to see you... or, perchance, we could watch a performance or play. One does not need to be gallivanting about to have fun." I nudged her, gently with my elbow and grinned. "See! I could take you out for a nice slice of pie at a cafe or tavern. How does that sound?"
I nodded my head, understanding of her concern. "Of course, of course. Don't worry, I'll tell him all sorts of horrible things about being an adept," I said with a wink. He was of a high ranking bloodline. He need not worry about the necessity of adept life. "Besides, he need not know I am an adept. I do not bear my marque in public often." Though I was proud of it, I was not one to find it decent to walk around shirtless. "I can just be his Uncle Bell," I jested.
|
|
|
Post by Annette nó Fronsac on Sept 14, 2009 19:09:17 GMT -5
I laughed. "A slice of pie and a play sounds wonderful," I said. "Though truthfully, I don't think it's a good idea to go back to Eglantine. Some of the others might not take too kindly to my presence. But you are always welcome in our house, as Uncle Bell."
|
|
|
Post by Bellamy nó Eglantine on Sept 18, 2009 12:05:02 GMT -5
My eyebrows furrowed. I was always one who saw the best in people so the idea that some might not welcome her kindly, why, I could not think of a single adept who would feel that way. "If you're certain..." I said, though I began to worry. How could I be proud of my house if they acted in such a manner? "But I will take you out, I assure you," I said with a grin. "We can go now or I can pick you up at another time of your convenience. What would you prefer, my dear?"
|
|
|
Post by Annette nó Fronsac on Sept 21, 2009 1:43:53 GMT -5
"Well, I'm not ready to leave yet," I said. "I haven't yet given my prayer. But afterward, let's go get something to eat."
|
|
|
Post by Bellamy nó Eglantine on Sept 21, 2009 12:33:40 GMT -5
"Well, alright, I can wait," I said with a gentle smile. "I came here to pray as well, for my parents." I sat at the edge of the pool now. I always wondered where they were, how they were... and could only thank Eisheth for what they had given me when I was young, to allow me to get into Eglantine House. It was always a wonder to me and I swore I would never stop thinking about them.
|
|
|
Post by Annette nó Fronsac on Sept 25, 2009 21:36:15 GMT -5
I reached over to take his hand. "We can pray together," I said, before I began to offer my prayer. "Eisheth guardian of mothers, healer of the sick, and Blessed Elua, whose word we follow, bless me, and bless this babe in my womb with health, prosperity, and a good heart. Also bless Bellamy and Bellamy's parents, wherever they may be, with health, wealth, and happiness."
|
|
|
Post by Bellamy nó Eglantine on Oct 5, 2009 2:41:42 GMT -5
I smiled gently. It was the first time I recalled ever praying with someone and it was a nice feeling, to be in agreement on the same manner. I looked up, wondering if Elua and Eisheth were looking down upon us now. "Thank you, Annie, that was nice..." I said with a light laugh, "so have you thought of any names yet?" I asked curiously.
|
|
|
Post by Annette nó Fronsac on Oct 5, 2009 13:23:18 GMT -5
"Yes," I said. "Before he died, Gregoire and I decided that if it were a boy, we would name him Olivier, and if it were a girl, Gabrielle." I patted my belly. "I think it is going to be a boy, though, I have already borne one girl and it felt different than this."
|
|
|
Post by Bellamy nó Eglantine on Oct 20, 2009 14:37:24 GMT -5
At least she was able to fulfill her husband's wish, I supposed, since he had picked a name before his departure, though I could only wonder how that had come about, but I did not want to be rude and breach surely a sore wound. I put my hand on her belly gently and began to sing softly, as was my way in Eglantine and I kissed it gingerly. "I think your child will be a boy, as well." It was a feeling. An odd one, but... I don't know, it felt right.
|
|
|
Post by Annette nó Fronsac on Oct 22, 2009 22:21:59 GMT -5
I felt the baby kick as Bell sang, and laughed. "He likes your voice," I said. "Maybe he will have some talent as a musician when he grows up."
|
|
|
Post by Bellamy nó Eglantine on Oct 26, 2009 22:55:45 GMT -5
"Under my tutelage of course he will... and well, being half of you, of course he will," I said looking up at her. I grinned, putting my hand and delighting when I felt the child kick within her. "He will be strong." I had so many hopes for her child, as if I were the father in my own right.
|
|
|
Post by Annette nó Fronsac on Oct 27, 2009 22:46:00 GMT -5
"I hope so," I said. "I have such high hopes...had even higher ones before..." I trailed off. "A boy shouldn't be without a father," I said, a bit choked up. "And Elua, I miss him, so very much."
|
|
|
Post by Bellamy nó Eglantine on Oct 31, 2009 12:37:06 GMT -5
"No, a boy should not be without his father," I agreed and wrapped my arms around her as she began to sob. I did not even want to imagine what I would do if my chosen partner died. I did not even think I could find the will to sing. Though I knew little of my own father, his strong hands, that smile were still impressed on me as well as his mandolin. I still knew of him, even if I did not know him and sometimes, that was better than nothing. "This did not happen for no reason though..." I said and tilted her chin up, smiling, "Do not worry, you will pull through. You are an Eglantine. I know you can."
|
|
|
Post by Annette nó Fronsac on Oct 31, 2009 19:07:58 GMT -5
I nodded, wiping my tears away. "You're right, of course you are right," I said. "I must be strong, for my sake, for the sake of my son. He will need me."
|
|
|
Post by Bellamy nó Eglantine on Nov 30, 2009 13:28:26 GMT -5
"But still... that does not mean that you need to go in it on your own." I wanted to comfort her, not make her think that she had not done enough! "After all, Eisheth is kind... and you will always have your companions. You will always have me, Annette, no matter what," I said, a smile playing my features.
|
|
|
Post by Annette nó Fronsac on Dec 1, 2009 0:25:39 GMT -5
"Thank you, Bellamy," I murmured, leaning in to kiss his cheek softly. "You are a good friend." My skin prickled. "I think I am ready to go, now."
|
|
|
Post by Bellamy nó Eglantine on Jan 8, 2010 20:04:16 GMT -5
"Perfect," I said, rising to my feet form where I had been sitting, laying a vigil over her. I offered her my hand to assist her up as soon as I had found my own balance, while my other hand kept a tight grip on my mandolin. "Well, my dear... where would you like to go? A nice cafe of some sort or a restaurant? I'm sure I can even arrange a last minute picnic." Anything to make her happy, I would have tried.
|
|
|
Post by Annette nó Fronsac on Jan 8, 2010 20:07:05 GMT -5
I accepted his hand as I got to my feet, a bit wobbly. "Surprise me," I said with a smile. "It's been a long time since I've been out anywhere."
|
|