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Post by Veronique Liatris (H) on Sept 25, 2009 18:46:53 GMT -5
I had decided that it was time to get some things for the new baby, as I was now six months along. I had begun to show some weeks past, and my own clothes were fitting a little snug, and so I thought it was high time to get out of the House. Marc tried to appear interested in a day of shopping, but I could see that it was only for my benefit, and so I decided not to torture him by dragging him along. It was a pity that Layonette was not available, but it seemed I would be shopping alone.
I did not mind, usually, but I had been in the City for some time and I realized as I made my plans that I had made precious few friends here. I had quite an outgoing nature, and it was odd for me to spend so much time at home, but the move here and all of it's adjustments had kept me from getting out much. And then there was the several months of morning sickness, of course. But that was all past, and I decided a day out would do me good.
So it was that I was wandering the Palace District, picking up a toy here, an outfit there. I had no feeling one way or the other as to the baby's sex, so shopping for its clothes was not as fun as it could have been. Still, I did find a shoppe that catered to infant clothing, and they had quite the selection of neutral colors, or so it appeared from their window display, which I stood in front of, staring at it with one hand on my burgeoning belly and wondering if I should go in.
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Post by Sarielle Shahrizai on Sept 27, 2009 16:21:00 GMT -5
A long time ago I had promised myself that I would not stay in so much, but I found that I was easily becoming a hermit. If I was not tending to affairs of the estate, seeing Gadleon or at some fete or another, I was inside, reading, dancing, tending the roses and my gardens before the first frost should come, anything to not leave the grounds. But, now, with Naia around, if not for my own sake then moreso for hers and her own needs for privacy, I had more of a reason not to hermit myself away as the one Shahrizai family member with less sightings than Dominic. So with that in mind I left the house and ventured out to the Palace District. The things here were a little richer than my tastes were usually geared to, but I would have to get used to looking amongst the shops and becoming one with society again.
That thought was the last thought I had before nearly walking into a woman, standing on the walk, holding her stomach. I excused myself, but couldn`t help but smile.
"My lady, if I may be so bold," I said courteously, though I smiled like a serpent. I needed to get used to this. It was a work in progress. "How far along are you in your pregnancy?" I asked.
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Post by Veronique Liatris (H) on Sept 27, 2009 19:06:39 GMT -5
Not many people knew that I had a bit of an odd sense of humor, so when the young woman who had nearly run into me addressed me, I said the first thing that popped into my head.
"I'm not pregant!" I said, my tone taking on an injured air. Of course, when I saw that I was looking at Shahrizai features, I thought the better of my little jest, smiling and laughing softly. "Sorry, that was my idea of a joke. Six months, actually." I turned and gestured toward the display, and then at the several bags I already carried.
"I was just debating whether or not to step into this shoppe and buy my future child more things he or she doesn't need."
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Post by Sarielle Shahrizai on Sept 27, 2009 19:15:08 GMT -5
I laughed, sounding like bells, as I looked at her. "Good try at least. It is normally hard to fool those of my ilk," I said with a grin. "Congratulations, my lady. It is good to see a pregnant woman that far along who hasn't lost all humour in everything," I said with a grin, "some pregnant women," I murmured rolling my eyes before laughing. I looked at the shop and a the bags she already carried. "Do you want some help with your purchases?" I asked, a little mechanically, being new at this whole being open and nice iwth people thing. "I've never been in a baby store and I wouldn't mind accompanying you. Afterall, maybe I can help make sure you don't break the bank on items you already have in triplicate?"
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Post by Veronique Liatris (H) on Sept 27, 2009 20:02:17 GMT -5
I chuckled at her words about humor. "Well, I like to keep a light heart as long as possible. Toward the end, it's very difficult." I decided to take her up on her offer, wanting to make some new friends in the City, and I had to admit, being curious about this obvious Shahrizai. I didn't know very many, and this one appeared to be much nicer than most. Or did she have some ulterior motive? I couldn't think what that might be, so I decided to assume for the moment that she really did want to make my acquaintance.
"I am Veronique Liatris, by the way, Duchesse of Camlach." I said, by way of introduction. "And I would love the company." And the help with my bags, now that I thought of it. I handed over a few of my parcels with a relieved smile.
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Post by Sarielle Shahrizai on Sept 28, 2009 16:40:27 GMT -5
I smied back at her though I could see that she was, in her own way, sizing me up, wondering why I was being kind. We were cruel, but usually with reason. She simply had not given me any reason to be terible. And I didn't think she would. "Well, Duchesse, I am very pleased to meet you. I am Sarielle Shahrizai. A Baroness of sorts but I am not one for titles myself. Much more work than they are worth," I said with a soft laugh, taking the bags she handed over for me. "I hope that this little excursion doesn't make me start wanting little ones. It is a lovely idea, birthing a child, but not yet for myself," I said with a smile. "Let's go in."
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Post by Veronique Liatris (H) on Sept 30, 2009 23:16:43 GMT -5
I laughed lightly at her assessment of titles. "I have found that to be the case, on occasion, but I suppose that I haven't been Duchesse long enough to tire of it." I gave a little sigh of relief as Sarielle relieved me of some of my bags, as my lower back was aching slightly. For a Shahrizai, she was already proving delightfully useful.
"No?" I looked her over again, thinking that she looked about the age for little ones. "Don't fancy having little babes clinging to your skirts yet? I'm surprised your husband isn't trying to get you to light your candle with all haste - men seem to be unable to wait to have sons to carry on their names."
We had entered the store proper, and I waved away the shopkeeper. I found shopkeepers rather tiresome, and preferred to browse on my own. "Now, let's see, I'm looking for something green, or cream." Those were the colors I was considering for the nursery, so I was always on the lookout for things in those shades.
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Post by Sarielle Shahrizai on Oct 1, 2009 8:33:17 GMT -5
I had seen the look she had given me, as though assessing me, and laughed softly as she did. We entered the store and moved past the shopkeep to begin the search on our own. "That would no doubt be the case, I think, if I was wed," I said with a laugh as I went to push a small tan rocking horse with a blue-green bit and matching plush saddle. I cocked my head towards it. "This is cute, I think. Start the child early on riding horses. Especially if the baby is a boy," I said with a laugh. Twas no unknown thing that Camaeline men were fighters.
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Post by Veronique Liatris (H) on Oct 1, 2009 21:46:28 GMT -5
I felt the heat of embarrassment when Sarielle said se wasn't married. Why had I assumed she was? "Oh, I'm sorry, that was a bit presumptuous of me, wasn't it? In my defense, you are much too lovely for me to have imagined that no man has snatched you up yet!" Hmm, maybe I could do something about that? My matchmaking tendencies were sometimes hard to keep at bay.
My attention was diverted, however, when Sarielle noted the little rocking horse, I forgot my plans for the moment. "Oh, that is so adorable!" I exclaimed, running my fingers along the plush surface, laughing at her words. "That it so true, my husband could not wait to get our other two children on horses. "
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Post by Sarielle Shahrizai on Oct 3, 2009 19:16:53 GMT -5
"What do you think? Rocking horse in the baby's future?" I said with a laugh as I trailed my fingers over the smoooth, painted wood. "Oh and if you've need for furniture and other carved things, I have a few places in mind, and mayhap a friend who might be interested in the commission," I said with a smile, thinking on Azriel, and that Dorvals furniture place I had once seen. They had some very interesting and different items in that store.
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Post by Veronique Liatris (H) on Oct 3, 2009 20:53:52 GMT -5
"Oh, I definitely think so," I said, chuckling softly. When she mentioned a friend that might be interested in a commission, I brightened. "That is a definite possibility," I said, tapping a finger against my lips as I thought. "I much prefer to have things tailored to order, rather than simply going to a shop and picking things out that had been made with nothing in mind but the artist's own ideas. Perhaps it was a conceit, but it was a luxury that I could afford, and so I indulged. "Before we part, you will have to give me your friend's information, and perhaps I can commission the baby's furniture."
Moving on into the store, I found a small green dress that was ruffled and decorated with adorable pink roses embroidered all about the hem. "Oh, look at this!" I exclaimed, holding it up and showing it to Sarielle. "One thing that I loved about having a baby girl was the clothes!"
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Post by Sarielle Shahrizai on Oct 6, 2009 10:06:18 GMT -5
I smiled at her words and nodded. "Dorville's is perfect for furniture, and the little wooden carvings woudl be my friend Azriel... though I shouldn't offer him up without clearing it first of course," I said with a soft laugh, "you know how men can be." I followed her as she slipped into the area of the store with the baby clothing and picked up a cute dress. I had to laugh at her enthusiasm.
"It is darling. And I would assume dressing girls is far more fun, little miniatures of ourselves, plus women's clothing is far more....artistic," I said with a smile. "Everythign is always the same with boys, hosen, breeches, little shoes, a tunic," I said as I fingered through and picket out a darling little dress of white and red with tulle to puff the skirts. "Though you might have to come back once you know which it is your are having," I said wtih a smile. "Unless you don't mind clothing a little boy in darling dresses."
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Post by Veronique Liatris (H) on Oct 6, 2009 17:12:03 GMT -5
"Well," I said with a laugh, "I might do it purely out of love for these dresses, but I daresay that Marc would disapprove." I found a small green and gold tunic that was embroidered with ivy leaves and held it up, adding, "Although this is quite adorable, and a baby boy would look quite stunning in it, don't you think?"
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Post by Sarielle Shahrizai on Oct 7, 2009 13:42:51 GMT -5
"I agree," I said, agreeing to both accounts. "And if the littlun happens to be a girl, that would still work, although mayhap not as much for public appearances," I said with a grin. "It is terribly difficult to find items, it seems, that are presentable and extend across both sexes, hmm? Or is my observation skewed by my terrible lack in experience?" I asked as I moved and picked up a pair of miniature breeches, holding them up with a smile. As much as I hated to admit it, the things were darling.
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Post by Veronique Liatris (H) on Oct 17, 2009 21:29:08 GMT -5
I chuckled, shaking my head. "No, no, you are correct. I always start out with a precious few clothing items, until the babe is born. Then, of course, I do quite a bit of shopping." I smiled at the tiny breeches she held, adding, "Not that I am really complaining. This way, I get to shop before and after the baby is born."
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Post by Sarielle Shahrizai on Oct 23, 2009 10:13:45 GMT -5
I laughed softly, shaking my head as I set the item back. "I take it you rather enjoy shopping then?" I asked with a smile.
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Post by Veronique Liatris (H) on Oct 23, 2009 22:25:40 GMT -5
"Oh yes, I'm afraid I am rather stereotypical in that respect. It is a good thing that Marc doesn't mind indulging me." I found a small receiving blanket in cream and gold and held onto it, before continuing, "Besides, I might be the Duchesse, but Marc is the Duc and he is often busy with the business of being nobility. My other two children are nigh grown, and off on their own. I swear, it feels like an age since the last time I saw Layonette!" I laughed, shaking my head. "I think I shall be quite glad to have another little one about, my mothering instinct certainly needs the work."
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Post by Sarielle Shahrizai on Oct 25, 2009 9:29:34 GMT -5
I laughed a bit, nodding at her words. "Yes, I can see how shopping might become a good pasttime in such a case," I said with a smile. "I have my hands full right now with my sister," I murmured, though my smile faltered a little. "She is not young, not terribly, though she will always be my little sister," I said with a warm smile as I looked around at the items on the rack, pulling out a light grey and beige bib to show Veronique.
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Post by Veronique Liatris (H) on Oct 25, 2009 11:36:48 GMT -5
I noted the way her smile seemed to disappear for a moment, like clouds covering the sun, though she seemed to recover quickly. I wondered if this sister of hers was trouble? "Yes, one always seems to think of people in a certain way, no matter how they grow. I always imagine my son as a little boy, though he is a man grown now."
I reached over and touched the bib, feeling the softness of the material. "Oh, that's nice," I exclaimed, adding it to the pile I was beginning to amass.
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Post by Sarielle Shahrizai on Oct 25, 2009 11:49:56 GMT -5
I laughed softly at her words, relinquishing the bib so she could add it on. "Well good I'm not wholly useless then," I said with a laugh. I wasn't sure how much help I would be. I had been there for Naia, but only until my majority when I was sent away. Our mother died while she birthed her. In a sense, it was as though I already was a mother, and failing terribly. I wiped the thought from my mind as I perused shelves on the wall next to the rack, picking up a baby rattle. "So how did you and your husband meet?" I asked as I shook it.
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Post by Veronique Liatris (H) on Oct 25, 2009 23:50:59 GMT -5
My features softened as I thought about Marc, and how we had met. "Well, Marc is the son of the Sovereign Duc of Camlach, whose estate bordered ours." This was true, though the story was much more complicated than it sounded, and I didn't think I would ever be able to explain the odd tale of Marc's upbringing. "We met one summer when he was home from soldiering, as Camaeline men are wont to do," I said, laughing softly. I could remember the day perfectly, my first glimpse of him, riding by on the road to the Duc's estate, though then I was not aware who he was ... had he even known, then? "I think I loved him from the moment I saw him, though we were friends for a time before he asked for my hand."
I smiled as she shook the rattle gently, "How I go on, you would think we had only married yesterday. And you? Though you said you are not wed, is there a man who holds your heart?"
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Post by Sarielle Shahrizai on Nov 2, 2009 8:17:15 GMT -5
I smiled as she recounted her meeting the love of her life. "Well, if it feels still like you just got married, the newness and excitement of it, then you must be doing something very right," I said with a soft laugh, though I was being sincere. When she asked of my lovelife though, I smiled wryly.
"There is," I murmured. "He is... a cousin," I said wtih a soft laugh. Some people looked down on the Shahrizai for our love of keeping relationships in the family. "He is amazing... although," I murmured, finding myself silencing myself. I looked to her then. "Mayhap ... you could help me with something," I said though I hated to admit that I had any problem.
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Post by Veronique Liatris (H) on Nov 2, 2009 23:04:48 GMT -5
I smiled softly, yes she was right ... Marc and I were definitely doing something right. I focused my attention on Sarielle as she shared with me that she did indeed have an interest. A cousin, not surprising for a Shahrizai, though it mattered not to me.
"I would love to, if I can," I said, my smile widening. I did so love to matchmake, though Marc often cautioned me about butting it. Well, it wasn't butting in if she asked me, right? "What do you need?"
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Post by Sarielle Shahrizai on Nov 4, 2009 12:01:22 GMT -5
I laughed softly at her eagerness. "Well, I .... I think I find myself torn, and possibly without reason," I murmured as I looked over more items. There was a cute mobile with fake leaves and vines and little bears and forrest animals spinning as they dangled. I flicked it with a finger to send it spinning in a slow circle. "You see... I am ... currently with one cousin but.. before I had feelings for another and well...," I shrugged, laughing softly. I was sure she could see where this predicament was leading. It was mildly embarassing. It was not like I was 17 and some spring chicken.
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Post by Veronique Liatris (H) on Dec 8, 2009 13:06:30 GMT -5
"Ah," I said, nodding sagely. Not that I had experienced this myself, of course, I had loved Marc with all of my heart practically from our first meeting, but I had seen it often enough in others.
"Well, it has been my experience that this situation most often ends badly when one spends too much time trying to figure out what one wants, and thus both of one's interests tend to move along. My advice, therefore, is some serious soul-searching ... surely one of them must make one's heart beat faster?" I smiled at her, thinking about Marc, and the impending birth of our third child.
"I think sometimes people make the mistake of thinking too much about who is "right" for them with their minds, when really this is a decision of the heart. Unfortunately, it's not a decision anyone can really help you with, but you must make it, or it will be made for you."
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Post by Sarielle Shahrizai on Dec 25, 2009 7:18:51 GMT -5
I nodded as I listened to her words. She was right, of course, and I already knew that that was what I needed to do, but it was just about how to go about doing it that was the issue. I sighed softly, though I smiled.
"You are right, and thank you," I said as I looked to her. "I guess this is what happens when you enter yourself back into society proper. Being a hermit isn't looking like such a bad way of life from this angle," I said with a laugh then picked up a baby rattle, decorated in the Aragonian way, with rich colours and ribbons, some sort of small grain or bean making a soft rustling noise when you shook it.
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Post by Veronique Liatris (H) on Dec 28, 2009 23:52:26 GMT -5
I laughed softly at her words, though I was sympathetic to her plight. I wished that I could offer her something more concrete, but her situation did not lend itself to an easy resolution.
"Being a hermit seems utterly dull, I should think," I said, making a little face to show my distaste. "Life is messy, but without the mess you miss a lot of other worthwhile things." I thought about my time apart from Marc and how hard it had been ... and yet, it had led to his becoming Duc, my coming to the City, and the impending birth of our third child. If I had to go through the pain for this happiness, I would do it ten times over.
"Do not fret overmuch, my dear. Men are like children, it's all in knowing how to deal with them. Perhaps we might have lunch one day and you can tell me about the men in your life and mayhap I can help you more." I knew it was meddling, and that Marc would not approve, but I had a soft spot for any sort of matchmaking.
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Post by Sarielle Shahrizai on Dec 29, 2009 11:43:52 GMT -5
I laughed softly. "Being a hermit is not that terrible, though it is more lonely in the winter times when I do not have my rose garden to keep me busy," I said wtih a grin, "but I do understand what you mean." I sighed softly. It was not like me to receive advice from anyone really, afterall I was Shahrizai, but Veronique seemed to be sincere, with no hidden agendas up her sleeve. And why would she have any? It was hard to get away from the Shahrizai frame of mind, the paranoia at times, and to just trust that someone might have your best interest at heart.
I smiled at her warmly. She did not know it but she had just helped me learn something about myself. "I would like that very much," I said with a grin. "But right now," I said with a bell like laugh, picking up the most ridiculous pair of booties I had ever seen in my life, "we are shopping for you."
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Post by Veronique Liatris (H) on Dec 31, 2009 22:42:25 GMT -5
"I suppose it depends a lot upon one's personality," I observed, thinking about how bored I got when I was alone. Not everyone needed to be surrounded by people and new things to be happy, I supposed. "I personally need the type of mental stimulation found dealing with people - though I confess sometimes I do need a break."
I giggled with her as I looked at the booties she held, shaking my head. "I have to wonder sometimes who buys certain items..." In addition to the booties, I pointed at a shirt that was the most hideous blend of yellow and pea-soup green that I had ever seen. "I mean, honestly? Who would put this on their child?"
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Post by Sarielle Shahrizai on Jan 16, 2010 10:55:13 GMT -5
My giggle turned to a bell like laugh as I looked to the shirt she pointed at. "Apparently someone with neither good taste nor the ability to see colour," I exclaimed as I looked at the shirt, perplexed. "I think the question is who in their right mind would create such a monstrosity?!" I whispered in more hushed tones, not wishing to overtly offend the shopkeep's sensibilities. I snickered softly. "That child would be doomed to be friendless for a very, very long time," I said as I put the booties down and shook my head.
"So, do you have a large extended family?" I asked, "lots of brothers and sisters and cousins? Or is it rather small?"
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