All Life's A Story - Henri & Vivienne

[Vivienne nó Camellia]

Being Second of Camellia had left me with much less free time than I had anticipated, so when I found myself with a free afternoon, I was quick to slip out for some time outdoors. I had always loved to be outside, and in these first days of autumn especially. It was still warm enough to enjoy the weather, but not so hot as to leave one sticky and stifling.

I wandered down Mont Nuit, through Night's Doorstep, and eventually found myself in Elua's Square, at the fountain. I loved to people-watch, and this was a perfect place for it, as many people gathered here to enjoy the beautiful day, to rest their feet from shopping, or to share a bite to eat with a friend or lover. I found a small table for two and sat in one of the chairs, leaning back to watch the people who mingled about the fountain, wondering at their stories, for I felt all people must have a story, no matter if they thought their lives dull.

Whatever happened to a person, I believed, mattered, even if only to them, and it was with that philosophy that I treated everyone I came into contact with - as if they mattered. It might seem a small thing, but I believed that it was what had led to my being named Second, and that had been a dream come true.

I settled back, enjoying the late-afternoon sunshine, indeed I practically basked in it, watching the people in the square through half-lidded eyes, content to simply be out of Camellia for the day.

[Henri Legard]

It was often that I frequented the City centre, sitting under the large tree or by the fountain, and today was no different. The sun was a warm one, though the breeze was crisp and brisk, the kind that would redden the cheeks of small children, running about. Which there was a plentiful amount of. I should have been seeking out work, but I couldn't help but think that one day soon I would be an uncle, and I wanted to help out as much as I would be allowed, as much as I could, and so I had held of search for work in earnest.

The only thing about that is that it kept me terribly bored

And thus, here I was, walking the street, weaving around children and couples and singles alike, enjoying the day like I had come here to do. My tree was taken, however, as were most of the benches. I saw a pretty blond woman, and walked up to her as she sat back in here chair, taking in the sunshine. I smiled. That seemed like something I would do. But when I went to talk, there were no words. I was far too shy and did not know how I was about to ask a woman, a stranger, to let me sit with her. What if she thought me weird.

And so I stood, hoping that I would find an opened as I looked down upon her silently.

[Vivienne nó Camellia]

A shadow fell nearby, and I opened my eyes fully to look up at the young man who stand there. He was regarding me, silently, and I wondered at his intent. Young men were often taken with me, I was not a Camellia adept for nothing, but they usually managed to stammer something or engage me in conversation somehow.

I had to smile, taking pity on this earnest seeming young man, handsome enough to have been in my house. "Would you like to share this table?" I asked him, gesturing to the chair across from me. "I should love some company on a day like today." I wondered if he would accept the invitation, and if he did, that he would lose some of that shyness and talk to me, though I had to admit that that very shyness was what had endeared me to him in the first place.

[Henri Legard]

"I um...," I chuckled running a hand through my hair as I looked at her nervously, snapped out of some sort of trance. She was terribly stunning. "I.. I mean if you don't mind a foolish man sitting with you," I said with a chuckle, "then I would be very happy indeed to sit with you," I said, looking down at her with what most likely looked like an idiotic grin. I tried to check myself, faltering in smiling, then realising I probably looked a dolt doing that, I went back to my original smile, idiotic though it may be.

[Vivienne nó Camellia]

"I don't mind at all." I said, hiding my amusement at his wide grin, and his obvious attempt at toning it down a bit. "Vivienne no Camellia, at your service," I said, hoping that I could somehow put him at ease. "I like to come out and watch all the people while the weather still permits. What brings you to Elua's Square this afternoon?" I hoped that getting him talking would also relax him a bit.

[Henri Legard]

I took a seat with a nod. "I am Henri Legard," I said with a softer smile. "I usually come out and sit under the tree but as you can see," I said, motioning towards it, "it seems rather occupied. I just like to sit... and think... and watch," I offered in explanation. "Camelia... that is one of the houses of the Night Court... for.. perfection, right?" I asked as I looked into her eyes. Of course I was right, she was terribly beautiful, flawless it seemed, at least from what I could tell. Of course, my thoughts lead me in a direction I did not want them to go, and I could feel my cheeks heating at my own internal embarassment.

[Vivienne nó Camellia]

"Well met, Henri." I said, thinking at once that his name suited him. I'm not sure why that thought popped into my head, but I had learned long ago to flow with the somewhat odd ideas that floated about there.

I followed his hand as he motioned toward the shade of a tree that was indeed occupied. I was struck by what a much better place for people-watching it was than this table, and I smiled as I realized I might have found something of a kindred spirit. "I like to do those things, too." I said, laughing lightly. "In fact, it's what I am doing right now. Though I daresay it will be much more interesting with company."

He recognized the name of my House, though in the City that was commonplace. You couldn't throw a stone without hitting an Adept of some sort, it seemed. I watched a bit of a flush come to his cheeks and felt a little thrill at his reaction. Being beautiful never got old, I did so love knowing that in that way, at least, I was flawless. Perhaps it was a conceit, but it was a common enough one in Camellia House. "Yes, that is right, perfection." It really did sound conceited, saying it aloud, and I laughed again, this time with more feeling. "It sounds terrible to say it out loud, though, doesn't it? 'Oh, I'm Vivienne, I'm perfect.' " I mocked myself with a smile. "But there it is, I suppose one can't help it what House they end up in, can they?"

[Henri Legard]

I laughed at her self impression, it was hard not to. Her laugh was like music, and i had not heard something like it before. Her voice was rather mesmerizing too, and I could feel all the unlearnedness welling up inside me, the uncertainty as I felt my cheeks heat as her eyes seemed to pierce mine. "True," I said with a soft chuckle, "on both accounts. But then again, people watching, at least when I say it, conjures up the image of a boy hiding in a tree peeping in some poor lady's window," I said with a laugh, then realising how inappropriate that comment could be I whispered an apology and looked to the people about us.

"So I guess you grew up here in the City then?" I asked, venturing a quick glance her way before clearing mythroat and looking like I was focusing on the people milling about.

[Vivienne nó Camellia]

I laughed again, heartily, at the image he conjured up; I could practically see him, on the limb of a tree, peeking into the window of some young thing. The vision was amusing and my estimation of him rose. “Don’t apologize,” I said, waving my hand as if to swat his apology away. “That was rather amusing, and I like a man with a keen wit.” Which was true, there was nothing worse than someone who took themselves too seriously and could not have a bit of a fun, even at their own expense.

“Well, between here and Azzalle,” I said, in response to his question. “My father is a minor noble there, and I used to spend half of the year at his estate. Once I took up service to Naamah, my time was more infrequent, but even now I still make the trip whenever I can.” I smiled and then turned the question to him, “And you? Where did you grow up?”

[Henri Legard]

I smiled as she laughed. I suppose I was not doing too terribly afterall, which was a plus, and certainly something that helped put me to ease.

"I wonder what Azzalle is like," I murmured, almost offhandedly as I looked into her eyes, and then smiled a little wider, with pride. "I am from Camlach," I said with a grin. "And no, I am not a soldier, or a cavalry man," I said, scrunching my nose as I made a face, "in case you were thinking what most think of Camaeline men," I said with a laugh. Twas another joke, though a little baudier, something I would not normally say to a lady, but I did so enjoy hearing her laughter.

[Vivienne nó Camellia]

"Azzalle is quite beautiful," I answered truthfully, and I felt a pang of longing as I spoke of it. "My father's estate borders the sea, at the places where one can see the White Cliffs of Dobria in Alba. It is quite amazing to look across the sea into another country. Besides the sea, further inland there are great tracts of farmland and orchards, so many trees that in the spring the lands seems to be blanketed in flowers." I think I might have gotten quite nostalgic were it not for Henri's jest about Camlach.

I laughed again, shaking my head. "I try not to judge a man by his place of birth, nor by his 'sword' for that matter." I replied, a little Adept humor of my own. "It's not the sword, it's how it's wielded, isn't that what they say?"

[Henri Legard]

I chuckled as she picked up my joke, and was glad that it did not offend her. "Well your home sounds lovely, I would love to see Azzalle sometime," I said with a grin, "and yes," I said with a laugh, "I have heard it is in wielding. I would not know, I've not handled a sword in ages," I said with a bit of a blush. I hadn't handled an actual sword since I was a child. And wielding my own in.. that... sense... I was unschooled... totally and utterly. I cleared my throat and looked around. The leaves had started to really change and it was wondrously beautiful, watching nature go through its continual life cycle.

"What is your favourite season?" I asked as I brought my gaze back to hers, hoping my cheeks were no longer as red as they felt, and hoping that the subject change might distract from my earlier words.

[Vivienne nó Camellia]

"And I Camlach," I said, wondering if I should get the chance now that I had more responsibilities here in the City.

I smiled softly as he blushed a little, my double entendre apparently striking home just a bit. "I thought Camaeline men were born with a sword in their hands?" I jested, but allowed him to change the subject, as I didn't wish to make him uncomfortable.

"Autumn, actually," I answered, following his gaze to the lovely leaves that fell from the trees in lazy spirals. "I am always relieved for the heat of the summer to be done, but not quite ready for the cold of winter. Autumn is that perfect in-between time where the days are just the right temperature, the foliage is beautiful, and it's as if the whole world is preparing for winter."

I hadn't meant to wax so poetical, and I laughed a little at myself, before asking, "And you, which season is your favorite?"

[Henri Legard]

My eyes widened, as did my grin, at her answer.

"It is my favourite as well... though I love all the seasons, Autumn is the most beautiful. There is always so much to reap," I said, thinking on the crops. I shook my head to release myself from my revery as I looked upon her again. Golden locks, blue eyes, plump lips that screamed to be kissed. I refrained, of course. I knew better. Besides, she was an adept, there was no way someone as untried as myself could do anything like that properly.

"Though like I said," I said clearing my throat, "they are all lovely. Winter is beautiful in its severity," I said with a grin and a laugh. "You know, when I think of the way those from Cereus house are described, I think of them as winter, and Jasmine as summer, Camellia I thought would have been spring," I said with a chuckle. "I must sound rather foolish."

[Vivienne nó Camellia]

"Not at all," I said, looking at him with rather a new interest. He had a poetic way of speaking that I enjoyed, and I again felt that I had found a kindred spirit. "I agree that every season has its beauty, the golden warmth of summer and the green of spring... perhaps it is that I see seasons in colors?"

"And you see them in Houses," I said, smiling with delight. "That has a certain poetic twist to it. Which House would be autumn, do you think?" I thought about it as well, for I agreed with his assessment of the other houses. "Balm? For some reason I think of autumn as comforting," I laughed softly. "Perhaps because it is my favorite?" I leaned forward a bit, waiting for his response with an interest that was unfeigned, and it was refreshing, this young man who could hold my interest so readily.

[Henri Legard]

I smiled as she understood what I was saying and did not think me some odd foolish boy. I beamed, really, listening to her speak, and the conviction with which she spoke, showing that she believed in everything that she was saying. She was truly interested in this conversation, not just pretending for etiquette's sake.

"I think," I said with a grin, "that Autumn is Alyssum," I said with a smile. "With eyes averted... seems to make me think of someone that you barely notice is in the room until they come upon you and startle you out of your wits," I said with a laugh, "and autumn has that way of sneaking up on you, of being so silently coming that one day you realise the leaves are changing and really cannot pinpoint when they had started." I explained, wondering if she might agree. She had leaned forward, listening to me, and I realised then that i had done the same, bringing us a little closer to each other. I could feel my cheeks heat a little bit as I looked into her eyes, willing myself not to look elsewhere, especially with us so close in proximity.

[Vivienne nó Camellia]

I laughed softly, nodding in agreement. I might not have thought of it, but he made such a case for it that I could see the leaves turning in my mind's eye. I was aware suddenly that he had leaned in as I had, and now we were as close as two people sharing a secret.

"And we Camellia as spring," I mused, smiling, my eyes sparkling with amusement. "We appear slowly out of the snow, green shoots and pink flowers. We bring warmth where there was once the dry chill of winter." I smiled and rested my head on my hand. "Even though autumn is my favorite season, I think I like the idea of representing spring. From here on out, I think I shall have a special place for spring in my heart."

[Henri Legard]

I smiled at her words and nodded. "Well then Camellia may be one of my favourite houses," I said with a chuckle. "Since it personifies one of my favourite times of the year, when everything is starting to come into being, to beam with life," I said as my eyes looked into hers. She beamed with life, brimmed and bubbled over with it. "And it seems, I think, perfectly fitting for you." I did not know her, and knew that I probably sounded like a mad man making such a leap, but just from her presence, she seemed so full of it the light and joy of life, so full that it shined from her eyes, her rosy cheeks set against pale skin.

[Vivienne nó Camellia]

"Then does that make me your favorite adept?" I teased, my eyes sparkling with mirth. I could not pretend that I did not like a compliment, as some ladies might.

"For my part, the seasons will ever remind me of a handsome young man from Camlach," I said, and it was true, this conversation was proving to be more memorable than most, even though we spoke of nothing but the seasons. "And spring, especially."

I leaned back a bit, not wishing to seem to forward, there were so many layers of etiquette between an adept and a man; any man could potentially be a patron, after all.

[Henri Legard]

I smiled and let out a deep chuckle as my eyes smiled back at her. I could, however, feel my cheeks heating with her insinuation and the compliment she donned upon me. She, a woman of perfection, complimenting me. I dipped my head as she moved away peered up at her through my long lashes.

"That very well might make you my favourite adept, though I think that has more to do with you than your house," I said, "or the season. And I too will remember you, the sun-like beauty and the happiness that shines in you," I said, then felt my cheeks heat and spread to my hair line. I cleared my throat, obviously, unfortunately, and had to chuckle at myself. "I am sorry... my compliments are rather um... hm.... I am ... untried... at flirtation," I said as I ran a hand through my unruly locks, an apologetic smile on my lips.

[Vivienne nó Camellia]

"That makes it all the better," I said, smiling softly at him. "For your words still have the ring of truth. Being practiced at flirtation only means that one is good at saying what they think the other person wants to hear."

I reached my hand across the table to touch his softly. "It is nice to see someone who still retains a genuine spirit, that is a quality that is all too rare in the City sometimes. Though you say you have not been here long, surely you must have noticed it?"

[Henri Legard]

I nodded in both agreement and understanding. "I have. It seems like there is.. always some sort of game about. I always feel that when I give y honest to goodness opinion, that I am supposed to be lacing it with some near truth to ... I don't know... make it seem nicer... better... even if it is the honest opinion. For example," I said with a sad laugh, "a lady had asked me what I thought of her dress, and I told her that it did not suit her but that she was beautiful nonetheless. Well, needless to say she stormed off rather upset, and I stood there confused until I realised that mayhap I was just supposed to tell her she looked beautiful and not let her know the utter truth," I murmured. "There is a lot of pretense," I whispered as I looked down at my hands. "But I do like it here. It... is different, even if it is a bit offsetting and confusing sometimes," I said with a smile as I raised my gaze to hers.

[Vivienne nó Camellia]

I nodded sympathetically, I knew just what he meant. Although, growing up in the Night Court I was well-practiced at the type of "game" that he spoke of. I laughed softly at his tale, well imagining the scene that must have ensued.

"I'm glad you like it here," I said, smiling. "Even if it can be off-putting. I don't think your answer was a bad one, but not every woman is willing to hear the truth. Don't let the City change you, but search out people who will appreciate your honesty." I gave him a wink and added, "You've already found one, so you're on the right track."

[Henri Legard]

I could feel my cheeks warm a bit and I ducked my head as I chuckled softly. "Well I am glad to have made such an open and honest friend," I murmured, raising my eyes to hers once again, "and one who is not going to smack me when I open my mouth and words sputter out. Like, again, how beautiful you are," I said with a chuckle, "inside and out," I smiled and let a small sigh out as my shoulders lowered, feeling a little bit of weight leave them. "Perhaps... I mean if you are not too terribly busy... I could interest you in joining me for tea... ?" I ventured, forcing myself to look into her face as opposed to what I wanted to do, drop my gaze so that if she did deny me the pleasure I wouldn't have to look away from her. "As friends, of course," I whispered, hoping that she knew my intentions weren't other than pure. I would have contracted her to spend more time with her and her lovly spirit, but I did not have the coin. However, I did have the coin for a pot of tea.

[Vivienne nó Camellia]

"I would love to," I answered, reaching out to touch his hand softly. I found his shyness rather endearing; I was unaccustomed to meeting men such as he. Generally they were more forward, or perhaps my occupation colored my opinion?

"Have you been to Cachette?" I asked, thinking of the place fondly. I often wandered the Artisan's District, enjoying the shops there, and Cachette was no exception. "They have excellent tea, and a comfortable atmosphere."

[Henri Legard]

Her touch was gently and comforting and I smiled brightly for it, caring not as to whether I looked more like an idiot than a truly happy man.

"No, I have not been yet," I said, the smile still on my face, "but I would be honoured if you would show me." I bowed slightly before offering her my arm. "And excellent tea is always a good sign. Where is it?" I asked as I looked around a bit, trying to get my bearing in the map in my mind of the districts from where we stood.

[Vivienne nó Camellia]

I was pleased that Henri was interested, and so I took his arm with a happy smile on my face.

"Not far," I answered him, gesturing with my free hand in the direction we were to take. "Elua's Square is actually a good place to start forth, it is near to many places in the City." I kept my pace slow as we began the walk to Cachette; I was in no real hurry to get there and shorten our time together.

As we walked, I pointed out a woman wearing a rather nauseating array of colors and walking a dog the size of a small ferret. Giggling softly, I whispered in his ear, "One of my favorite games is to make up a story about interesting looking people. That woman, for example... she is colorblind, and her maid takes advantage, stealing away all of her couture and replacing it with whatever fashion travesty she can. And the dog, well, it's actually a rat, but the woman is so attached to it that no one has the heart to tell her."

Grinning, I looked up at him. "Now you try."

[Henri Legard]

She took my arm and I smiled widely, grinning no doubt from ear to ear, or so it felt, but it came so naturally in her company.

We began to walk, and I let her lead, especially since I had not a clue where we were off to. I was about to comment on the day, though I thought, in hindishgt, that I had probably done that one too many times already, but before I could Vivienne let out a girlish giggle, and I could not help but furrow my brows and wonder if perhaps she was laughing at me. I did not have th chance to ask as she pointed out what had brought it about in the first place. I covered my own mouth to stiffle a lugh, choking it off before a loud guffaw was released and attention brought to us. I cleared my throat instead, numerous times, until the urge to laugh had left me.

"Sweet goodness, what sort of maid could be so cruel!" I thought outloud, laughing softly. "Hmm my turn," I murmured, trailing off as I looked for something interesting. Down the lane, and across from us, a man and a woman were talking animatedly, though their words were not audible. "Okay, see over there?" I asked in undertones, my head nodding discretely in the couple's direction. "The woman is a fine lady, and a widow many times over, wealthy with estates that could put some of the more revered peerage to shame," I started out, "She is on her fifth husband, and that there, is the man she sees on the sly. You see, even though this is Terre d'Ange, her husband requires her monogamy. Of course, she only promises in words. There, the man has asked her ot leave her husband and marry him instead, since he has fallen head over heels for her, but she refuses, because he hasn't the title to persuade her to leave her husband. So he becomes enraged, and is arguing that a little bit of arsenic ought to do the ob just fine," I said with a chuckle. I grinned at Vivienne, wondering how my long histoire came across to her. "How was that? Maybe it was too much?" I said, doubting myself for a moment. It was rather long, a little macabre, and all too possible in this country

[Vivienne nó Camellia]

I was giggling madly as he finished his tale, and I shook my head at his words of doubt. "No, no that was perfect!" I exclaimed. "Have you played this game before?" I was quite impressed with his imagination and wit, and I thought that I was seeing before me a young man who grossly underestimated himself.

We were crossing a lane that was close to our destination, but as I was in no hurry, I pointed out a young couple who were canoodling in a corner. "And them... let's see... the woman is an Adept of Cereus House, and the young man a Tsingano who spends all of his hard-earned coin on her. They are desperately in love, but of course she still has years to go before she makes her marque and can claim her life as her own. He wishes her to force the issue by lighting her candle, but she is distracting him with kisses and sweet words. Ah, young love, is there anything else as desperately passionate?" I sighed dramatically, still smiling, though in truth all I knew of love was from books and songs. I personally had yet to meet the man that could steal my heart, though I was not looking for him. All things considered, I was quite enjoying my life as it was, and this little jaunt with Henri only added to my pleasure.

[Henri Legard]

She complemented me and I ducked my head for a moment, feeling my cheeks heat before I looked up as she pointed out another scene. She had pointed to a couple who were lost in each others embrace. I felt my blush grow hotter as I watched them, holding each other, kissing each other, but then I laughed as she told their hidden story, looking from the two to her again. "I like that story the best," I said with another laugh. She sighed whimsically and I answered her question, though it sounded rhetorical with a simple "I don't know, is there?" Because I really did not. I had not spent much time alone with women outside of my immediate family, let alone having had the chance to fall in love with one. "They say love is great but also terribly painful."