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Post by Denis de Rouille on Jun 29, 2009 23:52:12 GMT -5
I followed Guy downstairs and outside, waiting while he placed the child in the carriage.
"Thank you Guy, that will be all." I said, dismissing him with a wave of my hand. He seemed irritated, and I wondered why. Did he expect some sort of bonus for doing his job? Well, he wouldn't get it from me; I already paid too damn much for his services, and I was a bit short on cash these days as it was. Speaking of, I realized that I was forgetting something.
"I'll be right back, I forgot something." Without another word, I disappeared back into the house, leaving the two of them to wait for me.
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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 Jun 30, 2009 0:06:28 GMT -5
I followed behind Guy and Denis, hoping neither of them had seen my marque. Though I grinned when I saw Guy repeat our signal, I was a little nervous about the carriage ride with Denis. I hugged myself again tightly as I walked.
I felt myself grow angry at the way Denis treated Guy. Guy was a grown man, and he didn't need my advice, but I wished he could quit. Not that he would ever leave Rochelle, though. I could almost be jealous of the girl.
"I can't wait until we go on our trip," I said quickly, after Denis had left and we were alone. "I'm going to save enough money to hire you, and you'll never have to work here again..." I looked down. "Maybe I could sell this dress, you know? That would be a really good start..." I trailed off, realizing that I probably sounded very silly. I had no idea how much it would take to pay for a Cassiline. I didn't even have a ship ready to go. I hugged myself again, looking up at Guy, trying not to cry.
"I wish I didn't have to ride home with Denis," I said. My voice felt very very small.
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Post by Guy de Layne on Jun 30, 2009 0:20:55 GMT -5
I smiled, happy that Denis was leaving us for a moment, so that we could say goodbye in private. Her talk of our 'trip' made me sigh wistfully, the idea was rather nice, though I would prefer not to be there as a hired guard. I hated to burst her bubble, but my services came at a rate that only people like Denis could afford, and I suspected that it was stretch even for him. But I said nothing, just smiled and nodded, trying to be reassuring.
I could see that she was upset, and when she said she did not want to ride with Denis, I felt a pang of guilt. I could really see no way around it, though I wracked my brain.
"I'm sorry, Sandi. I wish I had gotten you home before he noticed you."
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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 Jun 30, 2009 1:03:38 GMT -5
"It's okay, Guy, it's not your fault. I suppose I could have said no, but I didn't want to appear rude, not after all Denis did for us today." I sighed, my lip trembling slightly. "I...I'm just worried that he might want to touch me. Normally I wouldn't really mind, but..." I didn't know how much I should tell Guy, and I looked away.
I didn't want to worry him overmuch, but I felt if I didn't tell someone I might explode. "The idea of anyone touching me feels very strange right now...anyone but you, I mean. I could never say no to you, and I don't want to." I shook my head, trying to dispel the thoughts running through it. "But earlier, Denis gave me the kiss of greeting..." I paused, trying to compose myself. "...and it made my skin crawl." I sighed. "I've never felt that way before, I don't think it's personal...I just keep thinking of how it felt in that house in Night's Doorstep..." I shuddered, my voice wavering, as I hugged myself tightly. "I don't know, Guy...it's all very strange. Even the thought of being alone makes my heart race."
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Post by Guy de Layne on Jul 1, 2009 23:33:01 GMT -5
I sighed heavily, my heart aching for her. I hated to see her so upset, especially because I felt like it was my fault. Why had I listened to Denis when he sent with that package for Sophine? On one hand, I was glad to have spared my sister the likely consequences of opium use, but on the other hand, if I had been present in Night's Doorstep, none of this would have happened.
"I'm so sorry, Sandrine. But you are safe now, I promise you. And don't worry, I think Denis has other things on his mind right now." I didn't strictly believe that, but whatever else I thought of Denis, he would hardly force himself on a woman, so Sandrine was relatively safe in his company.
"Speaking of Denis, I wonder what he forgot." I glanced back toward the door, but since I didn't see him, I took a chance and leaned forward, enfolding Sandrine in an embrace and squeezing her gently. "Things will get better, Sandi, I promise."
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Post by Denis de Rouille on Jul 1, 2009 23:54:49 GMT -5
I had almost forgotten, but I very rarely showed up at the Night Court empty-handed. I had become quite friendly with almost all of the Dowaynes, and often brought them small but expensive gifts as a gesture of my friendship. And of course, I always brought a gift for any Adept that pleased me.
Taking the steps two at a time, I reached my room quickly. In the closet was a series of boxes labeled with what gift was inside. I found I got a sizable discount buying in bulk, so I often purchased several of anything that took my fancy. I picked out a little something for the Dowayne of Heliotrope House, which was where I had decided to go, and then a delicate silver bracelet in case the Adept I chose earned it. Looking over the amount of boxes I had stored in the closet, I began to wonder if I shouldn't sell a few to help make up my restricted cash flow.
With that thought milling about in my head, I headed back down to the carriage.
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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 2, 2009 0:48:05 GMT -5
I didn't expect the hug, but I responded instantly, hugging him back, almost clinging to him. I hated leaving Guy, I always did, even though it happened all the time. I never wanted to mention this, but a small part of the reason I wanted him to come with us was because that way I could spend days with him. Not alone, of course.
I believed Guy when he said I was safe. I was safe here, at least, with him. I looked up at him, offering up a smile that I did not truly mean. Though I knew something was wrong, I didn't want him to worry. "I know it will get better," I lied, resting my head on his chest. "And Corin will be there...I can wake him up if necessary..." I sighed as I trailed off, really just content to be in his arms.
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Post by Guy de Layne on Jul 3, 2009 13:52:58 GMT -5
I kissed the top of her head gently, then disentangled myself from her. It was so difficult to do, but I knew that Denis could reappear at any moment. The last thing we needed was for him to suspect anything was amiss.
"A good night's rest will do you good. You'll feel better in the morning, I'm sure of it." I was sure of no such thing, but what else could I say? I just stood there, keenly aware of my inability to fix this for her.
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Post by Denis de Rouille on Jul 3, 2009 19:14:27 GMT -5
Once I had the gifts tucked away on my person, I headed back downstairs and out the front door. Guy was still there, talking to Sandrine, and I frowned in irritation. Hadn't I already dismissed him? The irksome thing about Cassilines was that they lacked a proper servile attitude. The man worked for me, didn't he?
Still, I knew that he was no mere servant and so I was forced to give him more leeway than I might have liked. Then again, the man had more than proved his worth today, so I was feeling more generous than usual.
"Ready to be going, Sandrine?" I said, as I moved to her side and placed one hand at the small of her back. I knew there was no reason to be threatened by Guy, a Cassiline, but still, I had a propriety attitude toward Sandrine.
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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 6, 2009 2:21:53 GMT -5
I tried not to shudder as Denis touched me, already missing the feel of Guy's arms around me. It seemed ridiculous that Guy could save me from death, and yet I had to still endure the nervous moments in the coach with Denis. I forced a smile as I looked up at Denis, not wanting Guy to worry any more than he already did.
"Of course," I said, covering my mouth with my hand as I yawned demurely, trying to emphasize how very tired I was. I stepped a bit closer to the carriage and waited for someone to help me up.
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Post by Guy de Layne on Jul 6, 2009 20:43:31 GMT -5
I helped Sandrine into the carriage, quite conscious of Denis' presence. As I was so close to her, I whispered in her ear, "Pretend you've a cough, Denis loathes sickness." I didn't know why I hadn't thought of it before, but Denis was quite paranoid about his health. Whenever Rochelle was ill, she was confined to her rooms and he stayed as far from her as possible.
I stepped back and sketched a bow to Denis, before forcing myself to turn from the carriage and walk back into the house. Not looking back was so very difficult, but I didn't want to give Denis any reason to suspect anything was amiss. I might not like the man, but I had to admit that he was intelligent, and I knew better than to underestimate him.
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Post by Denis de Rouille on Jul 6, 2009 20:53:35 GMT -5
I barely noticed as Guy left, climbing into the carriage to sit across from Sandrine and the sleeping Orchis child. It was actually a bit awkward, considering everything that had happened tonight, and I felt as if I should say something to her.
"I should thank you, Sandrine, for helping Rochelle today. I'm sure it was difficult for you, but I am in your debt." Though I disliked being in anyone's debt, I was not the sort to forget when someone did a kindness for myself or my family.
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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 7, 2009 0:21:32 GMT -5
I nodded imperceptibly to Guy to show that I understood him as he helped me up. It took everything I had not to follow Guy with my eyes as he walked away. Already I felt that emptiness in my heart, the knowledge that I would not see him for some time. It was enough to make me burst into tears, although I held myself together as best I could. Instead I looked down at Corin, gently stroking his hair. He moved a bit and smiled in his sleep.
I looked up when Denis sat across from me, smiling softly at him. I hadn't expected him to be so kind to me, especially the way I had rebuffed him, and I flushed with pleasure. "You don't owe me anything, Denis. I'd do anything for Rochelle," I said, truthfully. "She's a wonderful girl." I glanced down at Corin, and then back to Denis. "I think we're in your debt...you opened your home to us like we were family." Though I almost started shaking at the thought, I reached over and took Denis' hand in both of mine. "I...I want to make it up to you...some day soon, if that's alright."
I resisted the urge to shudder, forcing myself to keep touching him instead. No matter how disgusted I felt, I knew that I had to keep Denis happy. Part of it was because of his patronage, but also the more time I spent with Denis the more chances I might have to see Guy.
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Post by Denis de Rouille on Jul 7, 2009 0:41:44 GMT -5
"I'm glad you two get along so well." I lied, letting Sandrine hold my hands gently. However much I thought my daughter was too good to be hanging about with adepts, I wasn't going to risk offending one of my favorites. I might have held the coin, but without her consent, it wouldn't do me much good.
"Make it up to me, hmm?" Well, I liked the sound of that! I had my heart set on Heliotrope, so I didn't attempt to sway Sandrine's decision to forsake me tonight, but I definitely had plans for her in the future. "Well, I can tell you that I look forward to that."
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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 7, 2009 0:59:45 GMT -5
"As do I," I lied. Even though I always enjoyed my time with Denis during assignations, inventive lover that he was, the idea of him seeing me naked, or taking my dress off, made me want to vomit. Hopefully this malaise would soon pass, and I would be able to make it up to him the best way I knew how. "I rather like the time we spend together," I purred, more smoothly than before. "I'm glad you feel the same way."
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Post by Denis de Rouille on Sept 21, 2009 22:42:45 GMT -5
Before I could respond, I felt a lurch as the carriage stopped. Mont Nuit already? Well, time does fly when having fun, I suppose. I pulled the curtain aside and saw that we were at Orchis, so I nodded to Sandrine.
"Here's your stop, my dear."
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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 Sept 21, 2009 22:51:41 GMT -5
I allowed the driver to help me down. It took everything I had not to snatch my arm away from him. Instead I gritted my teeth, wrapping my arms back around myself as soon as I could.
"T-thank you for the dress," I said softly, meeting his eyes and offering a weak smile. "I hope to see you soon, Denis."
With that I turned and started up the steps, holding the hem of the dress so that it didn't touch the ground.
I made my way to my room quickly, where I hung up the dress and wrapped myself in my sheets, falling into a fitful sleep.
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