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Post by Denis de Rouille on Nov 5, 2009 0:04:51 GMT -5
I had barely slept all night, just sat in my study and drank until I passed out on the divan. When I woke, I knew I looked like hell, and rather than let anyone see me that way, I went out.
To Balm, to an Adept who always calmed me, one that I actually had acquired some respect for. We never lay together, but yet I was always more than satisfied with my visits to her.
Now it was time for damage control. Would Sandrine say anything to anyone about what had happened in my study? Nothing had really happened, I told myself, just some flirting that had gone a little too far. No harm done. I had a feeling Sandrine wouldn't see it that way however, and hence a shopping trip to the jeweler's. I ended up with a hairpin of ivory, said to have been made in Jebe-Barkal, which I knew was part of Sandrine's heritage. It had a beautiful painted sun on it, in bright yellow and orange hues, and I paid a small fortune for it. At least that robber of a jeweler had the decency to wrap it in a lovely satin bag for her.
When I got back to the house, it was quiet, and I hoped against hope that Guy and his sister would be out. Taking the stairs two at a time, I knocked on the door to the room that Sandrine shared with Sophine, hoping that she was still here.
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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 Nov 5, 2009 0:33:04 GMT -5
I was dozing, half reading a book I had found and half daydreaming about Guy, when I heard the knock at the door. It had been a lazy sort of day, really, and I wasn't really dressed to accommodate visitors. Quickly I picked up a robe and pulled it around myself. It only took a few moments to realize that it was Sophine's and it was too small across the chest.
I went to open the door and almost recoiled when I saw who it was. I tried not to flinch or whimper, but it was hard, remember what he had almost done to me.
Instead I smiled. "What a pleasant surprise," I cooed. "I would ask you in, but as you can see, it's kind of a mess." It was a mess, that was true, but I didn't want to be in a room alone with Denis.
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Post by Denis de Rouille on Nov 5, 2009 1:02:33 GMT -5
I was a bit disgruntled that she didn't invite me in - it was my house, after all! - but since I had come bearing apologies and gifts, I didn't press. Instead, I launched into my speech.
"Sandrine, I am so sorry for what happened last night. I don't know what came over me. I ... I'd had a lot to drink before you came in, and so much on my mind these days. You're so lovely, and we've been together so many times before that I guess I just got carried away." I did my best to look upset and miserable, rather than annoyed and angry. "I don't blame you if you don't want to see me again, but please, accept this gift as a token of my remorse."
I handed her the yellow satin bag, then turned as if to go, hoping that she would stop 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 Nov 5, 2009 8:17:46 GMT -5
My eyes were drawn to the bright yellow before he started speaking, and I had to force myself to pay attention to him. I couldn't help wondering what was in the bag. I flushed modestly when he called me beautiful--though I knew that already, it never hurt to hear it again.
I was about to say something when he handed me the bag. I watched him start to walk away and then opened it. My jaw dropped at its beauty. I wasn't sure if Denis knew my heritage, but he had hit the nail right on the head, and tears welled up in my eyes as I felt nostalgic for a home I did not really know.
He did care for me, despite all of his misdeeds. I couldn't resist that. And Blessed Elua forgave those who wronged him--surely I could do the same.
I ran down the hallway after him, gently touching his shoulder to stop him. "Denis," I said, softly. "I forgive you." I smiled up at him, standing on my toes to kiss the stubble of his cheek. "With all that's been going on, I'm sure you're quite wound up." My smile took on a hint of naughtiness, the playfulness that I knew he loved. "Where are you off to now?"
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Post by Denis de Rouille on Nov 5, 2009 13:04:28 GMT -5
I hid my smile of triumph before turning back to her, forcing myself to look surprised. "Thank you, Sandrine, you cannot believe how relieved I am that I have not permanently damaged our friendship. I did not sleep a wink last night worrying over it."
I decided at that moment that I should have gone into acting. When she kissed my cheek, I knew that I had her and my desire quickened. I knew I had to be careful, though, or risk ruining her newfound forgiveness.
"Oh, nowhere specifically," I said, shrugging my shoulders. "Out to lunch, actually. I don't suppose, after everything, that you would care to join me at Le Tonnelet?" It was one of the most expensive, prestigious restaurants in the City, and I hoped it would catch her interest just as much as that silly trinket.
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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 Nov 5, 2009 15:21:13 GMT -5
He did indeed look tired, and for a moment I felt a little bad for keeping him up all night. Well, there had been nights where we did not sleep at all, but for a very different reason. Whether it was his fault or not, I was willing to put the incident behind us.
My eyes widened when he mentioned Le Tonnelet. "Seriously?" I asked, unable to keep my voice from squeaking at the end of my question. "Oh, I would love to go, honestly, but..." I looked down. "But I'm not dressed." I smiled at him. "Would you mind waiting a few moments, Denis, so I can make myself more presentable?"
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Post by Denis de Rouille on Nov 5, 2009 18:20:42 GMT -5
"Of course, my dear Sandrine. It is the least I can do. Meet me in the study when you are ready." I gave her a little hug, chaste and friendly; fatherly, almost. "You always look presentable, though." I added, winking at her.
With that, I headed down to the study, humming a little tune. This was going better than I had anticipated, and now I would have a nice lunch with Sandrine, and perhaps something more if we happened to stop by Mont Nuit? This was shaping up to be a great day, and I was content to settle in with a book and wait for her.
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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 Nov 5, 2009 18:37:20 GMT -5
I smiled up at him as he hugged me, giving him a gentle squeeze in return. "I'll be quick."
I rushed back to our room, excited at the idea of going to such a fancy restaurant. Of course it would be better if Sophine or Guy were going, but I would take what I could get. Truthfully, I was tired of being stuck in the house, and I relished the chance to stretch my legs and be seen. I found a floor-length dress in a luxurious looking teal with long sleeves and a neckline that showed off my formidable cleavage, and I pulled on some black shoes to match. Quickly I pulled my hair up, using the pin Denis had just given me to hold it together. It was a little rushed, to be sure, but I still looked good, and I winked at my reflection as I passed the mirror.
Before I left the room, I decided I should leave a note, just in case anything happened. Quickly I scribbled where I had gone and who I was with on a piece of paper and left it where I was sure Sophine or Guy would see it. I spritzed myself with some eau de parfum before I closed the door behind me.
I peeked in the study where Denis usually was, smiling because he was so easy to find. "I'm sorry I kept you waiting," I said, a huge smile on my face. "I don't want to interrupt, but I'm ready whenever you are." I tried my best not to bounce on my heels, but I was so excited I could scarce contain myself.
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Post by Denis de Rouille on Nov 5, 2009 19:14:51 GMT -5
She was actually ready rather quickly, and I was surprised when she appeared in the doorway. She looked amazing, and I stared appreciatively for several long moments before setting my book aside and rising.
"You look beautiful, Sandrine." I said, giving her a kiss on the cheek. She smelled amazing too. "Let us be on our way, then." I had already given instructions to have my best carriage prepared, and so I took her arm in mine and led her outside.
I helped her into the carriage, and then gave the driver instructions. Inside the carriage, I had had a smattering of rose petals laid upon the seats, and there was a chilled bottle of wine and two glasses waiting for us.
"A drink for the ride over?" I asked, smiling softly at her as I popped the cork.
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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 Nov 5, 2009 19:41:38 GMT -5
"You know how to spoil a girl, don't you?" I said, though I was blushing at the display. "It's really lovely, Denis." I accepted a glass of wine. It was good and cold and after all the running through the house it felt good sliding down my throat.
I glanced out the window at the scenery rushing by, then looked back at him. "I feel kind of bad too, Denis." I reached over and took one of his hands in both of mine. He felt cold. "I shouldn't have pried into your private business. Whatever is going on in my life, I shouldn't depend on you to help fix it." I was trying to get back into his good graces too. Maybe if he drank too much or something more little details could slip. Fleetingly I thought Guy might be upset if he knew where I was going--but the opportunity to ask Denis more and get a fabulous lunch in the process was too much for me to pass up.
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