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Post by Avianna nó Mandrake on Nov 13, 2009 22:21:39 GMT -5
I had been putting it off for some time now, but after my evening with Bellamy I found that I was yearning for something. What it was, it took me a bit of time to figure out, but what I decided was that it was freedom.
My marque had been over halfway done for several months now, and I had more than enough coin stashed away to finish it, as I was very frugal most of the time. I also had more jewelry that had been gifted to me than I would ever wear in this lifetime and it hadn't minded parting with some of it.
I had gone to Ignace and talked to him about what would happen if and when my marque was made, and I determined that for the time being I would stay at Mandrake.
I finally arrived at the marquist that I had been seeing since the first inking of my back, and with a deep breath, I pushed open the door, hoping that he would have time to see me now, before I lost my nerve.
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Sandrine nó Orchis
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Orchis House
A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.
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Post by Sandrine nó Orchis on Nov 14, 2009 19:45:43 GMT -5
I had done it.
I sold the pin Denis gave me. It was worth a small fortune, and yet what it really meant to me was greater and bigger and wider than gold could ever be. It was a real connection to my father, to my country, and to sell it was no different for me than cutting out a chunk of my flesh.
I cried all night after I did it. It was more money that I had ever seen at once, and with my savings for the trip it was more than enough to complete my marque. It was a hard choice, but now, once my marque was finished, I would be free to do what I wanted.
It had something to do with that fire. Sophine's mind was afire with ideas of going to Tiberium to see what was wrong with her brothers, and I wanted to be ready to go when she was.
I pushed open the marquist's door, my money clenched in my fist so tightly I felt the coins indenting my skin. I hated going to the marquist, but this time it truly would be worth it.
Alexandrine was surprised, but supportive. I thought she was going to cry at the idea of losing me, but I quickly reassured her that I had no plans to leave Orchis for the time being. Of course I said nothing about going to Tiberium, or anywhere outside of Terre d'Ange for that matter. That was just a dream, for now. And I still needed to work. Why leave the trade I had done for all my life?
There was another woman standing near the door, with blond hair and blue eyes and the bearing of a queen. I felt small next to her.
"Excuse me," I said, softly. "Are you waiting for the marquist?"
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Post by Avianna nó Mandrake on Nov 14, 2009 23:26:29 GMT -5
I was considering backing right out the door, when the bell above it jingled softly and another woman entered. I turned to regard her, struck by the richness of her skin and the curl to her hair. I resisted the urge to tug a lock and smiled, shaking my head slightly.
"Oh, that's all right, you go ahead." I probably shouldn't give myself the chance to change my mind, but I found the idea of watching someone else get their marque far more interesting than having my own done. "Are you getting a lot of work done?" I asked her, wondering idly to what House she belonged.
The waiting area was adjacent to the room where the marquist worked, and he had left the curtain open so that we could both see a man lying on his belly, the ink being wiped away and salve applied. Obviously the marquist would soon call for one or the other of us, and I took a small step back so that it would seem as if this newcomer had been here before me.
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Sandrine nó Orchis
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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 17, 2009 10:49:07 GMT -5
"Not so much," I said, trying not to stare at her. She had a kind of poise that I sorely lacked. I wished I could buy some of it today as well. "I came to the marquist once early this summer for a few more inches, and a few more times for a bit more..." I smiled fleetingly. "But I came into some money, a few patron gifts...and I decided I should, you know, get it over with."
I leaned in close, near enough to smell whatever perfume she was wearing, and whispered. "I hate the marquist. But I sold almost everything...every patron gift I've ever received." I moved back and looked up at her, smiling again. "It's time, I think. Time to move on."
The man who had been there before us walked out with a friendly nod. He was followed by the marquist, who pulled a face as soon as he saw us. "What a morning," he chuckled. "Either Avianna, the only Mandrake I know who hates the marquist so much, or Sandrine, my favorite squirming Orchis. Did you come together to bedevil me?"
He was joking, I knew, and I forced a laugh. "Well?" he asked. "Which of you is first?"
I glanced back at Avianna, then looked at the marquist. "I-I think I'll go first, if she doesn't mind." Better to get it over with. Plus, I wanted to see what Avianna did under the needle, a sudden streak of sadism thrilling through me. Mandrakes were still rather frightening to me, and it would be interesting to see her brought to my level.
Although she had seemed rather nice.
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Post by Avianna nó Mandrake on Nov 17, 2009 23:15:40 GMT -5
I smiled at her, thinking it amusing that we both seemed to be in the same boat, as it were. "Yes, I've made that same determination as well," I said, jingling my bag of coin with a smile.
Then the marquist appeared, and I scowled at him, unamused by his jest, though I liked the idea of watching the Orchis next to me squirm. I was glad when she volunteered, as it meant that I would get the chance.
"I don't mind," I said, changing my demeanor to one less haughty. Perhaps I could even finagle an invitation to sit in with her? "Sandrine, is it? You don't mind if I sit with you, do you? I've always wanted a closer look at an Orchis marque."
I was fairly certain that the marquist would see through me, but I was also pretty sure he wouldn't say anything if Sandrine agreed.
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Sandrine nó Orchis
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Orchis House
A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.
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Post by Sandrine nó Orchis on Nov 18, 2009 1:17:31 GMT -5
I looked at Avianna again, a bit surprised. She wanted to watch me? That was rather interesting, seeing as I had just had the same thought about her. "Sandrine it is," I echoed, smiling a bit. "I would wager that you didn't know many Orchis, being a Mandrake and all."
It only took a few seconds to decide. Having someone in the room with me besides the marquist would help quite a bit. I shrugged, trying to seem nonchalant. "I suppose it would be alright, if you don't mind me holding your hand." I pretended to demure. "It helps with the pain...for me, at least."
The marquist chuckled. "If I stand here and wait for you two to finish being polite we'll never get done. Come on, girl."
Reluctantly I handed him my purse. He hefted it and whistled appreciatively. "You'll probably finish with this much." I nodded and smiled weakly, letting him guide me to the room. I glanced back at Avianna, making sure she was following. Any support, even that of a stranger, was welcome.
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Post by Avianna nó Mandrake on Nov 18, 2009 22:44:33 GMT -5
I was pleased when she assented, though I was not in the habit of being supportive. I thought then of Bellamy and the new experiences he had opened up for me, and decided that if I could do those things, then I could sit with this young Orchis and hold her hand. Besides, it was not too far removed from my nature; she would be in pain the entire time.
"No, I don't know any Orchis, actually." I said, realizing that it was true. Most of the other adepts I knew were Valerians, and other Mandrakes, of course. "You are my first." I smiled and followed her into the back room.
The marquist seemed to be having a good day, as I too had come armed with enough coin to finish my marque, and it occurred to me that a marquist must make quite a good living. All of the adepts in the City, all working on their marques. I wondered idly what special talents it took to become a marquist, as it seemed the type of job a sadist like myself might well enjoy.
Once in the room, I settled into a chair next to the table where Sandrine would lie. I was indeed curious to see her marque, and to watch it grow over her back from this side of the table.
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Sandrine nó Orchis
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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 18, 2009 22:58:46 GMT -5
I laughed, even as I loosened the ties on my dress, my back to Avianna, letting it fall to the floor. The marquist averted his eyes in a show of modesty. I deftly wrapped a nearby towel around me, and then I picked up my dress, folding it carefully over a nearby chair.
I climbed onto the table, folding my arms under my head as the marquist eased the towel down, still covering my behind, so he could see what he was working with. He whistled appreciatively, and I felt his calloused fingers trace the ink in my skin.
I looked up at Avianna as he started to use the calipers, trying not to shiver. I reached blindly for her hand, feeling tears start to well in my eyes even though he hadn't even started yet.
"Once I start, I'm not going to stop," the marquist said, and I heard the clink of his inks. "Are you ready, dear?"
Unable to speak, I nodded once.
The needle felt like fire in my skin. I willed myself somehow not to squirm, but the pain caused the tears to fall freely. I looked at Avianna, my lower lip trembling slightly, and a slight whimper escaped my throat.
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Post by Avianna nó Mandrake on Nov 18, 2009 23:20:31 GMT -5
I admired her lack of modesty - I found that tiresome in women who made their living lying with others - as she slipped out of her dress and loosely wrapped the towel around her waist. I watched as she lay on her belly and the marquist unleashed his tools. I had never really examined them before, and I found that I did not wish to now, either. Not when I was so close to going under the needle myself.
I smiled to myself as she groped for my hand and let her take it, squeezing hers gently. The tears that rose in her eyes made me shiver slightly and I tried not to let my arousal show. I didn't suppose someone who was not of Valerian House would appreciate my response to her pain.
Her little whimper almost undid me, however, and I wondered then if this was such a good idea. At this rate, I would have to toss the marquist out of his own shoppe so I could take her for myself!
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Sandrine nó Orchis
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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 18, 2009 23:31:04 GMT -5
I was squeezing her hand really tightly, and I felt her shudder. "S-sorry for...h-holding so hard," I said, softly, my voice thick with tears. "I always...c-cry during the m-marquing."
The marquist hit a tender spot, and I whimpered in pain again, putting my head down for a second.
"Stop moving," the marquist chided, and I decided to rest my head on my arm so I could look at Avianna. I wanted a distraction, anything to keep my mind off of the discomfort. She was so beautiful and haughty, like a queen. Well, what I imagined a queen to be like, anyway.
"Are all M-Mandrakes...like y-you?" I asked, biting my lip, trying not to scream.
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Post by Avianna nó Mandrake on Nov 18, 2009 23:49:37 GMT -5
"It is of no moment," I said, trying to make my voice sound soothing. I gave her hand another reassuring squeeze, smiling softly down at her. Oh Naamah, those tears were so lovely, and I couldn't stop myself from reaching over to brush them away with my free hand.
The marquist gave me a look that said he knew very well what was going on with me, but he was otherwise occupied trying to work on her marque while she squirmed against the table.
"Like me? In what way?" I said, amused by the question. "If you mean beautiful and tenderhearted, then no." The marquist snorted at that and I imagined taking his own needle to him. "I like to think that I am quite exceptional." I said, laughing softly.
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Sandrine nó Orchis
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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 19, 2009 0:04:14 GMT -5
Her touch was gentle, surprisingly so, and I sighed softly at it. "Of course you're b-beautiful," I said, biting my lip again. Elua, Naamah and Eisheth, it hurt! "Y-You w-wouldn't be...a member of the N-Night Court...if you weren't. I m-meant...your bearing. T-the way...you s-stand. Y-you seem like...n-nothing bothers you...ever."
Tears ran down my cheeks anew at the pain. I had to stay still! "And I t-think you're t-tenderhearted," I said, smiling faintly. "W-Why else would y-you come and sit w-with m-me?"
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Post by Avianna nó Mandrake on Nov 21, 2009 14:55:41 GMT -5
"Well," I decided that honesty couldn't hurt, "I am a Mandrake, and here you are, whimpering in pain. While I am not the cause, I do still enjoy the sight." Smiling, I leaned forward, lowering my voice.
"Though, truth be told, for a Mandrake, I can be rather tenderhearted. I haven't whipped anyone all week." I hoped my little jest would cheer her, and I wondered if I weren't becoming a little too softhearted for my own good. The marquist seemed to think so too, for he looked a bit surprised that I was taking so much trouble to make Sandrine forget her pain for a moment.
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Sandrine nó Orchis
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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 23, 2009 3:01:16 GMT -5
My eyes widened as I looked at her. "S-so that's what...t-they mean about...about M-mandrakes..." I said, as a few more tears slid down my cheeks. I knew that I had most likely flushed at her frankness. Despite my suffering I felt a thrill go through me, that somehow I could affect this beautiful haughty creature who seemed so distant from me.
I chuckled somewhat nervously at her joke, though the wheels in my head were turning. If she enjoyed what I was like when I was trying to hold back my suffering, what might happened if I played it up a bit?
I squeezed my eyes shut suddenly, as if the marquist had hit a particularly tender spot, and let a moan escape my lips, sobbing a little harder, trying my best not to move. The marquist grunted and I felt his nails dig into my skin in an effort to keep me still. I gripped Avianna's hand tighter, moaning again, just to see what she would do.
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Post by Avianna nó Mandrake on Nov 23, 2009 22:37:26 GMT -5
"Who is 'they'?" I began, laughing softly. Before she could answer, however, she moaned in pain, her tears making lovely little tracks over her cheeks. The effect was powerful and I found that I was watching her with my lips slightly parted, barely even noticing that she was squeezing my hand tightly.
I realized suddenly that my breathing had becoming a little shallow and that I was staring. I snapped my mouth closed with and audible click and sat up further, though I did not pull my hands from hers. The marquist looked at me and rolled his eyes.
"This is almost as bad as having you on the table," he muttered, shaking his head, though he was smiling all the while. I gave him a look, then returned my attention to Sandrine, though with the intention of keeping my emotions more in check.
It was hard, though, with the way she cried so freely, and squirmed, and seeing the blood the marquist wiped from her back with his ink-stained towel. Perhaps this had not been the best idea I'd ever had, but she was so lovely like this that I could not bring myself to regret it.
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Sandrine nó Orchis
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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 23, 2009 23:50:39 GMT -5
"Y-you know who...t-they are," I stammered through clenched teeth, not hearing what the marquist said. I was too busy watching Avianna's reaction, and a fleeting smile crossed my face even as more tears fell. I held her hand tightly, even as she sat up. "A-all the people...who f-fear what is...d-different. P-people...who have n-nothing better...t-to do...but t-talk about other p-people."
I felt the marquist move to another part of my back. It felt like I had been laying there forever in agony, but he was finishing almost a third of my marque today.
Despite myself I chuckled, my eyes meeting Avianna's. "The only good thing...about g-going first...is that I'll g-get to...w-watch you squirm n-next." I winked. "And I'll g-get to see y-you naked."
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Post by Avianna nó Mandrake on Nov 24, 2009 1:12:32 GMT -5
"Oh, those people," I said, chuckling softly. "It seems that you don't count yourself among them, then?" I gave her my best cold smile. "Not afraid, are you?" I stroked her hand with my thumb softly, wondering if I was going to have to go outside and get some air soon.
Then she laughed and winked and I had to laugh as well. I wondered how much of her pain was real and how much was for my benefit. "Oh, are you going to enjoy watching me under the needle?" I asked, tossing my hair back with a smile. "I see I am not the only sadist in the room." Far from it, if one counted the marquist, who was working intently on Sandrine's back, though I suspected he was more than interested in the turn our conversation had taken.
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Sandrine nó Orchis
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Orchis House
A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.
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Post by Sandrine nó Orchis on Nov 24, 2009 1:29:39 GMT -5
"Of c-course I'm one of...t-those people," I said, wincing. "Aren't w-we all? I j-just...am decidedly...more s-subtle." The difference between the pain in my back and her soft touch was driving me crazy, and I really had to concentrate not to squirm on the table. "As for b-being afraid...you've already s-shown me...that you're secretly...a n-nice person...underneath all that M-mandrake affectation." My eyes hadn't left hers for several moments now, and I grinned crookedly. "I'll believe you're...a p-pussycat...until I have reason...t-to change my mind."
I took a few moments to think of how to answer her next question. I was enjoying our interaction, despite the circumstances. "I w-won't enjoy your...p-pain. But I c-can't wait...to s-see your marque." I squeezed her hand suddenly, as the needle dug in deep. "I am sure it's...b-beautiful and p-prickly...just like its owner." I bit my lip as I looked up at her, trying to keep from crying out, though another whimper escaped me.
"Stop it, Sandrine," the marquist said. "I know you're just showing off because you have an audience. We're almost done." He muttered something under his breath about Orchis House, which made me want to laugh. I had seen him quite a few times on Mont Nuit, and I knew he frequented my home, although I wasn't really his type.
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Post by Bellamy nó Eglantine on Nov 24, 2009 17:36:53 GMT -5
I had gotten my marque finished by this marquist nearly a dozen years ago and though I was dreading it, it was about time that the faded places got touched up by a needle and new ink. Though I did not take as many assignations as before, I started months before taking a bit more than normal in order to get enough coin to pay for it. I let out a loud sigh, rubbing my forehead and feeling nervous without my mandolin at hand, but I had been scolded by him for bringing my mandolin to all my other marquist visits as my security blanket and just cluttering his space, so I came without it. I forced myself to go in with a nervous smile on my face and someone was already there, getting their marque finished, but I would recognize that spry hair and dark skin.
"Chickie! You're finally getting your marque finished!" I said happily with a loud laugh as I folded my arms over my chest, feeling much better, though I could hear her stammering and shaking a little. "Excuse me," I said with a bow of my head to the marquist, "I've come for a touch up, dear friend, it's been a long time." I said with a smile towards him until I saw the girl whose hand Sandrine was gripping to death. The smile faded off my face completely for a second before finding its way back to my face. "Avi, darling... are you here to finish your marque too?" It made me realize how much younger both of them were compared to me, since they were just finishing and I had been finished for well, nearly a dozen years now.
I rubbed the back of my head a little awkwardly. "Well, I suppose I can come back another time. Nice seeing you too!" Hasty departure time!
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Sandrine nó Orchis
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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 24, 2009 18:22:46 GMT -5
At the sound of Bellamy's voice, I tore my eyes from Avianna's and looked up at him just to see a strange change to come across his face. He knew this Mandrake?
Wasn't my former teacher just full of surprises? I would have laughed if I hadn't been trying so hard not to move.
"N-no, wait!" I said, as loudly as I could. "Bellamy! C-could you...sing to m-me? I'm almost d-done, it would h-help so much...And then A-avianna will go, and y-you can sing t-to her...and then w-we'll both s-sing to you!"
I tried not to laugh but a tiny snort escaped my throat. I loved to press buttons, I just couldn't help it.
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Post by Avianna nó Mandrake on Nov 24, 2009 23:14:19 GMT -5
I was more than a little annoyed when I heard the little bell at the door ring, signifying another customer.
"What, are you having a special?" I muttered under my breath, before the sound of a familiar voice caused me to jerk my head up and stare in some disbelief. I supposed it wasn't terribly odd that Bellamy was here, or that he was acquainted with this Orchis, but being confronted by both of these somewhat incongruous things was enough to try my equilibrium.
I recovered quickly as Bellamy attempted to beat a hasty retreat. I would have let him, too, as I did not wish him to watch me writhe on the table, but Sandrine intervened, asking for him to comfort her with song. Her offer of the two of us singing was laughable, however, and I snorted at the thought.
"Oh come now, Sandrine, even I am not that cruel!" I motioned to the chair that was next to mine, though against the wall, and the marquist rolled his eyes again.
"Certainly," he said, "Why don't you join us as well. Soon it will be standing room only in here."
I laughed softly. "Oh, stop complaining, you're making a fortune today." Turning to Bellamy, I patted the chair, though still holding Sandrine's hand with my other hand. "Come, Bellamy, sing us a song to get Sandrine through the pain."
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Post by Bellamy nó Eglantine on Nov 25, 2009 15:51:23 GMT -5
Sing to her? Blessed Elua, Sandrine KNEW I could not leave her there so mercilessly as she stammered, calling for a song of comfort. I sighed slightly, looking towards the door then back at the Orchis in front of me. I noticed that Avianna then, had been holding Sandrine's hand. Had they known each other? I could only wonder at the closeness of it and I could not help but have a pang of jealousy fill me, just a little. Sandrine had always been dear to my heart and Avianna, well, we had met only a few days ago, but even then, standing in the marquist's shop, I longed for her touch.
I took the seat that Avianna offered and gave her a look. Comforting someone in pain? It just seemed... terribly off to me. I began to sing soft and low, my voice nothing higher than a whisper to not disturb the marquist and his work, but soothe those in the room. I sang so many ballads, I never quite remembered what I sang to who but if I had, I would have surely chosen a different song. It was the one I had sang to Avianna when we met and now I was serenading it to Sandrine. The song was a favorite of mien, it was no surprise I was using it again.
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Post by Avianna nó Mandrake on Dec 13, 2009 1:00:03 GMT -5
I gave Bellamy a sidelong glance when he began to sing a familiar tune. Well, I suppose I shouldn't have expected him to never sing the song again, so I turned my attention back to the pretty little thing writhing on the table in front of me. Set to music, her tears were even more intoxicating, though I tried to keep my face impassive. It would never do for Bellamy to see that side of me, so instead I endeavored to actually be comforting, rather than simply play at it while I let her discomfort arouse me.
"I think you're almost done," I said softly, smiling in what I hoped was an encouraging matter. Bellamy's playing was soothing indeed, and it had the effect of calming my nerves regarding my own turn upon the table, which I was suddenly quite a bit less enthused about.
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Sandrine nó Orchis
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Orchis House
A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.
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Post by Sandrine nó Orchis on Jan 9, 2010 0:49:22 GMT -5
The music was soothing, though not so much that I missed the glance that went between Avianna and Bellamy. What exactly did they know about each other? How interesting. As the song ended, I heard the marquist sigh softly. "I have never known anyone to wiggle as much as you, Sandrine nó Orchis. Thank Elua, we're done. Let me put some salve on you."
I grinned up at Bellamy, giving Avianna's hand a squeeze. "I'm so glad both of you were here for this," I said, truthfully. "I don't know if I would have made it if I...oooh!" I gasped as he applied the soothing salve on my back. It felt better immediately, though I knew I would be still be sore later.
"Well, you know what I mean," I finished, smiling crookedly. I tried to look back over my shoulder, ignoring the disapproving sound the marquist made. "How does it look? Can you see it?"
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Post by Avianna nó Mandrake on Jan 9, 2010 0:55:22 GMT -5
I smiled and looked over her newly-finished marque. It was indeed beautiful, and though I was a bit nervous about my own turn on the table, I was looking forward to having something similar to show off.
"It's beautiful," I said, as the marquist went to get a small hand mirror, and then direct Sandrine to a standing mirror on the far wall.
"Here," he said, holding the mirror out to her, "If you hold this like so you can see for yourself. I'm going to take a break and then you can have your turn, Avianna."
I let that pass and turned back to Sandrine, holding out a hand to help her off the table. "What do you say, do you want to look?"
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Sandrine nó Orchis
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Post by Sandrine nó Orchis on Jan 9, 2010 1:00:51 GMT -5
It was all I could do not to snatch the mirror out of his hand, so impatient was I to see my marque. Instead I took it gratefully, standing and walking over to the tall mirror, not forgetting to grab a wrap before I completely exposed myself.
It took me a few moments, but soon I had the mirrors positioned so that I could see myself. My breath caught in my throat.
Avianna was right. It was absolutely beautiful.
I had never seen a full marque on someone with skin as dark as mine. The bright colors popped against my brown skin, dancing down my back. As I moved, the marque moved.
I was a living work of art.
I started to tremble then, and a few more tears slipped down my cheeks. Impulsively I reached for Avianna, forgetting for a second that I had just met her, and hugged her tightly.
"I-I never thought this day would come..." I said, trying not to start sobbing.
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Post by Avianna nó Mandrake on Jan 9, 2010 1:09:20 GMT -5
I felt extremely awkward in that moment, but I managed to put my arms around her - lightly - and make what I hoped was a soothing sound. I knew the way she felt, however, as even though I had not gone out of my way to make my marque quickly, the knowledge that it would be done before this day was out was almost more than I could take in.
"I think we all think that sometimes," I said, smiling into her dark curls. The contrast of my pale skin against her dark skin was a work of art in itself, and I was lost in it for a few moments, until I heard the sound of the marquist clearing his throat.
"If I may interrupt, it's your turn on the table, Mandrake." I could have sworn at that moment that he belonged in my House, for he sounded just a bit too excited about the prospect of having me on his table.
I said nothing, however, simply disentangling myself from Sandrine and slipping my arms out of my dress. I had worn something light for just this purpose, and as I climbed onto the table, my breasts pressing into the smooth grain of the wood, I had that uncomfortable feeling that always accompanied these sessions. That feeling that this was much to close to what it was like when someone was in my hands.
I closed my eyes and prayed to Naamah for strength, hoping that I did not make a fool of myself in front of the Orchis, and more importantly, in front of Bellamy.
"Let's begin," I heard the marquist say even as I tried to pretend I was anywhere but here.
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Post by Bellamy nó Eglantine on Jan 9, 2010 1:56:24 GMT -5
There nothing more inspiring or beautiful as a newly finished marque and the look on that adept's face when they regarded it for the first time. I could remember the day I finished my marque like it was yesterday and well, seeing Sandrine's face, the look of awe and amazement when she realized hers was finished sent my heart pumping and I thought for a moment, she would reach out for me and yet, she reached out for Avianna and I felt a pang of jealousy rush through me. After all, I felt such a deep connection with Sandrine and the idea that on first impulse she would grab Avianna sent a bitterness through me I did not realize I could feel, however, I pushed it down my throat. It was her day, not mine, after all and I put my mandolin down as took her face into my hands and gave her a chaste kiss on the lips.
"Chickie, I'm so happy for you," I said with a faint whisper, looking at her with my love filled eyes. She was like a daughter to me and yet sometimes, she was more and I could not help but caress her cheek. "I am so proud of you, you look absolutely amazing."
I was just reminded of who was there when I heard the marquist clear his throat and I released Sandrine abruptly. I wondered of Avianna for a second, what she thought of Sandrine and I while I could only wonder what Avianna and Sandrine's relationship was. I gave her shoulder a light rub before she shrugged off her dress and lay down on the table.
"Would you like me to play for you, love?"
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Post by Avianna nó Mandrake on Jan 9, 2010 2:03:50 GMT -5
I fought down a very unfamiliar feeling that I realized after a moment was jealousy. Which was patently ridiculous, yet there all the same. I shrugged it off as I readied myself for the pain of the marquist's needle. Now as not the time to worry over what the relationship between Bellamy and Sandrine was - or why I even cared.
When he asked if I would like him to play for me, I almost said no, simply because I did not wish to seem as if I needed it. However, I did so like the sound of his playing, so I decided to swallow my pride just a bit.
"Yes, that would be lovely. Something a bit more lively, perhaps?" I said, gritting my teeth as the marquist gave a short laugh and I felt the needle against the smooth, pale skin of my back.
"Perhaps I ought to pay you to come in and soothe all of my customers," the marquist remarked, chuckling even as he began to torture me with his needle and ink.
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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 Jan 14, 2010 2:29:17 GMT -5
All I saw of Avianna was a quick flash of skin as white as ivory before she lay on the table. She was so gorgeous, like fine china, and despite my own tears I was curious to see what Avianna was like on the table. My eyes hungrily danced down the curve of her spine to where her marque began, watching as the marquist began.
Wordlessly I sank into the chair that she had occupied before, holding up my wrap as best I could. I didn't like Bellamy calling her love, not at all, but I figured I could get the information from one of them if necessary. Their sidelong glances were telegraphing their feelings quite well. Mostly I was surprised, and a little hurt, that Bellamy had not told me about her.
I looked expectantly at Bellamy, waiting for him to start playing. "If you play something I know, I'll sing along," I piped up innocently, a smile curving my lips even as my back started to hurt. It was a dull throb that I knew all too well.
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