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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Apr 6, 2010 14:04:38 GMT -5
I nodded as we walked; I could make out the sign of a tavern, swinging lightly in the breeze as it hung suspended from the wooden outer wall of the establishment. "It sounds as if it were fete," I said thoughtfully, glancing from the sign and back up to him again. "For me, I'd been fostered with the Trevalions since I was eight.. and when my parents perished, they kept me two years longer to assure my safety. They're th.." I stopped speaking, catching myself and praying to the gods that my eyes wouldn't water. They stung as if they wanted to, and I struggled against the memories even as we walked, my hand unconsciously tightening on his arm. "Excuse me; they were the Sovereign family of Azzalle.. but that title passed to another when August died."
Anyone who kept up with politics, even slightly, would have known of the switch of the title of Sovereign in Azzalle; it didn't happen often enough that it wouldn't cause murmur, but I hadn't told him as of yet that August had been my fiancee, that I was carrying his babe in my stomach. The emotions swirled in me, and slowly I won over them, though my cheeks heated in embarrassment.
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Apr 6, 2010 14:15:46 GMT -5
I nodded knowing a little of the events she spoke of. "It's quite a change. The Trevalion family had the position for so long..." I opened the door for her. "Do you find the position difficult?" I mentally slapped myself for asking such a question.
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Apr 6, 2010 14:29:49 GMT -5
"Of Duchesse?" I queried as I walked through the door ahead of him, breathing in the distinct blend of smoke and the aroma of food. My eyed, sundazzled, adjusted, and I kept my cloak on til we were well out of the path of the door. "Not very, no. Living with the Trevalions helped that; the hardest part for me was returning to my estate when I turned eighteen."
I smiled, glancing about the establishment before looking up at him again. "Anywhere in particular you'd like to sit?"
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Apr 6, 2010 14:34:35 GMT -5
I gave her a nod of understanding and took a deep breath of the indoor air, dense with odors. "I have no preference, feel free to sit wherever you would like," I told her politely. My eyes adjusted to the dim lighting and exhaled, a smile on my face.
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Apr 6, 2010 16:16:37 GMT -5
Midafternoon as it was, there weren't many tables occupied, giving plenty of choice. I hesitated before pointing to a table on the far side of the room, away from the drafty door, but off to the side some so there'd be less foot traffic wandering by. "How about that one?" I looked at him curiously, not presumptuous enough to walk to it irregardless that he told me to choose what I wanted.
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Apr 6, 2010 16:27:47 GMT -5
I looked to it, then to her with a smile. "Looks perfect!" My voice full of more cheer than I usually am accustomed to giving over a table in an inn. I start to walk to it and pull out a chair for her. Waving a waiter over I ask for a bottle of wine and tell him that we will have our orders ready upon his return.
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Apr 6, 2010 16:44:01 GMT -5
He was so cheery that it made my smile grow a little more, and I followed him as he led the way to the table, pausing to take my cloak from my shoulders before accepting the seat he held for me. Smoothing my skirts under me, I laid my cloak up on my lap, listening to him as he took care of ordering for drinks and insisting we'd be ready promptly. It was nice, accompanying someone who wasn't afraid to take charge sometimes, even in small ways like that. "What do you think you shall have?" I asked pleasantly, taking him in with another smile as I opened my menu.
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Apr 6, 2010 16:53:43 GMT -5
I sat down and opened my menu. "Well. let's see...the roasted pheasant sounds rather good at the moment. A bit expensive but money is not an object." It really wasn't. I had spent much more on good times with friends before. Money is not to save but to give away. "What about you? What do you think you would like?"
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Apr 6, 2010 17:41:43 GMT -5
"Ooh," I murmured as I looked over the menu, my eyes taking in the list of food. Gods, I hoped my stomach didn't growl loud enough for him to hear. "That does sound rather nice... Actually," I said, a bright smile on my mouth as I folded my menu, "I think that's what I'll have, thank you."
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Apr 6, 2010 17:50:57 GMT -5
I smiled brightly and nodded, taking her menu from her and waiting for the waiter to return. "I hear I missed the midwinter masque...I should have arrived earlier, I hear it's quite the occasion." The server arrives and my thoughts were interrupted. He asked for are orders and after the lady had given hers I responded with the same. He poured us our wine and left. "Did you attend?" I asked in conclusion?
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Apr 6, 2010 18:46:22 GMT -5
Folding my hands demurely in my lap, I nevertheless kept my posture straight and tall, my arms angled just slightly to hint at suppleness. It wasn't anything I did consciously, but something born of years of training and practice. Posture, my mother had told me just before I left for the Trevalions, tells a story of its own, even when the person has not yet spoken. "Oh, no, I didn't attend either," I said, smiling slightly as I touched my stomach. "Dancing and standing for hours didn't sound very appealing." Neither did going without August to accompany me, but I didn't bother adding that. I knew eventually I'd have to venture out again, would need to show my face, but I avoided it so. "It is immensely beautiful though. I hope you're able to attend next year, if you're in the City.. I think you might like it."
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Apr 6, 2010 23:15:32 GMT -5
I smiled again. It seemed so natural to do so... "I certainly plan on it....But yes I can imagine that such a celebration would have wearied you. I hope to find something that will bring me in contact with my friends in arms soon. I can't seem to locate them. Perhaps a fete would." I was thinking aloud and I knew it so I quickly stopped, sipping a glass of wine.
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Apr 8, 2010 13:31:54 GMT -5
"Oh?" Quietly I clasped my hands together, trying to keep the movement small; my fingers were freezing from the cold, though it almost always took me a good bit of time to warm up after being out-of-doors. "If you've their full names, I can send out an inquiry upon your behalf." My smile was relaxed and unassuming; I enjoyed helping people, and it seemed ever since Augusts' death, I'd done nothing... but neither would I assume that he would divulge information. Some things were private, after all, and you never quiet knew what something would be with someone you barely knew.
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Apr 8, 2010 14:07:51 GMT -5
"Certainly," I told her. "I can write them down on a piece of paper for you." I signaled the server and asked for a small piece of paper and a pen. "If you could find them that would be terrific, though I feel as though I am imposing on you. I hope it's not too much trouble." I leaned back, relaxed, in the chair. The server soon returned and I jotted a few names down, passing it across the table to Mirielle.
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Apr 11, 2010 18:47:15 GMT -5
"Not at all," I answered, hiding the flicker of amusement I felt at how everything had panned out. Tucking the slip of paper inside a pocket of my cloak, I smoothed it out again over my thighs; I could see the server returning with our wine, which was just as well as I had not much left to say on the subject as it was. "I most certainly would not have offered if it was any bother in the slightest."
My smile was quiet and gentle on my lips as I fell into silence, the server simultaneously arriving at the table. A graceful, practiced wrist and a quick grin, he set them down and asked for our orders. Guy had my menu, and I gave my own in clear voice before my eyes went to Guys once more.
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Apr 11, 2010 18:58:43 GMT -5
I nodded, turning my head to greet the server with a smile. I gave him my orders in a clear, polite tone before looking back at Mirielle. The server took our menus and left. I sighed out of contentment and whistled a little, then I suddenly stopped just in case whistling annoyed her.
"It would appear that we have run our conversation into the ground," I said softly with a frown of genuine disappointment. I hated those little awkward moments in life.
It was then, to make things more awkward, I found myself staring into her eyes. I looked down quickly.
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Apr 11, 2010 20:11:12 GMT -5
I laughed again; I could swear, each time it was a little easier. The feel and course of the conversation was far different with Guy than it had been with Caraf, but since my time with the L'Envers, I felt.. more at ease. Able to see the sun in the morning, and enjoy the beauty of the moon at night. My mourning veil, as invisible as it was to everyone but me, was slowly beginning to clear up.
"Actually, I must confess," I said softly, the smile on my mouth a soft echo of my laughter. "I owe you a debt, Lord de Mereliot; since my fiancee August died, I've.. not really carried on a conversation with much of anyone. Being able to talk to you is a wonderful thing, and I do thank you for it."
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Apr 11, 2010 20:22:19 GMT -5
I blushed. "Why thank you m'lady. I'm glad that I could be able to help you. I'm sure tough you will eventually grow tired of my talking. I'm known for making rather wordy speeches at times." I smirked and looked down again.
Taking my glass of wine in hand I sipped it and looked around the room, then back to Mirielle. "But as I said, you're welcome," I concluded with a shy smile.
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Apr 11, 2010 22:01:41 GMT -5
He looked down as if he were abashed, and I couldn't help but feel responsible for it, though I had to admit it still brought a smile to my mouth to see it. He was gentle, even if he knew how to be hard and firm, such as a soldiers life was want to be. Intrigued, I kept it stifled and picked up my own glass of wine, idly swirling the liquid without drinking it. "I don't know," I said, my voice a mix of gentleness and warmth. "If your speeches are anything like the conversation we've had thus far, I should think I would enjoy them very much. It's very nice getting to know you. And please," I added, my smile growing. "Just call me Miri, or Mirielle."
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Apr 11, 2010 22:17:16 GMT -5
I nodded, smiling again. "Alright Miri..." I laughed a little. "Actually my speeches are not like this. They tend to be rather long, however people say they are exiting. I wouldn't know though." I took a slow sip of wine. "And thank you, I'm enjoying getting to know you as well."
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Apr 12, 2010 9:23:33 GMT -5
"Really," I mused as I looked at him, leaning back a little in my seat. I'd still not sipped my wine, content for now to simply hold onto it. "What sorts of speeches do you generally make?"
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Apr 12, 2010 20:58:49 GMT -5
I leaned back as well, in a sense mirroring her actions, subconsciously. "Well they are usually random, spontaneous. I'll get a bunch of thoughts lodged in my head and then they simply have to come out in some form or another. I suppose it's a leftover of my days in the army. I'l always give talks to rally my men. Now I use it for political purposes -- Or just whenever they need someone to talk for a while." I smirked. "See you got a little taste of one right there." I couldn't help but chuckle.
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Apr 12, 2010 21:19:54 GMT -5
I laughed again, simultaneously as he chuckled, my spirits feeling more free this afternoon than they had in a long, long while. "That's not so bad. I think you make yourself out worse than you truly are."
My smile was fully amused as I raised my glass finally to my lips, looking at him a moment from over the rim before partaking in a drink. "Besides," I said as I placed it back upon the table again, my eyes going from the glass and to his face once again, "speeches can be.. captivating and motivating both, if you're talented in the art of giving them... and you've not yet bored me, my lord de Mereliot."
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Apr 12, 2010 21:42:15 GMT -5
Every time she looked at me over her glass I felt a little shy. Don't ask me why. She on the other hand seemed to be blossoming. It made me smile. I was glad, seeing as it was clear she had had suffering in her life.
"Well thank you. If I start to however simply feel free to call me on it." I picked up my glass and took a sip from it, letting mt other arms fall on the table. I was as laid back as possible. "I never said I wasn't a good speaker. I just didn't want to bore you."
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Apr 13, 2010 10:57:08 GMT -5
I grinned at him, watching how he lounged in his chair as if this were his own restaurant. He was casual and confident without being arrogant; not the type of person to rub anything in to your face. It made me like him more, and want to know him better.
"Oh, no," I said, flashing him a playful expression as I sat forward a bit, my forearms upon the table and my elbows off. "Actually, I'm tempted to challenge you to give me a speech.. I'm just not quite sure what the stakes should be. To bore or not, or move.. the category would be up to you." The playfulness grew, and I felt my smile echo it as I sat, the line of my back supple as I leaned a touch towards him. He was intriguing.
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Apr 13, 2010 17:04:51 GMT -5
I in turn leaned forward as well, the palms of my hands resting on the edge of the table. My face however remained confident.
I smirked. "Well I usually only break into a speech when something just happens to inspire me. When something does...Well I suppose we will decide then." Her playfulness made me feel more confident, though it was not conscious.
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Apr 13, 2010 18:19:46 GMT -5
The fact that he leaned in as I did only served to perk my interest more; a meeting of minds, almost. "Well, mayhap we can find something to inspire you, then," I grinned at him, though before either of us could say more our dinners arrived. I lapsed into silence as I sat back, my hands falling into my lap, though I couldn't help but steal amused glances up at Guy as the server set our dishes down. The aroma was intoxicating, and I was back to praying my stomach wouldn't growl; with good conversation, I'd completely forgotten my hunger.
"Or, mayhap later," I amended, grinning coyly at him as I picked my fork up. "I don't know about you, but I'm fairly starving."
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Apr 13, 2010 18:35:35 GMT -5
I kept looking from the food back to Mirielle. "Well," I said as I began to eat the food, smiling to the waiter to send him away. "I'm not exactly famished, but I do need food. And of course we can still talk, but no speeches I suppose." I winked at her and started in on my food.
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Apr 13, 2010 18:53:44 GMT -5
"I suppose," I agreed as I gathered a vegetable upon my fork. "And there's nothing saying you need to either; don't feel pressured."
My smile was toned down some, amused still, but more kind than anything. I ate, letting silence lapse as it would, or conversation continue; it depended more on his own personal preferences. Some people disliked speaking while eating, and I didn't know if he was offering conversation for politeness' sake.
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Apr 13, 2010 21:00:05 GMT -5
I nodded and for a while did eat in silence. It had become habit for me, as I usually ate alone. However it was not natural for me. So, once my plate was about half done I started talking again. "When I was in the army we talked just as much as we ate, so our mouths were almost always full of food or words, or both." I smirked and took a drink of wine. "Well except me, I knew to keep them separate."
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