Abigail d'Aubigne
Aristocrat
Sister of the Vicomtesse d'Aubigne- House Aubigne
Second daughter of Franco and Beaulah d'Aubigne
Posts: 477
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Post by Abigail d'Aubigne on Apr 28, 2010 20:35:10 GMT -5
Shortly after the Midwinter Masque, Year 1 of Queen Sabrina's Reign
I'd received Noelle's letter informing me that she had returned and so it was with great excitement that I had the staff prepare for us a late lunch. The instructions were very strict: Keep the food warm until the Vicomtesse returns. I anxiously paced the foyer, waiting for her to come home.
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Post by Noelle d'Aubigne on May 2, 2010 17:34:29 GMT -5
I was languid. My muscles loose and sated, I strolled through the front door of the townhome I shared with my younger sister, more intent on pulling the ebony gloves from my hands than I was in looking up to whom might be around. It wasn't til I had one glove stripped that I realized Abby was there, and a smile came unbidden to my mouth. I strolled to her, kissing her cheek before hugging her tightly.
"Sister," I breathed, her scent filling my nose before I pulled away again, my hands catching her up as I looked her up and down. "Aren't you looking smashing! I swear you've grown more into a woman since I've last seen you. How have you been?"
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Abigail d'Aubigne
Aristocrat
Sister of the Vicomtesse d'Aubigne- House Aubigne
Second daughter of Franco and Beaulah d'Aubigne
Posts: 477
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Post by Abigail d'Aubigne on May 2, 2010 21:22:15 GMT -5
"Thank you," I said, returning her embrace. She looked the same, but felt somehow...different, I couldn't put my finger on why, though. "I'm fine, though I've missed you terribly, I'm so glad you're returned."
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Post by Noelle d'Aubigne on May 5, 2010 7:25:37 GMT -5
"I'm glad I have as well," I murmured, a touch of a secret smile upon my mouth as I studiously began stripping the other glove from my hand. "You've no idea how utterly maddening it is to live out of a chest. It was nice to see the countryside though."
The second glove gone, I laid them on a nearby table and turned to regard Abigail again, my eyes taking in her form, her sense of presence. Oh, yes, she had changed; not so much the gangly, gawking girl she'd been before. I wondered if I could.. introduce her to some things now, or if she was still too young for it. "Come, let us find some tea, and you can tell me about everything you've been up to." My smile was pretty and light as I held my hand for her, though my eyes watched her, soaking in her expressions and movements.
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Abigail d'Aubigne
Aristocrat
Sister of the Vicomtesse d'Aubigne- House Aubigne
Second daughter of Franco and Beaulah d'Aubigne
Posts: 477
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Post by Abigail d'Aubigne on May 5, 2010 22:28:19 GMT -5
"I want to hear all about it," I said, "including the maddening bits." I could feel her scrutinizing me in the way that sisters do, but I didn't mind overmuch, I knew she did it because she cared. "There's a late lunch waiting for us if you want it," I said, taking her hand. "Though if you would rather skip to tea, we can do that."
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Post by Noelle d'Aubigne on May 6, 2010 9:06:50 GMT -5
"Lunch would work quite well for me, actually," I said, flashing Abby a wicked smile as I gestured lightly, letting her lead me to wherever it was; I had no idea where she might have set this up at. "I've managed to work myself quite an appetite. But tell me," I murmured, drawing close to her, in anticipation of walking. "What have you been up to of late?"
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Abigail d'Aubigne
Aristocrat
Sister of the Vicomtesse d'Aubigne- House Aubigne
Second daughter of Franco and Beaulah d'Aubigne
Posts: 477
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Post by Abigail d'Aubigne on May 8, 2010 19:58:45 GMT -5
I led Noelle into the dining room. The table was prepared fairly informally, and the meal was good: A green salad with winter tubers, finger sandwiches, petit fours, and white wine. "I did a lot of things while you were away," I said. "Should I start from the beginning?"
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Post by Noelle d'Aubigne on May 11, 2010 16:13:38 GMT -5
The table looked lovely, and I folded my skirts under myself as I sat. Abby I took in with curious eyes as I gestured for a maid to pour us wine, not bothering to glance away to her as I did so. "Is there a better place to start?" I queried, partially teasing her.
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Abigail d'Aubigne
Aristocrat
Sister of the Vicomtesse d'Aubigne- House Aubigne
Second daughter of Franco and Beaulah d'Aubigne
Posts: 477
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Post by Abigail d'Aubigne on May 11, 2010 18:38:40 GMT -5
I sat down across from her. "It might be better if I go by topic, actually," I said thoughtfully. "After a point, the days began to run together." I picked up a finger sandwich and put it on a plate. "I did a lot of exploring and sightseeing while you were away. I made a friend, actually. His name is Henri. We're going to see if we can see all the temples by summer and if we do, we'll go to a play."
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Post by Noelle d'Aubigne on May 14, 2010 17:52:28 GMT -5
Henri? I sipped at my wine, abstaining from food while I thought about what she'd said. "It sounds like you enjoy your time with him. What's this Henri like, if you don't mind my asking?"
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Abigail d'Aubigne
Aristocrat
Sister of the Vicomtesse d'Aubigne- House Aubigne
Second daughter of Franco and Beaulah d'Aubigne
Posts: 477
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Post by Abigail d'Aubigne on May 14, 2010 18:00:42 GMT -5
"I don't mind," I said. "He's very sweet, innocent even. If I didn't know him, I would think him simple or naive. He's from Camlach too."
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Post by Noelle d'Aubigne on Jun 1, 2010 14:55:43 GMT -5
"Camlach?" I tilted my head slightly, looking at Abigail in quiet curiousity. "And still sweet and innocent? A wonder, darling sister," I grinned, a little tease coming from me, but I wasn't laughing at her. "It sounds like you may have met your match. What is his family name?"
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Abigail d'Aubigne
Aristocrat
Sister of the Vicomtesse d'Aubigne- House Aubigne
Second daughter of Franco and Beaulah d'Aubigne
Posts: 477
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Post by Abigail d'Aubigne on Jun 1, 2010 15:09:07 GMT -5
"Legard," I replied. "His brother is getting married, that's why he is here. And as for him being my match..." I blushed mightily. "I don't know about that yet. He's not the only man I've met."
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Post by Noelle d'Aubigne on Jun 2, 2010 21:20:12 GMT -5
"Abby!" I said, laughing suddenly, delight coming out onto my features as I sat my wine down and leaned towards her slightly. "My my, you have changed. Has my baby sister discovered that men are good for something other than carrying your books?"
I grinned wickedly at her, but there was no maliciousness beneath it as there might have been with someone else. No, I was much softer with my sister; she'd never given me a reason not to be, and I had a feeling if she ever did, I likely would never look at her the same way again.
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Abigail d'Aubigne
Aristocrat
Sister of the Vicomtesse d'Aubigne- House Aubigne
Second daughter of Franco and Beaulah d'Aubigne
Posts: 477
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Post by Abigail d'Aubigne on Jun 3, 2010 20:45:38 GMT -5
If it were possible to turn any redder, I might have. "They're still good for carry books," I managed to squeak out. "But..." I swallowed. "They're good for other things too."
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Post by Noelle d'Aubigne on Jun 10, 2010 12:53:03 GMT -5
I laughed again and shook my head, giving her a respite as I busied myself in taking a few pieces of food to place upon my plate. "They are, truly. So are women, for that matter," I added casually, selecting a particularly plump rolled meat and placing it down. "Or have you learned that on your own already? No matter; they say late bloomers are sometimes the most vivacious of us all."
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Abigail d'Aubigne
Aristocrat
Sister of the Vicomtesse d'Aubigne- House Aubigne
Second daughter of Franco and Beaulah d'Aubigne
Posts: 477
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Post by Abigail d'Aubigne on Jun 11, 2010 18:33:37 GMT -5
"Oh no," I said hastily. "I haven't, with women, I mean. You haven't been gone that long." I smiled softly at my own little joke.
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Post by Noelle d'Aubigne on Jun 14, 2010 21:08:36 GMT -5
I grinned at her, and for a moment it was just her and I, like it always had been growing up in the country. "Women can be the most vindictive," I said softly, "but they also know exactly what to do to please another woman. You should go to the Night Court... whatever House you'd like. We can go shopping beforehand if you'd like; I can dress you prettily." My grin broadened slightly to show I was teasing her, but my offer was sincere, whether she'd take it or no.
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Abigail d'Aubigne
Aristocrat
Sister of the Vicomtesse d'Aubigne- House Aubigne
Second daughter of Franco and Beaulah d'Aubigne
Posts: 477
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Post by Abigail d'Aubigne on Jun 16, 2010 16:36:38 GMT -5
"I don't think that would be right for me, going to the Night Court, I mean," I said carefully. "I don't know if I'm ready yet. But I would love to go shopping with you," I added hopefully. "You can show me the most fashionable attire, I don't think I've gotten a new dress since I've arrived."
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Post by Noelle d'Aubigne on Jun 17, 2010 13:31:04 GMT -5
"Well, whenever it is that you wish to try it. The Night Court is something to be savored, not pushed into."
Sitting back in my chair a little more, I gathered a chickpea upon my fork, though my gaze lifted to Abby. "You've not gotten a new dress since arriving?" Tsking lightly, I flashed a grin. "We shall do it then. Not today though, I'm.. tired." Denis and two adepts - Elua, a good night, but an exhausting one.
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Abigail d'Aubigne
Aristocrat
Sister of the Vicomtesse d'Aubigne- House Aubigne
Second daughter of Franco and Beaulah d'Aubigne
Posts: 477
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Post by Abigail d'Aubigne on Jun 19, 2010 23:26:17 GMT -5
I nodded. "I understand," I said. "Tomorrow then, or whenever you like." I nibbled on a finger sandwich. "How is Lord Denis?" I asked.
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Post by Noelle d'Aubigne on Jun 20, 2010 11:25:15 GMT -5
A slow, deep smile spread across my mouth as she asked about Denis, but I took my time in answering, debating my response around a few bites of food. "He's well," I said at length. "The longer I spend time with him, the more I realize how well we fit together. Odd," I added. "I never thought to find it, especially when I came to the City."
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Abigail d'Aubigne
Aristocrat
Sister of the Vicomtesse d'Aubigne- House Aubigne
Second daughter of Franco and Beaulah d'Aubigne
Posts: 477
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Post by Abigail d'Aubigne on Jun 21, 2010 22:03:49 GMT -5
"I'm glad you are so happy together," I said. I tilted my head incredulously. "Find what?" I asked.
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Post by Noelle d'Aubigne on Jun 22, 2010 13:28:54 GMT -5
I chuckled. "Find someone like him, of course. I've never been particularly close to anyone, having slept with them or not."
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Abigail d'Aubigne
Aristocrat
Sister of the Vicomtesse d'Aubigne- House Aubigne
Second daughter of Franco and Beaulah d'Aubigne
Posts: 477
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Post by Abigail d'Aubigne on Jun 23, 2010 1:00:37 GMT -5
I nodded. "I know. He's fortunate to have you." We were similar in that regard - both hard to get close to. The difference was that while Noelle could have sex and maintain distance, I wasn't willing to find out if I couldn't.
Except with Shea. With him, I felt like I was floating on air. He was so handsome, and so exciting to be around, I almost didn't care if I got hurt. Suddenly, I wanted badly to tell her, to say what had happened out loud, without any innuendo around it. "Noelle, I - " I swallowed. "I did it. For the first time, I mean."
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Post by Noelle d'Aubigne on Jun 24, 2010 13:09:15 GMT -5
Her sudden admittance was shocking, and my brows rose as I looked at her, pausing over a slice of sweetmeat. "You did?"
My fork lowered again, and I tilted my head, a smile upon my lips. "I take it you enjoyed it," I added; if she hadn't, I didn't think she'd have told me at all.
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Abigail d'Aubigne
Aristocrat
Sister of the Vicomtesse d'Aubigne- House Aubigne
Second daughter of Franco and Beaulah d'Aubigne
Posts: 477
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Post by Abigail d'Aubigne on Jun 24, 2010 13:57:48 GMT -5
I nodded. "I don't even know how it happened, I went to the masque, and he was there, and I just...got carried away," I blurted. "I don't love him, I don't even think he really cares for me, and I feel...nothing. I thought I would feel something, but I don't."
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Post by Noelle d'Aubigne on Jul 8, 2010 10:21:04 GMT -5
Ever chaste, ever cautious and careful, Abby was always one to think with her heart, where I...? Not so much, and that was a vast understatement until I'd met Denis. I looked at her, watching through quiet, dark eyes, taking in her demeanor, her speech, her tone and the way her brows furrowed just slightly, on a tiny line appearing between them.
I sighed.
"It's like that a lot of the time," I murmured, reaching out to smooth her hair down with my hand. Stroking over her dark locks, I dipped my palm over her temple and cheek, gently caressing in a loving manner. "Sometimes there's fire, sometimes there's pleasure, sometimes love... and sometimes there's nothing but motions. At least you've experienced it though, and know what not to look for in your next partner."
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Abigail d'Aubigne
Aristocrat
Sister of the Vicomtesse d'Aubigne- House Aubigne
Second daughter of Franco and Beaulah d'Aubigne
Posts: 477
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Post by Abigail d'Aubigne on Jul 18, 2010 23:50:24 GMT -5
"But the first time is supposed to be special," I said, tears welling up in my eyes. "I wanted it to mean something."
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Post by Noelle d'Aubigne on Jul 19, 2010 11:33:04 GMT -5
Conflict rose in me; generally speaking, it wasn't in me to comfort those who were crying, even if it was my baby sister, but I knew she was hurting, and knew that she needed.. something. Swallowing whatever else I might have said, I reached and wiped her tears with my thumbs, my hands cupping her slender face. "It's not always special," I said softly, not bothering to add that she should have lain with someone she actually cared about if she wanted more than what she had gotten. "Not always... don't base what it was supposed to be like off of what ideals you carried as a child. You're not a child any longer Abigail - you're a woman now, and you must think like one or you'll spend your life wallowing and wishing for stars that will never be there."
Leaning, I kissed her lips softly before letting go of her completely, though my eyes stayed on hers as I leaned back in my chair again. "When you find someone who means the world to you, it'll be special.. but until then, it'll just be pleasure. There's joy in that too.. you just have to forgo the idealisms you held up until now."
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