Leyna de Somerville
Royal
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; Future Comtesse de Somerville; House Somerville
Posts: 5,711
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Post by Leyna de Somerville on Jun 21, 2010 18:25:53 GMT -5
The time had come, if I was going to do this it needed to be now. To the clothes I’d worn earlier, I added a blue cloak and gloves to ward off the winter chill before heading down the stairs. Knowing Maurice would be with me helped, but as I descended towards the entry, my stomach began to knot.
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Maurice de Bouchard
Aristocrat
House Bouchard
Son of Duc Lazare Bouchard (Deceased), step-son of the Duchesse Marie Laveau de Bouchard
Posts: 459
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Post by Maurice de Bouchard on Jun 22, 2010 9:09:46 GMT -5
I had settled in nicely, and een though I thought I had brought a fair amount wtih me, it did not even put a dent in the space that was still available to me. I had had the chance to freshen up and changed into clothing that was warm but not bulky or constricting. I wore a cloak that hid the dagger at my waist and most of the sword in teh scabbard at my hip. I walked jauntily down the stairs and met Princess Leyna at the bottom of them. She wore a dark blue cloak, and she looked a little harried. I smiled warmly, hoping that would alleviate some of the anxiety of the situation.
"Ready for a day on the town?" I asked. Sometimes it was better to act as though nothing was wrong as opposed to drawing attention to it.
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Leyna de Somerville
Royal
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; Future Comtesse de Somerville; House Somerville
Posts: 5,711
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Post by Leyna de Somerville on Jun 22, 2010 10:25:25 GMT -5
No, not at all, not in the least. My heart was pounding in my throat just at the thought of it, and that was all that kept me from voicing the words.
From somewhere distant, I felt my head nodding a little even as I couldn’t speak. My eyes went from Maurice’s calm and happy face to the windows beside the front door, seeing the carriage waiting beyond them. My fingers tightened around each other, my hands gripping hard to each other.
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Maurice de Bouchard
Aristocrat
House Bouchard
Son of Duc Lazare Bouchard (Deceased), step-son of the Duchesse Marie Laveau de Bouchard
Posts: 459
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Post by Maurice de Bouchard on Jun 22, 2010 10:29:38 GMT -5
I could see teh anxiety in her. She was frightened. I frowned softly and moved close to her. i put a hand on her shoulder, and rubbed it reassuringly, praying that she would know that this was the caress of a friend, and not that I was trying to do anything disrespectful.
"It will vbe okay, and I promise you that. I am here, and i have sworn to protect you," I reassured her. My smile was soft and my voice was soothing and low. "It will be okay. Even if you just go for a ride in teh carriage, that is still one step closer to getting your life back to how you want it and how it should be," I said. I hoped that I had not overstepped my boundaries - and on the first day at that!
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Leyna de Somerville
Royal
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; Future Comtesse de Somerville; House Somerville
Posts: 5,711
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Post by Leyna de Somerville on Jun 22, 2010 10:34:16 GMT -5
I hated this, dear gods I hated being afraid. I had never been afraid of anything before.
I blinked away the tears that sprang to my eyes and drew a deep breath. I looked at him, feeling safer and stronger with him there.
“Thank you,” I said softly. I took another breath. “I’m ready.”
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Maurice de Bouchard
Aristocrat
House Bouchard
Son of Duc Lazare Bouchard (Deceased), step-son of the Duchesse Marie Laveau de Bouchard
Posts: 459
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Post by Maurice de Bouchard on Jun 22, 2010 10:37:31 GMT -5
I did not take this chance to ask her if she was sure, and cause her to second guess herself, or to second guess my ability. Instead I smiled, and nodded as I removed my hand from her shoulder. "You are welcome," i added softly, then with a wide grin and more jovially. "Let's go!" I walked to the door, thinking it best for me to open it first, show her there was no danger, and then fall into step beside her and half a pace back.
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Leyna de Somerville
Royal
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; Future Comtesse de Somerville; House Somerville
Posts: 5,711
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Post by Leyna de Somerville on Jun 22, 2010 10:41:34 GMT -5
His confidence was infectious and I was glad for it. Straightening my spine, I walked through the door and out to the carriage. my footman held that door open for me and I stepped into the carriage, not allowing my pace to slow until I was taking a seat, smoothing my skirts and trying to do anything but think of what I was about to do.
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Maurice de Bouchard
Aristocrat
House Bouchard
Son of Duc Lazare Bouchard (Deceased), step-son of the Duchesse Marie Laveau de Bouchard
Posts: 459
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Post by Maurice de Bouchard on Jun 22, 2010 10:45:33 GMT -5
She held her head high, and I could see a bit of confidence in her as she strode out ahead of me, and I closed the door behind us to fall in step just behind her. She mounted the carriage and sat herself down, and I followed after after, of course, taking a quick look about us and seeing nothing out of the ordinary. I took my seat as the carriage door was closed. I felt excited for her, to be able to help her to get to this point and past it. We were onto a good start.
"So my lady," I said with a grin, "where are we to go first?"
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Leyna de Somerville
Royal
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; Future Comtesse de Somerville; House Somerville
Posts: 5,711
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Post by Leyna de Somerville on Jun 22, 2010 19:32:36 GMT -5
“The Artists Societe,” I told him, trying not to fidget as my heart pounded wildly in my breast. The carriage began moving toward the gate and I had to resist the urge to open the door and hop out.
I looked away from the window and at Maurice. “Have you ever been?”
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Maurice de Bouchard
Aristocrat
House Bouchard
Son of Duc Lazare Bouchard (Deceased), step-son of the Duchesse Marie Laveau de Bouchard
Posts: 459
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Post by Maurice de Bouchard on Jun 23, 2010 8:59:34 GMT -5
I smiled as she looked from teh window to me, and only hoped that I could distract her enough with conversation so that she did not think of where she was going or what she was doing.
"No, actually, I have never been. I am not even sure I knwo what it is," I said, slightly embarassed. "Do you mind telling me?" Not only was it good to distract her, but it was also good to get an understanding of the place we were going so that I might position myself better around her.
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Leyna de Somerville
Royal
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; Future Comtesse de Somerville; House Somerville
Posts: 5,711
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Post by Leyna de Somerville on Jun 24, 2010 0:11:34 GMT -5
“It’s a guild for artists of all types,” I told him. “It is a wonderful place to browse and find some wonderful pieces.”
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Maurice de Bouchard
Aristocrat
House Bouchard
Son of Duc Lazare Bouchard (Deceased), step-son of the Duchesse Marie Laveau de Bouchard
Posts: 459
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Post by Maurice de Bouchard on Jun 24, 2010 15:49:21 GMT -5
"Ah," I said withi a smile, "that sounds actually rather fun. Are you looking to purchase something for your home? Or do you moonlight as an artist?" I asked with a smile.
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Leyna de Somerville
Royal
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; Future Comtesse de Somerville; House Somerville
Posts: 5,711
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Post by Leyna de Somerville on Jun 24, 2010 23:35:16 GMT -5
“Neither,” I told him. “Honestly, it just seemed like an easy place to start.”
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Maurice de Bouchard
Aristocrat
House Bouchard
Son of Duc Lazare Bouchard (Deceased), step-son of the Duchesse Marie Laveau de Bouchard
Posts: 459
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Post by Maurice de Bouchard on Jun 27, 2010 7:37:01 GMT -5
"Oh I see," I said, understanding now. "Though you never know, you may see something that catches your fancy," I offered with a grin. The place would probably be less busy than a marketplace, and certainly less dangerous than Night's Doorstep. It was good middle ground, then, and the Artisan's District was always fun with lots of other places to go should she feel more adventurous.
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Leyna de Somerville
Royal
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; Future Comtesse de Somerville; House Somerville
Posts: 5,711
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Post by Leyna de Somerville on Jun 27, 2010 16:13:02 GMT -5
“I might,” I agreed, smiling a little and looking out the window again. We were very close; in fact I could feel the carriage slowing. “We’re almost there.”
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Maurice de Bouchard
Aristocrat
House Bouchard
Son of Duc Lazare Bouchard (Deceased), step-son of the Duchesse Marie Laveau de Bouchard
Posts: 459
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Post by Maurice de Bouchard on Jun 27, 2010 17:42:22 GMT -5
I smiled. The time had drifted by so quickly. "Well that was quick!" I said with a grin. I was excited. I myself had not been out much lately, so this was good for me as well.
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Leyna de Somerville
Royal
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; Future Comtesse de Somerville; House Somerville
Posts: 5,711
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Post by Leyna de Somerville on Jun 28, 2010 22:39:01 GMT -5
"Streets are pretty easy to travel this time of day," I said absently as I drew my cloak tighter around me, feeling my heart beating fast again.
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Maurice de Bouchard
Aristocrat
House Bouchard
Son of Duc Lazare Bouchard (Deceased), step-son of the Duchesse Marie Laveau de Bouchard
Posts: 459
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Post by Maurice de Bouchard on Jun 28, 2010 22:50:48 GMT -5
"Very true," I said a little guardedly. It seemed like the sort of response that came out automatically, and I could see from her eyes that she was apprehensive again as the time drew nigh that she would have to leave her carriage. It seemed, perhaps, the best thing was to allow her to face her fear, and before she worked herself into too deep a fear to get out of the carriage. Then she could realise there was nothing to fear, and slowly acclimatise to it. "Especially in the winter, when people choose a warm fire over a brisque walk in the cool air," I added, hoping that keeping up conversation would buy us enough time to arrive and get her out of the carriage. I was barely on her post for an hour and I was already feeling for the situation of my ward.
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Leyna de Somerville
Royal
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; Future Comtesse de Somerville; House Somerville
Posts: 5,711
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Post by Leyna de Somerville on Jun 29, 2010 16:36:51 GMT -5
I could feel my bottom lip beginning to tremble as my fear bloomed full force once more. I caught my lip between my teeth, hoping to still its movements, but it didn’t help.
“I don’t think I can do this,” I whispered, tears spilling over my eyelids even as I swept my eyes closed.
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Maurice de Bouchard
Aristocrat
House Bouchard
Son of Duc Lazare Bouchard (Deceased), step-son of the Duchesse Marie Laveau de Bouchard
Posts: 459
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Post by Maurice de Bouchard on Jun 29, 2010 17:12:25 GMT -5
She was loosing her handle on the situation and I leaned forward, shushing her softly, hoping that it did not sound condescending.
"This is about taking control of your life," I whispered, my voice heard well enough over teh sounds of the carriage. "If you believe you cannot do it, then you are inviting that very thing to happen, but if you believe you can, then you will walk with confidence, upright and true to yourself," I said. I was sure she already knew this, and often it was easier said than done, I knew that well enough. "You can do this. You are strong, I can tell, though I may not know you, you are strong. It takes strength to realise you need to take your life back from fear, and you have done that." I would have wipedd away her tears myself, but again, not wishing to overstep my boundaries, I instead reached into my pocket and pulled out a clean crisp white cotton handkercheif and offered it to her.
"It is broad day light, there is not many people about, and you have me," I said wtih a smile, "and I will pprotect and guard your life as if it were my own, as if it were my mothers, or my sisters, or anyone who meant the world to me," I explained with a smile. "I promise you will be fine."
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Leyna de Somerville
Royal
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; Future Comtesse de Somerville; House Somerville
Posts: 5,711
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Post by Leyna de Somerville on Jun 29, 2010 17:42:55 GMT -5
Gratefully, I took the handkerchief and wiped my eyes. I was terrified, down to the chill that ran through my bones and made me shiver. I wanted to bury myself in the seat and order the carriage home.
I didn’t though. Somehow, I found the strength inside me so that when the carriage stopped, I nodded wordlessly to Maurice, hoping he would understand that I meant to go on with this, for my voice had fled completely.
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Maurice de Bouchard
Aristocrat
House Bouchard
Son of Duc Lazare Bouchard (Deceased), step-son of the Duchesse Marie Laveau de Bouchard
Posts: 459
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Post by Maurice de Bouchard on Jun 29, 2010 17:51:59 GMT -5
I smiled, nodding back in understanding.
"I will exit first, my lady, if that suits you," I sid wtih a smile as I heard and felt the driver climb down on his way to open the carriage door.
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Leyna de Somerville
Royal
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; Future Comtesse de Somerville; House Somerville
Posts: 5,711
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Post by Leyna de Somerville on Jun 29, 2010 23:38:03 GMT -5
I nodded, more focused on not hyperventilating than finding a way to answer him verbally.
Elua, Anael, please let me do this. Nic would never forgive me if I let his death drive me to becoming scared of the world. please, let me do this.
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Maurice de Bouchard
Aristocrat
House Bouchard
Son of Duc Lazare Bouchard (Deceased), step-son of the Duchesse Marie Laveau de Bouchard
Posts: 459
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Post by Maurice de Bouchard on Jun 30, 2010 9:17:56 GMT -5
The carriage door was opened by the smiling driver, and I stepped out first, making a quick survey. There was nothing that presented itself as a danger, exccept mayhap the chill air. There were people about, but none that looked threatening, and none that were carrying obvious weapons. I scanned the vicinity very quickly, but I was efficent when I was in this frame of mind. I turned back to the carriage and offered Leyna my hand to help her out. I smiled warmly to let her know that all seemed well.
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Leyna de Somerville
Royal
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; Future Comtesse de Somerville; House Somerville
Posts: 5,711
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Post by Leyna de Somerville on Jun 30, 2010 15:01:07 GMT -5
I watched as he surveyed the area, feeling a little stronger for his caution.
Taking another deep breath, I took his offered hand and stepped out of the carriage. The instant my feet touched the ground, I felt weak and gripped his hand tighter, hoping I didn’t fall.
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Maurice de Bouchard
Aristocrat
House Bouchard
Son of Duc Lazare Bouchard (Deceased), step-son of the Duchesse Marie Laveau de Bouchard
Posts: 459
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Post by Maurice de Bouchard on Jul 2, 2010 16:48:50 GMT -5
She took my hand but I could see her falter, her knees seeming to go weak. i did not reach out and hold her up as I might others, but I did use my other hand to hold her arm, add support without looking too obvious.
"Are you alright?" I asked her softly, in more of a whisper, my eyes no doubt showing concern for my ward.
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Leyna de Somerville
Royal
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; Future Comtesse de Somerville; House Somerville
Posts: 5,711
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Post by Leyna de Somerville on Jul 2, 2010 19:55:40 GMT -5
“No,” I answered in a whisper. “I’m terrified.” I forced my legs into a more solid position, willing myself not to collapse.
“Please, don’t let go of me yet.”
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Maurice de Bouchard
Aristocrat
House Bouchard
Son of Duc Lazare Bouchard (Deceased), step-son of the Duchesse Marie Laveau de Bouchard
Posts: 459
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Post by Maurice de Bouchard on Jul 3, 2010 14:48:53 GMT -5
She not only sounded terrified, she looked terrified, and I knit my brows together in worry. She asked me not to let go of her, and I did not. Instead, I took better hold of her, though trying not to invade her personal space too much, just so that I could alleviate some of her weight from her failing legs.
"Take slow, deep breath, close your eyes a moment nd ground yourself," I suggested in a soothing voice. "And then when you are ready, try for another step and see how you feel." There were not many milling about, so we did not draw any attention, plus the carriage kept those on the other side of the street out of view.
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Leyna de Somerville
Royal
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; Future Comtesse de Somerville; House Somerville
Posts: 5,711
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Post by Leyna de Somerville on Jul 4, 2010 12:21:20 GMT -5
Doing as he suggested, I closed my eyes and took a slow, deep breath. Then, I took a small step forward as I opened my eyes again, and then another one. We were far enough away from the carriage for the footman to close the door, and I did my best not to jump at the sound.
I was still trembling with fear, but I no longer felt like I was going to faint. “Thank you,” I whispered to Maurice.
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Maurice de Bouchard
Aristocrat
House Bouchard
Son of Duc Lazare Bouchard (Deceased), step-son of the Duchesse Marie Laveau de Bouchard
Posts: 459
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Post by Maurice de Bouchard on Jul 16, 2010 14:07:57 GMT -5
She was still afraid, but she was making progress. She stepped forward once, then again, until she was away from teh carriage and the door was closeed. She trembled as I held on to her.
"You are welcome," I replied softly but with a smile. I barely knew her and I was proud of her for what she was doing, and I think that is showed as I looked upon her. I took a deep breath myself, letting it out slowly, tasting the winter air, and I thought about what might make her feel better. "Have you eaten?" I asked her softly as I looked around, though without making it obvious.
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