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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Dec 12, 2010 22:42:17 GMT -5
Blessed Elua.
There she lay, my little girl, sleeping soundly in her bassinet beside my chair, where I could easily reach her despite the nanny who was on call whenever I might need help or a break, however momentary. So small, so frail and delicate.. but I knew she was stronger than she appeared, stronger than even I, I was sure, to have endured all the stress I'd been under so early in the pregnancy. She'd not only endured it, but had flourished, had beaten all the odds. And now she lay, sleeping sweetly, her dark curls capped by a soft, lacy bonnet, her small body dressed in a light violet dress. She would want for nothing, my little girl. My Christelle.
She looked like August, and I was eternally grateful for it. From her eyes to her hair, to the way even her little nose was shaped, she had his features. I'd cried when I'd first seen her for more than just relief and happiness, and if I thought about it too much now I could tear up again, but I did my best not to. I still missed him, but my life now was dedicated to my little girl, and nothing could sway me from it. Turning my eyes back to my sewing, I continued working on the tiny little flower, though I was forever listening, forever smiling.
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Dec 12, 2010 23:07:15 GMT -5
As winter had turned to spring my thoughts kept returning to one person I had met and one blissful conversation I had had. That person would be Mirielle. I remembered where she lived and decided to pay her a visit, right out of the blue. Responsibilities were not heavy upon me at the moment and I had long ago given up my silly search for former fighting mates.
The coach pulled up to the door of her estate and I slowly got out and walked up to it, about to knock. Suddenly, however, I had a horrible thought. What if she forgot who I was? I swallowed and looked down. I was exceedingly well dressed, though I couldn't say why, in an outfit of pale blue and brown. Springtime had indeed affected my dress. I took a deep breath and nodded, the swallowed, waiting.
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Dec 12, 2010 23:19:51 GMT -5
The flower finished, I was beginning on a second near the first when of a sudden a maid was bobbing in the doorway, her smiling face looking at the bassinet for a quick moment before informing me that there was a gentleman waiting downstairs for me. A gentleman? Confused, I thanked her and asked her to bring the nanny in to watch her for a time. As she hurried away, I set my sewing aside and stood, smoothing my dress over my hips and straightening my skirts, a soft blue edged in fine cream lace. Simple, but well made silk; a comfortable thing that I favored.
I wasn't as slender as I'd been before my pregnancy, but due likely to the stresses of my pregnancy and all the emotional heartache I'd endured, I'd not gained much weight; even the doctors had commented how small my stomach was throughout the pregnancy, til I began fearing something was wrong with the babe. Still, my curves were more pronounced, but I could fit in most of my old dresses already, all save the tightest, most form fitting.
Making my way down the stairs, I tried to figure out who might have arrived, though by the time my slippered feet hit the bottom step and I released my skirts, I'd given up on it. When I entered the reception room, though, a smile bloomed across my lips; the face I saw was one of the last I expected to see. "Guy," I breathed as I crossed the carpets to him, taking in how smartly dressed he was, and appreciating as any d'Angeline was wont to do.
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Dec 12, 2010 23:26:50 GMT -5
I smiled brightly the very second I saw her. She looked lovely! I had not seen her before her pregnancy and had nothing to compare her to. I just saw a beautiful woman. My smile grew and acquired a hint of surprise when she parted her lips and spoke. She remembered my name! "Mirielle! You look wonderful! How have you been? I'm surprised you remember me." I'm used to saying a lot at once, but never so disjointedly. But I suppose that it how it is when friends get back together?
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Dec 12, 2010 23:41:58 GMT -5
The smile that crossed his mouth was full and sincere, and I returned it easily, not needing to feign welcome here, with him. "Of course I remembered your name," I said, laughing as I came to a stop before him, peering up those long inches to his face. He looked.. different than I remembered. Not worse, but somehow more at peace, less tired. I enjoyed it, very much.
"I've been very well, thank you for asking," I added, my smile growing some. Pride for my daughter burned in my heart, but I wouldn't be rude and speak of it, not yet; there was time for that. "And you? You look more relaxed, somehow... Happier."
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Dec 13, 2010 0:09:35 GMT -5
I nodded. "I suppose you can say that I am. I've some to accept the truth of my situation and am making the best of it. Of course it also brings up a whole different area of questions and problems and quandaries I try to avoid ... but this is not why I have come. How is the baby?" I was truly eager to know and I wanted to see the child.
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Dec 13, 2010 0:31:29 GMT -5
I had no idea what he was talking about, but I had the feeling that unless he sat down and explained, which he'd already said he tried to avoid thinking of, that I wouldn't. That was alright, if it suited him; I didn't wish to pry in the slightest.
When he mentioned Christelle, though, my face lit up; I couldn't help myself. "She's more than just well.. she's perfect, in every way imaginable. Two weeks old now.. I've named her Christelle, though I've taken to calling her Elle for short."
I was babbling now, but it was difficult for me to help myself. My smile lifted a little as I looked up to him. "Would you like to see her? She should be waking soon."
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Dec 13, 2010 0:40:05 GMT -5
I nodded quickly and full of excitement. "Why of course! And that is a lovely name." I could not contain my smile no matter what I did. I had an urge to give her a hug. It had been far far too long. "Perhaps after that we can catch up on all that has happened?" I was truly curious and I took a real interest in her life. I couldn't say for certain bu I think she thought the same of me.
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Dec 13, 2010 0:48:55 GMT -5
"Of course," I responded with a smile. Turning, I led us from the room and up the stairs again. I didn't hurry, but moved at a slow, steady pace - partly to give her more time to wake, and partly because I was still tired; I felt as if I could lay my head down and sleep for a week sometimes.
"It has been a while since we've seen each other," I conceded as we ascended the stairs. My fingers tangled in my skirts to keep them up out of my way, and I glanced at him as we walked; I was entirely unused to talk with anyone male of late, and anyone taller than me. It was a welcome change.
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Dec 13, 2010 0:55:08 GMT -5
I nodded. "Sadly it's true. My title keeps me busy and I am certain your pregnancy has done likewise. I have been meaning to see you. Our random meeting was perhaps one of the best days I've had." I said all this as I climbed the stairs. I began to feel warmth, not a physical warmth but the joy of good company.
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Dec 13, 2010 1:07:56 GMT -5
It surprised me as much to hear that our meeting had been one of the better days he'd had, almost as much as it surprised me to see him arrive at my home. "It was for me as well," I replied warmly, my skirts held up just enough that I didn't trip. My balance still wasn't the best; learning to not compensate for the sudden loss of my stomach was just as hard as learning to compensate for it.
"You have a superb memory though, I must say, to have remembered that as well as where I live." Most impressive. Upon reaching the top of the stairs, I let my skirts down and gestured minimally, letting him know exactly which way to walk. By habit and propriety, I allowed him to lead even in my own home, though it was out mostly because of the former rather than the latter. "I am glad you stopped over though, Guy.. it's nice to see you again." My eyes looked up from the carpeted floor and to his face again, flashing a smile his way.
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Dec 13, 2010 1:20:42 GMT -5
I replied to her the exact truth. "I remember the people and places I consider to be highly important. You remembered as well, which makes me very happy." When we reached the top of the stairs I turned around and she flashed me a smile. I remembered her smiles. It warmed my heart and I could not help but smile back and then I gave her a hug. "It is so good to see you again as well." I held the embrace for a few seconds and then backed away, still smiling.
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Dec 13, 2010 17:59:21 GMT -5
His words brought a filtered warmth of friendship through me, one that was infiltrated by shock as he spontaneously hugged me, though the surprise faded quickly. His arms were gentle and unassuming, and I surprised myself by placing my hands upon his back and returning the gesture, letting go only as he backed away.
"Still a charmer," I teased lightly, though it truly was tease. My eyes danced as I said it, and rather than simply turning and walking again, I reached to slip my arm into his unasked, feeling comfortable enough to do so.. odd for me, bold, considering how little we knew each other and the short amount of time that we had. The room Christelle lay in was just a few paces further, and I made a silent gesture of quiet before I opened the door, letting go of Guys arm in order to make my way in ahead of him.
The room was silent still, the plumply sweet nanny I'd employed standing near a closed window, arms empty. "She sleeps better than I could have hoped for," I said softly as I smiled up at Guy, feeling as if I were positively glowing with joy. Touching his hand lightly, I led him to her bassinet, one of the first visitors I'd had, one of the first people to lay eyes upon my daughter.
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Dec 13, 2010 18:50:30 GMT -5
For a moment I was caught up in her eyes. One thing I had forgotten was how blue they were. I said nothing of it, but I smiled at the remembrance. She walked with me arm in arm down the last few steps to the doorway. It was nice to have that feeling of closeness, though it surprised me how comfortable she was.
When we entered and approached the infant I smiled again. A new life, a new human being who had the potential for greatness. I wondered what she would become. But I stopped myself and considered instead what she is: a lovely child of a lovely woman. "She is so precious ... Like her mother."
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Dec 13, 2010 21:58:14 GMT -5
I watched her, my tightly wrapped sleeping bundle, marveling over how her features were Augusts and still somehow all her own. It caught me off guard at times, and I'd watched her more than once before realizing what I was doing. Taking my eyes from her, I looked up at Guy, my smile just as broad and full of joy as it had been when I looked at Christelle. I hadn't felt this happy in a very long time, not since before the accident that stole August from this world.
"Thank you," I said quietly, my smile softening the line of my lips. I longed to hold her, to truly show my daughter off, but I didn't wish to disturb her as she slept so peacefully. She would wake soon, but for now I was content to let her sleep as much as she wanted. "She looks much like her father.. time will tell whether she has his spirit or mine, though, or something all her own." Reaching, I adjusted the blanket on her just a little more before straightening, my voice ever quiet as I looked back up at Guy again. "Would you like to join me for something to drink?" I queried, unassuming, utterly at peace.
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Dec 14, 2010 2:23:14 GMT -5
I continued watching the child and my thoughts naturally began to drift to the thought of my own children someday, what they would look like and how I would raise them. Needless to say my thoughts then drifted to marriage and courtship. I sighed under my breath. Even in a joyous moment like this my anxious heart has to muddle things.
Miri's invitation for a drink brought me ou of it. I nodded at once. "Yes, that would be very nice," I told her with a sincere smile. I looked forward to having a nice long conversation with her, Perhaps that's why she stuck in my mind. I was at ease with her, both with my words and actions.
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Dec 14, 2010 20:27:51 GMT -5
I didn't quite tiptoe away, but I moved as quietly as I could, waiting til Guy was on the outside of the door with me before I gently closed it. "You were one of the first people to have seen her," I said softly as I led him down the open hall and past the stairs, remaining on the second story. Around the corner, I directed him into a small, cozy room that I liked to sit and read in. White clothed padded chairs were arranged comfortably, a few plants and a small bookcase to the side, a table in the center for drinks, or whatever suited. A small table off in the corner had a small array of drinks, and I looked at Guy with a warm expression as I paused at the table, my voice laced with relaxed curiosity. "What would you like, Lord de Mereloit? There's a white and a red, and some brandy here.. not a horribly large collection I'm afraid."
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Dec 15, 2010 10:21:00 GMT -5
The room was small and spoke of comfort. I walked over to one of the chairs and leaned against it. "I have no real preference, whatever you'd like." It was true I didn't care what I drank so long as we had a nice talk. I smiled and then sat down, watching her pour the drinks.
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Dec 18, 2010 16:42:55 GMT -5
I hadn't pegged him for a regular brandy drinker - he was too gentle and sweet, and given the lightness of the afternoon, I chose instead a white, a soft, fruity flavor. Pouring both of us a glass, I offered him his, though rather than sitting I remained standing. I had little intention of drinking more than a few sips of my wine, not with needing to nurse Christelle, but my doctor had told me that just a little wouldn't have an effect upon the babes. "I hope that suits," I said after he'd taken the glass, an easy smile upon my mouth.
"So, tell me," I said after a moment, my eyes taking in his face. "What have you been up to of late?"
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Dec 18, 2010 21:40:27 GMT -5
I took the glass with a smile and lightly sipped it. I did not plan on drinking much either. "It's very excellent." I leaned back a little and relaxed. "Not much, other than business matters. Like I said I've given up trying to look for my old friends and have been working on being the best leader possible politically rather than militarily. I've also been doing a lot of thinking, yes more than normal." If she was curious as to what I would tell her, but I wasn't one to be open about such things, but part of me wanted her to know more about me than the average person.
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Dec 19, 2010 19:29:49 GMT -5
I nodded, listening to him impartially as he spoke; I couldn't imagine what it would be like to know only a military life, then be taken from it and thrust into a position of politics and intrigue. Difficult, I was sure, though I knew little of the ongoings of military life.
"You have?" I queried calmly, my free hand resting against a chair as I looked up at him. "What about, if I may ask?"
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Dec 19, 2010 20:02:49 GMT -5
I swallowed and sat up straight again. "Well my future mainly. I cannot recall if I old you about my vow. I had promised that I would not take a woman until I left the army. I've finally come to accept that my military days are through. And now my thoughts have drifted towards women and the future. It's rather consuming."
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Dec 19, 2010 21:08:26 GMT -5
I'd been expecting something on philosophy, mayhap some of the previously spoken about political intrigue, or.. Elua, I didn't know. His blunt response made me blink, then abruptly laugh, my eyes holding a merriment that I hadn't felt in a long time.
"I've been told a few times before that women at least tend to be consuming as well as confusing, monsieur," I repeated, forgetting myself enough to take a drink of wine. "But I promise at least that if you find someone worth holding onto, your life will better in ways that you can't imagine."
I sobered some with the last, my thoughts turning to August before I pushed them away. No; that was the past, and this was now. I'd mourned throughout my entire pregnancy, and while I still felt pangs for him, I knew I needed to move on. I needed to be strong, to be who I was before for my daughter more than anything. I hesitated, then took a seat across from him, crossing my legs at the ankle and tucking my feet under my chair. "Do you attend fetes and balls? That can be a very open place to find unattached women."
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Dec 19, 2010 21:14:55 GMT -5
Her laughter confused me and I could not help but quirk a brow. I mean, I knew full well that it wasn't the deepest issue, but ... well I guess I didn't know. I nodded as she spoke, until she mentioned fetes and balls. I raised my brows and shook my head. "No, no I don't. I'm not really the best dancer, nor am I one for parties. Plus, from what I hear, such relationships built in a party, are shallow and can cause ships to crash. I'm prepared to wait a lifetime for just the right person, a beautiful, close friend, whom I couldn't live without."
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Dec 19, 2010 21:31:40 GMT -5
He seemed confused by my laughter, and I knew my jest had gone uncaught, or mayhap misunderstood. I colored slightly, my eyes dropping to the wineglass in his hand before moving to his face again.
"Whomever she is will be lucky," I said, truly meaning it. Guy was a stead-fast person, someone who knew who he was, knew what he stood for, and when he decided on a woman to be his bride, I knew whomever it was would never have to want for aught, would never have to worry about his eyes roaming, or his heart tiring. "You're truly a gentleman Guy... I know you'll find her, wherever she is."
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Dec 19, 2010 21:40:47 GMT -5
I had heard women say those words to other men as nothing more than a way to placate them. I could tell when she said it, she meant it. All her words were pure kindness and sincerity. "Thank you, Mirielle. I just wonder if there's a woman in this country who would say the same thing. I haven't met many who hold the views I do. I guess that's what happens when they haven't read the books I have."
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Dec 19, 2010 22:06:06 GMT -5
I couldn't help myself; at his words, I leaned, a part of me still marveling at the ability to lean forward over my own lap, and touched my fingers to his free hand. "I'm sure you will, Guy... The world isn't so big or so small that a man like you couldn't find a woman who compliments you. You'll find her.. don't lose heart."
Giving his hand a soft squeeze, I sat back again, not wanting to be presumptuous, and set my wineglass upon a table. "There's a local park near here that hosts public readings every Saturday... Mayhap that would be a better place to meet someone, unless you're not interested in trying to find someone, but... Discovering, mayhap? I'm not sure which is the best way to put that, my apologies."
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Dec 19, 2010 22:33:33 GMT -5
Human touch can be one of the most powerful things on this earth. She only held my hand a moment, but it brought a wave of comfort and peace over me. "Thank you again. ... Public readings ... I might attend."
I sat in silence, not really thinking, but rather letting thoughts shoot through my head at a rapid pace. "Mirielle, how would I know when I've met someone to pursue?"
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Dec 19, 2010 23:43:20 GMT -5
I tilted my head, thinking on what he said. "When you can't stop thinking about her," I said at last, my eyes dropping to the arm of his chair. "When thinking of her brings a smile to your face, or your heart starts beating harder. When you lose your thoughts just at the sight of her."
I brought my gaze back to his face again, and with it a soft smile. "Mayhap not all at once, but over time.. you'll know. There's no mistaking it... and sometimes, it's someone you least expect, or not who you hoped for."
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Dec 20, 2010 12:32:55 GMT -5
I smiled and nodded. "That is how I always pictured it to be. I'm sure I will know it when I see it, or her rather. It's almost as if it is a new adventure for me, not as though I am conquering anything, but that I am seeking a treasure, hidden just for me, a treasure made of gold and sapphires placed in plain sight. It's exciting to think about, is it not?" My mind was excited and I loved sharing all this with Mirielle.
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