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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Dec 20, 2010 17:23:32 GMT -5
I listened to him as he spoke.. really, truly listened to him, watched him as he saw more in it than I ever had. For a moment after he spoke, I merely looked at him, smiling, marveling. "The woman you choose isn't just going to be lucky," I said softly, tenderly. "It'll go far beyond that. You're quite something, Guy de Mereliot," I added, folding my hands in my lap.
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Dec 20, 2010 20:07:12 GMT -5
I smiled and could only say, "Thank you." For a moment I could do nothing else but look into her eyes, smiling and knowing that she truly meant everything she said. "So are you, Miri. Most people, they don't take me seriously regarding this sort of thing. They never have."
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Dec 20, 2010 20:46:49 GMT -5
It was easy to hold his gaze; he was unassuming, not playing little games that nobles often seemed so fond of. "Mayhap you've been spending your time with the wrong people then," I offered, giving him a slightly larger smile.
Leaning back in my chair, I drew in a soft breath, feeling a wave of tiredness take over me. I'd been up much of the night with Christelle, not taking a break regardless of the nanny standing nearby. "You're always welcome over here Guy, if you never need to just talk to someone.. I hope you know that."
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Dec 21, 2010 15:11:12 GMT -5
I noticed that she was looking a little tired. I assumed that taking care of a child could do that to a person. Perhaps I should let her go and take a nap?
"Thank you. I'm tempted to take you up on that, though I would never wish to be an intrusion. I do enjoy our conversations, extremely so." I paused. "Perhaps I should let you get some rest however, tonight," I said with the faintest hint of reluctance showing through.
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Dec 21, 2010 20:19:36 GMT -5
Almost as if his words were a trigger, a yawn bubbled out of me, and, mortified, I stifled it with the back of my hand while I sat up, already shaking my head. "No no," I argued, smiling at him through the embarrassment of my own lack of control. "You don't have to leave... I was just up late with Christelle."
The smile that was on my mouth softened, and I shook my head a little, tendrils of blond hair slipping over my shoulder to frame my face. "I still can hardly believe she's here... She has her fathers last name, you know," I added, lost in thought.
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Dec 21, 2010 20:43:48 GMT -5
Her yawn made me wonder if perhaps I really should go, but I clung to her dismissal instead. I nodded understandingly and smiled. "I didn't know. She will be the next Duchesse someday I assume?"
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Dec 21, 2010 23:04:51 GMT -5
I nodded in turn, pleased he wasn't leaving, but staying. "Princess Christelle de Trevalion... She'll become Sovereign Duchesse of Azzalle upon reaching her majority, and until then I'm acting as Regent for her. For now, she's just my little Elle," I added, warmth spreading over me at it. My eyes took Guy in, and I knew I felt what he had a moment ago with excitement at finding a future wife. I was glad he was here to share it with.
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Dec 21, 2010 23:14:30 GMT -5
Her words warmed my heart. The affection she had for her daughter was something I truly admired, and I was sure it showed on my face. "She'll have a great childhood." I wasn't sure what else to say, but I looked into Miri's eyes instead and that seemed to communicate a little more. As many speeches as I have given I often forget then value of a glance. My cheeks felt warm and I looked away for a moment and an idea hit me. "How much longer till you would like to eat again? We could share dinner perhaps?"
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Dec 21, 2010 23:28:35 GMT -5
It was easy to talk to Guy, to sit and laugh and smile and discuss little and large things in life. His cheeks colored slightly, and I wondered at it as he looked at me suddenly, inquiring about dinner. "We could do that," I smiled at him, pleased at the idea of it. "Would you mind horribly staying here, though? I'm reluctant to go too far from Christelle just yet... and I'd have to leave you for half an hour or so. I'm sorry," I apologized, really meaning it; Christelle needed to nurse soon, not that I'd say it outright. I waited to hear his reaction before I made any move; if he wanted to leave instead I'd understand.
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Dec 21, 2010 23:34:55 GMT -5
I shook my head. "Not at all. Actually, I was hoping that you would suggest that." I really meant that. It would be so much easier to talk here. "It will be better for conversation as well." It wasn't quite time to focus on food just yet so I changed the subject. "What plans do you have for the near future, Miri?"
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Dec 21, 2010 23:40:10 GMT -5
His assent came at a relief to me; I hated to be a bad hostess, but I felt as if I was going to be irregardless with leaving him to tend to my daughter, though she came first over anyone, including myself.
"The near future? Aah.. Much, and not at the same time. I have to settle into the role of Sovereign, introduce Christelle to the Queen, Dauphin, Dauphine and Court, and generally gain a feel for things. I used to watch August at work.. It's going to be difficult at best," I added, not entirely relishing raising Christelle on my own and caring for the Duchy of Azzalle as well, but it was my duty, and I'd take to it as devotedly as I ever had anything else. "Augusts parents will help me too, at least in the beginning. I've a need to travel back to Azzalle mayhap late summer, though that depends largely on Christelle."
Abruptly I realized I was babbling about dry, dull things, and I colored a little. "I'm sorry, I'm rambling... What of you, Guy? Anything going on that you find interesting besides that which we've spoken of?"
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Dec 21, 2010 23:56:57 GMT -5
I smiled assuringly. "No need to apologize. I have no real plans myself, other than doing quite a bit of thinking. Perhaps I'll read a new book. There's always business of course as well. Hopefully we can make some of our plans match up in the future."
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Dec 22, 2010 13:25:59 GMT -5
Before I could answer, a soft knock sounded at the door, followed almost immediately by a little maid of mine sticking her head in. "Pardon me mistress, but the little Princess has woken and.. and.." She colored, her eyes darting to Guy obviously unsure of what to say and how to say it. I colored too, though I was quick to rise.
"Thank you, Darnelle," I responded, turning from her quick curtsy and retreat to face Guy once more. "I fear I must leave you for a time, but if you'd like I have a small library here that you're more than welcome to browse while you wait. Mayhap you'll find your new book," I added with a smile as I stepped smoothly to the side, allowing him plenty of room to rise himself.
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Dec 22, 2010 13:34:03 GMT -5
The arrival of the maid startled me just a little, but I turned and smiled to her. I then turned my attention to Guy and nodded upon her request, glad she did not suggest I come back later. I nodded and stood as well. "Perhaps I will. I will see you soon then."
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Dec 22, 2010 13:47:24 GMT -5
Giving him a grateful smile, I turned and glided from the room, catching Darnelle before she could round the corner ahead of me. Instructing her to guide Comte de Mereliot to the library and offer any sort of drink or food he wished, I then made my way to the nursery. I could hear her crying before I even arrived, and vanishing through the door and into the room, I took my baby from the nannies arms and into my own, cooing and cuddling her as I did. The door was still open, and I smiled gratefully to the nanny as she made her way from the room, closing the door behind her. Settling into a chair, I kissed my little girl upon her forehead, marveling at her before I began undoing the front of my dress.
Over forty five minutes later, my dress was done up again and I'd finished changing her, sated and quiet in her own way. Wrapping her up in a blanket, I cuddled her in my arms as I made my way from the room again and off to find Guy, not sure if he'd be in the library or someplace else.
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Dec 22, 2010 14:00:17 GMT -5
The maid led me to the library and I began looking through the books until I found a story that interested me. I didn't finish it though, or even get halfway as those pesky thoughts began to sneak in again. One thing I decided was that the future was nothing to worry about, and in fact it only keeps us from enjoying the present. Right now my present consisted of me sharing time with someone I cared a lot about, Mirielle. Sure, we had only met once before, but I felt like I had known her for much longer than that.
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Dec 22, 2010 14:33:56 GMT -5
One peek into the library told me everything I needed to know; I found Guy sitting, not really reading the book that was open before him, but instead seeming lost in thought. Leaving the door open behind me, I made my way over to him, Christelle wide awake in my arms, blue-grey eyes staring out of a peaceful face.
"Find something?" I queried as I neared him, smiling.
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Dec 22, 2010 22:59:54 GMT -5
When Miri spoke I quickly looked up, as if awoken. I smiled, first at the babe, then at Mirielle. "I did, not that I was able to finish it. It look interesting though, perhaps I'll progress through it on some of my future visits."
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Dec 23, 2010 0:22:10 GMT -5
"You can borrow it, if you'd like," I offered as I cradled Christelle in the crook of my arm. My gaze stole away to her, something it often did when I had her with me, my finger trailing softly along the outside of her perfect little face as I looked back up to him again. "I think I can trust you to return it at some point," I added, teasing.
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Dec 23, 2010 12:25:23 GMT -5
I smiled, but set it down. I had no intention of borrowing it just yet. "Perhaps some other time." It was clear, no doubt, by the expression on my face that my thoughts were in control at the moment. I then looked to her apologetically. "You will have to forgive me. I'm thinking too much again." There was a little more color in my cheeks when I said that and looked at her.
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Dec 27, 2010 12:59:24 GMT -5
"No apologies necessary," I smiled to him as I shifted, my hand idly patting Christelles back ever so softly. "We all have much to think about sometimes."
He set the book down, and I put it out of my mind for now; if he didn't want to borrow it, that was fine with me. "I imagine it's getting close to dinner; I hope your appetite is ready." My smile grew; I was starved myself, but I wouldn't admit it.
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Dec 27, 2010 14:19:54 GMT -5
I nodded with a faint grin. I was getting very hungry, though I my thoughts had distracted me from noticing that face. "I certainly am! What is the cook serving us, if you happen to know?" I stood up and walked over to her side, partly so that I could watch the baby, and partly to be close to Mirielle.
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Dec 29, 2010 11:35:31 GMT -5
As he walked over to us and peered at Christelle, I smiled and ran my finger down her cheek, shifting her a little so he could see her better. Her head lay against the top of my breast, and I glanced up to Guy, my smile growing. "She should be tiring soon," I murmured softly, just barely keeping myself from swaying her. "I'm not sure what my chef is cooking today, though I did hear somewhat of a venison roast. He's fabulous, though; I like nearly everything he comes up with." I hoped Guy would as well, though in my experience, mens tastes were usually more lax than womens. "Shall we, my lord?" I queried as I looked up to him, a smile upon my lips.
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Dec 29, 2010 13:54:17 GMT -5
"One of my favorite meals! I am certain it will be wonderful." For a brief moment I placed a kind hand on Mirielle's shoulder. "I believe we shall." I removed my hand and followed her into the dining room, pulling out a chair for her when she was ready to sit
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Dec 29, 2010 21:46:36 GMT -5
As much as I hated to do it, I paused at the nursery as we came upon it and gave the nanny back Christelle. I'd eaten more than one meal by now with her in my arms; truth be, I'd eat them all like that, except it wouldn't do with a guest over.
My fatigue returned, I gave Guy a grateful smile as he pulled out my chair, though I made myself settle down gracefully. The meal was set out before us upon a linen-clothed table, dishes of silver glittering merrily in the lamplight. A pair of servants stood by to help, one near his chair and one mine, but my attention was mainly upon Guy.
"The weather is turning beautifully, is it not?" I smiled happily at him as I began to gather tidbits upon my plate. Normally with guests over I would let my servants tend to that themselves, but given Guys military background, I thought he'd feel more comfortable seeing to it himself, and I was happy to oblige wordlessly. "I admit, I cannot wait til I can open the doors and windows; there's a beautiful breeze that comes through here during the summer," I added, smiling at him.
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Dec 29, 2010 22:09:45 GMT -5
I nodded as I began to help myself to the wonderful smelling food that was before us. "It certainly has. I will need to start riding again, or even camping should time permit me. And yes, I am sure I will be opening my windows soon. The house needs fresh air." I took my first bite of the food and smiled. "Tell the cook that this is delicious," I told Mirielle, letting my eyes rest on her a moment.
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Dec 29, 2010 22:19:07 GMT -5
"Camping!" I exclaimed, pausing from gathering a few wintered string beans to grin at him. "Recreationally? I couldn't imagine.. Well, I suppose I could; I've done it more than once when travelling, but.. Is there a place you have in mind in particular?" My own experiences were less than pleasant; even with a stout tent, it was never pleasant when camping near a road.
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Dec 29, 2010 22:45:56 GMT -5
I smiled and nodded. "Oh yes indeed," I told her with excitement in my voice. "The woods outside the city are full of peaceful places to camp." By the tone of her voice it sounded as though she might like to come along to. I hadn't thought of that but it might be a nice respite. "Perhaps you could come riding sometime. I would invite you camping as well, but that would have to wait I think."
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Dec 31, 2010 21:13:33 GMT -5
"For this summer, it would," I smiled to him. I could likely take Elle out later in the summer when she was older, but I wasn't sure I wished to risk it.. Elua, right now I could barely bring myself to risk clipping her nails. Foolish, but true. "Riding sounds splendid though.. if you wouldn't mind waiting a few more weeks?" I colored slightly, and hurried to change the subject, focusing my attention on gathering string beans upon my fork.
"Aren't you ever afraid of wolves or bears when you camp?" I asked before taking a bite of my food, my eyes back up upon his again.
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Dec 31, 2010 21:25:25 GMT -5
"I wouldn't mind waiting at all. It will be fun." I grinned when she mentioned the bears or the wolves. "They're not too bothersome, provided you leave no food lying around and keep the fire burning. And if they do show up, I would hope my military training would allow me to take care of them."
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