|
Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Jan 11, 2011 16:50:19 GMT -5
I hummed softly as I thought about what he described; truly, it sounded a light, exquisite drink. "I've never heard of it before," I responded, glancing up at him with a light, airy smile, "but if I ever do find it I'll be sure to pen you a note. I actually hope you'll do the same for me, if it's not too much trouble; my curiosity is utterly piqued to try it."
We were drawing close to the tea shoppe, not too far away as it'd been to begin with, but I didn't hurry my feet, keeping my pace set to his.. though I had a feeling he was doing the same with me.
|
|
|
Post by Baltasar de Cordova on Jan 11, 2011 17:35:32 GMT -5
I laughed softly. "We could make it a challenge of sorts. The one to find it first wins a prize," I said with a smile. I looked from her to our surroundings, spying a little cafe. "Is that where we are headed?" I asked pointing with my free hand.
|
|
|
Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Jan 12, 2011 16:31:11 GMT -5
"Oh, a challenge," I said, laughing at the thought of it. "I think I like the thought of that."
When he pointed to the cafe and inquired, I nodded, blond tresses falling about my face again. "It is. Here's hoping they don't think me daft for reappearing so soon after leaving," I added, a twinkle in my eye.
|
|
|
Post by Baltasar de Cordova on Jan 20, 2011 12:40:55 GMT -5
I laughed as we arrived and I opened the door for her. "I doubt it. i am sure they will be happy that you've brought them back some more business."
|
|
|
Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Jan 24, 2011 13:31:41 GMT -5
I laughed with him and walked in ahead of him as he held the door, my eyes adjusting from the bright outside to the dimmer interior of the shoppe. A pleasantly plump lady made her way over to us, surprise on her face, and I glanced up at Balta in amusement before turning back to her.
"Oh, my Lady, back again? I hope there wasn't something amiss with the product, I told Fede to go through the boxes thoroughly..." She half turned as if she were going to call out, and my eyes widened slightly as I laid a soothing hand on her arm.
"Oh, no, not at all Mistress," I said smoothly, hoping to calm her. "As a matter of fact, quite the opposite. I met my friend, the Lord de Cordova at the bookshoppe a few doors down and told him about your tea. He'd like to try it," I smiled, trying to keep from grinning at the surprised look she darted at Balta before hurriedly drawing herself up as if she'd expected it all along. I wasn't sure how Balta felt about my introducing him as Lord de Cordova, but truth be, if she believed it he'd receive better treatment.
"Of course, of course.. the same blend? If you'd like to take a seat on the patio, I'll be happy to bring some out to you." Near beaming, she clapped her hands together once and hurried off, leaving Balta and I standing alone. Peeking up at him, I struggled to keep my grin to a tiny one as I turned in the direction of the patio, letting him lead us without really thinking about it.
|
|
|
Post by Baltasar de Cordova on Jan 24, 2011 14:34:08 GMT -5
We entered and were greeted by a lovely, though portly, lady. She was very exciteable, it seemed, and very worrisome as to whether Mirielle was happy with her purchase. I watched the two exchange words, and smiled when my name was mentioned, hoping tht the woman would see that I was not of teh disagreeable sort. She looked at me, as though for the first time when I was introduced, and I almost laughed. i looked to Miri, as I got no word in at all, and laughed, unable to keep myself from doing so, even though I could see that she was trying to refrain from doing so. I shook my head as I lead us to out to the patio, shaking my head still.
"Well then, is this what happens when you get two women to talking," I teased, arriving at a small table for two people, not far from the door but not too close to it either to be interrupted by a great deal of traffic. I pulled out a chair for Mirielle and smiled at her, waiting for her to take a seat.
|
|
|
Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Jan 24, 2011 23:07:17 GMT -5
His response made me laugh as I sat, unfettered and unhindered. Looking up at him, I wrinkled my nose slightly and grinned as I replied. "Usted me molesta ahora, el Señor de Córdoba, pero sólo espera hasta que usted lo pruebe." I kissed my fingers, my tease growing more and more by the second. "Magnifique!"
|
|
|
Post by Baltasar de Cordova on Jan 25, 2011 10:47:25 GMT -5
I laughed, astonished that she knew my mother tongue.
"Hasta que probar lo que?" I asked in my native tongue, my lips and voice forming the words fluidly, "el té o el parloteo?" I teased back, laughing softly. "You know Aragonian! You've surprised me. I have not met a great deal of people who do.
|
|
|
Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Jan 25, 2011 11:01:13 GMT -5
I grinned at his astonishment, and his reply in Aragonian made me laugh as well. "Until we try the tea, of course," I replied, merriment strong on my features. "What else? Unless you'd like to see what it's like to live as a woman for the day, and speak as we do," I added, mischievous and playful before letting the subject drop away. The twinkle remained in my eyes though, and I clasped my hands in my lap as I waited for the mistress of the shoppe to return with our tea.
"I learned it growing up, actually. My family is from Azzalle, though my father required I learned Aragonian along with Eiran, Cruithne, Caerdicci, Hellene, Illyrian... even Skaldic," I added, smiling as I leaned back against my chair. "My father insisted Skaldic was as important as all the others, especially after the war.. He grew up listening to stories of fighting from my Grandfather, though I don't think we have to worry about the Skaldic flooding the borders again anytime soon," I added, thankful. "Even after I was fostered to live with the Trevalions, my education continued just as strictly as before, if not more. Do you prefer to speak in Aragonian, mi amigo?" I queried, happy to speak in whatever language best suited him.
|
|
|
Post by Baltasar de Cordova on Jan 25, 2011 11:18:50 GMT -5
I was indeed intrigued at the education she had received, and in fact, I had no idea. One would think that someone with that much knoweldge would boast it, would show it in their carriage, be more haughty and less... agreeable, but she was not, she was not bitter, or snobbish, but open and kind. I smiled as I listened to her explanation. When she mentioned she had been fostered I wonder what she meant.
"Well, when in Terre d'Ange," I said, in response to her query of my language preference. "I wanted to know... when you say fostered... do you mean that they well and truly adopted you? Or more that you spent a great deal of time with the family as they were family friends of your family?" I asked. I had heard that d'Angelines did that now and again when there were families that were very close. This woman, this Mirielle, she was so full of interesting surprises, and a zest for life. I was glad to keep her company, and I wondered if for at least a few moments, she felt like herself again, and did not think of the things that bothered her.
|
|
|
Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Jan 25, 2011 15:33:35 GMT -5
D'Angeline it was then. I smiled as I listened to him, taking his question in stride; I'd never really thought about it before, but to a foreigner, I guess it could sound odd to be sent away from your parents.
"They didn't truly adopt me, not fully," I explained with a smile. "Sometimes children are fostered with friends of the family for a few years to give them experiences and the ability to learn that they wouldn't get at home.. other times they're fostered with higher ranking families for political reasons. For me it was double fold; my parents and the Trevalions were fast friends, but too it was political in that the Trevalion family we were close to was also the Sovereign rulers of Azzalle. Fostering gave me connections and experiences I wouldn't have had otherwise, and my parents knew I was safe where I was." I ran my fingers over the fabric of my skirts, not disturbed, but a little lost in memory. "My parents died when I was twelve, so rather than leaving as planned at sixteen, I stayed til I was eighteen. I had two playmates though, for most of my time there." Til an argument split them, and Sabriel left. "August and Sabriel."
Abruptly I realized just how much I'd said, and I colored slightly. "Elua, I'm sorry, I'm rambling onward."
|
|
|
Post by Baltasar de Cordova on Jan 26, 2011 10:52:22 GMT -5
I listened intently, learning more about d'Angeline custom.
"Please, do not apologize," i said with a smile, "I love learning new things about people, and about their customs. But... perhaps you could clarify something for me," I said, hoping she would not think me simple for asking my questions, "but I do not understand the political gain. How does it work into the fostering? Does it show that the fostering family has means and is kind eharted and they appear better in the public face or?" I realized, then that my words my have sounded a little... well... cold. I ran my hand through my locks and tried to rethink what I was saying, "I mean I understand they must feel like family to you, havign spent so much time with the family, but I was just... I do not understand the political side. i could see it from a familial and friendship side. Can you help me understand?" I asked her, my eyes showing true interest and my lips holding a soft smile. I hoped she would see that I was not trying to insult, but to grasp and understand the concept.
|
|
|
Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Jan 26, 2011 17:40:32 GMT -5
I listened to him, not thinking he was mocking me or not taking me serious in the slightest. My expression was as attentive as I felt, and I tilted my head as I considered his question. "There are functions.. fetes and events, invitations that would come to a family of higher standing that those of lower wouldn't receive. My parents asked the Trevalions to foster me knowing I'd travel to the City with them; being fostered with the Sovereign Duc and Duchesse of Azzalle can be a powerful thing to some, in matches of marriage, or even making business connection that would never otherwise have come about."
The tea arrived, and I smiled at the plump woman but didn't otherwise engage in conversation; she took the hint gracefully and curtsied before making her way off again, not imposing herself into our conversation. "Looking back now, I think my parents might have been hoping I'd marry one of the Trevalion brothers; they were both a bit older than me, but not horribly so. At the time I looked at them like brothers... but I guess my parents got what they wished for in the end," I added, smiling ruefully at him, sadness creeping into me that I fought to not allow in. "August and I were to marry before he had his accident last summer." And the babe I missed so dearly at home was his, but I didn't say it outright; Baltasar was an intelligent fellow, and I was sure he'd know on his own anyway.
|
|
|
Post by Baltasar de Cordova on Jan 27, 2011 14:17:09 GMT -5
I listened intently, hanging on her every word, learning about the kind and gentle woman who sat before me. I barely noticed when the tea had arrived, so engrossed in her story was I. And then, the bad news. I frowned, the corners of my mouth turning downward .
"I am sorry for your loss, Miri," I said softly, and truly I was. i could not fathom the loss fo someone I had been betrothed to. And judging from her sadness, teh loko in her eyes, the way she said his name with fondness, the little girl she loved so dearly was his daughter. "But, do not forget," I added, hoping that it would make her happy, "that there si still a little piece of him left that remains in this world, and you love her dearly," I said with a smile. The story was heartbreaking, but they managed to survive, and I was certain they would thrive with all the love she had for her.
|
|
|
Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Jan 28, 2011 16:50:05 GMT -5
Indeed he picked up on it; he was a smart man, and I smiled softly at him for his kind words; they meant more to me than I could have explained. Had I known him better, I might have touched his hand, but as it was I contented myself with just the smile. "Thank you," I said quietly before lapsing into silence for a moment, not sure where to go from here.
"Perhaps you could tell me about Aragonia? For all I speak the language, I've never been fortunate enough to travel there, though I hear it's very beautiful." And it must be, I believed it.
|
|
|
Post by Baltasar de Cordova on Jan 28, 2011 17:04:22 GMT -5
We fell into a bit of silence for a moment, but I thought it alright, respectable silence so she could think on what I had said, and think on the love she lost. I understood. But soon she was talking again, and asking me to describe my homeland. I could not help that I smiled proudly as I began to speak.
"It is well and turly beautiful. My family lives in the county of Cordova. We have been there for... well a very long time, my family line spanning back many years, thus I guess the name of the land," I said with a chuckle, "and it is lovely, there are vineyards everywhere in the country parts. The air is crisp and clean. The people are humble, modest people. We are a land rich in many things, even if we do not have expensive items and houses to flout and show it off. We help one another make it to where we need to go or be, whether it means helping out a hand with someone's land, or anything else. At least that is where I came from. It varies, where you go, and sometimes there is a bit of rivalry and jealousy from other counties against each other, but I think that that can be found most anywhere." I explained. I suppose I was not giving a great deal of information, but it is hard to describe a place that you feel more than you see as a piece of land and houses. It was a part of me... and so to me it just... was.
|
|