Noemi de Trevalion
Royal (Staff)
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; House Trevalion *Voted Character You'd Most Like to Meet 2010*
Sister to Victoire and Cygnus
Posts: 1,119
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Post by Noemi de Trevalion on Jan 1, 2011 21:26:37 GMT -5
I took the tapestry and started to carefully fold it into a square that went across my arm as I walked back to the front and set it down before taking another look around. I could have spent all day here exploring every corner and crevice but there were other places and I'd be able to come back to this one if I wanted. They wouldn't be going out of business soon if the things I purchased today were any indication.
"Only the same good company while I get something to drink," I told Eric with a grin as the shopkeeper filled out payment slip, which I signed and added my address to along with a delivery fee and tip. "Do you know any good cafes or tea shops around here? All of this buying and dust makes me a little thirsty, and I was wondering if you weren't busy if you'd like to sit down and share it with me."
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Post by Eric Lamont on Jan 1, 2011 21:56:03 GMT -5
"Well," I started to say. "There's a place just down the road called Cachette that I believe serves tea." I brought up my little toy and paid for it, my first purchase with my own money that wasn't a necessity. It felt a little surreal truth be told. "I'd love to come along and share a cup with you."
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Noemi de Trevalion
Royal (Staff)
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; House Trevalion *Voted Character You'd Most Like to Meet 2010*
Sister to Victoire and Cygnus
Posts: 1,119
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Post by Noemi de Trevalion on Jan 1, 2011 22:05:55 GMT -5
"Then let's go," I said with a bit of eagerness as I made my way to the door, the sunlight shining through the dust still giving the inside of the shop a dream-like sort of atmosphere, but my nose was actually starting to itch a little so I'd be glad to be back in the fresh air. The door swung open easily and I stepped out, then held it for Eric so he could come through as well since he seemed a little bit dazed.
"Are you alright? You look like you're a little bit lost in your thoughts or something." I gave him a little bit of a smile as I waited for his answer, hopefully it would actually encourage him to talk but if it didn't that was fine too. I didn't know him well enough yet that I could tell when he needed to talk and when he needed to think, but that's why I was asking. That was how you managed to find the truth, wasn't it?
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Post by Eric Lamont on Jan 1, 2011 22:37:38 GMT -5
It was nice being back out in the fresh air, as magical as the shop was. I took a deep breath, and then sneezed, my face predictably turning red. I turned to her when she asked if I was alright. "Yes, I'm good, very good in fact. It's just a little funny that that was the first time I've actually bought something for myself that I didn't need, with money I earned." I realized how silly it was after I actually said it and glanced down.
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Noemi de Trevalion
Royal (Staff)
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; House Trevalion *Voted Character You'd Most Like to Meet 2010*
Sister to Victoire and Cygnus
Posts: 1,119
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Post by Noemi de Trevalion on Jan 1, 2011 22:44:52 GMT -5
I could only smile at the sneeze, understanding the feeling. I think I only escaped doing the same because I was outside faster than he was. What was on his mind made me curious though, and I'm sure it showed on my face. I knew a little about the Night Court, but it wasn't something my parents had thought I should study too much since I guess my nature was already tending toward that direction anyway. "You didn't have any money of your own to spend?" I asked with mild interest as I looked up and down the street. "Does the Night Court just not let you out to buy anything?"
After a moment I realized I may have been asking too personal of a question and I immediately felt a little bit guilty, especially since he already seemed so reluctant to speak on the topic. "I shouldn't have asked, it was stupid of me. Let's just go and get some tea, that'll help you feel better. Which way is it?"
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Post by Eric Lamont on Jan 1, 2011 23:00:46 GMT -5
I shook mt head. "No its quite alright, really. They would, had I been an adept. I never reached that point. Before that they bought everything for me." I wasn't uncomfortable talking about what happened anymore, but what I always feared is the reactions to the scars.
"It's right down this way," I said turning to the right.
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Noemi de Trevalion
Royal (Staff)
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; House Trevalion *Voted Character You'd Most Like to Meet 2010*
Sister to Victoire and Cygnus
Posts: 1,119
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Post by Noemi de Trevalion on Jan 1, 2011 23:06:12 GMT -5
Well, he did seem willing to talk about it a little, so maybe as long as I asked carefully he wouldn't get too upset. "This way then," I said with a smile as I started in the direction he indicated, making sure to keep pace with him so we could talk without one of us trying to yell backward to the other. "So you weren't an adept, you left before then. What House were you going to be in? I don't know very much about them, it's not something most people talk about in Serenissima, at least not when they really know anything." There were some there who could say that they knew the names of the Houses, which was as much information as I had, but they also were getting the knowledge second-hand like I was. It would be nice to ask someone who probably knew more than I did.
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Post by Eric Lamont on Jan 1, 2011 23:22:25 GMT -5
"Alyssum, the house for people with a tendency to blush, like me." I smirked and then pointed at a nearby building. "That's the place right there."
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Noemi de Trevalion
Royal (Staff)
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; House Trevalion *Voted Character You'd Most Like to Meet 2010*
Sister to Victoire and Cygnus
Posts: 1,119
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Post by Noemi de Trevalion on Jan 1, 2011 23:35:46 GMT -5
I could tell that he wasn't completely serious about the blushing part but I decided to play along anyway. "Really, they have a House just for that?" I asked in a sweet tone, batting my lashes innocently and trying not to laugh before I failed and the giggles came free. "Well, I've seen you blush but I don't know if you do it a lot. Maybe I'm just very, very embarrassing and that's what is causing it."
When he pointed to the cafe I looked over the quaint, attractive place and was instantly glad that I'd decided to get something to drink. "It's an adorable shop, thank you for showing it to me," I told him, grinning widely, then lightly tugged on his arm in a friendly fashion. "Come on, let's go get a table, then we can talk some more."
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Post by Eric Lamont on Jan 1, 2011 23:54:32 GMT -5
I chuckled and opened the door for her, answering her as well looked for a table. "Well not just that ... It's the idea of the taboo, or the first time... And no, your're not embarrassing at all." My smile was a little softer and I pulled out a chair by the window. "Will this do?"
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Noemi de Trevalion
Royal (Staff)
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; House Trevalion *Voted Character You'd Most Like to Meet 2010*
Sister to Victoire and Cygnus
Posts: 1,119
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Post by Noemi de Trevalion on Jan 2, 2011 0:06:25 GMT -5
"It'll do beautifully," I told him with a smile, looking out the window at the street. This city had so many different lovely views that it was hard to look anywhere and find something unsightly or frightening, at least for the moment. My smile turned to one of thanks as I sat down in the chair he pulled out and then waited for him to sit as well. "So Alyssum is the House that represents every side of blushing in a way," I said thoughtfully, resting my elbows lightly on the table and then laying my face in my hands. "Shame, uncertainty, desire and newness all wrapped into one? It sounds a little enticing."
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Post by Eric Lamont on Jan 2, 2011 0:09:18 GMT -5
I sat down and took a look at the selections that were posted on the wall. There looked to be quite a few excellent flavors to choose from. "Yes, Noemi, that is it exactly. Well I suppose you can always pay the place a visit, I could even give you a list of recommendations." I felt a little bit of color on my cheeks as I spoke again. "Have you had a chance to visit the court since you've been here?"
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Noemi de Trevalion
Royal (Staff)
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; House Trevalion *Voted Character You'd Most Like to Meet 2010*
Sister to Victoire and Cygnus
Posts: 1,119
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Post by Noemi de Trevalion on Jan 2, 2011 10:13:13 GMT -5
This time I could only wonder what had brought the blush back to his cheeks, but I smiled a little wider at it nonetheless. Now that I understood a bit more about him it didn't seem like a cruel thing to do. His habits were a part of his nature and in truth they were very endearing even if other people would have had a hard time understanding it.
"Which Court do you mean?" I asked with a light laugh, quickly picking out the type of tea from the list before I looked back at him. "If you mean the noble one I let my sister Victoire go there first since she's the eldest and that lets her make a good impression with the other family members and such. I don't want to step on her toes, so I usually go later when they already have a good idea of her. As for the Night Court- not yet, but I hope I'll be able to, even if it's just to look around."
The last bit of his statement drew the most curiosity from me though and I cocked my head a bit. "Recommendations? Really? I don't even know that much about the different Houses, so you'd probably know where I'd have the most fun better than I would."
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Post by Eric Lamont on Jan 2, 2011 13:12:49 GMT -5
I smiled a little. "I meant the Night Court ... And yes. I mean I'd just need to know what you're interested in and I could point you to a house or two, and sometimes even to an adept."
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Noemi de Trevalion
Royal (Staff)
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; House Trevalion *Voted Character You'd Most Like to Meet 2010*
Sister to Victoire and Cygnus
Posts: 1,119
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Post by Noemi de Trevalion on Jan 2, 2011 13:37:14 GMT -5
So basically he needed to know my tastes, or inclinations. That wasn't as easy as it sounded since I knew what I wanted when I saw it, but picking out something in theory was another matter entirely. I wasn't a virgin, I was too inclined to follow my heart and desires to have stayed that way long past my sixteenth birthday, but I picked people based on inclination and compatibility. What House was that? It seemed too hard a thing to classify to put in just one place.
"I don't know if I really have a type," I told him honestly, taking off my hat and setting it off to the side before I ran my fingers through my hair to settle it again. "I enjoy being around people who are fun, can take a little teasing and tease back, and don't mind having a friend like me. For the other side- I don't think I'd like to play with pain or domination, equals is more my speed."
By now I was trying to collect my thoughts appropriately and probably had a bit of a flush myself. "Maybe I'll just have to explore there a bit, but I won't go to Alyssum. If you're not there I don't really see the need, they must kick out all of the cute ones."
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Post by Eric Lamont on Jan 2, 2011 14:26:04 GMT -5
I nodded, fully understanding. In fact I thought her system to be much better than those who isolate their tastes. "Well then you have a great number of opportunities open to you now, don't you." Her comment about Alyssum caused my smile to fade the faintest amount. "Well thank you for that. But that was actually why I was kicked out. I lost a good deal of my cuteness. It's why I wear the high collar." I felt I could trust her with this.
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Noemi de Trevalion
Royal (Staff)
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; House Trevalion *Voted Character You'd Most Like to Meet 2010*
Sister to Victoire and Cygnus
Posts: 1,119
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Post by Noemi de Trevalion on Jan 2, 2011 14:37:46 GMT -5
It was nice that he thought I'd be pretty open to the Night Court but I locked on a lot more to what he said after that. I should have been more careful with what I said, but once out it wasn't something I could take back. All I could try to do was fix it in my own way and gather my thoughts. I didn't know enough about the Night Court to fathom why they'd turn someone away when he obviously fit the mold they wanted filled, but earlier he'd said something about a 'physical deformity'.
Reaching over I laid my hand lightly on his for a moment, then gave him another smile. "If you want to tell me what happened I'll listen. It's hard to understand why they would take someone as sweet as you and push them away when you could have done so much good. What do you mean about the high collar, were you hurt somehow?" I wanted to understand my friend, to give him the chance to speak about what was in his mind, especially since this had probably changed his life in a dramatic way. What if I'd had to leave my home because I didn't look exactly right? It would have been horrible.
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Post by Eric Lamont on Jan 2, 2011 14:58:31 GMT -5
I smiled, thankful for the touch, it helped so much to talk about it when I knew that the other person truly cared. "I ran into an accident at a fete. I was clumsy and it cost me. I received burns from my neck, down my right side to my waste. The scars are still there and probably will be for a long time." I scrunched my nose and swallowed. We were then interrupted by the waiter.
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Noemi de Trevalion
Royal (Staff)
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; House Trevalion *Voted Character You'd Most Like to Meet 2010*
Sister to Victoire and Cygnus
Posts: 1,119
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Post by Noemi de Trevalion on Jan 2, 2011 15:10:00 GMT -5
I could tell this was something that he didn't bring up often, and I was glad that he trusted me enough to tell me but I also wished it was a tale he'd never had to tell. It was even starting to look like he was near tears. Who wanted their friends to cry about something that was outside of their control? No one decent- but if he needed to I'd be here to comfort him, and I told him that with a light squeeze of his hand beneath mine and my expression even if the words eluded me for a moment.
Then the waiter was there and I gave him a slight smile, ordering first so Eric would have a chance to compose himself if he wanted, both a drink and something small to eat. This trip was my treat and I'd be paying for it anyway so I gave the waiter enough ducats to cover both of us and then glanced at my friend to make sure he was ready. The conversation could easily continue after we were alone again, especially since I didn't think Eric would want anyone nearby while we did so.
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Post by Eric Lamont on Jan 2, 2011 15:55:43 GMT -5
She was doing her best to comfort me and I was thankful for it, for it was actually working. The waiter brought me to composure and I placed my order. When he left I turned my attention back to Noemi. "It had a big impact on me obviously ... But lately I've been seeing some hope, and it's a beautiful thing."
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Noemi de Trevalion
Royal (Staff)
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; House Trevalion *Voted Character You'd Most Like to Meet 2010*
Sister to Victoire and Cygnus
Posts: 1,119
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Post by Noemi de Trevalion on Jan 2, 2011 16:08:10 GMT -5
He seemed to get a bit better and his words made me feel a little better too. At least he wasn't masking a constant state of despair, though I had no doubt it still cut deeply into his very heart. "I think if they're all so perfect they'd never understand the kind of pain you were in after those burns- and I know that alone must have hurt. Then to put more pain on top of it- well, maybe they stay behind their House walls too much." There were other things I could have said about the matter and the Night Court at that point but it would have been groundless since I didn't have the basis to make that kind of comparison.
Smiling a bit wider I cocked my head and considered him for a moment, then picked up my hat and put it on his head. "You know what? I think that you're more free now. If you hadn't gotten hurt you'd be the same as the rest of them and now you have something all your own. You can understand where other people come from, people like me who aren't completely perfect, and that makes you more handsome than any adept. You can even consider that a royal decree if you want!" Now I was just trying to get him to laugh a little. "Princess Noemi says so." With that I leaned over and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek, then sat back down.
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Post by Eric Lamont on Jan 2, 2011 16:40:19 GMT -5
I chuckled, truly feeling much better, though the kiss to the cheek caused me to glance away quickly. "Thank you Noemi. And I know your not the only one who feels that way. I just need to convince myself sometimes, especially if it's a royal decree." I was still a little stunned that she was a princess. I was friends with royalty!
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Noemi de Trevalion
Royal (Staff)
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; House Trevalion *Voted Character You'd Most Like to Meet 2010*
Sister to Victoire and Cygnus
Posts: 1,119
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Post by Noemi de Trevalion on Jan 2, 2011 16:55:35 GMT -5
Now I was pretty sure I'd embarrassed him a little, so I gave him a bit of an apologetic smile as I reclaimed the hat I'd put onto his head. "I'm sorry, I guess my enthusiasm gets the best of me sometimes," I said with a little bit of an abashed laugh that quickly passed. "I hope you do remember and that it helps when things get hard. If you ever need to be reminded though you're free to come and see me any time. My siblings probably half expect me to have friends in and out of the house constantly in any case and I'd hate to disappoint them."
By now my smile had returned and I looked up to see the waiter bringing over our order, and he gracefully set it down with the dishes barely clanking together, along with a small dish of sugar, another of cream and a honey pot. I smiled and gave him his tip, then looked at the things spread out before me. "Wow, they give you a lot of choices, don't they?"
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Post by Eric Lamont on Jan 2, 2011 19:58:34 GMT -5
I chuckled again and shook my head. "Please don't be sorry." In truth I was having fun. I sniffed the tea but didn't taste any yet, waiting for it to cool slightly. "They certainly do. Which means they probably know how to make tea delicious," I said with a grin. "Oh, and thank you for the offer. I'm sure that one day you'll see me at your door."
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Noemi de Trevalion
Royal (Staff)
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; House Trevalion *Voted Character You'd Most Like to Meet 2010*
Sister to Victoire and Cygnus
Posts: 1,119
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Post by Noemi de Trevalion on Jan 2, 2011 20:23:31 GMT -5
Sometimes it was hard to tell exactly what people were thinking or feeling based on their expression alone, but it did get easier with time. Maybe that's one way people were a surprise, like the toy Eric had found earlier. Once you learned us a little bit then you got to see what we really were on the inside. "Well, at least they know what people want on the side," I replied with a smile as considered the various additives, then sniffed my tea. I'd chosen something a little stronger and a bit earthy so it was cool enough that the milk wouldn't instantly curdle.
The snack I'd chosen was small, delicate, almost soft cookies that were lemon flavored and I used a finger to offer the plate toward my friend. "Have one if you want, you can tell me if they're any good," I teased with a grin, then gently blew across the surface of my tea to cool it before speaking again. "So I know about Alyssum now, what about the other Houses? Or do you not want to talk about that anymore? And I'll probably show up at your house one day if I ever learn where it is."
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Post by Eric Lamont on Jan 2, 2011 21:23:32 GMT -5
I added a little honey to mine, for that was all I wanted, stirring it in until the golden sweetness had blended in. Smiling, I took one of the cookies from her and bit off some from the side. "Don't worry, they're delicious!" I had always had a fondness for lemon flavor. "Well we can talk about the other houses later? I think I'd rather not think about the past right now. But yes, please do visit. My lady will soon be away on her honeymoon."
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Noemi de Trevalion
Royal (Staff)
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; House Trevalion *Voted Character You'd Most Like to Meet 2010*
Sister to Victoire and Cygnus
Posts: 1,119
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Post by Noemi de Trevalion on Jan 2, 2011 21:34:53 GMT -5
"Do you live in the Mereliot house then?" I asked, recalling the name of his employer from when he'd mentioned it earlier. "That's actually not very far from my family's estate either. We'll almost be neighbors." It was good to know that I'd have a friend who at least lived close enough that I could walk to their house, though of course I may have to be careful about visiting Eric anyway. It was where he worked and I didn't want to get him in any trouble.
When he admitted that he didn't want to talk about the Night Court anymore I understood why that was probably the case and simply added a little cream and honey to my tea, stirring it thoroughly before I picked up a cookie and took a small bite. "These are pretty good," I agreed with a grin, then set it down and took a sip of my tea. "What do you want to talk about then? I've asked you a lot of questions, you must be ready to ask me some." Setting down the cup I made a slight gesture with my arms to encompass all of myself. "For you I will be an open book."
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Post by Eric Lamont on Jan 2, 2011 23:35:27 GMT -5
I nodded at her first question and my face brightened at the idea of us being neighbors. It would be nice to have someone to see on those slow days who isn't that far away.
She then turned the conversation around, asking is there was anything I'd like to ask her . I smiled and thought about it a moment, finally sipping my tea, certain now that it would not scald my tongue. "Well, you could tell me a bit about your background."
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Noemi de Trevalion
Royal (Staff)
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; House Trevalion *Voted Character You'd Most Like to Meet 2010*
Sister to Victoire and Cygnus
Posts: 1,119
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Post by Noemi de Trevalion on Jan 2, 2011 23:49:51 GMT -5
I could understand his expression of happiness, I was glad to have someone close that I could go to if I needed to talk or have help with something. It also meant that I'd probably see Eric a good deal, which I wouldn't mind at all. Now that I was getting to know him a bit better I realized he was less shy than I'd have first thought- hesitant at times maybe, and a little uncertain on what the boundaries were, but he was willing to open up if given the chance. Hopefully we'd be very close with time.
So, he wanted to know where I came from. That seemed right; after all, I'd asked about his and I'd told him he could ask anything he liked. "I was born in Azzalle but when I was three my family moved to Serenissima," I told him with a smile. "And then I lived there until I came back to the City just a few days ago. I don't remember much about Terre d'Ange so it's all a very new thing to me, because even though we took a few trips back it's not the same as living somewhere."
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Post by Eric Lamont on Jan 3, 2011 0:34:58 GMT -5
I nodded, sipping my tea occasionally as she spoke. I was enjoying the flavor of it. "I can imagine it must be. Was it very different in Serenissima? I've never really been outside the city so I cannot even imagine what it must have been like."
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