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Post by Michaela nó Eglantine on Jan 11, 2011 17:53:39 GMT -5
I let myself into the shoppe my bracelet was being repaired at early the next morning. Technically, the shoppe wasn't open yet, as it was twenty minutes before the opening time on the sign, but I had tried the door and it was unlocked. I stepped up to the counter silently with a small but bulky and slightly heavy package in my hand and smiled, happy to see Artus again and especially happy to be getting my bracelet back. I was excited for quite a few things lately, it seemed.
"Artus, it's Michaela! Are you here somewhere? Don't make me come back there!" I called jokingly, hearing my voice ring in the shoppe.
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Post by Artus Boileau on Jan 11, 2011 18:06:25 GMT -5
I had worked throughout the day she had come in, between customers, and after the shoppe had closed, making sure everything was absolutely perfect for when Michaela came today. Her antics had left a smile on my face and a hop in my step all that day, and I found I was a little anxious to see her. She had said she would surprise me, something to do with my toast, so I decided to surprise her, and bring some for her in case she wanted to dine with me.
I had left the shoppe door open when I came in this morning, even as I went about my routines, just in case she happened by earlier than expected. Soon though, I heard her voice through the back door, and already her words were putting a smile on my face. I entered into the front, bringing two plates of toast, one for her, and one for me. Her bracelet I had put in a soft pillowed jewelry box, and that in a velveteen pouch which hung at my waist.
"Heaven forbid you did, then you would see all of my secrets," I joked with a grin before placing the plates on the counter. I nodded toward them. "So that I am not the only one with crumbs on my face today."
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Post by Michaela nó Eglantine on Jan 11, 2011 18:14:41 GMT -5
I laughed and handed him the package. "I promise I would keep your secrets. Open it!" I said, smiling shyly. "Mio Nonno, my grandfather, has been growing strawberries on his land for the entire length of my life, and when I recently went to Serenissima I got to take a few of his jars of jam. He makes it because he knows I like it so much. Usually he sends it to me, but I was there so I just brought it with instead. It's very good. This jar is for you. I have many more back at Eglantine so, if you would ever like another, feel free to let me know." I found myself blabbering on about jam. Gods. He was going to think me impaired.
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Post by Artus Boileau on Jan 11, 2011 18:27:05 GMT -5
She handed me a little package, wrapped in paper. I looked at her in the same confused way I looked at her before until she told me to open it. I did so, delicately, as she explained what was inside and I pulled out a glass jar of strawberry jam! I laughed, not at her, or at the present, but just how well great it was.
"This is... this is great!" I exclaimed, finding myself blushing again as I opened the lid. I could see the chunks of strawberry in the jelly, and tons of them, which was always the best kind. And the moment I opened it, the sweet scent of fresh strawberries welcomed me.
"Michaela this is lovely, and it smells divine," I said as I looked from the gift back to the kind woman who gave it to me. I put the jar gently on the countertop. "Will you break your fast with me?" I asked. "I can get a knife, and I've toast for you here as well and... oh wait... here," I said, forgetting myself, and laughing. I untied the pouch from my waist and placed it on the counter top. "I will be back with a knife. Open that and take a look. I hope it is done to your satisfaction," I said before I hurried to the backroom. A part of me was a little afraid it would not be done as perfectly as I thought it was, and I did not want to see the disappointment if it wasn't. Of course, the other part just really wanted to get a knife and taste her jam. It smelled so sweet and looked delicious.
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Post by Michaela nó Eglantine on Jan 11, 2011 18:38:46 GMT -5
I blushed, my tan skin turning a shade darker as the heat flushed to my face. "I'm glad you're excited. I would love to break my fast with you!"
I gasped softly as I opened the box and examined the links on my bracelet. Oh, it was beautiful! I couldn't even tell it had ever been broken. "Artus," I called, "This is perfect! Did you repair it, or just make a new one? I can't even tell!" I exclaimed, in awe of his talent. "I should have brought you another jar of jam, for this kind of quality work."
I placed the money on the counter and waited for him to come back out into the shoppe, trying to fasten my bracelet myself. "Merda," I mumbled under my breath. "For all that I'm flexible, you'd think I would have the skill to do this. Figlio di una cagna!" I shook my hair out of my face as it obscured my vision and bit my bottom lip in concentration.
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Post by Artus Boileau on Jan 11, 2011 18:43:53 GMT -5
I was quick to grab a knife, hearing her calling after me from the other room. I beamed, happy she was content with my work. Hurrying back, I arrived just in time to hear her mention something about flexibility and then what was probably expetives in Serenissiman. I could not help but to laugh, though the coment about being flexible, well, I could not help that my cheeks coloured at that.
I walked up to the counter, placing the knife on the glass before I reached out to help her.
"I am glad you like it - may I?" I asked before assisting her. "And I replaced one of the links and mended the other." I noticed that my payment was on the counter. I knew that this was a business exchange, for which I had provided a service and she would pay, but for some reason, it just didn't seem right. "And please, keep your money. The jam is payment enough."
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Post by Michaela nó Eglantine on Jan 11, 2011 18:57:04 GMT -5
"Thank you," I said gratefully as he fastened my bracelet. His hands were warm and I couldn't help but feel a burst of desire in my blood at the touch of his skin to mine. I looked up at him, knowing he felt it too. I licked my lips.
"What? You must take the money; you've done such a beautiful job on my bracelet and I'm so thankful that you've repaired it. It even looks stronger, and I'm not afraid to tumble with it on now. The jam was simply because you'd mentioned you liked it, and I thought it would be nice to share some of mio nonno's jam. He usually gives his to his friends and, well, I guess I consider you a good friend." I blushed again.
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Post by Artus Boileau on Jan 11, 2011 19:04:34 GMT -5
Our hands brushed as I fastened her bracelet, her skin was smooth, warm, and not much different in tone as I kept a year long tan from the work at the blacksmith shoppe. But the warmth seemed amplified from the touch, and I swear my cheek tingled where she had kissed me twice yesterday. I smiled, before I pulled back taking up my knife and the jar of jam. I laughed softly, a coy smile coming to my face.
"Well, in that case, if we are as good a pair of friends as you say," I said with a small laugh, my eyes going to her face, noting how her cheeks had rouged as well, "your money would be no good here anyways," I announced with a definitive nod, rather pleased with myself at being able to turn the tables around. It seemed almost ceremonial as I dipped the knife into the jam which was perfectly smooth on top, and took out a portion which I began to spread, on Michaela's toast first of course, and then, dipping it in again, on mine. I wanted to use it sparingly, as it smelled absolutely perfect, but I couldn't help that I was a bit generous with both of our helpings.
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Post by Michaela nó Eglantine on Jan 11, 2011 19:14:41 GMT -5
I shook my head as he used my logic against me and put the money back in my pouch. He was sly, this one.
"All right then, since I've had it my whole life, I know how it tastes. I want to see if you like it first!" I said as I watched him spread the jam onto our toast. "Don't worry," I reminded him, "I have quite a few more jars of it and can always send a missive to Nonno that I would like more. It's only spring, so he'll be growing and jarring them most of the summer. I'm like to get at least twenty more jars. I'm lucky Eglantine has a large icebox. Truly, it would be a blessing if you were to take some. I still have half of mine left, and will never eat it all by myself! So, what do you think of it?"
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Post by Artus Boileau on Jan 11, 2011 19:24:53 GMT -5
I chuckled as she took up her coin, putting it away. I had won! And like a true victor, I pumped out my chest and placed one hand, fisted, at my waist, while the other pumped the air before laughing at myself. I could not believe I had just done that, my victory dance, in front of Michaela, this lovely woman who had come baring gifts of jam. I stopped my tom-foolery and did as she requested, taking up a slice of toast, and, before biting into it, I dipped into the jar, taking some more out to place on it. "Since you insist," was my excuse, and with a smile, I bit into it, chewing thoughtfully. The flavour errupted on my tongue, and I closed my eyes, savouring it. It was not too sweet, not too tart, the strawberry bits were just the right size, and the consistency was absolutely perfect, not too gelatinous, but not runny. I opened my eyes, looking at her. "Where have you and this jam been all my life!" I asked, taking another bite. "Truly," I mumbled, talking with my mouth full. I put my finger up to apologize while I chewed and then swallowed. "sorry. Truly this is the best jam I have tasted. Your nonna has created a masterpiece! I will certainly take you up on that offer if you need to part with more jars."
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Post by Michaela nó Eglantine on Jan 11, 2011 19:30:39 GMT -5
I was laughing so hard by the time he finished rhapsodizing about the jam that I had to wipe tears from my eyes. He had looked as if he'd been a man taking his first drink of water after being stuck in the desert for three months. I was proud of my Nonno in that moment, and prouder of my lineage than I had ever been.
"Artus," I said, wiping my eyes with the backs of my hands and smiling dazzlingly up at him, "You are an absolute delight. I'll be sure to bring more jam! As for where I've been all your life, well, that answer is Eglantine. Was that your victory dance?" I inquired. "I loved it; may I use it? I may modify it, of course." I grinned at him, still giggling.
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Post by Artus Boileau on Jan 11, 2011 19:42:32 GMT -5
She was laughing, and that made me happy. I had always been the butt end of someone's joke, but this way was far more pleasing. I even had her in tears. I smiled as she wiped them away, looking at me with dark eyes that sparkled. I doubted that the sparkle was just from the wetness of the tears.
"Thank you," my cheeks heated slightly. "Indeed it was, and you have my permission, though I am sure your variation will be far better, being from Eglantine and all, you can polish it up with some exquisite tumbling. Put the entire thing on as a one-woman show. Am I right?" I grinned, taking another bite. I had not been lying. The jam was to die for, and quite frankly, I doubted I would want to eat anything else for breakfast again.
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Post by Michaela nó Eglantine on Jan 11, 2011 19:53:02 GMT -5
I blushed, my darkened tone matching his, and shook my head, still grinning. "I could probably make it into a routine, but it will be a long time before I'm a one-woman show. I haven't even had my début yet, although it is coming up soon. I can always use more tumbling practice!" I said. Not that I doubted my talent, I just knew I could always improve.
I watched him take another bite and smiled, leaning my elbows on the counter and making a mental note to bring him more or, at the very least, send it to him.
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Post by Artus Boileau on Jan 11, 2011 20:02:04 GMT -5
"Well when the day comes, and you are a one-woman show, be sure to send me tickets," I teased. "And your debut... you must be rather excited!" She had not had her debut yet? It was hard to believe. She was just so pretty, so exotic, though I did not ask why she had not had her debut. Perhaps she was younger than her appearance and personality let on, and it did not seem the proper question to ask really. I just couldn't think of why not. Unless, of course, she had not been ready. I noticed, though, that she had not taken a bite of her toast, and I could not let that go without mention.
"You know, if you aren't going to eat it," I teased, "I'll risk being called a glutton and eat yours, too," I said as I picked up my own second slice and took a bite.
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Post by Michaela nó Eglantine on Jan 11, 2011 20:10:30 GMT -5
I rolled my eyes playfully and took a big bite, raising my eyebrows at him. I chewed and swallowed before answering him.
"I am rather excited. Would you... Would you like to attend?" I asked. I blinked at my boldness. What kind of adept asked someone to attend their Bidding?! I chastized myself inwardly as I took another bite of toast.
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Post by Artus Boileau on Jan 11, 2011 20:21:57 GMT -5
My jaw dropped, luckily I had just swallowed, so the contents were not on display. Somehow I managed to draw it back up before clearing my throat.
"Well, I would love to... but... I hope you'll forgive me but I don't have a great deal of knowledge on these things... how do debuts work, exactly? I have never actually attended one before," I said. She was blushing, I was blushing. If anyone had entered the shoppe I was certain they'd think we were up to no good.
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Post by Michaela nó Eglantine on Jan 11, 2011 20:31:45 GMT -5
"No no, it's all right! It's all quite new to me, too. From what I've been told, the bidding will start at 400 ducats, because it's... well... my virgin-price," I finished, flushing deeply. I didn't know if that was even affordable; not all tradesmen made as much as others and I certainly wasn't going to ask him if he could afford it. That would be worse yet. Gods, I had lost my mind. He might not even want to once he realized it was my virgin-price being paid! I shook my head.
"Truly, if you would rather not or are unable to, I promise you won't offend me," I began lamely. I had backed the poor man into quite a corner. I bit my lip and hung my head, focusing on my bracelet, which the fingers of my other hand were fiddling with on the counter.
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Post by Artus Boileau on Jan 11, 2011 20:45:38 GMT -5
She seemed a little nervous, which made me feel better that she felt the same about the whole thing.
"400 ducats," I mused. The shoppe had made that a hundred times over this past month. Then again, there were quite a few engagements, more than usual.
"Well... I think that.. um... well... something of that value ought to be held at a higher price, dont you?" I asked. "I mean, I am not saying you are being sold short, or sold at all," I bit my lip, looking away for a moment to regain control. "What I am trying to say is that one cannot put a price on something that special." I was not a virgin myself, but I had been once, and though I had not sold it, I did not share it with the woman I had lost it to. I cannot say that I regretted it, because I didn't but I always wondered how it would be, two people in the same boat like that. It must mean more. I could feel my cheeks growing warmer.
"I would still love to attend," I said even as she gave me avenues to back out and run for the hills. "I would be honoured." Twas true. If someone thought that I was worthy enough to be a part of this occasion, even if not the important part, I would not let that person down.
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Post by Michaela nó Eglantine on Jan 11, 2011 21:02:55 GMT -5
I could do nothing but stare at him. No one had ever complimented me so highly before; I didn't know what to say.
"Artus... Thank you. That doesn't begin to cover how special I felt when you said what you did, but it--" I broke off, searching for the words. "It made my heart soar," I finally said. Yes, that about described it.
"As an adept, the virgin-price is higher because it is what it is. I was given to Eglantine House as reparation for my parents' sins. It's quite a long and colorful story and, sometime, I'll have to tell it to you if you ever want to know. Maybe you can come visit Eglantine House someday and have an assignation," I teased, grinning.
"As for you attending, I would be honored to have my newest good friend there to support me. Most likely, I'll be nervous. I'll have to tumble at the Debut, after all, so I have to be perfect." Already, I was practicing three hours a day and studying other Eglantine tumblers.
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Post by Artus Boileau on Jan 11, 2011 21:12:24 GMT -5
When she said how my words had made her feel, I nodded solemnly. "I am glad, for I meant what I said," I chuckled, "even if I have known you less than a day you seem worthy of much more. Though, I do understand. You are an adept," I said with a smile, "and regardless that is a prestigious thing to be. And sometime, I would like to hear that story," I mused, "who knows, you might have a chance to tell it to me sooner than you think." I for one was not the type to contract an adept. In fact, I never had. Perhaps, if I was not beaten out, and considering I had the coin, perhaps we could share that first with Michaela. Again, my mind got ahead of me, and my cheeks reddened.
"I am sure you will do fine. And I will be there, cheering... if cheering is allowed at that sort of thing... is cheering allowed?" I asked, chuckling. It seemed my dominance of language was taking a few tumbles of its own as I continually fumbled for words. I was not always this shy. Then again, most of the women I encountered were either terribly stuck up or nearly married and thus served as no threat to my senses. She however, ah Elua, she was lovely, and fun to talk to. And she brought me the most amazing jam.
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Post by Michaela nó Eglantine on Jan 11, 2011 21:17:16 GMT -5
I giggled at his flustered state. Had I not had the training I did, doubtless I would be fumbling my words just as much as he, if not more.
"Thank you, once again. Aye, I believe cheering is allowed during my tumbling; the Eglantine adepts I had talked to had said that there was cheering during theirs. Or after it, at the least."
Then, it dawned on me that he had said that I might have a chance to tell him my story sooner than I thought. Did this mean he would bid? I immediately had an image of me leading him to where the assignation rooms were in Eglantine and my blood ran hot, my cheeks flushing dark again as the blush came once more to my face. Gods. I was out of control.
"I suppose I had better get back to Eglantine before I'm missed or in trouble. But I will be looking for your familiar face at my debut, Artus," I said, leaning over to kiss his cheek at the corner of his mouth. "No matter what happens, I'm sure we'll see each other soon. After all, I have more jam for you!" I giggled.
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Post by Artus Boileau on Jan 11, 2011 21:25:00 GMT -5
"Excellent," I replied. The blush on her cheeks tipped me off that she must have gotten what I was saying. Pity, I would have liked it to be a surprise. Though the bigger surprise would be if I won. "And I will hold you to that, both the seeing me soon and the jam," I teased with a chuckle, "though I am sad to see you leaving so soon!" She kissed my cheek, her lips so close to my mouth, and like the first two times, it tingled, but unlike the first two times, I took up her hand in return, the one that donned the bracelet, and kissed the back of it gently. "Till we meet again?"
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Post by Michaela nó Eglantine on Jan 11, 2011 21:31:33 GMT -5
"I am very much looking forward to it," I murmured softly, hearing the pendants on my bracelet clink merrily as he lifted my hand. I could still feel the press of his soft lips against it even after he let go and suddenly, I realized I didn't want to leave.
"I'm sad to be leaving myself, but I promise I'll come visit again and deliver your jam," I said with a bright smile. "And Artus, thank you again for the bracelet repair. It's beautiful, and I'll surely mention you to anyone I know who needs a piece repaired. Your skill is unmatched, as far as I'm concerned." I headed for the door and turned once more to wave again, winking once more before I left to get back to Eglantine House. I had tumbling to practice.
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Post by Artus Boileau on Jan 11, 2011 21:36:47 GMT -5
Her voice was soft and musical, with the Serenissiman lilt to it. I smiled as she bid me fairwell, promising me a visit. I wondered, then, if this was how adepts got patrons. And perhaps it was. But the friendship that was starting between us seemed much more than just the hope of having someone ply gold on wiles, and for certain it was. I waved to her as she left, for the second day in a row placing a smile on my face that I knew would last all day. I looked down at the jam, and chuckled, though no one was around to hear it, and closed it, making sure to put it in the back room.
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