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Post by Sarielle Shahrizai on Jan 25, 2011 12:19:02 GMT -5
I awoke, my body definitely sore from earlier exertions, but my smile brighter for it, and for the man who lay asleep beside me. I had removed myself from his embrace easily enough, with few stirrings from him, and made my way down the stairs in a robe to explain the dinner plans that would need to be brought about, and very soon. Of course, we still had time to bathe, and to get ready, and in fact I got another of the household to work on filling the bath with hot water to make ready for when Gadleon would awaken as well. I was excited, and intrigued to see how this dinner would go. The last time I had tried to host something it had went terribly wrong. Perhaps this time, it would go easier. Then again, wiht the things Gadleon and I had figured out, the game Naia had been playing when she ended up with child, well, everything was really up in the air. And I knew nothing abou tthis Kendrick. I had no idea who his family was, whether he had children, whether he had loved or not, whether he would treat Naia properly, because even though we had had our differences, I would not stand for someone who did not treat my sister with respect. I truly hoped she had not fallen for someon elike our father. That would break my heart. With that in my mind, I walked back up the steps and re-entered my bedroom, walking lightly across the wooden floor to find the bed empty.
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Post by Gadleon Shahrizai on Jan 25, 2011 13:56:59 GMT -5
I stirred a bit when I felt Sarielle depart the bed. I felt like I could sleep forever though I knew I should not. I let her get going though and dozed. Alas I forced myself into wakefulness and motion and was pleased to find she had, had a bath prepared for me. I settled into getting cleaned up and looking presentable. This should be an interesting dinner considering Kendrick is as prickly as a rose bush. But I figured I would do my best to keep him on at least somewhat hospitable grounds.
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Post by Sarielle Shahrizai on Jan 25, 2011 20:10:38 GMT -5
I walked into the annexed room, finding Gadleon naked and in the tub already. I smiled as I stood, robed, and in need of a bath myself.
"Good morning... well evening, really," I said with a smile as I moved to stand beside the tub. "Mind if I join you? I don't think it would be very hospitable of me to show up at the dinner table smelling of sex and liquor."
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Post by Gadleon Shahrizai on Jan 26, 2011 10:10:10 GMT -5
I dunked my head under the water and pulled it back up wiping water from my eyes before I looked up at Sarielle. “Well, whatever part of a complicated day it is.” I gave her a smile “and no not at all though with guests arriving we need to try and not become too distracted” I teased.
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Post by Sarielle Shahrizai on Jan 26, 2011 12:24:26 GMT -5
I let my dressing gown fall from my shoulders to pool on the floor before walking up alongside the tub.
"I promise to be a good girl," I teased with a soft smile, "besides we haven't really the time to enjoy the bath too much," I said with a laugh. I lifted one leg, letting my toes touch the water first, finding it warm, and then stepped in, bringing my other leg up and over the side. I looked down at him. His braids shined, wet, and his eyes glimmered. I smiled, reaching over to a rack I had, grabbing a wash towel and some scented soaps and oils - nothing too feminine, and nothing too strong before I lowered myself into the large tub, my legs bending at the knees and my feet on either side of his.
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Post by Gadleon Shahrizai on Jan 26, 2011 12:34:31 GMT -5
I glanced at her out of the corner of my eye and continued bathing as she joined me in the tub. “I suspect it is all but impossible for you to behave but if we are going to live together I suppose we will both have to try and learn” I gave her a playful splash “otherwise I fear we will never be on time to do anything.”
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Post by Kendrick Deveroix on Jan 26, 2011 12:46:30 GMT -5
Well, here I was, drawn into some idiotic dinner with a woman carrying my child, her sister that I didn't know, and her fiancee who I'd scuffled with once and pulled me out of a fight another time. How fabulous. I'd have to remember to pop my pinky out when I sipped my tea.
However much I didn't want to be here, I was, and only for Naia's sake; I sure as hell wouldn't be here on my own accord. But, having noted that, I was prepared to be a proper gentleman tonight.. or at least as proper as I could be. Naia had neglected to tell me what time I was supposed to show up for dinner, and if I showed up late I'd catch hell, but too early would be awkward as well. I picked a time I thought would suit given the nature of nobles; propriety was important, and for all I'm a crass asshole, I was still raised knowing and understanding these ways.
So, here I was, dressed crisply and smartly, armed with flowers and a very fine bottle of Namarrese red for the hostess and hoping to the seven hells that Naia was here already. Knocking on the door gained me admittance to a sitting room off to the side, and I waited, looking at the paintings and small statues that decorated the room, my shoulders back and face stubbornly set to as docile an expression as I could manage.
I was going to make Naia pay for this night.
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Post by Sarielle Shahrizai on Jan 26, 2011 12:58:20 GMT -5
I laughed, pulling my hands up from the water, dripping, to guard myself from teh splash before I closed my mouth and dunked my own head under the water, resurfacing with agas before I whipped my locks back away from my face, the water making a loud splashing sound against the tiled floor.
"Well, lets see if we can teach old dogs new tricks, hmm?" I said before I opened the vials one by one and ropped a couple drops of teh scented oils into the water, then picked up the washclotha nd the soap and began to scrub my skin daintily. I stopped, just momentarily, as I swear I heard noise downstairs, the door opening... but mayhap I was wrong. I looked to Gadleon.
"Did you hear that?" I asked, pausing a moment before i went back to washing myself.
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Post by Gadleon Shahrizai on Jan 26, 2011 13:45:38 GMT -5
Still washing I cocked my head “might have heard something. I suppose our guests could have arrived already.” It felt strange to say our but I suppose that was what it was now a matter of our. The passing thought furrowed my brow a bit and as I hate to be late I quickly finished up and then moved to exit the tub. “I am still getting used to the whole servant idea, but wont yours show them where to wait until we are ready?”
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Post by Sarielle Shahrizai on Jan 26, 2011 15:45:34 GMT -5
I smiled as he hurried himself up, cleaning quickly before standing and moving to get out of the tub. I sat where I was, finishing up, though not as quickly.
"Oh yes, they know where to put guests. The sitting room - the one with teh mirrors," I explained. "And not to worry, all memories of what had happened earlier have been washed and cleaned away. The room is fit for guests." I could not help but to look at his body, biting my lower lip as he stood above me, glistening like a God.
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Post by Gadleon Shahrizai on Jan 26, 2011 15:56:00 GMT -5
I gave her a wide eyed look “already? How long was I asleep for days?” I would certainly have to get used to this servant thing. I of course had grown up in a household with servants but had been so young I had never really given much thought to it. Then I was off and on my own and since I was the youngest it had always been understood I would make my own way in the world. I blinked noticing she was a little distracted as I grabbed a towel.
I leaned over and gave her a kiss but that was all. I then pulled back slightly “and behave for just a little while your treasonous sibling has already gotten quite the show today.”
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Post by Sarielle Shahrizai on Jan 26, 2011 21:01:52 GMT -5
I laughed at how astonished he was. The help I had was always very good at what they did, discrete and helpful, and they were like family to me. Afterall, they were the only family I really had for a great deal of the time I was growing up.
"Fine, if you insist," I murmured, pouting slightly before I dunked myself under one last time and rose to my feet. It would take me more time to get ready, as it always did. As I rose, there was a knock on the bedroom door. I looked to Gadleon. "You're in a better position than I am," I said with a laugh. "Care to see what's going on?"
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Post by Gadleon Shahrizai on Jan 27, 2011 10:51:44 GMT -5
I rolled my eyes as I fought down the urge to make all the comments that sprung to mind over her use of the word position. “Alright, though it still feels odd to me” I wrapped the towel around my lower body and then went to the door and cracked it open a sliver to see what was up. Of course there was a servant waiting who told me that Kendrick had arrived. I thanked the lass and then returned to the bath chamber “it sounds like Kendrick is here but no sign of Naia.”
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Post by Sarielle Shahrizai on Jan 27, 2011 12:20:16 GMT -5
By the time he had come back to the bathing room, I had found myself a towel and stepped out of the tub, still ddripping from head to toe.
"Really," I said, laughing, "oh this could be terribly amusing," I laughed. "How would he react, do you think, to a tough interrogation? Would I find it amusing or would you suggest against it?" I asked as I tied the towel about me and secured it above the swell of my breasts. I grabbed another towel an drubbed it through my locks, trying to get the worst of the water out of them.
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Post by Gadleon Shahrizai on Jan 27, 2011 13:47:15 GMT -5
When I returned she was well on her way to going through a small linen closet full of towels. I suspect it was some quirk of the feminine sort that I would simply have to learn to get used to. Maybe it was her hair length that caused it I did not really know. The only woman I had really ever managed extended exposure to without losing my mind was my older sister and well let’s not keep pondering along those lines.
“I really would not recommend it. To say he is the cranky sort would be a vast understatement that made irritable people the world over seem to have much worst dispositions than they really do.”
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Post by Sarielle Shahrizai on Jan 27, 2011 13:59:04 GMT -5
I laughed as I turned towards him, rolling my eyes.
"Well, if you think it is better to play nice, I shall play as nicely as I can," I mused, grining. I tossed my hair from side to side, then lifted my hands to feel through it. It was still damp but the worst of the water was out. I knew I wouldn't have time to let my hair dry into waves, or curl it into ringlets, what with a guest already here. I thought, minutely, how it would be nice to have someone to tend to these things, entertain guests while the lady and gentleman of the house were busy, to tend to setting aside my ress, pressed and ready for me to don. No matter, I had managed well enough thus far with the help I had. I walked from the bathing room to the bedroom and opened up the armoire there.
"You know," I murmured as I sifted through the garments, "I have a few things left from other visits you had here," I mused, "if you wish to change into something. Of course I've had them laundered since and pressed." I pulled out a dark blue gown and held it up. It was simple, tied about the neck with stones at the neck and down between where my breasts would lay. It was not a full gopwn with a full skirt, but instead fell straight. It would hug my hips and slip over the floor, covering my feet.
"Do you think this will suffice?" I asked him, turning towards him.
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Post by Gadleon Shahrizai on Jan 27, 2011 14:41:20 GMT -5
“Well I was not planning on going naked” I answered and then looked over what she held up in front of herself. “That will do just fine. And while you are at it pick out something for me. I am male and so I have little eye for fashion.” I grinned “now that I have you and maybe my assistant I might never have to manage dressing myself ever again.” I said it teasing but the thought did have a certain appeal. I could just crawl into whatever garments they decided I should wear. That would work out well accept when I was working and needed to pay attention to practicality.
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Post by Sarielle Shahrizai on Jan 27, 2011 15:04:07 GMT -5
He approved, though I knew he would, and so I tossed the garment on to the bed and looked for a pair of breeches and something to wear on top. I found a pair of dark brown doeskin breeches, and a white cambric tunic shirt. I pulled them out and tossed them to the bed s well.
"There," I mused. "Will you be wearing hosen? You are not allowed to wear your boots to the dinner table," I teased as I moved to the dresser, sitting before it and pulling a comb from one of its drawers. I ran the teeth through my tangled hair, getting rid of the knots with a short, abrupt tug until my locks lay flat and sleek, gleaming still from their dampness. I began to plait it into a loose braid, one that would hang over my shoulder and fall across my right breast, teh shorter hairs laying in semi dried wavy tendrils to frame my face.
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Post by Kendrick Deveroix on Jan 27, 2011 15:16:41 GMT -5
Tick tock, tick tock. I'd been made to wait in a room with mirrors of all things, but at least it gave me the chance to... Well no, I already knew my clothing was crisp and well fitted, and I didn't have enough hair to worry about styling, so to say I was worried about my appearance would have been a lie. I waited, as patiently as was possible for me, knowing how important tonight was to Naia by the bare fact that she'd come to me asking me to go tonight. Briefly my brows knotted; where was she, anyway? I swore to Kushiel, if she stood me up tonight or was playing a joke on me, I was going to make her pay.
I had yet to sit down, and I didn't really want to. My host and hostess were taking their sweet time in receiving me, something that I was struggling against letting it get under my skin, especially as it forced me to hold onto the blasted flowers and wine. Setting them down only to pick them up to hand them over was tasteless, but then forcing someone to wait this long to be received was rude as well. I waited, choosing to look out the window at the front lawn, waiting patiently for Naia, for her sister or even Gadleon. Someone had to appear eventually.
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Post by Gadleon Shahrizai on Jan 27, 2011 16:31:31 GMT -5
“No I will not be wearing hosen!” I answered quickly as the last time I checked I still had a pair. It did not take me any time at all to get into the articles she had picked out and I did not bother to respond to her other comment but I did make the concession of not wearing my boots. Of course she was still fussing with her hair “I am going to go greet Kendrick so he does not have a stroke or something.” I gave her a grin in the mirror she was using before heading to the door and down to greet our guest.
When I stuck my head in the door and found said guest pacing and scowling as I knew he would be I had to admit that yes the room had been repaired quickly. “Hey Kendrick, no idea where Naia is and Sarielle is still getting ready. You got here faster than we expected.”
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Post by Kendrick Deveroix on Jan 27, 2011 16:54:20 GMT -5
Listening for approaching footsteps was easily enough done as there was nothing else to do, but I didn't turn 'round til they'd reached the room, swallowing a sigh before it could manifest. Gadleon had come, greeting me, and I turned smoothly from the window, the gifts still in hand as I stood. "Hello Gadleon," I said, an amused smile coming to my mouth. "Long time no see. Naia failed to tell me what time to be here, and I knew if I was late I'd never have heard the end of it from her. I thought this would have been close enough to the beginning of dinner," I added, my smile a little crooked.
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Post by Sarielle Shahrizai on Jan 28, 2011 0:11:42 GMT -5
I laughed as Gadleon left. Fine, no hosen. I turned to don my dress, pulling it up my body and tying it about my neck. It hugged my hips, a shimmering midnight blue, and my breasts, but was not terribly revealing otherwise. With the braid dangling over my right shoulder I looked in the mirror, and started to dab khol along the base of my lashes.
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Post by Gadleon Shahrizai on Jan 28, 2011 6:55:51 GMT -5
"Naia nag?" I asked with a quirked brow. "I suspect she does not have the attention span for it. But then again she is a devious little thing so one never knows if it suits her purposes she very well might." I was in no humor to mince words about the little lady and I suspect Kendrick would probably like it better that way anyway. I noted he had gifts likely for Sarielle who with any luck should appear soon so I simply asked "need a drink while we wait?" That should distract him a bit.
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Post by Kendrick Deveroix on Jan 29, 2011 18:44:48 GMT -5
I chuckled, low and deep, the sound resinating from my chest as Gadleon spoke of Naia. "From my experience it's merely a matter of anticipating what she wants, and giving it to her if it suits, and if not... Well, distractions are one way of taking care of the matter." And the other was doing whatever it was in my power to irritate the seven hells out of her, but I didn't bother bringing that point up with the love of Naias sister. That struck a thought in me, and as I followed him to the counter that held the alcohol, I eyed him.
"Odd, isn't it, how you and I seem inevitably linked somehow? First Julie, and now this." Even saying Julies name brought a pang of pain to my heart, but I didn't let it show.
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Post by Naia Shahrizai on Jan 29, 2011 22:30:26 GMT -5
I'd planned on going home to get some rest before what was inevitably going to be the most stressful dinner I'd ever attended, but since Kendrick had been kind enough to give me some more coin to spend, I'd gone shopping instead. I had gotten a fabulous deal on a sapphire blue dress that brought my eyes out perfectly, and a gorgeous necklace set with lovely blue stones. I'd gone home and changed into it, while Alex helped me pin my hair up. I let her have her way with it, for she was rather talented at it, and I had to admit, by the time she was done, I looked amazing. The dress was made specifically for pregnant women, so my belly was no longer hidden, and at first I'd hated the sight, but after some coaxing from Alex, I had to admit that I still looked beautiful. Radiant, some might say. Well, Alex had said it, but I was sure she was just being nice. She slid the necklace around my neck and clasped it, then gave me a hug and a light kiss on the cheek, bidding me to relax and just enjoy dinner.
I took her advice, not worrying over much about what was to come. It was just dinner, how bad could it be? I stopped at El Parra and bought a bottle of Balta's finest Aragonian red, on Kendrick's dime, and then I stopped and bought a little bag of chocolates for my sister. Finally, I arrived at Sarielle's townhouse.
It felt odd to knock on the door, but I was conscious that I no longer lived here, so knock I did, my cloak pulled tightly around my shoulders, armed with wine and chocolates.
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Post by Gadleon Shahrizai on Jan 31, 2011 6:54:19 GMT -5
I moved to the side bar and got myself a brandy. I was thinking of how to respond to his question as it was all rather difficult for the lot of us and I did not do difficult well at all. "You did not say what you wanted" I pointed out in low tones. I then nodded my head and answered "yes, we seem to be destined to be stuck with some sort of interactions with one another. Let us hope future times are less stressed than previous times. I suppose that is all anyone may hope for as time passes on."
I heard the knock at the door and fought down the urge to go get it myself. This servant thing would take some getting used to. "Ah I suspect that would be Naia."
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Post by Sarielle Shahrizai on Feb 1, 2011 12:49:23 GMT -5
Finally dressed, and donning a delicate necklace made of black jets and silver, a faceted teardrop dangling in the hhollow of my throat, I made my way downstairs the gown flowing about my legs, just in time to hear the knock at the door. I could hear the footsteps as one of the house help came to the door, looking ot me first, silently asking if I would prefer to get it myself. I shook my head, but remained standing before teh door where I was. I assumed this would be Naia, and hoped that the boys had not found some sort of way to kill each other in the waiting room.
"Quickly," I murmured, "how far along is dinner," I asked before the door was opened.
"It should be ready within the ha-hour, my lady," she replied. I glowered at her, knowing full well that she knew I preferred to be called by my name, but I allowed her this, what with company. I nodded before sh eopened the door.
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Post by Naia Shahrizai on Feb 1, 2011 13:35:55 GMT -5
One of Sari's servants opened the door and I couldn't help but notice the disapproving way she looked at me. They were all like that, Sarielle's servants, because they were oddly devoted to her, moreso than any servants I'd ever seen. Still, the woman was unfailingly polite, admitting me into the house where Sarielle stood waiting.
"Good evening," I said nervously, holding forth the chocolates and the wine cautiously. "I brought you these." I hadn't realized how anxious I was for this to go well until I'd gotten here, until I was standing face to face with my sister, knowing how easy it would be for everything to go wrong. I prayed to any God that might be listening that Kendrick would behave and that I wouldn't do anything monumentally stupid, and I supposed that that was the best I could hope for at this point.
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Post by Sarielle Shahrizai on Feb 1, 2011 15:40:52 GMT -5
I looked upon her, dressed in a beautiful sapphire gown, with lovely jewels about her neck. My brows nearly raised a fraction. I knew she could not be making this salary from El Parra, in fact I heard she barely worked there now anymore, what with the showing of her child and all. This must be this Kendrick's doing. Without missing a beat, though, I stepped up to her, disregarding the chocolates and wine for a moment as I marvelled at how big she was. Not terribly big, but definitely morenoticeable now that she was donning a gown that showed it more proudly.
"Oh Naia," I whispered, a smile coming to my lips. I moved my hand to just hover above the bump. "May I?" I asked her, motioning to the servant to relieve her of the wine and chocolates.
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Post by Kendrick Deveroix on Feb 1, 2011 17:05:27 GMT -5
"Brandy."
Curtly I let the subject drop, pretending my attention was distracted by noises coming from the adjacent room, feminine voices that was the tell-tale sign that the women had finally arrived. I didn't comment on that either, but merely bade my time til I realized I had to set either the flowers or wine down in order to accept my glass.
"Here, these are for you," I said, issuing a suddenly cocky grin as I tossed the flowers down in front of Gadleon. I'd wait for the women to decide they were quite ready to join us, not interrupting them, and took my brandy when it was ready, swirling the liquid in my hand pleasantly.
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