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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Jan 26, 2011 18:05:00 GMT -5
The days were getting easier, each one the pain was slightly less, the day slightly brighter. Likely it helped that the weather was warming as well, and Christelle always seemed to bring me out of any moods I might slip into, but there was an alternative that had come about, an option that I'd never before considered: speaking to a friend of Augusts.
Landis was Augusts friend through and through; he and I hadn't known each other hardly at all, but he was nice enough and August had always spoken very well of him. I'd known the night that I saw Landis at the Trevalion fete that I'd meet him to talk, and after sending over a missive the day before to let him know I'd be dropping by, I arrived mid-morning. My dress was a soft pink today, my neck and ears unadorned of jewels or baubles; the only thing I wore was the ring that August had given me when he asked me to be his.
Knocking softly on Landis' door, I was shown into a sitting room where I waited, nervous, but also glad I'd come.
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Post by Landis de Verreuil on Jan 26, 2011 20:03:44 GMT -5
I'd gotten the letter from Mirielle the day before, so I made sure that I had no other plans for the day so I could meet and speak with her. After seeing her at the fete I hoped she'd agree to meet and talk with me. From the little I knew of her she was a person with a genuinely good nature and it was still plain that August's death had affected her deeply and that was an understandable thing. They'd loved each other very much and while she had her babe to remind her of happiness a child that age isn't really a sympathetic ear, which people often needed after such a tragedy.
After making sure that my house was in a suitable state to entertain someone- not that it was ever really out of sorts, but I'd been away for some time- I went back to my usual routine. I'd happened to dress in grey breeches with a cream-colored shirt with my hair back in a low ponytail, polite but informal clothing for seeing a friend, and when the word came that she'd arrived I set down the book I'd been looking through and made my way to the sitting room with a smile. "Good afternoon, Mirielle, it's a pleasure to see you," I said in a friendly tone as I stepped in. She seemed nervous and that made me wonder- but then we barely knew each other, except through August. "How are you?"
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Jan 27, 2011 14:54:34 GMT -5
I'd not waited more than a moment when Landis came into the room, his demeanor relaxed enough that I already felt myself calming; part of me had fretted that he wouldn't be as happy to have me come over as he'd seemed before.
"Hello Landis," I smiled as I turned towards him, my hands clasped before me as I took a few steps towards him to close the distance. "I'm doing quite well actually, just glad spring has finally made its way here." My smile lifted a little more, my nerves soothed. "And you? I'm sorry for dropping in on short notice like this; I hope I didn't interrupt anything."
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Post by Landis de Verreuil on Jan 28, 2011 21:58:42 GMT -5
"Please don't apologize- when I'm in the City I don't do much of anything that requires a good deal of notice to work around," I told her with a light smile, my demeanor completely relaxed and comfortable. We may not have known each other terribly well but it was obvious that if either of us was more nervous it was her. Hopefully I'd be able to abate that a bit because I was never very good at seeing people even slightly uncomfortable. "I'm glad you decided to stop by. Do you want to sit down?"
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Feb 6, 2011 23:41:58 GMT -5
I relaxed further and found myself smiling at him genuinely as I accepted his offer to sit down. "What do you generally do in the City?" I asked as I seated myself, smoothing my skirts out under me as I settled.
My eyes took him in still, and I tucked my hands in my lap, trying to picture he and August together, laughing, joking, whatever it was that men did when women weren't around. Landis was a very likable person; it surprised me he wasn't at least betrothed, unless he was and I'd missed it.
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Post by Landis de Verreuil on Feb 7, 2011 16:57:37 GMT -5
It seemed that the Duchesse Bellamont was the kind of person who always had an air of calm poise about her, at least as long as there was no sort of threat nearby. It was a trait I could appreciate and really I didn't expect anything less from a woman like her though. August wouldn't have chosen a love who was fickle or silly. The more I knew of Mirielle the more I could see why he'd loved her so much and I was glad she'd agreed to come and talk to me.
Once she sat down I took the chair across from her and sat as well, smiling and giving her a moment to get comfortable before I answered her question. "As much as I love my home in Siovale I have to admit that it's not much of a place for social interaction. If I'm there for too long I may become a complete hermit," I told her with a light laugh. "And there's always things to be looked after in the City as well, connections to make for my estate and the like, and new people to meet. What about yourself?"
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Feb 9, 2011 21:36:15 GMT -5
He sat, and I remained at ease, my hands tucked together, my expression open and curious. When he mentioned he would become a hermit if he stayed away any longer I laughed, agreeing and knowing exactly how he meant it.
"It's too easy to stay away from the hustle and bustle of the City," I agreed, nodding slightly. "It's good to be here and good to be away though... In truth, I don't do overmuch in the City any longer. I used to attend dinner parties and the theatre, take leisure at the Palace or tea in a City park... but my time has been occupied elsewhere," I added, a note of fondness in my voice. "I need to take Christelle to the Palace though, to begin introducing her to society now that she's getting a little older. I'd love to just go back to Azzalle with her though," I added wistfully before a thought came to me. "What of you, monsieur? Have you been to Azzalle? Forgive my ignorance."
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Post by Landis de Verreuil on Feb 9, 2011 22:31:24 GMT -5
Her laughter and understanding was refreshing and I smiled a little wider for it, glad to see that she was still able to be so at ease. "There is a lot that the City offers but it can be good to get away for a little while, even if it's only a week or so to remind yourself that there are things outside of it all," I said in a comfortable tone of agreement. "But coming back is necessary too, I can see that. And if I can be so bold as to say it, I think the Court will love your daughter." Not that I'd ever seen her, but she was August's child, created in love and happiness. Who couldn't adore that?
At her question and the quick apology afterward I gave her a small shake of the head though my smile stayed in place. "There's no need to apologize, and you can call me Landis," I told her in a friendly tone. "My mother's family is actually from Azzalle but I haven't been there to visit since I was a child. Otherwise I stayed in Siovale for most of my life. Have you ever had a chance to visit that area?"
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Feb 15, 2011 12:58:34 GMT -5
I listened to him as he spoke, watching his facial expressions and noting the calm demeanor that seemed to surround him. His reassurances about the Court and my daughter didn't fall on deaf ears, and I smiled gratefully at him, glancing up to his eyes to show how much I appreciated it before looking away again, dropping my gaze just a little to his chest to gain control over my emotions.
At his question, I shook my head a little, a smile softening the line of my lips. "I haven't, not in years. When I was a child I visited once with my parents, but since I was fostered with the Trevalions I've not been. I remember trees, mostly," I said, a grin coming to my mouth suddenly.
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Post by Landis de Verreuil on Feb 15, 2011 14:57:33 GMT -5
The pain that she still felt was easy enough to see at times, especially when she was thinking about certain things- but it seemed fairly obvious that she already knew that and bore it with grace. The appreciation for the kind words was touching and I gave her a moment to collect herself before glancing back at her as she continued speaking, and then smiled. She looked happier for doing so, probably because of some pleasant memory, but as long as it helped to cheer her up I wasn't going to think twice about it.
"My estate is mostly forested and has a good bit of mountainous terrain to it as well," I told her with a smile of my own as I remembered it. "So I know what you mean. A lot of people think that it's a bit unrefined but to me it's the most peaceful place in the world. When I'm there I probably spend more time than I should out hiking or mountain climbing just to let it all sink in." There was a chance that may have sounded silly to her but for some reason I got the impression that she wasn't the kind who always hid herself inside either and might understand what I was saying.
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Feb 15, 2011 17:40:20 GMT -5
I nodded, understanding as he painted a picture of his homeland in my head. Leaning back a little in the chair, I considered his statement, my eyes on his once again without thinking about it. "I can understand that.. it's much how I feel when I'm at my own estate as well. It sits on the shoreline of the cliffs overlooking the sea. I remember picnicking near the edge with my parents, and laying in bed at night listening to the waves on the shores. That was during storms, mostly," I admitted, slightly sheepish, "but it holds true all the same. I miss it, here.. there's no quiet, no sense of peace."
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Post by Landis de Verreuil on Feb 16, 2011 14:54:43 GMT -5
"It sounds like a beautiful place," I replied in complete sympathy. I missed my home often enough to understand how much of an impact the memory of it could have, and how fond they could be when they arose. "On my land there's a glen with a pool and a waterfall that cascades down from one of the cliffsides, completely surrounded by forest. It's not close enough to hear the water from my house but when I feel like I need the most peace that's where I always seem to find myself. As lovely as the City can be I haven't found anywhere here to match that same sense of timeless calm."
This conversation was turning out to be a very comfortable one and I was glad for it, my expression and tone both open and friendly, and it was good to see the same thing from Mirielle. We hadn't been very close friends before I'd left the City the last time but it almost seemed a pity now that I hadn't made more of an effort to become so with the person that August loved so much. "If you ever wanted to see Siovale again you're more than welcome to visit my home there," I offered in a friendly, calm tone with no ulterior motive behind it whatsoever. I simply understood how a person needed to get away from the City from time to time.
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Feb 16, 2011 16:43:16 GMT -5
"I appreciate that," I smiled in return, and meaning it as I said it. It wasn't something I could accept, not right now, but the offer alone was very sweet and I hoped one day I could visit his home in the country. Mayhap when Christelle was old enough to remember it, or even old enough to move around on her own. Not that I wished for that day to come any quicker; I was already fretting the loss of her infancy, as silly as that was.
"Your homeland sounds.. Well, beautiful," I finished, "though that sounds less than adequate. What do you do when you feel an ache for the country and you're stuck inside the City walls? For me, when I miss the spray of the sea a quick taste of salted water can fix it," I said, wholly playful and not sure if he'd pick up on it.
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Post by Landis de Verreuil on Feb 17, 2011 13:10:17 GMT -5
It seemed that the lady was feeling comfortable enough to joke and it reminded me of when I'd first met her at that fete, bright and cheerful. "Drinking salt water, that must be refreshing," I teased back in a light tone, the chuckle I repressed clearly coming through in my voice. "I don't live close enough to the ocean for that to work for me though. There's always some snow in the mountains so I find a reminder of that by pouring a bucket of cold water over my head always helps to center me a little."
The fact that she and I could joke around with one another was a good sign as far as I was concerned and it was even better to know that she still had the heart to do so. At the fete she'd seemed more grief-stricken but a lot of that blame may have rested with me bringing up uncomfortable things as well as being a reminder of the love she'd lost. "Would you like something to drink? I can't believe I forgot to ask until now," I said with a light laugh, finally remembering my manners.
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Feb 20, 2011 17:31:57 GMT -5
I laughed when he stopped himself from doing so, light and airy, nothing near the belly-busting bursts that generally came with age-old friends.. but it wasn't fake either. "Well, if you ever need help with pouring water over your head just send me a missive," I teased. "Have you ever considered a horse trough? Mayhap you could consider it a pond," I added, grinning at him.
With the offer of wine I smiled, my fingers clasped together lightly in my lap. "Tea is fine for me, if you have it," I replied unassumingly; even my eyes seemed to smile as I looked at him. "And I'll take your forgetting as a compliment to our conversation."
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Post by Landis de Verreuil on Feb 22, 2011 15:56:29 GMT -5
"Thank you for the suggestion, I'm sure an icy horse trough would be a much better idea," I joked, laughing and smiling right along with her in complete sincerity. "Then I wouldn't have to worry about bothering you, you're probably a very busy woman." Likely she probably was, what with her own estate to run and the babe to look after as well as her own personal affairs. I'd never been the kind to make many demands on people and preferred to be self-sufficient anyway.
"There's tea, never fear," I told Mirielle in a slightly teasing tone as I stood up and went over to the door and asked one of the servants to have it brought in, then went back to my seat and sat down. "I generally drink it a good bit early in the day as well. How's your little one doing?"
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Mar 2, 2011 13:07:05 GMT -5
I laughed with him as he jested about the horse trough, glad I could joke with him and not have it taken amiss. "I don't mind you bothering me at all, though," I added, my laughter having faded to a warm, pleasant smile. "Truly; it's nice to be able to talk and laugh without worry about politics or propriety or... Elua, anything," I said, sighing, though the smile never completely left my face.
As he rose to speak to his servants, I gathered my hair off my shoulders and coiled it down my back; I'd gotten into the habit of pulling my hair back when pregnant, and I found myself in the habit now of not having it in my face. "She's doing very well indeed," I said, my smile blooming even more now. "Smiling and watching everything so intently.. I can't help but wonder what she's absorbing when she looks at things."
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Post by Landis de Verreuil on Mar 3, 2011 12:21:38 GMT -5
"Well, any time you want to escape some of the stuffier parts of being at court feel free to come and talk to me; I was never very good at being the prim and proper courtier anyway," I told her with a small chuckle of my own. I had no problem being polite in public or even being diplomatic but asking me to be anything less than my honest, true self was, to me, a near impossibility. That didn't always go over well but that was also why I kept my country estate open as an option for escaping the more regulated formal life of the City.
It was plain to see from Mirielle's features that she loved her daughter from the way she glowed whenever the baby was the topic of conversation; there was a light in her that almost seemed to glow through her skin and made her even more lovely. "I think that children probably see things much more clearly than adults could hope to," I replied in agreement. "And from the few I've been around they seem to learn far more quickly than older people do, though I'm sure that having two brilliant parents has something to do with it too."
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Mar 5, 2011 23:51:11 GMT -5
From Landis's demeanor and the very air about him, it was almost like we were outside the City even now, in a hunting lodge or some backhills cabin; even a country estate wouldn't suffice. For one startling moment I wished for it, to be away from everything without a care, able to talk to Landis like that and without the world calling for either of our attention. I didn't blush at it, but it startled me, and I hid it as best as I could behind a smile and smoothing my skirts a little more.
"You flatter me entirely too much," I said with a casual grin to him in response. "I'm certain whenever you have a child you'll be much the same." Truth be, I was surprised that he wasn't already settled and with a babe on each knee. Landis was gentle and kind, titled and securely founded. Mayhap he hadn't met the right woman though, I mused.
"Do you know what I miss?" I asked, aware of the sudden change in topics but unable to help myself. "Riding.. I miss the wind in my hair, the feeling of freedom, of no bars held around me. That'll be one of the first things I do when Christelle and I return to Azzalle... after everything there is caught up on," I added, swallowing a wince. It'd likely be days before I could go out for even a short ride, but ah, well. It was worth the thought.
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Post by Landis de Verreuil on Mar 6, 2011 10:40:38 GMT -5
The comfortable atmosphere that surrounded Mirielle and I was a wonderful thing, the sort the developed between friends who shared similar outlooks and interests and I was far too glad of it to even consider it as developing too quickly. Just because you realized someone was a friend quickly didn't mean that friendship had to be shallow or fade and it was nice to be around someone I felt such a connection to.
"It's the truth, and one day if I have children of my own I only hope that will be the case," I replied with a smile, refusing to be pensive about such a thing. I wasn't so old yet that I believed it was an impossibility and I wasn't so desperate I'd settle down with the wrong person either. One day though, perhaps, that would change and the idea of having a family of my own was a beautiful one indeed.
When she spoke of missing riding I understood how that could be, and at her wince my expression became sincerely more sympathetic. "I can understand missing that, it's something that I feel the pang of from time to time myself," I admitted with a bit of a chuckle. "You could always go riding in the lands near here though if you were inclined. It may not be Azzalle but there is some beautiful land outside of the City itself and that may help to loosen that enclosed City feeling a little bit."
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Mar 6, 2011 16:34:17 GMT -5
His suggestion made me nod thoughtfully; I'd considered it before, but I was loathe to be so far from Miryelle at such a young age, not to mention I wasn't sure who I'd ride with. Here and there, for a few hours at a time I was parted with my precious daughter; it was good for me, so I was told, and for her too, to be able to bear separations with grace should they ever be forced upon us. It didn't stop me from missing her though, or wondering how she was, even though I knew she was alright.
But, mayhap I did need to do something as carefree as riding. Guy flashed through my head, and for a moment I toyed with the idea of asking him if he'd like to go, but he bore feelings that I was unable to return at this time and I didn't want to hurt him, the sweet man that he was. My eyes took Landis in, and I hesitated before speaking, but when I did it came out in a slight rush.
"Would you like to ride with me, if I do go for a jaunt outside the City? I'd very much like it; riding alone is never so much fun as it is with a friend." My smile warmed a little, and I had to focus in not smoothing my skirts; I was quite unaccustomed to inviting people to do things with me.
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Post by Landis de Verreuil on Mar 7, 2011 14:07:27 GMT -5
As soon as Mirielle made her invitation I could tell that she was something of a loner and not exactly used to making such a request and probably considered it a little forward. I didn't see it that way at all though; we all needed people from time to time, even me, and I was far more likely than most to spend a good deal of time in solitude. She was being sincere though, and that much was just as clear.
"I'd be glad to go with you whenever you'd like," I replied honestly and with a bit of a wider smile. "Thank you for asking. I prefer to ride with others myself but it's not a chance I'd had since I've been back in the City either." A moment later one of the servants came in with the tray of tea and set it down on the table nearby and I thanked them warmly before I looked back at my companion again, still smiling. "It looks like the tea is done. How do you take yours?"
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Mar 22, 2011 8:46:12 GMT -5
I smiled broadly at him, pleased beyond what I'd imagined I'd be at the prospect of riding with him, and it was only heightened in that he seemed to look forward to riding with me as well. "I look forward to the engagement then," I replied, warmth and honesty in my voice, and riding the tail ends of my words came a servant bearing the burden of our tea.
As Landis thanked his man, I had to resist the urge to stand and pour for Landis and myself both; I didn't want to insult him, and it wasn't my place to do so, but it felt.. engrained into me. "Lightly steeped and honeyed." My smile grew rueful. "I'm afraid I had to get used to less flavorful drinks while pregnant, and it's now a habit that is difficult to remove." My eyes had moved back to Landis while I spoke, and silently I admired him; his face was handsome without being overbearing, a hidden strength that whispered rather than boasted.
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Post by Landis de Verreuil on Mar 22, 2011 20:51:33 GMT -5
"I'm looking forward to it just as much, I can assure you of that," I replied with a warm smile, then put some tea leaves into the two cups and carefully poured the water over them while scooting the jar of honey over toward Mirielle. There was a new lightness and cheer in her now that the conversation had warmed up between us and I was glad of it, and the way it almost made her glow. It was a far better thing to see her cheerful than when she'd been sad for the beauty that the former brought out in her.
Setting the teapot back down I offered her one of the cups with a wider smile. "I'm sure once enough time has passed you'll be back to drinking anything you want to," I told her encouragingly as I waited for her to take it, holding it steadily so there was no chance of it sloshing out. "When are you thinking of going on that ride? My days are usually pretty free and even if they weren't I'm sure I could rearrange things to make that happen. I know you have a lot more to consider though."
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Mar 23, 2011 12:09:30 GMT -5
I watched him as he moved, taking the opportunity of his distraction to properly admire him. I felt a twinge of guilt just in doing so, but as crass as it was, we both were d'Angeline...and I knew I needed to move on, in more ways than just one. It was a step for me. He was handsome though, the line of his body lean and straight, speaking of muscle and finesse without shouting; endurance rather than strength.
I pulled my eyes down to his hands as he sat the teapot down, taking up the cups and handing one to me, and I took it with a thankful smile before setting it upon the table before me. I had to lean forward to do it, but I tried not to think of it as I place just a little dollop of honey in the delicate cup.
"I'm not sure when to go for the ride... Three days, mayhap? I have nothing planned for the late afternoon then, so if the weather holds as prettily as it is today we could go then. If you're not busy, of course," I added, smiling to him as I straightened, the cup and saucer of tea held in my hands before me.
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Post by Landis de Verreuil on Mar 27, 2011 10:40:50 GMT -5
There was a very attractive grace in everything Mirielle did and I smiled slightly as I watched her, wondering if I was letting my mind wander too far. She was August's widow and that made it somewhat awkward to see her in any way but a casual, platonic one- but perhaps that was also why it was easy to think of her so. After all, if August and I hadn't had the same tastes in some ways we likely wouldn't have ended up lovers in the first place. Not that I was going to say anything of the sort, I respected her friendship far too much to do that. I would simply look forward to seeing her in the future for more than one reason.
"Three days sounds fine to me," I assured her with a smile as I added a small slice of lemon to my own tea and let it continue to steep in my hands so the flavors would mingle. "I don't have plans for at least the next week, so even if you wanted to go now I wouldn't have to put anything off." It was true, my own schedule was somewhat more loose than the Regent Sovereign Duchesse of Azzalle's would ever be and I didn't mind being at her disposal whenever she found the time for a get-together. "So I suppose I should pray for the fair weather to hold or find a way to bribe the clouds to stay away. I'd hate to have something like that ruin what will be a wonderful time."
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Apr 1, 2011 14:52:23 GMT -5
Go now? The thought took me a little by surprise, and I tipped my head a bit to the side in contemplation; go now? I hadn't thought about that prospect, but I had naught happening, and truly there wasn't anything holding me back from it. My gaze lifted from my finely made cup of tea and to Landis's face, a soft smile stealing over my mouth.
"I could go now actually," I said, though I made no move to stand at this very second and abandon the tea he'd so thoughtfully procured for us. No point in hurrying. "I'd need to send word back to my nursemaid, of course, and have my saddlemare sent, but that would be the only hiderance." I wasn't attired quite right for a ride out-of-doors, but I wasn't worried about it; Landis didn't seem like the type who would care if I rode in the silk I had on now or a more sturdy wool, or if my hair was streaming wildly behind me unpinned rather than if I had had a hat to keep it more neat and tidy.
When was the last time I'd let my hair blow as such? I found myself wanting it, looking forward to the prosect of it, and the soft smile on my mouth bloomed a little more towards excitement.
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Post by Landis de Verreuil on Apr 4, 2011 11:03:16 GMT -5
Something I said really seemed to sink in and I drank some tea as I waited for her to sort it out, which didn't take very long at all. I wasn't surprised that she was as intelligent as he was attractive though and when she showed a ready willingness to go on a ride now I was more than willing to go along with the idea. There wasn't any harm in it certainly and the chance to be out of the house with Mirielle talking and having fun in the beautiful weather was too nice an opportunity to pass up. Besides, she really seemed to enjoy the possibility.
"I'm almost certain I'd have a horse you could use if you'd rather not bring yours all of the way over here," I replied with a wide smile and a good bit of enthusiasm in my own tone though I wasn't in any rush. The ride was almost certain to be a pleasant experience but that was no reason to disperse the more relaxed and conversational mood that was already in place. "But I can understand needing to send word to let your nursemaid know what the plans are. If you wanted we could always stop by there on the way to ride."
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on May 18, 2011 15:12:35 GMT -5
"A horse of yours sounds fine to me," I smiled at him as I cupped my teacup in both my hands and held it, enjoying the warmth that came from it. I always did, even in the middle of the summer and I was sweating oceans; I still enjoyed holding warm things, as silly as it was. "I should send a word though, and to let them know when I should be expected back for Christelle." I gave him a little smile, trailing a finger over the edging of the cup. "Could I borrow a quill and a piece of paper?" I asked, my eyes twinkling a little.
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