An Exhange of Music - Leon, Fionnula, and Cerise

[Leon Charles d'Essoms]

Finally, the agreed-upon day had arrived. Cerise had not been available the day I'd gone to look for a harp, and though I'd been disappointed at the time, my encounter with Fion might not have happened had she been there. A silver lining in every cloud, indeed. Now, though, I would get to see the Eglantine adept again, and trade music with her. Further, Fion would be there, to enjoy anything we might play in the process. It had the potential to be quite a pleasant day, indeed.

As the time approached, I was sitting downstairs in the parlor, where the redwood harp sat in its corner. The last I'd seen her, my beloved was getting dressed upstairs. While I was not terribly worried about the meeting, Cerise had been kind to me, and I did want her to have a good time. Already, there was refreshment available in the form of wine and tea, as well as apple slices and slices of a sharp cheese of some sort.

For my part, I was sitting upon one of the chaises; in fact, it was the one I'd lost my virginity on, something I noted with a small smile. I relaxed, one of the nearby tables bearing several leather folios stacked atop one another. These were my collection of songs from abroad, primarily music from the time of the Tiberian Republic and Empire, but with a few I'd learned from fellow students at the university.

[Fionnula mab Bevin]

I slipped into the parlour, having dressed myself in a low-cut, thinly-strapped dark red dress and the black dancing slippers I favored for their thin soles. My hair was down but I wore the thin slip of thong with the red sponge coral tied around my wrist; it was too beautiful and matched too perfectly not to wear somewhere on me, even though I simply wanted my hair down today.

Glancing around quickly, I spotted my love on the very chaise we had first made love on and, seeing his grin, couldn't help but grin myself. I walked up to the chaise, my fingers trailing over the stack of leather folios on the way past it, and smiled down at him, perching on the edge of the chaise and saying nothing. I simply enjoyed the view of him and was content to bask in the glow of our shared love.

I knew we were meeting an Eglantine adept so that she and Leon could trade music. I was looking forward to meeting someone new, and from what Leon said she was very nice and very good. I doubted anyone could be as good as my love, even an Eglantine adept when their house was so famed for talent of that sort. Mayhap I was a bit biased. Either way, hopefully I would get a concert from the both of them. I had no real musical talent what so ever so I had to take my entertainment where I could get it.

[Cerise nó Eglantine]

A missive had arrived requesting that I attend at teh d'Essom's town home. It was from Leon, and I grinned as I had read it, excited that we would be able to exchange something of our knowledge for our shared passions. Everything i had copied out from my childhood of Alban music I had written on tomes fo parchment, and had copied neatly and to perfection a copy for Leon to keep with him so I would not have to part with my own tomes. I even threw in some empty ones with an inkwell and pen and nib so I could make notes or make copies of anything he might have. I had gathered them up in a large deep forest green velvet sack, tying the silk cord drawstring so that nothing could fall out. I knew, from his letter, that he had found himself a harp, and I was excited to see it. I also knew that I was to meet someone there at his home as well, and so we would not be alone. This did not bother me in the slightest. As a performer, the more to enjoy the music and entertainment, the better. I did not ask to have my harp brought with me, and did not want ot chance it really, considering this was a gathering with a friend and not an assignation, or a performance at the Laughing Parrot, and I hoped that Leon would not mind me using the one he had bought. Something told me he would not mind,.

I had dressed myself in a gown of pale peach, nigh the same colour as my skin, one that flowed freely from my form in pleats, not hugging to breasts or hips or thighs. It had thin straps that laid over my lightly freckled shoulders, the freckles having appeared not long ago, spending a great deal of time out in the open air under the spring sun.

I chose this morning to walk to his townhome, and arrived at the time prescribed with a knock on the front door and a grin on my face. I was excited to see what could be learned today.

[Leon Charles d'Essoms]

When Fion came downstairs. she looked lovely, but then, I always thought she looked lovely, from the first time I'd set eyes on her. The color of the dress suited her, and as she came to sit on the chaise with me, I shifted slightly closer to her. "You are beautiful, love," I told her softly as we sat, waiting for the arrival of our guest.

Not that we were waiting long, for almost as soon as I uttered the words, a knock was heard at the door. I stood up, then, but waited where I was in order to greet Cerise when she was brought in. There was a friendly smile on my face as I heard Annette, one of the maids of the house, go do the door to let in their visitor.

"Greetings, madamoiselle," the maid said to the eglantine adept with a curtsy as she opened the door, motioning for her to enter, "My Lord d'Essoms awaits your arrival, no?"

[Fionnula mab Bevin]

I blushed as he spoke softly to me, my gaze shyly meeting his. The way he shifted closer to me made me want to move into his lap but I knew we couldn't start anything, not with a guest coming.

I was just about to say something when I heard a knock at the door. I glanced over to Leon, watching him as he smoothly stood to welcome her. I stood with him, resisting the urge to slip my hand into his so that he could move forward if he wished.

[Cerise nó Eglantine]

The door opened revealing a lovely little woman, who gereted me with a curtsy.

"Yes, indeed I am," I replied with a nod and a slight curtsy of my own before entering into the house proper. She led me to where Leon stood with another girl. She was lovely with beautiful chestnut locks held up by a pinkish-reddish dainty little thing. It was pretty. My eyes took them both in as my smile widened and I dropped into a curtsy again, this one lower, and which I held longer. I then rose with grace, my pouch with the tomes still in my hand.

"Ah Leon, thank you for the invitation again," I said, then my eyes went to the lovely lady who stood beside him. "And I am glad to meet your acquaintance. I am Cerise no Eglantine, though I am sure you have heard of me already," I teased, "and hopefully only good things." They made a charming pair. "Your home is lovely."

[Leon Charles d'Essoms]

Upon seeing Cerise, I smiled warmly; the adept had been very friendly to me, beyond simple courtesy, and I'd been looking forward to this 'appointment' since she'd agreed to the time and day. "What bad could I possibly have to say about you?" I asked her before turning to glance at my beloved, then back to the Eglantine adept before telling her, "And this is Fionnula mab Bevin. She has been kind enough to allow me to court her."

"Thank you," I added, in response to her compliment of my home. "Please, sit. Would you like some refreshment?" I then asked her, waving my hand toward the chaises that were near the one Fion and I had been sharing. Nearby was the harp I had chosen, made of a reddish-colored wood, and carved with classical depictions from hellenic myth.

[Fionnula mab Bevin]

I smiled and curtsied before glancing shyly up to Leon, a blush lightly staining my cheeks. "Allow, nothing; I would have begged had I the need to," I teased with a wink at Cerise. "It's wonderful to meet you, my lady! I'm very much hoping to hear you play."

I sat as Leon gestured, perched on the edge of the chaise we'd been sharing before Cerise had arrived and stayed largely quiet; this certainly wasn't my field of expertise and it was very fun-- and slightly arousing-- to watch Leon in his element.

[Cerise nó Eglantine]

I smiled, my smile widening as I heard Fionnula speak.

"Well, you two make an absolutely breathtaking pair," I said, honestly, moving towards them and taking a seat on a chaise beside theirs. "And anything is fine, I could drink like a fish, truly," I teased.

"You are from Alba?" I asked with a smile in my d'Angeline accented Cruithne. Her accent was much like my mothers who was from Eire and taught me the language of her motherland when I was a child. I had noticed the harp, but knew we would get to it soon enough. Firstly, I was very intrigued by the young lady he was courting.

[Fionnula mab Bevin]

My eyes widened as she spoke in Cruithne, and a grin widened on my lips. "Actually, my lady," I answered in like language, delighted, "I am from Eire. Rather close enough though, as I lived on the border."

She was interesting indeed; an Eglantine adept who knew Cruithne. Interesting and very attractive as well.... I pushed the untoward thoughts out of my mind as I grinned once more, a light blush coloring my cheeks. "How do you know Cruithne, my lady?" I asked, to keep my mind on the event at hand.

[Leon Charles d'Essoms]

Cerise's compliment of us took me a bit by surprise, and I wondered if she was merely being kind. Fion was lovely, of that there was no doubt in my mind, but I had yet to figure out what it was that attracted her to me so. As I listened to the two women talk, I noted that Cerise's cruithne was almost as good as mine, and that was that I'd been practicing it much more since meeting Fionnula.

As the servants poured drinks for us, I watched Cerise sit, and then noticed the way that Fion was blushing, a sight I was not used to, really. Occasionally, I'd seen it, when we were alone; seeing it then made me wonder what was going on in her mind. It would have to wait, though.

Also in cruithne, I asked Cerise after Fion's question, "You mentioned that your mother was from Eire when we were talking at the Parrot, didn't you?" Lifting my glass, then, I took a small sip and turned my attention on our guest again.

[Cerise nó Eglantine]

My brows rose as Leon spoke in Cruithne, explaining a bit of my heritage.

"Aye," I responded in the like, "my mother from Eire, my father a shipwrecked trader from Terre d'Ange. She rescued him, like an angelic siren," I explained, letting my surprised look settle back to a soft smile and bright eyes. I giggled then, letting my eyes fall on Leon. "You never cease to amaze me it seems," I mused, letting my gaze fall back on Fionnula. She was a lovely little thing, especially when she blushed, and I wondered what might have brought that about. Perhaps it was the complement I had given the two of them. "I have never been to Alba or Eire," I said with a grin, "is it as lovely as my mother always brags about it being?"

[Fionnula mab Bevin]

Glancing at Leon, I slipped my hand into his and twined my fingers through the spaces between his. It was a bit intimidating to talk to someone so beautiful and intelligent; I was but a simple Eiran warrior, an escaped slave from Skaldia. I knew not how to dissemble. Ah, but she'd asked about my homeland, and that was something I could speak openly about.

"Aye, my lady," I said, keeping to the Cruithne that flowed so naturally from my lips, "'Tis very beautiful, with the verdant green clover fields framed by the bright blue sky, and the vast mountains with goats that hop from peak to peak." I grinned happily. "And the adorable shepherd lads with their sheep and whistles, and the pups they keep with them at all times to help herd." I sighed, suddenly feeling a twinge of homesickness. But, no matter how much I may miss it, it wasn't worth being that close to Skaldia again. I would settle for what memories I had and leave it at that.

[Leon Charles d'Essoms]

Giving Fion's hand a gentle squeeze, I smiled slightly at Cerise's further compliment of me when I surprised her with my command of the language they had been speaking. I simply listened, however, as Fion spoke of her birthplace, hearing the twinge of regret or loss in her voice.

"Speaking of which, we did have a question for you, Cerise. We were wondering if you might be able to recommend a marquist to us," I asked, continuing in cruithne as much as possible, though I had no idea what the word for marquist would be, if there was one. "She would like to have her woad markings, but does not necessarily wish to return to her homeland," I further explained, knowing that by itself, the question would seem rather peculiar.

[Cerise nó Eglantine]

I listened, my smile brightening at her description, though it did not take an adept to see that there were mixed feelings when it came to her homeland. I wondered what had happened, but decided perhaps it was too soon to pry into such things. When Leon spoke, I turned my gaze upon him, tilting my head in thought.

"Were my own mother not so far away she'd have been able to do it," I mused, "and perhaps other Albans in Terre d'Ange might have the ability. I know that there is an amazing marquist by the name of Darien Kachine. He has a salon in the artisan's district and he is very skilled and very business minded. He may know what needs to be done and be able to do it for you," I said as I looked to Fionnula. I smiled warmly. "My own mother said that one day she would have me go with her to Alba to have it done, after I had finished with the Night Court. She figured that I may not get the chance to fight as a warrior, but I was a warrior of sorts in the Night Court," I smiled at the romantic notion, and the memory.

[Fionnula mab Bevin]

I committed the name to memory as she spoke it. Smiling, I thanked her for the information. "I appreciate the name, my lady, and I do hope you get to go one day," I said gratefully. "I would go to Alba, but it's a bit close to Skaldia for my tastes."

Taking a sip of my wine, I smiled up at Leon as he sat next to me. I felt safest when I was with him and felt myself to be more in love each day. I squeezed his hand in return, thankful he had thought to ask the beautiful adept for the name of the marquist. I knew it wouldn't be the same as getting the woad in Alba, but it was more than good enough for me. The markings were what counted.

[Leon Charles d'Essoms]

"Thank you, Cerise, the suggestion is greatly appreciated. We will seek out this marquist's salon soon," I responded, smiling at the adept gratefully, then looking at Fion, glad to see her so content and happy. For my part, I was rather relaxed, between being close to her and having someone who had been very kind to me as a guest in my house; it had been a night I was looking forward to.

"So, would you care for something to eat first, or would you rather begin looking at my collection right away?" I then asked the Eglantine adept, giving brief glance over at the stacked leather folios I'd brought into the room earlier.

[Cerise nó Eglantine]

I smiled, nodding. "Tis nothing, I am more than glad to help in any way I can," I said, truthfully. They were an adorable and sweet couple, and Fionnula seemed a very nice and deserving girl. Though I could tell there were some hardships there that she had gone through.

"Well, to be honest, I am slightly peckish, but if you both have already eaten for the day, then let us get started, otherwise, more conversation over a little plate couldn't hurt," I said with a playful smile as I looked from Fionnula to Patrick.

[Leon Charles d'Essoms]

When she said she was hungry, but that we could go ahead if Fion and I had already eaten, I shook my head slightly. "Nonsense, Cerise. I had fruit and cheese set out, as you can see, and there are some pastries that had been made for tea, if you have more of a sweet tooth than that," I offered, smiling at her invitingly.

For my own part, I was a bit hungry, so I leaned forward to pick up a few apple slices, eating one of them right away as I then settled back, closer to Fion once again. "I told Fion about my night on stage at the Parrot. I think she would like to go see the place the next time they have the stage open. You did say that it was every Friday, correct?" I asked Cerise, my gaze shifting back and forth between the two women in the room with me.

[Fionnula mab Bevin]

"By all means, eat!" I grinned at Cerise as she spoke of being peckish. Good, a woman who wasn't shy about her appetite! I wouldn't have to feel bad for any food I ate. Grinning up at Leon as he settled next to me once more, I plucked a slice of apple from his fingers and took a bite out of it as I listened to their conversation. I was content to not participate in it for now and simply listen. I found it all rather interesting, and was hoping to hear the beautiful woman play. Fleetingly, I wondered what Leon would say if I asked if she would stay the night with us.

Where in the seven hells had that come from?!

[Cerise nó Eglantine]

They both seemed easy going and I smiled at that, glad that they were not stuck up - even if they were still proper, they did not have that aire about them that they thought they were better than anyone else, and I appreciated it. Then again, when I had met Leon, I had never been made to feel that he felt that way at all, and Fionnula was adorable. I watched their exchange as he reached for some apple slices and she plucked one from him, taking a bite. I smiled and reached over to the plate, taking a few pieces of fresh fruit, some apples and berries, and also some of the cubes of cheese as well.

"Thank you," I said witha soft chuckle, "thoughbe careful, ofer me some and I might make a pig of myself, which would be terribly embarassing," I teased, popping a small cube of sharp cheese into my mouth It was delicious. I was certain that my expression showed my gratitude. I cleared my throat after chewing and swallowing.

"So Fionnula, I was just thinking, do yuo remember any music from your childhood?" I asked, looking from Leon to her. She seemed to be blushin just slightly and I wondered why.

[Fionnula mab Bevin]

I stopped mid-bite as she asked me her question, my eyebrows raising in surprise. I hadn't really expected to be included; I was simply here for the show I was hoping would happen.

"Ah... Well... Yes, I know a few, my lady," I said honestly in Cruithne. "Honestly speaking, my childhood was rather short-lived. The one I remember the most was the one my mum used to sing at the end of every day," I said, thinking of the song I'd hummed while I was brushing Leon's hair.

[Cerise nó Eglantine]

"Perhaps, I mean of course if it is not too much of a bother, you would be willing to share it with me? It could be possible that one of the songs your mother sang to you might be one my mother sang to me," I said with a grin, hoping to include her today so that all would enjoy and learn from the experience.

[Leon Charles d'Essoms]

As the women spoke of songs of their shared ancestry, I remained quiet and ate a few more slices of apple, grinning when Fion took one from my hand and gently poking her in the side in 'admonishment'. It was turning out to be an exceedingly pleasant evening, spent with one of the first in the city to show me kindness, and the woman I had so rapidly fallen in love with, though the latter seemed to faintly blush with no apparent reason for a moment, at which I looked at her curiously but remained silent.

When Fion brought up the song that her mother used to sing for her, I finally commented, "That's the one you hum when you brush your hair, correct? I've been meaning to ask you to do so when I had pen and paper at hand, myself. It really is quite a lovely tune."

[Fionnula mab Bevin]

I was giggling at Leon's soft nudge into my side at taking his apple slice when he asked his question about the song I hummed. I nodded at them both, a bright flush suffusing my cheeks. "Aye love," I said to Leon, "That is the very one. I didn't realize you'd listened that closely but, considering you are a musician, I suppose I should have known better!"

Grinning shyly, I stood and moved over to the parchment, picking up a quill. I jotted down the words and handed the parchment to Cerise before sitting back by Leon once more, nestling close to his side as I was previously. I wondered if she would remember it. I would be willing to bet if I asked Leon to go over to his harp and play the melody, he could pluck it from his head as easily as one picked a flower.

[Cerise nó Eglantine]

The two interacted so sweetly, and so fluidly, like they belonged together, and I was happy that a woman from my mothers land and this bright and kind gentleman had found each other. I watched, a little sad that I had interrupted her supping, as she rose from where she sat and returned with pen and parchment and the lyrics to the song she mentioned. She handed it to me and I smiled, nodding my thanks as my eyes roved over the prettily scrawled words. Yes, I did know this song, and my mother hand sang it to me when I was a child, and she had combed and plaited my locks. I grinned with the recognition.

"Aye, tis the same one," I said with enthusiasm. "My own mother would sing the same song to me. Perhaps its a cultural thing and not a coincidence," I murmured, reading the rest of the lyrics. "And actually," I said as I rose from my own seat to grab the large velveteen pouch, pulling the gathered opening wider to pull out the smallest scroll containing this song. I brought it to where I had sat and sat down agian. "I have it here with lyrics and the notes to be played," I explained, grinning. Perhaps once weve finished this should be the first we play since we all know it."

[Leon Charles d'Essoms]

As Fion rose to get the pen and parchment, I watched her, enjoying the sight of her quite clearly as she moved about the room. Only when I realized what I was doing did I stop and my cheeks flush slightly.

It was interesting, however, to find that the song that Fion often hummed was familiar to Cerise as well, both of them knowing it from their childhoods. When she produced the written music for the song, however, I grinned widely. I might have been able to puzzle it out eventually, but having it already in that form would be much better and less frustrating.

"I would love to start with that one. I've been very interested about how it would sound on the harp since I first heard Fion humming it," I explained, then popped another slice of apple in my mouth to eat it. In truth, I was ready to begin whenever Cerise was, but I was not going to rush her if she was hungry, especially when the two women were getting along so well.

[Fionnula mab Bevin]

I was absolutely delighted that Cerise knew the song. Nodding happily, I agreed with what she'd said. "Aye, I'm betting you're right and it is rather cultural, and I'm very much looking forward to hearing it on the harp." I glanced pointedly at Leon as I spoke, a soft smile coming to my face. To hear him play the song that defined my childhood would be... inexplicable. I prayed I wouldn't cry.

When I glanced over at the tray of fruit, I noticed that it was becoming quite sparse between the three of us. I stood as Cerise was perusing my script and comparing it to hers and, stepping silently, moved to the door to talk to the servant. "Miss," I whispered to her, "Would you be so kind as to bring another fruit tray in? We've depleted ours," I said with a smile. The young woman smiled and nodded at me before hurrying off. The servants were becoming more and more used to me, they were so very kind and polite and they even understood me better now that Leon had been teaching me d'Angeline every day for about an hour. I seemed to be picking it up quite well, it seemed.

Shutting the door, I made my way back to Leon and Cerise and sat close to Leon once more, my hand resting on his leg. "I asked for another fruit tray," I said quietly, smiling.

[Cerise nó Eglantine]

They were both eager to hear how it sounded on teh harp. I of course, already knew for I had played it many a time, but I was excited to hear Leon play again an this time on his own harp which I was antsy to look at more closely, and hear the toneage of. I handed both to Leon, my version adn Fionnula's, which were the same, save my musical renerings of it. Fion had risen, and walked to the door, and returned quikly with a smile. Iheard her intone that she had asked for more fruit and I smiled brightly.

"You are both such gracious hosts," I said with a smile. I looked to Fion. "Would you do the honour of singing the melody I could come in with the harmony and we could make it a group effort if you like? Or," I said as I glanced to Leon with a lopsided grin, "Leon can be put on teh spot to play it out with just the musical accompanyment," I teased in good fun.

[Leon Charles d'Essoms]

Taking the papers, I looked them both over before leaving Cerise's on top, since it had the musical notes on it. "I would be comfortable playing this without the vocal accompaniment, but if either or both of you would like to sing, that is fine as well," I told them; it didn't look to be terribly complex, so I should be able to keep up with the singing just fine.

Looking to Fion for a moment, I reached down to give the hand on my leg a gentle squeeze. I did not know how she might feel about singing. I'd heard her hum many times before, but never sing. Taking a last slice of apple from the sparse leavings on the first tray, I ate it, then began to rise so that I could walk over to sit before the red-wood harp, setting the sheet of music on a stand nearby so I could read it easily. "Just sing, or continue eating, as you wish," I said to them both as I gave the music one last glance.