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Post by Cosette de Manon on Feb 28, 2011 22:50:03 GMT -5
I was excited to have heard from Landis, the Mandrake whose salon I'd stumbled into when I'd lost my way, pertaining to the questions I'd asked him. He'd thoughtfully sent along directions, as I'm sure he remembered the reason I'd stumbled in in the first place.
I traveled through the City on foot, reaching the salon by midday. I knocked quietly a few times and then waited patiently, knowing one of his silent servants or perhaps even Landis himself would open the door.
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Post by Landis d'Ames nó Mandrake on Feb 28, 2011 23:05:32 GMT -5
For the last few nights sleep had eluded me, even now that I knew there was one extra set of eyes looking after my welfare. Those hours I did not sleep, I spent in prayer, in making an accounting of the salon's expenses, in reading pointless drivel that masqueraded as good writing.
In short, anything that drew my thoughts away from the Sword of Damocles hanging over my head.
I was trying to concentrate on reading, fighting to keep my eyes from drooping, when a knock sounded at my door. I set the book down and shuffled through the hall, opening the door with such force that I thought I might have pulled it off its hinges.
"What is--oh, hello Cosette..." I amended quickly, having not the faintest idea what vision from Hell she glimpsed in my tired visage. "What brings you here today?"
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Post by Cosette de Manon on Feb 28, 2011 23:11:42 GMT -5
I jumped back at the force with which the door had been open. Landis stood there, looking as if he hadn't eaten, slept or bathed in days; his eyes were a bit wild with exhaustion but squinting due to the light, and overall quite the worse for wear. My jaw dropped in what I was sure was a most uncouth manner, my eyes wide and a bit nervous. He must have forgotten he'd even sent the missive. I stepped inside, more bold than I usually was, and shut the door behind me, looking up at him.
"Landis," I said in my quiet voice, with my eyebrows raised, "You look like hell. When did you eat last, sleep last, bathe last? What in the name of Elua has been happening?"
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Post by Landis d'Ames nó Mandrake on Feb 28, 2011 23:20:47 GMT -5
"Yesterday, a few days ago, and by Elua's balls, I have no idea!" I replied crisply, already feeling the beginnings of a severe headache as my cat sauntered in and began to rub up against Cosette's legs.
"And no, it has nothing to do with my new beast," I clarified, looking pointedly down at the feline. "But I would sooner...put the matter from my mind..." I did not wish to compromise her safety, perhaps she was already compromised. Merde.
"Now, is there something you require--" I began, the realization dawning on me that I had promised to provide her with information. "Ah, yes...information regarding the marques...yes?" My eyes were threatening to close and not open again for a few hours, but a promise was a promise, and to fall asleep at this time would be rude indeed.
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Post by Cosette de Manon on Feb 28, 2011 23:29:55 GMT -5
I blinked and smiled down at the cat, reaching down to scratch behind his ears with a quiet giggle. I didn't know when he had gotten a cat, but the thing was adorable.
That was not the matter at hand, however. Something very serious was going on, it was obvious. Landis was funny and charming, but none of those qualities were displayed due to the obvious distress he was in.
"Landis," I said, concern in my voice, "You need a hot bath, a hot meal, and a long nap. In that order. Whatever it is troubling you will not go away with you ignoring it, as I'm sure you well know. I am content to wait here, even to sit by your bedside should you prefer. But I am not leaving until those three things have happened. You may be a new friend, but a friend you are indeed and friends don't let each other suffer alone. I'm a woman, you know; I'll not take no for an answer."
I may have been soft-spoken and mild-mannered, but I stood my ground and, although there wasn't much to me, what I lacked in bodily force I made up in sheer stubbornness. I crossed my arms across my breasts and frowned, waiting. I would take no arguments.
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Post by Landis d'Ames nó Mandrake on Feb 28, 2011 23:49:03 GMT -5
I opened my mouth to argue and then closed it. I knew it was futile to argue with women, least of all when their arms were crossed over their chest and they frowned in such a manner that rendered a man's words useless against them.
"If it will cause you to cease frowning in the way my mother does when she desires something of me, I will do as you ask." I capitulated, already heading down the hall towards the bathing area. I paused when I was halfway there, however.
"Are you accustomed to seeing men in any state of undress?" I asked, not wishing to startle her if she was not.
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Post by Cosette de Manon on Feb 28, 2011 23:55:18 GMT -5
I couldn't help it; I laughed aloud. "My lord, I have seen many creatures in many states, being the farm maid I am. One lone male in any state of undress will not throw me for any sort of loop. I do appreciate the question though, and thank you for asking after my sensibilities," I added sincerely. I did not want the man to feel as if I were making fun of his propriety; it was really rather sweet.
I followed silently as he went to the bathing chamber. I may not have been trained as an adept but I was trained to be a fine ladies' maid; I knew how to move silently and unobtrusively when I needed to. I was relieved he had given in with such good grace; I'd readied myself for quite the battle of wills.
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Post by Landis d'Ames nó Mandrake on Mar 1, 2011 0:14:37 GMT -5
"Good," so saying, I removed my clothes as I walked into the baths, or rather, bath, fashioned in the style of the communal baths in use in the Night Court.
Steam caressed my skin and I suppressed a moan of pleasure as I slid into the warm water. "Oh, yesssss..." I hissed, letting my head loll over the edge of the bath as I felt tension leave my aching limbs.
"Could you...fetch me some soap, please?" I murmured, dimly conscious of Cosette's presence somewhere within hearing distance. "In the cupboard...on the left side..."
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Post by Cosette de Manon on Mar 1, 2011 0:30:14 GMT -5
I averted my eyes respectfully, settling on a stool to wait. Before I had a chance to get comfortable, however, he had asked me for soap. Standing up, I searched the cupboard for where he'd said it was and, moving closer to him, I handed it to him.
Moving to the door, I opened it a crack and called out to a passing servant. "Messire Landis would like a light repast brought to his chambers, if you would be so kind please," I informed the servant with a charming smile of gratitude. The servant nodded and hurried toward what I presumed to be the kitchen.
Turning back, I shut the door once more and returned to perch on the low stool I'd previously occupied to await Landis, and to make sure the man didn't fall asleep in the tub.
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Post by Landis d'Ames nó Mandrake on Mar 1, 2011 10:53:27 GMT -5
I took the soap from her and began to wash myself, wasting no time by attempting to be alluring, which I daresay I would have had I been in a playful mood or in the company of a patron or a dear friend.
When I was finished lathering what needed to be lathered, I set the soap aside and quickly rinsed. Thus cleaned, I settled into the bath for a brief soak. I did not tarry long, however; forcing myself to rise and exit the bath after a scant quarter of an hour had passed. At least, it seemed like a quarter of an hour.
I picked up a towel that was seemingly waiting for me to use it and began to dry myself, paying special attention to my backside, especially the swath of flesh which bore my marque.
"I suppose now your wish is for me to take a brief repast before tucking me into bed?" I asked as I ran the towel across my shoulders. "Well, fine, but I see no need to don these dirty clothes while I am doing it." I could not resist wiggling my hips a little. "So I am afraid you will just have to bear it, my dear..." I might not have had the will to argue with her, but I could certainly insist upon the following of certain rules in my own domain.
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Post by Cosette de Manon on Mar 1, 2011 12:03:14 GMT -5
Rolling my eyes indulgently, I grinned at him from my perch on the stool as I waited for him to be ready to move to his chambers, where he would eat and then hopefully sleep for a good long time.
"Attire yourself however you wish, even if that is not at all, my lord."
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Post by Landis d'Ames nó Mandrake on Mar 1, 2011 17:44:35 GMT -5
I glared at her from over my shoulder. "My name is Landis, not 'my lord'. I will thank you for not treating me as if I am your master--or mistress, as the case may be." So saying, I left the room and began making my way towards the stairs that led to my chambers.
I was not surprised to see that the small table that sat close to the bed had been set for two when I arrived at my destination. I did raise an eyebrow at the single rose in its vase that served as a centerpiece, as if this was a romantic interlude! It was of little consequence, although I suddenly realized that my servants had a very skewed perception of what it was like to work for a Mandrake. I daresay they expected me to chain them to the wall every time they made a misstep!
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Post by Cosette de Manon on Mar 1, 2011 18:10:36 GMT -5
I knew he was under duress in the extreme so I dismissed his snapping and and said nothing, simply looking at him before he turned and made his way to his chambers.
As we moved into the rooms, I noticed a rose had been placed on the table. "Oh, that's quite pretty!" I exclaimed, taking the rose delicately in my left hand, taking care to keep my pinky tucked under as much as possible to keep it hidden. Curling my fingers to better hide my deformity, I moved the rose so that I could inhale the sweet scent coming from it, smiling as I did so and my eyes closing happily. I'd always had a soft spot for roses.
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Post by Landis d'Ames nó Mandrake on Mar 5, 2011 22:45:45 GMT -5
I suppressed a sigh of relief when it appeared that she did not interpret the appearance of the rose in the way that I had.
I had not realized how much my limbs ached before I settled into the chair, motioning for Cosette to sit across from me. "I suddenly feel as if I have run the circumference of the walls of the City of Elua," I admitted, noticing for the first time how weary I sounded, inspecting the bowl of rabbit stew and crusty bread that had been set before me. "Thank the gods that is not the case."
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Post by Cosette de Manon on Mar 5, 2011 23:13:04 GMT -5
"Well, I'm glad you've at least decided to eat and sleep. Hurry up then, friend. That food isn't going to eat itself, nor will it heat itself. Eat before it gets cold." Smiling companionably, I tucked my knees up and got comfortable in my chair as my gaze rested calmly on him, the rose still in my hand. Glancing around the room, I saw it was quite spacious and beautiful, very masculine. It seemed like a pleasant place to sleep. I was simply glad Landis would finally be able to sleep.
Eyeing a comfortable chair at the foot of the bed as Landis began eating, I wondered how heavy it would be and if I could slide it over to the side of the bed and simply prop my feet up on the bed once I sat down. That would be comfortable enough, I'd bet.
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Post by Landis d'Ames nó Mandrake on Mar 5, 2011 23:28:58 GMT -5
"I would think that telling a man to hurry when it comes to the consumption of foodstuffs would lend itself to an upset stomach in a few hours." I replied, dutifully swallowing a small mouthful of the stuff, knowing that it would please her.
I paused to take some bread before continuing. "It has been....a great while since I have brought a visitor to this room who is not a lover," I remarked, making a dismissive gesture. "I doubt I could bed you even if we both desired it, in any case." I placed a hand over my mouth, stifling a yawn. "Ah, excuse me..."
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Post by Cosette de Manon on Mar 5, 2011 23:54:00 GMT -5
Rolling my eyes at his whine about eating food too quickly, I nonetheless gave him a happy smile as I saw him eat. I was glad he was at least ingesting something. The man looked like he needed it.
I couldn't help the profuse blush that stained my cheeks at his offhand comment. Gods above.... It put thoughts into my head that had no place there, considering the situation at the moment. "I, um... I'm not sure what to say to that, Landis," I said truthfully, another blush making my face pink. I could feel it growing hot.
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Post by Landis d'Ames nó Mandrake on Mar 14, 2011 11:18:18 GMT -5
"Then say nothing," I replied, tearing off another section of bread while simultaneously readying my spoon to take more stew. "I do have a habit of frequently vocalizing my thoughts, if you will pardon my indiscretion..."
I ate the rest of my stew and bread in silence, setting my dishes aside. A servant would wander in and dispose of them eventually.
"Now I suppose this is where you insist on tucking me in?" I asked, a teasing note the query.
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Post by Cosette de Manon on Mar 14, 2011 11:29:55 GMT -5
"I didn't mind the thoughts, they simply surprised me. And yes, this is the part where I insist on tucking you in. Where would you like me to perch?" I asked him as I glanced around. "I have no preference."
I half wondered if he would want me in bed with him, not so much for anything carnal but simply as a body to have next to him for companionship's sake. Looking back at him, I waited for his answer. Worse came to worse, I would simply stick to my earlier plan to drag that comfy chair from the foot of his bed over to the side of it.
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Post by Landis d'Ames nó Mandrake on Mar 14, 2011 11:37:24 GMT -5
I snorted as I stood and made for the bed, falling into it and wrapping the covers around my naked form. "I do not...require...a nursemaid..." I murmured, already succumbing to the siren song of sleep, and restless dreams of a burning salon...
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Post by Cosette de Manon on Mar 14, 2011 11:43:59 GMT -5
I rolled my eyes once more at him as he quipped. Soon enough, though, he was snoring, and I smiled to hear it. Good; I hoped he would be out for a good long time. Searching around silently, I found a piece of parchment that looked unused and a quill.
Landis,
I hope to see you again soon. I'll call on you again in a few days.
Cosette
Grinning, I left the note on his bedside table and bent down to kiss his temple affectionately. The poor man, I truly hoped he could find something to help ease his mind.
I moved toward the door and, as I opened it, a servant was poised to knock. I quickly put my finger over my lips to alert him to the fact that Landis was asleep and he nodded as he silently brushed past me to clear away the dishes. As I left, I wondered what had had Landis so bothered that he was not his usual glib self. Whatever it was, it must have been big. Maybe someday I would hear about it but, either way, I'd be happy when it was resolved, I thought as I walked back through the City.
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