|
Post by Rémy nó Orchis on Mar 17, 2011 22:37:36 GMT -5
It had been too long since I had been to any of the temples. I was lost. How had I gotten lost? Oh, that's right; I was horrid with directions. Of course. How could I have forgotten that? I had the worst sense of direction. I was lucky if I could find my own rooms back in Orchis half the time.
Grumbling to myself, I made my way past what looked to be a temple. Which one, though? Sighing, I made my way through the doors and decided to put aside my manliness to ask for directions. If Jules ever found out about this, I would never live it down....
My thoughts trailed off as I saw a woman with thick, wavy blonde hair. A grin split my face as I walked toward her. Maybe it would be worthwhile.
"Pardon me, madam," I said quietly and waited for her to take notice of me.
|
|
|
Post by Adelaide nó Nicodeme on Mar 17, 2011 22:53:14 GMT -5
Out of all the seasons, spring was second only to summer in my mind. I loved to watch the tender shoots emerge from the soil, my hands gently sculpting the earth. Soon, the garden would be filled with life: flowers in bloom, butterflies and bees vying for sweet nectar.
It was also one of the few duties that did not involve cleaning, studying, or whatever other dull tasks Master Auberon decided to inflict on me for the duration of the day.
I was in the middle of gently patting down the dark, rich soil when a man's voice brought me out of the meditative state I hadn't realized I had slipped into. Before I knew it, I was on my feet, the silver pendant I wore around my neck swinging restlessly at my breast.
"Hello, messire!" I squeaked, sounding quite startled even to my own ears. "Be welcome to Lord Kushiel's sanctuary. Might I help you with something?" The words came out in a rush, which was not what I had intended, of course.
|
|
|
Post by Rémy nó Orchis on Mar 18, 2011 8:38:43 GMT -5
She was quite adorable, really; big doe eyes set in a beautiful little face, with a pert nose and lips made for sin, as innocent as she looked. She was still a priestess of Kushiel, and... well. But truly, she was too irresistible to not flirt with just a bit, and so I took her hand in mine and, brushing a bit of dirt from it, kissed the back of it softly; my warm breath playing over her knuckles like a summer breeze.
"My lady," I murmured quietly as I smiled at her, "I fear I am a bit lost. I am on my way to Orchis House and it's been so long since I've been to any of the temples that I've utterly forgotten my way. I was wondering if I could glean some directionality from you, and also a brief respite for my tired feet?" Of course, I wasn't really too tired, but a chance to stay in the company of this sweet-looking little beauty was well worth the small untruth.
|
|
|
Post by Adelaide nó Nicodeme on Mar 18, 2011 11:24:30 GMT -5
I did not think I could have hidden the blush that stained my cheeks if I had wanted to. "Oh, directions? Yes, yes, of course!" I chirped, eyes meeting his.
I was definitely not accustomed to this sort of thing, but Master Auberon would say that it was my duty to make visitors feel welcome, so surely he would not fault me for abandoning my task?
"As for respite," I continued, casting my gaze about for a clean bench. "I could take you inside, but the...cries of the penitents probably would not be very relaxing. If I can find a clean bench, we could sit outside in the gardens, but it is very cool out, and there's not much to see...yet."
|
|
|
Post by Rémy nó Orchis on Mar 18, 2011 11:31:51 GMT -5
The cries of the... oh that's right. Kushiel's temple. Flails and such.
"Ah. Well, my lady, I am yours to lead where you will, like a pony on a lead line," I teased her lightly, noting the blush that had come to her cheeks so becomingly. I resisted the urge to caress her cheek; which was good for me, considering my nature. "I am a rather warm individual, and so a bench would be just fine with me. If you get cold, I'll be happy to share some of my warmth with you. Besides... There's plenty to see," I said softly, gazing into her eyes.
Well, I'd tried not to flirt. I should be commended.
|
|
|
Post by Adelaide nó Nicodeme on Mar 18, 2011 12:20:33 GMT -5
My blush deepened. "I-I don't think I will have to worry about the cold, Messire. These robes provide warmth enough." I was suddenly very grateful for the all-concealing robes which hid any reaction my body might have to his presence and his words.
I took his hand and led him to one of the stone benches that overlooked the garden, or rather, the dirt that was eventually going to become a garden.
"Now, where were you trying to go, messire?" I asked, unable to stifle a giggle. "You must be truly lost if you ended up here, most come here with...a purpose..."
|
|
|
Post by Rémy nó Orchis on Mar 21, 2011 13:57:39 GMT -5
I laughed at her words. "Well, I've never tasted the sharper pleasures myself, but if you were going to be the flagellant, I might consider coming here more often to subject myself to your mercies," I said with a wink. Her tiny hand was warm and covered in soil, but I didn't mind it. I enjoyed digging in soil myself.
As we sat down, I kept her hand in mine and turned it over, brushing the dirt off of it. My fingers traced the inside of her palm as I smiled into her eyes. "I'm headed to Orchis House," I said softly in answer to her question. "Though I think now I may be inclined to stay here just a bit longer."
|
|
|
Post by Adelaide nó Nicodeme on Mar 21, 2011 16:43:55 GMT -5
"O-Orchis House?" I had the vaguest idea as to where it was, most everyone knew where Mont Nuit was located in the City, but I had never set foot there, was not even allowed supervised visits.
My gaze swept over him again, looking for something that would tell me more about who he was. "A-Are you an adept, then?" I ventured, hoping he wouldn't be too offended if I had guessed wrong. Apart from Faisan, who I had met last winter, I was not well-acquainted with any adepts in the City.
|
|
|
Post by Rémy nó Orchis on Mar 21, 2011 16:51:35 GMT -5
Her stuttering shyness was probably the cutest thing I'd ever seen. Continuing to brush her palm with my fingertips, I nodded. "I am indeed an adept of Orchis House, my lady," I said softly.
She looked a bit nervous, and I wondered why. Never one for shyness myself, I simply asked. "Are you all right? You look as if you're a bit worried about something."
|
|
|
Post by Adelaide nó Nicodeme on Mar 21, 2011 17:05:23 GMT -5
I looked down at my feet. "You don't have to call me 'my lady', you know?My name is Adelaide, and I'm just an acolyte, not a full priestess, and I--" I felt my cheeks heat as I blushed. "I'm not used to...talking to adepts..."
|
|
|
Post by Rémy nó Orchis on Mar 21, 2011 17:31:31 GMT -5
"I highly doubt you're 'just' anything." I couldn't resist. Reaching over to her chin, I lifted it gently with my fingertips and turned her face so that our eyes met. "And I'm Rémy, Adelaide. Adept I may be, but it's simply a man I am first and foremost. One who's utterly charmed at the moment," I said with a gentle smile.
|
|
|
Post by Adelaide nó Nicodeme on Mar 21, 2011 17:37:47 GMT -5
My blush reddened and I suddenly found myself wondering what it would feel like to kiss a man who wasn't my father before I managed to tear my eyes away from his.
"Please, don't..." I said softly. "I'm not used to being spoken of in that way, whether by man, woman, adept or non-adept."
|
|
|
Post by Rémy nó Orchis on Mar 21, 2011 17:54:59 GMT -5
"Spoken of in what way? That you're beautiful and charming? Am I not allowed to speak the truth, Adelaide. simply because no one's spoken it yet?" I said with a smile, my hand still stroking hers lightly, soothingly. "Just because I'm an adept doesn't mean I can't simply state truth when I see it, and if no one's yet told you that you are indeed beautiful and charming, it is their loss because they don't get to see the way your eyes light up, or the adorable blush that stains your cheeks." I hoped I wouldn't get slapped and gods knew I should probably have kept my hands to myself, but I didn't. Moving my free hand, I stroked her soft, silky cheek gently with the backs of my fingers.
|
|
|
Post by Adelaide nó Nicodeme on Mar 21, 2011 18:10:32 GMT -5
"I don't--I'm not--" I started to protest, drawing away from his touch, but I couldn't seem to find the words to express my feelings. "I'm not supposed to...draw attention to myself. We are Lord Kushiel's hands in this world..." I paused. "Or...somesuch thing...I don't completely understand all of it."
|
|
|
Post by Rémy nó Orchis on Mar 21, 2011 18:37:50 GMT -5
"You do, and you are. You may be Lord Kushiel's hand, but that does not mean you aren't beautiful or charming," I said softly, my fingers stroking her cheek still. They'd followed her cheek when she'd pulled away, a faltering demurral on her lips. "It certainly doesn't mean you're not able to retain individuality when you aren't being the hand of the mighty Lord Kushiel, or be allowed to love who you choose." I said none of this with any of my usual humor; I respected each companion, and those who served them in turn. "Who you are when you're in the robes and under the mask is one thing; who you are when you're like this is another."
|
|
|
Post by Adelaide nó Nicodeme on Mar 21, 2011 19:40:55 GMT -5
I considered his words. "I...suppose that's true." I seemed to recall Master Auberon saying something similar.
"But...my father...doesn't like it when I...show interest in anything that adepts do," I continued, twisting the hem of my robe in my fingers. "Do you understand, Remy? I don't think he ever wants me to grow up, and it isn't fair!"
|
|
|
Post by Rémy nó Orchis on Mar 21, 2011 19:56:07 GMT -5
Smiling, I moved my fingers from her cheek and took both of her hands in mine now. I moved to kneel in front of her on the bench so that I could look up into her eyes. I had no idea what had me so interested in this adorable slip of a girl, an acolyte I'd just met. But something drew me to her, and I wanted to find out what it was, and more about her as well. But, more than anything, I wanted to calm her nerves so that her eyes would sparkle once more.
"Ah well, I'm sure many a young woman feels that way, that her father doesn't want her to grow up. Adelaide, even Kushiel once served Elua, whose precept we as d'Angelines live by. Your father cannot truly argue if you find someone to love, someone who makes you happy and expects nothing more from you than who you are, loves you for everything you are. Every father wants to see his little girl happy, even the fathers of acolytes. Kushiel himself gives mercy in his punishments; I would think your father would grant you mercy as well, you and whoever makes you happy, given that that individual proves themself worthy."
I grinned up at her, wanting more than anything to see that beautiful smile make itself known on her pixielike features once more, and my fingers moved again to stroke her cheek. I wanted to kiss her, gods knew it was a strong urge, but I didn't simply want to do it to see if I could further entice her into anything. No, for the first time, I simply wanted to know what she tasted like. I wondered absently if she would haul off and slap me and, since I didn't want any negative reactions, I kept my lips to myself. For the moment.
|
|
|
Post by Adelaide nó Nicodeme on Mar 21, 2011 20:41:41 GMT -5
I nodded. "I...suppose that's true, but...sometimes I don't think my father would listen if Lord Kushiel Himself were to say the same thing you just told me." His hands felt very warm in mine, it was an odd feeling, but not unpleasant.
"Aren't you...going to get dirty kneeling on the ground like that?" I asked, wondering why I was suddenly so concerned for the state of his clothing. "I don't see many adepts come and go, but the ones I do see are always so...clean..."
|
|
|
Post by Rémy nó Orchis on Mar 21, 2011 20:59:37 GMT -5
I laughed a bit at her words. Not at her, of course; she was so sweet. "Clothes can be washed, Adelaide," I said lightly. "Your smile is far more important to me than the state of my attire. And I would love to talk to your father," I continued as I smiled up at her. "I am interested to talk to the man who raised such a wonderful woman."
|
|
|
Post by Adelaide nó Nicodeme on Mar 21, 2011 21:09:43 GMT -5
My eyes widened when he expressed his desire to speak with Master Auberon. "N-No, I don't think that would be very wise!" I exclaimed.
"Um, what I mean is, I think he might...assume things..." There was no other way to say it, in fact, I wasn't so certain I knew what I was saying. "And I'm not quite a woman yet, I've only lived through sixteen summers." I narrowed my eyes at him. "Why do you want to know all these things, anyways? If you've been being insincere at all, I feel obligated to inform you that Lord Kushiel does not tolerate insincerity, especially when referring to His servants!" I gave him my fiercest glare, one which I imagined Lady Angelique gave to anyone who displeased her, and no one ever wanted to displease Lady Angelique.
|
|
|
Post by Rémy nó Orchis on Mar 21, 2011 21:29:45 GMT -5
My eyes widened and my jaw dropped. Where in the seven hells was she getting this?! The sudden fierceness in her gaze shocked me, and all I wanted to do was fix whatever mistake I had made.
"Adelaide, please don't look at me so," I said quietly as I gazed up into her eyes, my own pleading with hers. "If he assumes things, I'll be sure to set him straight on any intentions I may have. And why would I be insincere? What purpose would it serve me? I swear to you I'm not. I..." I faltered and licked my lips, swallowing hard before I continued. "I don't understand what I've done, what I've said wrong. Please tell me, so that I may be in your good graces once more?" I practically begged her, not wanting to see anger snap in her beautiful eyes, especially if it was directed toward me.
|
|
|
Post by Adelaide nó Nicodeme on Mar 21, 2011 21:46:03 GMT -5
I felt my expression soften. "I don't know how to answer your questions, I only know that you don't act like, like...anyone who lives at the temple!"
I stood up, automatically brushing my robes with my hands. "In any case, I can't stay, I should be..." I wrinkled my nose. "I should be studying, and if Master Auberon finds out that I was keeping company with a...member of the male sex, he will be angry with me."
Remembering that he had originally intended to ask me for directions, I thrust my hand out, pointing in the direction of Mont Nuit. "I believe that is where Mont Nuit is located." I inclined my head to him, a polite gesture, if a little dismissive. "You...have given me much to think about, Remy. May the gods guide your steps."
So saying, I turned and walked towards the side entrance that was used by the acolytes and priests who wanted access to the gardens. Suddenly realizing that I had forgotten to tell him one important detail, I poked my head out, meeting his eyes.
"I'm...not usually doing anything come late afternoon, just before dinner," I said. "I don't...have many friends... either." What he would do with that information was up to him, I only knew that I had to sort out my feelings before we had another conversation.
|
|
|
Post by Rémy nó Orchis on Mar 21, 2011 22:00:40 GMT -5
"Well, I--" I began, but she stood up and brushed her robes, and I stood with her.
"Yes, but--" I tried again, but she pointed and spoke of Mont Nuit, my home, and I glanced over to the hill before turning back to look at her, bewildered.
"Adelaide, you--" I spoke a third time, but she'd moved toward a door I instinctively knew I was not to follow her through.
As she poked her head out, I drank in her features once more, smiling at her words. Just before dinner... I would have to remember that. "See you soon, Adelaide," I called to the closed door she had disappeared through, knowing she could still hear me on the other side. Grinning like a fool, I made my way back to Mont Nuit. I didn't know what had just happened, but I would go see Adelaide again. And I could guarantee that, the next time, I wouldn't be lost.
|
|