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Post by Adelaide nó Nicodeme on Mar 21, 2011 22:58:03 GMT -5
I had spent yesterday evening in quiet contemplation before my own personal effigy of Kushiel. This was not in itself unusual, what was unusual was that I was using the time to think about a boy.
Remy...
I supposed I liked him very much, but I truly did not know how to respond to him. He had not been forward, like most adepts, and yet, he did not act like any male who lived and worked at the temple. I think I was more confused than I had ever been in my life.
Lord Kushiel, please show me the right way to handle this...
I found myself working in the gardens again come late afternoon, right before supper, as before, attempting to gently coax the plants out of the ground so they would bloom and provide decorations and offerings for the temple.
I had just returned from fetching a spare spade when I tripped, falling on the stone path that led through the gardens.
"Ow!" I exclaimed, eyes watering as a stabbing pain shot through my leg. I clutched the hem of my robe and drew it back, exposing my leg so that I could examine the wound. I was bleeding at the knee, a mere flesh wound, but I would need to wrap it in something...
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Post by Rémy nó Orchis on Mar 21, 2011 23:11:12 GMT -5
I wasn't able to resist. A day, I'd said to myself. I'll give her a day to herself without me.
That hadn't worked. So I found myself moving rather swiftly toward Kushiel's temple, a grin splitting my face as I moved up the steps. I was looking forward to seeing Adelaide again, strangely enough I'd been missing her since the day before. I'd never felt that way before, never missed someone.
And then, I spotted her; she was moving away from me in her robes, a spade in hand. My grin widened and I was just about to call out to her when I saw her fall. Gasping, I broke into a run and made it to her in seconds.
"Adelaide, are you all right?" I asked worriedly, scooping her up into my arms without a second thought and setting her down onto a nearby bench, kneeling in front of her as I had done the day before. "Let me see," I said as I took her leg into my hands to steady the slight trembling as I examined the wound. To my relief, it was mostly superficial, simply bleeding a lot. Glancing up into her eyes, I grinned softly. "Fancy seeing you here, beautiful girl. Tell me where the linens are, love, and I'll wrap it for you."
Her legs... Gods above, they were absolutely luscious, now that I got a look at them. But now was not the time to drool over her legs; she was bleeding, and her scrape needed to be tended to. I gazed up into her eyes disarmingly and waited for her to answer me so that I could get what was needed to clean and dress her wound.
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Post by Adelaide nó Nicodeme on Mar 21, 2011 23:23:47 GMT -5
One moment I was on the ground, and then the next I knew, I was sitting on a bench and Remy was kneeling at my side.
"What? Linens? Remy, what are you doing?!" I exclaimed, flailing about in a most unladylike manner. "It's just a SCRATCH, not Lord Kushiel's Judgement!" I knew that he wouldn't listen to me, though, it was a boy thing.
Sometimes I didn't think I understood boys, not even Master Auberon was so straightforward.
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Post by Rémy nó Orchis on Mar 21, 2011 23:31:36 GMT -5
My grin widened. Gods, but she was adorable!
"A scratch it may be, love, but I'll not have your beautiful knee be bared to the elements while it's heeling, especially with your adoration for digging in soil. Come now, allow me to retain my masculinity and help you, even with something as simple as a scratch?" I implored her, my eyes gazing sweetly into hers.
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Post by Adelaide nó Nicodeme on Mar 21, 2011 23:41:30 GMT -5
I rolled my eyes. "Stop teasing me, Remy, it isn't very nice, even if you are an Orchis adept."
I stood, hobbling towards the side entrance as I called for some linens. By now, everyone was used to my...accidents...and I knew they kept some ready for situations like this. Only when I had them in hand did I return to Remy.
"Here," I said, dropping them onto the bench and sitting, pulling my robe back far enough so that he could dress the wound but not so far that it would be indecent. "I could fix it myself, but since your masculinity is at stake..." Stupid boys...
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Post by Rémy nó Orchis on Mar 21, 2011 23:49:08 GMT -5
"I'd never dream of teasing you, peaches," I said with a wink as she sat back down, linens flopping onto the bench beside her. I smiled a genuine smile up at her as I gently wiped the wound clean; there were no chunks of dirt in it at all, and so I ripped a piece of linen into a strip and wound it around her knee. "I missed you, you know," I said quietly as I worked, suddenly a bit shy. Elua above, she was going to think me mentally unsound.
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Post by Adelaide nó Nicodeme on Mar 22, 2011 0:00:45 GMT -5
I was reasonably certain that my expression matched my feeling of incredulity.
"Remy, you only met me yesterday. Are you certain you have not succumbed to a fever in that time?" Inwardly, I was actually a little flattered from the attention, but I wondered if I would discover at some point that this was one complicated jest. It seemed like something an Orchis adept would do.
"I don't understand you," I continued, swinging my leg to test the bandage. "I don't understand how you can behave this way towards someone you hardly know." I looked down at my feet. "Why must you be so obtuse? Is this some strange boy thing?"
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Post by Rémy nó Orchis on Mar 22, 2011 0:30:42 GMT -5
Laughing, I shook my head as I watched her move her leg. "No Adelaide, I have not succumbed to a fever, and I'm not being obtuse. Can you tell me you haven't thought about me at all from yesterday to today?" I asked her, a pointed grin on my face. Gods knew I had; I'd thought about her since I'd met her.
I moved to sit next to her on the bench once more, content to be near her. Usually, as an Orchis, I kept my serious side, my tender side hidden. But with Adelaide, I felt more of a need to let it show. I would have to start hiding that a bit more; there was no need for me to show my feelings all at once. It was difficult to not kiss her, but I knew even by now that, if I did it she'd slap me, and slap me hard. I would never profane Kushiel in such a way, to take a kiss before it was freely given.
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Post by Adelaide nó Nicodeme on Mar 22, 2011 9:36:03 GMT -5
"That's different!" I snarled. "Of course I thought about you, but in all honesty, there isn't much to think about besides studies when you're an acolyte. Do you think we all just sit around and contemplate Lord Kushiel's Infinite Mercy all day?"
I kicked a stone with my feet and watched it bounce into the dirt. "They won't let me do anything useful, you know?" I said. "They tell me I'd just hurt myself if I tried to use a flogger, but how am I supposed to learn if all they do is give me dusty tomes to read. I'm tired of reading! When do I get to...to...DO SOMETHING?!"
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Post by Rémy nó Orchis on Mar 22, 2011 9:59:58 GMT -5
I watched, slightly wide-eyed at her outburst. She was so adorable, but when she got angry she got feisty. It was one more thing to adore about her, though, and I was unperturbed as I watched her kick a stone in her frustration.
"No love, I don't think you sit around and simply contemplate," I said quietly, attempting to soothe her. I took one of her delicate hands in mine, reveling in the warmth and softness of her skin as I trailed my fingers along hers. "I didn't mean to imply that at all."
Raising my other hand, I brushed some stray hair out of her face so that I could see her better. "I don't think you'd hurt yourself, and you can practice on me if you want," I said with a grin, hoping she wouldn't backhand me simply out of principle. I would probably deserve it, though, if she did.
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Post by Adelaide nó Nicodeme on Mar 22, 2011 10:48:16 GMT -5
I straightened. "Master Auberon says that beginners are not allowed to practice on living things, only on...pig carcasses..." I wrinkled my nose. "Sometimes Lady Angelique says that all men are pigs anyways..." I grinned. "I'm not about to argue with her, only stupid people argue with Kusheline women."
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Post by Rémy nó Orchis on Mar 22, 2011 11:05:16 GMT -5
I didn't know who Lady Angelique was, or Master Auberon, but I figured they were elders of the temple. "Adelaide, love, please calm down," I said with a charming smile. "I didn't mean to tease you so, you must know it's in my nature as an Orchis. And no," I continued as my fingers traced her palm, "I wouldn't be so stupid as to argue with a Kusheline woman."
Glancing at Adelaide, I found myself wanting to know more about her. "What's your favorite animal?" I asked suddenly, clueless as to why I'd blurted out the random question. Gods, my adept training was useless in matters like this. It was as if I'd lost my faculties around this slip of a girl.
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Post by Adelaide nó Nicodeme on Mar 22, 2011 11:16:26 GMT -5
I blinked. "Um...well, Papa calls me his little bumblebee, but I don't really have a favourite. All animals have something that makes them special, and they are all children of Mother Earth. Lord Kushiel favours wolves, though." It seemed appropriate that the Punisher would favour such efficient hunters.
"Oh, and before you ask, my favourite colours are yellow and green, and I like apples and sweet confections, although Papa doesn't let me have many of the latter. He says they aren't very healthy. If they're so unhealthy, why does he eat so many?" I snorted. "Sometimes elders behave in ways that don't seem very...fair."
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Post by Rémy nó Orchis on Mar 22, 2011 11:36:49 GMT -5
I'd gotten more than I bargained for with my question, and I was happy that she rattled off her favorite things so readily. It would make things easier for me should I ever want to get her something... Which I had the feeling I would probably have the urge to do quite soon. I had to laugh as she spoke of her father and his sweets.
"That does seem a bit unfair, peaches," I said in easy agreement as I leaned back against the wall of the temple, my legs stretched out before me. Her hand was still in mine, the warm soft skin contenting me as I continued to stroke her hand. "You don't mind that I came back to visit, do you?"
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Post by Adelaide nó Nicodeme on Mar 22, 2011 12:00:27 GMT -5
I shrugged. "Everyone is welcome to visit Lord Kushiel as often as they like, but...no one has ever...come just to visit me." I squeezed his hand, smiling. "So...thank you, thank you for coming to visit..." I gestured to the temple proper. "And...if you ever want to...take advantage of the temple's...services. I can find someone who won't hit you so hard...er...unless you murder someone. I don't think we've ever had a murderer come to confess, actually."
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Post by Rémy nó Orchis on Mar 22, 2011 12:16:45 GMT -5
She squeezed my hand and I swear to the gods, it was as if my heart constricted a bit as well. Damn, I was worse than a lovesick pup. "Well, you're certainly worth visiting. I'm certainly not a murderer; I prefer to bring joy, not death. And while I appreciate the offer, I'm content to wait until you are the one flogging me," I said with a nod. My fingers moved to play with a curled lock of her hair as I spoke, the silken tress sliding smoothly between my fingertips.
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Post by Adelaide nó Nicodeme on Mar 22, 2011 12:24:21 GMT -5
I sighed. "If that is the case, you might be waiting for...awhile..." I shook my head, smiling sadly. "Sometimes it seems as if I'll never move on to...doing anything useful. Master Auberon says that I need to master other things before I can flog anyone, but I don't see how it could be so complicated! It's just...hitting people with a strip of leather..."
I crossed my arms over my chest. "They make everything so complicated around here..."
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Post by Rémy nó Orchis on Mar 22, 2011 12:35:47 GMT -5
"Ah, well. I'm content to wait as long as need be, love. It would be worth the wait," I smiled at her. "Am I allowed to visit you every day? I could help you work in the garden," I offered, willing to do whatever I had to in order to be near her. I would have brought up her papa again, but she seemed to become a bit wild-eyed when I mentioned him, so it was probably best to leave him out of things for the time being, unless the topic was breached on it's own.
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Post by Adelaide nó Nicodeme on Mar 22, 2011 13:05:36 GMT -5
I pursed my lips. "There's no rule against it. I suppose if anyone were to ask, we could explain it as...your...wishing to do a service for the temple in lieu of...other penance. I'm certain Lord Kushiel would take it into account when you go before Him after death."
I nodded to myself. "Yes, that sounds acceptable. I think Lady Elise--one of my mentors--wouldn't mind if I...had a friend...she's been trying to encourage me to...see people outside the temple."
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Post by Rémy nó Orchis on Mar 22, 2011 13:25:58 GMT -5
"Well all right. Tomorrow, then, I'll wear older clothes and come dig in the soil with you," I said with a grin. My arm slipped around her shoulders for just a moment and I squeezed lightly before letting go once more. I didn't want her to think I was trying to do anything untoward; I simply wanted to hold her to me for a moment. What I really wanted to do was scoop her into my lap and kiss her lips, but I refrained.
"Are you ever allowed to leave the temple for short periods of time?" I asked her curiously as my fingers once more took up the flaxen curl. I was quite clueless about it all, really. But rather interested.
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Post by Adelaide nó Nicodeme on Mar 22, 2011 13:54:48 GMT -5
I nodded. "We're permitted to leave to run errands, and on holy days and days of rest, the head of Kushiel's Order determines those dates, and of course there's the Longest Night. Some of the acolytes have family nearby, so sometimes they're permitted a visit." I leaned closer so that I could whisper in his ear. "We aren't really supposed to see family very often, cutting all ties in order to serve Kushiel and whatnot, but many do."
I looked around the gardens to see if anyone was in earshot before continuing. "And sometimes, older acolytes like to slip out at night to...do things..." I knew of the sort of things they did at night, and although I had made use of the secret exits out of the temple, I had never participated in anything too wild.
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Post by Rémy nó Orchis on Mar 22, 2011 14:11:56 GMT -5
She leaned closer to me and I moved my head close, the side of mine resting against the side of hers as she whispered. Acolytes sneaking out to 'do things', eh? Hmm.
Turning my head, I brushed my lips lightly against her ear as I whispered into it. "Would you ever sneak out to come say hello to me? Maybe we could sit under the stars together and have a midnight picnic," I said, my breath warm against her neck. She smelled as wonderful as she looked, gods above. Maybe I would have to come to the temple for penance. Impure thoughts about a gorgeous acolyte.
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Post by Adelaide nó Nicodeme on Mar 22, 2011 15:38:53 GMT -5
I reddened considerably. "A-A picnic? Why would you want to have a picnic late at night?" Actually, I could think of a few reasons, but I did not want to venture into that territory.
"And I think I'd manage to get lost anyways," I admitted. "I've never...been to Mont Nuit. Why can't you just come visit me during the day?"
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Post by Rémy nó Orchis on Mar 22, 2011 16:01:48 GMT -5
I grinned at her blush. "Adelaide, calm down. I'm not going to try and ravish you in the middle of the night. Unless you want me to, that is. A Midnight Picnic is something you do when the moon is full, so that there's enough light to see clearly. We don't have to do it up at Mont Nuit, there are a dozen different places we could set out a blanket and look at the stars. I can come here and wait for you to come out of whatever door you choose, or meet you somewhere in the City. It's really father fun. Would you go with me?" I asked her, feeling as if I'd covered every base she could possibly object to.
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Post by Adelaide nó Nicodeme on Mar 22, 2011 16:08:04 GMT -5
I blinked. "But...won't you get in trouble? I thought adepts had to stay close to their houses until they made their marques, like it is for the temples."
I scowled suddenly. "And don't tell me you won't get caught, because you could, and then I'd get in trouble!"
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Post by Rémy nó Orchis on Mar 22, 2011 16:19:09 GMT -5
"You wouldn't get in trouble. I'd deny even knowing you, should we be caught together. Besides, once we're away from our respective... rooms... who in the City is going to look askance at two youths moving toward a random outcropping to have a Midnight Picnic?" I asked her.
"Must I beg? I will, if you'd like," I said and moved once more to my knees in front of her, looking imploringly at her from on the ground and taking both of her hands in mine. I put on my best begging smile and said quietly, "Please Adelaide, please come to a Midnight Picnic with me, I promise nothing will happen to you and that you'll enjoy yourself, and that nothing untoward will come to pass unless you wish it."
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Post by Adelaide nó Nicodeme on Mar 22, 2011 17:33:32 GMT -5
I glared down at him, kneeling before me like a knight petitioning his lady in a storybook that I had been so fond of when I was a small child.
Fine, if that's what you want!" I snapped. "But...if you do anything untoward I'll...I'll grind your balls into powder so that even Naamah Herself can't repair them!" Or I'd tell my father, whatever he would do to Remy would make my punishment seem paltry by comparison.
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Post by Rémy nó Orchis on Mar 22, 2011 17:49:33 GMT -5
My eyebrows rose and my jaw clenched at her words, my normally unruffled and easygoing demeanor stretched quite thin. Letting her hands go, I stood up and looked down at her. She was beautiful and sweet, and gods knew I already adored her, but I would not be made into some brainless young buck intent on simply getting under her robes.
"Adelaide, I only asked you to go because I want to spend more time with you, so that we could get to know each other, and I'd hoped that someday soon I might ask to court you, if you would want me to. But for you to make me into some idiotic young prig who wants your company simply for what's under your robes is quite an insult, especially to an adept trained in the Night Court."
I continued, sitting beside her now and resting my elbows on my knees, my head bowed to look at the ground under my feet, "It seems as if you are not even willing to give me the chance to prove myself worthy."
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Post by Adelaide nó Nicodeme on Mar 22, 2011 17:54:55 GMT -5
My brow furrowed as I tried to make sense of his words. All this talk of getting to know me and courtship was confusing. Was this how mum had met her husband? I had a hard time imagining her to be the sort of woman who would confess to having feelings for a man so soon after meeting him.
"I'm just...a little confused," I admitted, glancing over at him. "I'm not...used to hearing boys talk about me like this. Do you think you could...give me a week, at least?" A week would be enough time for me to puzzle things out.
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Post by Rémy nó Orchis on Mar 22, 2011 18:05:44 GMT -5
"Take all the time you need, love," I said as I took her hand and kissed the back of it before standing up. "I'll come back around in a week, if that's all right, and you can tell me if you need more time to be sure of your feelings. Does that sound agreeable to you?"
I was unwontedly formal, but I didn't want to push her away at all. It had cost me a lot to bare my feelings, as strange and fast as they were happening, and the week would do me some good as well.
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