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Post by Landis de Verreuil on Apr 25, 2011 16:25:14 GMT -5
It had been some time since I'd seen Mercy, or at least since we'd spoken and I'd convinced her to get some sleep, and while I didn't want to push her to take any company that she didn't want I hadn't heard anything since and that made me worry a bit. Everyone needed time to recover but sometimes they also needed a reminder about the rest of the world too and while it may have been presumptuous to think so it had seemed that I'd done some good before. Hopefully she'd be glad to see me again.
Things had gone well and she'd agreed to go riding with me, and for that I was glad as I rode my horse through the City gates, casting a glance over at the Princesa and gave her a warm smile. Once years ago we'd done this, though that had been through the forests in Siovale, not the grassy hills of l'Agnace, but we'd been much younger and her maid had accompanied us almost constantly- well, aside from those times at night that were probably best not to think on too deeply on at this moment. It was already far too easy to miss that closeness. "So Mercy, what direction looks good for a ride today?" I asked her cheerfully, my eyes sparkling with mirth.
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Mercedes de las Aragonia
Royal
Princesa of Aragonia and Condesa de Lleida
Daughter of Rafael and Colette de las Aragonia
Posts: 1,546
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Post by Mercedes de las Aragonia on Apr 25, 2011 16:36:51 GMT -5
Landis had wrote and invited me out for a day of riding. If it had been anyone else, I don't know if I would have accepted, but it was Landis and I knew he was offering because he wanted to, not because he felt sorry for me. So I put on my riding gown, braided my hair back so it wouldn't get hopelessly tangled, and headed out.
"Any direction looks wonderful. It's a beautiful day out," I said, smiling back at him tentatively. It was almost an odd thing, to smile after so many tears. "What about that way?" I asked, pointing to some distant hills.
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Post by Landis de Verreuil on Apr 25, 2011 16:45:37 GMT -5
There was still something unsettled about her, something that dimmed the bright, steady light of her spirit, but I knew that it was still under there even if it was hidden for the moment. "I dont' see any reason not to go that way if it makes the pretty lady happy," I replied with a wider smile as I turned my horse in the direction she pointed and started it at a steady walk. From what I remembered she was a more than competent rider and there would be no need to slow down for any reason other than keeping up the conversation. "Maybe we'll get lucky and find a nice place for a picnic around there."
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Mercedes de las Aragonia
Royal
Princesa of Aragonia and Condesa de Lleida
Daughter of Rafael and Colette de las Aragonia
Posts: 1,546
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Post by Mercedes de las Aragonia on Apr 25, 2011 18:06:37 GMT -5
If he was trying to cheer me up, I knew that he would succeed, especially with comments like the pretty lady. From another man it might have seemed lecherous, but I knew Landis was just being carefree. "That sounds wonderful. It feels like its been so long since my last picnic. Then again, it was last summer, which almost feels like a lifetime ago," I said a tad wistfully. "And the last time we went on a picnic was certainly a lifetime ago."
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Post by Random Event on Apr 25, 2011 18:09:21 GMT -5
A butterfly flutters forth, landing on Mercedes' shoulder.
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Post by Landis de Verreuil on Apr 27, 2011 11:51:02 GMT -5
The weather was wonderful and the fresh scent of vegetation in the air had already lifted my own spirits, even though I hadn't thought them low to begin with. Chancing a glance at Mercedes I noticed that she seemed to be loosening up a bit herself and counted that as a small victory, especially how she'd been the last time I'd seen her. "Well, since then it feels like at least one lifetime too long," I agreed, watching as a butterfly landed lightly on her shoulder before glancing back at her. "I think you found a new friend, and one that's supposed to bring luck," I continued as I waited for her to notice and to see her reaction.
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Mercedes de las Aragonia
Royal
Princesa of Aragonia and Condesa de Lleida
Daughter of Rafael and Colette de las Aragonia
Posts: 1,546
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Post by Mercedes de las Aragonia on Apr 30, 2011 15:27:34 GMT -5
I had seen the butterfly flutter through the flowers ahead of us, but was still surprised when it lifted from the blooms and landed on me instead. "Hello brave little thing," I murmured, blinking away tears that suddenly sprang to my eyes. I didn't know why I felt like crying, for like Landis had said, butterflies were indeed said to be lucky. Maybe it was because I didn't feel deserving of the luck. Maybe because I wanted to greet my child, which I was no longer sure would ever exist, like I had just greeted an insect. "It's beautiful."
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Post by Landis de Verreuil on Apr 30, 2011 15:50:32 GMT -5
For a moment I'd thought that the presence of such a delicately beautiful thing would bring her a bit of joy but when the tears started to collect in her eyes I paused for a moment. Had this reminded her of something sad and close to her heart? It was possible, since Mercy seemed to take everything deep within herself. "It is beautiful," I agreed softly, reaching out without thinking and lightly stroking my thumb over her cheek. "But then why does that make you so sad?" If she didn't want to tell me I'd understand, but if she did then she'd be able to all the easier for being asked.
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Mercedes de las Aragonia
Royal
Princesa of Aragonia and Condesa de Lleida
Daughter of Rafael and Colette de las Aragonia
Posts: 1,546
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Post by Mercedes de las Aragonia on May 1, 2011 16:31:53 GMT -5
The butterfly flew off again, and as I watched it go, a tear slipped down my cheek. "I don't know," I whispered. "Maybe because everything makes me sad, everything reminds me of my failures and my loss." I sniffed, and turned my head away so he wouldn't see the pain on my face. "I'm sorry."
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Post by Landis de Verreuil on May 2, 2011 11:28:26 GMT -5
Her clear sorrow, even as she was turned away, struck me deeply and while I wasn't going to try and force her to be the cheerful Princesa I didn't want to see her so sad either. "I know you've had losses, but I don't see how you've failed," I told her quietly as I cupped her cheek, feeling the dampness of her tears against my hand. How could she ever lift this sadness to see what she still had? "I'm sorry that you had to think on it though."
With a sudden thought I brought my free hand to my saddlebag and brought out a fresh apple, red with just a few spots of green flesh to show how fresh it was and shipped from my estate within the past few days. "Here, maybe this will bring up some better memories," I said in just as soft a tone, offering it toward her with a smile. "To remind you of happier times."
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Mercedes de las Aragonia
Royal
Princesa of Aragonia and Condesa de Lleida
Daughter of Rafael and Colette de las Aragonia
Posts: 1,546
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Post by Mercedes de las Aragonia on May 4, 2011 21:19:17 GMT -5
The apple by itself was meaningless, but his words made me remember that short time all those years ago, when we had rode through his family's apple orchard. "I wish life had stayed as simple as it felt back then," I said, taking the plump fruit and trying to reward his gesture with a smile. I don't know how convincing I was, but it was the best I could do.
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Post by Landis de Verreuil on May 4, 2011 21:28:20 GMT -5
"I don't think it's possible for things to stay simple all of the time, but then again that's why I thought a ride might clear your head," I said with a smile of my own, knowing that hers was a bit forced but grateful that she'd made the effort. With time she'd heal and that would make it easier for her to be happy again, and anything I could do to help that along, no matter how small, was well worth the effort. "Or would you rather just walk and talk for now? I don't mind listening."
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Mercedes de las Aragonia
Royal
Princesa of Aragonia and Condesa de Lleida
Daughter of Rafael and Colette de las Aragonia
Posts: 1,546
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Post by Mercedes de las Aragonia on May 10, 2011 21:49:20 GMT -5
"I..." My voice trailed off as I thought about his offer. Then I shook my head. "I'm sorry Landis. I don't want to talk about it, I just can't seem to think about anything else. I didn't mean to bring it up." I hated to say it, but my voice was rather small at the last, and I glanced down. "I really do appreciate you inviting me out today."
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Post by Landis de Verreuil on May 16, 2011 17:10:16 GMT -5
"Don't be sorry, you haven't done anything wrong," I told her with a smile, reminding myself not to ask her again. If she was ready to talk, she would, and until then trying to find out anything else would only make her apologize more and feel more awkward about her sorrow. She didn't need that, especially from me. "And I'm glad you agreed to come along. I need to get out of the City from time to time as well and I'm not sure how much more often I'll be able to do that other than taking rides with you."
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Mercedes de las Aragonia
Royal
Princesa of Aragonia and Condesa de Lleida
Daughter of Rafael and Colette de las Aragonia
Posts: 1,546
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Post by Mercedes de las Aragonia on May 18, 2011 21:23:24 GMT -5
"Oh, what have you been keeping busy with?" I asked eager, or desperate depending on your view, to focus on Landis for a while. Normally I was a better friend than this, but I knew he understood. I was trying, it was all I could really do right now, and the sun on my face helped the attempt.
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Post by Landis de Verreuil on May 27, 2011 15:45:51 GMT -5
I could hear the way she was grasping at this topic as though it was her only hope, and while that was sad in some sense I couldn't deny her that either. There was very little I ever could have refused Mercy in any case, but now her sorrow was so thick it was unthinkable. "The Queen asked me to become her military adviser and I accepted," I told my lovely friend with a smile as I easily led my horse over the flat terrain. "So I've been in more meetings than I ever expected getting up to date on what's going on."
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Mercedes de las Aragonia
Royal
Princesa of Aragonia and Condesa de Lleida
Daughter of Rafael and Colette de las Aragonia
Posts: 1,546
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Post by Mercedes de las Aragonia on May 31, 2011 0:38:09 GMT -5
"Oh Landis, what an incredible honour. No wonder you've been busy." My smile strengthened with pride for my friend. "Though... do you have to deal with that awful Valois-Burgundy fellow?" My nose actually wrinkled with my distaste for the man.
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Post by Landis de Verreuil on May 31, 2011 10:17:41 GMT -5
The fact that this information brought a smile to Mercedes' face made me smile more warmly as well because I could see her sincerity in it. She was glad for me and that was a sign of her loyal heart. As she continued my gaze turned a bit more curious though and I raised a brow as I looked at her. "I probably will, yes," I admitted calmly. Coretta had also mentioned something about the Commander's demeanor being one reason I was chosen for this position, and I'd heard about some of his recent behavior, but how did that affect Mercy. "Why, did something happen?"
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Mercedes de las Aragonia
Royal
Princesa of Aragonia and Condesa de Lleida
Daughter of Rafael and Colette de las Aragonia
Posts: 1,546
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Post by Mercedes de las Aragonia on Jun 3, 2011 22:08:44 GMT -5
I hesitated. Not because I didn't trust Landis, but because I was taught to respect men, even when they were clearly in the wrong. "He arrived at my door unannounced the other morning, and accused me of conspiring with Sergei to poison Queen Sabrina. He..." My voice caught, but I continued on, my eyes trained on my reins. "He threatened me. Threatened that I should distance myself from Sergei, or he would start investigating me."
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Post by Landis de Verreuil on Jun 4, 2011 20:25:39 GMT -5
The news was shocking to me and I couldn't help but simply sit and look at her for a moment. Was the man insane or simply following some logic I couldn't comprehend? Even though she was one of my closest friends and we had something of a history Mercedes was a Princesa of Aragonia. To threaten her was not only beyond reason because of her nature but also because it could seriously damage the good diplomatic relations with that nation.
Unfortunately I couldn't do anything about that now. Finding the cause of that would have to wait and Mercy's current state was of much greater importance to me anyway. With a smooth motion I brought my horse closer to her own and reached out, my hand going gently under her chin to lift her head again, my eyes fixed on hers. "That was wrong of him," I told her in a quiet, very serious tone. "Are you going to be alright?"
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Mercedes de las Aragonia
Royal
Princesa of Aragonia and Condesa de Lleida
Daughter of Rafael and Colette de las Aragonia
Posts: 1,546
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Post by Mercedes de las Aragonia on Jun 4, 2011 22:33:32 GMT -5
I met his eyes, but then looked away, tears coming to the surface far too easily. "I don't know. I was so furious that I wrote to my father, told him what happened and asked him to tell my uncle. Now I don't know if I should have done that. Our relationship with Terre d'Ange shouldn't suffer because of the idiocy of one man. But the Queen shouldn't let him do such things either."
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Post by Landis de Verreuil on Jun 4, 2011 22:46:51 GMT -5
This was all getting very serious very fast but I couldn't exactly do anything from the middle of a field except comfort one of my oldest friends who was very upset and very confused. "With everything that's going on there's a chance he may not have told her," I replied steadily, my hand on her chin shifting to brush across the soft skin of her cheek where I hoped to keep any tears from falling. "And if that's the case you can rest assured that I'll make sure she does, and possibly talk to him myself. Don't cry, Mercy. It's hard to see you so hurt, and you have every right to be, but you have to believe it will come out alright in the end."
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Mercedes de las Aragonia
Royal
Princesa of Aragonia and Condesa de Lleida
Daughter of Rafael and Colette de las Aragonia
Posts: 1,546
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Post by Mercedes de las Aragonia on Jun 4, 2011 23:36:40 GMT -5
My eyes swept closed at his comforting touch to stop the tears from falling, and when I spoke, it was at a whisper. "I know, I've just had a rough little while. I've had my heart broken, been accused of murder, and gotten Sergei out of jail. And I basically haven't been sleeping, except that night at your house." I pulled my horse to a halt and opened my eyes. "Let's have our picnic here. I really need a hug." My voice cracked, though I managed to keep my cheeks dry.
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Post by Landis de Verreuil on Jun 4, 2011 23:51:35 GMT -5
"I'd call that rough as well," I agreed softly, though I was surprised to hear that she still wasn't sleeping well. What was it about my house that had made it easier for her- the tea, the fact there was no memories or that she was being watched over? But then I remembered a time when I hadn't been able to sleep either and it had taken her company to help put me right again. "Of course we'll stop here, it's a lovely spot." I stopped my horse alongside hers and slid down from the saddle, then walked beside her and offered my hand with a smile. "Going to come down then?"
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Mercedes de las Aragonia
Royal
Princesa of Aragonia and Condesa de Lleida
Daughter of Rafael and Colette de las Aragonia
Posts: 1,546
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Post by Mercedes de las Aragonia on Jun 5, 2011 11:57:01 GMT -5
I slid down from my horse and into his arms. I pressed my ear against his chest and held onto him tight. I sometimes felt that he was the only thing keeping me grounded. Without him, I wouldn't have had even one good night's sleep since this whole debacle started. Or a friend to escape the City with. "Thank you," I said softly. "For being here for me."
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Post by Landis de Verreuil on Jun 5, 2011 14:22:28 GMT -5
She came down from her horse's back readily enough, but her hug immediately followed it and I could only wrap my arms around her comfortingly, letting her take what security she could from my presence. It would have been a lie to say I didn't enjoy her closeness though the reason for it was far from the top choice. "I'm here for you whenever you need me, all you have to do is tell me I'm needed," I told her softly, kissing her temple before I gave her a smile. "And any time you need to sleep my door is open to you. I'll even watch over you, just as before."
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Mercedes de las Aragonia
Royal
Princesa of Aragonia and Condesa de Lleida
Daughter of Rafael and Colette de las Aragonia
Posts: 1,546
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Post by Mercedes de las Aragonia on Jun 6, 2011 18:06:01 GMT -5
"Thank you," I whispered for what must have been the umpteenth time, but I felt like I could never thank him enough for being my rock during this. I stayed still in his embrace, needing the feel of his strong arms around me. But eventually I realized that we couldn't stand like this forever, or even until I got over Sergei, so I slowly pulled back. Miraculously, no tears had fallen. "I have a feeling that I'll be taking you up on that offer. But for now we should deal with our mounts before they wander off further," I said, trying for a smile and managing to succeed.
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Post by Landis de Verreuil on Jun 6, 2011 18:18:04 GMT -5
I wasn't sure how long we stayed like that but once she started to pull away I slipped my arms from around her and gave her another smile. "Right, as always," I agreed with a chuckle, then walked a couple of paces to grab my horse's reins. "Do you need some help with yours or should I start looking for a flat piece of ground to lay out the blanket and relax?"
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Mercedes de las Aragonia
Royal
Princesa of Aragonia and Condesa de Lleida
Daughter of Rafael and Colette de las Aragonia
Posts: 1,546
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Post by Mercedes de las Aragonia on Jun 13, 2011 20:28:59 GMT -5
"Oh, I'll take care of her," I told him with a smile. I set off after my mare, who had wandered about fifty yards. I brought her back with murmured praises for her beauty and hobbled her beside Landis's mount.
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Post by Landis de Verreuil on Jun 15, 2011 15:19:56 GMT -5
Chuckling slightly I watched her for a moment, then got out the blanket and laid it out, following it with some bread, cheese and apple tarts that had been made earlier that same day by my cook. It was simple fare but I'd remembered to bring a bottle of wine along with it and I remembered that Mercy wasn't that picky about her food so long as it tasted good and was filling. Just as I was getting everything set out she was finishing with her mare and I gave her a rakish bow. "Everything's ready when you are, my lady."
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