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Post by Felicja nó Gentian on Jun 10, 2011 14:16:55 GMT -5
When I had free time, and I was not perfecting my art, I enjoyed a walk through the Temple District. It truly was my favourite, of all teh City had to offer. There was a sense of peace, people seemed to behave themselves better here, as though they believed that the Gods were watching down on them, judging them especially in this section of the City, and so they had to be on extra good behaviour. Plau it was pleasant, being surrounded by so many places where people sought solace, commraderie, to be closer to their beleifs... it hit a harmonious chord with me. And so today it was where I ventured, having walked down from Mont Nuit, passing through Night's Doorstep which often gave me a bit of an eerie chill, to the place that my soul seemed to resonate best with. My dowsing crystal rested gently against my chest, the leather string that held it about my neck was worn with age, but never snapped, never frayed to the point of replacement. I always felt naked without it, and so I never left to venture anywhere without it about my neck. I also had my runes at my side in a pouch, thou I kept one in my hand, flipping it over my knuckles, playing with it between my fingers. They were my anchor to an old life long past that I never knew, and my Skaldi blood that coursed through my veins as sure as Camael's did.
The day was a bright one, warm too, though not sweltering, not yet, the sky a clear blue without a single cloud to be seen. The breeze was gentle, and as warm as the day was bright, shifting my flowing skirts about my sandaled feet, and my flaxen waves about my pale shoulders. I felt it ... it would be a good day.
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Post by Hjalmar Fellstone (I) on Jun 10, 2011 14:33:03 GMT -5
I walked through the temple district. I found it helped to calm my nerves. After coming here with Amie, I found I could walk amongst the strange temples and find peace. I never stopped to worship, but that did not mean I could not admire. The people here did not seem to judge as much either, though I did receive the odd stare now and again.
But it was as I walked that I saw something, rather someone, that attracted my attention. Unlike Mine, who had caught my eye through sheer physicality, this woman was different. Brilliant platinum hair shone in the sunlight, and that drew my first gaze. But it was her face, not quite fully d'Angeline, that drew me further in.
I followed after her, and soon caught up to her. It was then that I noticed the rune-stone she held, flipping it over her knuckles. I did not wish to put my hands on her, not only would it be rude, but it would certainly give the wrong impression. And it was then that I noticed she had several items upon her person. Now quite curious I spoke out softly, "Excuse me, miss?" If I was wrong I would look the fool, but were I correct then perhaps I had found a kindred spirit here in Elua.
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Post by Felicja nó Gentian on Jun 10, 2011 15:35:26 GMT -5
I had been mostly in my mind, looking about, but not truly seeing the things about me, more so focusing on the thoughts that went through my mind as I walked, but I did hear a voice, a deep voice, masculine, rich, and right behind me. A simple excuse me miss was all that was said, and it took me a moment to turn around adn see if perhaps the man was talking to me as my eyes focused and I saw no other women about, at least none close enough that would have heard him. I turned my head, lookin gover my shoulder, my body following gracefully as I turned upon my heel, though not so quickly as to be a whirlwind upon him.
I was faced with a man, indeed, as I had thought, of course, but a rather tall man, with broad shoulders that could block out the sun were I shorter, cheekbones that were high, a well trimmed beard and locks of a fiery red and piercing blue eyes. I took all this in before I smiled lightly, and my eyes rested on his. I cocked my head to the side slightly before I spoke.
"Sorry, my lord, were you meaning me?" I asked, not wanting to assume he was speaking to me, and being polite. There was something about him, the way he looked, his height and breadth that did not look wholly d'Angeline, not to mention the hair that adorned his chin. There was something familiar about it though, very familiar.
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Post by Hjalmar Fellstone (I) on Jun 10, 2011 16:01:31 GMT -5
Ah yes, I could see it now. Clearly. A wave of camaraderie washed through me and I smiled. "Oh yes miss, I was. I am Hjalmar de Valliers, raised Fellstone." I was unsure if the latter surname would mean anything to her, but it never hurt. "I saw you from afar and, well, you carry Skaldi blood, do you not?"
I felt awkward, asking such a thing, but I was always one to be forthright. Before she could answer I answered my own question for her about myself. "I am half."
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Post by Felicja nó Gentian on Jun 10, 2011 16:12:34 GMT -5
I squinted my eyes a moment, wondering if the name sounded familiar, I knew the surname reminded me of my own, and my sisters, and my own mother's so when he asked me if was Skaldi, I drew the connections quickle, my eyes widening and my smile turning friendly. it was not often one found someone of Skaldi decent, at least not someone who was willign to admit that they had the blood coursing through their veins, and what with how tensions had risen in the City, and the raids in Camlach, I guess ed that fewer adn fewer were stepping forth proudly to claim their backgrounds. I nodded, still smiling.
"Yes, actually, I am, half as well, on my mother's side. Hjalmar... that is a Skaldi name. I am called Felicja no Gentian. It is not often that you find Skaldi in the City," I commented, my eyes peering up into his, even with the sun above us, I did not shade them. My sister and I had been the only two people I knew of really that came with teh backgrounds we did, but now standing before me was a man of the same situation. "I must ask, if you do not mind, but how could you tell?"
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Post by Hjalmar Fellstone (I) on Jun 10, 2011 17:22:57 GMT -5
I took a step towards her and simply said, "Let us walk together." I gestured for her to walk beside me and then answered her question. "Subtle hints. Your facial structure is not purely d'Angeline. Your features are not as fine. I also saw the runes there at your side. Also the one you had in your hand, playing wit it. Something a d'Angeline would certainly not carry, but that a Skaldi would."
The weather was warm and I had worn a sheer shirt, still I was sweating. "Perhaps there is a shaded place we can sit?" I still did not know the city well enough to suggest a place, but perhaps she did.
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Post by Felicja nó Gentian on Jun 11, 2011 10:54:36 GMT -5
I laughed softly, a pretty laugh, nodding. "You are rather astute at observations, my lord," I said with a soft smile as I stepped in line with him, walking at his side. I let my gaze start to wander,my fingers still busy flitting the rune over my knuckles playfully. I had to keep myself busy to keep my mind from wandering too deeply at times, and these little distractions helped, though the man that walked beside me was quite the distraction in and of himself. My eyes did pass a sideways glance in his direction, still inwardly admiring how strong he appeared. "There are often benches in the gardens on temple grounds," I explained, "but temples are generally meant for peace and prayer, atonement, a connection to th e Gods of this land. Otherwise, it may be best to ventur to the Square in the City centre for a place to sit by the fountain or under the great oak."
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Post by Hjalmar Fellstone (I) on Jun 11, 2011 11:09:21 GMT -5
With a nod I replied. "I must keep my wits about me in this place. Though it is not overly done, there are many that do not welcome me here. I've found that keeping my eyes open is wise." It was a simple truth, and one that I had come to accept.
As she explained where we might go I pondered it for a moment. I had been to the fountain. I knew it was nice there, and the water would cool my skin.
"I would love to accompany you to the fountain, Felicja." I pronounced the name with no effort, my accent rolling in all the right places. I wonder how many people in the city did that for her, made that effort. Few I would imagine. "Just lead the way." I smiled at her. I was still not completely used to the city, andwas unsure of where we might end up.
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Post by Felicja nó Gentian on Jun 11, 2011 11:52:59 GMT -5
My smile deep end at the way he pronounced my name. Sme might say it was an artistic flair, ut I would know that it was pronounced how my mother would have pronounced it, and I was nice to hear it spoken that way.
"Thank you Hjalmar," I replied, extending the same courtesy to him as he had to me. His name sounded foreign, as it should, but felt right on my tongue at the same time. With a nod, I started to lead the way, but stopped dead in my racks a moment later. Why had I ot thought of it before? It was nearby, and my favorite place to visit in this district, perhaps all the districts, combined. "Hjalmar," I said, turning to face him, "there is someplace close that has places for sitting that I often go to... It is quiet and sacred ... And perhaps a little eerie,.. Maybe too much so," I said, wondering if he would shy away from the idea and then me too. It would not be the first time, and so I retracted my words, shaking my head. Cmpany would be nice to have today instead of scaring it off. "Nevermind, let us go to the fountain.". A smile was upon my lips iand my feet were once again trained towards Elua's Square.
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Post by Hjalmar Fellstone (I) on Jun 11, 2011 12:25:52 GMT -5
Her words intrigued me and as she started to turn I reached out and gently caught her by the shoulder. "No, no... let's go where you want to go. I'm sure it will be fine. " I smiled reassuringly and gave her a squeeze. "Please."
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Post by Felicja nó Gentian on Jun 11, 2011 12:53:26 GMT -5
I turned when I felt his hand upon my shoulder. My eyes searched his features for a moment, but he did seem truly interested, not afraid, or confused. A man with Skaldi blood, indeed. I grinned, a little playfully, raising a brow.
"Butmy lord, would you not wish to know where first before committing yourself to it?" I queried,my smile and eyes holding mirth. "For all you know it could be that little witch's keep in Night's Doorstep," I mused. I also liked that place, one could find the most interesting things there.
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Post by Hjalmar Fellstone (I) on Jun 11, 2011 13:02:05 GMT -5
I laughed softly then. Not mockingly, but genuinely. "Where you go, I will follow. There need be no other commitment than that, for no other bond is stronger than my word.
And I have seen witches before. " My face grew serious. "I doubt there is one here in Terre D'Ange that would frighten me. Though I do have to say that I find Night's Doorstep more welcoming than most wards of the city."
I finally lifted my hand from her shoulder, realizing that I had left it there. I smiled at her, gesturing for her to lead on.
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Post by Felicja nó Gentian on Jun 11, 2011 13:13:44 GMT -5
My smile widened. He seemed sweet, almost dutiful in the way he spoke, like a gentleman, not leacherous or demeaning, not even flirtatious, really. It was different. As though he only saw a fellow half-Skaldi d'Angeline and not an adept of the Nit Court at all.
"Ah so you are a man of his word as well as one who seeks out and doesn't shy away from a good adventure. All right then. I suppose I will just surprise you with the place," I teased as I altered my course, turning to face him and offering my arm, though normally I was he other way around. I was not what most would describe as normal.
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Post by Hjalmar Fellstone (I) on Jun 11, 2011 14:19:01 GMT -5
I nodded at her words and then laughed softly as she offered her arm. I instead offered my own.
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Post by Felicja nó Gentian on Jun 11, 2011 17:55:45 GMT -5
I smiled, feeling my cheeks warm only slightly before I took his arm with a smile and lead him towards the destination. I took the rune from the hand of the arm he held and placed it back in the pouch at my hip.
"So from which parent do you claim your Skaldi blood?" I asked him as we walked together, not too close, though certainly not too far apart either.
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Post by Hjalmar Fellstone (I) on Jun 11, 2011 18:28:52 GMT -5
I walked with her easily, feeling quite at home with her upon my arm. Her question dd not surprise me, and in fact I expected it. "My mother. My father is Frederik de Valliers. My mother is Skiirja Fellstone. They met and fell in love. However I was raised Skaldi until my twelfth year, when my mother passed. I then went to live with my father, who immediately sent me off to Tiberium for schooling. So... I think I kind of got the best of both worlds. At least I hope so. And how about yourself Felicja?" I looked at her, smiling with genuine interest in what she had to say.
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Post by Felicja nó Gentian on Jun 12, 2011 18:29:08 GMT -5
I listened intently as he spoke, reouncting his family history in a nutshell for me. He was so very pleasant, not over zealous, not emotional, not angry, just matter of factly telling me about himself, his past. I appreciated it. It boded well for a favourable reaction once we reached where we were headed. Plus there was always something so very attractive about a strong man. My mother would say that that was her side coming out, the more feral side, the side geared towards survival and not luxury, the side that would pick the strong man over the weakling with funds. Yes, Hal appealed to that side of me, perhaps that was why kinship and conversation seemed so easy to establish with him. Perhaps that ran through his blood too, and mayhap regardless of the runes, or my not so d'Angeline appearance, we'd have been drawn to one another. But who knew. These were just feelings that passed through me, over my skin into my head, and out my ears as he spoke.
"My mother as well,"I answered, not having lost track of the conversation, though I did spend some time in my own head. "Her name was Magda, she came from one of the Skaldi settlements close to the Camaeline border. She as never wed. My father was named Damien, little funds, but a large enough estate. He wed another d'Angeline for her status and coin and kicked us all out," I said, chuckling softly. It had always been a sore spot for me, the abandonment always making me feel bitter, leaving a foul taste in my mouth, in my heart, that for a time, could only be replaced and pushed out by the vapors of opium smoke, though i had gotten better after that incident. "My sister and I did not spend any time growing up in Skaldia, but our mother taught us the tongue of her motherland, and taught me how to dowse and the two of us how to read runes." My gaze had gone from the ground on which we walked up to peer into his eyes, such an ice cold blue, much like my own, and his smile, so easy and welcoming. Perhaps that was what made me prattle on as much as I did. Generally I was a private person, keeping my life and my story to myself. But there was just something about this man that I felt I could trust him not to judge, or say too much, or say too little. It was certainly odd.
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Post by Hjalmar Fellstone (I) on Jun 12, 2011 19:10:19 GMT -5
As she spoke I instinctively reached a hand over to pat her arm. Part comfort, part just being there as she spoke. Here was someone more like me than I ever thought possible. I could not tell if there was happiness in my heart, or heartbreak. I would not wish my life on anyone in many ways, but I had to admit that it made things interesting. Feli's story was not so different from my own. Except her father had abandoned them. I was not surprised and I fought the urge to embrace her, to console her. For something that happened so long ago. Yet I caught that tinge of bitterness in her voice. I winced in empathy for her.
My eyes were kind as they regarded her and an easy smile rolled from me. Arm in arm I am sure we made a striking couple, and already I viewed her as a kinsman. I knew that in so many ways we could share with one another and could understand in ways that others simply would not.
"So where are you taking me, dear Feli?" I don't know why I shortened her name, but it felt right.
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Post by Felicja nó Gentian on Jun 12, 2011 19:19:14 GMT -5
In our walking, my feet had lead us in the right direction, even though my mind and my mouth had been on completely different things. His hand on my arm was oddly welcome. I normally did not respond so well to touches of affection in such situations, where I felt like someone might have been feeling pity for me, because that pity undermined my strength, and I had always thought it insulting, but with him, it was fine. I did not see pity in his eyes, and knew that his intentions were good. I smiled up at him, and then without even looking from his eyes to where we were, I pointed before us.
"The Cemetary," I said with a slightly lopsided grin. "I told you it was different. How many times have you been walked through there by some odd little Gentian girl? I'd hazard not many, Hal," I teased, smiling as I let my hand fall back to my side, and my gaze slide from his and to our destination which stood before us behind wrought iron gates, strong but somehow so very beautiful.
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Post by Hjalmar Fellstone (I) on Jun 13, 2011 6:10:09 GMT -5
I liked her. I also felt comfortable with her. There was no pressure to speak a certain way or act a certain way. I was always myself and always stayed true to my own being. But even then, there was often pressure to do things 'just so' here in Elua.
I smiled as I regarded where she had brought me, and I shook my head. "I have never been led anywhere by an odd little Gentian, and never spent time with a Gentian at all except you. And I would not call you odd, but unique. And sweet. Where you lead I shall follow."
As if confirming my own words I nodded once and then as she dropped her hand back to her side I moved to face her for a moment. "Tell me Feli, what was your mother's surname? Her Skaldi surname? Do you know?"
Though it would never color my perception of her, I wondered if perhaps I knew her people. If I did, I then wondered if she might like to try and meet them. It was a long shot, but perhaps she was curious. I knew I was.
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