Chance meetings (Deci & Dine)

[Géraldine Grangier]

I'd woken up to a sun-filled morning and had lazed in my bed longer than I should have, but the way the rays of Phoebus bathed the room in gold through the curtains was so beautiful, so mesmerizing, that I'd allowed myself to lounge a touch longer.

I had no appointments for the night, nor for the afternoon, and so I opted to wander over to Caisse the Pomme for a late breakfast, intent on going to the fabric district later, to see what fabric could be had at a pleasant price.

I pushed the door and stepped in quietly, eyes alert, wondering if I might come across a familiar face.

[Decimus mab Halcyone]

It'd been a while since I'd gone out to eat anywhere outside the scattered meat pie purchased at some roadside vendor. I wasn't one much for pomp, wasn't one much for going out to eat or going to court more than necessary; truth was, I missed the country, missed Kusheth and Alba. I missed the freedom and being able to work for myself, chopping wood and felling stags, missed helping neighbors raise barns or ewes birth their lambs. It seemed all there was in the City was pretty things, and half the time I was afraid I'd break something without realizing it.

I needed to try. Elua knew I needed a wife, and not so much because I wanted to get married, but because it was expected and the proper thing to do. I'd been a bachelor long enough, and had duty to tend to. The fact that I received lingering looks everywhere I went didn't help though, and I'd ignored the one my waitress had given me before tittering and giving me a flirtatious sweep of her skirts as she walked off.

I sat, waiting to break my fast, and toyed with a napkin as I did. Too bad they didn't allow whittling in such establishments, I mused.. that would have been far more entertaining.

[Géraldine Grangier]

Upon entering, a face stood out of the crowd – marked with crashing waves, it was a face I'd once loved as I loved a patron's face. I recalled kissing those lips and shivering on that man's hands, and I smiled, glad to see him, for he'd been one I treasured, before trepidation took my heart, for I'd not seen him since Caraf's wedding.

A year gone by, so fast.

I eased my way to a table nearby and sat elegantly. My gown showed my marque entirely, its cut was low enough to show the twists and turns of the marque of Heliotrope, and I wondered if it caught his eye as I wandered over to my own seat. When I finally took my place, I sat facing him, still, wondering if he would remember me at all, or not.

If our eyes met, I would give him a guileless smile, fond, open, as it ever was. I'd naught but good will for Decimus – but Elua save me, I'd forgotten his house name.

[Decimus mab Halcyone]

The door opened and another came in, and for a while I didn't glance up, but tried getting my napkin to peak over a bowl of sugar that had been brought to accompany my tea. It kept crumbling, one side folding or the other, and eventually I gave in and brought my gaze up and around.

I didn't see anyone of interest, not til my eyes swept over that of a dark haired femme that was sitting not too far from me. I recognized her instantly; and remembered, too, how her face looked with the sheen of sweat and deep pleasure.

"Lady Geraldine of Heliotrope," I said, smiling as I leaned back relaxed in my chair. "You haven't changed a whit!"

[Géraldine Grangier]

I could feel my skin flush with pleasure when he called my name, and I knew that my smile was wide, happy, like that of an old friend.

“You flatter, my lord Decimus,” I replied in his language, and with far more ease than the first time he'd come to the gardens of Heliotrope to contract an adept. “But I shall take it selfishly, and keep it for myself, without shame.”

He seemed to be almost on display, I didn't stop myself from looking at him – had I ever? I didn't think so. “You look well, and happy, though for shame, you've not come to see me more often at Heliotrope, my lord. I pined and pined, hoping to be born on your steed to bear your twelve children, but you never came.”

I mock pouted a little, playing the wilted flower, but it was all in good jest.

[Decimus mab Halcyone]

I laughed with her wit and humor, and marveled silently at how she'd remembered. Did she remember each assignation as such? Remarkable.

"My horse threw a shoe," I said, as if that explained everything. I grinned at her, not bothering to hide my amusement. She seemed a great deal more relaxed, and I switched to my native tongue as well. "Come sit with me, and tell me about what you've been up to this year hence," I invited, using the toe of my boot under the table to push the opposite chair out a little in invitation.

[Géraldine Grangier]

I managed to look suitably sympathetic of the poor horse's plight and stood, ambling over with a pleasant sway of my hips. I didn't sit just yet, though, and instead flaunted myself some for the handsome Alban.

"By looking at me," I replied, half taunting and half teasing, "and merely by listening, I reckon you'll come to two easy conclusions. Shall we play this game?"

I still spoke his language, and though it was accented, my fluency had increased by half. To tease, I also turned, giving him half a flash of my bared back and marque, before I shifted to face him again, grinning wide.

Oh, I would take the seat, but he would do more than just push a chair with his foot for it... would he not?

[Decimus mab Halcyone]

"Mmm," I mused as I listened to her, and when she twisted and turned and teased me with a flirtatious manner, I chuckled. Her back was glaringly obvious though, and I was thankful for my time in the City to know exactly what that meant; first coming here, I might not have picked up on it so quickly.

"I see congratulations are in order," I said, grinning, and as she still continued to stand, I leaned forward, my elbows on the table, and looked amusedly up at her. "Lets see.. you've made your marque and are now a farrier to poor horses who've lost their shoes," I offered, a twinkle in my eyes.

[Géraldine Grangier]

I laughed, dipping my head back, and apurpose, my bust was advantaged by the posture for a moment. "My thanks, my lord," I replied, and laughing still, I said, "I'm afraid you only solved half the riddle." Grinning, I leaned towards him, offering the kiss of greeting.

"Should I give you only half a reward, and sit on half the chair?" I was quite pleased to see him again, frankly - he was still charming, still to die for, and part of me wanted to taunt him into settling me on his lap, regardless of the public.

I was free, I reminded myself. The thought spurred me to mad ideas.

[Decimus mab Halcyone]

I gave her an amused smile, and returned the kiss of greeting, inhaling the fine aroma that was her at the same time. "Only half the riddle," I repeated, bringing my hand up so I could tap my fingertip against my lips.

When she offered half a reward, I laughed, and gave her a cheeky smile for her humor. "Mayhap I'll best you and merely escort you out the door for a walk," I offered, teasing. My eyes remained on her face, but I could swear I could see her breasts rising and falling, and remembered too her legs as they squeezes around me.

[Géraldine Grangier]

I was wearing a beaded dress at the duc L'Envers' wedding, and Decimus had been careful not to topple me, his touch, even as he kissed me, as his hands explored my corsage, had been fearful of breaking me. I smiled as I remembered, and finally took the offered seat.

"If a walk is your wish, my sweet Decimus," I replied with assurance, "I may turn into a djinn and grant it, but I'm famished, and I reckon, you've not broken your fast of yet either. Would it be too forward for a humble artisan, to request that we feed first, and then expend ourselves as you see fit?"

My choice of words was deliberate - to interpret as he wished, but if a walk was all it was, I would be content as well. In truth, I felt stouter, and if my dress was simple, it meant he could touch me without fear.

It was an enticing perspective - one that made visions of our past love-making flash before my eyes in tantalizing promise.

[Decimus mab Halcyone]

"Not at all," I answered, grinning and rather liking the sound of everything she said, I never turned down a meal, and the rest was vague enough to pique my interest. I stood and pulled her chair out a little more, waiting for her to seat herself.

"So tell me," I said as I stood next to her, her lithe frame inches shorter. "What is your second secret? A fairy of the night, with her secrets.. I think that could be a formidable thing indeed."

I was teasing her entirely, and I grinned to show it. "Let me guess.. You've taken up the hobby of raising chickens to sell their eggs?"

[Géraldine Grangier]

Ah, so he still had his impeccable manners, when he wished. I smiled a little, turning towards him as he spoke, angling my body so he would have the best view possible.

“I might have,” I replied, and I was earnestly amused – as I spoke, I reached to touch his arm, a fleeting contact full of possibilities. “They keep me company on lonely nights, and the eggs are my legion of children, which I nurse as lovingly as if I'd born them myself.” I flashed him a grin, and accepting the invitation, slipped into the chair. “You are most gracious, my lord – and kind as ever.”

[Decimus mab Halcyone]

I had a hell of a time of keeping my eyes off of her as she turned herself; I could see the outline of her breasts, the swell of her rear, and the vision of the place between her thighs couldn't help but be invoked because of it. I cleared my throat and laughed as she spoke of her legion, though it was huskier than it might otherwise have been.

"Raising a mini army of your own, are you?"

She sat, and I dipped my head in response to her compliments, a smile tugging at my lips. "Only when confronted with a beautiful woman, Lady Heliotrope," I responded, making myself return to my own chair and sit and not run my fingers through her hair.

[Géraldine Grangier]

I liked the way he looked at me, and I liked his sense of humour. I grinned wide, and watching him under my eyelashes as he went back to his seat, I put my hands under my chin and leaned forward conspiratorially.

“I am raising an army of my own to put the likes of you out of business, my lord,” I replied, eyes twinkling with mirth. “Are you cowering in fear yet?”

I grinned, and leaned a little towards him, giving him my undivided attention. He was still handsome, still charming, and Elua, I'd have to tell him that he'd just put his finger unwittingly on my other secret, would I not?

[Decimus mab Halcyone]

I chuckled at her wit, and my lips twisted with a wry sense of humor. "Put me out of business, you say? And what business is that exactly?"

I grinned wider. "Suddenly I find the urge to eat chicken.. gotta try to keep my enemies numbers down, you know."

As if on cue, the server returned and brought me my meal, a simple one of eggs and fruit, with a basket of fresh bread and bowl of churned butter. She paused, looking at Geraldine, before bobbing a curtsy and asking if she would like anything to eat as well. I lapsed into silence to allow Geraldine the chance to respond, but I watched her, my eyes following the movement of her face and the course of her luscious hair.

[Géraldine Grangier]

“But the business of beating my lovers with sticks, as I recall,” I replied, laughing. “Though as my minions have no hands or thumbs, I fear my strategy has gone amiss.” I raised an amused eyebrow, and mildly concluded, “Oh my.”

But the host was waiting, and I'd no idea what was on the menu, all focused as I was on Decimus, and so as not to make anyone wait, I ordered the day's special without knowing what it was, and prayed it would not be something very odd and disturbing. Alas, if it was, I'd likely force myself to eat it graciously regardless.

The host gone, I turned my attention back to my sweet former patron, and said, on the tone of confidence, “And now that you've undone my nefarious plans, my lord, will you still pursue my true secret?”

[Decimus mab Halcyone]

A smirking line of amusement lay across my lips as she ordered, and once the server was gone I unrolled my linen napkin to reveal my fork. "Ah, the diobolical mind of Lady Heliotrope revealed," I said, flashing her a grin as I plucked my fork up. "So very different than I'd thought before. Lets see, your second secret..."

I worked at one egg, cutting a bite-sized piece of it off before picking my gaze up to her again. "From the facts I have gathered, you are fully marqued, and have a flock of chicken warriors. I can't imagine Heliotrope housing warriors of any sort, feathered or no, so I must come to the conclusion that you are free of your binds?"

I watched her in amusement as I took a bit of egg, not truly thinking that was what it was, but it was a start.

[Géraldine Grangier]

I laughes lightly, my neck extending and my hand coming to touch my heart. “Your cunning knows no bound, my lord,” I replied happily. “And so I suppose if you insist on calling me lady, which I don't claim to be by any means, Madame Grangier would be my name.”

I leaned over, still brilliantly amused. “And I fear that as you are eating my next generation of handless defenders, my lord. How very unseemly of you, tsk tsk tsk.” Indeed, I was free to house a warrior if I wished, though my accommodations were scant, and a servant of Naamah's life has its own demands. But still, I was free indeed, and it made me feel stronger and more capable.

[Decimus mab Halcyone]

"Madame Granger," I said, grinning suddenly as her second secret was revealed. "I was right then? And here I was, just thinking to tease you out of saying it somehow else," I added, grinning.

"Well, congratulations Madame Granger," I said, smiling with my eyes as much as with my mouth. "Let me buy your breakfast this morning then, a partial congratulatory gift," I explained.

I chuckled when she accused me of eating her future warriors, and I said the only thing that could come to mind. "Ah, but no, I'm doing you a service you see," I said, smoothly pivoting on the conversation and going with it in effort of turning it back around on her. "This is a process of picking off the weakest ones. You really should thank me, you know," I added, trying to be playfully gracious.

[Géraldine Grangier]

I blushed, feeling so very flattered, and well – it was lovely, to have someone with whom to celebrate. I'd carried my joy alone, and that was fine as well, but suddenly having an unexpected celebration seemed like a present from life herself, and I grinned wide, touched by his charming attention.

“I should thank you indeed,” I replied warmly, “for you are being a friend both by sharing my happiness and seeing to my handless army's welfare.” I laughed lightly, allowed my eyes to caress the strong line of his jaw, the whirls on his face, to remain on his lips a moment, before I focused on his eyes again. “I have a third secret, but that one,” I said, “I'm afraid can only be shown, and not told.”

[Decimus mab Halcyone]

At her comment I made a play at wincing, and after swallowing another bite of my breakfast I answered her. "Another secret? You don't have quails or pigeons doing your bidding as well, do you? I think they're far more formidable," I added, a teasing smile peeking through after a moment.

"A secret that can't be told and only shown.. sounds intriguing."

I gave her a crooked smile, my eyes remaining on hers. "You are quite a woman of mystery, Geraldine."

[Géraldine Grangier]

I smiled, and I knew there was mischief in it, because that was how I was feeling – it was easy, around Decimus, to feel that way, to be relaxed, to banter, to allow slightly mad scenarios to develop into a joke to be retold and referenced later.

The waiter arrived with the day's order, and I was relieved to see it was a plate of waffles, served with whipped cream and a serving of melon and some green fruit with a black core I'd never seen before.

“Ah, just as I had expected,” I told him and I made a show of being smug, though I gave Decimus a complacent glace. “My thanks.” More tea was ordered, and left once more to my unexpected breakfast companion, I leaned over, and whispered on a confidential tone, “I'm so relieved.”

[Decimus mab Halcyone]

I chuckled, and set about continuing my breakfast while hers was being delivered and set up for her. "Pity," I said, flashing a wide grin at her after she'd spoken. "I'd have enjoyed watching you eat eggs, too."

My eyes twinkled a bit as I took another bite of mine, then wiped my mouth with a napkin and leaned back some. "So what is that you have been filling your days with since your marque has been made? If it's not prying for me to ask," I added, taking up my cup of tea and sipping at it as I watched her.

[Géraldine Grangier]

I picked absently at a piece of melon for a bit, decided to eat it delicately taking my time as Decimus teased me. I gave him a mildly chiding look, as one would an old friend, and having swallowed my fruit, I washed it down with unsweetened tea.

“You would be surprised how much work being free requires,” I replied, laughing, “in fact, it is ironic but true: freedom is an enslavement of every moment, trying to struggle for one's survival.”

I laughed and jested, and though I had some savings – enough to be content, enough to be free of worries, but not much indeed, there was a truth to it. I needed to keep taking assignations for my upkeep. The difference was that I decided who, when, where and how much, ever, and that there was no Dowayne to line me up with others, or to chide me for having a lover. I could give myself freely if I wished, and that was priceless.

[Decimus mab Halcyone]

"Aah, that sounds about right," I said, still holding onto my cup of tea. "I have always wondered if the adepts of the Night Court pause to think of things like the cost of food and shelter from inside their gilded cages. Do they prepare you for the outside world, as it is?"

I watched her curiously as I sat, taking note of her eyes, the clean line of her nose, how her hair shaped itself. The sweet line of her neck and the tilt of her shoulders; I remembered well what they looked like in the throes of passion.

[Géraldine Grangier]

After some debate, I ate the piece of melon and cut through the waffle delicately. “Some, but mayhap not enough,” I replied after some consideration. “Thankfully, my needs are far and few between.” I shrugged, gave Decimus a humble smile. “And I was blessed with enough savings for rainy days. My patrons have been kind to me.”

I could feel his eyes on me, and the way they explored my body – he'd grown bold in the past year. I remembered how timidly he'd taken my hand in the gardens of Heliotrope, until we'd kissed and nigh kissed our way to the door. I remembered also how he'd touched me in the carriage, how I'd ridden him on the way back – Elua, it seemed as if it were yesterday, and I felt a longing between my thighs, which I tried to ignore.

[Decimus mab Halcyone]

"Lucky indeed," I responded, smiling faintly at her before I finished the remainder of my meal. I sat, toying with a last piece of crusty bread, as I debated her and her situation. "You receive enough patrons now, then? You want for nothing?"

I hoped so, though Elua knew there were always things in life we wanted but could never have. For me, I wanted to be in Alba, but duty held me here instead. "Forgive me," I added quickly, spreading my hands in an apologetic manner. "Of course you have patrons aplenty; my mind is not where it should be in such cases."

Ah, no, it was not. War was coming, and whether I liked it or no, I was distracted by it all.

[Géraldine Grangier]

I looked at him with interest, and shook my head after his apology. “I have patrons, though I ever want for more, and yet more for those I cherish over others,” I told him wryly. It was an open invitation and a plain compliment, and forward enough, I reckoned. I took a sip of tea and delicately set the cup down, and I took a moment to examine him. In truth, I wanted for something indeed. Though I was motivated to keep the salon running, I'd envied Caraf, and I still did, a little. Marriage... I could consider it. Love, always, was something I wanted.

“You've changed,” I said after a short debate. “You seem... both more acquainted, more certain, and yet more thoughtful, too. Is there something on your mind?” I was comfortable enough with him, and besides, the situation had changed. Though he was still titled and I was not, I was no longer the adept dependant on the whims of a patron – and he's spoken to me as a friend, and so I felt I could return the compliment.

[Decimus mab Halcyone]

"On my mind?" I grinned suddenly. "Not currently outside of our conversation. Besides this... Well," I said, bunching up my linen napkin and tossing it on the table. "Troubled times abound. Duchesses abducted from their own townhomes, the Queen dead and the Dauphin in a coma. Rumor has it the Skaldi are uprising again. Uncomfortable times is all. Right now I wait to see what is going to happen; if a call to arms is given, I will ride. If a call to arms is not, I think I shall retire to my estate in Kusheth for a time. My little brother is here now, you know," I added, the grin that had slid from my face back again suddenly. "Caelum. I think you'd like him."