Géraldine Grangier
Citizen
Former Heliotrope adept; Fully marqued
Thou, and no other.
Posts: 2,001
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Post by Géraldine Grangier on Jun 16, 2011 0:30:52 GMT -5
The city was boiling, effervescent with something new and scary, which I'd ever prayed not to see in my life. There'd been a plague, there'd been a death, and now Terre d'Ange was marching to war.
I felt uneasy myself as I crossed the square, a basket on my arm. I wanted to cross the scare, but the throng of stragglers pushed me to wards the fountain, where I ended up waiting for traffic to pass. I sat on the ledge, careful not to wet my simple but elegant gown, and observed the activities fretfully, a small crease of concern over my forehead.
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Jun 16, 2011 12:32:57 GMT -5
My horse continued to race along the back roads. I was in a hurry but I didn't want to trample anyone, my vision blurred by the tears that continued to fall. Somehow though I managed to come out by the fountain of Elua's square. I brought my horse to a stop and looked at the way the water dripped from the fountain. I blinked and my eyes were clouded. I couldn't let my fellow soldiers see me like this, no matter how desperate I was to get away from this city that seemed to house so much potential for pain.
I walked to the fountain and splashed the water over my face and my hair before looking into the sky and sighing. There was a pretty brunette beside me, not that I noticed her. In an odd way though it felt right to have emptiness on my right, a stranger on my left and a crowd around me, and so I sat next to the woman, saying nothing.
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Géraldine Grangier
Citizen
Former Heliotrope adept; Fully marqued
Thou, and no other.
Posts: 2,001
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Post by Géraldine Grangier on Jun 16, 2011 13:18:34 GMT -5
I'd tried not to look too much, not to stare, as a rider sidled up to the fountain, his face stricken with tears, his eyes red with sorrow. It was unmistakable, however, for he seemed a broken man, and there was kindness in my heart, stirred at the sorry sight. As he poured water on his face, on his hair, seeking to calm himself, I watched him calmly, my eyes filling with concern and empathy.
I was glad, when he sat by me, nigh offering me a chance to perhaps do what I'd wish someone would. I fished in my basket for a handkerchief – I didn't have many, but I was glad to have it, and I offered the cloth with a sad little smile. “Here, my lord,” I said, simply. “It is clean and yours to use, an it please you.” I wished I could do more, for I could see on his face the touch of Eisheth, and I thought to myself that he must have been beautiful, when he smiled.
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Jun 16, 2011 15:21:06 GMT -5
The woman beside turned and offered me a handkerchief. I turned my face to her and forced a smile. "Thank you kindly," I told her as I took it and wiped my face, not til I was completely dry though, for now I enjoyed the feeling of the light breeze on my damp skin. I brushed some of my hair away from my face, thinking to myself that I'd want to have it cut short soon to better fit under my helmet. I then glanced to the woman again, wondering if I should leave or speak to her a bit. At this point I wasn't sure if I should talk to anyone, for fear of an unkind word, or offending tone, especially to a woman.
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Géraldine Grangier
Citizen
Former Heliotrope adept; Fully marqued
Thou, and no other.
Posts: 2,001
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Post by Géraldine Grangier on Jun 16, 2011 15:32:43 GMT -5
I didn't want to look too much – though this was a public place, the man looked like he was enduring a private crisis, and I disliked gawking at his suffering. I caught him glancing at me, though, and ventured a slightly timid smile. I wanted to offer him my shoulder to cry on, but I knew nothing of him, not even his name, and so instead, I found lame words for a probably much darker situation. “I'm sorry, my lord, for what is paining you so,” I offered timidly. “If it's any comfort, you may keep the handkerchief, a memento that kindness may be found in unexpected places.” I spoke softly, with deference for he held himself with nobility, but firmly, too, as if my humble present was not debatable. It mattered only a little – the handkerchief bore my initials, two G's entwined, a luxury I'd contracted after a generous patron gift.
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Jun 16, 2011 18:49:31 GMT -5
I smiled at her and looked at the handkerchief. The letter G made me smile, my own first letter. I slipped it in my pocket, a reminder of kindness before the battle. "Thank you. You're very kind, miss." I took a breath. "My name's Guy, Guy de Mereliot." I told myself that this wasn't the time for conversation ... but I still wanted to. I wanted to know what kindness was a little longer before I left for the brutality of war.
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Géraldine Grangier
Citizen
Former Heliotrope adept; Fully marqued
Thou, and no other.
Posts: 2,001
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Post by Géraldine Grangier on Jun 16, 2011 21:20:33 GMT -5
The name was hard to miss – House de Mereliot held the Sovereign Duchy of Eisande, my country, and so I colored a little and curteyed low, finding a civility which I hoped was suitable. “Your Grace,”I said, eyes averted. “I am doubly honored that my kindness pleases you, for it has pleased my countryman.” I looked up, and gave him a frank smile. “My name is Geraldine Grangier. I was born in Marsilikos.” My name, unless Lord de Mereliot was familiar with every captain docking in Marsilikos, would mean nothing to him, I knew. But still, he'd given me his, I'd give him mine, and gladly so.
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Jun 16, 2011 23:23:04 GMT -5
I lifted my eyebrows when she said that she was from my homeland. It made sense though. She had something of Eisande in her face. "I'm happy to have met you, miss Grangier..." My voice trialed off a moment and I looked over my shoulder at the water before letting my fingers trail in it.
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Géraldine Grangier
Citizen
Former Heliotrope adept; Fully marqued
Thou, and no other.
Posts: 2,001
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Post by Géraldine Grangier on Jun 16, 2011 23:31:22 GMT -5
For a moment, I let silence stretch and looked at Lord de Mereliot's hand in the water. I felt the uncanny urge to reach for it and twine my fingers in his, a simple and gentle gesture of comfort.
Around us, the commotion continued as the whole country, it seemed, prepared to go to war, and I had the sudden thought that many would die, leaving not to come back. I looked at him again, at the sadness in his eyes.
“Are you marching to war, my Lord?” The way he'd spoken, he could well be going to his own death, and the thought was breaking my heart.
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Jun 17, 2011 1:13:00 GMT -5
Her question hit close to the center of all that was troubling me and I felt a fresh tear fall again. I nodded and spoke. "I am ... it was a spur of the moment choice to be honest." I bit my lip, knowing that the flood of words was not far behind, and I let some of them tumble. "That is not the reason for this," I said indicating my tears by wiping them away.
And then I thought to myself why was I opening up to her?
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Géraldine Grangier
Citizen
Former Heliotrope adept; Fully marqued
Thou, and no other.
Posts: 2,001
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Post by Géraldine Grangier on Jun 18, 2011 1:21:04 GMT -5
His pain seemed quite intense, and my heart went out to him – I couldn't hide how touched I was by his emotional state, truth be.
“Will you find me indiscreet if I ask you what makes you so very sad, my lord? You seem to suffer greatly, and it saddens me in turn, in all earnest.” I reached to touch his shoulder, then suspended my gesture before it was completed, timid and unwilling to give him an unwanted touch.
Part of me feared, after what he said, that he was rushing to his death apurpose, fleeing whatever had caused his despair, and that thought was a distressing one indeed.
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Jun 18, 2011 1:55:38 GMT -5
I looked at her and I could see that she was filled with genuine concern, and that touched me as well. Why had I been sent to this woman? Perhaps it was to share my pain with someone so that I could be a better soldier out there for my country. Of course I knew full well that I was only going to fight for myself... what use could a man like me be out there anymore. Some, I reassured myself. Maybe it was just chance and maybe I shouldn’t give her a chance to know... I wondered what she would say, if she would still offer sympathy or tell me that I should be ashamed that I’m sad over someone else returning to their first love.
“It’s quite the long story … Are you sure you want to hear it?” She had reached out to touch me, but it was I who touched her, a quick brush of my hand on her arm, as if to punctuate what I had said. “It’s certainly not something I would talk about here … maybe in a quieter place, where those I may soon command will not see me cry.”
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Géraldine Grangier
Citizen
Former Heliotrope adept; Fully marqued
Thou, and no other.
Posts: 2,001
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Post by Géraldine Grangier on Jun 18, 2011 8:54:44 GMT -5
I liked the touch of his hand on my arm – it was as if we were already old friends, something intimate, and I decided I liked Guy de Mereliot, who, even in his distress, seemed to genuinely be concerned about disturbing me.
“I've no plans for the day, as it please you,” I replied with a little smile, “And as I have no chance of ever going to war myself, I would be honored to support you ere you go.” I wanted to suggest a place to go sit, somewhere discreet where he could empty his heart, and though the salon was a perfect place for it, I opted not to suggest it, before he thought I was only seeking his coin. Instead, I settled on offering him an alternative. “It's a beautiful day, and I've not been outside the walls for a time. Would you consent to taking me out? I recall a quiet cove by the river, where one can sit and find peace.”
It seemed like a good plan to me, to bring him to a place where one heard the gentle flock of water and the piping of birds, and so I offered it gladly. I'd ridden astride once or twice before, and though it was hardly my favorite transportation, I could shoulder it gladly, and I would.
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Jun 18, 2011 12:12:26 GMT -5
When I first went away to war I had my brother Lucien and my parents to support me and to see me off with tears and hugs and kisses. This time I would have no one it seemed, except for a pretty stranger who I had never met before in my life. I liked her offer. It seemed innocent enough, though I wasn’t really thinking about that just then. I knew that the troops would still be there when I got back, which assured my that this wasn’t some plan to keep me away from my duties. “Thank you. It sounds like a good idea. You’ll have to show me the way,” I said, getting up and offering her my hand. Even as wary of women and as hurt as I was I was still a gentleman. That was something so deeply ingrained in me I knew it would be there til the day I died, which might be sooner rather than later.
I mounted the horse and then offered to help her as well, bringing the animal to the edge of the fountain so she had a bit of a step up.
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Géraldine Grangier
Citizen
Former Heliotrope adept; Fully marqued
Thou, and no other.
Posts: 2,001
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Post by Géraldine Grangier on Jun 18, 2011 12:19:14 GMT -5
When Guy offered me his hand, I slipped mine in his elegantly, finding his touch reassuring on account of how both strong and gentle his hand was, callused, too, like a soldier's. I let go, watching him mount, and I couldn't help but admire his deftness, how well he seemed to master the beast.
Ready to hop onto the ledge, I balanced up, though my skirts trailed in the water a touch, and I laughed a little, begging forgiveness. “I hope your steed is hot, my lord, for it may get a short shower from my skirts,” I teased, and that done, I gathered them to myself and mounted, steadying myself behind him, sitting like a man and feeling lewd for it, and finding it exciting, somehow. For surety, I slipped my arms around his waist, and asked quietly, “Is that alright, my lord?”
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Jun 18, 2011 14:46:15 GMT -5
Normally I would have laughed at her bit of humor. It was funny, but the best that I could manage was a smile. I kept my eyes before me, not expecting to find her arms around me. The skin tensed at first, but then relaxed. I was glad that she couldn’t see the new stream of tears that accompanied the touch of a woman. I knew it was simply for balance, but all I could think of was Miri’s soft arms. It was almost like I could smell her. But now it was Gil, a man that I admired no less, who was feeling those arms...
I lied and nodded, “Of course, m’dear.” The moment the words left my mouth I bit my lip and more tears fell. I tried to welcome her arms rather than fight them and it worked to an extent. And with that I loosened the reins and sent my horse towards the river.
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Géraldine Grangier
Citizen
Former Heliotrope adept; Fully marqued
Thou, and no other.
Posts: 2,001
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Post by Géraldine Grangier on Jun 18, 2011 14:59:46 GMT -5
I felt a salty tear drop falling onto the back of my hand, and Elua, my heart bled for this man's suffering. I did not know him, besides good press his house received and the extent of our conversation, but I had cried once for love, or twice, or thrice. The life of an adept of Heliotrope is not without heartbreak, when one gives fully and freely every time.
And so I whispered to him the directions he needed, and then spoke no more, my cheek pressed to his back. I lapsed into silence, trying to be a quietly comforting presence, unobtrusive but there nonetheless, much like a pet might be, perhaps, or a sibling. In truth, I felt no sisterly feelings for him, though – rather, I felt a belonging that was new, and which I pegged for friendship and kinship, and let that strange sympathy lie where it was, in favor of giving Guy my full and undivided attention.
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Jun 18, 2011 15:27:33 GMT -5
All the way there my lip quivered and the tears fell from my eyes. She was so kind, so sweet, and she had no idea of the strange mixture of comfort and pain she was stirring up inside my heart and mind. Maybe I needed to not think of her as a woman, but simply as a friend. When I considered it in such a way the touch of her cheek on my broad back was comforting to me and I welcomed it. Then I thought about the fact that she was doing all of this simply because she cared about me, for that small amount of time. She wanted me to feel better. I welcomed it even more for that.
We soon arrived at the place she mentioned. It was a nice, secluded spot and I was glad she chose it. I found a place to tie down the horse and dismounted, offering to help Geraldine down as well.
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Géraldine Grangier
Citizen
Former Heliotrope adept; Fully marqued
Thou, and no other.
Posts: 2,001
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Post by Géraldine Grangier on Jun 18, 2011 15:37:46 GMT -5
I accepted Guy's hand and took what support I could as I came off the horse, though it was less graceful than I would have hoped. Once down, I took a moment to straighten my skirts, which were in full disarray from the ride, and having noticed that the scent of horse was clinging to me, I mused that Guy and I now shared the same perfume, but kept the jest to myself.
“Do you like this place, my lord?” I asked, eyes attentive to him, seeking any sign of displeasure which may have been my own doing. I had no desire of causing him any further distress, and would do my very best to correct any mistake of my own if I had.
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Jun 18, 2011 16:03:06 GMT -5
My eyes didn’t leave hers as hes stayed with mine and I nodded and gave her a smile. “I think it’s really lovely Ms Grangier. Now, where do you suppose the best place to sit would be?” I asked, looking around quickly. In all honesty the water would be nice... Flashes of Mirielle and I at the lake came to me and I punished myself, driving them out and looking at Geraldine. “Maybe the water’s edge?”
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Géraldine Grangier
Citizen
Former Heliotrope adept; Fully marqued
Thou, and no other.
Posts: 2,001
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Post by Géraldine Grangier on Jun 18, 2011 17:26:40 GMT -5
For a moment our eyes were locked, and I found his were beautiful, dark pools filled with sorry, but I imagined how they must be when he was happy and smiling, and thought to myself that I'd like to see the happy crinkles I imagined around his eyes, one day.
“As it please you,” I replied patiently. “Though it's a bit steep, do mind your step.” I extended my hand to him, offering him companionship once more. The edge of the water might be humid, but my dress was already soiled with water from the fountain and horsehair, and so I cared little now.
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Jun 18, 2011 17:48:17 GMT -5
She had pretty eyes, though lovely was the better word it didn’t come to mind at the time. To look into a person’s eyes, really look, deeply and remember all the little facets and colors is a rare treat to be sure.
I took her hand and held it firm but not too firm and walked down with her. It was a little steep and I was careful not to make a misstep that might cause my leg trouble before I even got to the battlefield. There was a nice looking rock on which to sit and I sat down, leaving enough room for her to sit beside me and I took a deep breath, my eyes in a dead gaze over the water.
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Géraldine Grangier
Citizen
Former Heliotrope adept; Fully marqued
Thou, and no other.
Posts: 2,001
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Post by Géraldine Grangier on Jun 18, 2011 18:06:14 GMT -5
I followed Guy, careful not to slip where the ground was wet – my slippers were not the best for this sort of excursion, and I mused that perhaps I should simply remove them, but we were walking already down the slope, and so I went, knowing they would be ruined as well, or in need of a lot of care when I returned home.
I sat by Guy, not pressing myself to him, but close enough to feel his warmth and without speaking, I removed my slippers and dipped the tip of my foot in the water delicately. I could tell that he was preparing himself to speak, and so I remained silent, patiently waiting for him, but ready to listen.
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Jun 18, 2011 20:17:11 GMT -5
I collected my thoughts and looked at her with an exhale. “Well you should probably know some of my background first. I was raised with a lot of books … a lot of those Aragonian romances of chivalry and true love and glory in battle … and I grew up wanting to be like the heroes in those stories. So I trained to become a soldier, and that’s what I became, a general in fact. But before all that I made a vow, never to be with a woman until I had finished my service and found true love...”
I trailed off, knowing that the next memory would be a painful one for me. “In the heat of battle I was injured. My leg,” I said, glancing down at it, “Is weakened... I had to leave the service … not too long after that my brother took ill and died. I became the next Comte de Avignon. Through my time here I tried to fight again, but eventually became content. I received my first kiss.” I had a bittersweet smile as I recalled the wild Islander. “But it was not of love and I beat myself up because of it. Then I met my first love...” My mind flashed to the first time I saw Mirielle and I broke down, tears falling in rivulets down my face. I needed to pause to gather myself again.
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Géraldine Grangier
Citizen
Former Heliotrope adept; Fully marqued
Thou, and no other.
Posts: 2,001
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Post by Géraldine Grangier on Jun 18, 2011 20:51:27 GMT -5
I listened as Guy spoke, making soft noised during pauses to show that I was still listening. I smiled a little when he spoke of his quest for love, endeared, but then he was crying again, and I had no other handkerchief for him.
I took a small breath, and gently reached to the water, dipping my hand in it for cleanliness, and then reached up, wiping his tears with gentle fingers.
“Oh, my lord...” I started to say, but then I found I had no words, and all I could do was weep with him, and in truth, he was bringing me to tears. I could feel my eyes stinging, and the desire to kiss his tears away fell over me, but I ignored it, fully aware that such an attention would be unwelcome at this time.
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Jun 18, 2011 22:13:06 GMT -5
She touched me gently, wiping away my tears which I then dried with her handkerchief. She as crying too and at first I thought it strange, but then endearing. She seemed to care so much... It gave me the strength to go on.
“She was a widow, Mirelle’s her name... And she’s beautiful and kind and everything I wanted. When we were together I felt at ease, at home, and I know that she was comforted too. And after a season I told her how I felt and she warned me she didn’t wish to hurt me and I told her she never could because I loved her. And I did love her so very much. And we went for a trip... and I gave her that which I had been saving so long. It was wonderful and sweet and exhilarating all at once... and then less than a month later she comes to my door and says her first love has returned and she cannot be with me. And I could survive that I think. But then she said she never really loved me in that way. I feel worthless... That was just less than an hour ago and now I’m going back to what I know...”
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Géraldine Grangier
Citizen
Former Heliotrope adept; Fully marqued
Thou, and no other.
Posts: 2,001
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Post by Géraldine Grangier on Jun 18, 2011 22:30:20 GMT -5
When Guy started to wipe his tears, I didn't touch him further, and I listened, attentive to him. I wanted to cradle him and didn't dare, unsure of how much contact would be welcome, but I wiped my own tears – they were much less abundant than his, but still my eyes were humid enough to warrant it.
He told me a name, said she'd been a widow, and I remembered a sunny afternoon, of a woman with blond hair who was kind to the children of the house, and who spoke of love and its mysterious, unsettling ways. She'd not struck me as fickle or mean then, but I didn't speak, keeping it for myself, because in grief, one does not wish to hear justifications for the absurd. If this was the Mirielle I'd once known, there was nothing I could do, I a mere courtesan, when she was a Duchesse, and doubly so, mayhap.
I listened and listened, and then I knew just what I wanted to tell him, and reaching for his face, gently, I begged he look at me. “You are not worthless, my lord, for you are beautiful, and kind, and well-spoken, and your heart is greater and braver than many I've known. You are worthy of being loved, and you are worthy of living.”
I would have kissed him then, to show him that he was desirable, but I knew deep in my heart, that it was not what he sought of me, and so I did not, instead dropping my hands and taking a deep breath. I still feared that he would go to seek his own death, and though it was honorable, to give one's life for Terre d'Ange...
I wanted him to live.
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Jun 18, 2011 22:57:44 GMT -5
I took in her words and appreciated them. “But I’ve failed at love. It’s my fault...” It was all that I had to tell her really. “How do I even know if I could trust another woman with my heart?” The war needed me more than I needed to find love. I had wasted my virginity, I had broken all my promises to myself.
I looked into her eyes and saw her sadness. “Thank you, thank you for listening to me. I think that I was really blessed to meet you.
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Géraldine Grangier
Citizen
Former Heliotrope adept; Fully marqued
Thou, and no other.
Posts: 2,001
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Post by Géraldine Grangier on Jun 18, 2011 23:07:38 GMT -5
I understood well his hurt, and I gave him a sad little smile. “You are welcome, my lord,” I replied gently. “I know well that it is an old and trite saying, but time is healer, do take my word for it.” And it was – for there was a time when I'd loved a man I should not love, a marquist who had contracted me just the once, and whom I'd not seen again – he had disappeared in the throngs of the city, and I had healed, but forgetting my attraction to Darien had taken some time.
I tilted my head, considered him, and without thinking, offered him my hand to take, a gesture of comfort that was simple but not committing. “May I ask you a question, my lord?” It seemed inordinately important that I ask him why he was going to war – was he going out of duty, or was it despair that drove him?
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Jun 19, 2011 0:09:06 GMT -5
Her words were true I knew but I wondered if time would heal it properly or leave it hard and closed. I took her hand and nodded. “Anything you like,” I said, trying to smile.
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