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 27, 2011 21:38:35 GMT -5
“There's no harm in learning,” I replied, chuckling. “Would you extend bravery as far as peeling a few onions?”
It was a challenge right back, not ill meant, just a playful tease.
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Post by Renard de Valliers on Jun 28, 2011 1:14:19 GMT -5
I stretched out my fingers and gave her a small grin, "Well, I will do my best not to cry about it, but I think I'm brave enough to muddle through the tears."
I stood up and made my way beside her. I picked up a knife and then picked up a onion. "How much do you need?" I cut the onion in half and then began removing the outer inedible skin.
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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 29, 2011 9:55:52 GMT -5
I was amused – he didn't seem to have any discomfort with tears, or with women's chores, and as he'd not quite shown any interest in me sexually, I wondered if his proclivities took him to consider his own gender in the light in which I considered all beautiful people, be they man or woman. I smiled softly, and decided that was Renard's to decide.
“Three should be enough,” I replied with a little smile. “Your bravery is magnificent,” I teased. “There are rumors that war may be afoot. Will you ride, then, and muddle through steel as bravely as you muddle through tears?”
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Post by Renard de Valliers on Jun 29, 2011 23:33:49 GMT -5
I nodded to her as I began chopping up each half of onion, setting it where she directed me to and then working on the second one. I laughed softly at her teasing. I didn't think that chopping a onion was really as brave as I made it to be, and I didn't think she had that thought either.
I nodded at her question, "Yes, I actually signed up to go to war. If there are raids on Camlach's border, I will do what I can to rid my country of them. My younger sister is also in Camlach, so I'm somewhat fearsome for her as well. I have joined up with the archery unit, and I hope to prove a good contributor to the army."
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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 30, 2011 10:49:12 GMT -5
I nodded, listening to Renard, sighing a little. So many good men going to war – Decimus, now him. Who else would go? “I salute your courage and dutifulness,” I replied, smiling a little. “Will you send for you sister, that she be brought to the city for safety, in the meantime?”
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Post by Renard de Valliers on Jun 30, 2011 14:44:53 GMT -5
My lips curved up slightly as she spoke of saluting my courage. I liked being called courageous. I shook my head at her question, "I wasn't planning to. Growing up with a strong minded sister taught me that a man cannot dictate to a woman who has no wish to be dictated to. She might want to join in on the fight. When I last spoke to her, she mentioned that she wanted to be a Eisheth's priest, so this might be her opportunity. I'll be thankful to be there as well to do what I can to protect her. I have been considering bringing her to Elua, but it will ultimately be her decision."
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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 30, 2011 15:57:00 GMT -5
I nodded, appreciating how much sovereignty he was granting his little sister – I envied her a little, for having a kind and protective brother like Renard, truth be.
“I understand, though I thought she would have to come to the temple in the city, if she wanted to join the Service? Though perhaps there is one in Camlach, too.” I smiled a little, wryly. “I'll admit, I have never had to light a candle in the temple of Eisheth.”
And with good reason, too: why would I light a candle, and beg to conceive, when there was no man in my life who gave me the desire to sire a child?
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Post by Renard de Valliers on Jul 1, 2011 2:03:32 GMT -5
I finished chopping the last onion and I placed the onion slices in the bowl she had set for them. I looked up at her, welcoming her to give me anything else to chop if she needed.
I nodded, "There is a Eisheth temple in Camlach, but it's not nearly as well known as the one in Elua. So she should come to Elua if she wishes to get the best training. "
I smiled when she mentioned that she never lit her candle. "I could see how that might be a hindrance to the service you provide to others. I think you would be a good mother. Have you never considered birthing children of your own?"
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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 Jul 1, 2011 12:51:58 GMT -5
I nodded, listening to Renard talk of his sister, and as we'd been talking, my share of tomatoes were chopped and placed in the pan, over the bed of dough. I accepted the onions and placed them atop, taking time to make sure that the placement to be aesthetically pleasing.
“Oh,” I replied, smiling a little, “I love children, and would love to raise some. I used to spend a lot of time with the young ones, at Heliotrope, and still visit, betimes.”
I was quiet for a time, still arranging the pie.
“But a child is a boon of love. I've no desire to conceive out of such bonds.”
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Post by Renard de Valliers on Jul 1, 2011 16:59:12 GMT -5
I picked up my glass of cordial as she spoke while putting the dish together. I took notice of how she arranged everything on the dough. I nodded at what she said in regards to children, and stayed quiet as well reflecting on my own thoughts in regards to children.
Her statement on children being born from love between two people was a sweet notion, but I didn't think it had to be necessary for every case. "Do you think it's okay for a woman to be a single parent to her child?" I vaguely wondered if she had ever met Naia, although Naia did have a boyfriend from what I assumed.
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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 Jul 1, 2011 19:06:21 GMT -5
I paused, hands still on the dish, and took a breath, taking the time it too to put olives and herbs onto the tomato pie, then to deposit it into the oven, to find my true answer.
“Love as thou willt,” I replied, after a moment. “Though for myself, if I could not provide for my child, it would be ill done.” I looked away, then shrugged. “I would be loath to give a child of mine to Mont-Nuit, ungrateful though it may seem.”
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Post by Renard de Valliers on Jul 1, 2011 21:44:36 GMT -5
I placed the knife back on the cutting board and took a step, so that I was not in her way. I thought about her quiet carefully, "My father didn't think that he could raise my sister and I on his own, so he married fairly quickly. I think we would have been fine with a single parent, although I think I would like to avoid it if I could."
"Children are wonderful...so innocent and carefree. Was I ever like that..?" I laughed softly and shook my head. "I suppose I'll owe you a dinner after this, hmm? Or perhaps that's just an excuse so I can take a look at that chair once it's finished..." I teased her lightly.
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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 Jul 1, 2011 22:07:27 GMT -5
I gave him a slightly wry smile, and having put the pie into the oven, I poured myself some cordial.
“Is it truly the chair, or her owner, whom you wish to see again?” I asked, smiling elegantly. I leaned over a little, letting my hear brush along my cheeks, perhaps tempting him a little, a purpose. “I would be glad to see you again indeed, Renard. Do note how little eager I was to have an assignation with Geoffrey tonight...”
Yes, I was offering – it was in my nature, but it was idle flirting, and if he refused me, then I might simply enjoy dinner with the young and kind Cammeline archer, and call him a friend.
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Post by Renard de Valliers on Jul 2, 2011 11:13:27 GMT -5
I curved my lips to the side lightly as if considering, "I admit that I do have a affinity for fine crafted chairs....as well as beautiful women..." I watched her brush her hair and a flirtatious move, and I can feel my body physically reacting to her.
I moved my hand forward to take her free hand and move my thumb over the back of it in a gentle caressing motion, "It's been quite some time since I've had that experience....and I'm not nearly as experienced as some..." My eyes silently sought hers as if I was asking her if this was really something that she wanted. I didn't want to sign a contract with her because she thought I was attractive. Chemistry and desire was important, and it was obvious that we had the right chemistry, but I wondered if knowledge of my limited experience might afford her the ability to step back if she chose to.
I didn't know how she would react if I couldn't perform. I don't even know if I could perform. When it came to my lover in Camael, I had been incredibly uneasy and nervous. Somehow Geraldine made me feel more relaxed as if she gave me permission to be myself somehow.
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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 Jul 2, 2011 13:02:27 GMT -5
I blushed a little when Renard took my hand and caressed it, and I put down my cordial, so that I might face him a little more.
“Experience comes with time,” I replied softly, leaning a little closer, “And a lover should care more for their partner, than for their own pleasure.”
My other hand now no longer held a glass, and I gently reached to touch his face, slight fingertips gently exploring his soft skin. “Do you trust me, my lord?” It was a bare question, asked softly and in earnest. He seemed less tetchy than before, also less cagey.
I wanted the assignation, found him desirable, and therefore wished to service him, but I needed to know that he was comfortable with me.
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Post by Renard de Valliers on Jul 2, 2011 14:24:01 GMT -5
I listened to her speak of lovers giving pleasure to one another. She made it seem so simple, but it was far too confusing for me. When she placed her hand on my cheek, I put a hand up to cover her own and I closed my eyes. I let out a soft sigh. I wish I could give her the answer that I knew would lift her soul, but I had to be honest. I opened my eyes and looked into her eyes and I shook my head, "No... I wish that I could say that I do trust you, but I find it very hard to trust women. There was a woman in my past....she brought me great pain. And ever since then, I've found it difficult to....get past 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 Jul 2, 2011 14:38:18 GMT -5
I shifted my fingers gently, in a subtle caress, and waited for him to speak. When Renard spoke, I nodded, eyes into his. “It's well,” I murmured softly. “I will do nothing that you do not desire, and if you wish for us to do nothing at all, then that will be as you wish it, too.”
I didn't move, feeling as if he might scamper away if I did. “Do you desire me, Renard?” I said his name like a caress, like a promise.
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Post by Renard de Valliers on Jul 2, 2011 22:17:56 GMT -5
Her voice was like a sweet siren, and there was a part of me that wanted to give in to her touch and her voice. And yet another part of me was certain that this was some kind of trick, and that her flattery was meant to eventually bring me pain.
I blinked at her question and I nodded silently. I didn't trust my voice to say the right thing, but I knew that I was coming to a cross roads. Do I continue down the same fearful road that I have been going down...? Or do I take another path that might be helpful to me in the future? Surely I couldn't run forever..... Could I?
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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 Jul 3, 2011 0:15:19 GMT -5
I could see it in his eyes – a turmoil of emotions. Pain, fear, but desire, and curiosity, too. Gently, I finished my caress, and removed my hand from his face. “I desire you too,” I replied, voice still subdued, but calm and reasonable.
“I serve Naamah,” I said as I turned to the counter. “And it would be easy to believe that I wish to ensnare any and all men who come my way. Yet I wish for you to know this: I have never taken a patron that I did not desire, and so if I offer myself to you, that is because I will it.” I looked to him, then, over my shoulder, and gave him a little smile. “The choice is yours, and yours alone.”
I turned, then, and started to take plates out for the both of us, hair shifted off the nape of my neck for the mild summer heat.
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Post by Renard de Valliers on Jul 3, 2011 13:21:06 GMT -5
I felt a little lighter when she mentioned that she desired me. Although, it didn't remove the worry that plagued on my mind. I watched her move back to the counter and listened to her mention that she only took on patrons that she wanted.
I felt my manhood stretch in my breeches as she looked at me over her shoulder. Her moves were subtle and yet so sensual. Everything in my body told me to go for it, but my mind and emotions were in direct conflict.
I was quiet for a moment, "I...will keep your offer in mind, but I don't think I'm ready tonight..." My eyes took in the elegant curves of her form, and I could already hear my body screaming out in torment. I would be most certaintly taking a very cold bath this evening...
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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 Jul 3, 2011 14:52:21 GMT -5
“It's quite alright,” I replied, smiling sweetly at him over my shoulder. “I do hope you'll be ready for food, though – it should be ready soon.
With that, I took a sip of my glass, and walked to the small patch of herbs, and plucked a few leaves of fresh basil. “Here,” I said, and offered him one. “Tell me what you smell.”
He wasn't ready, he'd said it, that was all there was to do with the subject, and so it was promptly dropped in favor of another, lighter one.
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Post by Renard de Valliers on Jul 3, 2011 14:58:50 GMT -5
I was glad to see that she wasn't upset with me. We seemed to have created a good friendship, and I hoped that my decision wouldn't end things suddenly. Nothing was worse than a woman scorned.
I nodded to her, letting her know that I was indeed ready for a meal. I leaned my head over to smell the fragrance and it seemed somewhat familiar to me, but I wasn't quite sure what it was, "Rosemary?" I guessed, but I immediately knew that was wrong. So I tried again, "Bay leaf?"
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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 Jul 3, 2011 16:46:52 GMT -5
“Basil,” I replied, smiling, and I popped a leaf in my mouth, keeping the other s to adorn the pie.
“Feel free to explore the patch, if you like.”
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Post by Renard de Valliers on Jul 3, 2011 22:41:57 GMT -5
I made my way over to the garden and began looking at the various herbs and plants, "Did you plant these on your own? If so, you are quite the farmer..." He took in the sight of the dirt, and the health of the plants. He was careful with his footing, so that he didn't step on any.
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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 Jul 3, 2011 23:31:52 GMT -5
I blushed, pleased by the praise. “thank you,” I replied. “I always wished for a patch like this... I kept one at Heliotrope as well, it was a nice way to keep pleasant scents in my room...”
I felt a bit shy, suddenly, and a bit sad, too, remembering my best friend, and how she'd somehow... disappeared. I missed her red hair and her smile, and the way she painted.
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Post by Renard de Valliers on Jul 4, 2011 17:04:06 GMT -5
I quietly explored the garden as she spoke. I was glad that we had moved past the topic of a assignation. I had only been in the city for a few weeks, I wasn't ready to face the demons of my past just yet. Of course, I would rather avoid it completely if I could. Eventually my wife would find out...or recognize my difficulty, but for right now I could breathe easily.
My stomach gave a low growl. reminding me that I had skipped breakfast earlier today.
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Post by Renard de Valliers on Jul 5, 2011 17:15:56 GMT -5
Geraldine finished preparing the lunch and we sat down for a meal outside. I ate the meal, assuaging my hunger, and enjoying the company. When the meal was finished, I helped Dine to clean up the kitchen and table a little bit. I waved goodbye and headed back toward my estate.
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