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Post by Mael Leblanc on Jul 4, 2011 13:25:20 GMT -5
We were admitted into the camp without incident, for which, I confess, I was grateful. I had not been looking forward to the prospect of either fighting our way in--suicidal, given the presence of so many soldiers--or employing subterfuge, which would have destroyed my friend's credibility.
Gillermo had left us alone, presumably to seek out his lady-friend, and while I did have some misgivings regarding his safety, in the end I managed to convince myself that no one would be stupid enough to harm him here.
Except Florence, of course, but he was with our party, and I knew Adrien was keeping an eye out for him since I could not.
We were not long out of the saddle before we were approached by a group of soldiers dressed in the Duchess' colours. I should have known better than to think that Gillermo's title meant that we would be met with automatic acceptance.
"Well, now, what's this?" The only time men asked that question was when they wanted to deliver an insult in their next statement. "Didn't this one ride in with Gillermo Stregazza just now?"
"I believe he did," another man, to my left, and close.
"Hmph, well, far be it for me to dictate whether a servant rides astride or not," he said, and I felt my face flush with anger. "I suppose someone has to cook his meals..."
"...or warm his bed..." the other added, and I heard a ripple of laughter.
Suffice it to say that I was good and angry, not just for what was said about me, but what had been implied about my friend.
"Adrien, the first speaker, where is he?" I whispered.
I was only half listening to the first man when he said: "Ah, so apparently he isn't mute after all. Why don't you run along to your duties, kitchen-boy? I imagine your master will be quite...hungry...before the day is out..."
I imagine that he was quite surprised when I seized his arm and used my momentum to throw him to the ground, using my whole body to keep him pinned.
"Listen to me, you gutter spawn!" I hissed. "My name is Mael Leblanc, I am Captain of the Stregazza guard, and you are fortunate that there are laws against murder in Terre d'Ange, else I believe you would have been killed long ago, and you call yourselves the pride of Terre d'Ange! Ha! You were just bested by a blind man!"
I stood up, and dusted myself off. "It would appear that Azzalle's soldiers need more training and less bedamned pride!" I exclaimed.
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jul 4, 2011 20:48:04 GMT -5
I'd finally come out of the tent, leaving Mirielle to speak to her men, and going to speak to my own. Locating Mael took little effort. There was a commotion, in fact, a grouping of men, and I hastened my pace to put an end to the scuffle.
“Now now,” I said, bearing proud, though I must have still been grinning like an idiot. “We could all do with less pride and more camaraderie, brothers. Save it for the Skaldis, aye?”
And reaching to touch Mael's shoulder, I started to guide him away from the crowd, having given a swing of my head to include Adrien.
“Come, captain. We've business to discuss.”
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Post by Mael Leblanc on Jul 4, 2011 22:03:46 GMT -5
When Gillermo came to put an end to all the foolishness I had just endured, I was secretly relieved that I would not have to teach the other men similar lessons.
Instead, I beamed with pride when he referred to me by the title I had earlier proclaimed that I neither wanted nor needed.
"There, you see? Captain!" I crowed, turning my head so that they could see the smug satisfaction that I felt before Gillermo led me away.
"I wonder when their jaws will stop hitting the ground," Adrien whispered.
"They're lucky their jaws are still attached to the rest of them," I replied. "So, Gillermo, what is it we need to discuss? Are we going to be staying in this godsforsaken camp for long, because I just started making...friends...and I don't think it's going to be getting any easier." Well, unless I beat them all into the ground, but what are the chances that they're all as dim-witted as that group?
"So, how did thinks work out with your lady-friend?" I asked. "Have we been exiled yet?"
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jul 5, 2011 9:49:22 GMT -5
I had to stifle a chuckle when Mael crowed his newly acquired assignment, but it was well and fair, and he absolutely deserved it. I squeezed his shoulder, instead, and walked along with him and Adrien, listening to their banter good-naturedly.
“I think matter will settle,” I replied, amused by my own understatement. “Between you and your new friends, of course.”
I made a significant pause, and said, smugly, looking at my nails as if bantering on a trivial little matter, “After all, one never knows how a captain of the Stregazza guard might climb the echelons of the Azzalese army.” Another pause, and I buffed my nails. “Though the fact that their lady general is now engaged to an obscure Serenissiman Duca is absolutely irrelevant to such a scenario... of course.”
I was trying not to speak like the besotted fool that I was... and I wasn't so sure of how well I was succeeding.
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Post by Mael Leblanc on Jul 5, 2011 13:04:43 GMT -5
I snorted. "Nah, I'm not interested in the a--what did you just say?!" I played the conversation over again in my mind. I could not read the expression on his face, but I could hear it in his voice.
"Oh, godsdammit, you're going soft on me, aren't you?" I said flatly. I could hear it in his voice, though I had never felt such a thing for anyone, but I knew that tone of voice.
"I guess...congratulations?" That sounded about right, either that or 'condolences', but he certainly didn't sound unhappy about the arrangement. I wasn't sure how I felt about the arrangement, however.
Come on, Mael. It has nothing to do with you, just do what you're being paid to do and leave the lovebirds to their coddling. When it was worded in that way, it sounded much more acceptable.
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jul 5, 2011 23:56:49 GMT -5
I couldn't help but be amused by Mael's bemusement – I tried not to let it show too much, but in the mood I was, everything looked bright.
“Thank you,” I replied, and patted his shoulder. “Though I reckon, you have nothing to worry about in that respect.”
I walked a little further, until we were safe from prying ears. “I intend to make good on my word to you – and if I get too soft, aye, I trust you'll hit me with one of those well-chose jabs of yours, and set me straight.”
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Post by Mael Leblanc on Jul 6, 2011 21:52:31 GMT -5
I grinned. "Do you mean in words or in deed, because I can deliver either jab quite competently." All jesting aside, my mouth formed into a hard line. "And I never doubted for a minute that you would not keep your word," I said. "You don't sound like that sort of man, Gillermo." He had proved that to me on the way here.
"Since I suppose we will be staying here for a time, would it be possible for you to keep an eye out for a standard bearing a green snake on a black field?" My hands bunched into fists. "I remember them..."
"I haven't seen any standards like that," Adrien remarked. "But I haven't been around the whole camp yet, maybe they aren't even in Azzalle..."
"Still, it wouldn't hurt to check..." I replied. "Just in case..."
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jul 7, 2011 13:50:48 GMT -5
I nodded, committing the detail to memory, thinking I might perhaps write to Lessandrie on the matter – she'd ever been well acquainted with such things. Sadly, though, if she was in Ruskovia, the answer might come late.
Nonetheless, I would write – it seemed to me that the note left with her cousin might have heralded my return... now another missive was pertinent. Besides, Mael was Eisandine, and the Lady of Marsilikos could be key to his quest.
“Aye,” I replied. “Consider it done.”
A breath, then. “And a request on your side, if you please – you both have a network on Night's Doorstep. I think a little investigation on our friend Danton might be in order.”
Of course, I would also forward the same to Raisa Valois – but more outreach was all the better, for this sort of thing.
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Post by Mael Leblanc on Jul 15, 2011 21:30:44 GMT -5
I considered his request, then nodded. "I will see what the rabble can find out, if a certain someone or his agents have set foot in Night's Doorstep recently, someone will know. It will take time, barring less...expensive options...of course." The gods knew, contacting The Spider was a risk in itself, but one I would take if Gillermo requested it, even though the less contact I had with his feelers, the better everyone was for it.
I was about to say more, but my stomach rumbled unexpectedly. "Ah, is there anything to eat at this time of day?" I asked. "I must say I am already missing the market in the City of Elua."
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jul 15, 2011 21:49:59 GMT -5
“There's a canteen further off, though I don't expect the grub will be any good,” I replied as I shrugged.
“What certain someone is that, Mael?” I said as I started to angle our way towards the canteen, “and how expensive are they?”
I did have Raisa working on something else – and I suspected I might indeed write her with Danton's name, to start. Nonetheless, information was information. The old tricks were coming back.
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Post by Mael Leblanc on Jul 15, 2011 22:37:54 GMT -5
"When you become accustomed to going without food, even bad food is a banquet," I murmured. "I just need enough to fill my belly and keep it from aching."
I glanced in the direction of his voice. "Someone most stay clear of, and for good reason." I shook my head. "No, Gillermo, 'tis a last resort, anyways, I am sure the rabble will find something. Night's Doorstep isn't that big if you know where to look or who to ask, but I will not see you become beholden to that...man..."
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jul 15, 2011 22:51:20 GMT -5
“I'm rarely beholden to anyone or anything,” I replied, shrugging. “But we can drop the matter for now.”
I was curious. I might ask again, later – for now, though, I was content to drop the topic.
“I will be writing to a few people,” I said after a time. “We'll see what crops up. In the meantime, let us have that banquet, and then perhaps I shall see about introducing you to someone.”
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Post by Mael Leblanc on Jul 16, 2011 22:29:57 GMT -5
"Do these introductions involve my dressing in my best and acting polite to everyone when I have a feeling that they would not be interested in my affairs normally but they are also being forced to behave themselves?" I asked innocently, hearing Adrien snort in response. "I'll need food before I do that sort of thing..."
I could hear men talking and laughing, and couldn't help but be reminded of some of the better taverns in Night's Doorstep, and then it suddenly occurred to me how far we had come.
"We are a long way from home," I said suddenly, sighing a little.
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jul 17, 2011 0:10:30 GMT -5
“Since you're meeting a lady,” I said, “and one whose opinion quite matters, I expect you'll both be at your most charming.”
I sighed, though, when I heard Mael's sigh – it was contagious. “Only for a time,” I said simply.
“Though I will be missing the infamous ale at the Poulet Gauche.”
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Post by Mael Leblanc on Jul 18, 2011 21:21:36 GMT -5
"That ale tastes like horse piss..." I remarked. "If you desire good drink, your best option is to loot it from a Skaldi. They're accomplished brewers, or so I've heard."
"Says the man who's hardly had enough drinks to be a good judge of quality," Adrien said dryly.
"You're one to talk!" I shot back. "Messire Drink Poisons the Mind and Body Except When I Have Need of It."
Adrien grumbled but did not offer a retort. I counted it a victory. The sound of many men taking and laughing together was much closer now, and then my senses were flooded with sensations.
"I smell meat cooking," I remarked, inhaling the scent. "It seems a little early for it, but meat is meat, I suppose, and better than nothing."
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jul 18, 2011 21:40:10 GMT -5
I listened to Mael and Adrien argue – I realized that should we part ways, I would miss their banter. In truth, they sounded like an old couple, married for too long. I entertained the thought that perhaps indeed they were lovers, and it died just as it was born. It wasn't that sort of friendship.
“There's worse,” I agreed, and started towards the place where food was being prepared.
The men looked at us – we did look the ragtag band, I'll concede.
“Who comes,” one of them hailed.
“Only three hungry men,” I replied, simply.
“Well, get in line,” he barked back.
“Ah, in line, really? I thought you might be more amenable, friend,” I said, opening up the negotiation.
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Post by Mael Leblanc on Jul 20, 2011 20:37:56 GMT -5
I sighed and struck my forehead with my open palm. "Gillermo, let me handle the negotiations," I said succinctly, raising my voice so that all could hear. "Now listen, friends, this here is Gillermo Stregazza, and unless I'm mistaken, he's now your commanding officer. Do you honestly wish to be strung up for insubordination?"
I brought my fist down into my open palm. "I may be blind, sirs, but I know how to tie a damn good knot, and so help me gods, I'll string you all up by your heels if you dare talk to Messire Stregazza like that again!"
I strode forward, dead silence following in my wake. "There now, 'twas not so hard." I said. "Now we may take our fair share."
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jul 20, 2011 22:44:59 GMT -5
It was all I could do not to rub my face in front of the men – a duca, I may be, betrothed to their liege lady, I was, but that didn't make me a general overnight, begad.
“-- Mael,” I started to say, but then I was interrupted with the men's questions and looks, and I had to quickly say, “Duca Gillermo Stregazza, aye, and Azzalese by half, though only superior in title. Leave it,” I started to say, but then a bowl of dubious soup was thrust in my hand, and a leg of meat atop it, and I sighed.
“My thanks, but don't give me more than a soldier's share,” I tried to say, and sighed, looking at the food that was now awkwardly laying in my hands.
At which point I frowned, and sighed, and looked at Adrien with a fair measure of helplessness.
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Post by Mael Leblanc on Jul 24, 2011 11:20:54 GMT -5
I was given a leg of meat and what felt like a crust of hard bread, which I sat and devoured happily. It would not have mattered to me if the fat outnumbered the flesh, I was hungry.
"Mael, you should be gentle with these men, they look as if they have just come from a wrestling match with a bunch of demons," Adrien remarked. "I'd imagine the last thing they need is for someone to invade and throw a title in their faces."
I paused mid-bite, suddenly shamed by my behaviour. I had acted no better than the fops who came into Night's Doorstep and expected us all to treat them like kings.
I tried to enjoy my food, but I tasted nothing but bitterness.
"Gillermo," I said quietly. "If they have given you a share, the least you can do is eat it, whether you think it fair or no."
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jul 24, 2011 12:18:43 GMT -5
Just Mael finished speaking, the leg of... I supposed it was chicken... flopped ungracefully into the bowl of soup, and I fished it with my index and fingers, and looked at it a bit, as if examining something intriguing and vaguely alien.
“I suppose it cannot be worse than Jebean fufu,” I said with a thoughtful frown, before I proceeded to eat the meat.
I'd decided to leave it to Adrien and Mael to self-discipline: it seemed to me that Adrien was doing a good job of pointing out Mael's incoherences, and felt no need to beat a dead horse.
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Jul 26, 2011 14:47:14 GMT -5
My duties for the day had gone on much longer than I'd intended, let alone hoped. By the time I was able to wash my hands and face and make my way out of my tent, I was slightly shocked at the changed light in the sky. Had so much time passed, truly? I made a couple inquiries as to where the Duca Gillermo Stregazza was, and upon finding the answer, I was doubly glad I had declined my evening meal.
It was a bit of a walk to reach the cooking stations, but I went alone, dismissing my guards as I planned on remaining inside the lines of the camp. Scanning the crowds, it took but a moment to find he who I was looking for, and get a look too at his traveling companions as I made my way over.
"I hope I'm not interrupting," I said gently, pausing near Gillermos side, though not pressing against him; I knew some of the pride of men, and wanted to respect any space that he might want in public. I looked at him, giving him a tender smile before looking to the others, bowing my head politely, though in a friendly fashion.
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Post by Mael Leblanc on Jul 27, 2011 20:59:22 GMT -5
We ate in relative quiet for a few short moments before a sudden silence descended on us. I, of course, could not see the cause of it, but I heard the woman's voice well enough.
"Adrien, what is happening?" I hissed. Were these soldiers the sort to not discuss certain matters around women?
Oh.
"I believe," Adrien said simply. "That we've just been introduced to the Stregazza's lady-friend, as you like to call her."
"Don't call her that in front of her!" I hissed, springing to my feet and sketching a bow. "Excuse me, my lady. My name is Mael Leblanc, and this is my companion, Adrien. He has a longer name, but no one can pronounce it properly." Gods, this was awkward, but truthfully I would have rather encountered her here than in a more official setting.
Oh, I should have probably let Gillermo introduce us, I realized belatedly, that was what was proper. Then again, I had never been one for propriety.
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jul 28, 2011 10:32:29 GMT -5
It took quite a bit of self-control for me not to pinch the bridge of my nose. Mael, Mael, Mael. Not house-trained, oh dear. I sighed and slipped an arm around Mirielle's waist, and said, then, “Mirielle, these are my friends, as you can see by how casual they are. Let me do this properly.”
“Your Grace, will you allow me to introduce the captain of my guard, Messire Mael Leblanc, and his second, Adrien of the rather-long-name.”
And with that, I chuckled, and added, “And if any of you calls me The Stregazza again, and you'll find yourself chugging that awful broth faster than you'd like.”
In truth, I was amused, and I figured if Mirielle and I were to be wed, it was best that she get a good eyeful of what my life was like, now.
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Aug 2, 2011 17:37:34 GMT -5
This was Gillermos traveling party? Truth be, it shouldn't have surprised me, knowing Gils eccentric ways, but it wasn't every day one was introduced to a man with a cloth tied about his eyes, and another man who had a tongue, I suspected, as rough as a farriers file. An unfeigned smile was on my mouth before I knew it, though, and I laughed before hurriedly catching myself, tampering it down to a grin as Gil slid his arm around my waist.
Elua, but I loved the contact. I didn't precisely lean against him, but I did move closer, giving him both an amused and affectionate smile before I turned back to his companions.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Monsieur Leblanc, and Monsieur Long-Name. Feel free to call me Mirielle, unless you much prefer Lady-Friend."
My eyes danced with mirth as I bowed my head again, and there was no mistaking the good humor in both my tone as well as my face. Interesting company surely, but no mistaking the delight in having a change of pace with two men who were apparently good company, and the marvelous thrill of being with my husband-to-be.
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Post by Mael Leblanc on Aug 4, 2011 22:31:46 GMT -5
I grinned. "Only if you refer to us as Mael and Adrien." I had to admit, I was not certain I would like this lady-friend of Gillermo's, but now I was revising my opinion of her.
"Well, from your voice alone, it seems that Gillermo is...quite fortunate," I remarked, my elbow finding Adrien, who immediately set about describing Mirielle so that I had an image to match to a voice.
"Quite fortunate indeed," I continued, grinning again. If the image I had in my head of the two of them was any indication, they made quite a striking pair.
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Aug 5, 2011 10:12:37 GMT -5
I smiled a little more, and looked down at Mirielle, allowing myself to bask in her beauty a short moment.
I squeezed her waist a little, a tender gesture. “Good fortune comes and goes, though I hope this one's here to stay,” I said with a small smile. “But we should sit – I'd love for you to know my friends better, Angel, and Mael, Adrien, it's important to me too.”
[OOC: Gil's going to be quiet for a bit, to let them get to know each other, I think? Don't wait for me, I'm still stalking the thread so I'll have him interject if there's any, er, interjecting needed. ^^]
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Aug 8, 2011 18:29:49 GMT -5
I laughed softly at the antics before me, the blind-folded man elbowing his companion and receiving a basic run-down of my features. Another compliment was paid, and this time I couldn't stop the blush, and I found myself guiltily being thankful that Mael at least couldn't see it before I chided myself on my insensitivity.
"Thank you, Mael," I replied, giving he and Adrien both a warm smile to match my tone. My eyes went up to Gillermo as he gave my waist a small squeeze; even that little touch sent a thrill of pleasure across my chest. "I've not eaten out here before," I replied, though I didn't have any food yet. I wasn't overly concerned; it was be easy enough to call something to my tent later. We walked and I let Gil guide me as we moved, letting myself glance to his two companions as we did. "What province do you hale from?" I asked curiously as we moved, curious if this was their first visit to my beloved Azzalle or not.
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Post by Mael Leblanc on Aug 8, 2011 20:41:47 GMT -5
I took her thanks as leave to sit down again, my ears tracking her movements.
"I hail from L'Agnace, a modest estate, it belonged to my mother, but I've lived in the City of Elua for years now." I said. "How many years, Adrien?"
"Eight," Adrien said, decisiveness in his tone.
"Yes, eight years now," I confirmed. Had it really been that long? Those years now seemed the product of a fever dream.
"This is the first I've traveled outside the City of Elua," I continued. "I don't think I was prepared for how vast it is. Even I can sense that, the vastness, I mean. Oh, and we were attacked by armed men on the journey here, a different sort of man than the ruffians who inhabit Night's Doorstep." I closed my mouth with an audible click. "Excuse me, this is all so very...new to me..."
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Aug 8, 2011 23:25:52 GMT -5
As Mael had spoken of our ambush, I'd brushed Mirielle's waist soothingly, trying to show how little concern it was, really – I would have brought it up, in less emotional times. Truth be, I'd been overwhelmed by, well, her.
“Adrian and Mael fought valiantly – they were easily dispatched,” I said lightly. “Though this does mean that there will perhaps be some... cleaning up to do, eventually.”
I intended to tell her of my oath, but not now, not so soon, not when we were just relearning each other – one thing at a time, and this was important.
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on Aug 24, 2011 18:17:42 GMT -5
I sat as the others did, aware in a back corner of my mind that a pair of guards had discretely followed me. I'd gotten used to it over the years, since I was but a child, that I could pick them out without even looking at them. Likely Gil would know what it was like, having had To Biko alone.
When a party of vagabonds were mentioned, attacking Gil and his friends, I stiffened in surprise, my eyes widening. "They attacked while on the cusp of war?"
My tone fair dripped disdain; I had no patience for thieves as it was, but surely even they should have enough pride in their country to not do such malicious things. "The nation holds its breath, but the parasites never cease their decay," I added, quite under my breath. Raising my eyes to Gil, I touched his leg as we sat, and gave him a soft smile to show I wasn't upset that he'd not mentioned it. Much had happened when we'd seen each other, after all.
"I'm sure they were lionhearted," I replied, transferring my smile from him and back to his duo of friends, hoping to include them all in conversation by looks and gestures alone. I didn't comment on the cleaning up; much of that depended upon who they were, and that was not for here or now, but later. Instead I shifted subjects, folding my hands in my lap as I did so. "Welcome to Azzalle then, monsieurs," I smiled. "In normal times I'd suggest visiting one of our beaches or cliffsides for the vast array of sights and sounds, but now..." I added, giving a helpless little shrug. "It'd be better if you were here. I am glad you've come though, I consider it good fortune."
I was proud of him, my Gil. Elua how I wanted to cuddle up into his side and rest my head on his shoulder, how I wanted to press my face to his neck and breathe in his scent... but instead I sat, talking to his friends, smiling and hoping he knew how I felt in my heart. I did like his friends, it was true, and I liked speaking to them. Good fortune, indeed.
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