Afternoon Excursion

[Navarre nó Mandrake]

That she decided to sit next to me instead of across from me made my curiosity spark, what was she up to? Then her hand lightly brushed my arm and I felt it; the hairs on my skin suddenly raised, desire rushing up under my skin and I had to force myself not to inhale sharply.

Aparently she had figured that I had a very good reason for not wanting to be touched. That she had hit on the very trick of it was perhaps luck, and perhaps a test of hers, but I had no idea as to her reasons for it, other than setting me off for a split second.

Hoping that she hadn't noticed my reaction to her touch I carefully let out my deep breath, and at her whisper I chuckled to myself as she casually told me she was enjoying my company, "I am glad of it as well." I replied, my own voice just over a whisper, "It's not every day that you find someone with such a kindred spirit, so understanding and kind." I replied, trying not to think of kissing her again, the shade of the carriage being so perfect for just such a thing.

I smiled instead, "It was really nice of you to help out this morning. I would have blown up and left if you hadn't been there to make things so easy." I added.

[Géraldine Grangier]

~edit~To my surprise, his hairs raised under my touch, and I smiled inwardly, wondering if he did not have sensitive, ticklish skin. If that was the case, fittings indeed became a horror. I almost grunted at myself - spontaneity was not my friend here. I had thought his hatred of fittings was related to the simple dislike of stranger's proximity - it apparently had to do with sensitivity, and I gave him a small look of apology.~edit~

Not wanting to make him ill at ease, I ended the gentle brush and contented myself with the heat of his body next to me. As he spoke, I turned a little to see his face, and he held enough sincerity that I was touched at his words.

"Those are kind words in turn, Navarre," I replied, "but I cannot imagine anyone doing otherwise, to be sincere. It is nothing to me, and it gave you something in turn, so why not ?" I said matter-of-factly. My eyes smiled as I added a faint tease, "Besides, I get the pleasure of your company, which is not a negligeable benefit." I paused and the tease turned to outright self-derision. "Did that just sound like Bryony talk?"

I almost laughed at it outright, because that was also unlike me, and all I had intended to do was to say simply something both nice and reassuring.

[Navarre nó Mandrake]

Looking at her and seeing the concern on her face I knew that she worried if she had made a wrong move. I sighed, her look of apology so heartfelt that I gave her a look to let her know that it was okay to be close to me. The fact that she had surprised me didn't bother me, but the fact that I was still getting to know her had me a little off balance and her close proximity was throwing me off.

I was sensitive, yes, but I was even more uncomfortable with strange people unsettling me with their propinquity and bothering me with their touching. After all it was the reason why I'd avoided Eglantine almost entirely since becoming an adept. But that didn't mean that a beautiful young woman couldn't get under my skin and easily set my head to spinning.

I was D'Angeline after all, even if only by a half, and to desire was only natural. That and I was attracted to her, to be sure, but with me it was always a little interesting being close to another human being and that usually provoked the touch-sensitive reaction she had evoked only a moment ago.

However I was relieved to see her eyes sparkling with mirth and I smiled at her words, glad that she hadn't moved away from me when she thought she had offended me. "I didn't think so," I said, shaking my head slightly, "I understood what you were saying." I told her, her eyes catching mine again.

[Géraldine Grangier]

"I'm glad we understand each other," I replied, my eyes again getting lost in his. For an instant, all that left my lips was a soft gasp, and it seemed is was all I heard, this instinctive reaction of desire to him. Gods, Navarre was prickling me in a way that was almost scary - though if I had told him that, he would likely have been proud of his own Mandrake skill.

The look in his eyes was unmistakeable, that I had not offended him, that I sparked him in turn. Keeping my hands to myself, almost painfully for I ached to touch him again, I whispered, "You have quite a powerful charm, Navarre," and my voice was gentle and soft, my eyes hiding none of the trouble he stirred in me.

It was just too powerful, and there was little I could do about it.

[Navarre nó Mandrake]

"Hmm, is that so," I mused aloud, her face close enough to mine for me to count the lines of color in her eyes, each one either green or blue and sparkling with desire. "I could say that there is aught about you that has me just as charmed, sweet Geraldine." My voice just barely a whisper as I brushed a stray hair from her face, 'accidently' touching the hot spot there behind her ear as I tucked it out of the way, "Irrisitable," I said, letting my fingers trace the line of her jaw before settling again.

[Géraldine Grangier]

His touch made my mind spin, in surprise, for it was gentle, in want, for it was enthralling. Later, I would try to analyze this experience, and understand what it was that made me react so. Only one man had had such an effect on me, and the reason, I knew, was that my mind was his, and his alone. Navarre's effect was different - but I could not yet pinpoint it.

For now, all I could do, was gasp in pleasure, in want, and lean into his hand, stealing a small kiss before he removed it completely. "Thank you, that is very flattering," I said in a throaty whisper.

"So tell me, will you dance, at the wedding?" I asked, trying to keep my mind on things that weren't Navarre's skin, Navarre's eyes, or Navarre's touch.

[Navarre nó Mandrake]

"Ah yes, to dance, an echo of all that we do in life. Of course, I enjoy a dance every now and then." I said, my eyes growing shadowed and distant for a moment, remembering a most interesting dance, one that had a very different echo indeed.

The shadow was there and gone in an instant and I turned my thoughts to other things before grinning again. "Were you wanting me to save you a dance, then?" I asked her.

[Géraldine Grangier]

I smiled, "If that is your way of asking if I will dance with you, then, yes, I will," I replied with mirth in my voice, shamelessly teasing him, "but only if you claim it," I added, giving him an out, if he didn't want to take the offered dance.

His eyes had been odd, for an instant, and it made me shudder, just a little. I couldn't help it, and I narrowed my own gaze, teasing him with it. "But that's not what you were thinking about, Navarre, was it?" My tone was soft and gentle, something patient and kind, unjudging. I liked him, really, I did. That he had something strange flashing in his gaze didn't change that.

[Navarre nó Mandrake]

"You could put it that way, if you wish," I told her, a grin haunting the corner of my lips and masking the thoughts I entertained "but no, I wasn't thinking on that exactly." I said, and left it at that, not wanting to tell her of my thoughts of a moment ago; the dance of dark desires and the sweet, deadly kiss of a blade.... I didn't wish for the light mood of the day to be darkened with my memories.

I found it hard not to speak further, somehow knowing that even this she would understand and accept. But I was unwilling to bring the subject to light at the moment and settled in to resist the urge to dump all of my unexplained questions and desires on her lap and simply enjoy her company. "I was hoping to enjoy this day and not dwell on the past," I said, "and it was remiss of me to let my thoughts stray, but if you forgive me I will try not to be so easily distracted in the future."

[Géraldine Grangier]

He was suddenly very, very serious, even asking for forgiveness, and surprise flashed in my eyes a very short instant, before I stifled it. I had thought he had in mind the pleasures of Mandrake, but he talked of the past, and so that had nothing to do with his art. A bit of worry replaced my surprise, and my voice was very soft when I spoke. “You can’t always control the musings of your mind, and no-one can,” I replied, my eyes gentle. “So there is no forgiveness to be requested, or granted,” and my eyes rested on his blue depths an instant. Should you wish to speak, I will hear you – but I won’t hold your silence against you.

“I think there can be much enjoyment to be had, if we let it find us,” I added, wanting to lift his mood. My eyes were mischievous and suggestive – I had found myself ready to give him some of my art, if he wanted it, even if it was a little against my habits. I could only blame it on the fact that I was D’Angeline, of Heliotrope House, and that he had a magnetic pull that made him irresistible.

[Navarre nó Mandrake]

I nodded, glad to see she didn't hold it against me, "This is quite true, and indeed I find myself enjoying your company quite well." I said, "All the better to look forward to the joys to come," I grinned, finding her suggestive glance quite intriguing, replying in kind with a look of my own.

[Géraldine Grangier]

“Indeed,” I replied, but then the carriage pulled to a stop, jerking me a little against him, and I blushed, the combined unexpected contact and his suggestive gaze making me a little weak in the knees. “It appears we have broached our destination,” I told him, suddenly stuttering a little.

[Navarre nó Mandrake]

The lurch of the carriage came as no surprise to me, I did however find myself pleasantly surprised to find Geraldine pressed to my side for a moment or more as the carriage settled to a stop. It was rather intriguing to find her suddenly so close to me and I couldn't help but grin at her reaction, my gaze lingering on her lips as they trembled slightly, making her stammer a bit.

"Indeed we have," I said, slowly reaching for the carriage door.

[Géraldine Grangier]

I caught his gaze on my lips, and it reminded me of the last time he'd looked at them. That had been rather straight forward, and very troubling. My stuttering settled, and I swallowed a little, summoning a smile of my own. "Sorry about that, I can be rather clumsy at times," I said with a bit of mischief.

The warmth of his body had been rather compelling, and so when he reached for the door, I let him, finding the first rays of the sun to enter the carriage fully to be beautiful and warm.

[Navarre nó Mandrake]

An afternoon such as this was always good to spend with friends, and a fine afternoon it was. The afternoon sunshine brightening the entire carriage as I opened the door, and stepping down I turned, offering her my hand. "Not to worry, I'll not let anyone know of the incident," I said smiling.

[Géraldine Grangier]

I took his hand, smiling, "Yes, it would be terribly embarrassing," I replied in mock grandeur. The sun was blessing us with rays that were beyond lovely, and I squinted a little. "What a lovely day," I noted, "We haven't had one like this in a while."

Had I been on my own, I would have leaned against a wall, and just taken in the sun, basking in it like the Heliotrope that I was. But I was with Navarre - and so I moved on, not indulging. Maybe later, if there was time.

[Navarre nó Mandrake]

I was pleased to see her enjoying herself, and was glad that her sense of humor was genuine. "Its a nice change, that's for sure," I said, my hand releasing hers as she stepped down from the carriage. I tipped the coachman, letting him know that it wasn't likely we'd need the carriage for a return trip, and sent them on their way.

"I'm sure we can avoid any further embarrassment if we are careful enough," I told her, a smirk of a grin telling her I was enjoying the moment.

[Géraldine Grangier]

My hand was put back at my back, comfortably, and I absently heard Navarre's instructions to the coach. I didn't mind - I usually walked, anyway. When he was done, and he'd made his comment, I gave him a coy smile. "I have no doubt," I replied softly, a little wryly. Care, indeed, we needed to have, if our earlier interaction was any indication.

"Thank you, for the ride," I told him as we made our way. Instinctively, I followed him. I assumed it was his preference, and I didn't mind.

[Navarre nó Mandrake]

"I hope you don't mind my indulgence," Making our way to the door I grinned, pleased with the days events, "I wasn't about to celebrate anywhere than the best place in town." I said, entering the Cockerel, it's interior just like it always was; somewhat dim and busy with patrons. "After all this is my favorite place to be." I told her, holding the door open for her.

[Géraldine Grangier]

"No, Navarre," I replied with a gentle smile, "I don't mind at all." I whispered my thanks for his gallantry as I went through the door he held for me. Oh Navarre, you are so charming, you make your patrons weep in want, I am sure.

The place a bit dimly lit, and it was full, but not so full as to make Eglantine seem quiet. His grin has full of mirth, and I was glad to share it - I rarely ate out, in fact, save with Aaliyah, once in a while.

I waited for him to be at my side, and looking at the room, I asked in a delicate whisper that would just caress his ear, "Where shall we sit?"

[Navarre nó Mandrake]

I grinned, hearing her whispered question and spying my favorite table at the same moment, thankfully free for the taking. "There we go, my favorite haunt," I told her, indicating a corner table affording a perfect view of all that went on in the room and the perfect place for one wishing not to be crowded in a room full of people. That and it was just a bit secluded, the dim light of the room not quite reaching as far.

[Géraldine Grangier]

"You do come here quite a bit, don't you," I replied with a teasing grin. The place he indicated was wonderful. Discreet, secluded... it would do wonderful for an intimate exchange. I'd never been very interested in loud gatherings, but in the bustle of this place, it seemed we could almost be invisible.

[Navarre nó Mandrake]

I shrugged, admitting as much but also not giving anything away. "Not as much as I'd like, but I do get out occasionally." I said, weaving our way to the corner table I caught the eye of the tavern keeper, indicating that we'd like to order. Showing courtesy yet again I pulled out a chair for Geraldine, seating her before I took my own.

[Géraldine Grangier]

"I understand," I replied, as I sat, giving him a quiet smile of gratitude. "I wish I did get out more," I admitted. "My life has been rather quiet, until the coronation, though... sometimes, one makes an interesting encounter," I added, smiling coyly.

As he'd sat, I'd admired his feline grace, his movements fluid and light, and I'd put my hands under my chin in a position that was comfortable, reflective.

[Navarre nó Mandrake]

Taking my seat I realized she was watching my every move. Wondering at her endless curiosity I shook my head lightly, "What is it, am I that amusing just to watch?" I asked her, having a little fun and flashing her one of my most disarming smiles.

[Géraldine Grangier]

"I'm sorry," I said, looking away a short instant. "You move magnificently, that's all," I told him frankly.

I've never been one to lie, or shy away from the truth. This one was sweet, and there was nothing I could think of to prevent me from telling him, so I did. "I'll admit, you are very different from the last of your Housemates that I met," I added offhandedly. It was true, but not the main reason.

Navarre was just beautiful.

[Navarre nó Mandrake]

Hearing her compliment caught me off guard and I blinked, not many had treated me with kindness and I never expected it, but of all things I heard appreciation and compassion in her voice. I filed the information away for later as she mentioned another Mandrake she had met, finding myself curious despite myself, "Is that so?" I asked.

[Géraldine Grangier]

His quizzical response left me unsure what he was asking about, though the expression of surprise did tip me off that it was the compliment, rather than the mention of his house that had likely triggered the question. Yet, I had a doubt.

Patiently, sweetly, I replied, peering at him under my lashes.

"Yes, Navarre, it is so. You are beautiful, in your own way. You move like space and weight have very little impact on you, you are strong, quite visibly, and you have the most beautiful blue eyes. Yet, contrary to your Housemate, you are not filled with strangeness - rather... with intoxicating charm."

There. I'd laid it out. He was sublime, and now, he knew that I thought so. I moved a stray lock of hair behind my ear, and, resuming my position, I added absently, "please, believe me - I've nothing to lose in telling you the truth, or to gain in lying."

Besides, it was a bit embarrassing - I didn't want to go through it every time I looked at him - because I adored observing him, and I had no intention to stop, I thought to myself. The thought brought a small grin of mischief to my lips.

[Navarre nó Mandrake]

"Ah, I see," I didn't really, and it probably showed, but I was willing to at least try to understand what I'd done to merit this sort of admiration. "I don't understand though, why are you telling me this?" I asked, still surprised at hearing her description of me.

[Géraldine Grangier]

I must have sighed. Was it so difficult to believe?

"Because I'd rather you know the truth, and see yourself through my eyes, than think I like to look at you because you look like a duck," I told him in tease. "And," I looked up thinking, and settled on him again "because such a truth, really, what is the harm in telling you?"

I took a small breath, and it was eating at me so much, I had to ask, and my tone was patient, caring as I indulged my curiosity. "Navarre, is it that hard to believe, that someone could find you beautiful?"