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Post by Sabrina de la Courcel (D) on Oct 9, 2005 22:32:05 GMT -5
"This is actually the first time I've been here not in disguise." I whispered into Leyna's ear.
"I'm sure we can find some thing good to drink." Darcy lept from the halted carriage and put his hand out for Leyna to take.
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Leyna de Somerville
Royal
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; Future Comtesse de Somerville; House Somerville
Posts: 5,711
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Post by Leyna de Somerville on Oct 9, 2005 22:48:11 GMT -5
I took Darcy's hand and stepped out of the carriage. Shylah leapt out behind me and stood next to me. I could see her trembling with excitement, an excitement that echoed my own.
I looked back and smiled at Sabrina, my eyes dancing with anticipation.
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Post by Sabrina de la Courcel (D) on Oct 10, 2005 0:30:04 GMT -5
I exited after Leyna and looked out into a small crowd of people who had gathered, I smiled to Leyna and looked across the street for the large sign with a large white hart.
"Here we are." I said taking a breath and walking forward.
"Princess, I urge you not to do this." Darcy whispered in my ear as we walked.
"Darcy," I said spinning slightly. "I did this long before you were assigned to me and I'll be doing it long after." I continued to walk straight ahead toward the entrance of the White Hart.
"What do you think?" I asked Leyna as we entered the establishment.
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Leyna de Somerville
Royal
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; Future Comtesse de Somerville; House Somerville
Posts: 5,711
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Post by Leyna de Somerville on Oct 10, 2005 9:31:47 GMT -5
I moved up to Sabrina's side and surveyed the tavern. It looked to be a little less than half full and no one had seemed to notice us yet. I wanted to find a table where we could settle in.
"I think it looks like fun," I said. I pointed to an empty table in a well lit corner where we would still be in the midst of things but could also have some privacy if we wanted. "How about that table there?"
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Post by Sabrina de la Courcel (D) on Oct 10, 2005 14:33:12 GMT -5
"Looks perfect." I smiled at her and made my way over, Darcy stayed a few steps behind the both of us.
"What are you in the mood for?" I asked as Darcy pulled out a chair and I sat, he moved over to Leyna and did the same thing.
"Ale or wine." I smiled seeing an approaching bar maid, she looked familiar and I smiled as she got closer. She must have recognized something, whether it was my face or the fact Darcy stood behind me like I was at court. Either way she seemed unsure of what to say.
"Marie-anne," I did remember her, she was a pleasent and portly woman in her early 50's and she was Tsingano. She was the first person to teach me Tsingani and always a pleasent woman.
"Rina?" She seemed confused, she stood looking from Darcy to Leyna and back to me. I stood moving toward her and embraced her, she wrapped her arms around me too and when she pulled back she cupped my face.
"Where have you been dear, I thought you dead for sure." She spoke in Tsingani, and her eye's seemed to well with tears. "You just dispeared and no one ever heard from you again." She kissed both my cheeks switching back to D'Angeline.
"I've been busy Marie," I turned to Leyna. "This is my cousin Leyna de Somerville." I said turning back to her.
"No." She said in a surprised voice. "I knew there was something too familiar with you." I smiled and she put her hands on her hips. "What do you know, Princess Sabrina the reclusive in my tavern." She said in her husky voice.
"Please, Rina is fine." I said leaning over and kissing her cheeks.
"I suppose you'd like a drink." She said with a wry smile.
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Leyna de Somerville
Royal
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; Future Comtesse de Somerville; House Somerville
Posts: 5,711
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Post by Leyna de Somerville on Oct 10, 2005 15:27:03 GMT -5
I watched the exchange between Sabrina and Marie-anne with a mixture of bewilderment and envy. How wonderful it must have been to grow up in a place where you could run off in disguise and have secret adventures. I really had led a sheltered life. With a smile I resolved to make up for lost time.
"I would love some ale, thank you," I said.
Then I let my eyes slide from Sabrina and Marie-anne to survey the room more carefully. I was feeling a restlessness rising in me that was both unusual and exciting. Shylah had slipped under our table and was laying where she could look out and watch everything also. I hoped as long as she stayed quiet and out of the way that the tavern would let her stay.
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Post by Sabrina de la Courcel (D) on Oct 10, 2005 15:36:15 GMT -5
I smiled to Leyna, she seemed to be enjoying herself, and this was the first time in so long I thought about things other then my royal duties.
"Bring a jug of ale please Marie." I said with a smile.
"Course dear." She said with one last pat of my cheek. I went and to go sit down, Darcy gave me a glare but I ignored it and sat next to Leyna.
"The ale here is probably the best in L'Agnace." I said with a smile, as we sat a group of young men enter the pub, they were all our age and about 4 or 5 of them. I turned and smiled to Leyna as the men notcied us sitting at our table.
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Leyna de Somerville
Royal
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; Future Comtesse de Somerville; House Somerville
Posts: 5,711
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Post by Leyna de Somerville on Oct 10, 2005 15:45:53 GMT -5
I turned to Sabrina as she sat down next to me. "I thought you were joking when you said you had come here in disguise. I am going to press you for details about that sometime when there are fewer distractions around us," I said with a wry smile.
I had noticed the group of men enter, and had noticed that they noticed us. I wondered how put off they were going to be by our glaring sentry in grey. Quickly I decided that if they didn't come to us, I would have to make my way to them. I wasn't here to observe, I was here to enjoy.
I leaned over toward Sabrina so that Darcy couldn't hear when I whispered, "So, how long do I give those men to come over here before I have to go and say hello?"
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Post by Sabrina de la Courcel (D) on Oct 10, 2005 15:59:03 GMT -5
I glanced back to Darcy.
"Don't worry," I said in a whisper. "They'll come to us." Marie-anne appeared with our jug of ale and two mugs. I looked over to see the group of men looking in our direction and speaking to eachother. I think that Marie noticed too because she glanced over her shoulder at the group. She whispered to me in Tsingano and I nodded, she then reached over and began to pour our drinks.
"There you are Your Highness." She said in a fairly loud voice, I carefully glanced over to the table and they seemed to be excited and one of them stood.
"Thank you Marie." I whispered and handed her some coins. She winked and turned back to the bar.
"There," I said to Leyna. "Now we don't have to worry." I Cocked my head sideways and smiled.
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Leyna de Somerville
Royal
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; Future Comtesse de Somerville; House Somerville
Posts: 5,711
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Post by Leyna de Somerville on Oct 10, 2005 16:04:39 GMT -5
I chuckled as I took my cup of ale.
"I knew I would have had more excitement as a child if you had been my big sister," I said.
I took a sip of ale, it really was delicious, and watched as one of the men began to make his way over to our table.
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Post by Sabrina de la Courcel (D) on Oct 10, 2005 16:20:39 GMT -5
I chuckled at Leyna's comment.
"Well I do have the experience of being a big sister." I smiled as one of the men stood by our table. Darcy jumped out to stop him but I put an arm out and he stopped in his tracks.
"Excuse me, we couldn't help but over hear the bar maid call you Your Highness." He smiled and looked back to his group of friends. "My friends and I have a bet, my cousin say's you that you are a Princess. Princess Sabrina in fact." He looked back again.
I looked back to Leyna and smiled wryly. "I am Princess Sabrina." I said politely, his eyes seemed to widen and he smiled making a bow. "And this is my cousin Princess Leyna de Somerville." I raised my hand in Leyna's direction. "Would you and your kin like to join us?" I smiled and gestured to the empty seats.
"Of course." He looked stunned at us and smiled, then turned back to his table.
"Not bad, what do you think?" I took a sip of ale and smiled to Leyna.
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Leyna de Somerville
Royal
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; Future Comtesse de Somerville; House Somerville
Posts: 5,711
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Post by Leyna de Somerville on Oct 10, 2005 16:33:53 GMT -5
"What do I think?" I smiled, "I think that this is rapidly turning into one of the most fun days of my life."
I chuckled and watched the man return to his table. Suddenly all of his group stood up and looked our way. My chuckle turned into a laugh as they headed towards us , moving as one.
"Speaking of not bad, the tall one with the black hair may be the most handsome man I have ever seen," I said, my voice a little lower as they approached.
He was handsome in a rough, earthy way. Tall, broad, square jawed, with muscles that strained the closures on his long vest. His green eyes caught mine as the group drew closer and I felt a heat rise within me as I returned his gaze.
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Post by Sabrina de la Courcel (D) on Oct 10, 2005 16:47:30 GMT -5
I smiled and straightened myself in my seat as they approached. I glanced to the tall one who must have been kin to the man who had first approached us.
"Gentlemen." I said with a smiled, they all made deep bows to us and took there seats, all four of them.
"I'm Sabrina and this is Leyna." I smiled as they sat.
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Leyna de Somerville
Royal
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; Future Comtesse de Somerville; House Somerville
Posts: 5,711
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Post by Leyna de Somerville on Oct 10, 2005 17:14:10 GMT -5
I felt Shylah sit up and lean he body against my leg as the men sat. I reached under the table and put a soothing hand on her before she began to growl. She relaxed some but stayed sitting up and alert.
The man who's eyes had caught mine had reached in front of one of the others to grab the chair closest to mine. I knew I was staring but couldn't stop watching him as he took his seat. I smiled and finally managed to let my gaze move around the table as Sabrina introduced us.
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Post by Sabrina de la Courcel (D) on Oct 10, 2005 18:10:54 GMT -5
"I am Duc Hugo l'Mann." He was short but handsome with mousy brown hair and intense blue eyes. "This is my cousin the Comte Joshua Purcell." I looked over to the one that had caught Leyna's eye.
"These are our friends the Comte Kevin Durinvale and the Comte Fraser de Sarachette." I smiled at the others two but it was the Comte de Sarachette who caught my own eye. He was tall, he must have been 6'3 at least and though he carried himself well and was muscular, he was also lean an toned.
"Well met." I said smiling at the group, I suddenly felt my cheeks blush as I noticed the Comte de Sarachette looking in my direction. I looked back to Hugo as he seemed to be the leader in some fashion. He smiled and lent against the table.
"So," he said taking a sip of his drink. "What are two Princesses doing at an every day tavern like this one." His smile was quite wonderful.
"We're having a drink," I said taking up my own mug. "And hoping to find some interesting conversation." I turned to Leyna who seemed more concentrated on Joshua.
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Leyna de Somerville
Royal
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; Future Comtesse de Somerville; House Somerville
Posts: 5,711
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Post by Leyna de Somerville on Oct 10, 2005 23:06:12 GMT -5
From the corner of my eye I notice Sabrina turn towards me. I was having a hard time looking away from Joshua. He hadn't yet said a word, but I was drawn to him.
I blinked and found the will to turn to Sabrina and the others. "I have just moved to the City and my cousin is showing me around," I said with a smile. "She spoke so highly of the White Hart I just had to com experience it for myself."
Drawing a deep breath I found that spark of adventure that had been burning within me earlier and with it, my courage. Looking back at Joshua I asked, "And what brings you gentlemen here to this every day tavern?"
It was Hugo that answered, "As it happens we too were looking for drink and interesting conversation." Hugo was obviously the alpha male in this pack, and did not seem at all reluctant about his role. That was fine, I knew how to deal with a dominant male while actually paying attention to another in the pack.
I turned to where I was facing Hugo almost directly, this had the effect of putting my body very close to Joshua. Close enough in fact that I could feel the heat coming off him. My smile widened a bit as I asked Hugo, "I see you found the drink part, do you think you shall find the other part of your quest also?"
Hugo looked at me and smiled wryly before glancing back at Sabrina. "Why yes, I think we shall," he said.
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Post by Sabrina de la Courcel (D) on Oct 11, 2005 0:10:55 GMT -5
I blushed at the conversation between Leyna and Hugo, he was attractive enough that I felt that heat between my legs, but he seemed almost not fully there. He lent back in his seat and put his arm out to rest on the table.
"Actually, I'm here for my kin." He said to Leyna and then looked to Fraser who seemed to have lost interest in me.
"In what maner?" I asked interested in what he meant.
"My friends have never been to this tavern and I know it to be an excellent one, we're visiting from outside the province." He smiled and took a serious tone.
"Tell me Princess, do you spend much time in the City of Elua? I know you're family's home is a half day's ride from here." He lost his boyish smile and spoke to me in the way a Duc speaks to his royal cousin.
"I just moved her myself," I said glancing to Fraser. "I had been living in Tiberium and going to the University just before the war. I moved home when my father left for Khebbel-im-Akkad with Prince Ambrose." I took a sip of my ale and glanced to Leyna.
"My mother and father wish me to marry so I've decided to look for my own suitor." I said smiling wryly, Hugo let out a chuckle and smiled back, his boyish grin returning.
"Thats why I'm here." I took another long sip.
"What about you?" Hugo looked to Leyna. "Do you're parents wish you to marry as well?"
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Leyna de Somerville
Royal
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; Future Comtesse de Somerville; House Somerville
Posts: 5,711
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Post by Leyna de Somerville on Oct 11, 2005 10:01:08 GMT -5
"Not that they've mentioned," I replied. "They just want me to start finding my way on my own."
I shifted in my seat so that I could look at Joshua again, but kept my body close to his. "Are you enjoying your visit to the City so far, Joshua?" I wanted to hear his voice.
He smiled softly, and when he spoke his voice was deep with a rough edge that made it unlike any I had heard before. "I am indeed. The City has changed much since my last visit, but I was only a small child then so maybe everything is the same and it only looks different to me."
I chuckled, "I know what you mean. It has been a while since I was in the City, and I have a tendency to get so lost and turned around that all these buildings always look new to me."
I glanced at Kevin and Fraser to ask them how they were enjoying the City but both had leaned back in their chairs and seemed content at the moment so I concentrated on Joshua.
"How do you spend your time when you're not in the City?" I asked.
"Growing things, mostly. I manage my family's crops and the portion of the woods that is ours too. I …" he broke off as Shylah's head popped up between us and she began sniffing at him.
"This is Shylah, " I said. "She's harmless, most of the time."
Joshua reached one hand over for her to sniff, which she did before giving the back of his hand a lick. She looked up at me as if to give her approval before she laid back down.
"I think she likes you, " I said with a laugh. I reached over and took his hand, it was warm and calloused, then I wiped off the remains of Shylah's lick with my handkerchief. I let go of his hand and tucked the scrap of lace edged cloth back into my sleeve.
I turned back to the group, not wanting to be too rude, and took a sip of my ale.
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Post by Sabrina de la Courcel (D) on Oct 11, 2005 13:39:39 GMT -5
I half listened to the conversation between Leyna and Joshua as I smiled at the rest of the group.
"Where are you from Joshua?" I smiled helping Leyna.
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Leyna de Somerville
Royal
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; Future Comtesse de Somerville; House Somerville
Posts: 5,711
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Post by Leyna de Somerville on Oct 11, 2005 21:49:08 GMT -5
"Camlach," said Joshua.
I liked that he spoke rather plainly. I knew people who felt they had to use three words when one would do and it always irked me.
I leaned back in my chair, feeling very happy and comfortable.
"How long are you in the City for?" I asked Hugo, since he had said he was showing the others around.
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Post by Sabrina de la Courcel (D) on Oct 11, 2005 21:59:26 GMT -5
I glanced to Hugo and smiled interested in his answer since I assumed that Fraser would be staying as well.
"A fortnight," He said smiling to Leyna. "I have a town home just outside the city." He looked back to me.
"Are you all from Camlach?" I asked looking at the other three.
"I'm actually from Azzalle, my mother is sisters with Joshua's father." Hugo said looking to Joshua.
"I'm from Camlach as well." Kevin spoke for the first time and I looked to Fraser.
"I was born in Siovale but I lived in Kusheth for since I was five and then eventually I moved to Azzalle a few years ago where I met Hugo." He seemed nervous as though he couldn't stop talking and I giggled at his answer.
"So all over the place then." I said taking a sip of ale, he nodded silently and did the same.
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Leyna de Somerville
Royal
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; Future Comtesse de Somerville; House Somerville
Posts: 5,711
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Post by Leyna de Somerville on Oct 11, 2005 22:10:04 GMT -5
I had been so taken with Joshua I hadn't really noticed Sabrina's interest in any of the group. I wasn't sure if she was more taken Hugo or Fraser.
I lifted my cup to take another sip and noticed it was empty. I began to reach for the jug but Joshua beat me to it and filled my cup deftly.
"Thank you," I said with a warm smile. He nodded and returned my smile before offering to fill Sabrina's cup.
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Post by Sabrina de la Courcel (D) on Oct 11, 2005 22:18:16 GMT -5
I slide my cup over to Joshua who filled it with the last of the ale.
"Thank you Joshua." I said looking to Fraser then to Hugo.
"Perhaps we should pay for the next jug." Said Hugo offering a handful of coins.
"Thank you Hugo, thats kind of you."
"So Fraser, why is it that you spent som much time traveling?" I smiled looking between him and Hugo.
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Leyna de Somerville
Royal
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; Future Comtesse de Somerville; House Somerville
Posts: 5,711
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Post by Leyna de Somerville on Oct 11, 2005 22:30:30 GMT -5
I saw Sabrina's eyes flitting from Fraser to Hugo and chuckled inwardly thinking she didn't even know who attracted her more. I did not have that problem, something about Joshua had just struck me.
I took a sip of my ale, only half listening as Fraser answered Sabrina's question. I was suddenly struck by a very primitive need and leaned over to whisper in Sabrina's ear.
"Where are the facilities here?" I asked.
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Post by Sabrina de la Courcel (D) on Oct 12, 2005 1:17:27 GMT -5
Before Fraser could go to far into his story Leyna whispered into my ear.
"I believe they are just around the corner." I pointed to my right that had a large stone wall juting out before a space. I looked back to Fraser as he continued.
"Like I said, my father was a Chevalier, his family had their own land but not alot of wealth. He had quiet a mind for architecture and buildings so he joined the Queen's army." He took a sip of ale. "He married my mother the eldest daughter of a wealth Kushieline Comte, it was purely love and they wed soon after meeting. My father and mother lived in Siovale and that was where I was born. When I was five my father was killed in a hunting accident and my mother moved us back to Kusheth to live with my grandparents." He smiled and took another sip, I leaned in, interested in his story. "My mother never remarried and died when I was fifteen, my grandparents raised me till I was eighteen. When my grandfather became ill I was giving the title of Comte as my uncle, who was supposed to inherit it, married into a larger family in Azzalle. After that I moved to Azzalle to spend some time at sea and thats where I met Hugo." He smiled and leaned back patting Hugo on the shoulder.
"Interesting, what about you Hugo?" He looked up from his mug.
"Nothing as interesting as Fraser, my father was a Duc of Azzalle." He smiled wrly. "He was an admiral in the navy and died at sea. Since then I've held the title." He looked shyly into his mug.
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Leyna de Somerville
Royal
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; Future Comtesse de Somerville; House Somerville
Posts: 5,711
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Post by Leyna de Somerville on Oct 12, 2005 9:35:04 GMT -5
I said a quiet "Pardon me," and rose from my chair. Joshua rose also and looked at me questioningly. I leaned in and whispered, "I need to visit the washroom."
He chuckled and offered me his arm, "Let me escort you, it is getting crowded in here." I looked up and realized he was right, it was much busier than when we came in.
I took his arm and steered him in the direction Sabrina had indicated. I left him to go inside and take care of my needs and then wash up.
When I had finished I came out to find Joshua exactly where I had left him. I took his arm again, very much enjoying the feel of his strength and warmth. I looked over towards our table and Sabrina looked perfectly happy, so I told Joshua, "I could use a little air, do you think we could step just outside?"
"Certainly," he replied with a smile. We slowly wove our way through the crowd and just outside the front door. The air was delightful and there was a soft breeze.
"Thank you," I told him. I pointed to a bench beside the door and asked, "Shall we?"
We sat, enjoying the feel of the approaching dusk in the air and not having to talk to fill the quiet. My arm was still twined with his and I thought that these moments right here would be ones I could look back on when I was much older and remember with a smile. I was happier than I would have ever imagine I could be on my first day in the City.
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Post by Sabrina de la Courcel (D) on Oct 12, 2005 14:25:50 GMT -5
I smiled as I noticed Leyna leaving with Joshua, but looked back to the others. I could barely contain my giddiness and I wanted to say so many things.
"Your story was interesting." I said comfortingly to Hugo, I took a sip and looked back to Fraser and then Hugo, Kevin seemed not to care.
"Tell us about you," Said Hugo sudenly. "I can't imagine there are many in your family that would think it proper to be sitting in such a place as a tavern." He smile and looked to Fraser.
"I suppose not," I said feeling light headed from the ale. "But I am an adult." I said making a wry smile. "I can do what I want especially now that I'm not living at home." I took another sip of ale, I think I was getting drunk.
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Leyna de Somerville
Royal
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; Future Comtesse de Somerville; House Somerville
Posts: 5,711
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Post by Leyna de Somerville on Oct 12, 2005 15:40:51 GMT -5
We sat there for a while, sometime not talking, sometimes talking about peripheral things like parents, siblings, home, school, etc.
The air started to get chill and I shivered involuntarily. "Perhaps we should go in," he said.
I smiled and before I could answer another chill moved through me. "I think we should," I said with a laugh.
We moved inside and headed back to the table. The rest of the group was still there, just as we had left them. They seemed happy, and Sabrina was wearing a flush of either drink or desire, or perhaps both.
Joshua held my chair for me as I sat before taking his chair next to me again. The others seemed to be in the midst of a discussion so I sipped my ale and tried to catch up with the conversation.
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Post by Sabrina de la Courcel (D) on Oct 12, 2005 17:11:09 GMT -5
"Are any of you gentlemen attending my cousin's coronation?" I asked trying to decern if they would be free to court.
"I am." Said Hugo who looked to Fraser. "Same here." Fraser replied.
"What about you Joshua?"
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Leyna de Somerville
Royal
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; Future Comtesse de Somerville; House Somerville
Posts: 5,711
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Post by Leyna de Somerville on Oct 12, 2005 19:28:25 GMT -5
"I hadn't yet decided," answered Joshua. "I am not usually that comfortable in large crowds. Kevin and I tend to sit these things out and end up at home playing cards all night."
"Speaking of home," said Kevin rising from his chair, "I shall take my leave." He bowed gracefully. "It has been a delight to meet both of you." With that he turned and left.
I looked quizzically at Joshua who said, "You have to forgive Kevin, he has recently had his heart broken. He is not the most social person at the best of times and it took everything for us to even get him to come out at all tonight."
"I can only imagine how hard that would be," I said. I looked over at Sabrina, wondering if she had decided which of the other two to set her sights on or if she was planning on taking them both home. I tried to stifle a chuckle at the image of Darcy's reaction to that.
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