The eveningtide had passed. All guests found themselves escorted to their rooms by helpful servants, and if necessary undressed.
The room contained a large bed with canopy, with featherfilled cushions and matress. There was a wardrobe, as well as a desk with a chair, and each room featured a hearth and of course, the balcony, with doors that opened wide to the lovely garden filled with countryside flowers.
While they had celebrated a formal evening with the Count, the household had not been idle. All the clothes the ladies brought had been unpacked and carefully folded, or hung out as appropriate, in the wardrobe. Personal items graced the desk, which now also had a small mirror should anybody feel the need to check their appearance.
DREAM GUY: The Gravetide of Brionna [part of challenge 2]
Moderator: Mods
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Brionna Galenn
Returning to her room, Brionna gazed about in pleasant surprise. Someone had been in and unpacked her bags and put everything away. The thought that this was an invasion of her privacy crossed her mind briefly, but she dismissed it. She was sure that the Count would not keep servants who were dishonest or disloyal, and in an event like this such behaviour would only reflect poorly on their master.
She drifted around the room for a few burns, still luxuriating in the feel of the rich fabric of the dress swishing around her legs. How long has it been since I wore such finery? she asked herself. In truth, it hadn't been that long, even if it felt like a lifetime, but even then she had only been trying on things that her mother made so that the woman could check for fit and drape. This dress was hers, at least for the moment.
The scent of honeysuckle in the room was pleasant, but slightly cloying. A smile curving her lips, she crossed over to the balcony doors and opened them wide. Stepping out into the night air, she took a few deep breaths and thought about the evening.
It had gone better than she had expected. She had found this beautiful dress and it fit her perfectly. She had seen one fo the most annoying women she had ever met shown the door before dinner even started. She had learned a little about her mysterious host, and what she had learned intrigued her. Most importantly, she had found a friend. Even if they were going to have to become competitors sooner or later, for now she was enjoying talking - and dancing - with Jolanda. She also knew that if she ever had the oportunity to visit the Citadel, she was going to try to find her friend again.
She drifted around the room for a few burns, still luxuriating in the feel of the rich fabric of the dress swishing around her legs. How long has it been since I wore such finery? she asked herself. In truth, it hadn't been that long, even if it felt like a lifetime, but even then she had only been trying on things that her mother made so that the woman could check for fit and drape. This dress was hers, at least for the moment.
The scent of honeysuckle in the room was pleasant, but slightly cloying. A smile curving her lips, she crossed over to the balcony doors and opened them wide. Stepping out into the night air, she took a few deep breaths and thought about the evening.
It had gone better than she had expected. She had found this beautiful dress and it fit her perfectly. She had seen one fo the most annoying women she had ever met shown the door before dinner even started. She had learned a little about her mysterious host, and what she had learned intrigued her. Most importantly, she had found a friend. Even if they were going to have to become competitors sooner or later, for now she was enjoying talking - and dancing - with Jolanda. She also knew that if she ever had the oportunity to visit the Citadel, she was going to try to find her friend again.
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Jolanda
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Brionna Galenn
Standing on the balcony lost in her thoughts, it took a few flickers for Brionna to register the soft tap on the door. When her mind caught up with her ears, she turned from the garden and crossed quickly to open the door. Seeing her friend there in bare feet and her nightgown, the young woman's eyes widened and she pulled the door wide enough to permit entry. "Jolanda! Is everything alright?" She kept her voice to a whisper as Jolanda had, but her concern was evident. A dozen scenes flickered through her head, from Neit having entered the woman's room with a knife to the Count having tried to do his husbandly duties without first becoming a husband.
She closed the door behind them and beckoned her guest over to the bed. Since there was only one chair in the room, it would be easiest for them to both sit there. She didn't fancy the floor, and she certainly wasn't going make Jolanda sit on the floor while she took the chair.
She closed the door behind them and beckoned her guest over to the bed. Since there was only one chair in the room, it would be easiest for them to both sit there. She didn't fancy the floor, and she certainly wasn't going make Jolanda sit on the floor while she took the chair.
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Jolanda
"Oh yes, it's only..." Jolanda continued on in their whisper, pleased to enter the room and climb onto the bed with Brionna - her toes were quite cold! "I didn't mean to make you worry, it's just... the room is so big," she shook her head and sighed, realizing how silly she sounded. "That... and... I just don't trust the others." she voiced finally the truth she hadn't wanted to admit to herself.
"I'm not really a coward you know," she hoped Brionna didn't think she was pathetic. Then she thought of a likely explanation, "really, I thought you would be far safer if I was here to protect you." She tilted her head, hoping her friend would accept her excuse. It was such a bad lie, but if Brionna was as lovely a person as Jolanda thought, then she would let her save face by accepting it.
"I'm not really a coward you know," she hoped Brionna didn't think she was pathetic. Then she thought of a likely explanation, "really, I thought you would be far safer if I was here to protect you." She tilted her head, hoping her friend would accept her excuse. It was such a bad lie, but if Brionna was as lovely a person as Jolanda thought, then she would let her save face by accepting it.
Last edited by Jolanda on Sun Mar 05, 2006 12:37 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Brionna Galenn
Brionna gave her friend a smile as she slipped off her light shoes and tucked her feet up under her on the bed. I've been too lost in my thoughts, she decided. If I'd gotten ready for bed straight away, I probably would have felt the same way about sleeping in this huge room! She thought of the little cupboard-sized room she had slept in above her parents' shop, and the small attic she shared with Missy at the Souived estate. Now that she thougth about it, spending the night in such a palatial room in a bed that looked as thought it would easily sleep a whole family was a bit intimidating.
As a result of these musings, her smile warmed with understanding as she replied, "Thank you, that's very kind of you. This house does have a way of making a person feel very small, doesn't it?" She shook her head and grinned. "I remember when I was younger, I had a friend who used to come around and stay the night sometimes - or I'd go around to her house. Neither of us had siblings, so our parents felt it a good idea to let us spend time together. We used to sit up talking and eating sweets all night, and spend the next day trying to pretend we didn't have terrible belly-aches so we wouldn't get in trouble for it!" She giggled at the memory. "Shame I didn't think to pack any sweets..."
As a result of these musings, her smile warmed with understanding as she replied, "Thank you, that's very kind of you. This house does have a way of making a person feel very small, doesn't it?" She shook her head and grinned. "I remember when I was younger, I had a friend who used to come around and stay the night sometimes - or I'd go around to her house. Neither of us had siblings, so our parents felt it a good idea to let us spend time together. We used to sit up talking and eating sweets all night, and spend the next day trying to pretend we didn't have terrible belly-aches so we wouldn't get in trouble for it!" She giggled at the memory. "Shame I didn't think to pack any sweets..."
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Jolanda
Jolanda gave her a smile, gratitude that she didn't press the subject, a smile that broadened with hearing the tale from Brionna's childhood. "That sounds fun, oh but now you mention it something sweet would be nice - there was no desert after dinner was there? Or perhaps I missed it... " she wriggled getting comfortable. Maybe Brionna was used to late nights, but Jolanda was really quite exhausted and lay down propped up on an elbow, her body gratefully relaxing.
"It's strange to be somewhere like this, really it's so... it's all so lovely, I'd like to stay here forever, it's like being a princess don't you think? It's going to be, well, disappointing to go back home. There's so many nice things here, I wish..." her words petered out. "Have you someone special back home?" Jolanda didn't know if she did or not, it was a maybe. "I'm glad I've met you," she reached to squeeze Brionna's hand.
Brionna was a calming person to be around, Jolanda liked that feeling, so often she felt she was trying too hard, that it was her against the world.
"It's strange to be somewhere like this, really it's so... it's all so lovely, I'd like to stay here forever, it's like being a princess don't you think? It's going to be, well, disappointing to go back home. There's so many nice things here, I wish..." her words petered out. "Have you someone special back home?" Jolanda didn't know if she did or not, it was a maybe. "I'm glad I've met you," she reached to squeeze Brionna's hand.
Brionna was a calming person to be around, Jolanda liked that feeling, so often she felt she was trying too hard, that it was her against the world.
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Brionna Galenn
Brionna shook her head sadly. "No," she sighed. "I don't know if it was because of the fight or if there was never meant to be any, but we moved straight from the main course into the ballroom." She was fidgeting too, curling her legs under her and tucking the dress around them. Finally she managed to find a comfortable position. She was distantly aware of other sounds happening in the hallway and out in the garden - or possibly in other rooms if they also had their balcony doors open. I wonder how many other people have been inspired to do a little quiet exploring of the mansion? she wondered. A mischeivous grin touched her lips and she suggested, "Perhaps when all the action out there dies down a little," she waved one hand vaguely towards the door, "I could change into something easier to move in and we could go and raid the kitchen for sweets?"
Jolanda's next words brought a pleased smile to her face, and she returned the squeeze to her hand. "I'm glad I met you too," was her sincere reply. "I thought that it was going to be so stressful being here amongst so many other women all competing for the same thing, and it is a bit, but it's so much better knowing that there's someone here I can talk with and relax around. I think I'd be tempted to just forgo the whole thing otherwise!"
A little uncomfortable with the admission, she turned to her friend's question. "Someone special? No, not really. If there was someone that special, I wouldn't have accepted the invitation to come here." Her eyes drifted off into the distance as she added softly, "There is one, but he's not someone I have any hope of winning, so I don't think that really counts." She stayed lost in thought for a few flickers, then shok herself and gave a sheepish grin. "How about you?"
Jolanda's next words brought a pleased smile to her face, and she returned the squeeze to her hand. "I'm glad I met you too," was her sincere reply. "I thought that it was going to be so stressful being here amongst so many other women all competing for the same thing, and it is a bit, but it's so much better knowing that there's someone here I can talk with and relax around. I think I'd be tempted to just forgo the whole thing otherwise!"
A little uncomfortable with the admission, she turned to her friend's question. "Someone special? No, not really. If there was someone that special, I wouldn't have accepted the invitation to come here." Her eyes drifted off into the distance as she added softly, "There is one, but he's not someone I have any hope of winning, so I don't think that really counts." She stayed lost in thought for a few flickers, then shok herself and gave a sheepish grin. "How about you?"
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Jolanda
Jolanda was aware of the noises too, "Ahh yes... yes maybe." she was less than enthusiastic to Brionna's suggesting that they leave the room later themselves - being rather comfortable just where she was.
She smiled then with Brionna's agreement, "Quite! I've surprisingly fe female friends... really they are much more difficult than men, no?"
"But who can he be that that is so? Are the odds even more shaky than this game we are in? Really Brionna, you are probably being too modest." she decided, wishing she could meet this fellow who her friend was sweet upon, and set matters right. "What man would not want you? You are so pretty, gentle and kind... maybe you haven't made it easy enough for him yet? Men are often lazy you know, it's women that have to do all the work! Oh but they mustn't ever realize that of course..." she winked.
"Me?" she should have seen that coming, really, she should have. "Well, I have to pretend someone is special. It seemed like a good idea at the time ..." she wrinkled her nose, quietly admitting "I have to pretend to be married. He's injured, and been unconscious now for absolutely days." then in an even quieter voice she whispered, "I think, soon I shall have to pretend I am a widow."
She sighed, “and black is so… mournful. If I have to wear black dresses I shall die too!†she tried to joke about it.
She smiled then with Brionna's agreement, "Quite! I've surprisingly fe female friends... really they are much more difficult than men, no?"
"But who can he be that that is so? Are the odds even more shaky than this game we are in? Really Brionna, you are probably being too modest." she decided, wishing she could meet this fellow who her friend was sweet upon, and set matters right. "What man would not want you? You are so pretty, gentle and kind... maybe you haven't made it easy enough for him yet? Men are often lazy you know, it's women that have to do all the work! Oh but they mustn't ever realize that of course..." she winked.
"Me?" she should have seen that coming, really, she should have. "Well, I have to pretend someone is special. It seemed like a good idea at the time ..." she wrinkled her nose, quietly admitting "I have to pretend to be married. He's injured, and been unconscious now for absolutely days." then in an even quieter voice she whispered, "I think, soon I shall have to pretend I am a widow."
She sighed, “and black is so… mournful. If I have to wear black dresses I shall die too!†she tried to joke about it.
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Brionna Galenn
Jolanda's unenthusiastic response made it obvious that she wasn't keen on the idea of going in search of the kitchens, so Brionna decided not to press the issue. While something sweet to snack on would be nice, it wasn't essential. Besides, she thought, I might meet Neit out there, and that would probably spoil the evening somewhat. She was feel even more cautious of the half giantess since she had broached the idea of causing havoc in the house.
She chuckled lightly as she said, "I suppose they are, although I've never really thought about it. I didn't have very many friends at home, since I was usually helping in my parents' shop, and since I've moved to Roque I've been too busy to go out socialising." She grinned. "I guess I'd have to say that my two closest friends there are one of the other women who serves the family I work for, and the Lord's daughter - she's around eight or ten yahren old." She shook her head ruefully, copper curls falling forward over her shoulders.
Her cheeks coloured slightly as Jolanda probed about the man she was interested in, and she gave a nervous giggle. "He's the son of the Lord I serve," she explained. "That's why I doubt I have a chance. I work for his father, so that hardly makes me a prime catch for an attractive young noble. And he hardly seems the type to go around tupping the servants, even if I were willing to go along with such an affair!" She had been tucking and untucking her hair from behind her ears as she spoke, a sure sign that she wasn't entirely comfortable with the conversation.
She couldn't help raising her eyebrows in surprise at her friend's admission, her curiosity piqued. "Oh Jolanda!" she breathed. "That sounds terrible! How did you get yourself into such a complicated situation? I suppose he hasn't woken up at all since you started the ruse?"
She chuckled lightly as she said, "I suppose they are, although I've never really thought about it. I didn't have very many friends at home, since I was usually helping in my parents' shop, and since I've moved to Roque I've been too busy to go out socialising." She grinned. "I guess I'd have to say that my two closest friends there are one of the other women who serves the family I work for, and the Lord's daughter - she's around eight or ten yahren old." She shook her head ruefully, copper curls falling forward over her shoulders.
Her cheeks coloured slightly as Jolanda probed about the man she was interested in, and she gave a nervous giggle. "He's the son of the Lord I serve," she explained. "That's why I doubt I have a chance. I work for his father, so that hardly makes me a prime catch for an attractive young noble. And he hardly seems the type to go around tupping the servants, even if I were willing to go along with such an affair!" She had been tucking and untucking her hair from behind her ears as she spoke, a sure sign that she wasn't entirely comfortable with the conversation.
She couldn't help raising her eyebrows in surprise at her friend's admission, her curiosity piqued. "Oh Jolanda!" she breathed. "That sounds terrible! How did you get yourself into such a complicated situation? I suppose he hasn't woken up at all since you started the ruse?"
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Jolanda
“Though shops are quite social places too…†Jolanda commented wryly, in her own instance that hadn’t been a positive thing.
Her head tilted, eyes distracted by the lovely colour of Brionna’s hair as she shook her head rueful of her lack of friends. Indeed, one of them only a child. She’s such a sweetheart, Jolanda thought fondly, “then there is one young girl who is most fortunate. If I’d had a friend like you when I was eight…†she frowned a little, imagining how different her life might have been to have had such a gentle mentor.
Seeing Brionna’s discomfort shown with her fiddling with her hair, Jolanda reached out and caught her hand, “Well, if he cannot see that you are special, then more pity him.†Turning Brionna’s hand over in her own she ran her finger tip along the lines within. “I hadn’t told you have I, that I can read fortunes…†Everyone wanted hope, Jolanda knew how to give it to people. “Would you like me to read yours?†she asked softly, shuffling to sit right alongside Brionna to more easily read her palm.
“Oh yes…†some explanation was necessary she supposed. “Well, I…†she rolled her eyes, “I never imagined anyone would take me seriously! But yes, you are exactly right. Oh, but did I tell you he is a legionnaire, you ought to see them all in their uniforms!†she sighed with girlish admiration, there was nothing so alluring as a man in uniform! “I wonder if the Count has a uniform?†she grinned with eyes sparkling, “I bet he would look magnificent in one!â€
Her head tilted, eyes distracted by the lovely colour of Brionna’s hair as she shook her head rueful of her lack of friends. Indeed, one of them only a child. She’s such a sweetheart, Jolanda thought fondly, “then there is one young girl who is most fortunate. If I’d had a friend like you when I was eight…†she frowned a little, imagining how different her life might have been to have had such a gentle mentor.
Seeing Brionna’s discomfort shown with her fiddling with her hair, Jolanda reached out and caught her hand, “Well, if he cannot see that you are special, then more pity him.†Turning Brionna’s hand over in her own she ran her finger tip along the lines within. “I hadn’t told you have I, that I can read fortunes…†Everyone wanted hope, Jolanda knew how to give it to people. “Would you like me to read yours?†she asked softly, shuffling to sit right alongside Brionna to more easily read her palm.
“Oh yes…†some explanation was necessary she supposed. “Well, I…†she rolled her eyes, “I never imagined anyone would take me seriously! But yes, you are exactly right. Oh, but did I tell you he is a legionnaire, you ought to see them all in their uniforms!†she sighed with girlish admiration, there was nothing so alluring as a man in uniform! “I wonder if the Count has a uniform?†she grinned with eyes sparkling, “I bet he would look magnificent in one!â€
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Brionna Galenn
Brionna smiled, appreciating her friend's gentle encouragement. She always say such nice things! she thought. And she's always prepared to think the best of everyone. When did I stop being able to do that? It was a disquieting thought, as she realised that the rift with her father had left deeper scars than she had expected.
Her gratitude towards the woman deepend with the assurances that she was worthy of a noble's son, although she wasn't entirely sure she'd be game to put herself forward if she was sent home from the estate with nothing more than a 'thank you for coming'. The support warmed her, however, and she watched curiously as Jolanda ran a finger over her palm. The touch tickled slightly, and she had to force herself not to jerk her hand away. Her eyes widened as the woman spoke of reading fortunes. "You can?" she asked in astonishment. "I've never had my fortune read before. We sometimes saw them in the markets in Kings Court, but I never went to them. I thought I knew what my fortune held in those days." She chuckled and shook her head at the vagueries of life. "I'd love you to read my palm though," she admitted. "Life's become very uncertain of late."
As she held her hand for her friend to examine, she giggled at Jolanda's comments about uniforms. With a wry grin, she replied, "I think the Count would look magnificent in a canvas sack. He's just that sort of man. It wouldn't matter what he wore, he'd still look fantastic! You're right though, there is something very splendid about a man in a well-polished uniform. I certainly can't blame you for wanting to attach yourself to the legionnaires."
Her gratitude towards the woman deepend with the assurances that she was worthy of a noble's son, although she wasn't entirely sure she'd be game to put herself forward if she was sent home from the estate with nothing more than a 'thank you for coming'. The support warmed her, however, and she watched curiously as Jolanda ran a finger over her palm. The touch tickled slightly, and she had to force herself not to jerk her hand away. Her eyes widened as the woman spoke of reading fortunes. "You can?" she asked in astonishment. "I've never had my fortune read before. We sometimes saw them in the markets in Kings Court, but I never went to them. I thought I knew what my fortune held in those days." She chuckled and shook her head at the vagueries of life. "I'd love you to read my palm though," she admitted. "Life's become very uncertain of late."
As she held her hand for her friend to examine, she giggled at Jolanda's comments about uniforms. With a wry grin, she replied, "I think the Count would look magnificent in a canvas sack. He's just that sort of man. It wouldn't matter what he wore, he'd still look fantastic! You're right though, there is something very splendid about a man in a well-polished uniform. I certainly can't blame you for wanting to attach yourself to the legionnaires."
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Jolanda
Jolanda would have been surprised to know Brionna thought her such a charitable person, yet in this instance it might have been true. Jolanda was simply enamored of Brionna to a degree...
"One does what they feel is necessary." she replied, pleased that Brionna understood why she'd let her life become so muddled, "and besides, from confusion comes opportunities."
"But yes," she whispered in reply as she then focused upon the reading of her new friend's fortune, "and... yours, your is most interesting." she looked closer at her palm, her finger tracing along the lines as a child would when reading a primer. "There is an obstacle ahead, a problem which perplexes you, which tries your ideals and your identity. You shall need help, someone you would not have considered trusting... but if you do trust them you can achieve far more than what you might upon your own. Love... love is very close. It has already found you, and only awaits the signal from your heart."
She paused at that stag, to take her other hand, and compare the two, "There is a breach, not long ago, something happened which caused your life to change forever... sometimes you wonder, and wish you could go back to how it was, but... but you need to let go, and look forward."
"Heed your inner voice, for it speaks true to you, and do not be diverted by those who try turn you from your path. Keep true, speak out your mind, and you shall win the respect you desire and admiration of all... ahh..." she smiled the looking up into Brionna's eyes, "And do you want to know of wealth and children?"
"One does what they feel is necessary." she replied, pleased that Brionna understood why she'd let her life become so muddled, "and besides, from confusion comes opportunities."
"But yes," she whispered in reply as she then focused upon the reading of her new friend's fortune, "and... yours, your is most interesting." she looked closer at her palm, her finger tracing along the lines as a child would when reading a primer. "There is an obstacle ahead, a problem which perplexes you, which tries your ideals and your identity. You shall need help, someone you would not have considered trusting... but if you do trust them you can achieve far more than what you might upon your own. Love... love is very close. It has already found you, and only awaits the signal from your heart."
She paused at that stag, to take her other hand, and compare the two, "There is a breach, not long ago, something happened which caused your life to change forever... sometimes you wonder, and wish you could go back to how it was, but... but you need to let go, and look forward."
"Heed your inner voice, for it speaks true to you, and do not be diverted by those who try turn you from your path. Keep true, speak out your mind, and you shall win the respect you desire and admiration of all... ahh..." she smiled the looking up into Brionna's eyes, "And do you want to know of wealth and children?"
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Brionna Galenn
A shiver ran through Brionna as she listened to her friend's words. An obstacle ahead? she thought. Well, I certainly have that, and it is trying my ideals! But someone I would not have considered trusting? Who? I'm not sure I can trust anyone anymore, so that's a rather large pool... Her lips twitched as Jolanda spoke of love. Only awaits, huh? I wonder, does she mean the Count? But he hardly knows me! I'm sure she can't mean Ozghan... I don't think he likes me so much anymore, not since I was honest with him about the curse on his house. She suppressed a small sigh.
A puzzled expression crossed her face as Jolanda took her other hand and began to examine it. They say different things? she wondered. But they're both my hands! She set the puzzle aside as her ears registered the woman's next words. How could she know about that?! she thought, her eyes widening in surprise. I'm sure I hadn't mentioned it to anyone here - I never talk about it if I can help it! But she's right that I wonder what might have happened if I hadn't left home like that. Let go? Perhaps I should. Maybe I'll write to Father soon... just to let him know I'm safe...
She blinked at Jolanda's question, still caught up in her musings. With a soft chuckle, she replied, "You can tell that from my hand too? Be my guest! It's been uncanny so far." She gave her friend an admiring grin. "I can't believe you can tell so much just from looking at my hands! But can you really tell something different from each one?" It was a question that was still nagging at her, and she hoped it wasn't some sort of trade secret that she wouldn't be allowed to know.
OOC: Sorry for the delay... Been short of time lately, so I made sure I posted in the main thread (although it seems that no one else is! Go figure).
A puzzled expression crossed her face as Jolanda took her other hand and began to examine it. They say different things? she wondered. But they're both my hands! She set the puzzle aside as her ears registered the woman's next words. How could she know about that?! she thought, her eyes widening in surprise. I'm sure I hadn't mentioned it to anyone here - I never talk about it if I can help it! But she's right that I wonder what might have happened if I hadn't left home like that. Let go? Perhaps I should. Maybe I'll write to Father soon... just to let him know I'm safe...
She blinked at Jolanda's question, still caught up in her musings. With a soft chuckle, she replied, "You can tell that from my hand too? Be my guest! It's been uncanny so far." She gave her friend an admiring grin. "I can't believe you can tell so much just from looking at my hands! But can you really tell something different from each one?" It was a question that was still nagging at her, and she hoped it wasn't some sort of trade secret that she wouldn't be allowed to know.
OOC: Sorry for the delay... Been short of time lately, so I made sure I posted in the main thread (although it seems that no one else is! Go figure).
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Jolanda
"Oh yes," Jolanda assured, pleased to hear Brionna knew nothing at all of the reading of palms, it made adlibbing easier. "But your left hand is the path the fates have for you, while your right reflects the choices you have made. Intentions and actuality are far different things no? And yours varies greatly from the humble life you might have had."
She felt a little cruel to a degree, for she called upon understanding of the generic in reading her friends palm. Everyone had some event they felt traumatic and life changing in their past, one they harkened back to wondering 'what if', and everyone felt they faced a trouble - it was human nature to believe so, Jolanda imagined even the most blessed of individuals found something to fret over.
Yet her intentions were good. She wanted Brionna to feel less unworthy, the girls modesty was an aspect that Jolanda thought would hinder her progress. One must believe themselves deserving, to receive a prize.
"Well then," she turned her hand to look at the markings at it's side, "Two sons you shall have, though there is a girl, a girl who may be a daughter. All shall be born into privilege... it shall be your task to remind them of what is important, to keep their feet upon the ground. Of wealth…" she paused and looked at Brionna, so much of her talent relied upon making studied guesses, "You shall come into abundance, yet you shall deny it. While your needs shall always be met, excess you shall turn away." she blinked and gave a look of surprise, as though disagreeing with what she had read. "But Brionna, that cannot be true!"
She felt a little cruel to a degree, for she called upon understanding of the generic in reading her friends palm. Everyone had some event they felt traumatic and life changing in their past, one they harkened back to wondering 'what if', and everyone felt they faced a trouble - it was human nature to believe so, Jolanda imagined even the most blessed of individuals found something to fret over.
Yet her intentions were good. She wanted Brionna to feel less unworthy, the girls modesty was an aspect that Jolanda thought would hinder her progress. One must believe themselves deserving, to receive a prize.
"Well then," she turned her hand to look at the markings at it's side, "Two sons you shall have, though there is a girl, a girl who may be a daughter. All shall be born into privilege... it shall be your task to remind them of what is important, to keep their feet upon the ground. Of wealth…" she paused and looked at Brionna, so much of her talent relied upon making studied guesses, "You shall come into abundance, yet you shall deny it. While your needs shall always be met, excess you shall turn away." she blinked and gave a look of surprise, as though disagreeing with what she had read. "But Brionna, that cannot be true!"
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Guest
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Brionna Galenn
Brionna's lips quirked in a smile at her friend's words. "That's true enough," she agreed. "There's nothing like throwing over yahren of upbringing to really give fate a hard time!" She spoke without bitterness, having decided that whatever problems her decision to leave home had brought her, it had been the right one. I had to learn who I was and what I could do, she thought. I'm still learning, but I'm closer to an answer.
She raised one eyebrow in surprise when Jolanda started talking about children. "Two sons is fair enough, but a girl who may be a daughter? If I have a girl, she's automatically me daughter isn't she?" She laughed and shook her head. "Having them born into privilege sounds hopeful, though. I'd hate to think that I'd be unable to provide for my children."
The talk of wealth was interesting, as was Jolanda's reaction to what she read. She blinked a couple of times, then said slowly, "I'm not sure... I guess I already have turned from prosperity once - my father was talking of finding me a good marriage, and he had the connections to do it, too, but I hated the idea of just marrying for money. I wanted to do something for me, and if I married I wanted it to be because the man wanted the real me. I hated the idea of becoming a trophy wife!" Her voice had risen slightly with the remembered ire of that conversation with her father. Realising this, she stopped abruptly and gave a sheepish grin.
The noise from the open balcony door caught her attention, and she drew breath in a soft hiss. Her eyes darted around briefly for something nearby that could serve as a weapon if she needed it, but nothing seemed to present itself. One of the other laides? she wondered. But why didn't they use the door? There's very few reasons why one of them would want to pay a call on me secretly, and none of them are good!
Her heart was beating faster as she caught Jolanda's eye and flickered her gaze towards the door. Hoping that her friend was also aware of the nearby presence, she decided that the best course was to try and keep the advantage. If someone sought to surprise them, she would let them know that they had failed. Pitching her voice to carry to the balcony, she called, "Good evening! Feel free to come in and make yourself at home, if you've friendly intentions!" And if you've unfreindly intentions, then please go away! She managed to keep herself from blurting out these last words, but the thought of them brought a small smile to her lips.
She raised one eyebrow in surprise when Jolanda started talking about children. "Two sons is fair enough, but a girl who may be a daughter? If I have a girl, she's automatically me daughter isn't she?" She laughed and shook her head. "Having them born into privilege sounds hopeful, though. I'd hate to think that I'd be unable to provide for my children."
The talk of wealth was interesting, as was Jolanda's reaction to what she read. She blinked a couple of times, then said slowly, "I'm not sure... I guess I already have turned from prosperity once - my father was talking of finding me a good marriage, and he had the connections to do it, too, but I hated the idea of just marrying for money. I wanted to do something for me, and if I married I wanted it to be because the man wanted the real me. I hated the idea of becoming a trophy wife!" Her voice had risen slightly with the remembered ire of that conversation with her father. Realising this, she stopped abruptly and gave a sheepish grin.
The noise from the open balcony door caught her attention, and she drew breath in a soft hiss. Her eyes darted around briefly for something nearby that could serve as a weapon if she needed it, but nothing seemed to present itself. One of the other laides? she wondered. But why didn't they use the door? There's very few reasons why one of them would want to pay a call on me secretly, and none of them are good!
Her heart was beating faster as she caught Jolanda's eye and flickered her gaze towards the door. Hoping that her friend was also aware of the nearby presence, she decided that the best course was to try and keep the advantage. If someone sought to surprise them, she would let them know that they had failed. Pitching her voice to carry to the balcony, she called, "Good evening! Feel free to come in and make yourself at home, if you've friendly intentions!" And if you've unfreindly intentions, then please go away! She managed to keep herself from blurting out these last words, but the thought of them brought a small smile to her lips.
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Guest
"Fear not," a deep baritone voice, slightly out of breath, called "It is I... Guy de Reve." He stepped into the light then, holding up his hand to ward off any flying objects. He wore a white linen shirt that was wrinkled and contained a green smudge. It was undone, half open so that it revealed the rippling muscles of the counts chest and stomache.
With a sigh Guy threw himself in a nearby chair, exhausted "I apologize for scaring you, Mio Divina," the count sighed, suddenly entertaining a Mouthie accent which sounded ever so exotic "I just had to come hide here. They are throwing themselves at me, and there is only so much I can take." His eyes sharpened as he suddenly noticed another lady on the bed, and he gave Jolanda a lopsided grin "Well, this is an unexpected pleasure, I must say."
With a sigh Guy threw himself in a nearby chair, exhausted "I apologize for scaring you, Mio Divina," the count sighed, suddenly entertaining a Mouthie accent which sounded ever so exotic "I just had to come hide here. They are throwing themselves at me, and there is only so much I can take." His eyes sharpened as he suddenly noticed another lady on the bed, and he gave Jolanda a lopsided grin "Well, this is an unexpected pleasure, I must say."
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Brionna Galenn
At the sound of the deep masculine voice, Brionna's heart gave a queer skip. She was relieved that it wasn't one of the other ladies with nefarious intent, but the idea of the Count climbing into her bedroom via the balcony was completely unexpected. I'm sure that this isn't proper, yet... it is rather flattering... She noted the raised hand and smiled. If there had been something to hand, she probably would have thrown it to ward off the intruder.
As he collapsed into the chair and admitted his need for a place to hide (in yet another intriguing accent, no less), her smile warmed in sympathy. "You can hide here for as long as you wish, my Lord. We promise not to tell the others that you find their attentions a tad... overwhelming." Although I can understand how you would... some of those ladies could only be described as predatory!
His grin as he noticed Jolanda's presence brought a faint blush to her cheeks and an answering grin to her lips. "We'd worried that some of the other women vying for your attention might decide to reduce the playing field a little. Besides, it's nice to find a friend to talk to here." She gestured towards the door with one small hand. "You have such a wonderful house, truly, but for someone not used to living in such luxury it does make one feel a little small. Then again, I guess that's not that hard with me." She shot him a wry smile, remembering how he had towered over her while they danced.
Remembering her obligations as host - even if it wasn't her home, it was her room - she looked around for anything in the way of drinks she could offer. Even a jug of water would be fine, but she silently cursed herself for not investigating earlier if teh COunt had provided refreshments in the rooms. Then again, I hadn't counted on entertaining tonight! she thought with a silent chuckle.
As he collapsed into the chair and admitted his need for a place to hide (in yet another intriguing accent, no less), her smile warmed in sympathy. "You can hide here for as long as you wish, my Lord. We promise not to tell the others that you find their attentions a tad... overwhelming." Although I can understand how you would... some of those ladies could only be described as predatory!
His grin as he noticed Jolanda's presence brought a faint blush to her cheeks and an answering grin to her lips. "We'd worried that some of the other women vying for your attention might decide to reduce the playing field a little. Besides, it's nice to find a friend to talk to here." She gestured towards the door with one small hand. "You have such a wonderful house, truly, but for someone not used to living in such luxury it does make one feel a little small. Then again, I guess that's not that hard with me." She shot him a wry smile, remembering how he had towered over her while they danced.
Remembering her obligations as host - even if it wasn't her home, it was her room - she looked around for anything in the way of drinks she could offer. Even a jug of water would be fine, but she silently cursed herself for not investigating earlier if teh COunt had provided refreshments in the rooms. Then again, I hadn't counted on entertaining tonight! she thought with a silent chuckle.
-
Jolanda
"No, no there is something unusual about the girl child..." Brionna didn't pick up what she hinted at; the girl child that might think of her as a mother, the girl child that Brionna had already told Jolanda about.
But she'd lost her.
As Brionna begun to speak of her of renouncing wealth and not wanting to be a 'trophy wife' Jolanda realized she'd guessed her wrongly. Her father must have been a very wealthy merchant then, if some man would have married her only for alliance with the family. She'd lost the confidence Brionna had seemed to begin to give her. Equally Jolanda realized that Brionna's humility and modesty were superficial. She was born with a silver spoon in her mouth. Her hand fell from Brionna’s as her jealousy placed a divide between them.
Then came a noise from outside, to which Brionna welcomed in whoever it was - and there, surprisingly, was the count declaring he was fleeing attack. Curious that he came here. Her jealousy of Brionna only grew stronger as the young lady greeted Guy, barely batting an eye then commenced making small talk about how petite she was. Jolanda made mental comparison, and noticed she was both taller and more rounded - though previously she'd thought her curves were good things she suddenly didn't feel so comfortable about it.
"Ahh, but now I am assured you are safe, I shall bid you goodnight." Jolanda interrupted the pairs conversation to advise, "Sweet dreams Brionna, and you too milord." She took her leave, surprised at how peeved she felt that Brionna hadn't acted so like a regal hostess when she'd arrived. I guess I was just an amusement when she was bored. Yes, she was in a sulk.
But she'd lost her.
As Brionna begun to speak of her of renouncing wealth and not wanting to be a 'trophy wife' Jolanda realized she'd guessed her wrongly. Her father must have been a very wealthy merchant then, if some man would have married her only for alliance with the family. She'd lost the confidence Brionna had seemed to begin to give her. Equally Jolanda realized that Brionna's humility and modesty were superficial. She was born with a silver spoon in her mouth. Her hand fell from Brionna’s as her jealousy placed a divide between them.
Then came a noise from outside, to which Brionna welcomed in whoever it was - and there, surprisingly, was the count declaring he was fleeing attack. Curious that he came here. Her jealousy of Brionna only grew stronger as the young lady greeted Guy, barely batting an eye then commenced making small talk about how petite she was. Jolanda made mental comparison, and noticed she was both taller and more rounded - though previously she'd thought her curves were good things she suddenly didn't feel so comfortable about it.
"Ahh, but now I am assured you are safe, I shall bid you goodnight." Jolanda interrupted the pairs conversation to advise, "Sweet dreams Brionna, and you too milord." She took her leave, surprised at how peeved she felt that Brionna hadn't acted so like a regal hostess when she'd arrived. I guess I was just an amusement when she was bored. Yes, she was in a sulk.
Last edited by Jolanda on Sun Mar 19, 2006 10:47 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Brionna Galenn
If Brionna sensed Jolanda's withdrawal at her words, she put it down the to sound at the window. It would never have occurred to her that she migth have offended the woman with her words, especially since in her passionate outburst she had somewhat overstated the situation - while comfortable, her family had not been rich. That had been what had prompted her father to suggest marrying her off in the first place, once they no longer had the added income that her mother's dressmaking had provided. If she had been thinking clearly, she would have chosen her words with more care, but alas, she hadn't.
It came as a surprise, therefore, when Jolanda rose and bid them a goodnight. The detachment in her voice was a noticable contrast from her warm friendliness of earlier, and Brionna looked at her in surprise. Have I said something wrong? she wondered, confused as to the sudden change in the woman's manner. Why would she leave just because the Count turned up? Unless it's because the Count turned up? Maybe she thinks... Her own confusion about the man's choice of refuge clashed with her confusion about what had upset her friend. Could she be upset that he chose to hide here? she asked herself incredulously. But I don't even understand why he chose to hide here!
She held out her hand to her friend, her hurt and confusion showing in her eyes despite the fact that she kept her tone light. "You don't have to go," she assured her. "Between us I'm sure we can keep the good Count safe from marauding women." She gave a hopeful smile, but she wasn't sure how much good it was going to do. Despite being flattered by the Count's apparent trust, she wished she had a moment alone with her friend so that they could talk about what had suddenly come between them.
It came as a surprise, therefore, when Jolanda rose and bid them a goodnight. The detachment in her voice was a noticable contrast from her warm friendliness of earlier, and Brionna looked at her in surprise. Have I said something wrong? she wondered, confused as to the sudden change in the woman's manner. Why would she leave just because the Count turned up? Unless it's because the Count turned up? Maybe she thinks... Her own confusion about the man's choice of refuge clashed with her confusion about what had upset her friend. Could she be upset that he chose to hide here? she asked herself incredulously. But I don't even understand why he chose to hide here!
She held out her hand to her friend, her hurt and confusion showing in her eyes despite the fact that she kept her tone light. "You don't have to go," she assured her. "Between us I'm sure we can keep the good Count safe from marauding women." She gave a hopeful smile, but she wasn't sure how much good it was going to do. Despite being flattered by the Count's apparent trust, she wished she had a moment alone with her friend so that they could talk about what had suddenly come between them.
-
Jolanda
Jolanda turned, her sulk twisting as she looked back at Brionna - a look of wary hope in her eyes. Does she really wants me to stay? her eyes slid then towards the cocky count, even if she doesn't really, am I going to make it this easy for them? "Well..." she murmured grudgingly, "if you insist."
Brionna hadn't insisted of course, but it sounded better that way.
"Two are better than one, and three...?" her eyes glittered, as a secret notion she'd harbored about Brionna tentatively included Guy.
"I'm sorry Brionna, I was being silly." she caught her new friends hand, interlinking fingers, "Say you'll forgive me, or I shall... kiss you!" she began to laugh.
Brionna hadn't insisted of course, but it sounded better that way.
"Two are better than one, and three...?" her eyes glittered, as a secret notion she'd harbored about Brionna tentatively included Guy.
"I'm sorry Brionna, I was being silly." she caught her new friends hand, interlinking fingers, "Say you'll forgive me, or I shall... kiss you!" she began to laugh.
Last edited by Jolanda on Mon Mar 20, 2006 9:30 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Brionna Galenn
Brionna's eyes brightened as Jolanda accepted her entreaty, albeit grudgingly. A smile came to her lips as her friend apologised and took her hand. Whatever misunderstanding there was, we'll get over it, she assured herself. Squeezing the woman's fingers, she joined her laughter. "There's nothing to forgive!" she assured her gaily. "It's been a long and stressful day for all of us, I think. Besides, we need to keep our noble guest safe..." She grinned over at the Count, wondering what he thought of this strange interplay between them.
Taking in his somewhat dishevelled appearance, she quirked one eyebrow and said, "If you don't mind my saying so, my Lord, you look as though you've had rather a long night. I'd never ask a gentleman to kiss and tell, but exactly how many of your guests have been chasing you since we all retired?" A thought struck her and she added, "And whatever possessed you to climb in through the window?" She hoped that she had been reading the Count correctly and that he wasn't one to stand on ceremony, or else she was going to regret that last outburst.
Taking in his somewhat dishevelled appearance, she quirked one eyebrow and said, "If you don't mind my saying so, my Lord, you look as though you've had rather a long night. I'd never ask a gentleman to kiss and tell, but exactly how many of your guests have been chasing you since we all retired?" A thought struck her and she added, "And whatever possessed you to climb in through the window?" She hoped that she had been reading the Count correctly and that he wasn't one to stand on ceremony, or else she was going to regret that last outburst.
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Guest
Guy quirked an eyebrow when Jolanda left, again! This lady is insecure even if she knows it not. How curious. She does not yet realize she's the gem in my game plan. For of course the Count had a plan, and he was pondering it while listen to the ladies doing typical female things like making silly assumptions and then making up for them. A waste of time as far as he was concerned but he'd never dream of telling them so. It was a ladies thing after all.
He kept his feet stretched and gave a lazy grin to both Brionna and Jolanda when their familiar tone challenged him, however politely voiced "Ah yes.. a gentleman can't tell, now can he? However, let me put it this way, I doubt you ladies have anything to fear, unless you two jump upon me, no matter how ravishing and lovely you both are." He gave them a heavy wink "I doubt I could resist anybody right now though.. so if you want to ravish me, be my guest." He grinned, baring his white teeth "No killings so far though. Did you think it might come that far?" He sounded almost hopeful.
"I approached both of you since I had hoped that perhaps we could also strike some sort of deal," Guy offered tentivaly.
He kept his feet stretched and gave a lazy grin to both Brionna and Jolanda when their familiar tone challenged him, however politely voiced "Ah yes.. a gentleman can't tell, now can he? However, let me put it this way, I doubt you ladies have anything to fear, unless you two jump upon me, no matter how ravishing and lovely you both are." He gave them a heavy wink "I doubt I could resist anybody right now though.. so if you want to ravish me, be my guest." He grinned, baring his white teeth "No killings so far though. Did you think it might come that far?" He sounded almost hopeful.
"I approached both of you since I had hoped that perhaps we could also strike some sort of deal," Guy offered tentivaly.