Magpie
26
Unmarried
Noblewoman
Tier 2 Character
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Post by Marinette Roquefort on Apr 30, 2020 22:26:52 GMT -5
Oh, how sweet of him to give up his coat for the little girl! Marinette couldn't help noting that Triston was gentle with his niece just as he had been with her frazzled nerves at the party.
A smile had been tugging at her lips, but she flinched when another man swooped in out of nowhere. The look on her face was clearly one of concern as he grabbed Olivia so suddenly--her instincts automatically told her that the girl was in danger, but she knew better than to assume that all fathers were like her own. Her lips pressed into a thin line as she watched him scold her, then provided her with the medicine for her cough. Oh, that was good, at least. The solution to Olivia's coughing made Marinette's shoulders relax slightly, although she hadn't realized the tension she'd been holding in her posture until that moment.
When the men acknowledged her and her sister, Marinette shook her head and raised both her hands in protest at the suggestion that Olivia might have troubled them. "Oh not at all! Helene spotted that she looked a little lost, and we wanted to make sure she was safe. Oh, and we may also have promised to buy her a hair ribbon if you don't mind it. We were hoping to cheer her up and keep her from worrying overmuch."
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Tendy
27
Widowed
Noble
Tier 3 Character
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Post by Helene Hewitt on Apr 30, 2020 23:20:13 GMT -5
"Of course! But only if you father allows it." Helene told the child with a smile. Believe it or not, the child already had Helene wrapped around her finger. She stood as Lord DeGrey took his coat off and wrapped it around Olivia. He really was sweet with his niece. And his sister, she noted. She smiled fondly at the two of them when a man suddenly came out of no where and snatched Olivia before Triston could pick her up.
As a reflex, Helene reached her hand out to yank Olivia from his grasp. Flash backs of her father grabbing Mari came coming back in that moment, and Helene was taken back to when she'd yank her sister out of the way before the punishing blow would hit.
As quickly as it came, the feeling was gone. Realizing it was her father, and Lord William DeGrey, from the party for that matter and she stilled. Placing her hand on her chest to calm her racing heart from the surge of adrenaline, and took a deep breath. Her hand rested on her throat for a moment, feeling her quick pulse, and she took a slow breath out. Returning the smile Triston had given both her and Marinette before she put her hand in front of her and held the blue ribbon she'd yet to purchase in both hands.
Helene nodded in agreement to what Marinette said. "She was no trouble at all. In fact, I think we were all becoming fast friends." Helene said with a smile. She glanced down at Olivia. "She's quite the delight." Helene smiled brightly at her. "Lord Triston found us shortly after we spoke with Olivia, he was very attentive to her." Helene glanced at Triston and gave him another smile. "She was in safe hands."
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Post by Deleted on May 1, 2020 11:18:46 GMT -5
Did she feel guilty? Maybe a little. A tiny bit. The girl was constantly asking questions, always looking at her with those big eyes, and Margery didn't know what to make of it. With each passing day, she was beginning to wonder how much of a mess she had gotten herself into. Mother and Father wanted her to marry, and setting sights of a deGrey was a smart move. However, William was possibly the wrong deGrey to aim for.
He had just been the easiest. Lonely, sad- it was perfect. Men who lost a beloved wife were always the easiest.
With her friend in tow, and her hands hiking up the hem of her skirt as she somewhat rushed down the street avoiding every single mud puddle, Margery found the little group. She also noted the two noblewomen lingering a bit close by.
Breathless, she spoke, "Oh, you found her! I'm so glad." The relieved smile on her face looked real enough, but it was horribly forced. It wasn't that she actually wished anything to happen to the girl, but she didn't understand why she had to be her responsibility.
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Lunari
34
Widower
Tresterian Ambassador
Tier 2 Character
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Post by William deGrey on May 1, 2020 12:02:16 GMT -5
His brothers couldn't understand what they did not see. And, of course, William held a lot of things back. He was humble to a large degree and possibly believed a lot of things he shouldn't. But they hadn't lost a wife years ago. They didn't know what it was like to have to raise a strong-willed daughter alone. His engagement may have been a foolish idea, but it had healed his heart even for a temporary period of time.
Now, it was just aching all over again as he pulled Triston's jacket around Olivia a little more. Grateful to his brother, he also purposely wasn't looking at him because he didn't want to see that look on his face. Because Will knew he would shoot him down immediately, and here wasn't the place.
"Breathe in through your nose, love...and out your mouth," he told Olivia who nodded and began doing just that. He could see how upset she was. In all honesty, she was a good child, but most children tended to step out of line. She knew better than to wander off and should have gone into the shop for him instead. But again, here wasn't the place.
Kissing the top of her head again, his eyes were shifting back to the sisters; his appreciation so clearly evident on his face that was finally mixed in with relief. That didn't mean his heart wasn't still pounding. "Thank you both...very much. It was kind of you." Will was slow to have noticed Helene's initial reaction, but it was all coming back to him. She had been willing to pull Olivia away from him, from possible danger, before realizing who he was. Not many women would have done that. Before he could say much more, Livi was piping up when Marinette mentioned the ribbon again. "Can I get a ribbon, Daddy? Pleeeeease?" Her excitement caused her to cough a little again. William sighed softly, wishing she wouldn't do that so soon after having a coughing fit. He was about to tell her it was okay, but he wasn't going to let the ladies pay for it, at the very least.
However, another voice had him abruptly freezing. This really wasn't the place.
"You can get a ribbon," he told Olivia who promptly squealed in delight. She was turning to grab for Mari and Helene's hands, and William looked between the two with that gratitude again. Standing, he straightened out his jacket before turning around. His eyes met Triston's first but said nothing, until that dark gaze settled on Margery...who immediately knew that he was angry.
Now, Will wasn't the type to get angry easily, nor did he express it with loud words often. He became this quiet and calculating thing, and the other person was never sure if he was going to lash out or not. Grinding his jaw, he glared at her until she was frozen in place. "William, I-" "Just go." His words were calm and stern. A warning. "But wait, I didn't mean to-" Then that resolve was gone, and he snapped. After thinking he had lost Olivia and having to remember her mother, he wasn't in the right head space for this. "Didn't mean to ignore my daughter?!" People gathered around abruptly stopped at the duke's booming voice before they hurried away. Margery stared at him in bewilderment. He'd never taken that tone with her before. How dare he! Still, despite his words, it was his tone that people had noticed first. Their frightened expressions almost brought a delighted smirk to her lips. "Watch yourself, William...this is neither the time nor place." Clearly. He was trying not to fume, but he'd only begun to come down from this anger when she finally started to walk away. However, it wasn't back the way she came- she would purposely walk passed him, fingers brushing along his chest as she ventured further into the market. Those cold eyes, however, took a few lingering moments to study the faces of the sisters along the way.
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Magpie
26
Unmarried
Noblewoman
Tier 2 Character
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Post by Marinette Roquefort on May 1, 2020 12:40:56 GMT -5
Marinette's smile fell slightly at arrivals of the newcomer who was undoubtedly the aforementioned "devil woman;" despite her smile and apparent relief, something about her set Marinette's teeth on edge. Still, she was doing her best to keep her composure until Willam raised his voice to Margery. It wasn't that he didn't have a right to be upset, but the anger in his voice paired with the rising volume hit every instinct she had built growing up. Every part of her reacted.
Fiery panic raced through her veins and she couldn't seem to get enough air in her lungs. Her whole posture shrunk in on herself as she wrapped her arms around her torso, curled slightly, and stepped backward as if she'd been hit in the stomach. Her breathing hitched and sped, and she felt tears prickling at the corners of her eyes.
No, not here. Not now.
This wasn't her father, she wasn't in danger, but there was nowhere to run, too many eyes; she couldn't stop herself. She could feel the panic pressing against her skin from the inside like she was going to burst. The world around her started to blur and she hardly noticed the blonde brushing past them as she left.
"I'm sorry I...think I need to sit down a moment," she murmured breathlessly She didn't have time to wait to see if anyone had heard her as she hurried towards a bench that was a few shops away from where they'd been talking. All she knew was that she needed to get away.
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Soleil
32
Single
Council Member of Tresterian court
Tier 1 Character
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Post by Triston deGrey on May 1, 2020 19:58:52 GMT -5
Triston frowned, watching William and Olivia, but was thankful he had been able to find them so quickly and had the young girl's medicine. He remained quiet, but then Margery approached them and her voice nearly went right through him. He fought the urge to cringe and he just glared at her instead. Well, this was all rather awkward now, as the engaged couple bickered in the street. And then, something had snapped in William, causing Triston's eyes to widen. He looked away and at the two ladies beside him, noticing the panicked look on Marinette's face and her reaction of fear. He looked at her with concern before glancing to William, whether he looked or not, he gave him a look to try and calm himself down.
Marinette was excusing herself and he couldn't help but look at Helene in question. He, too, wanted to walk away from this whole situation. God bless his brother for being able to put up with that woman. Seriously. Because he, himself, would have found a way to break things off and be done with her.
Without saying anything, Triston backed up and followed Marinette to where she sat on a nearby bench. He asked one of the shop keepers for a cup of water and he slowly sat next to the woman. "Are you alright? Here.." He handed her the cup of water but made no other move. Something had startled and frightened her, clearly. He could understand that much, at least, and he did not wish to upset or scare her further.
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Tendy
27
Widowed
Noble
Tier 3 Character
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Post by Helene Hewitt on May 1, 2020 20:35:31 GMT -5
Helene smiled and extended on of her hands to Olivia. Wrapping her hand around the little girls. She turned, ready to go to the ribbon vendor again, when she heard a woman's voice, and looked over her shoulder. Helene watched for a moment, sensing a change in the air. She didn't like the woman almost immediately. She definitely had a "duchess snobby" air about her. "Come on little Dove," She whispered to Olivia. She would go to move Olivia in front of her and urge her to the market stand. She was still in ear shot when the arguing started, and she flinched at hearing Williams loud voice. A her other hand instantly rested on Olivia's shoulder, and gave it a small squeeze. Helene looked to Mari, and her eyes widened.
Knowing almost instantly what was happening, she reached out to her sister, but she was already leaving, excusing herself. Normally Helene, would have followed after her, but she caught Triston's eye. She could see his questioning look, and hers was one of concern. Not wanting to drag Olivia after Mari, especially with that cough, she merely nodded her head in Mari's direction. Triston DeGrey was certainly making an impression on at least one sister.
"What color are you thinking little Dove? Your hair is very pretty, I think something bright would look quite nicely. What's your favorite color?" Helene asked Olivia, heading to the ribbon vendor. She looked over her shoulder to see Margery leaving, catching her cold eyes, Helene merely arched an eyebrow at the woman in challenge. She gave her attention back to Olivia, and handed the vendor the blue ribbon she'd picked earlier. She smiled at him. "I know I want that one, and whatever one the little lady wants." Helene told him with a smile. She picked up a pink one and then crouched down next to Olivia, holding it up against her beside her face. "Hmmmm this one doesn't sparkle enough." She said with a thoughtful look, before turning and putting it back.
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Lunari
7
Daughter of William deGrey
Tier 4 Character
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Post by Olivia deGrey on May 2, 2020 13:58:56 GMT -5
Olivia was just excited a moment ago, but the moment she heard Margery's voice...then heard Daddy yell, it was hard to ignore. He never did that. Not even when she did something bad, or accidentally broke something. It actually startled her because it was so different. Even Marinette was running away and Livi looked to Helene as if ready to ask what was going on.
But the woman lured her to the ribbons, trying her best to get her to pay attention, and the girl could only partially do it. She was torn and didn't know why. "I like...purple..." she said quietly before the yelling had stopped. Something had caught Helene's eye, and when Olivia turned, she spotted Margery watching them. Something overcame her then, and she stuck her tongue out at the duchess. Margery tsked at her before going on her way.
Ooooh, she hated her so much.
Looking over her shoulder to find Daddy standing in the street, she was only looking away as Helene crouched beside her, finally coaxing out another gentle smile from her. "Or maybe something yellow!" she exclaimed. Yellow was bright. "Daddy told me my mom's favorite color used to be yellow."
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Lunari
34
Widower
Tresterian Ambassador
Tier 2 Character
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Post by William deGrey on May 2, 2020 14:17:29 GMT -5
How had this happened? One moment he's fuming, and now the next...he was standing in the middle of the street as people bypassed him to eagerly go about their business. A hand ran down the front of his face as he drew in deep breaths, trying to clear his head. Everything had escalated far too quickly and it took him off guard. And it would seem, unknown to him, that he affected his own daughter further as well as Lady Roquefort.
A deep breath, he turned to find Olivia with only Helene now. Triston wasn't anywhere in sight, either. Seeing the smile on the girl's face, though, was quickly easing the tension he felt. "Have you found one?" he asked, desperately trying to act as though nothing had just happened. "I really love purple, but I was thinking maybe yellow!" the girl exclaimed. Grabbing for her father's hand, she dragged him a little closer to the stand where he reluctantly followed. Shopping wasn't his strongest suit, but it made Olivia happy. "Both very nice colors..." One of her tiny hands reached for a random yellow ribbon, the closest she could reach to hold it up to her face like she had seen Helene do. "What do you think?" she asked Lady Hewitt. William took this moment to draw in another breath, forcing the rest of the stress away. He knew Margery would bring this up later, and right now he didn't want to deal about it.
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Magpie
26
Unmarried
Noblewoman
Tier 2 Character
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Post by Marinette Roquefort on May 2, 2020 17:28:49 GMT -5
Marinette sat on the bench with her hands cupped around her forehead, shielding herself both from the sun which seemed suddenly knife bright, and from the eyes of onlookers as she knew tears were running down her face. Her breath came in great heaves, despite her best attempts to slow it. Mentally, she kept repeating to herself: "I am safe. I am safe. Father is not here. I am safe. The girl is safe. I am safe." The mantra was meant to ease her panic, but somehow it only made her feel worse to know that she was spiraling like this even when she was perfectly safe. She changed, then, trying not to dwell on such a vicious thought for too long.
Something simpler, then. Breathe in. . . hold. . . breathe out. . . That was better. She could breathe without the hitching gasps, now.
Just as she managed it, she felt someone come closer and held her breath as they sat down. She recognized the voice instantly. Oh no, Triston DeGrey... He'd already seen her flustered and out of sorts once, and now this? His voice was gentle, though, like it was when they had danced, and after a moment she realized he'd said 'here.' She wiped her tearstained cheeks with her hands and raised her head slowly to look up at what he offered. Water? His kindness hit her deeply and shocked a shuddering gasp from her still-uncooperative lungs. She gave a trembling sigh and accepted the water, having to take a sip of it before she could murmur, "Thank you."
She drew a handkerchief from her pocket and wiped her face, trying to regain some semblance of dignity. How on earth was she going to explain this? She didn't even know where to begin. The only thing she could think to do was apologize.
"I'm sorry, I... I'll be fine. It's just I can't--" she was interrupted by her breath hitching again and she frowned. "I can't always control the attacks. I just have to do my best to see it through."
Of course, she couldn't tell him that any man shouting in anger immediately sent her entire body into a state of such panic she felt as if she were dying, that she could hear her father's screaming in the back of her mind, that she had physical scars to match the mental ones...she couldn't confess that to anyone. Helene knew, of course, but only because she had been there, part of it for so long. Even Helene didn't know what had happened after she left.
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Soleil
32
Single
Council Member of Tresterian court
Tier 1 Character
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Post by Triston deGrey on May 2, 2020 22:48:53 GMT -5
Triston noticed as Marinette brushed the tears from her face and how she still very much seemed shaken. A look of concern displayed on his features and he watched her as she tried to explain... Tried to apologize. He shook his head. "You have nothing to be sorry for, my lady..." But at her vague explanation, Roland frowned. "Attacks?" He questioned her, unsure of what she meant. Had something happened to her without any of them noticing?
"What can I do to help? Would you like to take a walk with me?" He glanced up and over to where his brother was, hoping he had composed himself and calmed a bit, especially after Margery left. He really needed to get rid of that woman.
Dark eyes moved back to Marinette as he waited for her answer. He'd not pressure her into it. If she wanted to just sit there to catch her breath and calm down, he would sit and wait with her if she wanted, unless she'd tell him to leave.
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Tendy
27
Widowed
Noble
Tier 3 Character
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Post by Helene Hewitt on May 2, 2020 23:43:18 GMT -5
"Is it now?! Well then we certainly should find a yellow one." Helene exclaimed with this information. She looked up at hearing Williams voice and smiled at him. Standing up she began her search of finding a yellow ribbon for Olivia. She heard her comment about liking purple as well, and widened her search. She had promised her two...
She looked at the father daughter pair out of the corner of her eye and smiled. It was clear to see William cared for his daughter give his reaction upon reuniting with her, and it was clear how much Olivia adored him. Helene would be lying if she said she wasn't envious. How many times had she watched other little girls with their fathers wishing she and Marinette had one that could be as kind, caring, and loving towards them? How many nights had she'd lain awake holding Mari, and urging her not to cry loudly? That if he heard them he'd come back? Yes she was envious, if a little jealous of the relationship she had never had with her father. If she could even call him that. The ache in her chest that usually happened struck her, and for a moment she looked very sad. She could feel the sting of coming tears and quickly made her self focus. There was no use crying over something she never had.
She quickly looked away, schooling her face and getting rid of any lingering thoughts of a "I wish my daddy was like that..." and went back to her ribbon hunt, but Olivia wanted her attention. She turned and to look at the little girl and gasped. "Yellow is definitely an excellent color." She said nodding in approval. Something caught her eye then, and she glanced up. A bright grin appearing on her face. "Oh Olivia what about this one!" She exclaimed. Helene had to stand on her tiptoes to reach it. She placed a hand on the table to steady herself and once the ribbon was in hand she crouch beside Olivia to show her. "It's Yellow and Purple." She said. It really was quiet lovely, a nice bright yellow with a dark purple lace that made the yellow pop more. "I do like the one you picked too." She made sure to tell her. "What do you think William?" Helene glanced up at the Lord, not wanting him to feel completely out of place, and after the duchess snobby scene, she thought he could use a distraction.
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Magpie
26
Unmarried
Noblewoman
Tier 2 Character
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Post by Marinette Roquefort on May 3, 2020 11:21:32 GMT -5
Marinette smiled at Triston apologetically. "It's a quirk of mine, I'm afraid," she explained, gaining a bit more certainty as she continued, although something about her voice still rang false, "Certain sounds will trigger a fit of hysteria like this. It doesn't usually happen outside the house, so I haven't had to explain before. I apologize if I'm not making any sense."
That was still vague and unhelpful, but she hoped she'd hinted enough for him to understand what she meant--that someone shouting like that was enough, even if it wasn't directed at her. Not only that, but she'd admitted that her home was the source... How lovely it would be if someone picked up on the signs. But it had been twenty-five years now of the girls following their father's orders with terrified silence, and no one noticed. All they earned was envy from other men who wondered how he'd managed to raise such perfectly obedient daughters.
Of course, she could easily have just confessed, told him the entire story, what was happening, asked him and his brothers to rescue them...but not only would that be extremely presumptuous of her--her father still had his rights. To put anyone else between herself and him was to create more and more anger from him. He would always find her. He would always make her pay. Helene was free, for now, but things were already starting to catch up with them.
A haunted look crossed Marinette's face and she quickly turned away, drinking the water he had given her to keep herself from saying something she'd regret. After a moment's pause, she had shoved those thoughts back down deep where they belonged.
"A walk might be nice, but ah, I'm still a bit shaky, so I may need to sit again. As long as you don't mind..."
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Lunari
34
Widower
Tresterian Ambassador
Tier 2 Character
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Post by William deGrey on May 4, 2020 19:55:29 GMT -5
William was slowly beginning to calm down, even if he couldn't shake the dread that felt heavy in his chest. It was a feeling he hadn't felt in a long while and regretted it happening now. He was trying to focus and pay attention to Olivia, but fortunately, she was completely enthralled with all the ribbons, and Lady Hewitt it would seem.
He was turning his attention back to her, noting the strange, saddened look that graced her features. It was gone before he could fathom why, and he had no reason to ask about it. But the fact that she was suddenly so attentive of Olivia again, he assumed that she was alright. His mouth curled in a soft grin as his daughter practically shrieked in delight again.
The girl's eyes went wide with excitment as Helene procurred possibly the best ribbon in the whole wide world. Olivia was quick to rush over, her mouth forming a perfect surprised "O" before the smile spread wide across her face. "This...is the best...ribbon...ever!" she called out. She coughed a little from straining her voice, but was clearly feeling a little better. "Daddy, can I have it?" At both his daughter and Lady Hewitt's prodding, Will moved to drop down to a knee beside them to take the ribbon in question from Helene. He pretended to inspect it, really thinking hard about it as he could tell Olivia was just shaking with excitement. "That all depends..." he murmured, tapping a finger against his lips. The little girl asked eagerly, "On what?" William held the ribbon up against his own hair. "Does it look good on me?" His daughter's sudden giggle fit was probably the best sound in the world and helped him forget the drama of just moments before.
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Soleil
32
Single
Council Member of Tresterian court
Tier 1 Character
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Post by Triston deGrey on May 5, 2020 19:48:05 GMT -5
Triston offered a warm smile to Marinette as she explained her quirk of hers. "We all have them..." He dismissed her apology with a wave of her hand. "You are making sense. I understand, and I apologize for the outburst of my brother." He wasn't exactly sure if that had been what triggered her so-called hysteria as she mentioned, but he only assumed since she had gotten upset directly after William had shouted. Triston sighed. "He... Has been through a lot, lately. His daughter gets sick a lot... He..." Triston paused for a moment, hesitating to say anymore. It wasn't really his business to be explaining his brother's business, so he finished his sentence with a shrug. "He is just under a lot of pressure right now."
His gaze wandered back over to where his brother was and was quick to turn back towards her. He smiled softly. "There's no rush, my lady... We can wait here for a while until you are less shaky? Or we can begin walking and rest as needed. I will leave that entirely up to you."
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