Tendy
27
Widowed
Noble
Tier 3 Character
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Post by Helene Hewitt on Jun 1, 2020 23:47:18 GMT -5
Helene’s dark eyes drifted up to his bright blues. “It’s alright.” She said softly. She truly didn’t mind if he didn’t know, because well...She didn’t care for Stephen. She much preferred him in the ground where he belonged, though she had to remind herself she still needed to play a heartbroken widow. As far as everyone else in Tresteria knew, Helene had loved Stephen. She gave a small smile before looking forward again.
She nodded and smiled as he got Mari’s name right. “Yes, my sweet sister.” She said. Fondness showing in her voice. She loved that woman dearly and would do anything for her. And by anything, it meant anything. Even putting her own happiness on the line to ensure her sister's safety.
She was jerked suddenly, almost tripping over herself at the sudden stop, but she managed to catch herself and realized that Lord DeGrey had stopped. She looked at him questioningly. Tilting her head to the side in curiosity. She watched as he spoke, as if he didn’t know what to say. Forgive him? For what? Her brows furrowed and she watched as Wesley dropped the tree. He didn’t finish his sentence, and she tilted her head to the other side slightly watching him as he laughed softly to himself. Was he? Had she thrown him off? He had seemed rather confident earlier. Even at the party, and now? He was surprising her left and right. She pursed her lips, the idea he had only stopped by to just see her was just not something she could believe. He was probably just investigating the woman that had convinced his brother to buy nearly a whole ribbon stall. Yes, that was it. It had to be. Or Olivia has sent him to thank her for the ribbons. Did he feel bad about Stephen? He really shouldn’t. The man made her blood boil just thinking about him.
“I was married?” She asked. Filling in his blank. She gave a small shake of her head, annoyance that Stephen could still weasel his way into her life even after he was good and dead. A fire sparked in her brown eyes and she was determined to not let the day be ruined with more awkwardness or Stephen talk. “There’s nothing to be forgiven Wesley DeGrey.” She whispered sternly. Fueling that anger at Stephen to make her more determined to enjoy his company. “The why to you showing up doesn’t matter. You’re here now, that's what matters, and I owe you that favor still. I won’t accept nothing as an answer. Or cookies. So think long and hard on it. Now pick up that tree and help me with what we started.” She said in a flurry. She had dropped her side of the tree to place her hands defiantly on her hips as she arched an eyebrow at him. Giving him a look that would resemble one mastered by mothers.
She let a slow deep breath out, her chest rising and falling with action. She raised a hand and rested it on her forehead. “Okay, now forgive me,” She laughed. Realizing how bossy she probably sounded. “It’s...It’s not a bother at all Lord DeGrey. Seriously. My husband is gone, and that is okay. People die. We have to move on, you can't dwell on it forever and I personally don’t wish to dwell on the dead,” She said. “Especially that man.” She said low under her breath. “I’m actually glad you came. It was a pleasant surprise.” She said with a smile. She bent down for her side of the tree, and lifted. “Now shall we?” She asked.
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Lunari
30
Secretly engaged.
Head of deGrey Trading Co.
Tier 1 Character
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Post by Wesley deGrey on Jun 2, 2020 10:28:00 GMT -5
Had she thrown him off? It was more like a whirlwind that knocked him off his feet. This was what he got, though, for being too brazen, too forward, for jumping into things without thinking them through. But that was simply who he was and why he may have been the biggest troublemaker growing up. It was why adventure had always been his calling since it didn't always require you to think about everything before it actually happened. Well, for him at least. Worrying about every step that you took wasn't living at all, to a point.
Maybe he learned his lesson for this intrusion...yet, it was doubtful it would last very long. Still, didn't mean he wasn't partially disappointed.
When Helene finished his sentence for him, he simply nodded, unable to meet her eyes for a moment. Oh no, this wasn't weird or awkward at all. Wesley nearly rolled his eyes at his own thoughts before, as she began to talk more, those bright eyes were drifting back to her. All embarrassment was beginning to wash away, replaced with that curiosity again; his expression sobering while he couldn't help but wonder what her husband had done (or not done) to warrant this reaction from his widow. But she kept talking, and for a second, the sailor wasn't sure if she was ever going to stop.
Yet, the more she said, the more he listened and remained silent. Wes struggled against it, but he could feel a corner of his mouth daring to twitch up into that grin again. This was very interesting, and he probably shouldn't be interested in any of it. Or her.
Regardless of her demand that he help with the tree again, Wesley didn't move. The humor was slowly seeping back into his eyes and he simply watched her. Helene was demanding a challenge from him now, and despite the topic of conversation, he was rather inclined to offer it to her. It was quite possible that it was this authoritative side of her that kept him standing there, which was strange considering this deGrey often liked to go against authority whenever he could.
There was a flicker of something dark across his face, for only a second when he heard that low murmur. He might have missed it were he not so close or being extra attentive currently. 'Especially that man.' Wesley didn't know why, but his attention drifted to the scar on her forearm. Had that been from Lord Hewitt, was that why she did not seem to miss him? Was Wesley reaching too far?
When blues lifted to dark, he was grinning softly again. Against everything that just happened and what he just learned, she was glad he was here. Well, right now, that's all he needed to hear. Even still, he didn't pick up that tree. Instead, he took one step closer. "Wesley, please," he told her, casually mimicking her own words in desiring she not use his title. He might have possessed it, but he often felt far from a lord these days. And his surname tended to force a respect he didn't feel he often deserved.
Wesley lingered for a moment longer, eventually lifting his free hand up towards her face slowly if she allowed it. He'd noticed this the second she had opened the door but didn't think to mention it until now. The pad of his thumb brushed gently across her cheekbone and his eyes squinted in a bit of mirth. "You, uh...had a little something there," he commented, wiping the flour from her skin. He held his finger up to show her the white powder before bending to pick up the tree again. "Now-" A pause, that confident grin of his instantly returning. "If you're well and done, let's get this tree back." Oh yes, he was teasing and blaming her for the delay. By the look on his face, he obviously didn't believe it, but...let's just say, he might have liked seeing her a bit riled up. "And I suppose I have a challenge to think upon."
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Tendy
27
Widowed
Noble
Tier 3 Character
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Post by Helene Hewitt on Jun 2, 2020 12:52:06 GMT -5
He took a step towards her, not getting the tree. What was he doing? What? Helene noticed as he requested she call him Welsey, and no longer use his title. That was fine with her, but why did he feel the need to step closer to say it? Helene’s dark eyes caught his hand lifting up and he was suddenly touching her face. She tried desperately to not flinch at his touch, but there was still the knee jerk reaction to do so whenever anyone touched her, but especially when anything came near her face. Gentle touch or no. Her body went still, and for a moment she couldn’t breathe. Her eyes were locked onto those bright blues of his.
His touch was gentle, not harsh like her fathers usual backswing. Not harsh like Stephens fist. Gentle. Wesley was gentle. She couldn’t help but stare at him, looking a bit dumbfounded. What was he doing? Her heart did a flutter then, and she wondered if it was because she was still holding her breath. He showed her his thumb them, not realizing he’d been talking as she’d been swimming in those blue eyes of his. Her eyes went to his thumb, and her mouth parted in a small “O’ in surprise. Had she had that this entire time!? And he only now said something?! She nearly reached out and smacked him. “Ah, my reward for fighting so valiantly in the war of flour from earlier.” She noted.
He moved away then and had the audacity to blame her for the delay. This man… She arched her eyebrows in surprise and shook her head. A small burst of laughter coming through. That stupid grin was back on his face, and she didn’t know what to do with herself in that moment. She just shook her head and began to drag it with him back to the house. “You do, and it better be a good one.” She fired back at him. Not looking at him as she said it. She felt in that moment she might regret those words, but he had said she now owed him. “Equal enough in chopping down a tree, and whatever other laborious tasks I can swindle you into before you leave.” She declared.
They were nearly at the house, and Helene let go of her side to rush up the steps to open the door, and then hurried back down to the top of the tree where she picked it up with both hands so they weren’t dragging it across her floor. “In and to the right, you’ll see where to put it.” She instructed.
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Lunari
30
Secretly engaged.
Head of deGrey Trading Co.
Tier 1 Character
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Post by Wesley deGrey on Jun 2, 2020 16:24:56 GMT -5
Well, things had certainly taken a weird turn...but he was still grinning, so perhaps it hadn't been all bad.
The way Helene's back had gone ramrod straight didn't go unnoticed by the deGrey. There had been something on her face, in the tone of her voice when speaking of her late husband, the mere sight of that scar that had him wondering (and maybe assuming) certain things...so he had been prepared for her to swat his hand away or even back up. But she hadn't, only stiffening slightly. Behind that usually mischievous grin, he was still fairly attentive and was noticing all of this. And he would remember.
Especially when her mouth pursed in a bit of surprise at the streak of flour. She still had some in her hair and possibly elsewhere, but to do a thorough check would definitely not be proper. Unless she wanted him to. "It must have been some fight," he mused. He tried not to laugh when he could almost feel that his "audacity" was affecting her. Wesley couldn't help it. And maybe he should stop before this became a bad habit. Especially if she kept laughing at his antics.
"It will be, it will be..." he assured her in a contemplative murmur. There were so many typical things that he could say and come up with, but they weren't good enough. And, by God, it had to be good- she was demanding it still! It would appear that Helene wanted to be pushed a little, because there was an adventurous side to her, he could tell. He knew by the way she had sung at the party and how she had danced so freely. His brow lifted at the mention of possibly more tasks, though. He was a servant now, was he? "The price will be steep if you keep putting me to work." It was half a lie, but she didn't need to know that.
As she rushed to go open the door, Wes continued to drag the tree on his own. It wasn't terribly heavy and he could have done it on his own this entire time, yet he didn't feel it necessary to argue with her. Before ascending the steps, though, he dropped the axe as well as his coat outside and hefted the trunk up a little more as the two carried it into the house. Walking backwards, he turned at her instructions and guided the tree to the stand, working with her to get it standing up properly on its own.
While making sure it stood straight, he caught her in his peripheral. "So, will you be attending the Yule's Eve festivities at court?" Mostly everyone was always there for the celebration the day after, but the chase happened the day before.
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Tendy
27
Widowed
Noble
Tier 3 Character
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Post by Helene Hewitt on Jun 2, 2020 21:24:45 GMT -5
“I think I’ll be able to pay your price.” She mused. A smirk on her face. “Fear not, my debt will be paid in full.” She said confidently.
She helped as much as she could as he wrestled the tree into its stand and let a sigh of contentment out as she looked at her tree. It was perfect. The grin spread across her face and she took half a step back to admire it. Her gaze drifted up to his while he made sure the tree was straight. A coy smile appeared on her face. She held her hands behind her and then leaned forward a bit. “Depends.” She mused. She quickly turned in place and then walked back outside. Picking up the axe and his jacket, she walked back in. Purposely not answering his question. She hung his jacket up at the coat rack that sat next to the door, and then rested the axe up on her shoulder.
She turned then, pursing her lips in thought as she thought her answer over. This would be her first time. Ever, or more like the first time since she was a child she would be attending. Her father never went, and Stephen hadn’t wanted to, so they hadn’t gone when he was alive. Oh how she wanted to go… Maybe she could convince Marienette to go with her. Our first and last real Yule, Yeah Mari? To spend with their new friends the deGreys. With Olivia. She could possibly convince her sister to go if that little girl would be there. The gears were turning that was for sure.
She smirked at him, as if she held the answers to all the secrets in the world. “Are you going to attend?” She asked innocently. She placed both hands on the axe handle then, and turned in place before she began to walk down to the kitchen, expecting him to follow after her question. She felt bold, daring even! It was a simple question. Harmless really. So why did it feel like her heart was about to beat out of her chest? Was it from bringing the tree in? Was she really that out of shape? Or was it something else? Because this is first real fun you’ve had in a while with someone other than your sister? A voice asked her. Mayhaps. "I've never done any of the festivities at court before." She confessed. As she walked down the hallway.
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Lunari
30
Secretly engaged.
Head of deGrey Trading Co.
Tier 1 Character
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Post by Wesley deGrey on Jun 2, 2020 22:45:10 GMT -5
Oh, she was being rather confident, considering she didn't know what the price would be. "That is some very risky business you're putting yourself into, my lady. You have yet to hear my terms." Wesley should really stop grinning, but it was quickly becoming impossible.
Well, the tree looked like it wasn't going to fall over, so he would call that a win. "On?" he asked quickly in return when she leaned in with that one worded reply. His eyes trailed her as she turned to leave, and for a moment, he stood there wondering if he was supposed to follow. Just as the dumbfounded look graced his features, she was returning and promptly holding that axe again. Lips pursed in thought before her smile seemed to make him forget his temporary confusion.
'Are you going to attend?' The smile on his face turned sly after she had turned around again. He took the hint this time and followed her through the hallway; attention drifting around the house for a brief moment until he was finding her again. "It's quite possible I will show up," he answered her, pausing for a moment. "If given reason." His tone was laced heavily with insinuation. Wesley had asked her if she was going- all he needed to hear was a yes, but perhaps she needed a bit of convincing. Or to be goaded.
"The chase is...quite interesting," he began to explain. "You see, the women are the hounds, while the men are the hares." Fingers gently brushed along the wall of the hallway as he took his time to catch up to her. "And the hounds win when they catch their intended hare." For a particular reason, of course, that he was deciding not to share. Wesley canted his head when he turned his gaze back to her, amusement once again glinting in his eyes. "What if that is the price? Do this one silly little event, and we'll be even."
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Tendy
27
Widowed
Noble
Tier 3 Character
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Post by Helene Hewitt on Jun 3, 2020 2:16:24 GMT -5
If given a reason. She heard him say behind her. And what reason would that be? She didn’t know if she liked his heavily insinuated tone. It caused a tingle to go down her spine. It was a I’m about to cause trouble, tone if she was to guess. Her hands tightened on the handle of the axe, practically feeling the chaotic storm of his thoughts brewing behind her. She knew if she looked behind her shoulder she’d see that stupid grin of his. She knew it. She’d caused it with her harmless question, and she was going to regret it surely.
She gently bit her bottom lip, trying very hard not to smile. Forcing herself to continue her walk to the kitchen. Don’t turn around, don’t turn around don’t- He began to explain the chase. The famed game she’d heard stories about but had never gotten a chance to play herself. He spoke of the rules, remembering his question earlier, about if she’d ever been a hound.
She’d told herself she wouldn’t turn around, and yet as soon as he told her it would be the favor she owed him, she whirled. Careful of the axe she still had. Her eyes narrowed suspiciously at him. “And then what? Surely there is more to this favor then me playing a silly game as you call it.” She asked incredulously. Attending an event was not as laborious as house work, and tree chopping, and entertaining her for an afternoon. She’d told him to make it a good one! Unless... Her dark eyes fixed him with a look that said she didn’t believe a word he said. “I just have to participate in the event? That’s it?” She asked for clarification. She took a few steps towards him, until she stood in front of him so she could look up at him.
“And If I’m a hound, then who’s my intended hare?” She asked. Cocking her head to the side. Arching both eyebrows at him expectantly. She blinked at him several times. “Are you going to participate? Or would you much rather see me hike up my skirts and go chasing after your brothers for your own amusement?” She asked him. “Triston might give me some issues, but I bet I could catch William with no issues.” She thought allowed. “Could certainly catch you.” She said. “Hmmm.” She mused. She looked him up and down then, in an assessing manor. He was the shorter deGrey, so that meant his strides wouldn't be that long. He was also a sailor, which meant sea legs! But that also meant he might be a squirrely one, and he very well could be as fast and agile as a wiley fox. Still, she was confident in her abilities. She was not a woman to be underestimated. Helene let her eyes roam, probably longer than they should have, but she was taking notes! If she was to play this game then then she wanted to know what she was possibly chasing after. She was reminded again how handsome the deGrey men were. Triston fit every image of a fairy tale prince, whereas Lucian, from what she'd seen had that soft solider handsomeness to him. He wasn't quite rugged, but he had just enough danger to not be considered fairy tale handsome like Triston. And then there was William was certainly handsome, but again. Not as handsome as Triston. Which was a good thing! William certainly had the hot dad look going for him from what she'd seen. And then there was Wesley. Chaotic Wesley, with his bright blue eyes that one could get lost in if they weren't careful. And that smile. She would never tell him, but it was contagious. He had the rugged sailor look and practically oozed charm. He was almost impossible to read despite how seemingly open with his emotions he was. He was a sly fox that was for sure. She let her eyes finally settle on his once she was done with her meticulous study of him.
“Yes, I’ll certainly catch you no problem.” She said confidently. Her smile might have rivaled his with how mischievous it looked. She turned back around, careful not to hit him with the axe before she went marching back down the hallway. “I’ll play, but only if you play Wesley DeGrey! Or else I won’t accept it as a worthy debt.” She called. She came to the kitchen doorway seeing that Gretchen had cleaned up the mess from earlier and had probably left to help Darragh and Angus with whatever they were doing. “I still think you can do much better.” She said. She walked to the back of the kitchen and hung the axe up where it sat near the fireplace.
She turned and then went to wash her hands in the washbasin. “Alright, what’s your favorite type of cookie?” She asked as she dried her hands on a towel.
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Lunari
30
Secretly engaged.
Head of deGrey Trading Co.
Tier 1 Character
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Post by Wesley deGrey on Jun 4, 2020 11:49:26 GMT -5
Oh, it was most certainly a 'I'm about to cause trouble' tone. That was, quite literally, what Wesley deGrey was about. And if she by chance stuck around long enough, she'd quickly come to realize it. Right now, he couldn't help himself, and the lady was making him all too eager to spin a bit of chaos.
After a few seconds, Wesley's eyes no longer looked around the house or the hall they now found themselves in. They were on her and the back of her head, forcing them to remain there and not lower like they had outside. Perhaps that was a good thing, too, because he would already be looking at her face the moment she decided to spin around abruptly. Wesley had to pause his steps immediately lest he bump right into her even with his languid pace...and that axe. Did she really have to carry that thing around? It made him less inclined to tease.
Well, only a little, because he was still grinning and didn't seem bothered by the sudden closeness either when she moved forward. The sailor let her talk, not saying anything but quietly communicating with his amused expressions. Eventually, though, she got to the right question and the humor glinted in those vivid blues. Bingo.
'Or would you much rather see me hike up my skirts and go chasing after your brothers for your own amusement?' So much for his gaze not wandering. At these words, he pursed his lips in thought as his eyes trailed her up and down just once like the brazen fool he was. 'Could certainly catch you.' Oh, now she was getting it. When his attention drifted back to her face, that grin of his was damn near devious. Wesley couldn't let this go now. He was too far into it. It had to be done. Especially when she appeared so confident, her own mischievous grin falling onto her lips.
"Then we have ourselves a bet," he finally spoke up after she turned to continue walking once more. "You seem so sure of yourself, my lady...so, then, we'll put it to the test, yeah?" Following her into the kitchen, he paused to lean casually in the doorway; arms folding across his chest. "You attend and try to catch me. It's as easy as that." Oh, no, it wasn't, but he wasn't going to share the other delightful details. "Debt paid. Unless...you wish to make a better wager?" There was no losing for him in this game, so he would make any bet that she desired.
Then, he answered her innocent question, "Whatever cookie cakes your hair in flour." Lips pressed together to suppress a grin. Yes, she still had flour in her hair.
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Tendy
27
Widowed
Noble
Tier 3 Character
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Post by Helene Hewitt on Jun 4, 2020 13:22:50 GMT -5
“Most definitely!” She agreed. She was so sure of herself because she knew she could do it. She liked this challenge he was throwing down. It was bringing out her hidden competitive steak, and she couldn’t remember the last night she’d gotten competitive. Maybe it was the last time Elliot had been to shore? Or the time before that?
Helene tossed the towel over her shoulder and placed her hands on her hips, arching an eyebrow at him. Did she want to make a better wager? She’d have to think about that one, but an idea did strike her. And a gleam of mischief entered her eyes. “If I don’t catch you, I’ll reveal one of my many secrets. Better incentive then just having to catch you to pay off this debt.” She began to move around the kitchen then, knowing quite well where everything was as she gathered her cookie ingredients and placed them all in the large table in the middle of the room. She like this added wager, it would mean he’d have to try desperately to hide from her, and she’d have more reason to catch him to keep her secrets.
She paused when he mentioned the type of cookie he wanted and slowly turned to look at him. Her lips pressed in a thin line, but there was humor in her eyes. She restrained herself from laughing. Of course she did. She gave her head a shake and then laughed. Beginning to throw the fixings for the cookies in a bowl. She cracked two eggs into it, and went and tossed the shells into the bin that would be added to the compost later. She picked up her spoon then and began to stir, humming softly to herself as she worked.
“To answer your earlier question Lor- Wesley,” She corrected herself, and glanced up at him with a small smirk. “You’d be surprised at the many frustrations that can befall a person. Life, in general can be very frustrating.” She said. Thinking about their conversation from earlier. She picked up bowl then and walked over to the flower sack that sat on the ground among several barrels, and bent down, scooping about two and a half cups of the white powder into her bowl before she walked up to him. “Stir that thoroughly.” She ordered, before she turned and began to build the fire for the stone oven.
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Lunari
30
Secretly engaged.
Head of deGrey Trading Co.
Tier 1 Character
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Post by Wesley deGrey on Jun 4, 2020 18:22:09 GMT -5
Wesley almost felt bad. Almost, but not quite. She was very spirited and demanding a clever bet...so he was simply giving it to her by not telling her every single detail. It was all harmless, yet he couldn't help but wonder if she would still get extremely riled up to realize he hadn't been completely truthful about the rules. And when Helene accepted making a bigger bet, it was impossible not to smile.
"A secret?" he echoed with a raised brow. "Well, now I'm definitely intrigued." Maybe he shouldn't want to know a terrible lot about her, but knowing he was missing out on these so-called secrets Wesley wondered how much he would truly try to win this bet now, just to know something more about her. Oh, it was a tossup, and for once, he didn't know what to do about it. "So, I assume, if you win-" He purposely paused for effect, his shoulders rising up in a silent laugh as if he didn't think she would. "...then I must share one of mine?" It was only fair, and he was already wondering if there was a secret he really didn't want her to know. Did he even have any secrets at all?
He burst out into a bit of laughter when she shook her head, trying to rid it of the flour before he wandered into the kitchen a little further. Idly watching her begin to prep the cookies, he leaned back against a counter, smirking at her flub with his name. Wes' face would sober soon after, though. "I do not doubt it," he replied. "But this is why I simply take life a day at a time. Sometimes, dwelling on the past means you can't move forward to the future, or even live in the present."
Suddenly, she was putting the bowl in his hands and demanding that he work. Again. And who did she think she was? Just because they had a new bet to make up for his work with the tree, simply being a visitor now was off the table? Regardless, he refrained from rolling his eyes, only grinning lightly as he did what he was told. Even if he hadn't baked anything before in his life.
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Tendy
27
Widowed
Noble
Tier 3 Character
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Post by Helene Hewitt on Jun 5, 2020 0:12:31 GMT -5
“Yes, you must tell me one of your secrets. You told me you were a man of many.” She said. Had he lied to her while they danced. Throwing her words back at her. An amused smile appeared on her face as she got the fire started and then went to retrieve a cookie sheet.
She paused and turned to look at him as he did as he was told and stirred the flower in. He’d find soon enough the flower was thickening the batter and he’d have to work at getting it mixed. She tilted her head to the side as she watched him. “And what if the past dictates the future and the present?” She asked. Curious as to what he had to say about that. Her past certainly affected her future, and was a haunting presence to her present. There wasn’t a day that went by when she didn’t think about the abuse she’d suffered. How that abuse affected her relationships with men in particular. Some more than others she admitted, but still. She was hard pressed to trust any man. If she had to think on it, Elliot was the only one that had her complete trust.
There were moments, especially when she was younger, where she feared she wouldn’t live to see the next day. It was terrifying. One wrong step, one miss calculation of a phrase, or anything, and it very well could have been lights out permanently. She could see the appeal in living each day like it was your last, but when you added fear into the mix it was less appealing.
She moved back to the task at hand after another moment of standing there, and brought the cookie sheet to the table and then motioned for him to come over. “Do you have it mixed?’ She asked. She shuffled about until she found what she was looking for and brought the bars of chocolate forward. She took a rolling pin then and began to crush the bars into smaller pieces. When she was satisfied with the size and amount, she scooped it into her hands and then tossed it into his bowl. “Have you ever made cookies before?” She asked curiously. Taking one of the larger pieces of chocolate that hadn’t been tossed in, and popped it into her mouth.
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Lunari
30
Secretly engaged.
Head of deGrey Trading Co.
Tier 1 Character
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Post by Wesley deGrey on Jun 5, 2020 14:31:10 GMT -5
That was right, he had thrown her words right back at her. But everyone had their secrets, it was just that this deGrey probably didn't care so much if he had to share them with anyone else. He claimed it was "no big deal". Only time would tell if that were the truth, though. And it was a big if. "Right, yes..." he answered absently, the smile still on his face.
Then her words brought him pause. He had even stopped stirring for a moment until he had mulled over her response in his head a few times. There was that feeling again, like he should know something but was not allowed to know such information. It was her reaction to her husband's death, it was that scar, it was just...a lot of things he didn't understand.
The humor dissipated from his face and he watched her closely, needing to bite his tongue from asking questions that were none of his business. Instead, he answered her question in a steady voice, as though it was the easiest thing in the world, "You kill the past. Everyone has the path they're expected to follow, where their past follows them, dictates every move..." He took a couple steps forward and put the bowl down where she had been working. "But it's not the only choice we have. There's always another road, just...not many people are willing to find it." His brow furrowed, wondering why he suddenly got so bloody philosophical.
"Yeah, I think so..." came his reply to whether the batter was mixed. He actually didn't really know. Soon, though, his grin returned and he chuckled lightly. "Does it look like I've baked anything before?" As a young boy, he used to help in the castle kitchens...and by help, he meant sneaking bites of food here and there and driving the cooks mad.
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Tendy
27
Widowed
Noble
Tier 3 Character
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Post by Helene Hewitt on Jun 6, 2020 23:39:56 GMT -5
If only you knew Wesley deGrey, how much I tried to do that. Helene thought bitterly. There was a part of her past that was still very much alive, and she had a feeling he wouldn’t be killed as easily as the other had… She tilted her head and fixed him with those dark eyes again. “And if you can’t kill the past?” She asked curious as to what his response would be. “And if you are willing to find that path and take it, but the past keeps you chained and in a cage? Unable to reach that path you so desperately-” She bit her tongue, taking a deep breath. Averting her eyes. She was not about to go down this conversation when she barely knew the man. Even if it felt like she’d known much longer. She’d met him once, danced with him, and he’d dropped by unexpectedly. That was it. She didn't know Wesley deGrey. But...she had the feeling she'd get to know him more in the coming weeks....
She turned her attention back to the cookies, putting another piece of chocolate in her mouth as she leaned in to look in the bowl. At his chuckle she looked up at him, a small smirk appearing on her face. “Good! You’ll have learned something today Wesley deGrey when I get done with you.” She said. She placed her finger on the edge of the bowl, and pulled it between them. She took the spoon from him and scooped up a giant mound of dough, and then reached for his hand. If he allowed, she’d turn it palm up and then plop the dough in his hand, before she did the same thing and plopped the dough in her hand. “Roll it like this.” She instructed. She rolled the dough between her hands, letting them shape the dough into a round log shape, and then held it in one hand before she pinched some of the dough off on the end with her other hand. She reached over then to put the dough that was about the size of a small ball on the cookie tray, and then pinched off some more. “Well Wesley, now you will be able to say you have. You did the most important job.” She said as she glanced over and winked at him, before observing to make sure he was doing it right.
She reached over and moved the cookie tray between them so it was in easy access to both of them. “I’m sure Olivia will be very excited to know you helped make these cookies.” She said matter of factually. She could practically see her little face lighting up to know Uncle Wesley had made these cookies. The imagine brought a grin to her face, and she couldn’t help but laugh.
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Lunari
30
Secretly engaged.
Head of deGrey Trading Co.
Tier 1 Character
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Post by Wesley deGrey on Jun 9, 2020 9:56:01 GMT -5
There it was again, that strange feeling of there being something wrong. Something in her past haunted her, was still doing so in the present and the realization was making him pause and regard her carefully. Wesley wanted to ask but it wasn't his place, even if the words at the tip of his tongue and his impulsiveness was just seconds away from having him speak them. Instead, he constrained himself. Despite being a sailor more than a lord, he hadn't forgotten propriety. If the lady desired to share her trouble, then she was welcome to it.
"There's always a way," he said calmly. All humor had dissipated from his features as he looked to her in a seriousness she had yet to see on him thus far. To be honest, not many people ever did because he was often in good spirits. But he knew when the humor was unnecessary. This very moment was one of those times, and Wesley didn't like that he blatantly needed to know what was wrong. It was none of his business.
When her mood changed, his slowly followed as blue eyes watched her while she worked. Wesley was smirking until she placed that wad of dough into his palm. He cringed lightly, struggling to deal with the strangeness of it and trying to follow along with her instructions. He rolled it and pinched off some of the dough like she had, laughing when she winked. Helene would notice that he was doing it correctly, however, he was very awkward, and by the time she'd have a few small balls on the tray, he was only getting to one. "Yeeeeah..." he trailed off, sounding a bit unsure. "She might think I poisoned them." Bright eyes lifted from his "work" to glance at her for just a brief second before returning. "I might've told her one time that I poisoned the lemon cakes after she tried stealing mine..." Now, every time there were sweets of any kind laid out, she dragged him over to ask if they were poisoned and to "double-check". The sailor was going to give his niece a complex if he didn't put an end to this silly charade.
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Tendy
27
Widowed
Noble
Tier 3 Character
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Post by Helene Hewitt on Jun 10, 2020 23:46:49 GMT -5
Helene kept herself from saying anymore. If she did, she’d be forced to tell him something, she just knew it. And she would not go down that path. From her experience, you could only rely on yourself, or at least those you really trusted. She also knew unless you killed the monsters that would always win...So there wasn’t a way. Call her a pessimist, but she had every reason to be one.
“You’re doing good!” She encouraged, grinning widely. Sure he was awkward, but it was a simple task. Anyone could do it. She didn’t care if he was taking his sweet time, she only cared that she’d gotten him to do it. “Poisoned them?” She asked in surprise. She arched an eyebrow over at him. This sounded like a story. She caught his eyes briefly while he paused. She turned and leaned back against the table while she rolled the dough more in her hands while she watched him.
She shook her head and chuckled. “Then you can tell her I made sure you didn’t poison them.” She said with another chuckle. And I didn’t poison them either… She thought to herself. Thinking of Stephen and how he had actually died. His had been a slow death, and she made sure he knew his routine like the back of her own hand. He had died by licking his fingers essentially. A habit that had cost him his life, but it was through continuous exposure that did it. She had to be extremely careful of what she’d touched, and the moment Stephen died, his chess set went with him, among other things. The “poison” Helene had used was actually a medicine. A solve that worked wonders on cuts and open wounds, only it was deadly if you ingested it. And dear Stephen had a bad habit of licking his finger when it came to playing chess. A game he thoroughly enjoyed, and played every. Single. Day. Helene had been smart. Calculating. Essentially lacing his precious chess board with the salve so lighty that it had dried into a powder that got on his fingers whenever he played. It had taken months before the effects of the constant ingestion finally started to play its toll, and Helene started lacing his tea with it as well when she thought he was building an immunity to it. He died quickly after that, and Helene couldn’t have been happier.
She turned and went back to filling the tray up after getting lost in her own mind while she thought of Stephen. “Why did you stop by today?” She asked softly. Glancing up at him curiously. The question had been nagging her all day and she wanted to know. “In return, I’ll answer one, of your questions I know are swimming around in that head of yours.” She told him with a sly smile, and pinched of a much smaller piece of dough and popped it into her mouth. Humming in pleasure at the taste. “That is good.” She murmured, glancing back up at him.
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