Tendy
27
Widowed
Noble
Tier 3 Character
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Post by Helene Hewitt on Jul 1, 2020 22:08:21 GMT -5
Out of all the dinners Helene had had, this one....This one was by far her favorite. She couldn't remember a more lively get together over a meal with friends. She couldn't keep the smile off her face, and given all her attention to the story about Mari and taking Margery Decant out in a mud puddle. Her chest had swelled with pride over her sisters bravery. She couldn't help but feel like there was more too it however that Mari wasn't saying, and she would have to remember to ask her later. At any mention of how her and Wesley's chase went, she would say she'd tripped over a root and leave it at that. She wasn't going to go away giving away all the details. A lady needed to keep her secrets you know. Her eyes had landed on William, and he didn't seem to be that beaten up about ending his engagement with Margery, but she couldn't help but feel there was something else there too, from the looks the brothers were all giving each other there was something she was missing. But that wasn't her business either.
After dinner every would be herded to the tree, and after Triston thanked her and Mari for dinner, Helene slinked up beside him as they moved down the hallway and would link arms with him as if they were going out on a stroll, slowing them down enough so he would get the hint she wanted to talk to him about something. Helene would wait until Mari was out of ear shot before she would lean in. "I haven't seen you since that day in the market, but I wanted to thank you." She said quietly to him. She glanced up and gave him a smile. "For what you did with Mari, really I appreciated it. It was very kind of you." Her dark eyes trailed to where her sister was. "It's nice to have someone else willing to look out for her." Her eyes turned a bit sad then as she watched what Mari was doing. She'd wanted her sister to have a better life. A happier life in general. Where she would have grown up normally, and where she would have had friends. She recalled Mari telling her that Triston had wanted to be friends with her, and Helene had to hold back tears because Mari had been so happy to actually have someone want to be friend. She'd lit up the whole room with her happiness, and Helene wanted more of that for her. Whether Triston realized it or not, he was Mari's first ever real friend. In fact, now that she stood there thinking about it, the deGrey's were the first real friends the sisters actually had. Well, aside from Elliot, but he was far older than Helene, and she didn't think being friends with an old man counted.
"I know it meant a lot to her too." She whispered to him. Patting his arm before she let him go. "Alright Olivia, are you ready for that box of ribbons? And are you sure you're ready for it? You might want help, because there's thousands! And they all must go!" Helene called to the little girl. She gave Triston one more thankful smile before she went to retrieve the ribbon box.
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Magpie
26
Unmarried
Noblewoman
Tier 2 Character
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Post by Marinette Roquefort on Jul 2, 2020 17:31:18 GMT -5
Marinette had been more than a little bit embarrassed when they had to admit how she and William had wound up walking back together rather than him and his fiance. She tried to protest that she was only trying to help, and then tried to explain that she thought that if she just interrupted Margery's chase, that the rest of the day could go on without a hitch. Everyone laughed harder at that, and Marinette was bright red for a few minutes afterward. She'd definitely underestimated the 'devil woman,' and if she hadn't had a little of the devil's own blood in her perhaps she might have been more intimidated--as it stood, she was far more worried about him. But, now wasn't the time to worry about that. It seemed so much more distant with so many smiling people around her, and laughter in the air. She had never thought of dinner parties as something fun, before, but she thought it was something she could get used to, provided the right people were involved.
Marinette led Olivia out of the room first, just as she'd led her in, whispering promises of dessert and decorating. "I made sure we have plenty of sugar cookies, and we have plenty of room on our tree for your lovely ribbons. I think it's going to be the most beautiful tree in the whole kingdom. Not to mention that Helene and I have a few extra Yule surprises for you when we're done." She winked at the little girl then smiled over her shoulder at William, imagining his surprise when he saw what they had in store for him and his daughter tonight. She had been happy watching everyone chat at dinner and was approaching giddy the closer they got to what she had planned for after the tree was done. Ooh, Yule was so much more fun with a bit of freedom and someone to spoil. She couldn't help hoping that she'd have a chance to do this again, impossible as it seemed.
"Alright Olivia, are you ready for that box of ribbons? And are you sure you're ready for it? You might want help, because there's thousands! And they all must go!" Helene called as she caught up, and Marinette threw her a grin.
Once everyone had gathered near the tree, Marinette gestured to the table with all the decorations set out--dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, paper flowers, popcorn garland, and of course, a heap of ribbons to accompany the ones that Olivia had brought with her. "Follow your hearts with decorating, of course, but we have plenty of choices!" she told the adults, then dropped into a crouch to be near Olivia's height. "I'll get the high branches for you since I can reach. I'm counting on you to point me in the right direction, since you're the ribbon expert now."
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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 Jul 2, 2020 18:14:52 GMT -5
Once dinner was done and they were all being led towards the tree, Wesley lingered back. He'd been watching as Helene approached his older brother, curious as to what they could be talking about, but it was Lucian he was intending to speak with. And as the man was going to bypass him down the hall, Wes slung an arm around his shoulders and drew him to his side.
There was a reason he hadn't asked about the chase, Luci's in particular, during dinner. Although he would tease, most assuredly, he was honestly curious. And it was a rare thing these days for them to talk one on one, which might prove a little difficult considering they were in a house full of people. So he'd be a bit more hush-hush about it. It wasn't every day that his young brother had his eye on someone, and Wesley wanted to know why.
And was it...something more? Was that possible?
"So-" he began, that telltale smirk curling a corner of his mouth. "What's all this...Anemone business?" Despite the mirth in his eyes, he sounded genuinely interested in it. "Is this something big?" Wesley paused them both in their steps so that he could look Lucian square in the eye with a fake look of seriousness. "Do we need to have the talk?" Yes, as much as he wanted to know what was going on, he had to joke a little. In reality, it was because it was weird...and maybe not for Lucian, but for Wesley himself. He didn't talk about emotions, feelings, or love. None of that. But he was talking about it now.
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Lunari
34
Widower
Tresterian Ambassador
Tier 2 Character
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Post by William deGrey on Jul 2, 2020 19:05:31 GMT -5
Olivia was still beyond excited. She barely slowed down during dinner, even when she wasn't talking. William was just proud with how polite she was regardless (even with hearing what happened to Margery), but that really wasn't much of a surprise. She was never outright rude, and sometimes he wondered if she even had a bad bone in her body. Sure, she acted out at times but she was getting old enough to understand what was clearly right and wrong.
Thank God, because he wasn't sure how he could handle such madness when she had an attitude like Cassandra.
Then again, the teenage years were coming up faster than he liked.
He followed behind her and Marinette, grinning softly as the girl began to babble again. But Mari had said the magic words: cookies and ribbons. Olivia gasped loudly, jumping up and down, practically skipping on their way to the tree. "COOKIES?! And yes, I've brought all my ribbons! I was only going to bring a small amount but I didn't know how to decide one which ones so I just brought them all!" In her giddiness, the girl tripped and reached for Marinette's hand so that she didn't fall. "Daddy and I also have gifts for you and Helene. He thought it would be polite to bring something." The girl waved to Mari, silently asking if she could bend down in order for her to whisper into her ear. "I helped him pick them out." Her smile grew wide and she was becoming more anxious now. She couldn't wait!
William, on the other hand, was silently praying that all of those ribbons stayed in this house. When Marinette smiled over at him, he was quite obviously amused, but the question may have been clear on his face. Please, no more ribbons! He was laughing soon after when his daughter began to ramble. Then, when Helene was calling out to her, Livi was clutching Mari's hand to start running the rest of the way.
The girl's eyes went wide at the lovely tree and all of the decorations, trying to keep herself from squealing in excitement. At the woman's words, though, Olivia nodded firmly because she was about to take this job quite seriously. Marinette could count on her! Suddenly, her little hands were digging into the ribbons, trying to hold them all up in the air at once. "Daddy, loooooook!"
William laughed, but he was murmuring for anyone else to hear, "I think I might start having nightmares about ribbons..."
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Soleil
28
Single
Captain of Tresterian Army: Infantry
Tier 2 Character
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Post by Lucian deGrey on Jul 2, 2020 22:00:11 GMT -5
Lucian almost thought he would get away with not having to talk about his experience at the chase earlier in the day. Everyone else's stories seemed a lot more exciting and eventful than his was. It wasn't that he didn't enjoy his time, it was more... calmer, seemingly than the rest.
He appreciated that he hadn't been asked during the dinner because he would have gotten skirmish and uncomfortable. It wasn't his thing to really publicly talk about his personal life in front of people he barely knew. And to be teased about it on top of that would have mortified him. Anemone and he shared a private moment together, and he was grateful for that and that no one else had been around at the time.
Lucian was captured by his older brother and drawn to his side. He smirked lightly, knowing that he was about to be questioned about what he admitted in the carriage, and sure enough, there it was. Anemone business. He laughed nervously and shrugged his shoulders in response first. Was it something big? He had no idea what it was. Do we need to have the talk? Lucian laughed and shoved his brother aside. "No! Stop it!"
He was hesitant for a moment as he thought about what to say. His features finally lit up as he smiled, "I like her... She is really cute and beautiful and sweet... I think she has been through a lot and has not been treated right in the past." He shrugged his shoulders again. "I asked her to be my date at the Yule ball tomorrow... So you can meet her then if you want to." What else was there to really say? Lucian wasn't a man of many words, really, and any of his brothers should know that by now. It wasn't often he spoke of himself or his personal life, and it was rather strange for Wesley to be asking him about this. They had never spoken of love interests or feelings and emotions and all that. Somehow, maybe they just kind of understood it without so many words.
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Soleil
32
Single
Council Member of Tresterian court
Tier 1 Character
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Post by Triston deGrey on Jul 2, 2020 23:28:02 GMT -5
Triston was slightly startled when he felt his arm being linked with another and he turned to fine Helene beside him. He smiled softly and took her hint that she wished to speak to him. He hadn't the slightest idea what for, maybe to get some information on Wesley?
But when she said she wished to thank him, he gave her a confused look. He did not think he had done anything worthy of such gratitude. But when she mentioned Mari, he smiled softly, turning his gaze over towards the woman before he returned his attention to Helene. He could tell by the sincerity and the seriousness of her voice, and the way Mari had reacted that day, that both of them had dealt with quite a lot, specifically, perhaps with their father (he guessed by the way Mari had spoken of him).
He normally would have shrugged off the 'thank you' as not needed and not a big deal, but something told him that it was to them. Instead, he nodded his head gently and offered a genuine smile to her. "Of course," he spoke quietly. "I was more than happy to have been able to help..." It's nice to have someone else willing to look out for her. Triston smiled slightly. Yes, now he just wished to help them and be there for both of them even further. However, that was possible. There was something between Helene and Wesley, he could sense--and so he would have a nice conversation with his brother later on.
Triston was about to ask her if everything was alright, but Helene was already speaking in a whispered tone. And perhaps it was not the right time or place to bring it up. He smiled at her and nodded. "That's what friends are for... Please..." He hesitated for a moment and looked at her in the eyes with seriousness and concern. "Please let me know if there is anything either of you needs. I want to be a good friend to both of you...and help in whatever way I can."
He watched as she went off and excitedly started to get Olivia all riled up for the festivities and ribbons. He chuckled softly and followed Helene into the room, taking a seat by the tree. The man's gaze moved over to Marinette as she explained the decorating to the young girl and he smiled, laughing softly. Marinette seemed like such a beautiful and sweet woman with kindness like no other. He couldn't help this shaking feeling that something wasn't right. "If you need my height for anything, I'd be happy to oblige."
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Tendy
27
Widowed
Noble
Tier 3 Character
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Post by Helene Hewitt on Jul 3, 2020 13:34:58 GMT -5
Yule was definitely better when you had someone to spoil, and Helene was more than happy to fulfill all of Olivia's ribbon wants and needs. She grinned brightly as she opened the lid and set it out for her. Olivia's excitement was fueling her own, but her's was mostly over the presents her and Mari had planned. Best. Yule. Ever. She thought.
Once Olivia was set with her ribbons, Helene did an overview of the room. Triston was sitting, Will was talking about ribbon nightmares, Olivia was bound and determined, Mari seemed more than happy to help Olivia, and her accomplice and the wily fox were off talking about something. She didn't want to interrupt, but she' was certainly curious when Lucian shoved Wesley. There was too much sitting/standing around and not enough decorating for her liking. She picked up the popcorn strand and marched up to Triston. "Triston dear...if you sit, I'm going to put you to work." She warned him. Handing him the strand of Popcorn. "Make your height useful and start wrapping that around tree." She said with a smile. Was she being a bit bossy? Maybe. But they were friends now, so that meant he'd get to see bossy Helene.
In all reality, she wanted everyone to have a fun time, and to have something to do. After giving Triston his job she moved over to William. "I've created a monster haven't I?" She laughed lightly, as she looked to Olivia. "If it makes you feel better I think the ribbons will be just a phase. They won't haunt your dreams forever." She whispered to him. She smiled before her face took on a more serious, concerned look. "How are you doing?" She asked gently. Remembering the market and now apparently this new situation with Margery, she could only imagine what William might be feeling.
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Magpie
26
Unmarried
Noblewoman
Tier 2 Character
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Post by Marinette Roquefort on Jul 3, 2020 19:55:02 GMT -5
Marinette had been about to answer that Triston could use his height for whatever he pleased; she wasn't about to force him to do anything that didn't sound fun to him. It seemed that her sister didn't have the same compunctions, however. Marinette couldn't help laughing as Triston had the popcorn and cranberry garland thrust upon him. Helene was putting all their guests to good use, it seemed!
She personally didn't see why the ribbons were anything to have a nightmare over, but maybe that was because they hadn't taken over her home entirely. She was quite happy to let Olivia tie them wherever she pleased, whether that was on the tree, the furniture, or the people. Seeing them everywhere would just be a reminder of their sweet little guest and her joyful energy. She grinned and chose a red one to start, her favorite color. "Alright, let's get started, ma petite lapin. I'll put this one up here near the top..."
Feeling a little brave, she nodded to William and whispered, "Help us along! The more of them are on the tree, the less of them go home with you." She smiled brightly at him for a brief moment, then returned her attention to Olivia, not wanting to let her question why Marinette was whispering. She tied ribbon after ribbon until her fingers were beginning to get tired, and stepped out of the way of Triston as he moved around to put up the garland. Every once in awhile she'd crouch down to ask Olivia's advice on where to place a certain color, or if she thought it was wise to add a few of the orange slices here and there.
The tree was beginning to come along nicely, she thought. It was a tiny bit garish, seeing as they had ribbons of every fabric and hue, but the effect was charming, she thought. It looked too cheerful; she couldn't help being fond of it. It had been years since they'd been able to decorate for Yule themselves.
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Lunari
34
Widower
Tresterian Ambassador
Tier 2 Character
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Post by William deGrey on Jul 5, 2020 18:44:37 GMT -5
Oh yes, the ribbons were everywhere, and William was constantly having to untie them and put them away before the little girl noticed. He wasn't, in any way, trying to ruin her fun (which was why he did it discreetly), but when they were a hazard with people tripping on them every so often, or getting in the way of simple, daily tasks, something had to be done about them.
Olivia seemed to happy right now, though, more than she had been in awhile just doing this simple task. She was infatuated with the ribbons, yes, but she was also a little infatuated with the Roquefort sisters. His daughter had few women in her life to act as good role models, and Will could only ask so much of Elyscia. The young woman was always so happy to watch Olivia and spend time with her, but he was sure that she needed her own time as well. This brightened up Olivia's day and he was content to watch her giggle and help Marinette place ribbons all along the tree. Every so often, she'd ask Mari's advice on a spot before tying one onto a branch.
Dark eyes drifted to the lady when she was whispering to him, a bigger smile forming on his face. Clearly he liked the sound of that! "That sounds like the perfect plan," he whispered back in good humor before crouching down beside Olivia. He gestured to a blue ribbon from the pile she had resting at her feet. "What about this one, where should this one go?" "Um..." The girl thought long and hard about that before she was wrapping her arms around his neck and requesting that he lift her up. "Right there," she declared with a beaming smile, reaching her arms out so that she could tie the ribbon. William was putting her down again, where she scampered back over to Marinette's side after picking up a dried orange slice. "Can you eat these?" she asked. William continued to simply watch the two in silence, idly picking up a decoration here and there to add it to the tree before Helene was drifting over to his side.
He chuckled, "Yes, you may have. And your sister is fueling the fire." Of course, he sounded anything but annoyed by it. In all honesty, he was grateful for it, ribbons being tied everywhere or not. Then the subject grew serious and the humor softly drifted away from his face, only returning for a few seconds if his daughter looked their way while she continued to babble to Mari. Suddenly, Olivia was curious about whether you could still eat all the decorations or not.
"I'm...better than expected, but still hiding most of it," he said quietly, not knowing why he felt the need to be that truthful. For a moment, he wondered if Marinette had told Helene about what had happened...about what he knew of their father. He decided not to bring it up himself. "I just want Olivia to have a good holiday, so I'm holding things back. But it was inevitable." Will offered a light shrug of his shoulder as he placed an orange slice on the tree. "Still, I suppose it's better to know and realize it now. No one wants to be alone, but who wishes to be trapped in a marriage with someone you don't really care for?" He'd been whispering this to her, making sure that his daughter wasn't listening. She seemed to be too preoccupied with decorating the tree fortunately.
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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 Jul 5, 2020 19:03:16 GMT -5
If Wesley didn't ask, it meant that he didn't care. Joking made it less awkward, and he chuckled lightly when his brother shoved him. But he was right back by his side within seconds, his expression immediately sobering when Lucian began to explain.
Oh. Oh there was something there with the queen's maid. The soldier barely had to say anything for him to realize it, to sense it because no, they never spoke about such things. Maybe a tease here or there about a girl, but the mere fact that Wes wasn't talking right then made it clear that he genuinely wanted to know. This was a first for his brother and it stunned him for a moment. He really didn't know whether to stare wide-eyed or smile. Maybe both?
While he fought his own mind on what to do, he was coming to a sudden halt when he nearly walked right into the wall. There was no time to be embarrassed because he was too confused and stunned by Luci's words. He liked her. When had this happened?! How much had Wesley missed? "You...like her?" he repeated, like he thought he hadn't heard him correctly.
Yes, idiot. Now move on.
A hand grabbed Lucian's shoulder to halt their walk in the hallway. He was smiling again, but it wasn't his usual prepare thyself for a stupid comment kind of smile. It was sincere, albeit still a little surprised. "I, um...that's great, Luce," he finally told him. "She must be somethin' if she gained your attention. So, yes, I will have to meet her." And be charming, of course. A tease may or may not fall into the conversation briefly, so he wasn't promising anything. Wesley's face grew a little serious and still somewhat confused. "How do you...know that you like her? Like that?" Kind of a strange question for him to be asking his little brother, but it was too late to take it back.
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Soleil
28
Single
Captain of Tresterian Army: Infantry
Tier 2 Character
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Post by Lucian deGrey on Jul 7, 2020 14:55:26 GMT -5
Lucian thought, for a moment, that he was wrong for saying that he liked her. Was Wesley going to give him a hard time for that? Why did he look so shocked? Sure, he had never really spoken of liking anyone before-- he had mostly kept these sorts of things to himself. But in reality, he had mostly been busy with training and moving up in the ranks to make a name for himself (he had three older brothers to walk in the shadows of), so he worked hard, always trying to prove himself worthy of something.
He didn't think it was that big of a deal, but suddenly his older brother was making it into one. When he questioned him, repeating what he had said, Lucian lowered his brows in confusion, about to ask Wesley if something was wrong with that. But when he finally said it was great, Lucian looked to him with a concerned and serious expression. Although he seemed happy for him, he couldn't help but wonder if there was something more to this conversation. Perhaps his inner conflict about his being smitten with Helene, yet feeling he was not allowed.
The soldier smiled though. Anemone was definitely something, and he suddenly looked nervous about having her meet Wesley. Would he embarrass the hell out of both of them? He grinned and laughed at the idea. But as his brother's face grew more serious and he questioned him on how he knew that he liked her, Lucian gave Wesley another confused look, studying his features for a brief moment. Hm. He had a feeling this was a double-sided question. He was genuinely interested to hear, but also, wanted to see if he could relate and if his feelings for Helene were valid. It was his guess, at least. Lucian grinned and shrugged his shoulders, a hand moving to rub behind his neck as he thought of his answer. "I don't know... I uh..." He looked down at the floor as he tried to think what made him like Anemone. Finally, he looked back at Wesley, a smile touching his eyes as he spoke, "The way she looks and talks to me, I guess... She instantly smiles when she sees me... She makes me forget that anything else is going on around us... I want to know everything about her and keep making her smile... I feel like I want to give her a better life and make her happy..." He leaned into Wesley and spoke quietly. "Is that how you feel about lady Helene, too?" He smirked and nudged his brother's side gently.
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Soleil
32
Single
Council Member of Tresterian court
Tier 1 Character
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Post by Triston deGrey on Jul 7, 2020 15:21:14 GMT -5
Triston had sat down and was content with watching everyone, being helpful if he was needed. But really, he wanted to watch Olivia and all of her excitement. Helene would not have it, however, and she was bossing him around already. He chuckled and stood back up as the string of popcorn was handed to him. He nodded, "yes, ma'am." And without another word, he started to string the strand of popcorn around the tree, careful of Olivia and everyone else, so he'd not get in their way.
When he ran out of the garland, he went and grabbed another, continuing around the tree until the entire thing was wrapped with garland. These women were asking four men and a child to decorate their tree-- It wasn't about to be the prettiest looking tree, but they would try! He stood back and looked at his handiwork and laughed slightly.
"Oh! Olivia! I found the perfect spot for one of those ribbons! Do you have another red one?" He crouched down and motioned for her to jump onto his back so he could lift her up to reach the spot. Once she did so, he stood back up and pointed out an empty-looking spot that most definitely needed a red ribbon. He grinned and held onto her carefully so she could tie the ribbon. And while she was up there, he asked her if she saw any other places that needed something.
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Tendy
27
Widowed
Noble
Tier 3 Character
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Post by Helene Hewitt on Jul 7, 2020 21:12:18 GMT -5
Helene made herself look busy as she tied a few ribbons to the tree while she listened to William. She glanced up at him and gave him a sympathetic smile. She could only imagine, but she also knew he was lucky to get out of it when he had. She wished she would of. Helene hadn't been as lucky with her devil. At the mention of Olivia, her eyes drifted over to where the little girl was, who was clearly quite pleased and happy with holiday. "Well, for what it's worth I think she's having a fantastic holiday." She whispered to him, tying another ribbon to the branch.
She stilled at his next works, and she couldn't help the small laugh. Oh if only you knew... She thought. "Sorry for laughing I just..." She sighed, and averted her eyes for moment before she looked at William again. "I do know what it's like." She said gently. Her eyes softened and she rested a hand lightly on his shoulder. "You're very lucky William. Olivia, is very lucky. It hurts now, but...It could have been worse. You could have been married to her and you both could be miserable." She said softly. "I'd take being alone to being married to the devil." She said. For a brief moment there was something dark in her eyes before it faded. "Thank you for coming by the way. Mari and I haven't really been able to have a Yule like this for sometime, and we wanted to spend it with friends." She smiled at him as she abruptly changed the topic.
She glanced over her shoulder then, seeing two people who still had yet come decorate the tree, and everyone was supposed to help decorate. "Mari, why don't we get some music going to liven this up a bit hmmm?" She called to her sister. She threw her a smile. "Excuse me William, I must yell at your brothers." She chuckled lightly, but there was a something there that said she was serious before she slipped away and walked up to where Lucian and Wesley were whispering like school girls.
Speak of the devil and she would appear. "Gentleman, there is a tree," She placed her hands on her hips as she looked between the two of them. "It needs decorating, there will be no idly standing around, now shoo!" She waved her hands at them to shoo them towards the tree to decorate it. "If there's no more room on the tree, then start decorating the room with ribbons." She told them.
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Magpie
26
Unmarried
Noblewoman
Tier 2 Character
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Post by Marinette Roquefort on Jul 9, 2020 17:19:43 GMT -5
"Can you eat these?" Olivia asked. Marinette laughed at first, but then her face grew serious, and she tapped her lips with the tips of her fingers as she considered her answer. "The answer is yes, with a but. You can, but I'm not sure they would feel very lovely in your mouth. I think the sugar cookies on the side table would be nicer. If you'd like a fresh one, though, I'd be willing to bet we still have some, and some apples, in the kitchen." She was just about to snag a cookie for herself, and one for Olivia, when Triston spoke up, and she smiled warmly at him as Olivia went to him. With Triston helping Olivia, and William and Helene chatting quietly, Marinette found herself abruptly standing alone amidst a flurry of activity. She watched with a wistful smile as Olivia scrambled onto her uncle's back, and found that her throat was growing tight and her eyes prickled with the threat of tears. A dark voice in the back of her mind reminded her that this was something she had never been able to have--a happy Yule with no looming shadows or the smell of spilled alcohol and fear. Even now, whispered the voice, this is not your own. This is not your family, that is not your child. It's not even your house. The clock will strike midnight, and the spell will be broken. Is it better to have this taste of happiness if you must give it up? Won't it ache all the more?Tears had begun to well in her eyes, and she was unwittingly wringing the ribbon she held in her hand into a tight coil, almost ruining it. Triston's hand broke her from the spell and she jumped, quickly turning to look at him with guilt on her face. He must have noticed she was upset. She tried to smile, but her attention was quickly drawn away by Helene speaking to her next. Had she noticed too? God, she hoped not. It took Marinette a moment to realize what had been said to her. Music? She looked around in confusion, only then spotting that the standing piano had been wheeled into the room. Ha! Her sister had thought of everything, it seemed. She nodded hurriedly and turned towards the instrument before she dared to wipe her eyes. Sitting on the little bench, she took a deep breath as she lifted her hands into position. She could almost imagine her mother sitting next to her, the way she had years ago. The memory warmed her, a little, insulating her from the dark voice that still nagged in the back of her mind. She let her eyes fall closed as she began to play one of the songs she had 'gifted' to Helene. As she fell into the rhythm of the song, her shoulders began to relax, and a smile returned to her face.
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Lunari
7
Daughter of William deGrey
Tier 4 Character
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Post by Olivia deGrey on Jul 9, 2020 21:42:59 GMT -5
Those brown eyes went wide with excitement when Marinette mentioned the decorations were edible...sort of. Her face scrunched up then, making a soft blegh noise and decided not to try and bite the orange slice. But it sure smelled nice still! She was about to politely ask for some when her uncle called out her name.
Olivia was quick to look over at him, a smile still big on her face while tiny fists went to her hips in that "attitude". "Of course I have another red one!" she declared, as if it was a silly question. Naturally she had tons in every color, and Marinette and Helene had even more! The girl no longer knew which color was her favorite anymore.
Rushing over to pick it up, she was at Triston's side as he lifted her onto his back so that she could reach for that one particular spot he had found. She couldn't stop grinning and giggling, struggling at first to tie the ribbon on, but Daddy taught her well! After a moment, she managed before little arms wrapped around her uncle's neck. Lips pursed in thought, examining the tree. "Hm, I'm not sure! Go around the other side?" she requested. Whenever he obliged, she looked the tree up and down before she finally found another spot.
Urging him to place her down, she would rush back to the pile of ribbons and found a pretty green one. Her little shoes tapped upon the floor as she ran back to him. "Here! This'll be perfect!" She beamed, holding it up for him to take. When he took it in hand, she was running back over to pick up a pink one, waving it around gleefully when the sound of the piano caught her attention. She saw Mari sitting at the bench, her fingers gliding across the ivory keys, and Olivia was suddenly curious.
Forgoing the tree decorating (at least for the moment), the young girl skipped her way over to the piano, still waving her ribbon before she stopped to listen. Livi swayed slightly in place, not wishing to interrupt the woman but couldn't help it at the same time. "I wish I knew how to play piano..." Daddy had asked her awhile ago if she had wanted to learn and she told him no. But now, she might have changed her mind.
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