Pyxis
32
Divorcée
Noblewoman
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Post by Dani deGrey on Feb 23, 2021 17:32:02 GMT -5
Dani wasn’t showing any signs of slowing down, tonight or in general. It was just who she was, who she had always been really. As much as she loved sleeping late in the morning, she also didn’t always need to go to bed before the sun rose. Today was no exception, Dani deGrey was still running on last night’s adrenaline (and maybe a little of all the sugary treats she had eaten at the party) and she felt as though she could keep going for the rest of the day. Brown eyes darted across to Julien then, an unreadable expression on her features. Part of it was because she didn’t quite know what she was thinking and feeling in that moment, Julien Debienne had always had that kind of effect on her- it was easy to get lost in his company, the easy laughter they had always shared. Even now, with the man becoming increasingly reclusive: Dani still enjoyed the rare moments when Julien was like his old self. Even this morning, he seemed to swing between the man she had once known and a man trapped within his own thoughts. ”Okay Jules…” Dani said softly, resting a hand upon the man’s forearm and squeezing gently. If she hadn’t still been slurring her words, it might have been a sweet, somewhat comforting gesture. Perhaps that would be a conversation for another time, when she was a little more sober and Julien in a more sharing mood- because Dani couldn’t quite shake the feeling that there was something wrong… only Julien didn’t want to dwell on it now, so neither did Dani. Afterall, the last thing she wanted to do was ruin the good mood she had worked so hard to put herself in after the disappointment of no-one meeting her at the docks (was that really only last night?). But his chuckle did manage to ease some of the heaviness that had seemed to settle over them in that moment. Again, she folded her arms over her chest- sticking her lower lip out into a pout. ”You know you, and I know, you know full well well what I mean Jules.” Dani said, shooting him an accusing glare. There had been times during their marriage, and the friendship that had followed it, that Dani had almost thought Julien could read her thoughts- he knew her that well, so he definitely knew what she was trying to say now. ”Hey, hey, hey, I am a good party- and you need one so hear I am- a good party. But, but, but I did not stuuumble... I walked, and I walked very well!” She didn’t take a cup, not trusting herself with the delicate china, and taking her whisky straight from the flask (and managing to dribble a little down her chin which was quickly wiped away gracefully with the back of her hand). ”Why not? I mean you, you really, can’t like being stuck in-” Dani waved her hand, gesturing to the entrance they were still sat in. ”-in, this *hic* in this place all the time, it’s creepy here Jules. Really, creepy, your mother doesn’t help but don’t you- don’t you think it’s creepy? Maybe that’s why you’ve been so quiet in the last few years…” Dani had always found the Debienne’s home to be a little unsettling- it was one of the reasons they had spent so little time here during their marriage… though Dani hadn’t been quite so honest about it before. And she regretted it immediately- cheeks flushing pink. Luckily the conversation changed, ”Well, I mean, I guess, I sup-*hic*-suppose that’s why you didn’t meet me at the docks last night with my good for nothing brothers. And I guess that means, I guess that I should forgive you for not being there... and you, you didn’t need me to drag you there! You’re a grown man! And there’s no way the Debienne’s didn’t get an invitation! So what’s your real excuse?” Quirking an eyebrow, Dani looked at him with mirth in her eyes before taking another swig- not breaking her gaze for a second.
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Lunari
37
Divorced
Councilman
Tier 2 Character
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Post by Julien Debienne on Feb 28, 2021 15:45:27 GMT -5
Currently, he really wished he had her stamina. He would have been passed out in that carriage if he'd been out all night. Hell, he might not have even made it to the carriage. Perhaps that was what old age did to you. Oh, and becoming a councilman- that was the worst decision he ever made, but it kept food on the table and a roof over their heads.
Her attempt at a sweet gesture still managed to be, in the woman's own way. Despite her slurred words, he still appreciated the effort and patted her hand that was on his arm in silent thanks. Sure, he could talk to her about the boring, everyday things that were plaguing him, the issues with his family, the ill sister she didn't even know he had. Yeah, that would go over so well. Even in her drunken state, Julien had a feeling Dani wouldn't be able to forget that so easily. He managed to keep her trust even after the divorce...he didn't exactly want to break it and ruin this.
Of course he understood what she was trying to say- trying being the keyword, and it was amusing to watch. He was definitely going to find some humor in this, and at her expense. She did just barge into his home unannounced (not that he really minded so much), so he was going to taunt and tease any chance he got. At least he was being somewhat lenient at the moment.
But, he did just pour whiskey into his tea, so...
"You marched in here with your usual flare, darling, yes," he added, as if putting words into her mouth, like that was what she intended to say. Oh yes, so much flare. It was how Dani deGrey always walked into a room, and he never saw anything wrong with it. It had been one of the many things that drew him to her in the first place.
'Why not?' "Work keeps me busy," he told her. That, and there always seemed to be a constant issue at home. As Dani continued on, mentioning how the house was creepy (and that his mother didn't help), he couldn't stop the deep laughter that erupted from his chest. Alright, maybe he shouldn't have laughed about that, but...she wasn't wrong. Those ocher eyes wandered about the foyer, looking upon the intricate furnishings and crafted moldings in soft contemplation. "I find it...quaint." It was a lie, and when he looked back to her, that glint within his gaze made it quite obvious.
He saw the flush to her cheeks, and if she was embarrassed or even worried she might have offended him with this honesty, she needn't be so concerned. She was right- this place could be rather unsettling, and there was more than one reason why they didn't often have visitors. However, because she was being so honest (even if it might have been because of the drink), he felt he should share a little bit of his own.
After another sip, he set his cup down and regarded her again; head canting slightly as he studied her face for a moment. In a way, it almost felt like no time had passed at all. He felt like he had aged quite a bit, but she didn't seem to. "I've been so quiet these least few years...because I don't have the pleasure of your company as much anymore. You brightened my days and kept things interesting, deGrey. I probably hadn't mentioned that enough."
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Pyxis
32
Divorcée
Noblewoman
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Post by Dani deGrey on Mar 7, 2021 8:56:15 GMT -5
She really didn’t miss this place. It had always seemed so unsettling, even with Dani, Julien, and his parents and all the staff- it just never felt like home to her. Which was probably why they had spent so much time at other properties, away from the drafty halls and the feeling that someone or something was watching her. Even now, as happy as she was in his company and the warmth of the whisky and the wine in her belly, Dani could feel the hairs on the back of her neck standing up… and couldn’t escape the feeling that if she turned around, they wouldn’t be alone. It had made her feel crazy, as though she was seeing and hearing things… when Dani had lived at Blackthorn, she had felt her nerves beginning to fray with every night in the old manor. That, and she was certain Iva would have preferred her son to have married someone (perhaps anyone) else. Not that she’d ever really told Julien, unless it was half-in-jest like tonight. It was his home after all, he had grown up here, and since what had happened to his father following their divorce… Dani could hardly go and tell him she thought the house was haunted now, could she? ”It’s pronounced grace Jules, gra-aaace.” She said, drawing out the ‘a’ sound to emphasis her point. ”I walked in here with my usual grace.” Screwing the cap of her flask closed, Dani half-set half-dropped the flask onto the floor between them- where it landed with a soft thunk as it hit the bunched up fabric of her discarded skirts. It was probably time she change to tea, at least until Julien caught up a little. The lord was on his first drink, and Dani had lost count of hers around 3am. She reached for a cup, shakily piling in three sugars before bringing it to her lips. ”Work can’t keep you that busy Jules… you need to live a little.” Dani meant every word, being with Julien Debienne had been fun, and she hated to think that all he did was work and drink tea at god-knows-what time in the morning. ”You need to get out! Do things! Even if you won’t come see the world with me, you can at least see Tresteria… why don’t you come with me to Marchioness Boroughs party? I was going to drag Drew along but you’re a better dance partner and no doubt he’ll be preoccupied with his new friend.”There she was again, talking a mile a minute and barely giving Julien the chance to interject let alone turn down her invitation. ”There we go, we’re sorted and it’s settled, you can pick me up on the way.” She said brightly, clapping once as though it was all set in stone. ”It’ll be fun. Like old times.” Her smile faltered somewhat at his compliment, even since the divorce things had been easy between them: old friends that teased each other as though they had known each other for their entire lives rather than a mere third or so of it. And he had to ruin it by saying something sweet like that? If she had been sober, Dani could have maybe brushed it off- teased him relentlessly. But she wasn’t sober, the cogs in her brain ticked a little more slowly than they usually would have. She did manage to recover, it just took a few moments. ”Oh Jules,” Laughed Dani, waving her free hand in a gesture she hoped came across as carefree. ”You can always visit come for dinner, or for tea, and my invitation still stands if you ever want to come see the world with me- even if it’s just for a little while.” The words might have been a little wobbly and a little slurred, but Dani hoped Julien knew that she meant it.
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Lunari
37
Divorced
Councilman
Tier 2 Character
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Post by Julien Debienne on Mar 10, 2021 17:16:14 GMT -5
Blackthorn really wasn't much of a welcoming place, so she wasn't wrong there. And after the gossip that followed Lorin's death, then his father's, it was like this constant black cloud looming over the manor. Especially with his sister's situation, one that his mother was hellbent on keeping under wraps.
Just thinking about it was automatically darkening his mood, and he didn't want it to. Julien finally managed to be in slightly better spirits because of a particular drunken ex, and he wasn't about to groan and grumble about the audacity of his damn mother...even if Dani might actually like it, considering her own feelings towards the woman. Again, he wasn't offended.
"Oh, my apologies," he quietly replied in a mocking tone. "Your usual grace, of course." No, she definitely hadn't walked anywhere- it was more like a practiced stumble right through his front door. He had a feeling she might berate or even hit him if he shared that right now, so he wasn't going to tempt fate.
It would be a miracle if he actually caught up with her. He'd have to drink nonstop for quite a few hours, so, if that was the case, she was going to be waiting awhile for that flask. That is, unless he drank the rest of it. He eyed the receptacle where she had dropped it but didn't reach for it yet. "I do need to get out," he agreed. His face fell a little after. 'Even if you won't come see the world with me...' Dani was saying more, but he couldn't stop dwelling on that in particular. It probably shouldn't hurt as much as it was, but it definitely did. And that was his own fault.
He had to snap out of it because she was somehow wrangling him into going to some party. Oh, the annual new year's party that the marchioness often put on. He couldn't remember the last time he had gone. Dark eyes blinked, setting his cup aside for the moment. It wasn't as if the family did much of anything anyway, so it wouldn't be terribly hard to just leave. "It's settled, huh? You already have everything planned, it seems." That was neither an acceptance or refusal, honestly. 'It'll be fun. Like old times.' That made him smile- a small but genuine one that had been absent from his features for so long. "I'll try not to disappoint, deGrey...but do remember it's been awhile for me." The partying and dancing, that is.
Sipping at that tea once more (realizing there wasn't enough whiskey in it), he paused when he saw her expression falter. Whoops. Something wasn't clicking right in that mind of hers, and it took himself a moment to figure out what he said that might have caused it. They were both on a delay, but Julien had definitely noticed hers even while she tried to play it off. He wasn't quite drunk yet, or close to tipsy.
It was his turn to let his smile falter a little. I would in a heartbeat, he thought but didn't say. "Maybe I'll take you up on that someday," he half-lied. "Is your Nana in town as well? She's usually the life of the party, honestly, and that changes everything." That wasn't entirely a lie because Thea deGrey was quite the interesting lady, but that was where her granddaughter got it from. Still, he couldn't help the little jab and tease in order to save his own sanity.
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Pyxis
32
Divorcée
Noblewoman
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Post by Dani deGrey on Mar 11, 2021 17:53:56 GMT -5
Dani had a lot to say about her ex-mother-in-law when she was sober, so it was almost definitely for the best that Julien didn’t bring her up now- chances are Dani wouldn’t stop once she started. Which seemed like a bad idea considering she was sitting in Iva’s home… where the woman could quite easily overhear her. Still, whilst Dani had been as polite a daughter-in-law as she could manage, there was little doubt as towards either of the womens’ feelings towards the other. Dani had thought Julien’s mother overbearing, suffocating had been a word she had used on occasion. Part of her, not so deep down, even blamed the woman for Julien’s decision to stay in Tresteria. As for Iva, Dani had always suspected that the older woman neither trusted nor liked her. So yes, it was almost certainly for the best that their conversation didn’t shift to a certain Iva Debienne- lest it sour both their moods.
”My usual grace, thank you.” Dani said brightly, electing to ignore the man’s mocking tone. They both knew her entrance hadn’t exactly been graceful, but it was much better to imagine it had- at least Dani thought so, and she wouldn’t hear a word to the contrary. Even if it might have been technically true. The truth was never quite as much fun, there was no point letting something as paltry as facts get in the way of a good story. Not that Dani would be telling anyone this story. No one needed to know that when Dani drunkenly thought of home she still thought of Julien.
There probably wasn’t enough liquor in the flask for the man to have a hope in hell of catching up with her, even if he drained it down to the very last drop. She left the flask there, not affording it a second glance as she occupied herself with the tea. With the warm cup in her hands and the borrowed robe around her shoulders, Dani was beginning to feel cosy- perhaps even a little sleepy. But when the yawn came, she quickly tried to stifle it. This was too much fun, it was too nice to see him again, she was too happy to go to sleep now- if she slept, it would be over. So, she stifled the yawn and drew her attention back to Julien, sipping her tea as he agreed with her. I do need to get out. As nice as it was to be agreed with (after all, she was often right), Dani didn’t like the way his face seemed to fall, this was supposed to be a party- even if it was just a party of two.
As for the new year’s party, Dani was adamant that he was going. Adamant that they were going. It would be fun, Ariadne’s parties usually were. And more to the point, it would be just like old times, and the old times had always been fun. Dani had meant it, when she had told him he was too serious as of late, too drawn back into himself. Not too long ago they had been like peas in a pod, and whilst Dani didn’t think she had changed: it was impossible to deny that Lord Debienne hadn’t changed. The man she had adored was still there, Dani saw it in his eyes and in the turn of his lips, even in the way he tipped whiskey into his tea. However, Julien had grown up since the divorce, becoming even more responsible. Deep down, Dani admired it a little. ”I have everything planned already, I think, I think emerald green for the dress- no, no! Royal purple! No, the green- for your eyes. Yes. the green.” Was she speaking to him then, or merely planning the event not-so-quietly to herself? Either way, it didn’t really matter, it was settled: they were going whether he liked it or not. ”Oh Jules, you never disappointed.” Patting his arm lightly, Dani leaned closer- a grin on her lips, the wires of her brain might have been crossed a little with all the whisky. ”Never-ever.” She pressed a finger to her lips, as though she’d just told him a big secret.
She sighed, Thea deGrey made every party better, and it had been some time since Dani had seen her grandmother. Even with the letters they often exchanged, Dani missed her. Seemed Julien missed Nana deGrey too. Was she jealous? Maybe a little… ”No, Nana should be home soon but I think I beat her back to Tresteria… so you’ll just have to make do with me for now Lord Debienne, I hope it’s not tooooooo much of a disappointment for you.” Rolling her eyes, Dani huffed a little.
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Lunari
37
Divorced
Councilman
Tier 2 Character
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Post by Julien Debienne on Mar 12, 2021 10:56:10 GMT -5
To be honest, Iva didn't really like many people. She struggled to even get along with her own daughter, but that was her own fault. Perhaps, she only cared for her son now, if only because he was head of the house despite how much she tried to take control when she shouldn't. Suffice to say, Julien didn't care, but he shut her down real quick sometimes if only to spite her.
Having to listen to your sister scream and cry made his patience run thin with the woman as of late.
Now, he was hoping she wouldn't make a big deal about Dani being here. He wasn't a child anymore- he knew right from wrong. He was no longer a rebellious teen about to go out and do something foolish and dangerous. Iva had nothing to worry about...except if he pulled out the scotch. That usually signaled a bad day, but right now, today was turning out to be rather pleasant thanks to an intoxicated angel.
She was getting tired, though- indicated by the yawn she was trying to hide. It caused him to grin lightly, wondering how she was even still possibly awake after everything she went through during the night. He would have crashed hours ago. Maybe that was because he was getting too old for things.
He almost cringed visibly from this thought and had to contain himself. He wasn't that old, dammit!
Reaching over for his cup, he took a couple of sips, letting out a gentle sigh of contentment. Sometimes, a good cup of tea just made things better. It also helped when it was spiked with a bit of delicious whiskey, of course. But he was happy to just sit there, listening to her ramble, and knowing there was no point in arguing about the party. If he didn't really wish to go or didn't think he could, he would have said something. He wasn't joking when he had agreed with her- he did need to get out, and that would be a good opportunity, especially to give him more time with her before she was off seeing the rest of the world.
Julien chuckled with her "little secret" as the tea was set aside once again. "You do look good in green, but I also remember you looking very good in red, too." His voice dropped- just a little- at the memory. He just had to throw his two cents in. There had just been something breathtaking about the woman, with her pale skin and dark hair, when she'd worn red. Yet, if he were being honest, she looked good in anything. Or nothing, but that was a whole other mood entirely.
At the mention of Thea not being around, he forced his expression to change to that of mock disappointment. "This might change things..." he said, pretending to think about even going to the party now. "I mean-" Julien paused, retrieving that flask to simply move it near his cup so that he could bunch up the discarded dress. "I suppose I could still go with one of the smartest women in Tresteria...even if she tends to have a sharp tongue." The stupid grin was back on his face as he contemplated using her skirts as a pillow and thought better of it. So, instead, he was lowering himself to lay down to use her lap as one. "It helps you're easy on the eyes, deGrey." He chuckled then because he was failing at even sounding remotely misogynistic right now.
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Pyxis
32
Divorcée
Noblewoman
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Post by Dani deGrey on Mar 13, 2021 19:47:12 GMT -5
In response to his grin, Dani sent the man a look. Playfully daring him to comment on the yawn that had escaped her. Yes, she was tired. Though it would be a good twenty minutes before the woman admitted it to herself, and a good hour before she would admit it to Julien (if she even managed to stay awake for that long). Nights like this had been common in her youth- dancing and laughing far past the dawn. Now though, now they were fewer and farther between- the only thing that reassured her was how her Nana was still having fun at her age, it meant Dani had a good few decades left in her rather than just a few good years. The deGrey women really were made of stronger stuff. It took a lot to slow them down, even age seemed to struggle with the task.
”Red works.” Dani chimed brightly. Immediately away tossing the decision to wear green. A new dress was a new dress afterall, regardless of the colour. That, and flattery was the very fastest way to reach Dani deGrey… it was hardly a big secret, and Julien had learned long ago just what to say (and when) to Dani. ”I do look very good in red… probably even better than you remember Jules, it has been a while.” Yes, she could see it now: off the shoulder sleeves, her favourite, a tight bodice, velvet for warmth but with a slip made from some Tresterian silk… trimmed with Arcisean lace. Perhaps she would even invest in a new corset for the occasion. If her ex-husband noticed she was looking a little more glassy eyed- it was because Dani had slipped into imagining the gown, designing it in her mind (though she would probably have forgotten the specifics by tomorrow- they colour would stick).
The conversation shifting once again to her Nana, Dani matched Julien’s mock disappointment with an expression of equally exaggerated offence. ”You suppose? You suppose?” Even though she was only playing, it was difficult to keep her voice down at a sensible volume as she feigned great insult. ”There are other people I could ask you know.” She didn’t move to push him from her lap as he settled, instead her fingers idly toyed with his hair. Dani had missed moments such as this, not that she was about to drop her little act and get all sentimental on him. ”And one of the smartest? Y’know there was a time when you would have thought twice about trying to push my buttons like this Lord Debienne… you’re getting bold in your old age.” Dani sighed then, perhaps allowing a little too much of that sentimentality to seep in after all. Another sigh, but this one a little less melancholic and a lot more dramatic: ”Thank you, I’d like to say I try but it’s effortless really.”
”Besides, you’re not so terrible yourself… even if there are a few more grey hairs in here than I remember.” Still playing with his hair, Dani made a point of ruffling it- messing it up nicely. One of the few things her ex-husband and her brother had disagreed over was who had the better hair- and Dani did so enjoy stoking that particular fire. ”I’ve missed this.” She said quietly, barely above her breath.
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Lunari
37
Divorced
Councilman
Tier 2 Character
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Post by Julien Debienne on Mar 18, 2021 18:56:49 GMT -5
As much as he would be very willing to spend his morning like this, he was still waiting for her to fall asleep, or suddenly pass out; leaving him to have to quietly carry her to one of the guestrooms. And he wouldn't mind it. Julien was just surprised she was still somehow awake and functioning, and that the devil woman he called mother hadn't emerged yet. Fortunately, it was still fairly early.
Oh, how he missed sleep.
"Anything works," he told her, but she didn't really need the assurance. She knew she looked great in just about anything, and he wasn't about to pad that ego. Well, not too much anyway. He truly did enjoy flattering the woman, especially when she deserved it, because he also had never been afraid to tell her when she was being a bit "too much". Dani dished it right back to him, so it was never a concern.
He laughed quietly as she slipped away briefly, envisioning her new dress no doubt, before his words brought that usual look to her face that he had missed so much. Julien appeared very pleased with himself, even if she was beginning to get a little loud. "Shh, indoor voice," he urged her, blindly reaching up as if to cover her mouth. Of course, she just kept going, so he wasn't doing a very good job. It also helped that her fingers in his hair were making quick work of lulling him into a strange peace and calm. If he wasn't careful, he might fall asleep...even with her nagging at him. Julien couldn't stop grinning in amusement over the prospect.
"Oh no, love, pushing your buttons is one of my favorite pastimes," he told her, tilting his head back just enough to glance up at her. And pushing those buttons was way easier when she was inebriated. 'Thank you, I’d like to say I try but it’s effortless really.' He was just smiling again, definitely not about to disagree with that. Not that he actually did anyway.
However, his grin faltered with her mention of grey hairs. "More?" Julien stammered, grumbling when she ruffled it. He tried to seize her wrists, but he was warring with himself because he didn't want her to stop, either. "I only have grey hair in the first place because of you, I hope you know." It was a joke, but in all honesty...was it really? Hmm.
Regardless, her barely audible words made him still for a moment, as if he wasn't sure if he heard them or not. He did miss this, though. He missed a lot of things he'd never repeat. So, instead of saying anything, Julien simply took one of her hands and pressed a gentle, chaste kiss to the inside of her wrist.
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Pyxis
32
Divorcée
Noblewoman
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Post by Dani deGrey on Mar 19, 2021 10:02:00 GMT -5
Slowly, so slowly it was almost indiscernible, Dani was running out of steam. Her yawns were becoming a little more frequent, and her eyelids seemed to be getting heavier and heavier. Asking to go to bed now though would be tantamount to defeat- and so Dani deGrey powered through for now. Stifling another yawn, deep brown eyes wandered over Julien’s face in her lap- tracing over the arch of his brow and down to the line of his jaw. Julien Debienne had alway been a handsome man, Dani had told him so frequently, even the stress of the last few years seemed to have added to rather than taken away from that.
It had been easy to forget- for a second- where they were, and that they weren’t alone. There might not have been a full household at Blackthorn Manor to wake, but there was still that woman to remember. Dani could weather a lot, probably more so in her drunken state, but she didn’t exactly want to bring on a scolding from Iva Debienne right now. That being said, it didn’t stop Dani practically shrieking with laughter as the man tried to hush her- reaching up as though to stifle any further noises that might come from her. Leaning back, perhaps a little too sharply, the woman tried to avoid Julien’s reach- and felt the room spin with the sudden movement.
Bad idea.
Raising a hand to her head, Dani fought to keep the room from spinning. A hiccup escaped her. Slowly,the room came back into focus. As soon it was over, and she couldn’t have been gone for more than a moment or two, Dani was once again idly winding her fingers through his hair as though nothing had happened. ”Ooo-kay,” She mused, voice escaping in an exaggerated hush. ”Quiet voices.” As though to emphasise her point, Dani lifted one of her hands from his hair and pressed it to her lips.
She let his remark about pushing her buttons fall unchallenged. He had always been remarkably good at it, it was one of the reasons Dani had loved him so deeply. One of the reasons she had waltzed into his life and stayed for more than a little while. Julien had fit into her life so effortlessly well for a time, and even though Dani couldn’t deny she was happy with her adventures, she was more than content with squandering away the money from her second marriage across the kingdoms: she would be lying if she said she didn’t feel his absence, and she noticed it even more so when she was at home.
His stammering grumbles brought another (probably too loud) bark of laughter from the woman, and she came very close to dissolving into another fit of giggles. Only then he was scolding her, and she once again furrowed her brow in mock offense. ”Because of me? If anything Julien Debienne, I kept you young- that’s why they’ve multiplied why I’ve been away. Poor thing, you’ll be all wrinkly before you know it.” She paused in ruffling, hands stilled by his gentle grip around her wrists. Dani didn’t move to protest as he guided her wrist to his lips- though she did squirm just a little, refusing to allow herself be drawn into the moment and the regrets that would follow it. Already that morning, Dani had said something she shouldn’t have- and she was beginning to think she couldn’t trust herself to sit here drinking tea and whiskey without saying something else she couldn’t take back. So she laughed, put on a smile that didn’t quite make it to her eyes, and pretended to be find this all a little more funny than it really was. ”Stop iiiit- it tickles!” Dani joked, but didn’t move to take back her wrist. After another moment, she sighed ever so softly. ”I should probably go to bed, you’re not using yours right now… right?” Gently, Dani lifted his head- should the lord allow it- and scooted out from under him.
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Lunari
37
Divorced
Councilman
Tier 2 Character
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Post by Julien Debienne on Mar 21, 2021 13:15:51 GMT -5
It seemed that Dani was finally beginning to slow down, drifting closer to just giving in to sleep. Julien wouldn't blame her, either, as much as he was content with just resting there with her. She'd been up all night, and it was why he had urged her to go to bed before. If he wasn't careful, though, he might very well pass out right there; her fingers gently running through his hair managing to calm his thought-filled mind. It would be easy to find sleep again next to a warm fire.
Her shrieks of laughter had him chuckling to himself, even though he really did want her to keep it down. Iva wasn't necessarily a heavy sleeper, but fortunately her room was on one of the far sides of the manor because of it. She was getting agitated by the servants "making too much noise" in the mornings. But enough of that woman- he was far too amused and distracted by the one with him right now. She was a lot more fun.
They were like a couple of cackling teenagers. She laughed loudly again, and despite him telling her to shush, his own laughter and attempts at quieting her only seemed to make matters worse. Of course, when she mentioned wrinkles, all the humor immediately dissipated. "Oh no...you take that back!" he yelled in a whisper, his turn to feign offense now. She was right, though- Dani had kept him at least young at heart, helping him to remember what else there was to life besides working and the military. It was everything he seemed to constantly forget these days now that she was absent from his world more often than not.
The kiss to her wrist had meant to be innocent enough, but truth be told, a part of him forgot himself. It was just second nature to him, even if they hadn't been able to spend time with each other for awhile. It only took Julien a moment to recall how easy it was to be himself when she was around, and he often fell into old habits without realizing. At her mention of it tickling, she'd feel the gentle exhale of breath against her skin- a small, inaudible laugh escaping him.
Then, Dani was giving in to her exhaustion, and he moved to slowly sit up as she urged him to. Tiredly, he blinked and ran a hand through his hair. "Quite obviously not," he answered her, considering he was sitting there on the floor. He would have directed her towards a guestroom, but she could go wherever she wanted. With another light grumble, Julien managed to get himself up to his feet before offering her a hand up.
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Pyxis
32
Divorcée
Noblewoman
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Post by Dani deGrey on Mar 21, 2021 14:19:58 GMT -5
Even if Dani deGrey was beginning to tire: her limbs seeming heavier with every passing moment… she didn’t want this to end. The ball had been somewhat of a disappointment, and though her little after party at the docks had been fun... it failed to hold a candle to just how much fun this was. It was something she missed greatly: riling each other up until they were both lost in the humour of it all. It was so easy to be herself around him, Dani didn’t have many walls up at the best of times- but with Julien she simply had none. Even when it came to secrets, Dani had only ever kept one from him- and that had only been because she thought she was being silly. The only think Dani had never told him was that she thought his house was haunted. Which was silly. Ghosts aren’t real.
”No takebacks!” Dani exclaimed, using the over-exaggerated ‘indoor voice’ before dissolving into another fit of giggles. As much as she knew the offence he seemed to have taken was little more than an act, that Julien was simply playing along- the woman was still glad to have struck some kind of nerve, even if it was all taken lightly. ”It’s okay though, I’m back for a few months at least- that’ll keep the wrinkles at bay for a little while Lord Debienne.” She was still playing with his hair, and when Dani spoke her voice was sing-song even if it was a little hushed.
As he laughed, and that gentle exhale of breath tickled against the inside of her wrist: Dani squirmed some more. Another fit of (somewhat) forced laughter, another exclamation of: ”Stop iiiiit!” With the ‘i’ sound dragged out into a whine. ”It tickles and you know that!” Despite her protestations, the woman didn’t quite move to take back her wrists from his grip- lingering a moment or two longer.
”Well, then I guess I’ll borrow yours then Lord Debienne- it used to be my bed after all.” She teased, staggering to her feet even with the help from Julien. It took a second or two to regain her balance- despite getting up slowly, it seemed as though it had still been a little too quickly. As soon as the room stopped spinning, Dani turned to head to bed. She made it to the bottom of the stairs before turning back to him, ”Thank you, Jules.” Flashing him that good-humoured grin, Dani stifled another yawn. For a second, the woman almost invited him to join her- to point out that it was his turn to idly toy with her hair before she drifted off to sleep- but, even in her state, Dani thought better of it. ”I would say goodnight but I think good morning is more accurate.”
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Lunari
37
Divorced
Councilman
Tier 2 Character
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Post by Julien Debienne on Mar 22, 2021 19:25:49 GMT -5
As much as he didn't want this morning to end, he knew it wasn't going to be the last time he saw her. At least this next time it wouldn't be weeks or even months before he set eyes on Dani deGrey again. She was dragging him to that party, after all, and although he hadn't technically agreed, he clearly wasn't going to tell her no. It would be good for him, and Julien really didn't like spending every waking moment in this manor.
Especially because it was haunted, you know.
"A few months, huh?" That shouldn't have made him as happy as it did, and he was sure she was going to be busy with family for most of the time. Still...the idea of knowing she was in the same kingdom, at least, managed to keep the smile on his face, even if she was blatantly calling him wrinkled and grey. "So, does this mean I'll be graced with your presence a few more times then?"
The moment she stopped playing with his hair and they were both back up on her feet, Julien was forcing himself to break through the trance and wake up again. The warmth of the fire hadn't helped- soothing him just as she had been, but his tea was probably already cold. Again. His hand was still holding hers, his thumb idly brushing against her palm in another bad habit until she was drawing away from him. He trailed a short ways behind her just to make sure she was walking straight, and he was going to be a little wary when she attempted those stairs.
So, he was standing there in the middle of the room when she turned to face him; forcing his small, tired grin when she offered that humored one. "Any time, Dani," he told her when she thanked him. He knew he would have followed her the rest of that way, for even the most innocent of requests, yet she was being the more logical one for once. It was going to be bad enough that he would go to bed that evening with her scent on his sheets. "Rest well, love. And don't be a stranger." Julien suspected that she might try and sneak out whenever she woke up. Perhaps he wouldn't see her again until New Years.
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Pyxis
32
Divorcée
Noblewoman
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Post by Dani deGrey on Mar 23, 2021 11:04:50 GMT -5
”Perhaps, we’ll see.” Dani said, dark eyes sparkling. ”Probably though.” Leaning in close, as though she was departing some great secret rather than her plans for the next few weeks and months. She can’t have lingered for more than a second or two, and then the woman was leaning back- laughter once again on her lips and in her lungs. This was a hoot. ”Oh Jules.” She said in a lighthearted sigh, running a hand through her hair- pulling most of it loose from the pins that had held it up all night and for most of the morning. ”You can have me whenever you want, you know this. My presence I mean.” Dani often dropped by, the two were hardly strangers even after the divorce- but she had to concede that more and more time seemed to be passing between each visit of late.
She would have to amend that. After Drew, Juliene Debienne was probably Dani’s closest friend in the world.
Walking was possible, but it was by no means easy. It took most of Dani’s concentration to stay upright and avoid tripping over her own feet- somehow though, the woman managed it. Once she reached the stairs, Dani leant casually against the bannister- finding her former husband with dark eyes and a good-humoured expression on her face. ”I’ll see you later Julien- I might need to borrow your carriage afterall.” She vaguely remembered sending her driver home to enjoy the rest of the holiday with his family. At least she thought she had. Not that it mattered- Dani would figure it out later, or tomorrow, whichever came first. ”Happy Yule Jules.” She said by way of goodbye, wandering up the stairs and to the chambers they had once shared.
Dani fell asleep almost as soon as she flopped onto the bed- staying conscious just long enough to snuggle in deep amongst the covers.
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Lunari
37
Divorced
Councilman
Tier 2 Character
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Post by Julien Debienne on Mar 24, 2021 10:40:38 GMT -5
Now that he knew she was here, he might just seek her out a bit more before she left again. It wasn't that Julien never left the house or wouldn't for anyone else, but as of late, he hasn't had much reason to besides work. Perhaps it was simply the cold weather, but Dani's drop by today just reminded him of how things used to be. How he used to be.
Although she left frequently, it was Julien that seemed the stranger.
He watched her in his quiet amusement, plucking a pin from her hair when she had leaned forward briefly. He was probably going to find these pins all over the place for a while and thought had him grinning to himself. "Good to know, love," he said quietly. And at that moment, he realized that it was him. He didn't seek her out as much or act whenever he did know she was in town... because, maybe, a part of it still hurt. Just as it would to watch her walk "gracefully" up those stairs without him. To watch her leave this house later, whenever that might be.
Normally it didn’t bother him this much, but for some reason, today was an exception.
When she reached the steps, turning around to regard him, he was already watching her but his eyes seemed unfocused. Ocher gaze blinked, finding her face a little more clearly, and he forced a smile. Then he chuckled softly at the mention of the carriage. Even divorced, she was "staking claim" to everything, but if he was actually offended by that, it would be hard to tell.
"Happy Yule, Dani. Sleep well." He watched her go, and when she was out of sight and he heard the shutting of the door echo lightly down the hall, he turned from the staircase to head back to the fire.
[ end scene ]
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