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Post by Lev on Jul 6, 2016 1:49:32 GMT
[Following the events of Wondering Minds]
Willem was glad to be relieved of his post when he was. He and Loretta hadn't shared space - much less a conversation - in a longer time than he cared to admit keeping track of. It was comforting to see the heat of a youthful blush along the curve of her supple cheeks, and the light catching on her healthy cherry-wood curls. They were buds of a life blooming where he had left a terrible darkness inside of her. Witnessing the beauty of her healing felt like a sin after what he had done.. and the worst part was her unsuspecting normality. He delivered her brother's small lifeless body wrapped in cowardice and apologies, and she never thought to look for the blood on his guilty hands. What a selfish monster he had become.
Contrary to Willem's darker thoughts, the marketplace was as rich in commerce and color as it had ever been. The early afternoon cast hot sunlight onto the red linen tarps overhead, bathing everything beneath them in a rusty veil of light. Sweaty merchants with beaded foreheads called out their wares to patrons passing by with empty hands and full purses. It was as if the turmoil of the city couldn't reach the crowded streets. Willem welcomed the temporary reprieve, and he was thankful that Loretta shared the same route home- that she didn't find one reason or another to separate from his side yet. They hadn't spoken more than a couple words, but having her nearby gave him hope for more. So gathered the courage buried beneath the doubt and struck up conversation.
"I'm sorry about your ribbon," Willem started after clearing the cobwebs from his throat in a less than subtly awkward way. "I had no idea that raccoons were so interested in hair decorations." An attempt at joking. That was brilliant; because playing the part of court jester has always been your strong point, Willem.
Maybe it was better that you act mute, you oaf. An anxious hand rubbed the bridge of his large nose and dragged itself down the side of his face before curling back behind his thick neck. Queen's name, this dress uniform was making him hot.
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#ea7ca1
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Jan 27, 2019 20:04:50 GMT
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Leb
The loneliest are the kindest. The saddest smile the brightest. The most damaged are the wisest.
223
August 2015
leb
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Post by Leb on Jul 6, 2016 3:06:28 GMT
Loretta walked beside Willem in comfort silence through the busy marketplace, some merchants had recognized Loretta and would wave to her as she greeted them in turn. It wasn't until a little while later thar she heard Willem clearing his throat and looked over to him curiously. He seemed to be uncomfortable about something and wondered if it might have something to do with her or perhaps something else that plagued his mind.
"I'm sorry about your ribbon, I had no idea that raccoons were so interested in hair decorations." Loretta smiled after her short chuckle, she had imagined that raccoon to be building quite the decorative home with taste.
"It's quite alright, perhaps the fellow wished to impress his mate with home decor?" her smile widened to a cheesey grin and had to place a hand over her mouth to keep herself from snickering any longer. "Really it's fine. It was only a ribbon." She was mostly reassuring herself as she didn't wish to make it sound like his fault from letting the raccoon make off with her favorite ribbon. However she was open like a book and it was clear that she was disheartened about losing it.
"Are you alright? It must be awfully warm in that uniform at this hour, why not loosen it up some.." a small blush crept up her cheeks as she hastily corrected what possible implications could have been misinterpreted. "Not that I'm suggesting any removal of clothing!" a short lived laugh filled with her nerves later and she managed to speak again. It came off a bit more jest than serious but she meant well by it.
"It wouldn't do for the Captain to be taken down by the sun's heat, and he should make sure to care for himself too."
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#ed1717
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Post by Lev on Jul 7, 2016 21:40:56 GMT
It had been too long since she flashed that smile at him. Comely red lips curled across her sweet toothy grin like rose petals coiled over alabaster, and he mirrored the expression with the ease of breathing. She tried to mask her amusement behind a lithe hand, but Willem enjoyed that too. They meandered a few silent paces further against the grain of a calm dusty wind. The two were overlooked by the choir of shopkeepers and peddlers- or perhaps left alone by design. Then Loretta broke the quiet between them.
"Really it's fine. It was only a ribbon," she told him. But the downtrodden look in her dark eyes betrayed her. Only a blind, deaf, foolish man would take her reassurances for truths. "Are you alright? It must be awfully warm in that uniform at this hour, why not loosen it up some.." That sounded wonderful. The cover of the market was only multiplying the heat. While the effect would be appreciated in the colder months, Willem could do without it now. His fingers unhooked the first two buttons of his formal coat but stopped at the third when Loretta said, "Not that I'm suggesting any removal of clothing!" Had he moved too soon? Damn. "It wouldn't do for the Captain to be taken down by the sun's heat, and he should make sure to care for himself too."
Don't be so kind to me, he thought. I don't deserve your thoughtfulness. "I'm fine, Miss Loretta. Thank you," was his dry response. Willem didn't know what to do next.. then an idea sprung to the forefront as they passed a small stand full of hand-stitched linens and other fabrics. A variety of colors ribbons dangled from the wooden beams above like the fringe of a decorated caisson. His chin swiveled to face the stand until his curious eyes couldn't look back any farther. Now or never; the worst she could say is no..
"Miss Loretta?" Willem's gentle hand wrapped itself around her forearm to grab her attention. Then he pointed to the stall that they passed. "May I have the honor of buying you a new ribbon? It won't replace the one you lost.. but it could look just as pretty."
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#ea7ca1
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Jan 27, 2019 20:04:50 GMT
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Leb
The loneliest are the kindest. The saddest smile the brightest. The most damaged are the wisest.
223
August 2015
leb
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Post by Leb on Jul 8, 2016 2:17:26 GMT
"Mnn.. very well." she had mumbled softly. She was momentarily distracted by the colorful array of swaying fabric that draped beautifully over wood beams and had to force herself away. It wasn't exactly a priority and a bit frivolous but still it held her interest. Before she could step any farther, a warm hand had enclosed around her forearm.
"Miss Loretta?" He called to her.
"Yes?" She curiously answered and turned to face him. Her eyes followed his gestures towards the stall she had been preoccupied with not too long ago.
"May I have the honor of buying you a new ribbon? It won't replace the one you lost.. but it could look just as pretty."
"Oh! I couldn't possibly ask you to.." She looked away guiltily as she fiddled with her fingers in abashed timidness. What was she to do? It's not that she was against the gift but.. her? And as guilty as she felt, Loretta wanted him to. To feel special for a moment, however fleeting. As she fought herself to answer him, Loretta glanced over to Willem, the warmth in her cheeks never faded. How could she say no to him?
"But I'd also never deny you the honor of anything either.."
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Post by Lev on Jul 10, 2016 2:30:39 GMT
"But I'd also never deny you the honor of anything either.."
Willem's heart leaped into his throat. Had she no idea what she just said? She couldn't possibly remember.. But her cheeks were inflamed with the same bright color, and her demeanor was meekly agreeable. The two stood in an indecisive silence for another few moments, quieted like a corked bottle of potent wine. Bystanders maneuvered around them as if they were statues, bothered by their improper blockage of the crowded market street. They mumbled harsh comments as they passed, but it was the stall owner who pulled Willem out of his reminiscent paralysis.
"I see you admiring my lovely ribbons," she said with an outlandishly proper accent. "It would be rude to stand there and ogle my wares without giving them a chance to earn your coin." Her tone sounded slightly offended. Obviously a sales tactic to pull at those who were prone to guilty shopping. Willem wasn't one of those people, but he was in the market to buy a ribbon..
"She's right," he said under his breath in Loretta's direction. "Pick whichever one you want; as many as you want, Miss Loretta." He guided her into the shelter of the colorful stall and followed her dutifully while she meandered through the selection. Some ribbons dangled down from the beams to tickle interested eyelashes, and others were rolled into neat little spirals on wooden display tables, set next to matching jewelry and attire that were also for sale. Willem gave each piece of fabric a brief glimpse. There weren't any that stole his attention, save one..
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#ea7ca1
5
0
1
Jan 27, 2019 20:04:50 GMT
3
Leb
The loneliest are the kindest. The saddest smile the brightest. The most damaged are the wisest.
223
August 2015
leb
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Post by Leb on Jul 10, 2016 8:13:54 GMT
"I see you admiring my lovely ribbons," The woman pulled Loretta out of her reverie with a near sharp tone. Almost as if accusing her of warding off possible buyers. "It would be rude to stand there and ogle my wares without giving them a chance to earn your coin." And suddenly the tone changed to that of someone crossed or was it insult? Already the guilt settled in, would she regret this?
"She's right," Willem near whispered to her, as if to egg her onward. "Pick whichever one you want; as many as you want, Miss Loretta." She didn't move at first until she felt his familiar hand at her back. Loretta hadn't realized the expression she held was similar to that of a frightened child, but as she tentatively walked further in, she began to search through the craftsmanship and artistry. She felt a bit silly and hesitant about touching the silky velvety material. But that is what she loved about these things, their soft smooth surface, the way it felt against her skin. There was no way she knew what was the difference between Chiffon and Tulle but she loved it all anyway. Her fingertips grasped the many colorful cloths and rubbed the material between her fingers. It felt wonderfully smooth to the touch. Oh, how she was enjoying herself.. but she was supposed to be picking something out not playing with the fabric. But there was just so many! She could just grab a simple one similar to the one she had lost and be done with it but.. it'd be a waste of the good woman's time if that was all she was going to take.
Loretta's brows knit together as she bit her bottom lip in worry. She was taking up the merchant's precious time. Her indecisiveness had gotten the better of her that she had turned to seek Willem for his input.
"Willem.." She stopped when she noticed he had been looking at something, she just couldn't see what it was as Willem stood in view's way.
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#ed1717
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Post by Lev on Jul 11, 2016 3:49:23 GMT
The black lace felt like the mesh cotton gauze that Vivienne would keep at home to tend bloody knees and roughed elbows, but gorgeous and delicate in design like a finely knit spiderweb. Willem could see the tips of his boots through the ornately latticed borders. A deep red satin ribbon was woven through the middle, dipping over and under the thicker black strands from top to bottom in a uniform pattern. He pulled the length of the material through his thumb and forefinger two times. It felt nice, reliable, and of honest quality. Beyond the judgment of a scrutinizing eye, the craftsmanship was undeniably impressive.
Willem faced Loretta and held out the ribbon in his palm for her to consider. She took it readily from him, saying something appreciative.. but the captain's mind was submerged in a memory so potent that is stole his senses, drowning them with the smell of wine and warm midnight air.
"You're quite easy on the drink, Miss Loretta," Willem said mirthfully beside her, carrying the weight of more drinks than he planned himself. Willem did not drink often. The burdened man felt like her could not afford to let go of his responsible demeanor at anytime. There was always a sister, always a soldier, always a citizen that was looking in his direction for protection or guidance. He was far from soaked in the drink now, but the influence that warmed his gut was very much welcomed. Loretta gave him a irked pouting look in response. "What I mean to say- You can't really hold your wine."
The gowned girl twirled round to face him completely, stumbling slightly in her tipsy attempts to walk backward through the lamp light of the silent city streets and speak to him at the same time. She'd lost count of the goblets she'd downed and found herself feeling oddly warm and fuzzy inside. The heat of her cheeks stood out so nicely against the emerald fabric of her dress. "Nonsense! I can too hold it!" She attested with a stern wag of her finger. Willem reached out and caught her hand to pull her back to his side.
"Forgive me, little tempest. I should never have doubted you," he laughed heartily. The two chortled fatuously down another city block and descended shakily into the Middle District. Neither were entirely sure how long it had been since they left the Rite, and neither were in a hurry to remember.
"Me? A tempest?" Loretta snorted at the joke. She brushed off the comment with a light shove to the side of Willem's chest. "Shall we go then?" She asked, the drink obviously erasing their short walk from her memory, leaving her at the Grand Ballroom in the middle of a final dance.
The drink notorious habit of turning gentleman into scoundrels. Willem did not want that image attached to him. But Vivienne and Dalia took care of the girls, everyone was distracted with themselves.. and Loretta was distracted with him. It all felt right; maybe a little too right. Whether the drink would be to blame or to thank in the end- Willem would use the liquid courage as long as he could during the time that he had. "Go. Of course, my fair lady. We can go anywhere your desires seek their pleasures," he replied smoothly.
Loretta swallowed the soft gasp that lodged itself in her giggly throat. She might've been drunk, but she wasn't too far-gone to miss his probing choice of words. "The sun will rise soon," she replied a little too loudly from under his large arm. Thanks mostly to Willem's steady pace and supporting grip, the two were nearly at the border of the rural district. Tall bricked homes were shifting to smaller stone houses set farther apart, and soft patches of wispy grass were starting to sprout up around their feet. "We'll greet the dawn before we greet our beds."
"The allow me to steer you home, little tempest."
Intoxicated impulse sprung at the chance to spin her own sultry phrases. The glassy-eyed girl stopped Willem in his tracks, standing before him with a leering look and two fingers mocking small legs walking up the center of his chest. "Will it be mine or yours?"
What witchcraft was this woman trying to pull? A fragrant wind swept down the mountainside. Its tender hand brushed back Loretta's thick locks and combed through the nearby trees, making them sound like a group of gossiping onlookers that whispered too loudly. Those eyes.. he looked at them the same way mortals watched the stars. The heavens were caught in those dark pools, so close to him and still unreachable. He hungered for her. If he could only steal a kiss. But-
"Your crown," he said. "It had no head to rest on." She drew away slightly. "Who was the foolish wretch that denied your craft, fair lady?"
"Someone I had hoped to see," she answered quickly, stepping quickly back onto the road down a path lined with tall blooming trees. Willem followed until she stopped short again. "However," she muttered, turning, "I was blessed with someone else instead." Then Willem saw the hint of tears sparkling under the dancing patches of moonlight like small jewels on her face. Damn..
"Blessed, indeed." A deep sigh flushed his nostrils. He closed the gap between them, leaning in closer to her until their foreheads and noses were almost touching. One strong hand glued her hips to him from the small of her back. Then he gingerly brushed the wetness away with his thumb. Instinct drove him to kiss the corner of her eyes and linger there for just a moment before whispering, "Curse the cloud that brings your tears.."
To his surprise she drew back again with a bewildered expression, only to throw her arms around his neck a moment later, planting her lips over his in a wild kiss. What had he done?! What should he DO? Loretta didn't pause. Den Almighty, her lips felt flower petals.. There was not fight; there was no better judgment. There was only her and the moment of triumph in finally catching her soft lips with his. Two large hands cupped her cheeks and led her backwards, planting her back firmly against the nearest tree. He wanted her so simply and so deeply; the feel of her taught skin under his tired fingers, the perfume of her sighs moist against his neck where her rosy lips were buried. A strange, strong, unexplored part of him wanted every sound, sensation and surrender he could squeeze from her small form. It was so delicate.. every pull and push against her left him thinking she was going to break- but at the same time Loretta was pushing back. There was a hidden strength breaking out from within her.. and he admired it. Their passionate kiss seemed to last a breathless lifetime..
But everything ends- and not the way you always expect.
"Willem.. Willem.."
"Willem..?"
"Y-yes?"
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Leb
The loneliest are the kindest. The saddest smile the brightest. The most damaged are the wisest.
223
August 2015
leb
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Post by Leb on Jul 16, 2016 7:07:59 GMT
When Willem held a ribbon out for Loretta, she thanked him as she took it from him. It was of exquisite make and quite frankly, beautiful. She spared a glance at the proprietor whom had approximated the two. The woman took invoice of the item Loretta held and seemed to be pleased with their choice.
"May I?" Loretta returned the ribbon and the miss began to weave it through her voluminous locks expertly. Her bangs had been loosely pulled back along with the ribbon-wound hair and twisted into a neat half up style. "Now that's better.. Why don't you show it off to your sweetheart. He could use a distraction."
Loretta's eyes widened as her cheeks flared with embarrassment. They weren't together in that kind of sense! They are friendly with each other yes but that doesn't equate to.. did it? She tried not to think about it and instead turned back to Willem who had been staring off into the distance with unfocused eyes. When she called to him at first, he didn't shake out of his daze.
"Willem..?" She had called out a last time and even placed a hand upon his forearm.
"Y-yes?"
"Are you alright?" She was still worried for him after he had snapped out of his trance and wished to ask more about what happened. However, they had spent much of the vendor's time and Loretta had begun to fret about the matter. With that in mind, she displayed the hair decoration to Willem.
"What do you think? Is it alright?"
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