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Post by misssunflower on Mar 6, 2011 23:05:09 GMT -5
My God, you all can't get rid of me can you!? This is a lovely tale of mine based off of one of my favorite novels. The two lead men reminded me too much of two lads for me not to twist it a bit. Enjoy Truth-Teller's Tale - CT style.
Never was there a pair of twins more different, more similar, or closer than Emily and Elizabeth. From a young age, though, the two girls were nearly impossible to keep straight - until you knew them. Then it was impossible to mistake them. It was not their looks that separated them for the two shared the same olive skin and long waves of deep brown hair, often unintentionally styled the same way. Their faces showed the same structure, their eyes the same dark hue. Height, weight, and posture all seemed flawlessly identical. But still to look at the two, and it could be told. Emily and Elizabeth belonged to a family of a small bed-and-breakfast owner, where both girls worked most of their childhood and teen years. Their mom and dad gave them a loving and happy upbringing, all the same, and neither would have traded it for all the riches in the world. But in personality the twins were ever different. Elizabeth was wild, mischievous but subdued about it – it was what made her so good about sneaking off. There was no give away flush of her cheeks in the excitement of disobedience, no giggle or skip in her voice, no way to tell that she had, seen, heard or done anything notable. From her first conversations Emily knew Elizabeth could lie with utter sincerity and never be doubted. Except by her. From the same age Elizabeth started working out how to tell the perfect lie, Emily had learned how to see past them. Not just in her sister but in anyone. Besides, once she could tell her twin was lying – and she was very nearly the best liar she’d come across - everyone else was no trouble at all. Growing up she was equally loved and hated by her peers by her near inability to lie. In truth, she never saw the point in it; what was there to be gained in lying? Why couldn’t everyone just tell the complete truth? She was frank where Elizabeth was coy, impossible to mistake once a person knew their personalities. Both girls had their own dreams as well… only Emily was only more realistic with hers. Knowing when to wait where her sister foolishly chased whatever caught her fancy at the time. Nonetheless, Emily and Elizabeth couldn’t be kept apart, and in their childhood grew closer than any pair of sisters could have dreamt. And this was how the girls grew into women. The twin's parents grew elderly, and retired the inn to the girls, who took care of it. With it, the pair of them became noted for their traits of secrecy and frankness. Elizabeth became known in the tiny town as a safe-keeper, someone you could confess your darkest most burdening thoughts - and she'd never breathe a word. Emily could be counted on to respond truthfully to any person, useful in a debate of any severity. They never openly charged for the extra services, but often the town was grateful and did so anyways. The only person who didn't was their closest friend, Raelea. Raelea, on the other hand, but was fathered by a rich man of more connections than people could name, though he’d more than happily go through them – and often did. Quick to a temper and unarguably rude far more often than not, most people didn’t like him, but anyone would admit that he cared for Elizabeth a lot. A lot more than she wished at times. Neither family, though, tried to keep the higher status girl away in their childhood years, though Raelea’s father openly showed he didn’t want her spending too much time downtown, even in the quiet, rather charming town of theirs. Growing up, Emily often wondered what cruel twist of fate had put the free-spirited Raelea in the uptight household of which she lived. She was wilder than Elizabeth, full of freedom and adventure and longing to get away. Emily supposed this had come from mostly being raised by her elder brother her whole life - though, in her opinion, Neil'd never be wild. He never seemed like he'd be anything... However, he was kinder, and against her father's strict orders allowed her to apply and work at the twin's inn. Allowing her more time with her best friends. “He called you, like, the daughter of…” Elizabeth paused, trying to remember the words, “tradesmen.” Emily laughed a little. Both twins sat in the back kitchen, drinking tea and listening. Most guests had gone to bed at this point leaving the girls to their conversation. "Well... we are." Emily said. "He's an idiot." “He’s your father.” Elizabeth murmured practically a little surprised to hear that tone from her friend. Though she shouldn't have been. “He’s trying to marry me off!” Emily’s smile evaporated in a flash, and she set the tea down harshly. “He’s what?” She knew her sister’s father was controlling but that crossed a line. A very harsh line at that; to be arranging a marriage for his grown daughter. Besides, Raelea, she imagined, was not the type to marry at all. Much less someone her dad wanted for her for some kind of connection. She’d find some way to live her life free of commitment and bindings. Raelea just shook her head, not wanting to repeat herself. She could imagine not wanting to either. After a silence Elizabeth spoke again, “Isn’t he a bit late on that? Most people get into prearranged marriages like… before they are born. Or at least before like age 14.” She paused. "Apparently I have only just been told about it. He has... connections.” “You’ve always found a way out of that before.” A little laugh, seeming proud of that “I do, don’t I? But ugh! I don’t even want to think about it, married to someone for him and not me.” “Don’t do it then.” Emily said sternly. “He’s my father.” She replied. “How old are you?” Raelea gave her hot look, “You should know.” She said dryly. “I may but I want you to tell me.” “26.” Elizabeth wanted to smile but was too upset to do so, “And you are still going to let him run your life? Lea, you are grown, you have your own life, you never listened to him growing up why are you now.” Maybe she knew the situation, she most likely did… but Emily knew it hurt Raelea that much deeper to hear her lack of freedom from the one everyone knew to be completely truthful through and through. “This isn’t a kiddie skip-out-on-an-‘important’-dinner-and-claim-sick deal, Em.” She sighed, “I can avoid it as much as I like but- this man, he's important. If his parents agree to this match I have no way out.” Elizabeth pushed her hair back with her hand, “You’re not going out without a fight. I know you aren’t.” Even if she knew she’d end up married, she’d find a way to get her own free-spirit out in the end. In fact this was surely going to give her an extra motive for it all – if she would be tied down soon, she’d have to be as careless as she could beforehand. Raelea smiled, a spark of her usual self still in her eyes, and Emily knew she had been right. But all she said was, “What kind of fight do I give?” She shook her head, not answering. Which was the reply expected, she laughed, and the conversation changed. Neither twin, nor poor Raelwa expected that the perfect ‘fight’ would be arriving at the B&B the following night… in the form of a charming and handsome pair of men.woo! that's long! Guess the men. (I through in a Neil in there... but there are two more!)
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Post by misssunflower on Mar 7, 2011 18:58:16 GMT -5
The two men arrived at the Inn the following night most romantically: in a driving rain. Elizabeth was napping so Emily had taken it upon herself to check them both in before waking her sister up to get the men something to eat. She was up quick enough. Two men arriving late at night – two attractive men at that – well this was certainly something worth staying up for! As they ate, they didn’t seem much aware of either girl’s presence in the empty dining room, both seeming content to eat and go to bed with little questioning, leaving time for Emily to take in both of them, without questioning of her own. Nearest to her was a man who looked to be in his late 20’s or so, though she had never been good at age guessing. He had hair dark at the roots that lightened towards the end where it spiked up. When he did look up from the meal he was eating with gusto it was to throw the odd word of praise to one of us, so off hand he probably thought he was addressing the same girl. His eyes, when they did meet hers, were a deep blue that shown in amusement at nothing in particular. She couldn’t help but smile. The man’s companion stayed silent the entire time, but even in silence he captured the most of their attention in that he was quite probably the most attractive young man either had ever laid eyes on. While the same build, he appeared younger than his friend, maybe the same age as Emily and her sister. He had long stunning blonde hair that fell a little into his face, but at the moment he was too engrossed in the food to do anything about it. While no compliment left him it was very clear he was enjoying the home cooked meal. Occasionally, though, he too would glance up and offer a smile to either host, turquoise eyes equally lit in humor. Finally, though, Emily felt out of place just standing there, but wasn’t brave enough to ask too much about either man. Needing to say something she cleared her throat, “Can I get you any more food?” Elizabeth spoke up as well, “We have drinks to, or should we clear the dishes away?” At that very moment the two men, for the first time, noticed that there were in fact TWO girls in the room. Watching their wide eyes, Elizabeth came to stand by her sister and took her hand before beaming back at the guests. The vocal of the pair broke the silence, “My God, you’re twins!” It wasn’t a very original exclamation, but Emily found it rather amusing. In a town this small everyone knew. The surprise was new and she found it delightful. The blue-eyed man raised his eyebrows at the laughter that left her, and she only laughed more. Elizabeth simply smiled sweetly. His partner was now grinning enough to make a lady feel dizzy, “Identical twins.” He said in a golden voice, “You two must get confused all the time.” Now Elizabeth let out the smallest laugh, “Oh sometimes.” Less often than she liked, Emily knew. “But the hair, you part it opposite ways.” The first man added, seeming wholly interested in this development. Emily was impressed, even the people who knew them best never seemed to catch that easy difference. “Very good.” She said, “We favor opposite hands as well.” She raised her right and Elizabeth, her left. “Still…” He said slowly, “That isn't much help for a poor young man who happened to come across one of you and was expected to know the difference. However do you deal with that?" Elizabeth, always happy with the prospect of confusion, beamed and remained silent of helpful hints, so Emily was left to roll her eyes, “They could ask our names.” “And those names are?” “I’m Emily, and she’s Elizabeth.” He gave each sister a quick look, still trying to work it through his mind. Emily thought his eyes looked a bit brighter now, like he was enjoying this puzzle. He seemed the man to like a puzzle. “I suppose you have very different personalities too?” “Very.” Emily said shortly. Elizabeth only smiled. He laughed at that, “Well, I wonder if I’ll be here long enough to get you both straight.” She wondered briefly how long that would be but before she could ask the stunning blonde spoke again, “I don’t mind confusing them, myself. They’re both very pretty.” Elizabeth giggled and Emily struggled to hide the delighted smile the compliment gave her. Before Emily finally had to get back to her business, “And how long will the pair of you be staying?” Both men exchanged a quick glance, one Emily guessed held more significance than they would tell. She raised her eyebrows a little and felt Elizabeth’s hand squeeze hers in a little excitement. She always liked the idea of someone else having a little secret. Emily hated it but she kept her expression pleasant. “We aren’t entirely sure, yet, right?” The blonde turned to his companion, who nodded casually. Her eyebrows itched closer to her hairline, “Well, maybe we can help? What are you in town for – Family – though I’d assume you’d have stayed with them… simple touring then?” The second that left her mouth she knew that wasn’t it. The blue-eyed man looked thoroughly amused again, “An event, actually. There is a… a party of sorts this weekend, yes?” “A party!?” Elizabeth spoke up, delighted, “How could you be coming here and not know about it! The Karro family Summermoon Ball is known by everyone! Our friend's father hosts it. You’re invited to that?” Both men laughed, before the blue eyed man slowly spoke, "Invited is one way to put it - we're dance instructors. Well, I am, he's my apprentice.” “I’m better than he is, he just won't admit it.” The blonde chuckled, earning him a brother-like punch in the shoulder. Elizabeth was laughing at the playful banter between them but Emily was staring. No one noticed, thankfully. The young mans words were tried again and again in her mind, like shoes put on the wrong feet – something wasn’t right about them. He was telling the truth, but not completely. He was picking his way around something he didn't want to say... “So two dance instructors managed to get invited to a ball this size? And you've never heard of it..." Elizabeth squeezed her hand again, and she knew she was being too serious and skeptical about two simple guests. But she couldn’t help it, and they certainly didn’t seem to mind the interrogation. “Oh! We're not planning on going!“ This, oddly enough, was the truth, "Dance instruction is all we came for- all I came for." He amended as he glanced briefly at his companion, “Keith would rather have not come at all." “He dragged me along.” The blonde, Keith, grinned. Emily let her face relax a bit, “Well I hope you both enjoy the ball, and the festival, and I hope you enjoy your stay here....” She waited for a name. “Paul.” He gave with a charming enough grin of his own, “And I have a feeling we will.”
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Post by misssunflower on Mar 7, 2011 21:47:14 GMT -5
It was within a single day of the new guests stay that Emily and Elizabeth felt they had lived under the same roof for their entire lives or a year at very least. They were just so casual. They treated other guests, not many at the time, with very high regard and completely at ease with the twins. Emily wondered if they were better known where they came from. Maybe they were happy to be around people who hadn’t the faintest idea who they were. No matter the reason, everything made Paul laugh, everything made Keith smile. They didn’t flirt with the girls, not to the shameless way some men did. Instead they were treated more like charming friends or sisters that could be counted on to enliven any day. As anyone could have guessed, Elizabeth liked this treatment more than Emily. Among other young women in the town Raelea and her brother Neil had signed up for the dancing near instantly. Raelea, simply for being struck by the handsome instructors and Neil because her father would not let her go alone. "You'll be learning too, won't you?" She said, when Emily had commented on seeing her name on the register posted outside the inn - where lessons would be hosted. The girls gave in and she laughed, "Good! because I am NOT spending these weeks stumbling about in my brother's arms." Neil would certainly be stumbling, Emily presumed. But Elizabeth had nodded to him politely. The pair had gotten along rather well, and Elizabeth always took Neil's side when he and his sister had an argument, even if Raelea was upset by this. But it appeared Elizabeth was on best of terms with everyone It was very early in their charming guests' stay that Elizabeth and Keith began their own bantering relationship. One that delighted both of them, but certainly not Emily. Barely evening on the first afternoon she could hear from the kitchen Keith coming back from seeing the town or whatnot and being greeted warmly by her sister. “Would you like something to drink?” She offered in the small voice everyone was used to from her. The grin on his face shown through his voice; Emily could picture it perfectly, “That’d be grand, thank you.” But before she could disappear he added with a pause, “Now, which sister are you?” No hesitation, “Emily.” She sighed, glaring at the pair through the door as she made dinner for herself and the guests. This was going to be a trying stay… she knew it already. Keith laughed, “Ah, the right handed one? Write yer name then.” Now more laughter, “No, I’m Elizabeth.” “The mischievous one, I thought so.” “Mischievous, sir?” She said in a tiny voice of one terribly offended, “How very cruel.” “Hmmm,” He chuckled, “If we’re talking about cruel how about mentioning lyin’ to weary guests who just want to get you and your sister straight?” “I’d think your dance instructing would exhaust you more than learning a few simple names.” “Spendin' my days twirlin' pretty girls under me arm?” He laughed harder, wholly enjoying this conversation, “You have a strange idea of what a man finds tiring.” Elizabeth gave a small giggle, “I suppose I do. Now, about your drink…” A few seconds later she was in the back kitchen. She said nothing though, and Emily couldn’t find anything to say back. But she hated it. The next day went the same way, if not worse. Elizabeth began to try and master ways to confuse Keith. Childishly, if Emily said so herself. She began to part her hair on the left, as she did. She practiced how to write near perfectly with her right hand. She raided her sister’s wardrobe. She would wander into a room where he sat and casually ask, “Where’s Elizabeth?” If he was in the room and someone called for Emily she would turn her head. Emily had no idea if Keith was ever truly fooled by these tricks, but he acted so long enough to send them both in a frenzied laughter. She herself had no idea what was so amusing about Elizabeth’s antics and games of pretend and spent much of those first few days seething with irritation. Paul seemed to find her irritation as amusing as Keith found Elizabeth’s antics. The morning of the third day Emily had overheard her sister telling their guest it was nearly impossible for her to tell a lie. In a surge of anger, she stormed out to the back to gather wood for the stove. Where she promptly ran into the blue-eyed man himself. “Well!” He said, those eyes, as always, bright with interest upon seeing either twin, “What’s got you heading out in such a mood, Emily?” As always, he never seemed to hesitate when it came to running into one of the girls. Though, Elizabeth never tried to fool him as much as she did Keith. She brushed passed him, not caring if she seemed rude. She was in no mood to be a polite and doting host. “I’m getting wood.” She said shortly. He chuckled, which helped nothing, “That only answers one of my questions, you realize?” He was following her out, “What has got you fuming as such?” “Irrational behavior.” She wouldn’t have continued anyways but even if she had she would have been struck speechless at Paul. The tall young man lifted several logs of wood into his arms. No guest had ever done that before. “This enough?” He asked when he noticed her staring. She felt her face grow warm, “Y-yes- plenty.” He chuckled again and helped bring it inside, setting it by the stove while Emily blushed at the idea of one of their guests in the messy kitchen. But, as always, Paul was completely at ease, moving to sit at the small table reserved for the only three people that were back there, the twins and Raelea. “Do you think you could spare a cup of tea?” He added, grinning most charmingly at her. She couldn’t very well tell him to get out of the kitchen though she admitted to seriously debating it for a second. But with nothing to say she stiffly moved to answering his request. Setting the tea to boil she moved to sit across from him, as he appeared ready to sit and chat for a while, to her surprise. “So,” He was still grinning, “Who’s being irrational?” No point in hiding it, “My sister.” She fumed, “Playing games with your friend.” Paul laughed softly, “Keith quite enjoys these games.” “But it’s so ridiculous!” Emily finally exploded, “Why would that be any fun at all!? Who would want to pretend to be someone she’s not!?” The laughter faded and he cocked his head to the side, “Someone whose life is full of trouble? Someone who may like to escape to another persona for a while?” Emily paused for a full second, “Elizabeth’s life is not so rough.” She murmured stiffly. “Are you so certain of that?” Paul looked fully serious now, blue eyes bright and speculative, “I've heard some rumors since I've been on on the town… which maybe you can tell me the truth of. She's got that job - the safe-keeper. Everyone tells her all the worst secrets... and she never repeats them...?" Emily paused, "Well... well, yes." A little smile touched his lips, “And if you were in her position, you wouldn’t want to escape it for a while? Play a few harmless games?” She shook her head. She couldn’t dispute what he was saying but still, “I don’t think that’s Lizzy’s motivation. She just likes to see what happens when things are stirred up. Likes to push a pot off the edge of a dresser just to see what happens when it hits the floor.” “And never have you pushed a pot off the edge of a dresser?” The teapot let out a hysterical whistle and Emily stood up to quickly grab it. “I think there is enough trouble in the world without people stirring up more.” She said softly as she poured. “I don’t understand why people are not completely honest all of the time.” This appeared to please him, a great deal. “I know. That’s what I like about you.” SHe gave him a serious look, as she recalled he was not known for telling her the complete truth. “It’s something you have experience with, I’m guessing.” I said dryly. “Oh I do.” He simply grinned, “I’ve been in and around people like your Raelea's father, and I could tell you anything about lying. It’s by charm alone people make their way in the world. And charm, I’m sure you know, is merely deceit wrapped in an irresistible package.” Emily had a fair bit of experience in that, and agreed wholeheartedly, “Well you don’t need to waste anytime charming me. I prefer to hear the truth – in fact I often know when I am being lied to.” He chucked, and toasted her with his empty cup, “I know, I wouldn’t even try.” “You already have.” He raised his eyebrows expressively, “Really? When?” But he continued before she could say, “Well, that was before I knew you, dear Truth-Teller, I’d never try such tricks now, promise.” And that was the truth, through and through. And she couldn’t help but smile at this. Emily stood up then, and grabbed both hers and Paul’s cups. “I suppose you'll tell me the truth one day, then?” "When the situation calls for it, aye." "I cannot wait to see what you think calls for utmost honesty." She said. And with that, ended that conversation.
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Post by misssunflower on Mar 8, 2011 0:09:28 GMT -5
The weekend passed, and the following monday, dance lessons began. Raelea was bounding with excitement, and Neil seemed to be slightly less impassive about the whole idea. He and Elizabeth began their usual quiet conversation the likes of which Emily never knew the content. She sometimes wondered if Neil was a safe-keeper too and so the two bonded. Bt it always felt deeper. It always looked deeper. Banter with the new blonde Keith aside. Meanwhile Emily made small complaint to Raelea over how the twins weren't even GOING to the ball. It wasn't in their status. “You never know when I may get through, and snag you an invite one day.” She beamed, “Besides I am NOT learning alone. You wouldn’t put me through that, would you?” She batted her eyelashes goofily. Emily rolled her eyes, but before she could comment Paul and Keith entered from a side room. "Well, we're all gathered. I take it you're learnin' also, girls?" Oh no. But of course, nothing left her mouth but the truth, “Yes, Raelea has asked us to help her." Her tone was icy. Elizabeth smiled and Raelea went into gales. He ignored it, "Grand!" He clapped his hands, "Pair up then." Elizabeth split from Neil instantly, and danced over to Keith. He laughed at her, but accepted her. While Raelea looked a little distraught she turned to Paul and smiled dazzlingly, he grinned back and Emily had no choice but to accept Neil's chivalrous bow. Elizabeth just loved to stir things up, didn’t she? She knew Raelea had already gushed her desire to be held by the dashing Keith, even if only for lessons and it was clear by the brief longing look Neil gave the other couple, he would much rather dance with her. Emily wouldn’t have truly minded going through the steps with Paul. One little change to mess everyone up. So, so typical. Neil awkwardly offered Emily a hand, “I’m not very good.” He warned. “Neither am I.” She replied smoothly. But he proved patient and kind on the makeshift dance floor, though they weren’t nearly as graceful as the couple beside them. Emily was rather sure Paul made any woman look graceful though. But it was far more pleasant than she had hoped. One would have thought dancing was not a pastime in which you learned much about another’s character – but in this case it was. After nearly half an hour of clumsy dipping and swaying, she was half in love with Neil herself, just for his kindness. If his other virtues were half as steadfast, he was a rare prize indeed. After yet another song finished, Paul suggested a break for something to drink, as the room was a little warm from the summer air and activity going on. Elizabeth cracked the windows while Emily went to produce the beverages, all the while wondering what would happen when next asked to pair up. Would Elizabeth drop her mischief for the chance to be with the man she wanted, would Raelea's stubbornness win out? That seemed unlikely, and she would most likely be stepping on Neil’s feet for the second round as well. As soon as the word’s ‘pair up’ left Paul’s mouth Raelea turned instantly into Keith's arms and Elizabeth was forced to turn to her close partner. Emily hid a smile as she set her glass down and glanced at Paul. He shrugged his shoulders sheepishly and reached out for her hand. “Shall we, then?” It was clear from the first measures of music, this was the way they were meant to dance. Keith was surprisingly good when his partner had been switched. If Raelea had messed up in any way shape of form, he probably hadn’t even acknowledged it. They were holding each other almost indecently close and looked no where but in the other’s eyes in a way that made Emily worry about them waltzing right into a wall. He was smiling, all deep turquoise eyes and deeper dimples and she was laughing up at him with a face so appealing it was hard to believe he didn't kiss her on the spot. Love at first sight, if you believed in it. Emily didn't... but this would do her. They were so engrossed in the other that she was willing to believe they didn’t even here the music; they only kept the beat because it matched the cadence of their hearts. “Ah…” Paul said in her ear when he noticed what was occupying his partner’s attention as they too danced. Her heart pounded and she turned her attention to the other couple. Elizabeth and Neil were a different image entirely. He held her so carefully his fingers didn't even appear to crease the fabric of her clothes and she was looking at him with a face so calm and serene it could have been believed her mind was completely elsewhere. But the way they responded to one another, how sure their movements were. This was a pair that knew each other, and though, until that moment Emily had never known it for certain, they loved each other. How had she missed this? In all the years with her twin this was certainly a secret she'd never even guessed at. But it was there. She didn't know how words or expressions could have made it plainer. "Ah... again." Paul murmured. "This is proving to be a very interesting dance lesson." He chuckled, "Ah, but at least you knew it would be. I had no idea." "With Raelea you never know what to expect." "But you're not surprised about your sister?" Emily had no reply as she was brought back to her own reality. A reality that she was pressed up against the young man speaking to her as he led her through the following steps, as she was surprisingly better at all this with him as well. Perhaps all dancers were improved when in the arms of someone they love and want to please… But that was ridiculous and so she quickly schooled her features into a serious expression as I tried to pay closer attention to the music so I didn’t miss a cue or whatnot. “What? Why are you frowning at me?” Paul asked right away. “I’m not frowning. I’m concentrating.” She said seriously. “It would be easier to just follow my lead. Non concentration required.” “I don’t know if it’s possible for me to do that.” He laughed softly at her blunt honestly, “No, I suppose it’s not. But you’ve managed to do quite well despite thinking WAY too hard about it all.” “I imagine everyone dances well with you.” She mumbled dryly, hoping that covered up the littlest envy she had. More laughter, “Now how do I answer that without lying?” “Don’t even try,” She smiled, “It’s obvious you’re very gifted at the pastime, you must make any girl look skillful in return. “I’ve always liked to dance.” He murmured when the music called for a dip that had surprised the breath out of her for a moment, pulling her up so they were inches apart, he continued as though no break had occurred. “But I don’t believe I have ever enjoyed any dance as much as this one with you.”
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Post by misssunflower on Mar 8, 2011 21:07:21 GMT -5
Elizabeth was never very talkative, not ever. In fact, as a child, she could go days without saying anything at all. If she was sick or injured she wouldn't say a thing. If she was happy, sad, in love, excited or all of the above. She never breathed a word. So, there was no comments of her and Neil - making Emily wonder if she'd made up what she'd seen days ago. Almost. And Emily was not ABOUT to say anything about her emotions surrounding the dashing dance instructor. That left Raelea to talk about Keith. And talk she did. He didn't take up her ENTIRE conversation but she would drop in little virtues she’d seen he possessed and in a quiet wistful tone of someone who had obviously been touched by the young man. He was handsome; he was funny; he was kind; he was generous. Generous? How did one discover a trait like that on a dance floor? Turns out she and Keith had started to spend time together, the odd afternoon here, the cool evening there, as the week unfolded and the summer festival booths began to set up. “He bought me some shaved ice at a booth that’s gone up on the far end of town. Oh, and a small little porcelain doll with gorgeous hair I think might be REAL hair… I hope it didn’t come from a dead person.” “Generous indeed.” Emily murmured, “How much do you think these men have to spend doting on young ladies? Some connections they must have, but I cannot imagine much.” Raelea grinned, “Not much, I don’t think. Which is why I think he is spending it on no one but me.” Yes, it was as clear as daylight. The wayward Raelea had found herself in love. A girl whose father was planning her wedding to the richest noble possible as she dallied with a charming and handsome musician – most ineligible clearly. Emily could easily predict that this wouldn’t end well, but Raelea wasn’t one to be deterred. And Emily couldn’t really reprimand her, as she was doing the same herself. Not that she was off with Keith – oh no. She was spending pleasant off hours outside the inn with Mr. charming himself. It was amazing with how many clients the two instructors had just how often Paul seemed to find way to spend time around her. When she was washing dishes he’d come in for an informal cup of tea. If she had to grab wood or anything of the like he’d offer his help in the task. Many times when she had to run chores he’d find an excuse to come with her and often – like Keith – treated her to some sweet offered by a street side vendor. She particularly remembered one afternoon the final days before the summermoon ball. Only 3 days left and the skinny streets were beginning to fill – not crowded yet but getting fairly close. Summermoon was a festival for all, even those not of Karro's status and so faire season was the best time for vendors and treats. Everyone's favorite time of the year. The Inn was full beyond belief with performers for the both the high-class party, and the, in Emily’s opinion, more fun one on the streets that coming Saturday. This made Paul’s story and reasons for coming more and more realistic, and she began to doubt herself, just a little. But memories of trusting someone who had lied to her made it tough. All the same, the day was pleasant and the people were warm and she was probably stopped by friends and neighbors about eight times wandering up and down the main road. All to her companion’s amusement. “Emily! Emily!” A group of kids around the age of 7 ran up tugging on her sleeves anxiously. Kids, she’d learned, were smarter than adults when it came to subtle differences in the twins. They seemed to have better memory too, and never had to ask which sister they were talking to or questioning. They were always right. “Emily, he was cheating!” A young boy dragged her over to a makeshift soccer field off the main road. “I was not!” “He was too!” A chorus of voices replied. Paul was looking at her, expressive eyebrows raised in amused interest, but she simply shook her head. These were the easiest lies to pick out. Young children did not yet have the ability to lie so certainly, with the exception of her sister when she was of that age. The lie rang out on the guilty child’s voice and face, and she calmly stated it as such, resulting in angry shouts around him. There were a few expressions of thanks to her, and a few harmless blows to the boy in question, before they all moved back to the game, laughing. Emily beamed and had barely gone a few steps when she was stopped again. “Emily? That’s what the kids said. I mean, can I trust you with a secret?” The polite older woman she’d known since a child asked, rather nervously. The question was invented when it became obvious that asking for a twin's name didn't always result in a truthful answer. This was the only question Emily's sister would always answer with the truth. She sighed, if only Elizabeth wasn’t so unreliable about her identity. “Not at all.” “She's Emily.” Her escort grinned, and the woman, named Cassie, grinned back, thankful for another word to go on. She rolled her eyes. “I’m glad it’s you!” She said, now most bubbly, “I have a new dessert for the dinner on Saturday and I desperately need an opinion! I think it’s very good, but your opinion would be wonderful! Are you not too busy?” she gave Paul a quick glance at that, “Or could you give it a try for me?” Emily laughed. Cassie was the hired cook for Raelea Karro’s family and a caterer for other big events out of town. This was not the first time Emily had been asked to be the tester of a new creation – she didn’t mind though, everything the woman made was heavenly. “I’d be glad to.” “As would I.” Paul winked from beside her. Cassie gave him another smile and nodded eagerly. Emily didn’t think she had the slightest idea who he was, and laughed silently. She grabbed at her hand to pull her in her shop and instinctively she grabbed Paul’s pulling him, laughing, in behind her as well. It smelt delicious, like honey and cinnamon sugar and it floated around the warm room, “If it smells as good as it tastes I’m sure I will love it.” She commented. And it was, as the small desert dish was presented and she took a polite bite the taste was just as marvelous as the smell if not more. “Cassie! This is amazing!” “You like it!?” She laughed gleefully. Knowing Emily would only speak truthfully made her face pink with happiness. “I’ll be buying a full batch before I leave, certainly!” Her companion laughed as well, having already finished his. Causing ever so much more delight in their host. He appeared to have that effect on people. They discussed possible names for it and Emily agreed that her name could be used, like a seal of approval. Finally they both escaped the delicious smelling shop and back into the streets. “This is proving to be more enjoyable than I’d expected… But I’m beginning to wonder if I’d be stopped this often if I’d gone with your sister.” Paul chuckled. “How would that have played out?” Emily chucked, “Well, you'd most likely be having people stepping out of ally ways, pulling her by the hand. They'd talk in whispers there, or plan out another time to see her if it can wait." She shrugged, "Most people can never keep a secret. People gossip, people blab, it’s a general fact of life. But it’s gotten now to, if you don’t want to hold on to a secrets burden but don’t dare want it spread – you tell Lizzy.” “And she never repeats the tales?” “Not a word.” He let out a whistle, “Not an easy job, I’m sure.” “I couldn’t do it.” She replied with a small smile. Paul looked her in the eyes again, “I wouldn’t underestimate what you do, though. The truth can be hurtful.” “But secrets can be deadly.” She murmured, looking away from his deep blue gaze. He looked surprised at her words, and tone. But thankfully, before he asked she was stopped again by another young woman enquiring an opinion about the dress she had recently bought. And the day moved on without another mention of truth or secret – for the time.
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Post by misssunflower on Mar 9, 2011 17:16:22 GMT -5
When it appeared the pair could go five paces without another interruption Paul had bought Emily a lemonade from a small stand and in no hurry, plopped down on a nearby bench, she hesitated before giving up and sitting beside him. She watched the people in silence with him wondering when he would speak. Silence was not something she was used to for him – but truly neither could think of anything to say. Finally, in a quietly amused tone he commented, “I can’t help but notice your friend Raelea has taken a bit of a liking for my friend. What do you think of that?” Emily blinked at the question, then laughed. The laugh ended in a sigh. “Well, it was inevitable that Raelea would fall in love with Keith.” “How so?” She made a small gesture with the hand not holding lemonade. “Lea has a way of throwing herself at the most unsuitable men out there.” “Unsuitable?” He asked, eyes brows arched most humorously. She had to struggle to keep in laughter. “Oh you know, shopkeepers sons or summermoon workers, travelers staying at the inn she won’t see a day later, stable workers, blacksmiths, performers, singers coming for a festival – all the same to her. She falls in love with them all.” “Well that seems like an uncomfortable way to live.” He commented dryly. She laughed again, “Indeed it does! But Lea, well, I think Lea sees these brief romances as her one chance at – oh – rebellion and excitement. She knows that fairly soon her father plans to have her married off to someone important from an upper class family with some connection helpful to only himself. She imagines her future as caged, so she’s wild now, while she can be.” But he didn’t comment on that. After taking a swallow of his own beverage he asked, “So, has her father told her specifically whom he wants her to marry, or is that some secret?" Emily blinked at him, "I'm hardly one to keep a secret, but even if I were EVERYONE knows Lea's betrothed. Where exactly are you from that you didn't know her father's planning her betrothal to the prince!?" Paul stared at her, at a complete loss for words, "The prince... Prince Ryan?!" "Yes, of course!" He stared ahead for a moment before speaking, "And she's met the prince several times and STILL is convinced she'd rather marry a stablehand or a shopkeeper." Emily laughed, "Oh not at all! They've never met! Her father and the queen have planned so many meetings but the prince always seems absent. About as wild as she is, I'd say." “Are you so certain this young man is interested in marrying your Raelea at all?" He asked, "Perhaps he will prove unwilling to marry and this could all be water under the bridge so to speak.” Emily smiled at him, for how he listened to her ramble about her and her friend’s lives and thoughts with actual, true, interest. She wasn’t used to this. “I suppose that could work, if fate was nice to us all. But Karro wouldn't let a chance like this pass so easy.” She shook her head, “I don’t understand it at all, and I’m not going to pretend to. I don’t see why neither party can choose for themselves… just because their parents have more money.” “You have such strong opinions.” Paul stated simply, but in a tone closer to admiring than anything. “But I agree with you. It’s one of reasons I am glad I don’t come from a family like that.” “I suppose. So, even if this match or the next, or the next does not work out. Lea is fairly certain her father will want her to marry someone dull and respectable. So all the same, it’s obvious that Keith is just one in a long line of harmless flirtations that she enjoys and will leave behind her.” “I have to think,” He replied cautiously, “that someone as frivolous as Raelea wouldn't be well off marrying royalty.” "Oh she'd make a fantastic queen." Despite the fact that she'd just thought it, she knew the words were completely true, "She's kind, and polite even to people beneath her status. She's learned all her servants names and has a serious interest in their lives. And she's so beautiful. Everyone in town loves her, I suspect everyone in the kingdom would too." Paul was grinning now, "So we should promote the match? We should break up her flirtation with my apprentice." Emily shook her head, her laugher dying out, “I wouldn’t worry about it anyways. You’ll only be here another few days. Lea will sigh for a month or two, maybe attempt to send your mate a few letters about how she missed him but-“ She shrugged. “You’ll never come back here, she’ll never see him again, she’ll move on with her life. Fall in love again when the next batch of lowborn men come into her life.” He was looking at her now, blue eyes ever so bright with hidden laughter covered by speculation, “What makes you think we’d never come back again?” She blinked, caught off guard, “Well, I guess- I just thought- I mean- won’t you be going back home to your own lives and things after this?” “Well of course, but that doesn’t mean we never plan on leaving it again.” He wasn’t smiling but his eyes were laughing, “Why shouldn’t we travel back here? It’s a lovely town, with lovely shops, and lovely people. Perhaps we could come by every year, when summer comes, when Karro's party rolls through. You did say this was every summer, right? Why shouldn’t we return?” Strange. It had never occurred to Emily that, once the festival ended, she would ever see Paul again. She had realized with much resignation that she thought him a delightful man, incredibly kind and most entertaining, and undeniably attractive, and she knew that she would be hard-pressed not to have developed some kind of hopeless adoration for him. But then, she hadn’t thought too much of it. He would leave, she would, like Raelea, sigh for a few weeks, be convinced her heart was broken, and then eventually shake herself out and move on with her life. She had never contended with the idea that she may have to see him every year for an indefinite amount of time. Live under the same roof as him, if he decided to stay at the Inn again. See him everyday only to have him leave again. Then return. Then leave. As new batches of young girls were taught the way of dancing in his arms. Over and over for God knew how long. She thought that just might end up being too much for her heart to bear. It was now most important that she avoided falling in love with him completely, more than ever. “Well,” Emily’s voice came out scratchy and stiff, “I’m sure you’re right. I’m sure- I’m sure most people here would love to see you back another year.” He grinned at her, gorgeous eyes dancing with humor, having clearly noted how close she’d just skated a lie. She stood up suddenly. “I need to head back – I shouldn’t be leaving Liz to handle all the business.” Not bothering to grab her purchased things she moved in a fast walk back to her Inn, leaving Paul to carry the things, chuckling softly to himself.
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Post by misssunflower on Mar 9, 2011 22:41:37 GMT -5
As the days before the festival grew less and less Emily and Elizabeth found themselves busier and busier. More guests crowded the inn and it made finding time with Paul nearly impossible, not that Emily was looking for alone time with him, right? Raelea, though technically working at the inn, had less chores than either sister did and thus more opportunity to be with the man she cared for. She told her some of the encounters with Keith, at least the best details she had. And there was no shortage. He had come with her one morning when she had to deliver something to a friend of her father’s who lived a couple miles out of town. He’d bought tickets to a small play set up by an acting group on the outskirts of the festival grounds. He’d sat her in the dining room during a slow part of the day and taught her a little about how to play guitar, as well as one or two card games from his home, a great many that she won as soon as she’d got the rules told. Emily suspected there were meetings dear Raelea did not tell her about. Sure, she knew better to lie to her outright, but she’d long also discovered from Elizabeth that silence is a useful tool in a situation like that – and silence spoke eloquently enough. She was certain there had been meetings by moonlight, kisses by starlight, and partings at the first hint of daylight. Emily began to notice she wore the same gold chain every day. I didn’t know what pendant might be attached but it was clear that the piece had been a gift from Keith and that she had vowed never to remove it. For his part, Keith seemed equally smitten with Raelea. Emily, at the start, couldn’t have helped her skeptical thoughts; a man that gorgeous and warm certainly must have had his share of romances with any number of gullible young girls. She thought he may have been just indulging in the flirtation to pass the time. But he seemed so happy when he was with her. Anytime she caught his expression when she entered the room or caught them coming back from one event or another, it always stopped her heart. It was as if he’d been touched by pure joy, by magic. It was as if he loved her. The tiny town was abuzz with rumors of romance. This wasn’t the first unsuitable relationship Raelea Karro had found herself in, but clearly the most public. It was whispered around to anyone who may not yet have heard the news. “Miss Karro is in love again, with that charming blonde dancing boy. Never met a nicer man, don’t you agree? Swear the two of them were holding hands until they caught me looking.” “Lea was out with that handsome young man again today. Her father will never allow that, but it’s a treat to see her so happy. She hasn’t smiled this much in ages, I’d say.” Everybody knew, everybody whispered but no tale ever reached her fathers ears. Emily knew because no one had ever betrayed her friend before, in her past romances. Though in more than one she had been caught – and after hearing of punishment most everyone knew to keep Raelea’s disobediences under wraps. Emily knew, also, because the romance DID continue, and if her friend’s father knew that would not be the case. There would be a scene she couldn’t even draft up in her mind. But there was no such commotion, and the affair progressed in ‘secret’. The festival grew closer. The day before, Paul wanted to Emily to accompany him to one of the entertainments held every night that past week leading up to Summermoon night itself, much like his friend and Raelea did at every free moment. He didn’t seem to care which one – he was willing to see singers, acrobats, theatre, anything she would happen to choose. “I’m too busy.” She told him for about the 30th time that afternoon when the idea was proposed. He sat in his favorite spot to converse with her; the kitchen as she diced vegetables. With the dancing lessons having ceased two days prior the girls having learnt all they could he and Keith seemed to have found more free time as the twin innkeepers' schedule grew more hectic. Paul could always be found somewhere in the B&B – usually tormenting her. Keith was nowhere in sight and one could only guess where he might have gone to find amusement. “You can’t be bust every minute of the day.” He objected. “Oh, yes I could. At a place like this there is no end to the work. There’s always laundry to do and food to prepare and fires to tend to and beds to make up and – oh, it’s endless. This place only has nine rooms and they keep my sister and I occupied from sun-up to sundown.” “Ah, but once it’s sundown,” He said, “Couldn’t you get away for an hour or two? Couldn’t Lizzy cover you for one night? You could then give her a night with Neil." She gave him a shrewd look, for it was rare if not unheard of for Elizabeth and Neil's relationship to be spoken about in public. He held his hands up in surrender, "Alright! You give Lizzy a night with some of her friends. Doesn’t that seem like a fair trade, hm?” God help her, it shouldn’t be allowed for a man who was already so handsome to have such a persuasive voice. It just shouldn’t. “I’m too busy.” She repeated. He didn’t give up, “Are you afraid of what people would say seeing us together? I know people talk about Raelea and my apprentice but I imagine they’re all good things… though I also imagine she cares a lot less about gossip spread. And I don’t know how you are with distance with guests.” Emily tried to keep in a little shiver of excitement or fear, or both, at the idea of them ‘together’. She hadn’t been aware they had gotten so far as to be implying something like that. She wasn’t sure she wanted to be that far with anyone. But she had to answer his question, and honestly too, “No,” She replied with a little resentment, “everyone here thinks you, and Keith are charming. Polite and well behaved they say. No one would find it inappropriate at all.” “Well then,” He sounded pleased with himself, “What are our choices then?” He had gathered playbills that had gone up on just about every piece of available space and had them spread out before him, “’Cozie Fluers and his Amazing Acrobats’” He read, “Seriously, how can you not want to go see some named Cozie Fleurs? Besides, from what it reads, they sound fairly remarkable.” “Yes, they come every year and I’ve heard they are very impressive.” Emily replied in a stiff monotone. “Well there is singing instead. Choirs set up on either end of town, I've heard." “I’d rather see the acrobats.” Was all she said, though she did want to go back to her refusals rather than debating what entertainment she would be refusing. “Yes, or- I know! There is a Theatre Troupe set up on the far end of town, or so Keith’s said. All the stuff’s pretty light, I think – no one wants to see high drama on a summermoon night.” He paused and Emily realized he was waiting for her to answer that proposal. “I don’t care much for theatre.” She said finally, her voice low. He leaned back in his chair, “Ah, but that was years ago. Surely you can stand to see a play again? If you went with me?” Emily had been at the counter, making quick work of the carrots and onions, half turned to carry on conversation with him. But now she spun all the way around to stare at him, the knife still clutched in her hand. “What did you say?” She demanded. He didn’t drop his eyes or sit up straighter or look sorry. He kept his blue gaze on her and repeated, “That was years ago. Aren’t you over him by now?”
Yesh... tis cliff-y...ish...
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Post by misssunflower on Mar 10, 2011 20:00:50 GMT -5
FLSH BACK TIME
Emily had met Joshua the summer she and Elizabeth turned 18. He came with one of the acting troupes that acted out plays every summermoon for as long as she had memory. He and his troupe had set up the makeshift stage earlier that week and were out practicing nearly everyday, promising passer-bys that their performance would be most extraordinary. Joshua would be acting out the romantic lead, and with good reason, as he was a beautiful man. He was not particularly tall, but well built. All broad shoulders and muscled physique. He had a brilliant golden tan and dark blonde hair that fell softly across his forehead and his face was sculpted in a way that showed off perfect masculine beauty. He had a smile that was irresistible and had an easy way with all kinds of women – from little girls to dowdy grandmothers. If she had believed in magic, Emily would have said he cast a spell of enchantment over any woman he met. Certainly he cast a spell on her. Emily’s parents had still been running the Inn when she first met Joshua. She had been running errands for the upcoming festival. Though the festival was a working holiday for her, her mother always had a believed such events called for new clothing and ordered new dresses to be made each year for her lovely daughters. He was standing at the fabric shop, glancing at different pieces of fabric in confusion. The place was small, and packed with higher class girls buying fabric for party gowns and the like, so no employee had time to wait on him, though Emily could bet all of them wanted to. His expression of helplessness made her smile and she made her way to him. “You look lost,” she stated, “Do you need some help?” He turned to look at her and she was instantly lost in the dazzle of his smile. “Oh I so very much need help.” He said gratefully, “I was sent here to buy ten yards of striped blue fabric which sounds easy enough, but now I see that there are dozens of choices with that description and I’ve no idea what to choose.” “Well, what are these fabrics for?” She asked, trying to get past his charming low-pitched voice. “Clothes.” He replied, “A woman’s dress and a man’s coat.” Her eyebrows raised; it was a bit odd for a man and a woman to go about dressed in matching clothing. But she did NOT wish to offend this man, “And will these be everyday clothing with much wear, or special occasion?” “I suppose you could say it’s everyday wear, as these will be worn every time we perform. And we are very hard on our clothes, we are.” “Every time you – then you’re one of the actors in town!” Emily could not hide her pure childlike excitement. She’s always had a little love of theatre. She could never be an actress of course – she could barely speak a small white lie, much less parade on stage for hours pretending to be someone she wasn’t. But she had always loved the concept and admired those who were talented. The young man swept into an over dramatic bow, “Indeed I am. Joshua Roberts of the Harst and Hope Regional Traveling Company, at your service.” “I’m Emily.” Emily positively giggled, “And you’re here to perform on the summermoon?” “Well, yes, but we’ll be performing older plays from previous years every night this week. You should come and see one.” “Oh I wish I could.” She said truthfully, “But I’m working." “Working?” He glanced around the shop, and Emily happily noticed some of the envious looks she was getting. This beautiful man was talking to HER, “You work here then?” “No, no. My parent’s own the sole Inn in town. I’d never be able to get away, especially this week.” He shook his head, “Oh but we are performing all week – surely you can get out one night? The one tomorrow night is really quite fun. I’ll give you a free ticket if you’ll say you come.” Emily chuckled. He was probably handing out free tickets right and left, it was a common ploy for entertainers. Still, she couldn’t help but feel flattered. “Well, I might be able to, then. But I’d need two tickets then – I’d never be allowed to be out alone.” “Certainly.” He produced two tickets right away, “Who will you bring? A brother? A lover? Hmm, maybe I don’t want you to come if you’re bringing a lover.” “No, I’ll bring my twin sister. I bet you won’t be able to tell which is which.” He studied her face before taking her hand, placing the two slips of paper in, and then kissing it lightly, “I bet I will.”
Elizabeth was perfectly happy to come with Emily that night, and her own mother was perfectly okay, since she was with her sister. “Actors,” She said with a little sigh, “I met an actor when I was about your age. Beautiful but hardly someone to be relied on. Nothing like your father.” She laughed and went back to one chore or another. Elizabeth turned to her, “I suppose your actor is as unsteady as well?” “Doesn’t matter.” She said a little too quickly, “I’ll probably never speak to him again. We’re just going for the play.” But before either of them could leave after the most delightful performance Joshua had called out for both of them to wait. Elizabeth sent her sister a speculative smile and she simply blushed as he ran to catch up with where they were. “Emily.” He said, taking her hand right away. No hesitation, no wondering which twin was which. “I’m so happy you’re here tonight. What did you think?” “Oh it was wonderful.” Elizabeth laughed then, reminding her of her existence, “Oh, Joshua, let me introduce my sister Elizabeth to you.” Elizabeth beamed, “Thank you so much for the tickets. It was a treat.” The three chatted for a while, though Emily’s sister had lapsed into accustomed silence leaving most conversation to be between her and the amazing young man. At last, however he was called away by something important, and left. But not before another flourished kiss of her hand. She couldn’t keep in a sigh. “Well he was handsome.” Elizabeth said quietly, as the two walked the lit street ways to the B&B. Elizabeth was staying the night. “Oh wasn’t he!?” She continued with all the adjectives, some more than once as they walked. Her sister agreed to them all: charming and handsome and entertaining and talented and worldly and… and… “And didn’t you like him?” “Yes, I did.” Emily stopped dead and peered at her in the dark. She was lying. She was silent now and finally she said in a much different tone, “Why don’t you like him?” She made a face like she wanted to lie again, but gave up. “Oh, because he’s charming and handsome and probably one of the most faithless men in the entire world. And I do not see what he finds so entertaining in romancing a girl barely over 18 when he is at least 10 years older. I suspect his motives and distrust his honor.” She shrugged. She was furious, that her sister was trying to tell her not to trust someone? “How can you say that!? You don’t even know him! You’re like mother and father and- and Raelea's father! You think if someone doesn’t have some respectable job they aren’t worth wile!” Elizabeth tried to interrupt multiple times, “I didn’t say that – I didn’t say any of that – well you’re the one who is usually more judgmental so this is a li-“ She didn’t let her finish a sentence and took off the rest of the way home and locking her self in her room. She didn’t know what her sister did after this. She said nothing about it the next day, or the next – in fact she said little to nothing to Emily at all. And she was grateful. So she didn’t tell her how her romance with Joshua continued. How many times a week she could swing by the set. About the night she snuck out to see a play with Raelea and stayed nearly two hours after, flirting with Joshua while Raelea made close relations with the man who worked the set. She didn't tell her about the stolen kisses, the quick embraces, the persuasive pleas to stay longer, just a little, there’s a little room behind the stage where they could be quite private… She told no one but Raelea that on summermoon night she planned to sneak away and meet him very late. No one would notice her missing, for everyone slept late after a party like that. No one had to know that that night she would be with the man she loved.
more flash back soon
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Post by misssunflower on Mar 10, 2011 23:34:19 GMT -5
That morning she felt as though her insides had been scraped out with a rusty spoon. She managed to get up and dress herself but after the third trip to the bathroom she could not bring herself to move again. She laid herself gingerly back in bed and wished for the world to end. Her mother found her an hour later, and flitted to the bed. “Oh what is it? You’re sick? Oh you’re as white as milk.” Emily groaned at the food reference. “Let’s see, I’ll send your sister up to take care of you soon as I can.” “I don’t need taking care of.” She managed, “I just want to lie here and die.” Her mother laughed a little, “No doubt, but I don’t want you to die, and neither would Lizzy. I’ll get you some tea.” She must have been asleep when the tea was brought in, because when she awoke Elizabeth sat at the edge of the bed watching her. When she was her eyes open she got up and asked if she wanted her tea. After taking a shaky sip her sister lay the back of her hand on her cheek. “I’m sorry.” She said in a soft voice. “I hope this isn’t the sort of thing everyone else is going to catch.” Emily whispered. “No one else seems to feel sick yet.” She closed her eyes again. “I wouldn’t wish this on anyone.” And fell asleep before she could possibly hear Elizabeth’s reply. It was already dark when Emily remembered her engagements that evening. She groaned and tried to push herself out of bed but was too weak and fell on the covers before even reaching sitting position. Joshua! What would he think of her when the time arrived and she was nowhere to be found? What would he think? What would he assume? How long would her wait? Would he worry? Would he be angry? Would he even be there when she finally had strength to find him and apologize? Would she ever see him again? Her mother wandered in for a check and found her wound in her sheets trying to drag herself out of bed. ”Elizabeth!!” She called and shortly her sister was in the doorway. Between the two of them they got her to lay more upright on the bed and attempted to get her to drink more tea. “No,” She wept, trying to push the cup away, “I don’t want to sleep. I want to get up. I have to go. I don’t want that, I don’t want it.” But though she spilled most of the drink on her, half did go down her throat and she lay back on the pillows sobbing. “I’m getting worried now.” Her mother said. “I’ll sit with her awhile.” Elizabeth replied. Emily didn’t know if she did or did not do that, for she was passed out again shortly. When she awoke early sunrise light was streaming through her windows. She had missed her night with Joshua.
The next morning she felt remarkably better. She was actually quite surprised she’d even lived. But she was alive, free of fever, and hungry. When Elizabeth and her mother wandered up with a small tray of crackers and water she ate everything and glanced around for more. “This is very good.” Her mother said softly. “You act as if you are completely well.” “Oh I feel much better.” She replied, and then she thought of something, “May I get up then? There is so much I wanted to do yesterday that I would like to do today.” “I think you’d better stay in for today.” She shook her head, “I want to go out. I want to see my friends.” Her mother and sister looked surprisingly grim, “At least one of your friends is in no condition to be seen.” “What do you mean?” “Something terrible happened to your friend Kristen.” Kristen was a stunningly beautiful girl a year older than the two girls and much closer to Raelea than the twins because of her father’s station in life. Still there was interesting news about her. “What happened?” “She had – she planned on going out with a young man last night… an actor I believe. Apparently he- he was not the man she thought he was. And he- well he-“ Emily helplessly glanced at her sister, who often was known for speaking bluntly when needed. “He used her badly, and left her on the side of the road. Someone found her and thought she was dead, but she’s not. She’ll recover in a day or two.” Emily’s insides bunched up tensely, “Do you know – did she say who- who did this? An actor you said but-“ “Yes, they set up a stage every year… but I cannot recall the man’s name.” “Joshua.” Elizabeth said quietly and without infliction. “Yes, that’s it. Joshua Roberts. Of course Kristen’s father went out to find the awful man but the whole troupe had packed up in the middle of the night.” Emily’s recently ate breakfast twisted in her. She grabbed at the pitcher her family had left and threw up. She continued to do so long after her stomach was empty. Her mother had to leave shortly after but Elizabeth stayed. Stroking her sister’s hair and whispering how very sorry she was. She had never felt so stupid in her entire life. She prided her self on always knowing the truth, never being fooled by a lie or a character, always able to see what was real. How had she allowed herself to be so fooled by some flowery words and promises? Was it just that she’d wanted to hear that he loved her? Were vows like that always believed no matter how insincere the person speaking was? As I tried not to think of that Emily remembered suddenly Elizabeth having made dinner the night before her illness struck, an illness that really had only lasted a day… She looked up at her, and when she was sure no one else was in the room whispered, “How did you know?” Elizabeth didn’t lie, “How did I know what you were going to do? Raelea told me. She didn't think you would go through with it but I didn’t want to take chances. You weren’t speaking to me.” “How did you know about Joshua?” “Last year, this time, the same thing happened, only the girl wasn’t so badly hurt, just humiliated. She told me about it.” “Why didn’t you tell me THAT?” She gave her a sad look, “The story was told to me in secret. I couldn’t repeat it – even to you.” “Stories like that,” She said in a stern voice “should be shouted from rooftops. Everyone should know those tales.” “Kristen decided to tell hers. Now everyone does know.” Emily only had few more questions, “You gave me something – to make me sick, didn’t you?” She nodded. “When?” “The dinner before. I mixed it in your potatoes.” “Did you KNOW how terrible it would make me feel?” She demanded. A small smile for that, “Yes, I’m sorry. But I knew that if you weren’t really, really sick-“ “You’re a strange sister.” She said. “I’m sorry if you hate me.” Elizabeth said quietly, “But I had to do something.” Emily sighed, “I couldn’t hate you. I just think it is odd to be poisoned for this, when I few well-chosen words would do. “Words can carry their own poison. The truth can be toxic.” “But secrets can be deadly.” Another smile. “Well, you, at least, weren’t meant to keep secrets. Promise me this will be the last time you try.” Emily promised, and even if she hadn’t she wouldn’t have tried again. She’d learned her lesson. Her lesson not to keep secrets... and her lesson to never trust love again.
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Post by misssunflower on Mar 11, 2011 16:42:08 GMT -5
short update. XD
Emily now stood in the kitchen, back against the counter, knife still in a now shaking hand, as a young man she’d hardly known a week reminded her of the other reason she could never allow her self to fall in love with him. “That was years ago." He'd said, "Aren’t you over him by now?” For a moment, conscious of the knife in her hand she seriously wanted to throw it across the room so it landed somewhere in the vicinity of his heart. “You have no right to know that.” She hissed, “and it’s cruel of you to mention it now.” He shrugged and tipped his chair back, but kept his eyes unwavering on her, “You can guess who told me, and no cruelty intended. I can promise you that. You don’t honestly think you are the only one who has had a failed romance. I could easily make things equal by sharing my own.” Emily turned away, unable to keep looking into Paul’s stunning eyes, and began chopping again. Though her hands were shaking enough to make this a rather dangerous idea. Raelea, surely, must have told the tale, as Elizabeth would never, and she could not be angry with her. Hadn't Emily herself said that stories like that needed to be shouted from rooftops? She probably hadn’t even told Paul outright. No, one cool evening when she was out with Keith watching another play by another group – Joshua’s troupe was never heard from after that summer’s incident – the story was quietly passed on. “Emily was almost betrayed by an actor once – she loved him, and he pretended to love her. I was able to keep her safe, but someone else was hurt instead.” How exactly had the story been told? She found she did not want to know which details Paul knew and which he did not. “No thank you.” She said stiffly, “I find I don’t care much for tales of love gone wrong, you understand?” “Well then, we can simply scratch theatre from our list of possibilities.” He continued lightly. Emily’s back was to him but she could hear him crumbling up a cheep poster. “That leaves singers and acrobats. I’m more interested in the acrobats, aren’t you?” She opened her mouth and then shut it with a snap. Once again, he had laid a trap for her. If she were to merely answer the casual question, then truthfully she could simply admit that, yes, she preferred acrobats to singers. If she were to answer the deeper question he’d weaved in there she would either have to force her self into a lie – “I have no interest in seeing any performers of any kind with you tonight.” – or confess that she would absolutely love to go with him to any entertainment he might devise. Silence, as Elizabeth had learned long ago, was the only option. “Tonight then?” Paul continued in that warm and gorgeous voice, “Then the night after that is summermoon, and who can guess what that particular evening will hold?” “I don’t know that I will be able to go with you tonight.” Emily murmured in a low voice. And that was certainly the truth. “I think you will.” He said comfortably, “I’m counting on it.”
“Elizabeth,” Emily whispered when her sister came and shooed the young man out of the room for the evening. She always seemed to know when Emily was distressed and needed her. Paul had exited without protest, sending them both smiles. “Yes?” “I think this is the worst summermoon ever.” She chuckled and took the knife out of her hand, continuing the chopping with her much surer hands. “The worst, the best.” She said with a sigh, “How will we manage when it is over?” "Raelea and Keith." “You and Neil.” “Paul and you.” Emily was silent and so Elizabeth continued in a softer tone, “I don’t know any secrets about Paul, if you were wondering. I couldn’t tell you if I DID, but I can tell you that I don’t.” “He wants me to come with him, tonight,” She said, “to see some form of entertainment. I told him I couldn’t get away – but he thought if we traded off...” “Do you want to go with him?” “Oh I do, I don’t. One memory to store up now and spend a lot of time trying to forget.” “I think you should go.” She said, “I can hold this place down for a night. But only if you want to.” She sighed, “I don’t suppose it matters. He’ll be gone after tomorrow. Better that way of course… but I will be so depressed when he’s gone and all I have are these clear memories….” “Better that way." Elizabeth repeated with a nod, "Better than to have him alway around, and always wonder...” She sighed her eyes going distant. Emily knew whom her thoughts were now on. “Neil loves you.” She replied in a quieter voice, “Does he want to marry you? Does he talk about that kind of stuff?” “All the time. He wants to defy his father and elope." It was sometimes forgotten that Karro was Neil's father as well and was no less harsh on his son, "I'd love that but- I couldn't do that. I would be such a schism between him and his father and I'd never want that. I've told him I won't marry without his father's blessing.” “That must throw him into despair on a regular basis!” She shrugged, “It may. He seems convinced that if Raelea marries Prince Ryan Karro will free him to marry whomever he chooses." She smiled. Emily thought of the looks of pure love on Keith and Raelea's faces whenever they were together and spoke with a sigh, "I don't think Raelea will be marrying the prince anytime soon." "No." Elizabeth echoed, "And who would want her to?" “I wish everything would work out.” “Do you know what I wish?” Elizabeth asked suddenly. “What?” “I wish you and I could go to Karro's ball tomorrow. Just be there. We'd be such comfort to Raelea, and well, I think everything would work out that way. If we were just there, with her, tomorrow.” Emily made a little face. She’d never seen the appeal in such specific dreams and wishes. She figured if you were going to put enough time and effort to have a dream or a wish, it may as well be a grand one. “I suppose my wishes are more vague.” She mumbled, “I just want us to be happy and have love. All three of us.” “All six.” Her sister murmured. They shared a smile and went back to working in complete silence. But it was a peaceful silence, a warm silence, the silence of understanding that only sister’s could have.
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Post by misssunflower on Mar 11, 2011 22:49:38 GMT -5
The night Emily dressed herself in a dress of deep pure blue, the finest thing she owned, braided her often plain hair and weaved in a pin with a summer flower on it. This was as nice as an innkeeper in her town was likely to get. Paul was waiting in the small foyer at the bottom of the steps. He had trimmed the stubble he'd gained since his arrival and was wearing a shirt that made his eyes look like the noon day sky. Overall it appeared, like her, he had tried to appear to his best advantage. Never had she agreed to come with him, and they certainly had not set an hour to meet. But there he was, and there she was, and he smiled to see her descending the steps. “Well, don't you look like the very spirit of summer. I like that dress.” He grinned. Absurdly pleased with this simple compliment, Emily replied, “Thank you, I like it too.” He crooked his elbow and fort he life of her she could not keep herself from resting her fingers on his arm and letting him escort her out to the streets of music and fun. It was truly one of the greatest nights of her entire life. The temperature was warm but not unbearable, what with the sun setting and all, and a light breeze fluttered around the small town. Every few minutes the pair stopped at this booth or in that shop, sampling anything offered, free or not. Sausage, fresh fruit, any kind of sweet dessert, lemonade, wine, anything. One booth sold flower necklaces with beautiful white flowers with a strong, floral sent. Paul bought Emily one, and she allowed him to lift her hair so that the flowers laid against her skin. They stopped at a booth where people could test their skill at throwing a dart at a target, which Emily failed at. Paul however did well enough to earn the dejected woman a cheap bracelet hung with dangling charms, which she wore the rest of the evening. At other booths they did anything from ring toss to guessing the number of jellybeans in a jar. She wasn’t allowed to guess the ages of three old ladies for a prize – “Not the truth-teller, SHE’S no fun at this game!” though the worker was smiling and made her laugh. Paul guessed them to all be 50 years old or less, which won him no prizes but the women blew him grateful kisses. They listened to singers, and musicians set up one street corners. Flutists, harpists, all in low awnings of closed shops – the music accenting the mood of the night most perfectly. It was dark by the time they made their way to the north end of town where the acrobats were performing, and stood in the back of the large crowd gathered. Emily spent most of the time clutching Paul’s arm in mute terror. She expected at any moment one of the performers to fall to his or her death from a wire or swing. Everyone survived, however, and they were truly amazing to see. That on it’s own made Emily glad she’d agreed to come. “I’ve never seen anything like that!” She exclaimed as they walked back down the bustling street. “I can hardly imagine why I didn’t see them every year!” Paul laughed. He had taken her hand to guide her out of the mass crowds, but not that they were free he didn’t release her. “You’re guess is as good as mine. I, for one, don’t know how they are all still living.” “Witchcraft, most likely.” She teased. She didn’t believe in things like that, though Lizzy always thought her ability to always tell the truth was something of magic. But after her incident with Joshua, she’d learnt it had flaws like anything else. But it was getting late and she sighed. She had promised Elizabeth she’d be home by midnight. “I really have to get home now.” He opened his mouth then closed it, "I hear music." She nodded, laughing a little, "Yes, they set up a dance stage at the end of the street. All fast, country things, none of your fancy things." He grabbed her hand again, "Well, we have to investigate this!" She laughed harder and let him drag her through the crowds to the stage where indeed people were up and dancing. She clapped, unable to contain her glee at watching the fun-fast-paced dancing they were doing. "Oh what fun!" He turned his dazzling grin back at her, "Then shall we join in?" "Paul, I shouldn't be out any longer. You have such a strange idea of time." He laughed, "Nights like this do that. It already feels too short and it's not even over." She giggled, and gave in, "Only another half hour." "It'll feel like a minute." She gave in and let him pull her into a dance which he was far better at than she would have thought. She let him hold her closer than she ever had in the parlor of the inn and laughed when other couples began to clear out and clap in time to their dancing. After the end of a song he dipped her over his arm with a flourish and gathered her back so close against him she was at a loss for breath. A silence before a watcher called out, "Well, kiss her, lad!" And others spoke out in agreement to this notion. Paul's grin could have split his face, "No help for it." He said, before lightly brushing his lips on hers. She blushed and he pulled back to bow to the audience who cheered. "Now." She said, laughing too hard to be serious, "I have to go home." He nodded, "Aye, m'dear, home it is." Hand in hand they walked the last stretch home. Neither spoke but the journey was accompanied by small sounds of sorts. Music echoing from the streets, conversation and laughter buzzing off from the distance, wind chimes in trees, moved about in the soft breeze blew hard enough. It seemed that in ever other doorway they passed, couples stood embracing together, kissing passionately. They were just about across the street from the inn, just passing the darkened mouth of some inset doorway, when Paul suddenly pulled her into the shelter of the building’s front entrance. Emily looked up to ask the indignant question but he put his fingers across her lips, and peered out toward the Inn. Emily followed his gaze and at first saw nothing but shadows and lamplight. But then she made out two figures standing so close together she had almost misplaced them for one. They were separating from an embrace that appeared to have shaken them both as neither moved from where they stood, arms around each other, gazing intently at the other’s face, saying nothing. After a long silence they both moved silently into the Inn itself. It was then Emily placed the pair to be Keith and Raelea. Though they were now gone and Emily never did see them close up Emily could easily picture in her head the reckless abandoned quality of their stolen kiss, the wildness on both their faces after it had finished. Wildness and determination. Expressions that spelt out nothing but disaster. Looking at Paul’s face, she knew he had the same thoughts right then, and she sighed. “Well, there is more trouble here than I expected upon arrival.” He said in a low voice. “I think you should do back home as soon as possible.” She whispered back, “Tomorrow morning.” He stared at her a moment, “Well taking aside the fact that I don’t WANT to go back tomorrow,” he said, “I think it would be hard, to impossible to convince Keith to that course of action.” “He's your apprentice, shouldn’t he half to do what you say?” She sounded desperate. She didn’t care. He laughed a little, “Curiously, no. And I can tell you how much easier life would be if that were the case, but it often isn’t. At any rate, he never does, and I can hardly see that changing after tonight.” They had now crossed the street, wandering around silently to the back where they now stood in the kitchen doorway, trying to read each other’s expressions, and having very little luck. She turned away to unlock the door and then looked back at him and how his eyes glowed a little in the dim light. “So there is nothing to be done?” she asked. Paul seemed to debate that, “Only one thing that I can see.” He said. “And that is?” “Follow Keith’s example.” And he pulled her into his arms and kissed her. His mouth was firm against hers and she could feel the light texture of stubble against her skin. He held her so close against him that the flowered necklace was crushed between them, washing the two of them in its perfume. She felt her breath falter and her heart revolt. It was a shock when he finally released her. They stated at each other for am moment, breathing heavily and staring like strangers in a duel. “So tell me, miss Truth-teller,” He said at last in a low voice, “what did you think of tonight?” Emily’s hand was already on the latch, and she considered entering without answering, but at last she shrugged and shook her head. “I will never have another like that.” And without waiting for a reply wandered inside, up the stairs quietly, and slipped into bed. Where she lay for the next three hours. Music still echoing in her ears, and the sent of white flowers clinging to her skin.
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Post by misssunflower on Mar 12, 2011 11:12:57 GMT -5
The next morning, she was miserable. Kisses by moonlight were all very well if they didn’t matter to you. If you didn’t care that you were likely to never see your kissing partner again, if you could be lighthearted and nonchalant about their sudden and random occurrences. Emily didn’t know if Neil and Elizabeth had progressed to the point of kisses yet, didn't think that she, herself, could ever be such a way, ever manage such a thing. She knew for a fact Raelea could not. Which made it seem that kisses by moonlight might be best avoided altogether. Speaking of avoidance, she saw very few people most of the morning of Karro’s party. Her sister was out running errands and Raelea was forced to spend the day at her place preparing and may only be allowed to stop by for a short visit to show the twins what she would be wearing. Keith and Paul made no appearance – for all she knew they had not yet even left bed. This was Paul’s last day here, and she wasn’t even going to get to see him. A little misery swept into her already. How could it be that a man barely in her life a week had left a print so large that she would feel empty with him gone? She wondered if this was exactly how Raelea felt, and sunk further into depression knowing that she couldn't speak to her sister about all of this, the only person who would understand. It wasn’t until late afternoon, only a few hours before Raelea’s party, that someone found her. Paul stepped into the empty kitchen where she was absently dusting the table. “Oh good.” He said in a most casual voice, “I was hoping someone would be here. Is it too late for a cup of tea?” Wordlessly, she shook her head. She had moved to the pantry, not looking at him, debating what foods needed replenishing. Five steps and she was at the stove, moving a kettle on heat. “And one of those cherry tarts, if there are any left.” He added, and she could hear the smile in his voice. Emily moved to assemble a plate, a mug and one of the tarts he’d asked for and set it all in front of him. She still hadn’t spoken, and kept her eyes mostly on her tasks. “I hope you’ll sit with me also.” He added, when she took a step away from the table again. There wasn’t anyway she could possibly refuse him. She had nothing else to do all day, and she couldn’t just sit and wait for Elizabeth to come to her rescue, she may as well have tea. She poured herself a cup, decided she wouldn’t be able to choke down a tart, and sat down across from him. Paul lifted the mug to his mouth and then studied her over the rim, “Or am I wrong?” He teased, “Is this the silent sister? The one who always keeps her thoughts to herself?” Emily found her voice, “Now would be an awkward time to begin getting us mixed up.” He laughed and took a sip. “Perhaps I have had you confused all along.” He said, “Perhaps I have been courting Elizabeth half the days I thought I was courting Emily.” Courting. A strong word. “She wouldn’t be the one to tell me if that were so.” She said. He smiled and took another sip of his tea, “Isn’t that strange of you?” He said, “To have known each other all your lives, as sisters, yet live completely different lives? And on top of that, completely different personalities? So many people only can live with straightforward honesty for so long, and few people can carry a secret for an hour. I know there are people can be close to someone who is different and yet won’t trust them entirely because of it. But yet, you both are the closest sisters I’ve ever seen. How do you manage that?” He was giving her a headache. She didn’t care much for philosophy at this point. She was wondering why he’d kissed her last night and had avoided her today. “Then I suppose you are like so many people, and would prefer fiction to the truth?” “Oh, God I hate lies.” He burst out, “I suppose when people have learned not to lie to you, you don’t really have to deal with it all – but it’s sickening sometimes how many lies are out in the world – I can’t stand it.” He waved a hand as though to push it all away, “I told myself if I ever met an honest man, I’d work with him, and if I ever met an honest woman, I’d marry her.” Now Emily’s eyes snapped to his, but she had absolutely nothing to say. “So what do you want,” He added, stretching out in his chair, “For the rest of your life? Do you want to stay and work here for all your life? Do you want to marry? Do you want to travel? Raise horses, raise a garden, raise children? What do you want, when you look ahead?” “I don’t want to be unhappy.” Paul shook his head, “That’s no wish. Everyone’s unhappy at one point or another? But what do you hold on to during all that? What do you want to keep you going?” Emily shook her head in return. She never really thought much about it. Now that she was she knew nothing about how to phrase it… she’d just always wanted happiness, and she figured when she found it she would know. It would just present itself, like a long awaited guest. “I suppose you’d know how to answer the question if it were asked to you?” Now he tucked his legs back in and leaned across the table, blue eyes intense, “Can you keep a secret?” He demanded. She stated at him a moment, unable to process a coherent thought. “Not really, no.” A grin broke his serious face, “Then you can repeat it if you’d like. I don’t think I’m going to be able to leave tomorrow, not alone. I’m falling in love with you.” Heat coiled through her like it was spiraling through a spring. She sprung up to her feet, hands at her a sides and face a bright red. “I don’t know about love, I- I don’t trust it. It would be easier for me if you went away.” Paul settled back again, smiling, and seeming in no way upset. “You think it would be,” He said softly, “But you’re wrong. You’re not lying – you’re just mistaken.” “I don’t want to love anybody.” He tilted his head to the side, “Then tell me this, have you had any luck at keeping yourself from falling in love with me?” There was no possible way Emily could answer that truthfully, and with that she changed the subject shortly. “Raelea asked me to come see her before the party – I – I need to go.” He said nothing to stop her, though she wouldn’t have listened if he had and with that she flew herself out the back door.
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Post by misssunflower on Mar 13, 2011 11:52:51 GMT -5
“You did what?” Emily and Elizabeth gaped at Raelea as they sat in her room before the party. Emily was planning on working the Inn alone that night, and giving Elizabeth her promised night out with friends - Neil would be at the ball, so it would have been friends afterall. Apparently this was no longer the case. “Cassie was looking for extra waitresses to work the party, and I kind of signed you up. I wouldn’t even call you a waitress, you won’t be doing much, but STILL!” She giggled happily “You’ll get to be there!!” “Really!?” Her smile dimpled. “Really.” "Just like you wished," Emily murmured to her sister. Elizabeth smiled her vague smile, "I have a feeling tonight a lot of wishes will come true." Emily rolled her eyes. How like her sister to say something like that. She continued, addressing Raelea, "But why is it I feel this isn't what has you bubbling so much. I'm sure we're not the only uninvited guests you've gotten in..." She giggled, "No." She confessed, "Keith- well, I was able to get- I'll be able to get him in. Figure there's so many people there I don't even know, he can blend right in." Emily and Elizabeth exchanged a look. Raelea and Keith together where they'd be in her father's plain sight? This just spelt out trouble. But another question took up Emily's mind. "What about Paul?" Raelea smirked at the question, and her face heated up a little, "Oh, he'll be there too. Didn't want to when he was asked - something about too many people he didn't care for there, but he didn't want to leave Keith unattended." She laughed to herself and muttered, "Too late." Elizabeth giggled. Emily wasn’t sure if she should be happy or distressed at this little fact. She had wanted to be with Raelea on this day, more than she could say. And now she could? That was really quite amazing, and Raelea, and Elizabeth for that matter, so wanted her to be there. But… this would involve seeing Paul again, possibly talking to him. He would want to talk to her, surely. Want to remind her of the distressing fact that he was in love with her. That this beautiful, hilarious, warm young man was in love with her – and every word was so clearly TRUE in her ears. She knew the more he said it the less likely she was to be able to resist, to fight that she really did love him too. But thinking of that only upset her. So she shook it away, and spoke with a light tone “Oh, well this is great! Now, are you going to show us your dress?” “Oh no.” She smiled that so typical smile of mischief, “If you’re going to BE there tonight, there is no point. You’ll simply have to be surprised.” “And I bet we will be.” Elizabeth murmured. Emily nodded along. “I hope Keith likes it.” She gave a girlish giggle. “I’m hoping I’ll be able to talk to him alone at one point or another.” “I don’t believe your father would like that.” “Oh I know that.” Her smile didn’t falter, “That’s why I said ‘alone’.” Oh, that was SO like her. Emily sighed, not even bothering to try and deter her from this insane relationship… it wouldn’t work. She could only try and ignore the feeling that this would not end nicely for the pair of them. If not tonight… later. He would be leaving. And so would Paul. Again her mind was back into the negative thoughts. Her mind shot back that she was only being realistic, only being logical, but why did reality and logic always have to point to the negative side? Why did the truth she always told have to be hurtful to the person she told it to? Emily shook her head, and kept the smile planted on her face, “Well have fun with that. I suppose Cassie will be wanting to see us before the ball, wouldn’t she?” “Most likely.” “Then we'll be on our way then, right Lizzie?" Elizabeth gave Emily a look, obviously understanding the thoughts running through her sister's head, but she nodded. "I’ll see you tonight!” Raelea replied, grinning wider than either twin had seen her yet. Leaving the place she let out a little sigh. It was summermoon. Less than an hour before the ball all had let up to, and a sigh seemed like the appropriate greeting for the day.
Short but update.
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Post by misssunflower on Mar 13, 2011 21:19:55 GMT -5
Emily had always felt out of place in the large, LARGE estate Raelea called her home, but never so much as she did arriving after the start of the party. The interior was large and spacious, even with such a large amount of people present. She vaguely wondered who all these people were. Nobility, or merchants like Karro that were near enough, most likely. Emily wondered with a twinge of fright if Prince Ryan would be present. She'd never seen him, few if any one in a town her size ever had. Elizabeth had helped Cassie set the place up and was already there. She met up with her sister in the kitchen with a bright smile on her face. The two girls wore different dresses but in matching shades of navy that made them look nice, for tradesman's daughters, and yet still submissive as the waitresses they were. She was smiling what anyone would think was a normal smile, polite, blank. But Emily could see the mischief sparkling in it. “What’s happened?” “Oh nothing. Have you seen Keith yet?" "Oh so he did make it?" He and Paul, Emily's mind reminded her. Elizabeth's eyes sparkled, "He did. So you haven't seen him?" She wondered why seeing Keith was important, "No. How's Raelea look?" "Well, come on and see for yourself." She urged, pulling her out of the kitchen. "No one will fault you for looking - everyone is." She added softly. Emily, being dragged out to where the party was already in full swing way about to ask what that meant. And then she saw it. Keith and Raelea were dancing together, in plain sight in the very center of the ballroom. She looked stunning, golden hair done back in an elaborate braid with ribbons and jewels tucked in while she wore the most stunning of crimson gowns that made her look of higher class than even her father. The wild, unpredictable, rebellious Raelea looked undeniably regal. It was a marvel. And yet it was Keith who stole her attention. He'd always been an attractive man in his plain cotton clothes, and endearingly unkept hair. He'd cleaned up for this. Freshly shaved, with his hair pulled back in a small pony tale at the nape of his neck. God knew where he got them but he was dressed in the highest quality of clothing rivaling anyones in the room. No one in the room would possibly think that this boy was a dance instructors apprentice, and yet he seemed to catch everyone's attention. Emily couldn't find Karro, himself, and hoped that meant he was out of the room. Whether the Keith looked noble or not - Karro had plans for his daughter already. When the current waltz drew to an end the beautiful blonde pulled herself reluctantly from Keith to nearly skip to the two sisters, blending in with the crowd of mingling guests. "What do you think?" She twirled, modeling the dress on her. "Gorgeous." Emily said. "Keith looks quite nice." Elizabeth added. Raelea gave a little whistle, "Oh he does, doesn't he? Told him to find something decent didn't know it'd be THAT nice. But it means less people will look at him." "Lea," Emily laughed, "Everyone is looking at him. He's quite hard to ignore as such." “Then I'd better get back to him." She replied, grinning, "And speaking of; Paul’s looking for you by the way. Want me to tell him you’re too busy?” She sighed. She was hoping to sneak back into the kitchen before he saw her, “Oh, I don’t know anymore. If he really wants to talk to me…” “I imagine he does.” “Well, it’ll give you more time with Keith anyways. If he finds me, he finds me.” She’d have to face him eventually that night. And he did find her, as she knew he would. It took longer than she’d expected and she had now spent a few hours with no sight of him or Raelea and Keith, or even her sister. He smiled at her no different than he ever did. But, thinking about it, his smile toward her was always special. He was dressed better too; far finer than she was used to but not as shocking as Keith. The dance instructor had always dressed nicely. “I could have sworn,” He said, “I remember you telling me you weren’t invited to this. I hope you weren’t avoiding me by saying it.” How she wished to lie, “No, no. I didn’t know I was coming until today, actually.” “Well, I’m glad I’m getting to see you again.” “I’m not taking back what I said earlier.” She blurted without thinking. Then blushed furiously at her bluntness. He blinked, looking briefly taken aback. But his expression smoothed and he shook his head a little, “I hardly expected you to, love. When you have an opinion you really latch to it, I know.” She could hear a little undercurrent of pain in his voice, and pity. He still believed her views on love were wrong. He still wanted her to agree to stay with him. And she knew nothing of how to reply to that. She wasn’t sure what reply would be true and what fictional. And so she could only look at him. “Paul…” She began, helplessly, as she discovered looking into his eyes wasn’t exactly the best idea for her mental health. He took a step toward her, erasing a great deal of the space between them. He opened his mouth to say one thing or another, or perhaps not say anything at all. She would never know as she heard someone frantically say her name from behind her. Face red and mind jumbled she turned quickly away from Paul to look at Cassie’s serious face. She’d forgot she was supposed to be working. “I’m sorry! I- I mean, I’ll- I’ll just get back to-“ Cassie shook her head so her grey curls bounced around her, “That’s not- no. Raelea’s father just pulled your friend out of the room. I think you need to- I’m afraid there’s going to be trouble.”
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Post by misssunflower on Mar 14, 2011 16:32:38 GMT -5
So um... don't hurt me. please.
Emily knew this would happen. She had just hoped it would not have to be so dramatic. But, as quite often happened, her hopes died out on her in THE most dramatic possible way. She wasn’t sure if Cassie was following her, even less sure if Paul was. But neither mattered right then; Elizabeth was with her, and all she cared about was Raelea. She knew Raelea’s father, she knew how he got when he was angry with her, for the most part at least, as Raelea didn’t always give details. Either way, Emily knew this was not a pretty thing, and felt dread filling every inch of her body thinking about it. The room itself had one main exit to the rest of the house, and that door was very decidedly closed. Emily knew for a fact that would be where her sister would have been taken. Hearing Cassie’s footprints she softly murmured, “How long have they been in there?” “Not very long…” She replied softly, worriedly. “Did he see her dancing with Keith?” “Dancing with Keith?” She said slowly, “Yes, I suppose that is one way to put it.” Emily exchanged a look with sister but didn’t have a chance to inquire the meaning behind that, though she would have loved to, as they had now reached the doorway. Over the music Emily heard her friend yell angrily, and a more furious yell from her father. She stiffened. Not even looking back at Cassie, Elizabeth or anyone else she took a deep breath, said a little prayer and opened the door. The yelling was coming from another hallway, and she moved quickly in that direction. She tried to keep from shaking but was failing quite miserably at that. Turning one corner, her heart nearly stopped. She heard Elizabeth gasp beside her. Karro had his daughter nearly pinned against a wall, his hand firmly around her petite neck, breathing heavily after his last rant. She was staring up at him with the coldest, calmest look Emily had ever seen on her face. Emily, for one, was everything but calm. Frightened and furious, more like. “Delton Karro!" Raelea’s father’s full name. Everyone in the small town knew him as simply Karro. “Drop your hand from that girl’s neck this instant!!” Neither had heard her or Elizabeth join this scene and now both sets of eyes were on her. “This doesn’t concern you. This is between me and my daughter.” His voice was slurred, heavily. Emily turned her eyes on Raelea, who looked still eerily calm in this situation. Too calm… even for her. It was then Emily recalled the many times she’d notice her friend had a bruise. One that was small or insignificant on her arms or something of the like. “What’s that from?” She’d ask only to receive a simple smile from her and a quick change of topic. She’d always known Karro was not a nice man. She’d also guessed long ago that he had a problem surrounding alcoholic drinks. But this was further than she thought, and made her even more afraid of the situation her dearest friend was in. “It involves my friend! Now drop your hands from her and perhaps we can talk this out! A misunderstanding-“ “A misunderstanding!” He laughed without humor, “I ask 'Who is it that has stolen my daughter's attention?' 'The dance instructor's apprentice'! A no one! Dallying in the arms of some hired worker when I have such plans for her! The prince! And she'd rather have that!?” “Plans that could still come true.” She tried to keep from lying, but it was hard to do. How could she appease him without doing so? “This is one man, one dance, no plans are disrupted in that.” He shook his head, “’I love him!’ She said, as I pulled her away. She loves him! Hah! We’ll see how much she loves him when she doesn’t eat for a week!” Emily’s panic was steadily growing, “All young women say they’re in love after a night like she’s had-.” Oh come on, Emily. She cursed herself, could she not say anything else? Anything else to keep this man from hurting her sister! Why could she not lie!? “And even if she loves him, he doesn’t love her.” The near whisper of Elizabeth's voice followed this. "I know his secret." Karro peered closer at her, as though unable to see that far away, "And who are you- The safe-keeper girl? And he has a secret! Tell me now!" Of course she couldn't. If it was indeed a secret spoken to her in confidence then she could never repeat it. She never had. Emily knew she never would. And yet Elizabeth continued in her quiet voice, “Like I said, while your daughter is in love with him I can tell you this; last night that man had an eloped marriage with a young woman of this town. No one witnessed but he shared the story with me this morning. He will make no dent in the future you have planned.” Everyone in the room gaped at her. Raelea appeared to be several shades paler and Karro looked like he wasn’t sure he should trust her yet. Emily stared at her sister in utter horror. For every word that had left her lips was true. She didn’t know where to begin her thoughts when Karro looked at her, “Is she telling the truth?” “She is.” Her throat felt dry. She avoided her sister’s gaze, and tried not to look at Realea either. “You hear that? Some prize that man of yours was!!” He said, laughing at his daughter, “When will you learn I’ve got my best interest for you so this doesn’t happen? You will listen now!” Her sister shook her head, “I’m 26.” Her voice was hoarse, and shaking, “And I will do nothing you say anymore.” Karro sucked in his breath angrily and Emily knew a blow was sure to follow. She wouldn’t see that, she just wouldn’t. “Wait!” He stopped and all eyes were now on her, “What?! What do you have to say to interrupt me finally knocking some sense into the daughter of mine!?” Her throat nearly closed on her because of what she was about to do. But she couldn’t see her friend hurt before her eyes, while she could stop it. “Lea is going to marry who you have planned for her.” She said, her voice faltering in the middle of the dreadful sentence. “No one else.” She made the mistake of looking at her Raelea. Her eyes widened momentarily and then shut, as though she had just been cursed. Karro looked at her, “She will?” He demanded roughly. “She will.” She whispered. Thankfully that was all it had taken. Karro’s hand dropped from her sister’s neck and Raelea sank to the floor. Elizabeth ran to her and embraced her on the floor, while Emily stood numbly unable to process what had happened. Had she lied? Had the infamous truth-teller finally told a lie? The world had not crumbled or broken apart. Or had she told the truth, then? The worst truth in existence and sealed her best friend into a fate she'd never wanted or ever would want. She couldn't think, she could barely breathe. She looked away from the pair of sister and friend and met Paul’s eyes. She was startled to know he had been in the room, and didn't wish to know how much he'd seen or his thoughts. She couldn’t look at him either. So she stared at the floor, feeling tears well in her eyes. She didn’t hear what else Karro had to say but he brushed past her at last and left with a slamming of the door and inappropriately upbeat music echoing from the party no one there felt existed.
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