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Post by Amariette Willowbane on Sept 27, 2004 23:28:31 GMT -5
Daniel Carter: -Ulster had never looked so good. After their release Daniel had spotted Halar and the dragon had sped them both back to Invernis as quickly as his wings could take them. He had thought that bothering Maggie at this hour of the night would be fruitless, so had decided to take Amariette to his own house. The camp had been torched, so there was no place else to go. It was a cluttered mess filled with bookshelves and artifacts from all over the world. The walls were decorated with war masks and ancient maps along with his two diplomas hanging behind his desk under glass. There was a small table and some chairs in the common room as well as a range and a well worn looking couch to go along with the four bookcases stuffed with (C)- Daniel Carter: -his journals from all of his expeditions, text books, and other people's writings. After eating he was ready to pass out, but being a gentleman offered the bedroom to Amariette and took the couch for himself. The bedroom wasn't much better than the common room, full of bookcases and artifacts displayed on tables and stands all around the room, everything from idols and cincerary urns from the third century to ancient chess boards and scrolls in languages no one spoke any longer. It was easy to see that not only was his living space as messy as his easily distractable mind, but that he really didn't get out too much. In fact the floor was littered with random items, books, scratch paper and the like that it was hard to move when not on tip toes. (C)- Daniel Carter: -He didn't seem to notice. He curled up on the couch and went right to sleep. The next morning came quicker than he thought. The sun rose and filtered brightly through the main window of the small one floor house lighting up a few prisms that hung in the window and made tiny rainbows dance along the floor and walls. Shifting a little he reached out groggily to find his glasses. He felt rested and fed, but his head was reeling, his eye felt dismal, and of course his leg was not in too good of shape. Besides the aches and pains though he really couldn't complain. He was alive. Amariette was alive. That's what mattered out of the situation. He sat up, gingerly swinging his bad leg over the side of the couch to find that he had slept in his clothes(C)- Daniel Carter: -He would need to wash up before even thinking about going to his mother's. She would already be having a fit that he was in this condition, black eye and split lip, limping and battered. If he went over dirty as well he would really catch it. (F)-
Amariette: ~Even though Daniel had been in very bad shape, Amariette was willing to let him fuss over her comfort as he showed her about his home. The sight that greeted her eyes had been a bit overwhelming, but not surprising in the least, her assumptions of his character notwithstanding. Content to surrender to the will of the battered archeologist, she had graciously taken the bedroom and slept rather peacefully the entire rest of the night. Due to Amariette's nature though, she had awakened bright and early the next day, checking on Daniel to find him sleeping like the dead, her own steps silent and swift. The filth of the Guild was still lingering on her skin and in her heart, her desire to purge herself extremely great and rather difficult to ignore.~<c> Amariette: ~Looking about his house at all the collections of culture he had acquired, she was relieved to find a small hot spring bubbling with steam as she caught a glimpse of the land surrounding his estate just outside a window, a smile spreading across her pink lips. Snatching a clean towel and cloth that had been thrown over the foot of the bed, she flew along the floor and out the front door rather quietly, wishing not to wake him as she bathed. Descending the stairs, she was greeted by Halar as the great dragon rested amongst the trees, his noble eyes falling on her with a rather curious glint, no doubt wondering why Daniel was not limping along behind. ~<c> Amariette: ~Curtsying to him, she spoke rather cheerfully but with a soft and hushed voice, "He's had such a terrible night, I wanted him to get as much rest as he could. Also, I couldn't resist the sight of that lovely spring, you don't think he'll mind too much do you?" The silver wyrm only smiled a toothy grin and let his tail rest against her shoulder gently, "That which he doesn't know won't hurt him my dear, though you may want to hurry, Daniel was never one to sleep a minute later than he absolutely had to." Nodding her head, she drew along the stone path beside him toward the back of the home, the spring surrounded by hedges of rose bushes, wild ones that did not need to be tended to in order to thrive.~<c>
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Post by Amariette Willowbane on Sept 27, 2004 23:29:53 GMT -5
Amariette: ~Kicking her boots off and into the nearby bushes, she gave a giggle and covered her mouth with her hand, praying that she hadn't cause the good Doctor to stir. Setting the folded towel and cloth on the stones nearest the edge of the steaming pool, she went about undressing herself as fast as she could, her fingers working the buttons of the servant boys' shirt free and drawing it open. Letting it fall to the ground, she reached up and drew the tie from her hair, letting the heavy crimson tresses fall down her back in a cascading array of highlights and color that shone in the sun. ~<c> Amariette: ~Finally slipping out of the tight, dark breeches, her body, slightly rosy and bare as a nymph was a blur, her swift steps carrying her down into the inviting waters, where she dunked herself under and wet her hair to be washed. She knew she had only a matter of minutes before Daniel would rise and find her missing, her wish not to draw him into unnecessary panic.~
Daniel Carter: -He yawned and stretched. The morning was so beautiful that he could hardly think that the day prior was spent in a dungeon. At least if he ever had children it would make an interesting bedtime story, he supposed, and no doubt it would be yet another bullet in his mother's gun about trying to get him to settle down and stop going on expeditions all of the time. Scratching a hand through his short brown hair he reached for his cane and limped through the house to the bedroom only to find Amariette not there. Slightly panicked he decided not to go off on a crazed and paranoid chase until he inspected the grounds. He moved as fast as his injury would allow out the front door and around the bushes, down the slope... she didn't(C)- Daniel Carter: -seem to be out here at all. Seeing Halar up ahead he squinted in the sun. Well if the scaly bastard was hanging around surely that meant nothing too terrible had happened otherwise he would have woken Daniel up. "Halar..." He called, approaching the hedge barring his vision to the spring, "Have you seen Amari anywhere?" He asked, his tone troubled, obviously worried about her disappearance. Stepping around the hedge he got an answer to his question, his eyes widening in surprise, and for a moment he was dumbfounded before he turned his head, face on fire and completely red. "Oh my god, I'm so sorry... I’m sorry, I didn't know... I didn't... mean..." He stumbled over his words and brought his good hand up to shield his vision(C)- Daniel Carter: -further, alarmed by his own unwitting indecency. Halar had a good hearty laugh that faded into a chuckle and continued to sit and lounge not too far off in the late morning sun. Once Daniel's breathing had returned to normal he closed his eyes. "I'll go back inside... or something... I'm so sorry."(F)-
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Post by Amariette Willowbane on Sept 27, 2004 23:30:56 GMT -5
Amariette: ~Turning and looking over her shoulder, Amariette's back had been to him and the spring's waters rose above the beginnings of her buttocks, the small of her back just visible. Wrapping her arms about her body so that her fingers curled over her shoulders, her long red strands fell damp against her skin, her lovely green eyes twinkling in obvious mirth and delight. He had not seen anything too incriminating, but she felt guilty just the same, a small pout on her lips as she called to him, her skin washed over now in a gentle red. "Daniel, it's alright really. I'm sorry, I just couldn't resist. I hope I didn't wake you with all the noise I was making. Halar told me that I had yet a few more minutes to enjoy a quick bath, and so I decided to indulge myself. Please don't be angry with me. "~<c Amariette: ~"You really don't have to go." She wondered why he had apologize so profusely and why his cheeks were flaming like they were, his entire attitude disturbing her and making her question her own appearance. Was there something wrong with her? Some scar or blemish she had missed on her naked flesh? Turning to him, her arms still crossed over her chest and shielding the majority of her upper body from his eyes, the rounds of her breasts were just so apparent, but not displayed enough to incriminate her chaste and modest values. The hollow of her navel gleamed with the droplets that fell down her skin, the waves and ripples of her movement sending the water billowing about her slender and supple body.~<c> Amariette: ~Tilting her head, she looked to Halar with an obvious look of fright and concern, rather convinced that she had done something wrong and would be chastised thoroughly. It was all rather innocent of course, for the girl was totally naïve.~
Daniel Carter: -He looked up. He... didn't have to go? "Oh.. .I... " he wet his lips with his tongue, still flushed and stammering. "I didn't ... I'm not angry. No... no, of course not. I didn't mean to.. .walk in on you when you... were... I didn't know. I thought maybe.. I should go inside... that it would be ..." As she turned to look at him he was silenced for a moment. By the gods she was beautiful. His eyebrows knit together as he began to worry- maybe he shouldn't be here, maybe he shouldn't be looking at her the way that he was, maybe he shouldn't be thinking some of the things he was thinking, and he certainly should be at least not staring so obviously. "... more... appropriate..." Though the words were in contradiction to his feet, which were now moving forwards(C)- Daniel Carter: -against his better judgment to seat himself beside her at the pool. His blue eyes wandered over her but lingered longest on her face. She had a look of worry, as if she had done something wrong. It only served to help intoxicate him. He supported himself with one arm, propping his body up on it as he reached for her face with the other hand. His fingers brushed the softness of her cheek, ran down along her wet hair to her collarbone, along her neck, then under her chin as if by feeling every line and curve of her he might be able to memorize her. Halar, taking a hint chuckled to himself and silently lifted from the ground, deciding to wait around the front of the house and give the two refugees their space. Daniel found his eyes drawn(C)- Daniel Carter: -to hers, locking on those beautiful emerald irises. His breath felt shallow as if she had reached into him and snatched it from him. "You are... the most beautiful woman... in this entire country." He said with a small smile, running his thumb over her bottom lip. There was a small voice in the back of his mind that was yelling at him to go inside and stop, but he didn't chance to listen to it. (F)-
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Post by Amariette Willowbane on Sept 27, 2004 23:31:49 GMT -5
Amariette: ~His reaction was nothing short of surprising as she watched him advance on her and her heart began to race in her chest. The look in his eyes was what unnerved her the most, the predatorial gaze that caught her and paralyzed her in fear and confusion. As he descended to touch her skin, she let her eyes close and trembled at his touch, her cheeks filling with color at his words and a strange feeling rising from the depths of her being. It was warm, inviting even, a foreign emotion that she barely understood but suddenly wanted to embrace more than anything in the entire world. Letting her heavy lashes part once again, she met his hypnotic blue gaze and felt her own soul yielding, surrendering to his feather soft caresses that seemed to ignite a fire within her. ~<c> Amariette: ~Her lips parted in a response that never came, but she leaned forward to place a secret kiss at his wrist and fingers, her pink lips lavishing potent doses of emotion that further urged her to entice him. This was Amariette's first taste of seduction and she was driven by mere instinct and the most basic primal desires of touch and sensual sensory perception. Letting her hands slowly fall from her shoulders, her upper body was revealed to him gently, the nipples hardened and blushing as red and her cheeks. Wrapping her arms loosely about his neck, she drew herself forward and urged him closer as well, her figure pressed to his as her lips found his own in a passionate, but closed mouth kiss, the girl still hindered by shyness.~<c> Amariette: ~Letting the kiss linger for a moment or two, she then let her lips move along his jaw and up to his ear, her chest now crushed against his and her lower body still hidden beneath the water. "Daniel…." She whispered, the warm breath on his ear, sweet and inviting, and the heat of her skin radiating into him, as if she were giving him new life with her obvious affection.~
Daniel Carter: -He leaned into the kiss, letting her more or less take charge and initiative. It was not that he was in any way dispassionate about her, but for some reason she managed to stir a feeling of such comfort in him that he was more than willing to yield to her in any given situation. She was ... so strong of will, like she had been in the dungeon, full of spirit and determination in the face of perhaps the biggest crime lord in all of Ayenee, yet in front of him she was shy and scared that she might anger him. Him! A laid back and cool-headed scientist... it didn't make any sense to him. Even without his current physical condition, it was this notion that urged him subconsciously to be gentle with her, so even as she exposed herself and pulled him closer(C)- Daniel Carter: -he could do little more than let his hand that wasn't propping him up move down her shoulder blade and spine to the small of her back, and there it would stay. His eyelids slid closed behind his glasses and a contented smile spread over his lips as she trailed her own over his jaw line and neck. Her smell, the heat of her breath, her voice... it was like he was in another place and time, a world beyond this one. She may have been new to the game of seduction, but she certainly was good at it. In fact had he not been recovering from a gunshot wound and a few days of torture and abuse he might not have been able to stay with her much longer, lest he be held accountable for his actions. He kissed her again, gently, before touching his nose to hers and(C)- Daniel Carter: - then resting his forehead against hers. "I love you." He said softly, fingers running up her spine a ways and then back down to the small of her back, tripping over every single vertebra. For a moment he opened his eyes and watched her face studiously, taking in the colors, the textures and the lines, etching the image into his head. Perhaps it didn't need to be said, but her look... of fear... when he came towards her, it worried him. "I don't want you to be afraid of me." He said quietly, his eyes now moving to rest on hers, searching back and forth for some kind of reply.(F)-
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Post by Amariette Willowbane on Sept 27, 2004 23:32:47 GMT -5
Amariette: ~"I'm not afraid of you Daniel. I could never be. I just…I've never felt this way before and I really don't know what is expected of me..what you expect of me. But I trust you, I trust you with my life, my soul, my heart…and…my body. I'm sorry, but when you sacrificed all your knowledge, everything you are to that brute of a man, I knew I would never be afraid again. I was happy Daniel, happy to be with you, happy to die with you. What does that mean?" She let her cheek nuzzle against his shoulder then, her eyes closing and her gentle breathing still evident through her trembling. The girl was obviously overwhelmed with this strange euphoria that had descended upon her, but she drew her emerald gaze to him once again.~<c> Amariette: ~"All I could think about was how much I wanted to be in your arms, how much I wanted you to hold me so that everything would be alright. I know, I know, it's selfish and I ask your forgiveness, but, I love you so much. I just, I don't know how to show it enough. Most people look on me like some silly little peasant girl, but I know I am much more. I feel it every time I am with you." Reaching up, she traced the outline of his face, her fingertips soft as silk to the touch and her look that of sudden wonderment, as though she was looking on him with new sight and could not contain her amazement. "I never could have imagined the obstacles I would have to face when I chose to stay with you. Even now, I'm very frightened of the future. But I know, I know that you'll take care of me."~<c> Amariette: ~"I know that you'll be with me when I need you the most and I can't tell you how much that means to me. You were a complete stranger to me, but you knew exactly how to treat me. You knew Daniel, you knew all along." Small tears fell from her eyes and she squeezed them shut for a moment or two, lowering her head to the rush of emotion that filled her every pore. Slipping her lower lip between her teeth, a deep inhale broke her silence and her breasts quivered in response, the spring still caressing her lower regions rather reassuringly. Green orbs meeting blue, she could only smile, her lips curling into an unmatched display of perfect contentment and security, something she had feared was lost to her completely.~
Daniel Carter: -He raised his hand then and laid his index finger across her lips. "I don't expect a thing out of you except respect. And I have that, so you won't hear me complaining about anything else." He said, draping his arm around her in a half hug. He gave her a small kiss "And I don't intend on letting you apologize for anything. You don't have to explain yourself... I know. " He said reassuringly. He studied her a moment longer with a weird kind of smile, that kind of, I'm thinking something I may or may not tell you kind of smile, before he decided on telling her. "I never expected you to show up to rescue me from that place. You were a lot braver than I was. But please promise me you'll never do it again." he said, looking at her over top of his glasses(C)- Daniel Carter: -with a humored smile. He reached around and kissed her cheek then before pulling his arm back as he started to get up. "However, if I don't go change my clothes and get to my mother's in about an hour, she will kill me. And then we might have a problem. You are of course invited if you want to come along, but I think I kept the woman waiting a little longer than she expected." He winced as he finally made it to a stand and then hobbled off, cane in hand, towards the part in the hedges and towards the back door. Once inside he made his way to the wash bin, stripped off his shirt and dunked his head in, running the water with a cup through his hair and rinsed it out as well as washing his face and hands. It was good enough for him. (C)- Daniel Carter: -In his own room he got himself a clean white button down shirt and a new pair of khakis, somehow managed to get his shoes back on without killing himself, and then set about the task of finding a comb somewhere amidst the piles of research materials. Victory was his as he picked up a bone made fine toothed comb he had brought back from his time in the Atskalan jungle and proceeded to groom himself to the best of his ability in a very unclean mirror on his bedroom wall. Two day beard, split lip, black eye, bad limp. Mum wasn't going to be very pleased with him. He frowned a little somehow thinking that this might be an embarrassment if he went in such a state. He straightened up his collar and put on a belt, then picked up his cane and (C)-
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Post by Amariette Willowbane on Sept 27, 2004 23:34:02 GMT -5
Daniel Carter: -headed for the common room to see if Amari wanted to come with him or not. He was sure Maggie would fall over of a heart attack at meeting her, or at least steal her for the rest of the night and give her warnings about his behavioral problems. He sat down on the couch with a small smile at that. After all, what else, at his age, were mothers for than to scare off your girlfriends?(F)-
Amariette: ~Watching him go, she was content to finish her bath and rose from the pool, reaching for the towel and wrapping it about her body. Tucking it securely, she collected her things and drifted down the stone path, her mind drifting far away on the past couple of days. There was something that was changing inside her, evolving, and she had no idea how to explain it, let alone classify it, but it nagged at her just the same. Still, she had to find someway to make herself presentable if she was going to meet his mother and make the best impression possible. As the sun dried her skin rather efficiently, she left barely discernible footprints up his stairs and the water had evaporated by the time she walked through the door.~<c> Amariette: ~Unbeknownst to her, she had walked at a snails pace all the way back from the spring, taking her time and then some. Closing the door firmly behind her, she drew down the hall in search of Daniel, praying that he would have something for her to wear at least for the time being. Finding him resting comfortably once again, she drew timidly into the room and tried her best to look as tastefully ceremonial as she could, her things still cluttered into her folded arms. Shifting her weight back and forth on her bare pink toes, she tilted her head inquisitively and her voice flowed soft and subdued, "I don't suppose you would have something for me to wear?"~<c> Amariette: ~"Unfortunately, I hadn't planned on paying a visit to Mrs. Maggie and so I really don't have anything that would be respectful to adorn for her pleasure. I wouldn't have brought it up, but first impressions are very important and I believe she would think twice about letting a vagabond into her home, no matter how fair they may be." Laughing gently, she smiled a warm smile and watched him, feeling more out of place here than in the confines of the hot spring, and she had been nude and bare to his eyes. Amariette was a rather eccentric girl even though she did her best to put on an air of simplicity that would keep her from drawing the attention of the wrong person. It had been a disguise that her father had taught her long ago, a way to keep her protected even when he was not around.~<c> Amariette: ~Old habits died hard it seemed.~
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Post by Amariette Willowbane on Sept 27, 2004 23:34:57 GMT -5
Daniel Carter: -He lifted his eyes to her as she walked in and smiled. She was still beautiful. It was adorable to watch her shift back and forth, and it brought a smile to him to see her so concerned for her appearance about him. She was... some kind of wonderful. Though a small look of thoughful worry crossed his face as she asked if he had anything to wear. Well certainly all of his clothes were too big for her not to mention he wore just about the same thing every day (though the thought of him bringing home another archaeologist, now wouldn't that please Mum!) Then he seemed to stumble onto something, hesitated, but decided it was for the best to say something. "Well..." he began, chewing his lip as he stood, achily, "Evelyn did leave a trunk (C)- Daniel Carter: -of her things here when she... " he cleared his throat, looking down, "When things ended between us." It was an embarrassing memory to keep having to bring up. Evie never had come back for her things. She had gathered what she really wanted and slammed the door in his face. Not that he hadn't deserved it, but sometimes it still stung. But he was alright. That was nine years ago. He had his closure with it. "It should still be in my room over in the corner. I don't think it's locked. You might fit into her stuff, though she was... fairly simple in her dress. I know Mum won't care what you look like. Trust me." He said, scratching his head with the back of his hand. After all, it had been nine years. Maggie probably wouldn't care if he brought home(C)- Daniel Carter: -the bearded lady, just as long as it was -someone- for him to be with, potentially settle down with. A lot of people, he found, were quite worried about his love life, blaming the Evelyn incident for driving him to his work. He had just never told anyone that it was his work that had actually driven Evelyn away from him. "She hasn't come back for it in nine years, and since the camp is a few miles off, you might as well try her things and see if they fit... that is... if you're comfortable with that..." he said, the expression on his face making it apparent he knew how weird that might be.(F)-
Amariette: ~"I suppose that will have to do, thank you Daniel. I shall be back shortly, I don't plan to keep your mother waiting longer than I have to." Disappearing out again, she drifted down the hall to his bedroom and went in search of the elusive trunk that had belonged to the ex Mrs. Daniel Carter. Clearing away the archeological debris, she found the withered chest sitting dormant and she opened it hurriedly, rummaging through a few items until something caught her eye. Returning to where Daniel awaited, she could hardly hide the glee in her eyes, her lips curled into a marvelous smile that clearly displayed her happiness with the outfit she had chosen. The dress was a rich burgundy color that hugged her shoulders but left them bare, the material flaring at her wrists rather modestly.~<c> Amariette: ~Her hem was ruffled slightly and basic but decorative embroidery gave the simple dress a rather bold and endearing look, her feet adorned in an old, but polished pair of dressy travel boots. It was a bit startling that she fit so well in Evelyn's old things, but Amariette seemed more content to be wearing something in the first place, her opinion of the woman rather indifferent. Giving a small turn, she couldn't help but model the ensemble in front of him, her hair completely dry and hanging in thick ringlets about her shoulders, framing her angelic face perfectly. "Appropriate enough?" She questioned, though it was more than obvious that she had a bit more shape to her than Evelyn had, her hips accented and the classic hourglass figure taken to a whole new level of daintiness.~<c> Amariette: ~Moving toward him, she gripped the comb and adjusted his hair since it had begun to stick up in some places, her brows furrowing in concentration and her lower lip slipping between her teeth. Taking a step back from him, she surveyed his figure in greater detail and could not help but think how immaculate he looked right at that moment, despite his rather draining week thus far. Handing him his comb, she let her head fall rather sheepishly and offered a modest smile just the same, a hand slipping into his and her green eyes drifting up to meet his blue gaze, "Shall we?"~
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Post by Amariette Willowbane on Sept 27, 2004 23:41:11 GMT -5
Daniel Carter: -He tilted his head and closed one eye to zero in on her. It sure as hell did look a lot better on her than it ever had on Evie. There were times when he actually still missed Evelyn, but he didn't let it linger too much, especially these days. "You're impossibly adorable." he said, looking up and crosseyed as she redid his hair. Ah, he would have to get used to having a woman around the house again. Not that he minded. He squeezed her hand and they were off. The Carter residence was not far, in fact, it was only maybe a quarter of a mile down the road from Daniel's small ranch style home. It was set into a hillside with a small pasture and a few sheep around the back, a small barn with a few black cats lounging in the hay, two pigs and a cow(C)- Daniel Carter: -it was nothing like the farms in Dubh, it was a small family supporting farm. The pigs were actually just pets and not to be eaten. Halar was curled up in the back fenced in area, the animals well accustomed to his presence here. Daniel nodded to him, continuing to walk liesurely towards the front door. "I don't know if I should warn you or not, but Mum... she's a little... er... well, you'll see." His mother was blunt. Very very blunt. Not unkind really, just brutally honest. He lifted a hand and knocked on the front door. A curtain moved and he knew she was checking to see if he was here or not. As the heavy oak door swung open he looked up and braced for impact. "Hey mum..." He said, but he didn't get much further. "Daniel Phillip Carter!"(C)- Daniel Carter: -the five foot four, blue eyed woman with the brown pulled back hair, now streaked with gray had her hands folded over her chest, looking just as she always did in breeches and a man's shirt looking very disgruntled at her only son. "Two weeks, Daniel!" He looked down sheepishly. "I know mum, I sent Halar over..." She glared at him, but in doing so was able to take in his situation. "Daniel, what have you done to yourself!" She lifted his chin and surveryed the black eye, the split lip, the bruises with a hawk's gaze, twisting his face to look to the otherside as well. "Ow! Mum... stop it." he said a little annoyed, pulling her hand down. "Daniel... " Her eyes softened a little as she looked at the cane. "What happened to you, are you alright?"(C)- Daniel Carter: -He sighed and ran his hand through his hair, successfully undoing Amariette's combing, a nervous habit he had. "I'm fine mum, I promise, it was just an onsite accident and NO" He said holding up his finger with a warning look "I don't want to talk about it right now." She pursed her lips and arched a thin eyebrow. It was easy to see where Daniel got his looks from. They looked almost identical in most ways. Though his mannerisms were much like his father's. "Alright Danny. But later..." He nodded and waved the hand to brush her off. "I know I know.. later." He motioned over to Amariette and put his arm around her waist. "Mum, this is Amariette Willowbane. Amari, this is my mother, Magdeline Carter." He said, doing the formal introductions(C)- Daniel Carter: -Maggie looked from her son to the girl, then her son's arm, then Evelyn's dress, and a small smile came over her face. So that's why Danny hadn't come to visit! She smiled and reached forwards to hug Amariette with a new kind of motherlike warmth. "Hello dear, it's a pleasure. Just call me Maggie. Now please you two... come on inside. Lunch is almost ready!"(F)-
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Post by Amariette Willowbane on Sept 27, 2004 23:56:53 GMT -5
Amariette: ~Amariette was on the verge of sweating lead but as the lovely Carter home came into view, her heart softened considerably and she breathed a deep sigh of relief. This was her home. This was the environment she was used to. A wave of nostalgia washed over her and she smiled brightly, giving his hand a gentle squeeze, a telltale sign of her delight. She could almost picture herself running through the pasture barefoot and frolicking in the hay as she did as a child, red faced and giggling all the way. A sudden image of Princess Willow came to her mind, easily lulling her into a more relaxed state as Daniel eased her up the stairs to the door.~<c> Amariette: ~Hearing his broken sentences, she almost didn't know what to expect when the older woman emerged and began to instantly fuss over and chastise him. It brought an instant amused smile to her lips and she marveled at the obvious love the two shared for each other, a mother hen heckling over her baby chick, even those this chick had become quite an accomplished man. Feeling him grip her waist rather casually and offer an introduction, she could only smile and lower her eyes, a greeting about to flow from her lips as the woman embraced her. An incredulous look filled her eyes as she timidly rested her hands against Maggie's back and accepted the hug with total joy and eagerness, her own heart in a flutter.~<c> Amariette: ~It was obvious that she looked more like an accessory than a companion, but Daniel was respectful and gracious just the same, a further comfort in her nervous anxiety. As Mrs. Carter showed them in, Amariette couldn't help but let her eyes survey the place in as much detail as she could, comparing the woman's home to Daniel's almost instinctively. "You have such a lovely place here Maggie, it reminds me of my own home in Chartha. The pigs are a lovely touch as well, have you named them too?" A soft laugh flowed from her lips as she thought back to her own days as a youth, naming every animal she saw on the farms about the village. Oh yes, it would be a joy to spend time here. Amariette was only just realizing it.~
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Post by Dr. Daniel Carter on Sept 29, 2004 2:36:03 GMT -5
Daniel Carter: -The house looked much like Daniel's had only it was actually tidy and the books and journals were actually all on shelves, the desk in the study looking like it hadn't been used in quite some time. Maggie herself was retired, having retired when Daniel was born and was now living off of her late husband's savings which was quite a large sum of money. There was a melodious chuckle from the woman as Amariette complimented her several times. "Just James' last will to me, and I'm glad you think it looks nice. It would be nice to say the same for my son, but I couldn't without lying." She called from the kitchen, "And the pigs are Danny's, he named them Horus and Thoth when he was ten." Daniel rolled his eyes and ducked under the low(C)- Daniel Carter: -hanging chandelier. "Mother, my place isn't that bad... it's just a little messy in some spots. I'm busy, I can't be a neat freak all the time." Maggie was smiling in the kitchen and called back to Amariette, "Sounds just like what his father would say." Daniel plopped himself down in a chair at the table and sulked a little. Maggie turned around to Amariette with a coy wink and a tray in her hands. "Please dear, don't be shy, have a seat. You're more than welcome to be here anytime you want. I already have food made up since the excavation workers needed a place to go." Daniel looked up with a worried look. "Mom... you're letting them come here? All of them?" She shook her head and set a fresh bowl of stew in front of her son. "No Danny, just the injured ones."(C)- Daniel Carter: -He furrowed his brow again. "How many of them are there?" She set down a glass of water and a bowl of stew for Amariette as well and slid into a chair next to the girl, across from her son. "About half your site. I rallied the town and told them that we would put them up. They're more than willing on account of your father. I can take as many as the common room can hold. Most aren't bad, Danny, don't worry yourself so hard. You're probably the worst of the lot at this point." He snorted, making it evident that her words didn't make him feel a whole lot better. Eyes shifted to Halar in the yard, knowing the dragon was watching out for him. But he was safe now. The people at the dig probably needed his help more. Excusing himself for just a moment(C)- Daniel Carter: - he took up his cane and meandered outside to go discuss the best course of action with his friend and co-author. Maggie shook her head. "Always like him. First second he's in the door there's something in his head. Never can just sit and talk to his mother. " She shrugged with a smile, being used to teasing her son for his absent mindedness on many occassions. Then her intense blue eyes shifted to the girl. "So do tell me about yourself dear, you say you're from Chartha?"(F)-
Amariette: ~"Oh, yes Maggie. I've lived there my entire life with my father Bigham Sovrine. He's a rather famous blacksmith here in Ulster and I help him in his shop most of the time. My mother died when I was very young. Her name was Brianne, she was a lesser born noble woman from a distant kingdom." Ceasing her talk to taste the stew, she licked her lips casually and relished in the flavor, her stomach melting in delight and her eyes closing momentarily. She could detect so many spices and a soft moan rose from her throat as she reached for a napkin to dab at the sides of her mouth. "I really appreciate your hospitality Maggie, I admit that it has been some time since I've been comfortable enough to freely speak of my life. The past days have been a bit trying for me."~<c> Amariette: ~"You see, this is my first time out on my own. Bigham is a bit overprotective and I really don't blame him. I've had to deal with some pretty interesting situations. For example, one Ms. Charlie Dudox who works on the excavation team. The woman seems to have it out for me in no uncertain terms. She does her best to belittle me in Daniel's presence any chance she gets, whether it is subliminal or not. Of course, I was taught to be respectful to everyone and because I am just a common village girl, I have done my best to remember my place. I admit that I'm not school learned as she is, but I'm not ignorant. I have feelings just like everyone else does and I know when a joke or comment is being made at my expense. I only wish I knew what I could do to make her like me."~<c> Amariette: ~Folding her hands in her lap, she let her gaze drift out of the window toward the conversing pair and a sigh parted her lips. It was obvious the girl was suffering from some type of inner turmoil, but she quickly returned her emerald gaze to Maggie Carter, a bright smile forming on her lips. Reaching out, she rested her hand on the woman's arm lightly, "You must give me your recipe for this stew, my father would surely relish in such a hearty and delicious meal."~
Daniel Carter: -The woman chuckled. "It's an old family recipe, and of course I'll give it to you. It's one of Daniel's favorites." She said throwing in a little clue that she approved of Amariette heartily. She patted Amariette's hand a few times with the wisdom an old archaeologist. "Don't worry about this other woman, darling. Despite what she says about you, she isn't the one in my house, now is she?" She gave a sly smile and took a few bites of her own lunch. "I'm glad to see Daniel has come out of his shell somewhat." she went on, watching her son converse with the dragon out in the yard. "He barely talked to anyone but Halar after his father died. There was Evelyn, and when she left him he dove headfirst into his work." She looked back to the young(C)- Daniel Carter: -girl with a bit of a nostalgic but strong look. "Don't think I'm not proud of my son. I am. He's found his place and done very well for himself. I just wish that maybe we could have given him a little more to start with than a brush and a chisel, like maybe some social skills..." She trailed off and shook her head. Squeezing Amariette's arm a little she looked back with a smile. "Just bear with him. He's a good boy with a good heart, but he can be hard to deal with sometimes when he's off in his own world. I'm sure you shouldn't have too much trouble. But sometimes dear, it won't be very easy." Outside Daniel was leaning heavily on the Dragon's ribs and thinking hard. "I don't know where they're all going to stay... some with the Crocketts,(C)- Daniel Carter: - some with the Walshes if they even have room..." He frowned. "Maybe Amariette would do better if she stayed with Mum and Charlie stayed with me. I can't see having them both in the same house or having Charlie stay with Mum... don't you think that would be kind of... awkward?" He looked up at the dragon, squinting in the sun. Halar shook his head as if to say, 'I want no part of this one. You're on your own.' Daniel waved him off. "You're hardly a help. Go back to the side, round up who can be moved and get them the heck out of there. I'll go see the queen when I can walk again..." he scowled for a moment at the thought of the time it would take to heal before stepping back a few to let Halar take off before turning to go back to the house(F)-
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Post by Dr. Daniel Carter on Sept 29, 2004 2:36:18 GMT -5
Amariette: ~ Amariette nodded her head at the woman's words, the synopsis of her son more than helpful. "Yes, I know, he's not very different from my father really. After my mother died, my father put all his time into his work and sent me to live on different farms throughout Chartha with the village wives and such. He figured that since I would never grow up as a young man to continue his legacy of blacksmithing, I should learn how to sew and the lot. Woman's work, he called it. Of course, being a girl of five, I was hardly in the position to protest. Even now, since I am back in his control and have become his responsibility once again, he still considers me a valued asset and little else."~<c> Amariette: ~"Affection was a female characteristic that my mother smothered me with, but don't get me wrong. I know Bigham loves me very much, but he also loves making swords. See where I am going?" The girl surprised herself with the freedom in which she spoke with Maggie, her soul being bared for the woman to hear and reflect on. She suspected it was the homely manner in which Mrs. Carter received her, as if everything that came out of her mouth mattered immensely. She liked that. She liked Maggie. Lifting her head as Daniel reappeared and seated himself, she pushed his bowl of stew towards him again and urged him to eat. "I wonder if you aren't bothered by eating cold food all the time Daniel."~<c> Amariette: ~"Honestly, one of these days, I am going to find some way to get you to sit down for a hot meal and actually -stay- there." Laughing softly, she wrapped her fingers about her glass and sipped at the water gently, her bare neck tensing as she swallowed shallowly, tasting the minerals and feeling another wave of sudden nostalgia. She wondered if she was missed back home. The orchards would be starting to turn now, the leaves falling into death with their red, orange, and browns. Sheep would be sheared for sweaters that would warm the bodies of the little ones as they hunted for acorns to adorn their kitchen tables. It was enough to make her turn her head away once again, her gaze moving listlessly out the window to the land beyond.~<c> Amariette: ~The world of her memories was dominating her more than she liked and Amariette forced herself to return to the table where Maggie was still smiling pleasantly, but looking on Daniel with obvious disdain. The girl laughed gently, if this wasn't entertaining, she didn't know what was.~
Daniel Carter: -Maggie laughed and patted Amariette on the arm once more. "Oh Amariette. I know exactly what you mean. Don't be too afraid around my little boy, though. He was raised primarily by me, and in my house, any work you want to do is a woman's work." her eyes twinkled with an immense motherly strength. She was as much a scholor and an adventurer as she was a mother and a caretaker, and she always had been. And thank god (for his sake) that James had never stood in the way of that. "Daniel is a hardheaded and determined young man, but I know, from raising him, that he would never stand in the way of anything you wanted to do." She nodded sagely. Daniel would never dare treat a woman as anything less than an equal, and Maggie knew that(C)- Daniel Carter: -Lords above, she had raised him after all. She did like Amariette quite a bit, and wanted the girl to know that under a Carter's roof she would never just be a housewife or a womanly worker. She would be a person, a novel concept that often times made the village workers talk in whispers, but Maggie would have it no other way. Daniel walked slowly, giving himself and the two women time to breathe. It was a lovely brisk early afternoon now. The autumn was setting in. He always had loved this time of year, everything cooled down and it was time for pies, harvesting, and enjoying the last few days of sun before the cold snap came and the bleak rains and the snows in tow. He came in the back door, shut it, and kissed his mother on the cheek(C)- Daniel Carter: -affectionately, to which Maggie smiled. She was really all he had had for the longest time after Evelyn left him. And it came to no surprise to him that he was all she had after James had died. They were close, even if they did bicker as only a mother and son could. He settled in to eat his stew and Gave Amariette a look, but an incorrigible smile to go along with it and laid his hand over hers, unafraid to show affection in his mother's presence. He had left them alone on purpose to build a level of trust, and knowing Maggie, it was already done. "I like it better when it's cold." He retorted between bites and then went back to devouring the luke-warm delight. Maggie sighed a small sigh of contentment and stood up. "I'll go get you that recipe."(C)- Daniel Carter: -she said with a small but knowing smile. And so she moved to the counter to set about writing it down on some parchment. Daniel, seeing his mother's back turned to them he leaned in and gave Amariette a quick kiss to which Maggie who had not turned around said "I saw that Daniel. You're at the table." reminding him of his poor manners. He grinned and shook his head, motioning that she had eyes in the back of her head and then turned his attentions back to his food.(F)-
Amariette: ~Leaning over to brush her lips against his ear, she began to whisper gently, her voice barely discernible, but no doubt loud enough for Maggie's keen sense of motherly hearing. "Your mother is a treasure Daniel. I think I may spend more time with her, after all, she seems to be a bit more safe to be with than you. I don't have to worry about thieves trying to kidnap her and make her talk do I?" Nuzzling his cheek, she gave him a secret kiss at the corner of his mouth and then returned to her bowl to finish the stew, relishing in the remnants and collecting her spoon and empty glass. Rising, she drew across the room and into the kitchen with Maggie, asking her if it would be all right if she cleaned out her own dishes and returned them to their proper place.~<c> Amariette: ~It was rather amazing really as she went about tidying up her own things, her intuition leading her to the dish towel to wipe her things dry before putting them in the correct cabinets. Looking over Maggie's shoulder as she finished the recipe, her eyes went wide in delight and a bright smile curled on her lips, "Ah, I knew I tasted a hint of rosemary. I try my best to keep some fresh and on hand at home. I even convinced father to let me plant an herb garden just below our windowsill. We have Basil, Rosemary, and a few others that he prefers in almost everything I make." Laughing, she drew out of the kitchen and returned to her seat, leaning over once again to whisper to her feasting companion. "So, I saw Halar outside and you two seemed to be engaged in quite the conversation.~<c> Amariette: ~"Anything I should be made aware of? I would prefer you tell me know instead of leaving me to be surprised later on. After spending a few days with you Daniel, I have had enough surprises to last me a lifetime." Taking her napkin, she re-folded it perfectly and slipped it across her lap, rather thankful that she hadn't spilled anything on her lovely dress. Enjoying a meal was one thing, but making a mess of yourself and looking a complete slob was another. Clasping her hands in her lap again, atop the dainty accoutrement, she lifted her gaze to Maggie and called out softly, "I don't suppose you have a garden of your own do you?"~
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Post by Dr. Daniel Carter on Sept 29, 2004 2:36:30 GMT -5
Daniel Carter: -He smiled and shushed at her silently by laying a finger against his lips to tell her to keep quiet about the whole incident with the criminals and the kidnapping. He didn't need his mother knowing about the cave in and the kidnapping all at once. It would be bad for her. He cleared his throat as she asked him what he and Halar were talking about n the back yard. "The dig site was burnt up, there are a lot of injuries and taking them to Emain Macha would be impractical so we were deciding who should go where." He finished off his own stew and cleared his dishes, his mother swatting at him to go sit back down, for injured men did not do dishes, she said frankly, and he obeyed. He sat down and took Amariette's hand once more. "You of course can (C)- Daniel Carter: -stay wherever you want to. But I think it would be best if Charlie stayed with me. I'm the only one she knows and I could use her help putting the translation commission I got from the queen into context historically speaking. If you want to stay with me I would never object, but if you wanted to stay here I'm sure my mother wouldn't, either..." He trailed off, studying her face as if he might have said something wrong when Maggie pipped up again, sensing a need for some privacy. "Why yes I do dear, a rather well tended one in my retirement. I know Daniel isn't so good with a trowel so whenever you need something you're -always- welcome." She said putting heavy emphasis on the world always. "Daniel, dear, show her the garden."(C)- Daniel Carter: -she said in a stern voice. Daniel nodded and got up, cane in hand to hold the door for her. The garden was a lovely little vegetable patch with many herds from thyme to oregano growing fresh but soon to be out of season if it was not picked and dried for the winter months. Sitting himself on a stone bench he watched Amariette as she moved around the plants, hands on his cane and a smile on his face. "You look beautiful today, in case I haven't said it." He said to her softly, taking no shame in admiring her from his vantage point.(F)-
Amariette: ~She barely heard his compliment as her stomach knotted considerably and her jaw set, the life in her eyes fading into a vacant luster that betrayed her inner thoughts. So Charlie would be coming? And she was to stay with Daniel? How delightful. Amariette was caught between her sudden vicious retort and something that would sound less unselfish and more understanding. Sitting next to him, she had positioned herself as far away from him as possible without falling off and landing on the ground, her eyes downcast and the color leaving her cheeks. "You know what is best Daniel, and I will respect your wishes of course. I would enjoy staying with your mother but I cannot allow you to go without first saying this. I don't trust Ms. Charlie one bit."~<c> Amariette: ~"True, I am but a common village girl, but I know a wolf when I see one. That woman will bind herself to you with strength so fierce; I will all but vanish from your thoughts completely. Please try to understand, there are some things that you do not notice when she is around. But I have eyes Daniel, and I see a great many things. Difficulties will arise from this, mark me. Maggie and I will get along wonderfully, and I appreciate the opportunity to spend time with her, but I will not be passed over. Not again." Lifting her gaze to him, her eyes were cold and cruel, a sight that was completely new on the girl, but her lips pressed together in a trembling pout that soon destroyed her attempt at nerve. She was frightened, thoroughly afraid of losing him.~<c> Amariette: ~Her very hands began to shake and she clasped them tightly together, trying to steady herself before her emotion got the best of her. Turning her head away, the crown of red curls that adorned her head shifted in the gentle breeze and her voice was now wavering like the flame of a candle. "I will not be passed over…" Was she overreacting? Was she seeing and feeling things that were all of her own making? Amariette wasn't sure. She wasn't sure of anything anymore, especially when it came to Daniel. Yet her intuition told her to suspect, and so she did. As of yet, her instincts had never failed her before.~
Daniel Carter: -His eyes looked saddened for a moment as hers turned so hard and unkind, a look in her that he felt was so foreign. "Amari..." He said, raising a hand to lift her chin so that she had no choice but to meet his gaze. His eyes were worried, confused, and a little bit hurt. "You really think I would do that?" He had been single for nine years. Nine years! He hadn't so much as looked at a woman, talked to her more than in passing, held any interest in anyone until she came along, and now she suspected he would leave her for Charlie? "I already told you that I love you, I... I don't..." know what else to say? understand? know why you would think this? She could take her pick. "Charlie is a collegue... she knows more about the Happon-Fasses tribes(C)- Daniel Carter: -than anyone else in the field. She brought me an artifact that she wants me to translate, she stimulates my brain and she competes with me during digs. I like that. And I like her. But I'm here, now, with -you- and that should tell you something." He let her go and sighed, looking away off towards the barn and the animals. He tried to dig up some old memories of his childhood, happy thoughts, but he couldn't. What was going on between these two women was nothing he wanted to be caught in the middle of. They were both adults, why could they not just act like it? Had he not made things clear? Could he not care about them both? Perhaps there was more to the situation that he simply did not understand, and he would more than bet on that(C)- Daniel Carter: -as being true. He looked back to Amariette again and put his hand in hers. "If you want her to stay someplace else, then alright, that's what I'll do, but tell me now, ok?"(F)-
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Post by Dr. Daniel Carter on Oct 2, 2004 23:38:59 GMT -5
Amariette: ~Amariette let her soft emerald gaze fall on his hand, slipped intimately into her own, a flutter of warmth filling her heart. "I'm sorry Daniel, if you think it best that Ms. Charlie stay with you, then I won't fuss. It's very nice that you have such consideration for her and I do understand the impact she has on your life. Your relationship with her is one in a million. Please don't mind me too much, the last thing I want is to cause unnecessary trouble." She moved closer to him and rested her head against his shoulder, her arm hooking into his so that she could give him a gentle squeeze. Letting her eyes survey the garden, she smiled softly and wondered what wonderful things she would be exposed to by Maggie, her own curiosity insatiable around the woman.~<c> Amariette: ~Nuzzling her cheek against him as the birds were singing amongst one another, their melodies filling the air and the bright sun shine warming her face, she let her thoughts drift back to her childhood again. "Daniel, what was your life like as a child?" Raising her gaze easily, she let her eyes search his own, the urge to kiss him overwhelming. Before he could answer, she tilted her head and let her lips press to his, the affection a bit more evident now that they were alone and free to express themselves without chastisement. Reaching up, she let her fingers stroke along his cheeks and lower jaw, their feather soft tips caressing his skin and the fast growing beard that had given him a considerably older look than she was used to.~<c> Amariette: ~He was truly a kind and wonderful man, his intentions always noble and pure. It seemed that his range of knowledge was limitless and she suddenly felt more protective of him than she had ever been before, her soul melting at the thought of his affections lavished so easily upon her. Finally releasing his lips from her hold, she lifted his arm and slipped it about her shoulders gently, leaning into him and nestling her forehead against the side of his jaw, a long sigh escaping her lips. It never ceased to amaze her, the familiarity of it all, as though she had been in his presence all her life and was merely taking advantage of the obvious chemistry they both shared.~<c> Amariette: ~Letting her eyes close, she suddenly needed him to hold her close, reassure her that her affections and attentions were more then appreciated. True, it did seem a bit needy and selfish, but the girl was not accustomed to feeling so deeply and his presence comforted her greatly and eased all innocent doubt within her heart. In the back of her mind, Amariette suddenly thought of Theoren and his promise to see Daniel again, the tone of his voice making her tremble involuntarily. Clinging to him tighter, she wrapped her arms about him and tried to make herself as small as possible, perhaps become one with the man she loved. 'I can't lose you Daniel, not now.' She thought to herself, her fears fading back into the shadows for the time being.~
Daniel Carter: -He wrapped his arms around her and held her, letting her rest her head on his shoulder and kissed the top of her head. She worried about him, thick headed as he was that much he could see. The extent to which she worried about his affections for others, he did not know of. How could he? His head was a jumble of historical facts and fictions, it was hard enough for him to concentrate on anything in the real world for more than small chunks at a time let alone to analyze a social situation. That was being a bit too expectant of him. All he could do was express things and hoped they would clear up any of her fears. He did not know what to do about Theoren, but the mess he had caused had to be cleaned up and Daniel himself needed time(C)- Daniel Carter: -in his home to heal before he could go anywhere. As soon as he was alright to walk again he would visit the capital and see the queen, tell her what had happened, get some security for himself and for his family, of which he was unsure if Amariette was now a part. Her father would want to know she was safe, after all, they had both been through a lot. He was thankful that she was not harmed, though the beatings he took from Theoren were harsh indeed, his wounds still evident, there was something about the man that told him Amariette would not come to immediate harm by his hand. So much for honor amongst thieves, anyway. He looked over to the barn and then the garden again with a small smile. "My childhood... it was interesting. "(C)- Daniel Carter: -he finally said in reply to her question. "I used to spend all my time outside in the orchard beyond the barn sitting in an old apple tree... reading. I was always reading so I could keep up with my dad. He and Mom were both archaeologists, though mom retired when they had me. He used to take me around to smaller sites in Ulster, sometimes to the main land or Avalon. I guess I didn't have a whole lot of friends, but my Uncle used to live in the area, and my father and mother had friends as well. So I wasn't really alone in spirit, just sometimes in mind." He gave a small chuckle and rested his head on hers. "And of course for the past decade or so I've had Halar. He's the closest friend I've got. I lived with him for a long time until I bought my house(C)- Daniel Carter: -and even then... I still lived with him much of the time." Looking off past the garden into the house through the windows he smiled, almost able to see himself as a small boy, his father, his mother, sitting in the common room and talking, having some kind of family discussion like they did every week, or his father telling him some fable from a far distant land, showing him how to make talismans, or write in Mapouche. It made him smile, very genuinely. He had, unlike most people he knew, a very happy childhood. He looked down to her and ran his fingers down her arm gently. "How about you? Good childhood?"(F)-
Amariette: ~ "Hmm, I suppose so. Before my mother died, we spent every waking moment together. She took me on all types of 'adventures' through the village. Sometimes we would get into enough mischief to make Bigham a bit wary of leaving us alone when he went on long trips, but Brianne would win him over every time. I can remember days when we would play hide in seek in the village orchards, no doubt you've heard of our autumn apple tree foliage. It's a wondrous sight to see actually, we get many visitors every year. My mother was such a happy woman, I never once saw a tear fall from her eyes. Bigham never really told me how she died, and as a girl-child of five, I had come awake in the home of one of Chartha's merchant's wives to find that mother would not be joining me by my bedside anymore.~<c> Amariette: ~"Even now he refuses to speak on it, and I have given up asking in turn. After she was gone, I grew up in the homes of the older women, learning stitchery, crocheting, and all manner of female duties. When I became a teenager, father let me live at home with him again and I learned what I could of blacksmithing and even a little swordplay when he wasn't too busy. It's just been he and I for the longest time, but I have never forgotten my mother. She is as much a part of me as I am of her. I wish you could have met her Daniel, she was a Goddess on earth." Lifting her eyes to him, she turned her head away slowly as a fit of trembling took over her body and a few tears spilled form her eyes and drifted down her cheeks.~<c> Amariette: ~He did not yet know of the vision she had seen of Brianne Willowbane, if it had indeed been a vision. Even now she wondered if she could tell him, she wondered, if he would even believe her. Pressing her lips together in a gentle pout, she reached up to wipe the moisture from her skin and calm her aching heart once again, her shoulders sagging visibly just the same. Reaching for some distant thought, she did her best to lighten the mood and change the subject. "I hope there wasn't too much damage to the excavation equipment. I admit that I did not stay long enough to see for myself the extent of the destruction. Your mother is quite the lady to be taking so many strangers into her home, no doubt she can take care of herself far better than most women her age?"~
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Post by Dr. Daniel Carter on Oct 2, 2004 23:40:15 GMT -5
Daniel Carter: -He smiled again and lifted a few curls out of her face. "I kind of already have met her, through meeting you, I guess you could say." He replied, still resting his head on her shoulder. It did seem that she was as much like Brianne as he was like James. A piece of a person always did live on through their child. He couldn't ever meet Brianne, but he could meet Bigham. He hoped that he and Amari's father saw eye to eye. It was his biggest fear to be rejected by the man, it would make things so much more complicated. He nodded about the site. "From what Halar says it will take weeks to repair all of the damage and heal the crew, but that's good. It gives us some time off. And besides... " He hugged her a little closer. "All of the important things are safe."(C)- Daniel Carter: -He laughed as she spoke of Maggie. "Mum's got it under control. She's used to dig sites, she's used to crew men. They'll listen to her if nothing else than because her last name is Carter and she was married to my father. She's a well respected woman in her own right, don't get me wrong, but since she retired early she didn't get the same renouncement if the field. But she holds her own." He smiled. His mother was getting on in years. She was in her mid fifties though she looked about ten years younger, but she was strong and resilliant and she had a son that loved her very much, though she would prefer and daughter in law, or so he assumed from how she always talked. He wondered if Bigham was like Maggie, or how he should act around the man(C)- Daniel Carter: -"Amari..." he said, still looking off into the distance as if looking through the house and not at it. "Your father must be a bit worried about where you are and what you're doing right now... it's been weeks since you've spoken to him. Do you think we should go and see him?" After all, Invernis was a nice town, but Daniel had spent nearly thirty years in it. He was always willing to explore new places. He looked down at her, the afternoon sun backlighting him. She was right, with the half grown beard, the tired look on his face... he looked older, and he wasn't sure if that, for her, was a good or a bad thing. "I just feel like maybe I should meet him, and I have kept you away from home for a long time now..." It was a lead into his next question(C)- Daniel Carter: -which he was not sure how to phrase, really. "I don't mean to send you away, you're more than welcome to keep staying with me, I just didn't know... where... ah..." He looked down, scratching the back of his head, unsure of how to proceed with the question and decided to leave it open and hope that she would understand what he was trying to tell her.(F)-
Amariette: ~Go see Bigham? She had to admit that she had thought of a small visit, but it seemed like Daniel was a bit more eager than she was. No. Eager wasn't the word for it. Anxious? Yes, anxious sounded better. Tilting her head, she thought a moment longer on her words and nodded reluctantly, "I guess you're right Daniel, my father may be losing valuable sleep over my absence. Especially since I haven't written to him in some time. Perhaps we could visit Chartha for a time, at least for a day or so. Bigham will not be pleased with my extended silence, but you would excuse me if I thought you the perfect distraction for his wrath. Don't worry, he'll be more inclined to talk with you about the tools you need crafted." ~<c> Amariette: ~Rising from the bench, she smoothed several wrinkles from her dress and adjusted the material to fit comfortably once again, her crimson strands tossed gently against her shoulders. Walking a small distance from him, she looked over her shoulder and smiled warmly, her hands clasped against her waist and her green eyes capturing him easily, "I'm going to see if Maggie needs anymore help in the kitchen. No doubt she'll have visitors soon enough if Halar is transporting them. Likely I will get to serve Ms. Charlie too. I'm sure she would appreciate a little of that stew as well. I'll leave you to your thoughts Daniel, if you wish to go to Chartha, you know where to find me. Perhaps you can consult Halar, he seems to be the valued confidante in this tender situation between us yes?"~<c> Amariette: ~Lifting her hem a slight, she glided across the stones swiftly, her hair catching in the breeze and billowing out like a ghostly train behind her as she strolled back toward the front of the house. Ascending the stairs, she opened the door and drifted back inside in hopes of sharing further light and pleasant conversation with the elder Carter as she went about her daily routine. Her gaze continued to take in all the sights of ancient artifacts and scrolls, each item with its own intriguing story no doubt, a thought that made her almost giddy. Knowledge, this is what Amariette thrived on and she felt more than lucky to be in the position to ask as many questions as she wanted and get all the answers she desired.~
Daniel Carter: -"That was what I would call less than smooth." crooned a voice in perfect draconic, the tail of a silver serpent flicking back and forth behind the bench. Daniel looked back with a start. "Halar!" He said in surprise. "What... but... how long were you listening in?" He tried sounding indignant. Halar raised his head, his long body having been covered by the tall hedges, and rested it on the bench next to Daniel with a toothy smile. "Danny, if you want her to live with you, just ask her. Sometimes lad the most direct approach is the best approach." Carter sighed and leaned back on the stone, watching Amariette and Maggie through the kitchen window. "I want to, but I don't know, if it's too soon or too forward... I'm hesitant."(C)- Daniel Carter: -He shook his head with a small frown to which Halar chuckled. "Daniel. Ask her." Daniel cracked a smile. "You think so?" Halar nodded his approval, and then they sat for a few more long moments looking into the garden, perfectly content to ignore each other as good friends only could. Inside Maggie was more than happy to recieve Amariette with a smile and a large bowl of fruit. "Put it on the table honey, as soon as Halar gets the signal to go pick up the wounded they'll be comin' in here in packs, probably hungry and tired and god knows worried about you and Danny." She said, pausing a moment with a smile that said she knew everything. "Halar told me... about what happened." She said, putting down the towel she was using(C)- Daniel Carter: -to dry her hands. Walking to Amariette she took the girl's hands and squeezed them. "Thank you for going after him." There was a look of geniune respect in the older woman's eyes for a brief moment before she turned and went back to her work at the stove cooking up more stew than she would ever know what to do with. Maggie never had been one for small talk. Unlike her soft spoke flighty son she was sharp and blunt, really shot from the hip when she was mincing words. "So, are you going to be staying in Invernis for a while then, or will you be going home to your father in Chartha?" She asked, "Because as much as I was looking forwards to another woman around the house now and again, I'm sure he misses his daughter very much."(C)- Daniel Carter: -She handed Amariette some pewter ware, bowls, and cloth swatches to be used as napkins to put out on the table as well. There were a lot of things to carry. "There's a lot of men going to be here soon, just keep your wits about you. They're like soldiers. And sometimes they're ex criminals that the magistrate has sentenced to labor for the country. Not always the most savory bunch, but entertaining never the less." She smiled again, a wisp of that old youthful Maggie, the up and coming go getter with the ambition of any man and a brain to match. Then it was spirited away and she was just Mrs. James Carter again getting ready to serve a horde of hungry young men coming from an medical camp. (F)-
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Post by Dr. Daniel Carter on Oct 2, 2004 23:41:28 GMT -5
Amariette: ~"Well Maggie, Daniel has convinced me to make the best effort to return to Chartha and soothe my father's fears. I guess I do miss my home a great deal, but I can't help but feel a bit apprehensive. There is so much going on that, to return to a place absolutely peaceful and untouched by most issues, seems a bit of a boring excursion. I have lived my entire life watching the clouds roll by Maggie, but now, since I have been here with Daniel, I have already had enough adventure to write my own memoirs. I can see how that can be addictive since I find myself at odds with the duty to my father and the growing independence I am learning to appreciate." ~<c> Amariette: ~She shuffled about quickly, setting the table per the woman's request and adjusting the placements so that the maximum number could sit without difficulty. It warmed her heart that Maggie showed so much appreciation when it came to Amariette's assistance in rescuing Daniel, but the village girl really could not see anything worthy praising her over. It had been instinct to go after him, and although she did consider herself a great deal more courageous than she first thought herself to be, the act itself was seen as nothing more than her obligation to the man she loved. Wearing a bright smile, she wondered how the arriving workers would feel when they saw all the fuss that was arising on their account, Mrs. Carter going the distance and then some to assure their comfort.~<c> Amariette: ~Gaining a look from the kitchen window, her heart fluttered and an astonished gasp parted her lips, her eyes growing wide in surprise and delight. Halar was back! As she finished setting up the table, she excused herself from Maggie's presence in the most respectful manner, promising she would return in no less than a few minutes. Flying out of the house as quickly as she could, she cleared the stairs easily and broke into a full run toward the garden again. "Halar!!!" A light peal of laughter broke from her lips and her head was held high in the sunshine, her red tresses caught in the rush and flaring about her head like flames as she connected with Halar's reptilian snout and she hugged him with as much strength as she could.~<c> Amariette: ~Letting her eyes close, she felt all the emotion she held within her overflow at the sight of her draconic friend, her experiences over the past couple days only bonding her closer to the great beast. Rubbing his scales, she finally released him and curtsied low, her cheeks flushed form her brisk run and her eyes taking on a rather child-like luster as they always did when viewing him. "I missed you, how go things at the site? The workers coming soon?"~
Daniel Carter: -Maggie shooed her off with a laugh, knowing how at that age, she too was very excited over her then fiancee's James' friend Halar. The great dragon only smiled at Amariette's affection. "I see now why you are so enthralled with her, Daniel. I do believe a lizard could get used to such treatment." Daniel laughed and took Amariette's hand. "She is more than just a pretty face, you're right about that." He said, looking up with obvious admiration for the girl he had found himself almost accidentally in love with. It was certainly a switch from knocking into her at the market square. He was sure she would forgive him that in time. Halar gave a great yawn, looking up only as the whistle of a firecracker and a broght red bloom of sparks showered over(C)- Daniel Carter: -the noontime sky. "That would be my cue to go and get them. I am tired, child, but rest assured I will be back soon and we can have all the conversation in the world over Magdeline's delicious beef stew." The dragon said, standing to his full height of twenty nine and a half feet before taking off up into the sky. Daniel chuckled and adjusted his glasses, more playful when he was comfortable in his surroundings. "If I didn't know any better I might think you liked him more than me." He said, standing up with the aid of his cane to walk her inside, but not before laying a kiss softly on her cheek in reassurance that he was in fact kidding. He hesitated though with a small but thoughtful smile on his face. "I do want to meet your father."(C)- Daniel Carter: -he began slowly, "But I did not mean to imply I wanted to go there in order to take you home. I love you, and as long as you don't think it's too big of a step, I would want for you to stay in Invernis and live here with me. But it's your choice..." he said, his mother's teachings and his father's soft nature shining through, "And whatever you think is best for you, I'll respect." His eyes searched hers, his smile trying to give off some air of confidence, though she knew him well enough to know how much of a risk he felt he was taking. (F)-
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