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#Post#: 1177--------------------------------------------------
Re: Chapter 1.65: Kindled Embers (Asena & Septimus) [Y1057]
By: unknownmercury Date: June 26, 2020, 12:44 am
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"An omelet is well within their ability," Septimus replied
dryly. He didn't admit to being cold -- Asena knew he was, so he
didn't have to swallow his pride and say it -- and let himself
be led along to the house. As she hesitated at the door,
Septimus considered giving her a quick peck, but she said her
goodbye and hurried inside before he got the chance.
With a small grin, he strolled inside and went to the kitchen.
Him being shirtless was nothing unusual around the house. The
kitchen staff didn't even blink when the master of the house
stepped in half-dressed and dripping wet. "Brunch, please," he
said. "My usual, if you would, and the most delicious omelet you
can make for Miss Valda, please."
Lelasa, the head maid, poked her head in the kitchen door.
"Master Septimus, you're tracking water again. Shall I fetch a
towel?"
Septimus chuckled and shook his head at the dark-haired woman.
"That won't be necessary. I'm about to take a proper bath
anyways. Miss Valda was heading for a bath in the guest
quarters, I believe. See that the room is stocked with the
necessities?"
"Very good, sir." Lelasa bobbed a quick curtsy and scurried off
to pass the order down the line. Septimus shook his head as he
headed for his room. Hard to believe that that woman had once
been so skittish that he'd thought her mute. How time did seem
to change people.
And on that reflection, he wondered at the changes in himself.
He and Kri had been lovers on more than one occasion, but it had
never been anything serious. But here he was, pining after
Asena, imagining what it would be like if she stayed in his home
forever. What would that future be like? Maybe he'd find out.
#Post#: 1178--------------------------------------------------
Re: Chapter 1.65: Kindled Embers (Asena & Septimus) [Y1057]
By: Kimcora Date: June 26, 2020, 1:09 am
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Asena hadn’t expected a maid to come into the bathroom bearing
more of the scented soaps and toiletries Asena hadn’t seen or
heard of before. That much was clear by the way the maid had to
pause and explain what they were when she noticed Asena eyeing
them cautiously. She got her bath and eventually threw on a
simple blue dress since she was just hanging around a home.
Besides, she was quickly running through her assortment of pants
and shirts now that she kept swimming and sweating in them all.
Besides, a part of her wanted to look a little more out
together. If not for Septimus then herself. She thought back to
the kiss and subsequent make out by the pond that shouldn’t have
happened in the first place, but did. It had just been a kiss
and she didn’t agree to any strings attached so...she should cut
herself some slack. She had been bottling up attraction towards
this man for the last few days and should be allowed some
happiness...Besides, Damon would understand...right? She felt
that guilt swelling again in her chest and tried to let it go
with a breath. When she finally felt calm enough and that her
good feeling was back, she got to her feet and went to se Eir
she could find Septimus. The maid eventually found her first and
ushered her to where brunch was being served. To say the least,
Asena felt her mouth water at the spread and the fact it all
looked so immaculate. Septimus sure did have a staff that were
quite good at their work. “This all smells so good. Thank you!”
She told the maid before she looked to Septimus with a curious
look. “How did you get used to this? I’ve got to say I’m still
not used to having people do things for me that I’ve done all my
life. I mean I can so see letting them take charge of the
cooking. That omelet looks amazing!” She gave a bit of a pause
to send up a prayer to Torgar for blessing her with his
protection, before she dug in to her breakfast. She even tried
to use the proper fork like Uncle taught her, even if she
clearly was still using the wrong one.
#Post#: 1183--------------------------------------------------
Re: Chapter 1.65: Kindled Embers (Asena & Septimus) [Y1057]
By: unknownmercury Date: June 26, 2020, 2:02 pm
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The dining room was fairly large, though it currently housed a
small table with room for six people at most. Septimus was
already seated when Asena entered. He had donned a light shirt
and breeches for the day, and his hair had been pulled and tied
back away from his face. "Oh, my staff hates me. Most of them
walk around the house all day looking for something to put back
into order, since I don't usually leave messes behind. Though,
they do take care of my laundry and cooking." He chuckled. "I
let them do the two chores I detest most."
He shrugged softly. "Being the youngest son of a farming family
made me very conscious of leaving my messes behind me. Getting
money and becoming a politician couldn't undo that, or the years
I spent as a personal servant to Genievieve."
He considered Asena and smiled. "You'll probably drive your own
staff crazy when you get your own place."
#Post#: 1191--------------------------------------------------
Re: Chapter 1.65: Kindled Embers (Asena & Septimus) [Y1057]
By: Kimcora Date: June 26, 2020, 6:06 pm
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Asena brought a cup of water to her lips, smiling lightly at the
news that he annoyed them with his cleanliness. Good, he wasn’t
here abusing his staff or causing them grief by taking care of
him. Not that she thought he was, but she had heard the horror
stories from servants in bars or the occasional person that
crossed her path in the guild. She detested the behavior of some
nobles in Marieve, but held her tongue for the sake of the
people around her. She could attend to the injustices later once
she had the seat.
The news that he detested cooking earned him a half smile from
Asena. “You detest cooking? Perhaps you just haven’t had the
right exposure or fun while cooking. I don’t want to put them
out of a job but maybe I could convince you to spend a little
time in the kitchen?” She said with a teasing smile, “You know,
the ladies are enamored with men that can cook.”
She listened to him talk about his past a bit, about where he
learned his cleanly habits. Ah, he was the youngest? Didn’t he
have quite a few siblings? Something about the image of a little
Septimus running around a farm with other children was cute to
her, even if she knew that fantasy was short lived for him. He
lost his entire family at so young, and yet here he was carrying
on and doing more to help people...It was admirable and dare
Asena admit she was jealous of that resolve...Because there were
moments at night, when she lay awake thinking on her own, that
she worried about failure. It didn’t dampen her resolve to
achieve, but it certainly didn’t improve it either...
Letting that topic fade, she wondered a moment how he might have
differed had he not ended up with Genevieve. Serving as a
servant to her must have been an interesting way to live, even
if he praised and thanked the woman for raising him and teaching
him about his Magis. She was no curious about the woman, but
knew better than to pry into his life beyond what he shared.
“You’ve had quite the life of change and exposure to most sides
of Liphilius. I don’t think many could boast that experience.
Perhaps that’s why you’re one of the only politicians I can
stand. And trust not to let me screw up terribly.” She took
another bite of her fluffy omelet, before her brow rose some at
the news that she would have staff.
She never really thought of changing her lifestyle after the
election, let alone that she would really have to adapt to a
living the life of a noble. She grew up in a mining camp, then
in a lumber town, then expected to be married in a home with
Damon and soon children. It would have been as normal as she
could make it with a seat on the Truce...but it seemed those
plans fell through...
“I never really thought about having a place of my own honestly.
Perhaps I’m not cut out for staff or an estate or really even
titles...My aunt would surely tease me for going soft, even if
she came from money. My mother and father might roll over in
their graves if I actually became Lady Asena Valda. I don’t
think the Valda have ever been more than blacksmiths and
miners.” She said, just wondering a brief moment if her parents
would be proud of what she had done...perhaps...but she also got
the sense they might be concerned that she would lose herself in
all the finery. ”Is it strange that even with the place on the
Truce I want a normal life? Of course within reason but...I
don’t know. There is something comforting about the simplicity
of wanting a home, a family, a life beyond my work, and not to
get swept up into the Alessandrian lifestyle. Honestly, can you
imagine me a Lady of the House? The Alessandrian nobles would
faint.” She snickered at the mere thought of her in a gown and
hosting teas. Torgar would sooner see her smited rather than end
up forgetting her work to enjoy nobility.
#Post#: 1195--------------------------------------------------
Re: Chapter 1.65: Kindled Embers (Asena & Septimus) [Y1057]
By: unknownmercury Date: June 26, 2020, 11:48 pm
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"When you're on the Truce, you'll have little choice but to be
the lady of some house or other. People will expect it of you,
you'll be running in noble circles and dealing with people who
run all the little parts that make up a nation. If you can't
handle that, then people will try to force you out of office."
He paused and took a drink of the juice in front of him.
"My apologies. I told you we wouldn't discuss work while you
were here. Once this whole campaign business is done and you've
had time to settle in to your role, would you like to accompany
me to D'amourre Plots again? I'm overdue for a visit, and I'd
also like to stop and see some other friends along the way."
#Post#: 1197--------------------------------------------------
Re: Chapter 1.65: Kindled Embers (Asena & Septimus) [Y1057]
By: Kimcora Date: June 27, 2020, 12:25 am
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Asena was obviously taken aback by his reply, her brows
furrowing are the mention that she wouldn’t have a choice but to
adapt. Now, while Asena liked to learn and do what was best for
others, she was also stubborn and clearly thought she knew best.
So to be told she would have to to meet anyone’s expectations of
her, especially the noble pricks that were ruining Liphilius
with their pageantry and frivolity, was hardly what she wanted
to hear. She intended to make change and do it in a positive way
that perhaps made those in power change. That didn’t leave time
for acting like she cared about playing some role in her
personal life, when she just wasn’t that person. She felt her
temper spike briefly and she looked like she might have a catty
response on the top of her tongue, but a quick calming breath
made the ire recede. She wasn’t some petulant child anymore that
would argue with someone or get snippy when she didn’t like what
was being said. She had to actually think about what he was
saying...
But, as Melrose had even told her before, nobility had its own
battles and challenges. This battle wasn’t fought with blades
and skill in survival, but with knowledge and the ability to
make the right choices. Both thankfully had a lot to do with
strategy and skill. The best way to work with these nobles, who
she would need to make any real change, was to fit into their
world. She would have to grow from being just Miss Valda to Lady
Valda...While it wasn’t entirely what she wanted, it was perhaps
best for what she wanted to do. She would be entirely angry with
herself if she was ousted over dinner parties and not willing to
parle with those in power. She could still be Asena, just
perhaps a more...refined version?
The idea made her frown, but she gave a small nod to herself.
“No harm in a little talk. You’re right. I suppose there is room
fo improvement and compromise.” She stated, since now she had
yet another level of change she had to look forward to. How did
she talk herself into the candidacy in the first place?
The change in topic was welcome, but unexpected. He was inviting
her to Plots with him? Now why would he do a thing like that?
Surely she couldn’t be his body guard again and he clearly
didn’t need one after showing off yesterday and today. Perhaps
as a...friend? Was that fair to assume? The news he also wanted
to see friends made her blink and really consider it. Perhaps,
it would be good to get out of the city and do something fun.
That would also sate her curiosity about his past and who
Septimus would consider a friend. ”Alright. Plots was lovely and
sounds like the perfect place to get away from the city. Now
these friends I’m curious about, as well. I’m assuming Genevieve
is one?” She asked, before her held tilted slightly in
consideration of the request. “Why ask me, though? Surely I’ll
have made you thoroughly tired of my company by the time the
election is through.”
#Post#: 1221--------------------------------------------------
Re: Chapter 1.65: Kindled Embers (Asena & Septimus) [Y1057]
By: unknownmercury Date: June 29, 2020, 7:55 pm
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The man chuckled softly. "I doubt I'll be sick of you by then. I
rather enjoy your company, and having you to myself for a week
or so sounds like an excellent way to spend time." He winked at
her and then tilted his head down as he ate.
#Post#: 1226--------------------------------------------------
Re: Chapter 1.65: Kindled Embers (Asena & Septimus) [Y1057]
By: Kimcora Date: June 30, 2020, 8:08 pm
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Asena felt surprise enter her expression at his rebuttal to her
thoughts. She had thought the man would be tired by now of
cleaning up her missteps and being around her so often. After
all, even when he was busy, he always found time to see her to
discuss something to do with the campaign. However, he told her
he liked her company. Well, perhaps she would have seen that one
coming by the kiss she received at the pond. And the fact that
traveling together meant being alone together. While normally,
she wouldn’t mind the idea and would simply consider it a trip
between friends, that wink made a heat build in her cheeks. She
wasn’t sure where things would go with Setpimus, or even if they
would go anywhere at all but...Already she liked the idea of
being alone with him on a trip away from others. It was still a
month or so off at least, so she would have time to consider
really what this was.
Asena knew she liked the kiss and that she had reciprocated it.
She knew that she was attracted to Septimus physically and
personality wise. She knew that this was coming on the tail end
of her love being dead, hardly more than a week at this point.
While she knew she could find care for Septimus, emotions still
did burn for the man that was dead as she still didn’t feel she
was capable of moving on that quickly. So was it wrong of her to
start something with Septimus that she couldn’t completely
commit too? Would she ever be able to let go of this anger and
grief she felt over Damon? Maybe in time, as she had with her
parents death, but was it fair to mess around with Septimus in
the mean time? Well nothing was serious at the moment and things
were still up in the air. Asena could enjoy a little spark of
happiness in the meantime most would forgive her that right?
“Mhm, sounds like flattery.” A humored smile tugged are her
lips. “But I agree. It will be fun to get away from Marieve for
a while. And fun to have your full attention...As I’m sure
things will get quite busy here soon once I get the election.”
She popped some egg in her mouth as she mulled that idea over.
“Could we go back to that tavern we visited there last time? The
one on the hill that had the beautiful view of the fields—well
the ones that weren’t burned. I’m sure they’ve grown back by
now. It must be lovely there now.” She was drawn back to her
first trip with him, the one where she got to see Plots for the
first time. The place was quaint and lovely, the people
friendly, and the scenes just as beautiful. She was a sucker for
a view and a good drink, which being in a farming village meant
that they had little else to do for entertainment than drink.
That made the drinks pretty good and the taverns lively. She
remembered having a great time with him then and was sure she
could find fun there again.
#Post#: 1255--------------------------------------------------
Re: Chapter 1.65: Kindled Embers (Asena & Septimus) [Y1057]
By: unknownmercury Date: July 6, 2020, 11:15 pm
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"Certainly, I don't see why not." Septimus smiled and nodded.
"I'd also like to stop in Memora; I know it's a bit out of the
way, but I have some friends there I haven't seen in a while."
He would need to write to Kri and let her know he was planning
the trip. Depending on what happened in the interim, he might
need to warn about Asena. Kri was... excitable, and had been
known to greet him with enthusiastic affections in the past.
Maybe he would need to implement a 'no-kissing' policy before
arrival. Or maybe she had found someone to settle down with
since last he'd seen her. That would be nice.
"Have you ever been to Rosewalde? I... don't actually know much
about where you came from before I hired you that first time."
#Post#: 1257--------------------------------------------------
Re: Chapter 1.65: Kindled Embers (Asena & Septimus) [Y1057]
By: Kimcora Date: July 7, 2020, 12:25 am
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Asena smiled when he agreed to that little excursion with her,
since it was a happy memory that made her excited for something
in the future. However, mention of Memora made her head tilt
slightly. He meant the city with the giant cemetery? It was such
a dismal place, but one important to Rosewalde. She never
visited herself, as she spent most of her time with the Nomadic
Warriors in the capitol, Elliaile, where they hall stood in
Ornamentis...
Her thoughts were drawn from the bustling, beautiful streets of
the exotic Rosewalde when Septimus asked if she had been. He
even mentioned not knowing much about where she had been prior
to meeting him. She sipped her water and then leaned back in her
chair comfortably. "I have actually. Just to Elliale and briefly
Moroq. Mostly to settle disputes with head hunters that had a
pension for kidnapping Turquemian travelers." She gave a huff,
clearly not alright with the fact a whole group of people were
hunted for their blood like animals. Something she intended to
help solve with her time in the Truce.
"Well before I met you I was rather green still in the Nomadic
Warriors. I had seen the Emerald Keep in Uleplex and mostly
Batestar, my home. All for very short periods. To be honest you
were my first official independent contract. I think my
mentor--my aunt--said 'don't let him die' and sent me off." She
wagged her brows at him with a silly grin. "You should be
flattered, right? You can claim you met THE Asena Valda back
before she let her ego get to her head." She joked with a
chuckle, but did so to cover up her slightly more risque joke
about him 'popping her adventurer's cherry'. The little pure
Asena on her shoulder speculated that might not be the time nor
place to be making that sort of analogy. Chalk one point up for
Asena's filter growing a bit more stringent on her path to
becoming a Lady. Wouldn't Septimus be proud?
She had popped another bite of omelet into her mouth when she
noted the butler, Lorenz, step in. He stated something to
Septimus about Farren being there to see Asena. The pure
surprise of that drew Asena to get up from her seat and give
Septimus a quick raise of her brow. "Well if Farren is here then
it must be serious. I don't see him popping in for a delightful
chat. Let's see what he wants." She said as she looked to Lorenz
to show her the way, using her humor to deflect her nerves. Why
would Farren be looking for her and what emergency could have
been brewing that needed her attention this afternoon? She
steeled herself for the possibilities as she put on a bright
smile for Farren as he came into view.
"Afternoon, Farren. Did you decide to finally accept my
invitation and drop by for tea?" She asked in a playful way as
she had often tried to get the man to sit and speak with her so
she could figure him out. Like Melrose, he mystified her and
confused her with how detached and hidden he kept his thoughts
and intentions. It was a draw for Asena, even if currently he
wasn't the one on her mind. Admittedly she had allowed herself
to check the cold man out in their initial dealings and had
appreciated the help with his Siheli on her aching joints. But
she knew with a certainty he regarded her--Oh, maybe she didn't
quite know what the icy man thought of her or anyone really.
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