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#Post#: 1258--------------------------------------------------
Re: Chapter 1.65: Kindled Embers (Asena & Septimus) [Y1057]
By: unknownmercury Date: July 7, 2020, 2:43 am
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"Yes, I second that," Septimus said as he stepped up beside
Asena. "What brings you, Farren?" He wasn't going to ask how
Farren even knew where he lived. Stuff like that was,
apparently, the man's job.
"If it's about the campaign, could it wait? We're taking a break
after the debate. No more landmark events before the votes are
cast, I rather think Asena's earned it."
#Post#: 1259--------------------------------------------------
Re: Chapter 1.65: Kindled Embers (Asena & Septimus) [Y1057]
By: DolittleMax Date: July 7, 2020, 3:30 am
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Farren had hired a cart from town out to Septimus’ estate.
It had been a silent ride and allowed Farren to gather his
thoughts and create a best plan of action. He had big news for
Ms Valda and after the whole debate fiasco he wasn’t quite
sure how she’d take it. Her state of being had been
nothing less than completely distraught and well... rightly so.
He had known of Damon prior to her running for Candidate and had
thought little of it. A weakness in Gabrielle’s party was
an advantage to them, so why mention it? He had monitored the
rapidly reigniting love affair between them with some
reservation. It seemed to have garnered some self confidence in
the woman, a trait needed for the debate so he’d left it.
He wasn’t quite expecting Gabrielle to go to the extreme
measures that she did.
The door was answered and he was let into the foyer to wait for
Septimus or Aden’s to come greet him. He took the time to
look about, finding the building in the exact state and layout
he’d figured it to be in. What he hadn’t figured was
the jovial greeting.
With a single raised brow and a stiff bow at the waist he looked
between the two faces. Asena’s seemed to be smiling but he
could see her eyes flick nervously, she was trying too hard.
Septimus seemed cordial though there was also a reserved posture
to the way he was standing, as if Farren weren’t entirely
as welcomed as it may be said.
Straightening up, he looked to Asena “Tea would suffice.
In fact, we might all like to take a seat before I speak”
He tucked his large tome, which seemed to grow in thickness each
time they saw him, under his arm before giving Septimus a
serious look.
“The matters I’ve come to address are of great
weight but not relevant to the campaign. While Lady Valda may
have 'earned' such a break it would seem reality doesn't halt on
good ideals”
When they had been seated and everyone was given tea- his own he
did not touch -Farren cleared his throat and set his tome upon
the table. With deft fingers he undid the leather buckle that
held the book shut and flicked to a certain part of the book. He
took out a large envelop, removing it before shutting the
leather binder once more. From the letter, he took out a piece
of paper, casting a glance toward both of them from over the top
of it. It would be better to let the document speak for itself.
“It is I, Damon Roux’s, last will and testament that
is documented here. I write this in the hope that it will not
need to be opened until a great deal into my future. Some time
where I no longer have the strength or wit about me and my age
has left me to whither. However, I am not so naive to think that
accidents and unfortunate circumstances that render such hopes
invalid are impossible. This is why as I sit here in my estate
that has taken some time to acquire, I think it wise to do this.
Firstly, to my dearest love, my sunflower; Asena Valda (By this
point I hope Valda-Roux) My estate and all that lay on it are
left to her. There is savings of which I make every month into
an account that should suffice for a great while after my death
and support her should she be unable to work and/or have people
to support. My possessions and estate I leave in her hands, as
all I had done to gain such things were for her anyway.
If in the case she is not living at the time of my death, I wish
the same unto our children- Gods willing if we should have any.
It will be split evenly among them, but my house should be given
to the eldest to steward and ensure the good care of perhaps
other siblings. If none of these eventualities are possible, I
wish for my things to be donated to those children of the
Emerald Keep.
As it stands with my business. Archer and Finn Rakker have full
ownership of both the Alessandrian smithery and the Uleplexian
smithery; though the latter is currently under the care of
Mattel Vaulkner, they will still hold ownership. These two young
men I trust with my life and charge them with the care of my
business in the event of my death. Ten percent of the earnings
from the business must go toward the private account of which in
my death is given to Asena Valda and her descendants.
As for my funeral arrangements, I ask for nothing grand that
would attract too much attention. Grieving is a private ritual
and to make a show of it would make harder for those left
behind.
This is my will, follow it as best possible.
Damon Roux.”
Farren set the paper aside and also pulled from the envelope the
deed to the home in Allesandria and a set of keys to them. The
letter, deed and keys he carefully placed in front of Asena
before sitting back in the chair once more, his eyes scanning
her face.
#Post#: 1260--------------------------------------------------
Re: Chapter 1.65: Kindled Embers (Asena & Septimus) [Y1057]
By: Kimcora Date: July 7, 2020, 9:13 am
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When Septimus spoke up in her defense, Asena let her eyes shift
to him. She appreciated that sentiment, even if it was quickly
shot down by Farren. She felt a sudden desire to take his hand
and to tell Farren it could wait. But, she digressed and kept
her hands to herself to save Septimus’s pride at this moment and
her own. She did allow herself a fleeting smile in his direction
and a subtle, reassuring brush of his arm as they made their way
to a sitting area to have tea and conversation.
She was a bit shocked at the moment that she just invited Farren
to tea and that he accepted. Of course it had been a joke, but
she couldn’t rightly tell him to leave after he accepted. In all
fairness, she was surprised he accepted in the first place. He
was usually so reserved and critical he would have normally told
her “no” and moved on. The fact that he wanted to stay and chat
told her that this news wouldn’t and couldn’t be good...
So Asena, despite her best efforts to maintain a stiff upper lip
and a raised chin of confidence, looked wholly uncomfortable in
the seat across from Farren. It was clear by the way she fussed
with her tea despite it being exactly the way she usually took
it. It was really anything to keep her hands from being
idle...Who wouldn’t be nervous when Farren started opening that
time he always carried around? Honestly, that book probably had
information on Asena that she didn’t even know about herself.
What would be in there that Farren had to share with her?
The appearance of a sealed envelope made her confusion enter her
face, shadowing the attempts at a stronger front she had put on.
She watched him with anxious interest as he opened the envelope,
even if she tried to sip her tea to calm her nerves. It failed,
especially when Farren began reading the document...
The moment Damon’s name left his lips, all pretenses of
stability and confidence left her in a shaky breath. Her eyes
stared at Farren a moment, narrowing in an almost betrayal as if
her mind instantly accused him of making this up. Like it was
some kind of sick joke. Instead, he kept reading, and it was
like Damon was in the room speaking with her. This was his
writing...That was her Damon on those pages...
Her accusatory stare faded and she looked down at her hands. She
felt tears coming quickly, so she shut her eyes. The issue was,
in the dark, she was chasing that memory of his voice that
seemed so distant lately. She could almost her him in the room
with her and picture him there writing his will. For that, the
words hit her harder than she expected, leaving behind deep
gashes in the progress she had made at keeping herself together.
The hole that she began burying all thoughts and mourning over
Damon in was overflowing and she was slowly losing control of
it. The nickname, the hope of marriage, the estate, and a fund
already sent her into a spiral of helpless grief that was making
her hand shake visibly. Enough so she had to put the cup down to
prevent from dropping it. But the talk of children was harder to
hear than she anticipated. Right...With Damon gone, that life
she pictured with him was gone as well. Not just her lover, but
those hopes of a life together...children...There was no one
left to carry on after him. They wouldn’t have the big family
they wanted with the children that clearly favored the best of
them. It was almost as if their lives had been taken in this
senseless killing too, even if they were just a pipe dream at
this point.
Asena was struggling to keep it together by the time they got to
the twins and the fact they would hold the smitheries. It were
only right after all those boys did to help Damon. She would be
sure they got control of the businesses and would be sure they
were taken care of. They were practically family at this point
to Damon.
The request for his funeral was the final shove that threw her
over the precipice she felt like she was tip toeing along. A
shaky hand went to her mouth as a sob escaped her, tears
springing from her eyes. Damon wouldn’t get a funeral because
currently his ashes were missing—hell he didn’t even have
someone there to grieve him. She was off with another man, in
his home, attempting to forget her grief with another. Damon
wasn’t even dead long before she had kissed Septimus and dragged
him into her screwed up web of emotions. Clearly by the guilt
and pain she felt now, she couldn’t give Septimus that part of
herself or that care if she clearly still was in love with
Damon. She hadn’t even sent word to his mother yet or her aunt.
She had even forgotten about the home he built for them, the
last place she saw him before he died. What the hell was wrong
with her? Was she really this screwed up and selfish?
When Farren set the keys on the table, Asena rose, feeling
overwhelmed with the eyes on her and the emotions spiraling out
of control. It all made her suddenly nauseous and her heart
hammer in her chest as though adrenaline were kicking in. She
had to go, she had to just get away from here...She wasn’t even
sure where, but all of this was threatening to tear her apart.
She feared what would happen if she did fall apart.
With a bit too much aggression, she grabbed the keys and looked
at the men there as if unsure what to do. “I need to go.
Septimus...I—I’m sorry but I need to—I just need a moment to
process all this.” Her voice wavered as she struggled not to
start self-destructing in front of him. She couldn’t do that to
him, not after she caused things to be confusing between them.
This was her fault, she kissed him knowing fully well she wasn’t
over her feelings for Damon. Why would she do something so rude
and unfair to someone she genuinely cared about? After all, what
she truly wanted at that moment was to rush to Septimus and have
him hold her, despite the guilt, sorrow, and anger that woke
inside her. It was wrong...All of this was wrong...
“Farren, might I catch a ride with you back to the tavern? I
want to...go check on the...” She felt like she was getting
lightheaded and the words weren’t coming out clearly. She gave a
steadying breath as she got herself together. “I want to go
check on the property after I’ve had a moment to gather the rest
of my things from the tavern.” She stated clearly, eyes going to
the usually distant man with a resolve that was gaining momentum
as she looked for an escape from the pain that was clearly
there.
#Post#: 1265--------------------------------------------------
Re: Chapter 1.65: Kindled Embers (Asena & Septimus) [Y1057]
By: unknownmercury Date: July 9, 2020, 12:53 am
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Septimus stayed quiet as the will was read aloud. Well, it
certainly seemed as though Asena had meant rather a lot to
Damon. A pang of guilt shot through as Septimus realized just
how deep that relationship went. The man hadn't even been known
dead for a week and here Septimus was making moves on his lover.
The man cleared his throat, but Asena started talking before he
could say anything. He nodded a bit. "Go," he said quietly.
"Take care of your business. Once you're done, you may come
back. My door is always open, okay?"
#Post#: 1268--------------------------------------------------
Re: Chapter 1.65: Kindled Embers (Asena & Septimus) [Y1057]
By: DolittleMax Date: July 9, 2020, 7:19 pm
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Farren remained silent as Asena reeled with the new information.
He had expected such a reaction but was interested to see guilt
in both Septimus' and Asena's faces. so they'd been close had
they? Now Asena felt as though she had betrayed her dead love.
When Asena asked to join him for a ride back into town, he gave
a terse nod "Of course. Thank you for the tea Septimus-" he said
this knowing full well he hadn't had a drop and stood to his
feet "Let's hope our next encounter is under better
circumstances."
With that, Farren took his leave.
#Post#: 1271--------------------------------------------------
Re: Chapter 1.65: Kindled Embers (Asena & Septimus) [Y1057]
By: Kimcora Date: July 10, 2020, 9:29 am
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Asena expected Septimus to be furious with her or at least a bit
hurt that she was leaving like this. Especially since only hours
ago she was kissing him by a lake. Now she was running out on
him, after that awful moment where he had to listen to the
reading of Damon’s will. It wasn’t ideal that he had to hear all
that...the private side of Asena’s life that she never really
wanted anyone to know. But it seemed her business was out there
and everyone was going to be exposed to it whether she wanted it
or not. Least of all Septimus...
However, his response surprised her, causing that panic to fade
a moment. How...How could he still treat her like she wasn’t
some awful person? Tears pricked her eyes as she observed him,
surprised at how she felt strangely calmed by his offer of a
place to return to.
When Farren said he was taking his leave, she gave Farren a nod
as he left, but stayed behind to speak with Septimus a moment.
She felt she needed to after all of this. She went over to him,
placing a hand on his arm lightly from where he was seated.
“Thank you, Septimus.” She let the hand drift upwards, caressing
his cheek lightly. Perhaps it was uncalled for, but she couldn’t
exactly kiss him at the moment, nor hug him. Both felt too
personal. In a way, that satisfied a bit of the odd burning
there that wanted to touch him or run to him for comfort. “When
I have things settled I’ll...be back.” She told him gently,
before she turned and left to follow Farren out the door.
Three weeks had passed and Asena hardly expected that goodbye to
bother her as much as it did. Even in how busy the time had been
and her mind pulled in so many directions, in the quiet moments
when she was alone, she found herself thinking of him. When she
was steeped in dealing with lawyers over the status of Damon’s
estate, she wondered if he could make heads or tails of it all.
When she passed the pond in the front yard of Damon’s home, she
could almost hear the way he laughed as they splashed around
like children. When she had her tea in the mornings alone, she
was drawn back to the taste of jasmine on his kiss. When she
felt herself slipping into the darkness with no one there to
help, she found herself wanting to feel his arms around her and
telling her it was all okay.
But a part of Asena knew, deep down, still believed she didn’t
deserve the man. The guilt of her pursuing something with him
had subsided some as she had taken time to deal with Damon’s
death and made strides to forgive herself for all that had
happened. She forgave herself for losing a part of her after he
died, she forgave turning to anger and rage to bottle up her
sorrow, she forgave herself for running to Septimus when she had
no business dragging him into her mess, she forgave herself for
then turning to Farren to prove to herself what a wretched
person she could be, She forgave herself for that gut wrenching
apology the next, hungover, morning when she realized she had
called him ‘Damon’, and she forgave herself for growing from it
all instead of dwelling in her misery. While she was by no means
cured of all grief or her mistakes, she found herself feeling
more and more like herself in the days that came to pass. Damon
would want her to grow, to live, and to be happy…
It was why she took to renting the property out to a family when
she was able, but still kept it in case she needed a place to
return to...A place that perhaps one day she might have a family
in or maybe her children or their grandchildren. It felt
strangely wonderful to see those halls full of laughter and
life, such that Asena felt that it honored his memory more than
leaving it as a sad tomb of his loss. She was even able to meet
with the twins and was sure to handle any paperwork that
officially signed the businesses into their care. And lastly,
she gave herself time for solitude and mourning, to understand
that while Damon was always going to be a part of her, she
couldn’t have him be the only part that mattered. She had to
move on...Hence why she currently was in a carriage on her way
to Septimus’s home. Of course she sent word ahead, as was
customary. Or so Melrose told her. But was it customary for
Asena to feel this fluttery nervousness at the idea of seeing
him again?
She pushed down those feelings as she approached the doors only
to be greeted by Lelasa. The woman took Asena’s bag from her
before she could protest an offer of help, while Lorenz guided
her to where Septimus was. Perhaps he was working by the looks
of it by him reading something at a desk. Asena approached since
she was excited to see him, or so she assessed by the way her
heart beat rapidly in her chest. “Hey Sept!” She said to
announce herself, but when he stood she was quick to hug him.
Perhaps that was a bit too forward, but her excitement and how
much she missed the man was clouding that judgement. She pulled
away and gave him a smile, a genuine one that came from the
warmth she felt at being close to him. “How have you been? Not
too busy I hope.” She asked before she gave a small sigh.
“Thanks again for allowing me to stay with you again for bit.
After renting the house out I really didn’t think about how
everything in the city would be crowded or booked because of the
election.” She admitted a bit sheepishly since the act had been
impulsive due to her wishing to start that healing process.
#Post#: 1285--------------------------------------------------
Re: Chapter 1.65: Kindled Embers (Asena & Septimus) [Y1057]
By: unknownmercury Date: July 11, 2020, 12:45 am
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Septimus was surprised to hear Asena's voice from behind him. He
was doing some light reading -- Code of Honor: Laws of a Civil
Society, Edition V -- and hadn't expected her for at least
another day, to be honest. He swept her up in a hug that was
almost crushing, and then gently stepped back. "Welcome...
back," he said cautiously. He wanted to say "Welcome home," but
felt that might be presumptuous. "I haven't been busy. Just
getting ready to keep tabs on the election. I'm... I'm glad
you're here," he admitted quietly. "I missed you."
"Been in a proper mood since you been gone, miss," Lorenz said,
the corners of his mouth twitching up in a rare smile. "We hoped
you'd return sooner rather'n later, begging your pardon."
Septimus scoffed and waved a hand at the man. "What time is it?
Past noon? I've missed lunch, go have the kitchen staff make
something for myself and Miss Valda."
The dour butler gave a bow -- adding in a facetious sweep of the
arms -- and strode out of the study. Septimus glowered after
him. "Impertinence," he muttered. "I don't know why I hired that
man, he gives me nothing but lip."
#Post#: 1288--------------------------------------------------
Re: Chapter 1.65: Kindled Embers (Asena & Septimus) [Y1057]
By: Kimcora Date: July 11, 2020, 1:38 am
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Asena laughed when Septimus pulled her into a tight hug, feeling
her heart squeeze in her chest at how good it felt. She almost
regretted that he pulled away, but she knew they had to speak
with one another. The welcome back was appreciated and drew that
cheerful grin back to her lips. However, the news that he missed
her too made a strange heat build in Asena's cheeks, one that
was distinctly not her Magis getting involved. Really? He missed
her? That made her happier than he probably knew. Before she
could tell him she missed him as well, Lorenz spoke up. Had she
ever heard the man speak?
Asena blinked at the stuffy man's response, her heart raced at
the idea her presence impacted his mood. It drew an awkward
giggle to her, that faded only slightly when Septimus fussed the
man away to make lunch. Seems Lorenz was here telling Septimus's
secrets...Well, perhaps she shouldn't look too much into all
this...Perhaps he missed her as a friend would another
friend...Or maybe she had grown on him and he missed having her
around for that fact only? Asena felt her heart still
traitorously fluttering and this giddy feeling settling in her
mind.
She gave Lorenz a curtsy as he left just to play up the clearly
sarcastic bow. "Thank you Lorenz!" She called after the man
before turning her attention to Septimus's little rant to
himself. She knew deep down he kept Lorenz because his staff
clearly cared for the man and looked out for him. Why else would
they be this forward with him?
"I rather like his candor. Someone has to keep you on your
toes." She told him before she let her look sober some into a
more gentle look, almost a bit bashful if Asena could be. "To be
honest, I like being back here. Staying in that house, then the
tavern, and dealing with everything just reminded me that I
missed you a lot. Clearly because I'm back here hat in hand
seeking your hospitality." She admitted even if she tried to
deflect that sentiment. "But everything is handled, for now. Now
just to wait on the election and to celebrate a little. I may or
may not have had Farren dig up some fancy alcohol that a dear
friend of mine recommended. But that's for tonight, if you think
you're up to it?" She told him with a mischievous glint in her
eyes that aired on flirtation.
#Post#: 1305--------------------------------------------------
Re: Chapter 1.65: Kindled Embers (Asena & Septimus) [Y1057]
By: unknownmercury Date: July 14, 2020, 1:52 am
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Septimus smiled at Asena's enthusiasm. "Certainly, we can have
some with dinner, maybe? You never got that roast." He hugged
her again, enjoying the warmth of her for a moment before
stepping back again.
"You're welcome to stay as long as you want, Asena. Even after
the election, I won't complain for your company.
#Post#: 1311--------------------------------------------------
Re: Chapter 1.65: Kindled Embers (Asena & Septimus) [Y1057]
By: Kimcora Date: July 14, 2020, 12:20 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Asena was glad he agreed and gave a bit of a laugh at mention of
missing out on the roast. She had, hadn't she after that reading
of the will. She felt a bit of that pain coming back, but she
acknowledged it and let it go. She wasn't going to let it
paralyze her anymore and she felt she had done well in growing
from it...Besides, she was there with a dear...friend and had
him there to lean on. The subsequent hug made her blush, her
heart racing some as she had been caught off guard by it. When
he pulled away, she looked down, a surprising thing from Asena
but she was trying to hide the redness there. The invitation to
stay as long as she liked was appreciated, but dangerous for
him. "Careful Sept. Keep talking like that and you might have a
hard time being rid of me." She looked up at him before smiling
softly as a hand went to his arm. "I'm sorry I left here so
suddenly without much of a word to you. I was feeling a bit
conflicted that I was taking advantage of your kindness...I felt
a bit guilty honestly until I had time to think." She fussed
with her hand a bit as she tried to get her words to work when
speaking with him. Why was this harder than she realized? "Are
you sure I haven't damaged things between us with my fumbling? I
would like to pick back up where we left off if I haven't." She
let that hand on his arm go to his cheek, hoping that she wasn't
far off from assuming he didn't regret kissing her and was okay
with figuring out what this meant for them.
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