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Post by Lord Laeghton Mercer on Apr 8, 2012 17:32:56 GMT -6
 Laeghton sighed with abated breath and tried to rid his mind of the thoughts it contained-they were all about his sister. And the more time he spent around Cadence, the more she reminded him of Wren Rae. He could almost feel his heart breaking as he walked with Cady at his side, remembering things about Wren Rae as they spoke and walked. Oh, this was agonizing. But at the same time it was thrilling, enthralling even. Cady was a sweet lady, and a beautiful one. But Laeghton needed not beauty in his life. He needed truth. Answers.
He nodded thoughtfully as she rattled off the affections of the King and Queen of Solraya. Yea, they were lucky. Not many people around here got to marry the person they were in love with, and that was the reason for all the affairs that went on. Laeghton could say truthfully, though, that even in spite of his alcoholism, he'd never been unfaithful. "I know," he commented almost enviously. "But we're bound by society to marry our own class and our own youthfulness. Actually, if that were the case, I'd marry a much older woman. I feel like such an old man these days," he sighed. Much of what he'd just said had been to himself rather than Cady, but he didn't mind her hearing. It was all the same now. Wren Rae was still gone.
He looked at her stupidly. Did she know what alcohol did to a man? "Lady Cady, I must needs yield to your knowing; I need someone to makeme stop. You canna go on telling me it's alright--I know better, I do, but..." and then he bit his tongue forcefully. In fact, he felt blood upon its tip. He need not rant about such things. She was only a woman.
He let his mild anger subside and mentally remembered to eventually apologise for that behaviour.
"You have a nice smile," he said in a whisper, mostly to himself. "I must apologise, Lady Cady. I rave so. Do not let my anger move you. As for Mister Drogo, I have heard of him. If I ail, I shall call upon him at your request." he smiled back at her. Laeghton felt still very like a fool for being so easily upset, but he had to let that go. Surely, the alcohol was getting to him now; that, and the midday sun. He felt uneasy at this thought.
So he turned his attention back to Cady. She was radiant, really. A quite beautiful girl. But he didn't plan on commending that in her-- he was too stricken over Wren Rae to really make anything of it, so he thought. "Everything?" he asked, his tone suddenly naughty. He'd not meant it that way, but that was how it came out. Oh good. He'd invited her to his bed without trying. He had to undo that, he had to be a gentleman. "I mean, certainly. Come with me to my estates, if you would. My castle's fine as could be, and you'd like many of my staff, I assure you. Or perhaps tour the village first?" He smiled shyly.
 STATUS complete TAG Cadence ATTIRE will do later (:
LYRICS GINASFS; Fall Out Boy NOTES il n'y a pas.
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Post by Cadence Black on Apr 8, 2012 20:24:09 GMT -6
The more time Cady was spending with Laeghton, the more she knew that she wanted to help him. He was obviously troubled by something and the more she thought about it, the more it dawned on her that it was about his sister whose necklace resided against his neck. He had just simply said that she had not been around for awhile and she could tell how that affected Laeghton in return. And maybe that was the sole reason why he had turned to his drinking addiction. She had heard the rumors of court about the Lord of Avonderre and his addiction to the drink. She wanted to help him, but was not sure how.
She listened to him reply about marriage and being forced to marry, she slowly nodded her head agreeing with him completely never letting go of his arm as she saw various townspeople glancing at her and she nodded her head, being friendly towards them, “I do understand, I was…almost forced to marry someone too who resided in Tyrian and was an arrogant bastard just like the King himself. Over my dead body would I let that happen, which is one reason, I came to Solraya in the first place. I originally am from Tyrian, however, I ran away here like a coward. I cannot tell you the reason why just yet. Maybe in private one day. My past is rough Sir Laeghton, I have dealt with lots of heartache and loss, and violence as well,” She said trailing off before glancing up and raising an eyebrow at him, “You do not seem that old to me, you still have some youth in you, do you not? May I ask what your age is then? I am afraid I am not good at guessing games.” She asked him curiously and then continuing to follow him down the street.
Surprised a bit from his sudden outrage, she stepped away from him and gave him a quick glare. How dare he talk to her like she was a child. She was an adult and wanted to be treated as such.
“I am not going to tell you to stop because I did not wish to lecture you like so many others seem to do around the court. I am not a child and I ask for you not to look at me like that. I did not want to offend you, however, if you wish for me to tell you to stop, then I will try. Alcohol does nothing to solve your problems. It only makes you forget about them for a few hours and you wake up the next morning with a horrible headache or feeling sick and not remembering if you had done something foolish the night before! I know you will never tell me this, but I know something is troubling you. I know how that feels to miss someone! I ran away from a loving brother in Tyrian who is forced to do whatever the King wishes for him to do and that meant invading the almost defenseless Solraya and Avonderre when he wishes for nothing, but peace, then he would have no choice. I had to leave him behind, the only person who ever cared or loved me. I know how it feels to care about someone deeply and miss them. I miss Charles every day. When I receive his letters, I miss him more. You do not have to tell me, but you dearly miss your sister. Otherwise you would not be wearing that necklace and drinking and giving up on life. As in regards to your drinking, I am not going to keep telling you not to, because you have only met me and I am of no importance to you. We may never see each other again after today so I just wish for you to be happy. I know you are not, Laeghton. You can not lie to me; your eyes tell me everything. I only apologize for being bold, but you wanted to tell you to stop.” She replied with a sigh feeling as if she was ready to grab the guards and head back towards the castle to the safety net of King Joscelin and Queen Danielle.
Cady was literally about to run the other direction when he suddenly apologized to her regarding his anger and offered her his arm once more mumbling that she had a nice smile. She gave him a raised eyebrow and a reluctant look on her face.
“I apologize too for being too bold and outspoken. My temper and stubbornness have always been weaknesses of mine. I hope you forgive me as well. I do not wish to part on bad terms with you when you have been nothing, but kind and welcoming towards me.” She replied softly and then glanced up at him stopping in the middle of the road at the invitation to join him at his castle. Did he honestly think she was a street whore or something? She was not sure how to answer that or not, it would be wrong to go to his house alone. She was suddenly conflicted when she knew that it was difficult for her to be speechless like she was.
She cleared her throat, finding it to be dry suddenly, “Well…I…I better not. We can either finish visiting the village or I can simply return to Solraya. Queen Danielle will worry if I am not there by sunset. I would like to visit you sometime in the future though. Or maybe we could see one another at the upcoming ball. I am helping the Queen plan it and she is so excited by it. You are invited of course.” She said rambling once more and she mentally cursed herself.
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Post by Lord Laeghton Mercer on Apr 8, 2012 21:06:02 GMT -6
Laeghton felt something in the air that he wasn't sure he liked. A change in tides, maybe, or a northerly wind instead of a southerly wind blowing through the little town of Avonderre. He was glad, he thought, to have Lady Cady at his side, for he liked her company, but now she'd probably confirmed for herself all the rumours about the drunk moron who ran this part of the kingdom and ruined every chance he had. Also, he was beginning to feel the effects of the (two) bottles of brandy he'd drinken last night.
She asked for his actual age, and he replied, not intending the profundity that accompanied his words, "I'm thirty-one in body, my lady, yet I feel near sixty in mind." He sighed. It was much too true for comfort.He felt like an old man who was at the end of his days but couldn't put an end to them--perhaps that was partially due to the two attempts he'd failed at in taking his own life. Neither hanging nor poison could pull him from the world. That's when he'd taken up alcohol...
And speaking of, the retort he'd so rudely made quickly backfired on him. He hadn't meant it, and he'd made his tongue bleed, but Cady was full of a proud fire that he couldn't dream of putting out. He'd been proud like that once, when he was a young Lord Avonderre with a sister and a court and a wife. But all that had been taken suddenly and without recompense, and he wasn't sure if or when he'd ever get it back. A sister wasn't something one could easily get back. And he listened to every word she said, each one another blow to his heart, his mind, his liver. She knew. Somehow. She knew. She knew about Wren Rae. And though she'd said she wouldn't speak of her own past now, she was throwing it out there like a snake that need be killed or loved, and there was nothing Laeghton could do but look on in wonder. "I-I-I..." he couldn't find any words to answer the storm she'd created.
And he felt her about to flee, and he wanted to do something about it, and he didn't know what, and--he caught his breath. Laeghton looked at her in amazement. She didn't leave, and she had heard what he'd not meant for her to hear. Damn. She even returned the apology. Laeghton cast his eyes down and turned his deaf ear toward her. He couldn't hear this. He'd been the one to mess up. "Cady," said he, "Don't apologise. This is my fault. And maybe I can stop drinking, but... how did you know about my sister?" he was more shocked about that than anything and couldn't think on anything else until she told him. Cady was something else, for sure.
He recovered. Barely.
She was pleasant again after that and he wondered how he'd managed to survive that. "Damn. I'm so sorry, Lady Cady. That was terribly ungentlemanly of me, and I... I canna control a thing I say, can I?" he smiled sympathetically. That must have been a rekindling of his past self, that sexual speak. He'd been like that when he was younger, but since he'd gotten a wife, many things had changed. She would have killed him had he gotten into an affair. "And surely that sounds nice, but I don't attend social gatherings. There's too much... talk about my drunkenness, which I surely must amend. Nor have I a wife anymore." a certain shame disgraced all of his words and Laeghton knew he wasn't worth a damn anymore, to anyone.
STATUS complete TAG Cadence ATTIRE will do later (:
LYRICS GINASFS; Fall Out Boy NOTES il n'y a pas.
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Post by Cadence Black on Apr 8, 2012 21:44:50 GMT -6
The atmosphere around them and the tension was about to burst around them and Cady was not sure she could handle that right now. It was like being sucked back into her old life in Tyrian and she did not like it at all. She had let her temper and stubbornness come get the best of her to sweet yet depressed and moody Laeghton causing her to feel guilty. She did not mean to act out like she did, however, she could change the past for it was too late. But maybe he could forgive her and not scold her like an adult would do. She had to keep reminding herself that she was not a princess anymore, but just a simple lady-in-waiting in Solraya and that she needed to not act out like that. She could not simply boss people around like that anymore. She could not bark out orders anymore, she was in a new territory and kingdom and things were completely different here than it was there.
Thirty one was not that old in her eyes, but in society any man or woman over the age of thirty was considered old and in their prime so she could understand why Laeghton felt that way, but she wanted to remind him of something, “Thirty-one is only a number Laeghton, age is just that, a number. Don’t feel as if you’re old that means you’re giving into feeling that way and that is one of the leading causes of health problems. Mr. Drogo told me so even though I am younger than you and am almost nineteen. If you start taking care of yourself more, then you will feel younger sooner than you think.” She replied, but then stopped as she realized that she was once again telling him how to run his life which she did not want to since he was an adult.
He was in a bit of shock once she had stopped talking and apologized once more and she wanted to shake him and tell him to stop. He had already apologized and she did not want him to apologize for something he did not do, but at least he did not get angry with her all over again. She would have felt horrible if she had angered him, but she was trying to help him.
“Laeghton…Lord Mercer, I beg you to stop apologizing to me. I spoke too boldly. I do not wish to sit here and tell you how to run your daily schedule because I am not your mother or wife or anything of the sort. I do wish to be your friend if you will have to. I want to help you get out of this plateau, everyone has them in their lives, but it is your responsibility to do something about it. I am willing to help you withdraw from alcohol and help you deal with your losses, but you have to promise me that you won’t give up on me when times get rough because they will. I am not going to lie to you. I want to help you because I know how it feels. I do not wish for someone as kind as you are to go through this.” She said softly placing a hand on his rough cheek and rubbing it gently before releasing it feeling a bit awkward.
She then took his arm once more and rubbed it gently, “Women’s intuition, plus you mentioned to me about your sister’s necklace and how much you miss her. So I put two and two together. Would you like to talk about your sister, would that make you feel better? I will tell you about Charles and who I really am.” She commented softly as she led him away from the busy streets and over to a bench where they could sit down and talk if he wanted to.
“No you can say the right things, but I just want to make it clear that I am not a whore and will not have intercourse with you unless something bad happens or if something happens in the future. I have almost been raped several times and will fight back every single time. I refuse to be a victim of anything anymore. I know balls are not that welcoming to any man, but please I could accompany you if you would like. It would be nice to have the company to at least talk to someone and not be alone. You had a wife? No one else’s opinions or rumors matter, go if you want to. Yes there will be temptation there, but you do have me there to help if you will have me.” She offered to him softly slowly taking his hand in hers and rubbing the top of it gently with her thumb.
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Post by Lord Laeghton Mercer on Apr 9, 2012 20:05:37 GMT -6
Laeghton, in all his bewilderment at Cady's snapdragon temper (though it was only words, and a soft temper if that was all), realised he must have been like that back when he knew Wren Rae was alive and safe. He was young and tempermental. But he was worse. And now, in his older-feeling state, Laeghton wasn't even one for words when he was drunk. Rage was likely out of the question-something huge would have to spark that anymore. But he was still a man-that, he couldn't forget-and he had to watch out.
Just a number. Yea, sure it was. But it wasn't young anymore, nor was he, and yet he was still without a single heir, and now without a wife. Something was terribly wrong with that, and while something in him knew he needed to fix it, he could never bring himself to court women again. He looked over at Cady with honest concern for himself, and answered, "A number is only good if it's worth something." On a more serious note, he added, his voice low, "Cady, I'm thirty-one. I should have three or four children. I should have a loyal wife. But I have neither." His despair was evident, but he closed it up immediately. One thing he'd never lost was his pride in being invulnerable.
He wanted to man up, but she was offering him the salvation he'd just begged for. He sighed. "Then do, my Lady Cady. Help me. Because clearly you know me already and you understand. I think. Just help me if you will." He smiled unapologetically and hated that he was pleading for something. But he needed it. That much, he knew. He had to admit it to himself.
She wanted to talk it out. The thing was, no one could ever understand. He'd tried to talk it out before. With the king. With his former wife. With people who he'd called friends. But no one took it as seriously as he did. It was his sister, for God's sake! But--he had to try again. "Cady, I... I... Yes, I would love that." he smiled at her and hoped she could comfort him. He needed someone to lean on now, and as of this very moment, he was feeling the effects of the alcohol--doubt and uncertainty of what he was doing. And the blindness and deafness in the left side of his face were becoming sharper and more noticeable.
He nearly gawked at her. "Oh, Lady Cady, you mistook me! I would not wish such a thing, and I do not think you loose. Understand that I would never do that, and I have never been an unfaithful man. Accept my apologies if that came across wrong. I'm so sorry." He smiled sincerely and warmly, and then begged again, "Walk with me. Talk to me. Help me, Cady." He'd never been this open with anyone except Wren Rae. Was it her strange resemblance? Or was it just... her?
"You know, I'd like that. May I escort you there?" He grinned.
STATUS complete TAG Cadence ATTIRE will do later (:
LYRICS GINASFS; Fall Out Boy NOTES il n'y a pas.
COPYRIGHT Flik of Roleplaying Extras |
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Post by Cadence Black on Apr 9, 2012 23:37:57 GMT -6
ooc: Over 1,000 words again  Cady was still a bit shocked at her temper and attitude when things got a bit rough between them. She had to work on that, she couldn’t just lose her temper when someone disagreed with her on something and she knew that. She had to stop that and maybe her new friendship with Laeghton would help her with that. Maybe he could help her as well; she knew she was doing the right thing by offering her services to him. She hated to see anyone like this and especially when Laeghton needed someone desperately in his life. This kind, wonderful man had been alone and suffering for too damn long and he was going to let her help him. That meant the world to him, but she then frowned at how she was going to ask Queen Danielle if she could be dismissed from court for awhile to help Laeghton. Queen Danielle would let her with some persuasion, but she also needed to keep in touch with them in case Charles sent something towards her, even though he and King Joscelin often corresponded with one another when it came to regards towards warfare, but most of the time Charles wrote to her and she sent the messages to the King if he needed to know anything important. She would miss her daily conversations with Dani her closest and dearest friend, but Laeghton needed her more now. She would not let him down; he couldn’t do that to him. The poor man had been through enough for a whole lifetime. She did listen and agree with his words, but she did know that agreeing with him would only make him a bit more broody. She reached over slowly and rubbed his arm gently, “Who cares what society says? It is not against the law to not be married with children right now. I am so sorry about your wife, but she was a fool to give up on you. I know you may not think of yourself as a good person, but you are Laeghton. Please believe me on this. I come from a horrible family minus my brother who wanted to destroy lives instead of being peaceful. I have seen many people I cared about die in front of me for no treason. Life is too short to waste it. It’s her loss, not yours.” She told him softly rubbing his arm gently wanting to know that she was there for him. Smiling at him accepting her offer to help him, she knew what she had to do. She gave him a warm smile and moved a bit closer to him, closer to his right eye and ear. She had noticed that something wasn’t all right with his left eye and that he had leaned forward with his right side most of the time when she had been talking to him, “Good I am glad to be of service. Now the first phase of this and the hardest part will be the withdrawal stage. It will last a few days, but I imagine you will get angry at me a lot since I will probably get rid of all the alcohol around you. You might even get a bit ill, but it would not last long. I just need to trust me on this…and help me persuade their Majesties that you need me more than they do at the moment especially since they need my help at the moment.” She replied with a small smirk nudging him a bit with her elbow very gently enough to not hurt him. Cady gave him a small smile once more as he agreed to talk to her about his long-lost sister, he needed to get this out, “Well I am glad you accepted my offer to talk about your sister. Tell me anything and everything about her if you wish, however, I will go first if you’d like regarding my life. I just hope that I do not anger you with what I have to tell you. If we are being honest with one another, then you need to hear this. All I ask is that you don’t see any indifference in me. I have not been entirely truthful about who I am…my name is not really Cadence Black…my biological name is actually Catherine Stewart…Princess of Tyrian. I have run away with my loyalty now towards the Kingdoms of Solraya and Avonderre of course. Charles is my brother and the heir to the throne and wants peace with the kingdoms around us and does not agree with my father whatsoever. So in other words, I am a spy and the reason why I am a lady-in-waiting is so I can pass along information I receive. My father does not know of my whereabouts and no one else besides their Majesties, Charles and my old master whom I use to work for knows. I please ask of you not to speak of this to anyone Laeghton, please. My life depends on it and unless you wish to see me in chains being dragged back towards Tyrian, then you must not tell anyone. I do not want to go back there…he will kill me Laeghton. He truly will if not my father then the man whom my father wished me to marry. He beat me before…I…I don’t want to go back. I don’t want to live like that. So when I meant I had to leave Charles behind, I did.” She said softly glancing away to fight back tears that were forming in her eyes. She took her hand and rubbed her eyes acting like she was fine when she actually wasn’t. His pleads to help him made her turn towards him once more, “I will always help you if you will have me. I would be honored if you would let me accompany you to the ball. We can help each other that night as well.” She commented back softly tempted to reach over and kiss him on the lips, finding herself longing to kiss him suddenly. She was not sure why, but she slowly leaned over and kissed his slightly rough cheek from his stubble giving him a sweet smile, but also found herself blushing like a little girl and she felt embarrassed once more. She just hoped that Laeghton would not run away from her since she had revealed her secret. |
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Post by Lord Laeghton Mercer on Apr 15, 2012 14:13:28 GMT -6
It seemed like nothing could help Laeghton these days, but if Cady wanted to give it a go, what the hell, why not let her? Sometimes, it was like people or events came into one's life for their benefit-if Cady was one of those, then he would accept what she'd offer. He needed help and he knew it, but he was also the first to deny that he had a problem, especially one above and beyond the plight of most people. He was Lord Avonderre, after all, a much higher title than almost anyone for miles.
Well, yes. Sure, it wasn't exactly mandatory to have all that. But it wasn't what he had to have-it was what he wanted to have. He wanted a wife who wouldn't treat him like his last one, and he wanted-almost needed-heirs to his title. What would happen if he died soon? No one of his blood would be the next Lord Avonderre, lest one of his brothers took his place. But that wasn't what he wanted either. He wanted children. He wanted a son. "I know, Cady. But I want a son. I want three sons. I want someone to be there when my inheritance is at stake. My pride won't let me give my kingdom away to someone not of my own blood." He smiled sheepishly, knowing how stupid it was to speak from one's pride. But he couldn't help it. If there was any pride left in him, it was all he had to hold on to. And he would hold on for all life was worth.
He groaned. Laeghton didn't know if he'd make it without his alcohol. Maybe with Cady around, he could, but she was right; it wasn't going to be any simple feat. He was, in short, addicted. But he didn't say anything because he didn't want to complain. When she moved on to conversation about the past, it was a semi-welcome transition. She told him of herself, who she really was, and he couldn't help but chuckle, only slightly. He should have guessed as much. No one was who they seemed to be, he knew that. "Well, Princess," he whispered, a smile on his face, "I am honoured. I would bow but I swear that everyone would look strangely upon me. After all, you're just a Lady now. And as for spying, espionage is a lovely pasttime. I'm sure you're a great asset to your brother, as you would be to any man. Speaking of, have you had any in mind to marry since then?" he grinned but kept his eyes serious. He wiped a tear from her cheek with his thumb.
He didn't know if he would ever really marry for love, but if he married again, Laeghton would make sure his wife wouldn't defy him. Pride was all he had. "I could use the help," he whispered. Though he wasn't exactly expecting her to kiss him, he was glad for it. When he looked down at her face after, he saw her blush. Oh, blush he could make her. He laughed and returned her kiss, but on her lips instead.
And then he pretended he'd done nothing. He had to tell her about Wren Rae now. "Hear me out then, Cady. I had a sister, and she was the light of my world. Her name was Wren Rae, and she was the prettiest, smartest little sister one could have. We used to write letters. And then one day, the court of Solraya found her missing, and after looking for her, no one could find her. I spent a fair half year looking for her myself. But we think... we think she's dead. We canna find her anywhere." He sighed. He wouldn't cry. Not under all this alcohol. But he sure missed his sister.
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Post by Cadence Black on Apr 15, 2012 15:15:51 GMT -6
Cady knew that she was no expert when it came to medical expertises, however, she was useful when it came to other important things in life such as guidance and emotional and mental health. She had dealt with everything similar to that no thanks to her father who had decided from the age her younger brother was born that she was not important enough to be his 'sunshine' anymore. So she was shoved off from one nurse to another and they all were verbally abusive towards her, another reason why she was so sensitive to people's needs and wants. Why she wanted to help Laeghton, she knew she would regret it if she just let him be. He was a good man with a weakness that just needed to leave his body for awhile.
She listened to him talk and he was similar in the fact to many lords that he longed for a son to have an heir. He had been married and it had been unsuccessful and it seemed as if he wanted to try again. She hoped he would have that one day, but he needed to take care of himself right now. She continued to hold his hand in hers and rubbed it gently just reassuring him that she was there for him, she was a bit of a toucher. That was how she interracted with her friends and the people she cared about, she and Charles were brought up that way by their kind, yet scary mother.
"I do understand your frustation regarding that and I am sorry for what your wife did, however, forgive me for being so bold again but you need to concentrate on yourself and your health before you go end up dying from alcohol poisoning or liver damage or anything else. Wives may come and go and if you really are in desperate needs of a wife after everything is done, I could help find someone for you if you would like. You are still young and able to perform the action of intervourse so there is always the knowledge that you still have the ability to produce male heirs one day. What if you had a daughter, would you still consider her an heir if she was your only child?" She asked him softly sighing softly.
Feeling a weight off her shoulders, she glanced over and found that he was only smirking at her confession and she blushed a bit more at the princess comment, "No please don't bow Laeghton, you are right. I am only a lady now, plus I do not want to raise any suspicions. And no I have not found anyone to marry just now. Maybe one day, if anyone will have me." She replied rubbing his hand once more finding it comforting for her as well. She did want a husband and children as well, but she wanted love and happiness above all.
Blushing a bit more as Cady watched slowly as Laeghton leaned over and kissed her very softly on the lips, returning her kiss. She was a bit shocked that he had touched her lips, but found it sweet and considerate. She felt her body betraying her as she leaned over and touched his lips once more very softly.
She smiled giving him a sweet, genuine smile as she listened to talk about his sister, Wren Rae was her name and she could not help, but feel sorry for him. She rubbed his hand the entire time he talked and waited until he was done, "Oh my dear Laeghton, do not blame yourself for what happened. That was beyond your control and I know that she knows that you care and love her still. Never give up on that, she may even return one day for you. Do not give up on that idea about her, she's your sister and she will need her big brother when she returns one day." She said softly hoping that it consoled him a bit, but wouldn't be surprised if it didn't.
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Post by Lord Laeghton Mercer on Apr 15, 2012 18:06:22 GMT -6
Laeghton was frustrated, simple as that. He didn't know how women thought, or how their hearts worked, or anything like that. His first wife hadn't even loved him, nor had he loved her. But he had expected a family out of her and gotten none. Four years of marriage! No children! He knew he could do the deed; that was not the problem. Perhaps, though, God had not wished it so. Perhaps he had another woman in mind for the impatient Lord Avonderre. But Laeghton didn't really want to wait and he had a hard time believing in the intentions of a god who had taken his sister five years ago.
He looked over at Cady and sighed in frustration. Did she really understand? "No, Cady... Surely you don't understand... I can do the deed. That's not it; I need heirs. I can have whatever woman in my Lordship I please, but I would never have an affair outside marriage. If nothing else, I'll do as God has asked. But God hasn't answered--he won't give me a wife who loves me." It was so much more complicated than she could understand, he thought. If only God would grant him someone--anyone--who could understand him, could love him for his temper and for his depression, he'd be happy again--even in the absence of his sister, he could learn to be happy again. Even without alcohol.
"Well, I... If that was all I had, I would. But I need a son who can fight, who can defend Avonderre. Women don't do that kind of work." He sighed.
He liked it when Cady rubbed his hand. Definitely, she was one of the close kinds of friends, who liked to comfort and console. And for a mess of self-pity such as Laeghton was, she was the perfect person to free him of alocholism. He smiled without thinking, and then frowned again when she spoke of marriage, suddenly feeling something inside of him that he didn't like. Was it envy, even in the slightest? Oh, he shouldn't be so uptight. For she kissed him--him--and he grinned back at her. There wasn't anyone else; wasn't that what she'd just said. Of course. He was just drunk, that was all. To himself, where she wasn't supposed to hear him, he said, "I would."
He introverted himself again at her words. They were supposed to be comforting words, and though his mind might have heard them, his heart had built up walls around the subject. Wrennie was gone. He just couldn't accept it. He wrapped his arms around Cady and embraced her. "I'm sorry, Cady... I just canna talk of her. I just canna. Come, join me at my castle. Let us walk the gardens." A tear left his eye, and though he tried to be rid of it before she saw, he knew that Cady had.
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Post by Cadence Black on Apr 15, 2012 19:23:11 GMT -6
Cady could tell that Laeghton was getting frustrated with her, but she was wondering why. She was only trying to help and being from the royal court of Tyrian, she could relate to where he was coming from. Well not her specifically, but she saw it around her every single day. She knew of the pressure to have a male heir, since she had been betrothed only to get married and have an heir. She was a trophy and was going to be sold off to the highest bidder. It hurt women like that just to be tossed around like they were ragdolls and still were treated as such. She wanted to tell Laeghton that it hurt women just as bad as it hurt a male's ego to not have any heirs, but she decided against it for now.
She glanced over at him and sighed, "I'm a Princess remember Laeghton? From a woman's point of view, we have pressure on ourselves too. We are sold to the highest bidder with the promise to produce boys and when we don't, we are disowned, put in prison or worse hung for no reason. I do know of the pressure from which you speak of, but forcing that and putting pressure on yourself will only make you more tense and bitter about it. You never know what God has in mind for you, you're right he does have a plan for you and he will give you a good wife who would deliver you a child. Like I said before please don't give up on yourself Laeghton. You're a good, decent, kind, sweet gentleman who has been hurt in the past. We still hurt from our past now-a-days and I still am here to help you. I'm not going anywhere. Yes I know women can not do things that men can do, like fight, but we are valuable in other areas in life. Like childbirth, men can't do that." She replied softly wanting to caress his cheek gently, but decided against it still rubbing his hand gently.
She felt his hand squeeze hers softly and she squeezed his hand back and she swore she could feel her heart stop for a split second, he would have her? Did he truly and deep mean that? Or was he just saying this?
"Laeghton please do not lie to me like this, I care enough for you to take you seriously. Who would want me?" She asked him softly not being to stare at him, but swiftly hide her face in embarrassment once more. She was suddenly shocked to feel his arms embrace her gently and warm. She slowly lifted her arms up releasing his hand and hugging him back tightly rubbing his back with the palm of her hand gently.
Listening to his words, begging her to come back to his castle, she could not resist him anymore. She slowly nodded and frowned a bit at the tear coming down his face. She slowly wiped it away using her finger stroking his cheek gently, "Of course I will go with you and we won't talk of her right now. I just hate to see you in pain." She said softly.
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Post by Lord Laeghton Mercer on Apr 15, 2012 19:54:57 GMT -6
Surely five years should have been long enough to heal something. Nearly two thousand days of grief and pain was enough for one lifetime. In fact, every day Laeghton wished he could join Wren Rae in heaven, where she'd have to be. He'd tried, twice--not that he would ever tell--but God wouldn't let him take his own life. God wanted him to suffer, apparently. And yes, Laeghton said his prayers every morning and went to mass when he wasn't too drunk. But God had no mercy on him. He hated Laeghton Mercer.
He looked over at Cady, frustrated but understanding her. Perhaps he just wanted somebody to love. A best friend and a lover. Someone that he would want his children to be like. Someone that wasn't like him. He couldn't have children that grew up to drink and attempt suicide. "Forgive me, Cady. I know. That's how I ended up with my last wife, and trust me when I say that there's no gain in an arranged marriage. She drove me mad. I guess... I guess I want children so badly that I forget I want to fall in love. But that's so unlikely. That only happens in children's imaginations." He sighed. He wanted to fall in love. He did. But Wren Rae was in his way. And right now, happiness seemed a long way off.
"I can't forget that you've been hurt, too," he said, turning his blind eye and deaf ear away from her. He sighed. "And physical pain is one thing. But emotional is something that the devil made himself. I think God gave me the loss of my left eye and ear so I didn't have to listen to the devil as much. But he also took my Wren Rae." She knew it, now. She'd probably had her suspicions. But he had told her about his physical damage--no secret, except that it made him look weak to enemies--and Wren Rae--also no secret.
He looked upon her with amazement. She didn't know how pretty she was, or how smart, or how unique. Did she think he wasjust saying words to speak them? He shook his head in disbelief. "I am serious, Cady. I would. I've never met someone as compassionate as you, except for..." he choked on his words, "Wrennie." He wanted the embrace to last but it didn't, and he let her go and looked into those beautiful eyes of hers. She was a lot like Wren Rae. He smiled, trying not to remember his sister any more than he had to. "Come, then." He swept her up into his arms and retreated the town of Avonderre for his castle.
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Post by Cadence Black on Apr 16, 2012 12:37:38 GMT -6
For Cady a sign of strength was not being afraid to get emotional in front of someone and not afraid to show it. Laeghton may have hated himself, but she didn’t hate him and respected him even more for not being afraid to show how life really was for him. He had been through a whole lot in his life and she wanted to help him out of this stage of turning to alcohol and wine to get rid of his problems. It was always going to be there and if he didn’t do something about it now, it would haunt him the rest of his life. If she was being honest with herself, she was afraid of how much longer Laeghton would live if he continued down this path. He would truly kill himself and he would die alone. He was too young to die like this. He didn’t deserve any of the pain he had been dealt with and neither did she. All he needed was a little faith and help from a loyal, kind friend who wouldn’t give up on him. She would never give up on him unless he pushed her away enough.
She watched him explain how mental his old wife was and she felt a bit sorry for him. Arranged marriages were horrible, yet very common around this day and time. She had been betrothed to all kinds of men for alliances and then eventually would fall apart because her father would find them guilty of treason or formed a war with them. All Cady longed for was freedom and happiness and now that she had had it, she didn’t want him to suffer. She rubbed him arm gently over his shirt.
“No no it’s not just for fairytales and storybooks, there is love out there. There is someone out there for you my Laeghton, please do not be so negative about yourself. You still can accomplish anything you want in the world, you just need to heal first. You need to be happy first before you can be happy with anyone else. Your first wife is nothing anymore to you right? Do not dwell or think of her anymore. Not all women are like her, just like not all men are idiots and morons like my father. Don’t you want to be happy?” She asked him softly rubbing his arm once more and then raised an eyebrow when he revealed that he no longer had the use of his left eye and ear. It made sense now, him leaning towards her close to his right side and she turned his head using two fingers on his jaw and she stared sweetly at his face.
“Sacrifices must be made sometimes my dear and that does not mean that God has left you with this and abandoned you. He has a purpose for you and although I can not speak for him, but I know for sure that he does not want you to be unhappy. How do you know he took her? She could still be alive. Have faith in others and in the Lord.” She commented back as he then stood up and swiftly took her in his arms while standing up.
Cady let out a surprised yelp as he began to walk with her back towards his castle, catching the eye of many townspeople, “Laeghton what are you doing?! Put me down!” She exclaimed as he ignored her and continued to talk. She sighed resigning in the fact that he was ignoring her and she slowly wrapped her arms around his neck gently.
“You better not drop me,” She told him playfully with a smirk as she rested her head against his warm, gentle chest as she let him lead her and then stared at him again, “You would take me as your wife? I..I…I do not know what to say. I did not think I could find someone who would voluntarily take me as a wife. I would take you as a husband too, if the time ever comes. You are a kind, friendly, compassionate man yourself and any woman would be lucky to have you as a husband.” She told him softly resting her head on his chest once more.
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Post by Lord Laeghton Mercer on Apr 22, 2012 15:30:49 GMT -6
For Laeghton Mercer, Lord Avonderre, life had been a strange conglomeration of trial and tragedy, and for the most part he'd been on the losing end. He wanted so badly for this cycle to be reversed, to find Wren Rae and to live a happier life surrounded by people that loved him and that he loved back. That was it; that was all he desired in this life anymore. Hence, he kept praying for a miracle, a better life.
He smiled softly over at Cady. She was such a sweet girl, and she couldn't be that old, either, but she was so passionate, so caring, and so intelligent. The only other woman that held a light to her was his dearest Wren Rae, and for all he knew she'd been five years dead. Was Cady come to save him from a god he thought had forsaken him? Oh, silly mind; no god cared for him. It could have been just serendipity that they met, just a good fortune. But whatever it was, Cady made him smile. She, a lady of the queen, and he, the drunk Lord Avonderre. Yea, it wasn't exactly a perfect fit.
"Spoken like a true romantic," he grinned, running a hand through his short-cropped brown hair. "Tell me then, Cady, have you fallen in love yet?" He knew the answer he hoped to hear, but he said no more on the topic and left it open for her to answer herself. A modest smile on his part was all he gave her.
Moving on to the subject of Wren Rae wasn't exactly what he'd wanted, but having Cady here was at least of some comfort to his restless mind. "After five years, you're telling me to keep my faith?" he sighed. "I haven't forgotten God, even if he's forgotten me. I go to mass still. I take communion. I say my Hail Marys. At least I can say that. And I've never broken a vow to a woman." He smiled as best he could with his nerves all scrambled. He didn't feel secure speaking of his faith anymore.
He wasn't going to do that; he would embarass her if he had to, but he wouldn't let go of her. She finally gave in and wrapped her arms around him. He grinned and when she turned back to their serious conversation, he softened his expression to a lover's sweet smile, the one that told her she should trust him. "I'm not in jest. Seriously, Cady, I would marry you. I think I've kind of fallen for you, darling. This is can promise: you make me stop drinking and I will make you a lady. My lady." He smiled and continued on toward his own castle.
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Post by Cadence Black on Apr 22, 2012 17:18:07 GMT -6
Cady was brought up on religion, she was baptized and raised as a Catholic and had always gone to Mass every single day with her mother and Charles who were forced to attend Mass for being members of the royal family and getting examples for their subjects. So Cady did believe in God and prayed to him almost daily and was thankful for him giving her life, but never enforced it on people just in case they were offended by it or not religious whatsoever. God was always there, she acknowledged it and accepted it, but she knew that her prayers were not answered when she desperately needed them to be answered. She hated that, God never saved her from her the wrath of her father's or from the man that she had been betrothed to. Maybe God was sending Laeghton to her for a reason. They both could help one another in several different ways.
She noticed him staring at her giving her a sweet smile and she could not help, but smile back. She blushed a bit at his comment about being a true romantic, she was, she was not going to lie about it. In fact she embraced it.
"I am one, I do want to be in love and be married for love one day. No I have not fallen in love yet. I hopefully one day that I shall. Just like the King and Queen perhaps. They are so in love with one another that it is a bit gross sometimes, please do not tell them I said that." She replied blushing a bit more as she leaned more into his chest that was warm and comforting.
She listened to him question her reassuring him about still having faith regarding Wren Rae. She could understand where he was coming from, but she knew never to give up on a loved one. Alive or dead. Missing or not missing. In his heart he had to know that she was still alive otherwise he would have given up on her a long time ago.
"Yes I am telling you to keep that faith my Laeghton, never give up. In your heart you must know that somewhere she is still alive. As for God I know he is there, never give up on him either. He is master of the universe and he does asnwer our prayers even if the answer is no. Good never lose that." She told him confidently rubbing his hand gently before latching onto it giving it a squeeze.
When their conversation began to grow more serious, she glanced up at him wanting to read his facial expressions and eyes. When he smiled sweetly at her and confessed that he was slowly starting to fall in love with her, she could not believe it! So maybe God did have a plan for her, she would make him better.
"Stop." She told him gently before he stopped and she ran a hand through his hair gently with a sweet smile before leaning up slowly and kissing him gently on the lips. She pulled away quickly with a grin, "And I you. I never knew I could feel this way for anyone before and I know what love could possibly feel like. I promise you I will do whatever it takes to make you feel better. You do not have to make my your lady, but I would love that some day. For now we need to make you better." She replied with a sweet smile stroking his cheek gently with her fingertips not wanting to hurt him. As they continued towards his castle, she could not help, but wonder where the future would take them. As for now, she was content in his arms with a task to make him better.
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