Flowers of the Temple

Oh, hello there. Is there something you need? I was out for a walk. Solitude is rather nice, if not expansive and sometimes crowded. I'm here thanks to a friend of mine, and to stay in touch with my sister. Do tell her hello, if you see her.

[florianlabelle-blog]

How does he feel about it?  He isn’t sure.  His body wants him to say yes, his hips shifting beneath her hand.  His eyelids flutter, but he doesn’t want to lose himself to this.  He has his reputation to think about, and also hers.  He doesn’t want them to start any rumors, but who’s going to see them? 

“It’d be bumpy,”  He murmurs, stubbornly refusing to both encourage her on and also stop her.  “And probably uncomfortable.  Carriages aren’t made for sex.”

[flowersofthetemple]

With a heavy sigh, she sits back, and simply decides to, well, let him decide on his own. He can sit there with his erection all day. She won’t mind.

“I won’t try and convince you if you’re set against it. Another time then, dear,” She strokes his hair and then rests against him, warm under all the covers. Florian was right about something, however; it began to rain. Drops fall to the carriage in tiny thuds, like fingertips dancing across. She allows her body to relax and absorb the sound. From what she remembers, she tries to imagine what it may look like outside.

[florianlabelle-blog]

He realizes what is happening too late to do much of anything about it.  His eyelids flutter as she strokes along his chest, and he exhales slowly and deeply.  Her hands feel good.  Too good.  He lightly catches her hand in one hand, and touches her cheek with his other.

“Eponis,”  He protests softly,  “We’re in the carriage.  What are you doing?”

[flowersofthetemple]

“Yes, dearest, we’re in a carriage, not out walking or open to prying eyes....” Her lips brush against his skin and she presses herself closer, body flush to his own, “I can always stop if you want me to. Just say the word.” 

But until he indicated otherwise, her hand roamed southward, gripping at the fabric of his clothing occasionally before finding itself home near his groin. “How would you feel about making love, here? In the carriage? Someone could peer in, but they probably won’t, even if there’s a risk... it’s a little dangerous... and you would have to keep me quiet...”

[florianlabelle-blog]

He chuckled softly as he took both of her hands into his own and rubbed them slowly.  He wrapped them in the blanket spread across his lap, but only after placing a chaste kiss across the back of both hands.

“I have to work hard.  We wouldn’t be here today if I didn’t.  I don’t enjoy it, always,”  He admits,  “But that doesn’t matter.  My enjoyment isn’t necessary.  It needs to be done.”

[flowersofthetemple]

Nothing could stop her from pouting about it, but she understood. “I know. I’m aware. I’m glad you’re taking the time to infuse some enjoyment into your life aside from sleeping...” It was definitely a hint that he should not fall asleep. That, and the hand she broke free and ran across his chest was another demonstration. So many layers. If they were inside she could undo these clasps and fastenings to get to his chest, but it was chilly and perhaps a bit more discretion was due in the carriage...

It didn’t at all stop her from moving forward to kiss his neck, however. She was going to do that, planting affection on what ever skin she could find. “Have you planned dinner, yet?” She murmured between continuing kisses.

[florianlabelle-blog]

“Just tired.”  He takes a deep breath, and forces his eyes open.  He doesn’t want to fall asleep, as tempting as the offer is.  He’s glad to have some time with Eponis away from prying eyes, even if it is just a calming ride along Solitude’s coastline.

“The work itself isn’t the problem,”  He insists.  “I worry too much.  Don’t mind me,”  He insists.  “I’ll be just fine.”  He pats the hand against his face, meaning to comfort her.  His fingertips stroke down her fingers and along her knuckles.  “Your hands are cold.”

[flowersofthetemple]

“You worry too much?” Eponis laughs and smiles, broadly, with a little shake of her head. “I worry. I worry a lot. Do try not to worry me so much, you do work too hard and you know it.”

She knew her own hands were probably cold out of stress. Whenever it was the case, her hands and feet got cold, and nothing seemed to warm them. Still, she rested her cheek against his shoulder, and spoke softly; “Feel free to warm them.”

[florianlabelle-blog]

“Carriage it is.  I’ll make the arrangements.” 

It doesn’t take long before they are ready to depart.  Florian does don a heavier, softer cloak for the ride.  The carriage will keep them dry, but the weather is still chilly.  If nothing else, he can use it as a shared blanket if she gets cold as well.  The horses stomp impatiently as they enter the carriage, and Florian shuts his eyes almost the very moment the horses start off.  Why is it he suddenly feels terribly exhausted?  He’s barely been up.

“I’m sorry,”  He began after a moment, eyes still shut.  “I didn’t ask.  Are you warm enough?  Comfortable?”

[flowersofthetemple]

Although cozy and warm his cloak, (she pulled it around herself because she was chilly to start), sat next to Florian, she puzzled out that something was wrong. Or, not wrong, but amiss. Was he feeling ill, or tired? She ran a hand across his jaw gently, stroking along the curve, then brought her thumb to run across his cheekbone. He was handsome as always, but...

“I should be asking you the same thing, but it seems like you’re ready to fall asleep. Have you been working yourself into the grave, again?” Her position shifted slightly, onto the hip nearest him, so that she could ‘face’ him. He felt so slack. The horses had already begun their way forth as she asked him this.

[florianlabelle-blog]

He lifted his hand to cup the back of hers, and sighed heavily through his nose.  His fingers tapped out a rhythm on her knuckles before he let his hand drop back to his side.  “I was hoping to go for a walk, but it looks as though there might be rain.  Do you want to risk it?  Or should I have some horses harnessed for a drive?”

[flowersofthetemple]

“I’m willing to get out of here for a little while, go on an adventure,” She put her hands on her hips in thought. Her lips pursed. She did love walks in the rain, but she knew just how much he didn’t like it. If his desire to go out meant he’d take a carriage to avoid the indignity of that hair of his happening, then by all means, she’d take the carriage with him. 

“Let’s take a carriage.” She had a few ideas, “We haven’t taken it for a while, the weather’s been too nice. Now we have an excuse... even if it doesn’t really rain at all, better safe than sorry.”

[florianlabelle-blog]

“Maude doesn’t get to decide what I do,”  He muttered.  “Not anymore, anyway.  But if it makes her uncomfortable, I suppose I can tone it down when she’s around.  I didn’t think I was being inappropriate, however.  I was hardly–”  He stopped himself short

“..Let’s talk about something else,”  He suggested.  “Did you have plans for the day?  I’ve made time.”

[flowersofthetemple]

“Shhh.”

She placed two fingers over his lips with her free hand. “I’m aware that you can make your own decisions. I don’t think you were being inappropriate either, love, but you also are judging from the standard of a virile young man rather than a proper older lady.” And without hesitation, the fingers that were on his lips ran to his jawline, which she stroked with the pad of her thumb. Her gaze was warm, fond.

“I have all the time in the world.”

[florianlabelle-blog]

Florian grimaced when Maude left the room.  He sighed sharply when Eponis spoke.  “She was my nanny,”  He reminded her, voice a grumble.  “She makes me nervous.  Once someone’s seen you in messed diapers, it rather changes your relationship with them.”  He took a deep breath, and then strode in close to her.  With Maude gone, it felt safer to bend and press a kiss against her cheek.

“You look beautiful,”  He lowered his voice, smiled against her skin.  “No surprise there.”

[flowersofthetemple]

Eponis tossed her head back in a laugh, more motion than sound, then pressed a kiss to his jawline, leaving a little flush of red behind. “I know. Trust me, she regaled me all morning. And also, the morning before that. She’s filled me in.”

She took his hand in hers. “She says that in order to touch me so openly as you do -- ‘brazenly,’ I believe she said -- we should be married first. Marriage, and then heavy petting is now allowed and no longer will the Gods weep over our sinful existences. Or, maybe it’s simply a little embarrassing for her to see.”

[florianlabelle-blog]

Florian frowned sharply at his former nanny, but he obeyed her silent command and took a respectful step back from Eponis.  He clasped his hands behind his back and stood a bit straighter, a warm flush coloring his cheeks.  He cleared his throat again, his gaze shifting from Maude, and then to Eponis.

“I can help you practice, if you’d like.  I’m learning a bit of Nordic myself.  If you’re interested in languages, we might practice together.  It’d be nice to have a partner.  To practice language,”  He added quickly.  “Obviously.”

[flowersofthetemple]

“I would love to practice with you, Florian.” Her tone was smooth and even, clearly either not noticing or ignoring the awkward tension unfolding around her. Gently, her hand set upon Maude’s shoulder, “Thank you so much for this gift, Maude. It means the world to me. I should like to properly thank you sooner, but I do have to have a word in private with the young master. Is that alright?”

“Quite, my lady,” Maude nodded, but cast Florian another look that said all sorts of things, “You are most welcome. I’ll have some tea made when you’re ready.” With a quick and rather informal bow, she saw herself out.

Eponis knew when she had left. She tilted her head. “’A partner to practice language, obviously’?”

[florianlabelle-blog]

He cleared his throat when she spoke again.  Part of him felt slightly embarrassed that he had slowed his speech to accommodate her;  It was quite clear that she didn’t need his help.  On the other hand, her grasp on the language was impressive, especially considering he was certain she hadn’t been studying it for very long.  Or had she?  He narrowed his eyes in suspicion.

“How long have you been working at that?”  He asked, switching to Common.  “You’re quite good.”  He approached, and, after a sidelong glance at Maude, cleared his throat and touched her upper arms.  “You look lovely.  The dress is very flattering.   It was well given.”

[flowersofthetemple]

Definitely on purpose, Maude leaned in between them to puff up one of the sleeves. No touching, her gaze said everything for her. Especially not so out in the open. Don’t be your father.

“I have been practicing in private for quite some time, now. I had hoped there would be a grander or more interesting time to break the news, but now is as good a time as any. I’m pleased you like it.” She couldn’t help but be amused at Maude’s old-fashioned ideas of publicly displaying affection, but also knew... these were Bretons...

[florianlabelle-blog]

He wasn’t usually around in the morning.  When his mornings weren’t occupied with meetings or other business, he tried to get some sleep.  But when his first meeting of the morning had been canceled, it’d seemed like a fine time to actually get out and stretch his legs.  The morning was brisk, and his face was pink as he’d strode inside their rented manse. 

He paused as he heard voices floating out form Eponis’s bedroom, and he paused in the hall to listen.  He recognized Maude’s voice, but he was surprised to hear Eponis joining in.  “And what are the pair of you talking about?”  He asked as he stepped into the doorway, speaking in carefully enunciated syllables.  “Not about me, I hope?”

[flowersofthetemple]

Maude said nothing, but instead addressed Florian with her matronly gaze. Eponis practically felt it. “Nothing negative, at least.” She spoke in Bretic with ease, wondering why he was enunciating so much, “The house was kind enough to give me this gift. Do you think that it suits me?”

Her fingers pinched at the fabric of her skirts, lifting them only slightly to show him the fullness of it all -- Maude helped, straightening out her hair where necessary, and pulling the necklace into place.

[flowersofthetemple]

Eponis quietly addressed a servant while preparing for the day, indicating to her in Bretic that the dress was beautiful and she very much enjoyed such a gift from the household. Even if she couldn’t see it, she could feel it, and her hands were not unskilled with determining the quality of an item. How they got her measurements, however, was up for debate. She wouldn’t ask. Just as softly, and graciously, the servant was dismissed so Eponis could braid her hair. Today was nothing special, not really, but it never hurt to dress up just because every once in a while.

[lordflorian]

Allard mentioned this would be beneficial for my family as a whole.  I think both of us know what that means.

I despise licking boots, but in this class, I’m glad to help.  The Orc is a disgrace, and he’s putting everyone in danger.  The sooner he is gone, the better.  And I won’t have it said that the Labelles turned the other way.

…Are you frightened, Eponis?

[flowersofthetemple]

I would be stupid not to be frightened. 

Good for your family at what cost, Florian? I've told you what I think. Yes, he is a menace, but a menace you need not deal with. Are you sure you're not being used? 

[lordflorian]

Are you suggesting that I should handle him on my own?

[flowersofthetemple]

I am suggesting that you are not involved in handling him at all..

[lordflorian]

I do.  That’s why I asked.

[flowersofthetemple]

[She draws in a deep breath.]

This bandit king should be taken on, I agree. But the Labelles shouldn't offer their assistance to the Allards.

I'll admit, I'm a bit confused to begin with. There are assassinations amongst the nobility constantly, and now that it was not another noble who did the killing, they want him dead. Not to diminish the terror of his actions, but there is no shortage of terror within gilded walls, either. Why fight the banditry of Skyrim when there's enough strife between families to begin with? It may unite you for a time, but at what cost?

[lordflorian]

Alrek Allard sent a letter asking in Labelle assistance in finishing the job Susette started.  I assume he wants this bandit king dead.  And I couldn’t agree more.

I wanted your opinion on the matter.

[flowersofthetemple]

He wants the Labelles to help eliminate...? [Her eyes widen, gaze pearly as usual.]

I'm not entirely sure you want my opinion on this, Florian.

[lordflorian]

That’s the long and short of it.  Susette Voclain, a knight.  She was trying to… Eradicate someone.  It was foolish of her.  Very brave, and very selfless.  But foolish.  I’m sorry she had to learn that the hard way.  It’s a shame.

[flowersofthetemple]

It is a shame... I take it she was young. Poor thing. [Her brows knit.] What has this got to do with the letter? Was it only this news, then?