๐๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ญ. ๐๐ฉ๐ฉ๐ฅ๐ข๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง. ๐ฌ๐ค๐๐ฅ๐๐ญ๐จ๐ง.ย ๐ฉ๐ฅ๐๐ฒ๐ฅ๐ข๐ฌ๐ญ.

โ

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Keni
Cosmic Funnies
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wallacepolsom

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Mike Driver

#extradirty
One Nice Bug Per Day

Origami Around
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Stranger Things

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@vviolaine
๐๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ญ. ๐๐ฉ๐ฉ๐ฅ๐ข๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง. ๐ฌ๐ค๐๐ฅ๐๐ญ๐จ๐ง.ย ๐ฉ๐ฅ๐๐ฒ๐ฅ๐ข๐ฌ๐ญ.
๐๐๐๐: The 21st of Aude ๐๐๐๐๐: LโOpera Imperial ๐๐๐: @patricecheron
ย ย ย ย ย ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ is undeniable in Violaineโs expression. He does not need to speak for Violaine to guess the reason for his approaching her. For he had not approached her at any other moment since his rearrival.ย How heedless theyโd been in delivering Amelieโs letter, so much so that theyโd been spotted. And by Patrice Cherรณn, of all people. Indeed, there were worse people that couldโve overheard the conversation, but there were also far better. The distance that deepened with each moment Patrice spent away from Val Faim, was something still to be remediedโ and she still hadnโt known how. They mustnโt let this information circulate further than it already had, for that only created new opportunities for this information to travel back to Ghislain. It would only introduce a new fissure in their fiancรฉ whoโd been liable to shatter at any momentโ and she was not convinced of her capacity to keep them both afloat, if he ventured to those levels.
ย ย ย ย ย Violaine reeled in the surprise that overcame her upon realizing sheโd been heard, and replaced her expression with one far more pleasantโand assessing. Sheโd need to better understand the playing field that they were working with. โPatrice,โ she offers in greeting, deciding that niceties would only further his suspicion. Heโd heard what he heardโ there was no getting around it. โWhat a peculiar way for us to be reacquainted. How long has it been, exactly?โ Theyโd leave it to Patrice to decide who would first address the present situation at hand.
๐๐๐๐๐๐.
โ
Iseult lists his head to the side as they recite his name. Listening intently as if, in their carrying of it, he may discover the very same. Only, it lands as it always does; a moniker two degrees from center. A mask in need of adjustment. A coat with a frayed seam. Through the cut-outs in his mask, dark eyes crinkle in a palpable grin.
Geroux informs him of what he should know, here. โI certainly hear it,โ he muses, treading ground akin to well-natured humor, โthe knowing I look forward to.โ a playful substitution for ah, but weโre still strangers, are we not?ย Violaine addresses such in her next remark. โYou pose quite the conflict,โ he entertains as he weighs her proposal with a theatrical gravity. He comes to a decision โ no small shred of willpower needed to resist resigning it to a dor flip.
โSemi-intact is a tall order, and well, my hands can be careless things.โ With that, he turns the mask over in them. Offers it over to hers. โAnd, as I have heard it put, a perfect stranger is simply a friend in waiting,โ and why not test the proverbs validity? That is to say, he wants to see what comes of this, for good or ill; his impulse often the last bastion against a bone-deep boredom. Give me anything, he tempts fate often. Just make it bloody interesting.
ย ย ย ย ย ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ surrounding them, and the continued uncertainty that their conversation roused within in them only prompted Violaine further in their inquiry. The happenings of the street and market became nothing more than background noise, their curiosity growing plainer as the interaction progresses. โI see Iโve managed to invite conflict into our interaction already,โ they retort teasingly, unable to prevent the growing smirk on their expression. โI hope this does this not alter you looking forward to knowing in some fashion.โ
ย ย ย ย ย The truth of the matter was that her visit had not anticipated company of a strangerโ or the absence of movementโ only one aspect in which she hoped to rectify, with the mask now in her possession. โI wonโt let you down,โ she says as she summons what little chivalry may have existed within her, eager to complete the task (even though her primary motivation may have better pinpointed in the conversation she hoped to have with Cyril about the stranger at a later time, as prompted by the mask.) โThen itโs best we make the most of such a period of waiting, yes?โ they ask, though itโs clear that their mind has long been made up. โPerhaps you can join me as I continue with my walk around the market. It would be wasteful to spend such a lovely evening tethered to a single space.โ
๐๐๐๐.
Itโs a little funny, how much pride swirls inside her at just how much Violaineโs demeanor shifts at noticing her. She smirks beneath her mask at the momentary win, their steely gaze looks over her to seize her up, perhaps prepare for their typical matchup. Beau doesnโt have an intimidating stature, she keeps herself as small as possible to get out of any situation she needs to but seeing them prepare to deal with her is very entertaining. Another argument that Beau continues to egg on, refuses to let Violaine drop the topic. The exposure of the affair was too delicious for Beau to pass on and while the true reason behind her teasing has far more to do with Violaineโs spouse, itโs just a little too fun to mess with the noble.ย
Beau knows they have nothing on her anyway unless they decided to go digging for it. She knows the noble is want to do so but thereโs been no harm, no foul so far. She tilts her head at their response, putting on an air of confusion and wanting to understand. โDire consequences?โ she frowns. โNow youโre making it sound like Iโll walk in on some private performance and I promise you,โ she laughs softly. โNo matter how highly you think of yourself, Geroux, itโs not enough to warrant me seeing all of that.โ
She looks to the side, shaking her head at a server walking by with flutes of champagne. She begins to rock on her heels, standing still for so long bringing an ache to her nerves. She hates being in one place for so long, she wished she had a contract out during the celebrations rather than being cooped up in the palace for Alain. โYou donโt have anything on me.โ she finally says with a confident shrug. โIf you did, Iโd be doing my job wrong. Oh hey!โ she leans closer to them, surely invading their space. โDo you want some tips, maybe? I kind of do secrets for a living, but I will require a down payment of at least 250 dor. Surely you understand.โ
ย ย ย ย ย ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ across their visage as Beau goads them furtherโ and an annoyance visible, if only for several fleeting moments between their practiced and polished conversations and expressions.ย There is nothing concrete about Beau's inquiry, something that should've led relief to wash over her, but still, Violaine wallows in their initial vexation, eyes fluttering distractedly across the gardens in search of anything but Beau. What had it mattered that she'd acquiesced to her tauntings, succumbing to their provocation at record speeds, something entirely out of the ordinary for them? That was the effect that Sidonie inspired within her, something Beau was more than privy too, at the very least. This, of course, would not prevent Violaine from partaking in some festivities of their own. โI haven't the slightest idea what you're talking about,โ they retort with mock perplexion, expression softening into something more playful. โMy private performances would not be the consequence itself, silly. To think that I refer to them in any capacity as a consequence would negate how highly I think of myself, don't you think?โ The actual consequences that they hinted at were ones still unknown to either of themโ but Beau does not need to know that. The installing of uneasiness alone would be enough to serve their purposes.ย
ย ย ย ย ย ย They find themself secretly hoping that Beau's rocking would propel her off balance, before her words draw them back into reality, annoyance once more curdling their expression. Violaine could not settle for not having the upper hand, and they consider her present statements like a long-overdue challenge. โSurely if I were to seek out services such as these, then it would be someone with real standing in your profession,โ they coo, as if this could not have been more obvious. โNot someone amateur enough to reveal their findings without satisfactory evidence beforehand. Though, perhaps that 250 dor could come in the form of a donation to ensure you acquire more adequate training, yeah?โ In reality, they knew little to nothing about the extent of Beau's abilities, but this does not stop them from prodding forward, gauging how far they can venture in their provocation before stumbling across the consequences of Beau'sโ or even Alain'sโ making.
๐๐๐๐๐๐๐.
Read More Now!ย ย ย ย ย ย
closeup headcanons.ย ย for extremely specific headcanons. send me a body part from the list below and iโll give you details on it: how it looks, how my muse feels about it, what difference it makes for my museโs life, is it sensitive, how intimate my muse feels contact with it, if my muse decorates it or takes care of it any particular way, how well it works, has it sustained any injuries, anything of the sort. potentially nsfw ones are marked with *
01.ย ย ย ย scalp.
02.ย ย ย ย hair.
03.ย ย ย ย forehead.
04.ย ย ย ย temples.
05.ย ย ย ย eyebrows.
06.ย ย ย ย eyes.
07.ย ย ย ย ears.
08.ย ย ย ย nose.
09.ย ย ย ย cheeks.
10.ย ย ย ย lips.
11.ย ย ย ย teeth.
12.ย ย ย ย mouth.
13.ย ย ย ย jaw.
14.ย ย ย ย chin.
15.ย ย ย ย neck. (back and front.)
16.ย ย ย ย collarbones.
17.ย ย ย ย shoulders. (muscles.)
18.ย ย ย ย shoulders. (joints.)
19.ย ย ย ย upper arms.
20.ย ย ย ย elbows.
21.ย ย ย ย forearms.
22.ย ย ย ย wrists.
23.ย ย ย ย palms. (front and back.)
24.ย ย ย ย fingers. (all of them.)
25.ย ย ย ย shoulder blade.
26.ย ย ย ย breast / upper chest area. *
27.ย ย ย ย waist.
28.ย ย ย ย back.
29.ย ย ย ย hips.
30.ย ย ย ย groin area. *
31.ย ย ย ย butt. *
32.ย ย ย ย thighs.
33.ย ย ย ย knees.
34.ย ย ย ย calves.
35.ย ย ย ย ankles.
36.ย ย ย ย feet. (heel, bridge, ball.)
37.ย ย ย ย toes.
38.ย ย ย ย nails. (fingers + toes.)
a slightly altered timeline.ย ย send meย โ timeline โย and a number and i will tell you how my muse and their life would have turned out in a life slightly altered compared to their canon oneโsame universe, but where something little, or something big, went differently.
the timeline in whichย they live an ideal life, had no opportunities taken from them, were subjected to nothing terrible, where they grew up to fulfil their full potential.
the timeline in which they never met who would become the most influential or important person in their life, or that person was taken from them before they were capable of forming memories.
the timeline in which something important to them happened in a different stage of life.
the timeline in which they knew beforehand of something they would have prevented if given the chance.
the timeline in which they continue on from the current point in their lives to the best happy ending that is within their reach, where nothing that has happened so far is negated but from now on, the happy things start piling up.
the timeline in which everything that could go wrong from this point onโฆ does.
the timeline in which they never experience the loss that taught them something important.
the timeline in which they gain everything they want, except for the thing they wanted the most.
the timeline in which they live the life they currently see the most likely for them.
the timeline in which something big to them never happened.
the timeline in which something very little happened differently, but it changed a lot.
the timeline in which they had a person in their life when they needed one the most.
the timeline in which instead of the most influential person in their life, they had a person who had the complete opposite effect on them.
the timeline in which they took a chance they didnโt in canon.
the timeline in which they let a chance go by.
happy (belated) birthday lia!!!!!!!!!!!!! @etiennemarais @vviolaineโ
Two-Headed Poems,ย โThe Woman Who Could Not Live With Her Faulty Heartโ by Margaret Atwood
๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐.
๐๐ ๐๐ ๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐โ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐, unraveling each thread until all that is left is what lies at the core of all things: breath and blood, fear and desire, a primal need for life and an innate fear of the unknown? They are completely still as they listen closely, for who else has lain it before Agrippine so clearly? It is as their intuition warned them, every jittery moment of panic confirmed true: if they cannot make you one of their trophies, then theyโll settle on poking and prodding you until they unearth what they believe to be your layersโฆ
What layers does Agrippine have? A name they borrowed from the language of the very beasts theyโve learned to love, a home given to them by a stranger who is as kind as he is dangerous, a career funded by the fiance of the very same noble who illustrates with startling, black-and-white precision their future at court. They have what is given to them, what they stumbled upon by accident โ and then, nothing. A few confusing and crimson-stained memories.ย
Without memory, without a personal history, the core of Agrippine brims at the surface, and even moreso as they consider their options. Dark eyes drawn wide as Luneโs, body almost unnaturally still, Agrippine grasps for words. Clumsily, they offer their answer. โI want to remain myself. I donโt want to be torn apart like a machine. I am no mere object, but I donโtโฆโ Like a child, they stumble; and like all children do, naive and ignorant of the cost of hope, they try again. โI donโt understandโฆ this,โ their gaze flickers to the nobles who watch them like a hawk eyes its prey, โI never asked for it.โ
Agrippine looks at Lune helplessly, as if their steed can explain for them. She blinks amicably at their rider, and Agrippine sighs. Thy sonโt know Violaine โ not enough to confess the one thing they desire, the one demand they have of the world and its mysteries. If losing their memories has taught them anything, it is that a story is a precious and priceless thing. If living at the Mane and lurking in the shadows of Val Faim has shown them anything, it is that there are plenty who will take everything from you for sport.
Perhaps more for themselves than for Violaine, Agrippine steps away from the racetrack and heads toward the stables. โYes. I have to take Lune back anyways.โ
ย ย ย ย ย ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐โ never looking away, even as the filaments of their existence unwinded and popped in tandem with her every warning. They walk side by side, and her solemness deepens the farther they draw away from the nobility. She did not take pride in the jockey's undoing, but if it were not her to orchestrate it, there would always be worse, and never better. So why not Violaine? There was no one better to address the finely woven intersections of noble society, with minimal cruelty, and even grace when possible.
ย ย ย ย ย In the now of it, it was honesty that took the present priority. โWho are you, Agrippine?โ they query seriously and searchingly. โWhat are the facets of your sense of self that come to mind when hearing that question? What makes you you?โ Their gaze flutters to the distant nobles. โRemember them, carry them with you, and don't let them take you from you. Knowing yourself inside out is necessary if you hope to be able to distinguish yourself from the you that they'll be receiving.โ
ย ย ย ย ย If they were to assist Agrippine in the making of themself, then it was necessary they took hold of these scattered, wayward threads, and directed them toward a common goal. From a jockey she would propel them and into a performer they would become. โThere's much to learn, Agrippine, but eventually itโll all start to make sense. Just remember to be kind to yourself, for this is knowledge I've gained directly over a span of nearly 30 years. It won't be easy, but it is the way that will allow you to retain your sense of self.โ
ย ย ย ย ย As they near the stables, Violaine draws a hand affectionately across Lune's head. โSome advice if we are to work together moving forwardโ dwelling on the fact that you didn't ask to be in said circumstance does little but deepen your misery. Instead, ask yourself, how can you take a circumstance, not of your own making, and come out on top with all of the influence?โ Violaine gives Lune one final farewell caress, before turning to Agrippine with a hopeful smile. They would work well together. โRest a few nights on what we've discussed. Feel free to reach out to Ghislain or I if you need anything.โ It would not be Ghislain they reached out to, Violaine figured, but she never discounted a surprise from the jockey. Their farewell glance is one of promise and potential. โAu revoir. I'm happy to have become better acquainted with an ally.โ
ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย โ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐.
๐๐๐๐๐๐.
The corners of Giseleโs mouth curl faintly upwards, yet it doesnโt seem quite like a smile. The expression drifts somewhere between wry amusement and an oblique, deadened wistfulness. โIs that so? Ah well, I suppose obvious scowls have their uses. We canโt all be blessed with smiles like yours.โ Itโs true, Gisele traffics primarily in the consuming compulsion of dread, in danger implied and overt, in all things both vague and cutting. Her mask certainly was meant to amplify that, the silvery gleam reflecting the light that happens to strike it as a pale lustour, ghostly under the pitch of her veil. โCoercion and charm are both just persuasion.โ Persuasion, influence, seduction even, all one in the same, all relying on promises, those of violence or of adoration, it mattered little. Coercion and charm: One might even call them sisters.
Finally, the indefinite mirth of expression clears, her face splitting into a wide grin. Gisele laughs her approval, with a short, fond shake of her head. โMm, yes, dreaming of the perfect patricide, the very mark of an idealist,โ she shoots back, adopting a teasing smile and a tone to match.
She waves a hand dismissively, returning to the bottle once more for good measure. โIโm afraid the obstacle here is physiological, not sensory,โ she explains, and though her words are imparted with a certain gravity, it seems to be at least partially self-mocking, โIf anything, I find the idea of an ale of the sort youโre describing a great deal more revolting. Call me jaded, but I find the honesty of hard liquorโs burn to be the most charming thing about it. If at all possible, something should advertise itself plainly, without pretense.โ Not that she herself doesnโt often do exactly that, but she doesnโt make the rules of the game, she simply abides by them. Compliance and approval were hardly synonymous.ย
โEven more than usual? The mildness of the claim makes it seem all the more drastic. โ Gisele raises a skeptical brow, fixes her friend with a discerning look, but almost immediately relents with a brief, one-shouldered shrug. โI can claim no such eventfulness on my end. There areโฆ negotiations, I suppose, but theyโre halting at best, de trop at worst.โ Her tone carries no attachment, no feeling. There is only an admission of fact here: as if she is explaining a bad business decision made years ago. In a way, thatโs exactly what sheโs doing. โI can never understand why everything at Court should not be so simple as trade negotiations or drafting contracts. Itโs a dreadful thing, the capriciousness of favour. Iโd venture so far as to say Celestineโs lost more good people to the turn of trend than to any natural cause.โ
ย ย ย ย ย ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ in Gisele's steely visage. It was reminder enough to ground them back in their original cause, the plight to their companion's enjoyment becoming more tangible than everโ if only through the phantom of the emotion they'd just bore witness.ย โWas that a compliment I just heard, or am I mistaken?โย Violaine inquires with a teasing expression.
ย ย ย ย ย ย โCoercion and charmโs differences are located in their performance. People introduce difference based on how the performance is received, but they carry the same purpose in mind.โย It was one of the common practices of the nobility, grounding the conditions of their approval in pride and vanity, and that made charm the most effortless school of persuasion. Though she hadnโt objected to other methods, they were better left to someone more versed in their workings. There is a mutuality attested by only the two of them, and Violaine relished in this knowing, as if it were the most piquant of gossip she alone was privileged in understanding.ย
ย ย ย ย ย โI had you all wrong, Gisele. Whiskey was a more appropriate drink for the occasion,โย Violaine notes thoughtfully, cataloging the newly acquired information for future purposes.ย โNext time. Violetta trades exactly the sort of biting drink you speak of. Iโve grown to enjoy its richness.โย There was no specificity in her next time, for she never knew when and where she would encounter Gisele next, but they invited the possibility of such happenings.ย
ย ย ย ย ย The looming plausibility of scandal governed her in more ways than she let on, and Violaine sips the bottle grinning wistfully beneath the flowing wine. It was better Gisele was not plagued with the details of Violaineโs dalliances, and her pride precluded her from announcing matters that were presently eluding her control.ย โIโll let you experience the news organically with the rest of the nobility, if and when that time comes.โย Perhaps the moment would arrive that all her indiscretions bubbled to the surfaceโ in the meantime, they hadn't fit the conversation or occasion.ย
ย ย ย ย ย โIf only we could divvy up the social and the professional and divide in amongst ourselves. The very negotiations you speak of are ones I've always found to be readily complex of all the dealings of the nobility.โย A wistful sigh escapes their lips as they realize just how much time has past, knowing that the immediacy of duty would separate them from their friend once more. They would be back at the center of the action in several moments, their coy smiles and vivacious laughter a currency in the exchange of courtly knowledgeโ knowledge that would bring them closer to the solution and clarity they needed.ย
ย ย ย ย ย They allowed a few moments for any last sips needed to be taken, before disposing the near empty bottle in the nearest waste bin.ย โBest of luck in your negotiations, mon anime,โย they announce amidst securing the clasps of their mask. โMay they be without pretense, nor sullied by the capriciousness of favor.โย A glimmer of mischief is visible in their smile as they bid farewell to their friend.
ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย โ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐.
โI am how my heart defines me. Strong, soft, unstoppable.โ
โ From my scars, I will riseย // E.D (via mistletoeandreil)
๐๐๐๐๐๐.
Sainte pouts for a moment, but eagerly accepts the dagger, adjusting their dress so they can strap it to their leg. โI donโt think itโs really fair.โ They say, arms folded across their chest. But theyโre not entirely what it is that isnโt fair about it - the only similarity between themselves and people like Matthieu and Michel is that theyโre all under the employ of the Empress. And there isnโt really a reason Calandre would make an exception for Sainte to carry a weapon. But it annoys them nonetheless.
They look back in the mirror, shifting their stance a bit, and adjusting their dress. โMaybe this isnโt as good an idea as I thought. I could always still stay home.โ Theyโre talking to themselves more than Violaine really, and it does feel a bit too late to change their mind anyway. โI suppose Iโll just have to hope I donโt need it.โ Though itโs less about needing it, really, and more about the comfortable weight of a weapon against their body, the knowledge that they are safe, just in case.ย
ย ย ย ย ย โ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐,โ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ with a contemplative smile, as they began their own preparations for the event.ย โAnd a rarity when it comes to noble affairs. Thatโs why you have to decide how much youโll be taking the rules into consideration on a case by case basis.โ A weapon is not a weapon if undetected by those who would deem it such. It was known to herself and a select few others, and Violaine liked to think of it more as a last ditch effort. An influx of peculiar occurrences kept her more on guard than usual, and that same strangeness was lingering in air of Val Faim.ย ย
ย ย ย ย ย They were sympathetic of Sainteโs predicamentโ being in a new space, and playing by different rules was no easy feat.ย โYou have to think of it as a requirement of your position, and even the less bearable tasks need completion.โ They shift their gaze to Sainte, and the dress that suited them so well.ย โBesides, it could never hurt your cause to use this dress to your advantage. Using the vanity of the nobility in order to better secure what you want with even less effort.โ
๐๐๐๐๐.
๐๐๐๐: 14thย of Fiacre ๐๐๐๐๐: The Silver Quarter, Cyrilโs shop ๐๐๐๐๐๐: Closed, @vviolaine
One could say Cyril has been keeping herself busy in an attempt to rid her mind of the image that seems to have carved itself inside her eyelids and ears. The young tailor canโt remember the last time she actually allowed herself to be at home, alone, without much to do but keep herself company.ย
Sheโs been actively avoiding that particular situation by turning to her job and her shop has become more of a home than her actual house โ that much has been made obvious by the small and portable heater sheโd added to the back of her shop, where sheโs heating the tea sheโs serving both her and Violaine.ย
โI figured we could drink something while we talked and played dress up,โ Cyril smiles as she speaks those playful words, excitement written all over her expression as she walks over to where Violaine is sitting. Cyril sets down the kettle between the two of them, taking a sit opposite of Violaine and serving her friend a cup of freshly brewed tea.ย
There are words that get caught in Cyrilโs throat, torn between speaking them or swallowing them up.ย โSoโฆ The Masquerade,โ she begins as she pours her own cup of tea, letting the ambiguity of her words settle between her lips and Violaineโs ears; not even Cyril is aware of where she is going with her own words โ will she choose to keep things light or speak of matters that are far more important, in the bigger picture?
โEveryone looked very pretty, didnโt they?โ
โฐ โ /
ย ย ย ย ย ๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐, ๐๐๐๐๐'๐ ๐๐๐๐ fashioned a makeshift sanctuary where Violaine's words met new meanings, liberated from the well-accustomed pretenses and performances of noble living. It was where words often met no meanings at all, for silence too was something of a luxury in usual noble circumstances. It was a tranquility that collected in the folds of the fabrics, in their tea, and even the vacillation of gossip.
ย ย ย ย ย Today's space was presently sullied by the events of the masquerade, something neither of them seemed readily willing to bring up. Yet it seems to lord over their each and every interaction, the thing left unsaid as they proceeded with their conversation. Violaine was never one to be squeamish, but theyโd be lying if they said the execution hadnโt perturbed her. The effect of the event on her friend had not gone unnoticed either, despite Cyrilโs efforts to assure them otherwise.
ย ย ย ย ย โYou can never play dress up without a good drink, can you?โ Violaine quips as she takes a light sip of Cyrilโs tea. For a shopโ Cyrilโs place of business seemed rather cozyโ perhaps cozier than usual, Violaine notes observantly to herself. โI have a spiked tea recipe that might be of interest to you. Thereโs a lovely cognac that pairs perfectly with the teas we usually drink.โ
ย ย ย ย ย It was going to come up eventuallyโ it was all a matter of who would succumb to the subject firstโ a matter of who would ease out the first piece of rock and unleash the dam of circumstances theyโd so carefully avoided. No matter that, though, for the two gossiping nobles wouldnโt be able to avoid such matters forever. โIn their own right,โ Violaine responds in halfhearted agreement. โSome prettier than others. Though it became very clear whose garments came from you, and who sought out attire from elsewhere.โ Her mind lingers on the most eventful part of the night, one unexpectedly so, with a hesitant sigh. โI just hope l'impรฉratrice was right about him. That isnโt something you can take back.โ
Adonis, Selected Poems; โBeginnings of the Body, Ends of the Seaโ (tr. Khaled Mattawa)
๐๐๐๐๐๐.
For as difficult as he may be to place, Iseult carries himself with an air of ease โ one that suggests heโd fit into the fray of any quarter Odeline herself could pluck him up and drop him in; or it suggests quite the opposite, that itโs all alien. Always has been. That in itself is a kind of comfort. Whatever the matter, while the Silver Quarter is a favored haunt, heโd always fancied the Azure as the quarter where life happens, careless and original.
A gloved hand raises to the maskโs chip, tracing the valley fractured into the ornate surface. โMuch appreciated. If it werenโt for my trust in the tailorโs handiwork, Iโd be in the business of worrying,โ he remarked. โPleasure, Violaine Geroux.โ The freelancer folds an arm across his embroidered coat and dips into a small semblance of a bow. โIโm Iseult.โ Rayne was the recognizable moniker to those versed in the underworld, but to others and in the daylight, he was only ever Iseult. Occasionally, he plays over the words of the women whoโd given him the name: in time it will fit you, and so will this country.ย To this day (years on) he wagers over which will come first.
The spark of curiosity in the other isnโt lost on him. Rayne feeds it kindling, stokes it into a flame. โIโve been a regular of Mme. Beauchampโs for a time. With your eye,โย and inferring by the noble strangerโs tastes โIโd be surprised if you werenโt?โ He muses.
ย ย ย ย ย ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐'๐ ๐๐๐๐ย ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐. It was a singularity of a different varietyโ one different from the histories and lineages invoked in surnames of Celestian nobles. โIseult,โ Violaine recites back to him, for perhaps his name possessed something else to reveal once carried between her own lips. Their attempts at discovery are futile, only fueling their interest further. โThe pleasure is all mine. Know that in the wake of Cyril's absence, you're in the best possible hands. You can proceed without worry, if only for a few moments longer.โย
ย ย ย ย ย Even Iseult's words eluded any acts binding, for no time, place, nor location could be extracted from his words. No matter that though, for they'd been in the business of knowing peopleโ if people were all of equal transparency, then they'd be no fun. That and Violaine truly felt an obligation to her friend to attend to her customer in her absence. โCyril Beauchamp is my most trusted tailor and a dear friend of mine. Fancy you can hold onto the mask and ensure it remains semi-intact until tomorrow?โ Violaine teases with a perked brow. โOr you could leave it with me, a perfect stranger. Whatever you deem to be the less risky endeavor.โ
Come love, make me better than I was.
Come teach me a kinder way ย ย ย ย ย ย ย to say my own name.
โ Andrea Gibson, from โGood Light,โ Lord of the Butterflies