OOC: This takes place after this (http://www.spiritsoftheearth.net/smf/index.php?topic=15602.0) thread.
And this is officially my shortest intro, EVER D8
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"A masked ball?" Leif crinkled his nose at the invitation after cutting it open with a knife. He was too lazy to get a letter opener, and shook his head and tossed it onto the desk. "The Grand Duke must have gone mad. Has he forgotten the rise in taxes since the war? What does he think he's doing hosting a party?" He shook his head and leaned back in his chair. He and Valentina were actually sharing a rare, nice evening together, but when the letter arrived, Leif suddenly found himself in a soured mood.
Valentina watched as her husband fussed over the letter in front of him. She was quite aware that he wasn't a social butterfly by no means, but still had problems understanding him. Valentina picked up the letter that he tossed away and read it, interested in the contents.
"You know, perhaps it's not such a bad idea for us to go." her eyes scanned the paper once again"Might be fun." she suggested.
Also, it has been ages since she went out, so it might be a good chance to see what the society has been up to. And what is the situation with the mages, of course.
Leif sighed, feeling the tension from both his masked persona, and the fact he's been hiding his 'dead' (but now very much alive) sister from his own wife, that he was almost at his limits as far as all these secrets were concerned. And stress. At random times he'd find himself quarreling with Valentina, even after they had such a long run of a more or less 'healthy' relationship.
But lately, due to Attalia's sudden appearance again- and now knowing the horrors of what the church was doing to mages, he had turned into some over protective dog.
"What?" his voice snapped as he looked up at her, and then yanked the letter. "Why would it be a good idea?" And then he wrinkled his nose. Fun?
Valentina threw him a questioning glance. She couldn't remember when was the last time they went out, or for that matter when did she leave the house last time. Those were rare occurrences, and Valentina was bored and tired of spending all of her days indoors. She read half of the library and remembered every corner of the Keep. Yet, something just didn't fit right.
"Because i can't remember the last time I went on a ball." she frowned.
"Yes.. well, it's too dangerous," Leif scoffed. "Who does the Grand Duke think he is anyways? Doesn't he realize the dangers of hosting such an event at a time like this?"
Her frown deepened as she looked at him.
"I think we should go." she continued "Besides, I doubt anyone would try to do something on such a big and well guarded event."
Leif drew in a tired, irksome sigh as he rose from his desk.
"Valentina, you know it's too dangerous to go. WHy would you try to fight me on this? Don't you recall what happened at our wedding?"
And turning away from her with a scowl, he stormed off. "I'll be in my room. I don't think I'm hungry enough for supper tonight." And he stormed off.
That was when Valentina got a clear idea that something was indeed wrong. She rose up from her chair and ran off after him
"So what..You are just going to walk away?." she talked to his back as she was walking behind him "Don't you think I also get to say something on the subject?" Valentina pushed.
As Leif walked, stomping his way up the stairs, he tried to ignore her.
"Don't make this about you, Valentina," he growled beneath his breath. "I'm not here to argue."
She frowned and continued following him.
"No, you're just here to ignore me." her voice was sarcastic "I want to go to that ball."
She couldn't quite believe what they were arguing about. She rarely asked anything from him anyway.
Leif growled as he continued storming up the steps. Gods, there were so many steps in this damn manor house!
"Valentina! Don't you start an argument! You, of all people, should know my disgust for events such as these. And how much I abhor the Grand Duke. Attending will only show I support him-" And he paused at the top of the steps to glare back at her. "Which I don't. Do you really want to make it seem as if we're supporting that monster?"
"I don't care about the damn Grand Duke or his supporters." she said with a deep frown "I want to go to the ball because I haven't been in ages. And, as strange as it sounds I do have friends that I might want to see." Valentina said a bit harsher but obviously angry with his words. The whole world didn't spin around him, and she was going to prove it.
Leif, a bit taken by her words, blinked at her a moment before he scowled.
"That's the end of this discussion for tonight, Valentina. I need to retire to my room." And he turned from her. "I have a head ache."
OOC: lol it'd be funny if they argue over this for a few days before he finally agrees OUT OF GUILT D8
Maybe he makes her cry during one of their arguments? hrmmm
Leif would be enough of an ass to push his luck and make her cry D8
Valentina tears- his only weakness 8D!
OOC: Oh, I assure you there will be no rest for him until she gets what she wants.. Tears, yelling, ignoring everything is on! ^^
Valentina was now really angry, but contained herself. She hissed a 'fine' under her breath and walked away to her room, not bothering to look back at him. She had no intentions of letting this go so soon. This discussion was far from over.
The next day, Leif had awoken early, and was enjoying tea on their veranda out back that over looked their expansive amount of land, and also had an entry to the gardens. The blue bell flowers were blooming, as were the white-jasmin bushes (or so he liked to call them) and the scene was just surreal. It was a beautiful day, the birds were singing and Leif, actually appearing to be quite content as he read through a letter he had received from Attalia.
He felt guilty for needign to lock up his sister, much like he had to do with his wife, but the world was so unsafe for them- and his paranoia was ever growing. But to see Attie was doing ok on her own, albiet, she seemed cooped up and frustrated, much like Valentina, he understood, though only partially, her woes.
Sipping at his tea, he took a bite of his butter and jellied crumpet and went back to seeing what the Duke of Allar had written him as well....
Valentina was in poor mood. She barely got any sleep from last night and all she could think about was what should she do about the argument she had with Leif. After all, he couldn't have hoped to keep her inside the Keep forever. She is, after all, quite a people loving person and although sometimes too honest, she did have a lot of friends she missed. The only thing that bugged her was why Leif was so intent on not going.
She was reading a book for hours and hours, not really eating any of the meals, she just didn't feel like seeing Leif or worse, talking to him. She sat in the living room, aware he was on the veranda, trying her hardest to avoid him as much as she could. She didn't want to talk to him, not until he promised to take her to the ball. Perhaps it was childish, but Valentina didn't care. She continued reading her book, as the day dragged along.
It wasn't until dinner time did Leif realize his wife had been avoiding him. Especially when their servant came back to tell them she was no where to be seen. Frowning, Leif got up from the table, thanked the maid and decided to look for Valentina himself. STalking through the keep, he kept his eyes peeled for her- but where could she possibly hide from him in this place? Granted, the keep was enormous.. but even still...
Sighing, he glanced into her room- but nothing. In the study.. nothing.
Then he realized, with a tired sigh, she must be in the gardens, and made his way to them.
After finishing with reading of her book, Valentina decided it was probably time for her to rest a bit. Taking a paper and some ink she decided to go to her only sanctuary, the gardens. Although somewhat smaller than at his other home, gardens at the Keep were also quite beautiful and made a perfect hideout when she needed it the mose. She sat near one of the small garden tables and decided to try and answer some of the recent letters she got.
It wasn't quite the smartest thing to do, since her concentration was bad and she had zero ideas on what to write. Her ink then spilled over the paper and she let out a curse under her breath. She knew what was the problem...
Spotting his wife, Leif made quick work to approach her, but hesitated when he saw her mood. Reflecting back tot he night's argument, he wondered if she was still upset? Swallowing the thought back and steeling himself, he thought better of it. It was for her own good, after all.
Clearing his throat, he remained behind her, arms folded behind his back.
"Lady Arrant, the servant could ont find you so I figured I'd come see where you have gone. Dinner is ready and if we do not hurry, the quail will get cold."
She couldn't say she was surprised that he found her. It was going to happen sooner or later, but although she would have prefered if it was later. Valentina didn't move a muscle towards him, she just continued writing something in her ruined paper.
"I'm not hungry." she told him, her voice completely flat.
Leif didn't miss that tone. But he tried not to start an argument. After all, whatever for?
Staring at her for a moment, he insisted,
"The servants informed me you haven't eaten all day. At least try to eat something, Valentina. So you don't get ill."
She behaved as if she didn't see him. Not turning towards him, she continued writing on the paper.
"No, thank you." although her words were polite, the tone was the same as before, cold and flat, completely uninterested. Like she cared if she gets sick, she tought sarcastically.
So this was how it was going to be played? Two could play at that, so he took a seat before her and sat down, glancing at her letters.
"So.. really, a correspondence to your parents is really any better than a dinner of quail?" and his remark was a bit smart.. but he was making a point!
Not raising her look when he sat near her she continjed writing the letter.
"Well, unlike some people I like doing nice things for my family..." she said "As much as I don't like them." Valentina added with a bit more edge.
Leif just stared at her for that comment.
"Very well.." he said, and stood up to leave. "I'll leave your quail on the table."
There was no sense in talking to her if she was going to be stubborn. And with a bow, and only one glance back to her, he left to go eat dinner by himself.
"Don't bother" she said after him. Food wasn't what she needed now. And, since he obviously didn't want to discuss about the ball, Valentina couldn't really do anything about it. But, oddly enough she felt sad, so sad and alone. Pushng that feeling back she continued writing her letter
Leif bristled at her words, but whispered, "As you wish." And departed. He barely touched his quail, and when he went to his study, found himself moodily sifting through paper work more than anything. He was still bothered over Valentina, and after a time of it, he just washed his hands of it and went to bed. But it was a fitful night and come the next morning, he felt miserable.
Again, Valentina slept quite bad only to wake up and finally have breakfast. All the time while eating, she though about their argument and decided she didn't like fighting with him. It made her feel bad and lonely. But, as stubborn as she was, she just sighed and continued eating, with no intentions of apologizing.
That made two of them irritable and grumpy at the breakfast table. Neither said a word, and the only noise exchanged was the soft clanking of tea cups as they sipped their tea and the crunching of morning crumpets, tarts and bread. Leif, keeping his face buried in his work, would.. on occasion, peer over to Valentina. Curiously, he wandered how long this mood would last and sighed inwardly. This was going to be a very long week, he just knew it. Then perking up, he turned to he and suggested, "Why don't we go to the park today?" Perhaps that would cheer her up.
"The roses should be in bloom and the park near the city always had a lovely array of roses."
Valentina didn't expect a proposition like that. But, he was only trying to redeem himself for not wanting to go to ball, and that was just not going to happen. At any other situation, she would've gladly accept his invitation, but her stubbornness again stood on the way. She sighed, slightly raising his gaze to meet his.
"I can't... I promised a friend I'll send her some notes from the library today." that wasn't a complete lie, but Valentina had a hard time saying it. She really just wanted out of the Keep, but not like this...
"It could wait until later. We haven't gone to town in weeks. Perhaps we can stop there to shop for the holiday?"
"I don't know." she said with a deep sigh, moving her gaze down towards her food. Damn him and damn her own stubbornness! This was going to become a mess and she just knew it!
"You know we've got a lot of inheritance money, so money isn't an option. Besides, it's been some time since I've been able to buy you anything, or if we go to the park, that's free." ANd he tried to observe her, noting her faltering. "And... if you'd like.." he began slowly. "We can even travel to whatever city you'd like together. It'll be more fun than a ball."
"I don't need anything, so it's fine." she said, quite desperate "I'll be in my room if you need me." Valentina stood up and left. Her head was full of tension and she felt like crying.
Leif only stared after her form when she left. He could have smiled at that, but it was an angered, irritated smile as he shook his head.
"Valentina..." he whispered after she had gone. Could she really keep this up? He was, after all, te only person she could interact with...
and upon realizing that.. he frowned. The more he thought about it, the more guilty he began to feel until eventually he took out of the house and decided to do some swordplay practice. Might as well work up a sweat to forget about this foolish fight! She'd come around eventually....
Valentina was tired of fighting him on the subject, but she didn't want to just let him do whatever he wanted to with her. Walking around the house was quite pointless after all, but since she had nothing else to do, it was as good as anything. One of the servants informed her that her husband was practicing with swords.
Perhaps if she were to talk to him now... she thought grimly while walking around the corridors. No, she decided, she wasn't going to let him control her like this, even if she was on the edge of breaking...
Thrusting, jabbing and cutting at the air, Leif practiced for most of the day until he could have collapsed into an exhausted heap. In fact.. he did! And remained a sweaty mess within a nearby resting chair as he stared off into the grounds in thought. He kept thinking back to that letter, to Valentina being so upset, and all of the events that had been crushing down on him throughout his short time with her. Even before they met, he had dawned his masked persona, but it was becoming increasing more difficult now as the war raged on, and hiding it from her was no small task.
Not to mention, he was also hiding the fact Attie was still alive....
Angsar's breath! What ought he to do!? Reclining back in the chair, he worked at wiping the sweat from his face before making his way back inside, but not before giving one more angry thrust with his sword to the air- his eyes glaring towards the setting sun.
Once inside, he went to draw a bath, and found himself even then- miserable in his relaxing. It made his skin itch to think she was ignoring him so- what was this? The third day now? It was practically unbearable, and he reclined his head back to rest on the porcelain tub's lip to consider what he ought to do...
And he began to wonder how foolish he was becoming. But in all honesty, what other choice did he have? Eventually, frustration got the better of him, and drying off and tying on his robe, he went down to his study nad pulled the invitation out of the trash and simply stared at it.
Gods be damned. Was he actually considering caving?
Just do it already. Damn. Valentina cursed inside of her head as she was standing in front of his study. She'll just ask him to talk and they will solve this nonsense... It was going to be extra easy! Her hands were a bit shaky as she knocked on the door. It was too late to run now.
"Leif? It's me, Valentina." she said through the door "Can I come in?"
Leif was startled by her sudden presence,a nd turned around to peer at her from where she stood in the doorway. His hair was still wet, and was curlier than normal as it was partially slicked away from his eyes. He only nodded to her.
"But of course." And he wondered what she could possibly say to him, though part of him was curious if it had to do with the invitation he now held in his hand. His other hand had a night cap, a half-glass of brandy, which he found himself reaching for-
He'd need it to prepare for this.
Valentina took a few steps into the office. She just needed to solve this matter like an adult, that she obviously was and everything will be fine.
"I need to tell you something." she said taking a deep breath, not sure whether she should really say anything.
"Well, umm... You see, in the last few days I realized I.." nope, she couldn't do this, she stopped suddenly and gave a quick smile "I don't have any more paper for my letters." she nodded to her own lie "And I need paper to write letters. So I wanted to ask if you have some?" Valentina bit her lip, mentally slapping herself for being such a coward.
Leif stared at her for a moment. He.. hand't expected that, considering she had just ignored him for the past few days. Eventually, he turned from her and went to gather some paper from his desk, before he handed it over to her with a sigh.
"Is that all?"
Valentina nodded slightly and took the papers in her hands. Damn it. She didn't need any stupid papers, she needed to get this argument gone.
"Yes.. Thank you, I appreciate it." she bowed her head and just stood there for a few seconds until finally looking towards him "I should probably go now." Valentina said looking at the papers and turned around still hesitating whether to say anything.
He wasn't a fool. He noted the awkward tone in her voice and called her name when she moved fro the door.
"Valentina.." and here, he sighed and looked up into her face.
"Perhaps.. we can .... discuss the masked ball over dinner." He stood there, shifting awkwardly as he frowned. He couldn't believe he was saying that. "It.. might be possible for us to... consider attending this event."
She found herself with a childish smile on her face as she beamed up and looked over at him.
"Really?" she asked "Of course, I'll be there!" Valentina dropped another smile towards him and then with a small 'thanks' left the room, already preparing her arguments for the dinner.
As Valentina seemed to 'frolic' out, Leif just shook his head. But even he was smiling, albeit it only a little as he moved to stare down at the invitation. Well.. perhaps a masked ball might not be so hard... but what should he do with Attie? His wife had no idea he was hiding away his 'dead' sister in their other manor home and to leave here for such a long trip. He swiftly penned a letter to the Duke of Allar before moving to go prepare himself for dinner.
Seems quail was on the menu again as he took a seat at the table alone with a glass of brandy. He'd need a good drink before Valentina showed up.
Hope. That was what Valentina felt the entire time while she was preparing herself for dinner. Perhaps it was just wishful thinking but she wanted to think that there were solid chances for the ball. At this point she wasn't even sure why she insisted so much on this anyway, it was just a ball after all...
She entered the dining, trying to keep her composure. Valentina sat at her place at the table reluctant to begin this... Awkward conversation.
Leif watched as his wife entered the room, and for a long while, he simply studied her, affording her a smile and bow of his head as she took her seat. But as dinner went on an they shared some meaningless, idle chit-chat, eventually, Leif got the nerves to bring up the invitation again.
"So about this masked ball.." he began, pausing as he cut his meat to gauge Valentina's reaction. After all, he had to tread lightly here.
Valentina was on the edge of her seat most of the dinner, barely eating anything and trying to be patient. After a while, when Leif finally mentioned the ball she took a sip of her tea, taking her time and trying to think about it all once again. Although she seemed calm on the outside... She wasn't, she was shaky and on unknown ground. Every step from now on could be a trap...
"I have given it some thought." she said finally. And she did think about it for the past few days intensively. "And I would really like for us to attend."
Leif only stared at her for a moment when she admitted this.
"I am.." he said, trying to choose his words carefully. "Aware of that." And here, he cleared his throat. "I know I've upset you in my... decision, and perhaps it is unwise if we were to go, but I have heard news almost all of the dukes will be in attendance- and all of their sons." Sighing, he glanced away from her, realizing he had to play 'pretty face' for his parents. It made him feel vulgar to think he was a simple puppet.
But on the same note, after receiving a pressing letter from his father (one that was informing him he had better be in attendance), he realized, more and more, that Valentina was right. One event might not kill them. But even still, he felt bitter for it.
"What I mean to say, Valentina, is it would be prudent for us to attend." And he cleared his throat again and looke ddown at his partially eaten quail, suddenly not very hungry. "Though perhaps not for the full evening, to be safe. But we can remain in the capital for the week. Though I fear the unrest, like th eother nobles should, I suppose it is our duty to go." And at that, he lifted up his wine glass and took a drink.