Aurore Devareaux

memorium

salute

Christophe said nothing in response to the insolant delivery, even as a simple cut-purse he had never associated with what he considered those of lower bearing...Unless they had offered some advantage. The death threat was marked and noted, the Frenchman's thought pattern cool and percise. As Reiley spurred the Bay forward and Allister trois became numbered duex, Christophe used the confussion to advantage. Glancing to young Davis, who's pallor had gained something of less than healthy hue, one hand was applied with great force to near carriage horse's hind quarter. Already unsettled by spent powder and the sound that accompanied it, the assult was enough to rouse instinct of preservation flight. Second carriage equine followed the manner of first, and soon the vehicle careened unsteadily through those afore it, listing slightly before finding center of gravity in forward bolt. Disturbed mud splayed in flight to adorn anything in carriage vacinity, which in turn caused eldest Allister's mount to break already unsteadied mindset with the scent of blood. Rearing, the mare dropped rider's failing grasp to run in clearest route; coming within range of where Christophe held placement. The next series of event happened with split second reaction as fleeing mare's mane and loose reins were captured, mount progress slowed slightly by the drag of former rider being caught in far stirrup hold. Pulling back on leather command, equine was brought into unsteady check, eyes rolling and nostrils flared; ear flicking back and forth. Gaining seat, Christophe kicked at fallen foe until stirrup was relenquished. The mare was turned, giving some fight to bit offender then giving in. Rider and mount faced the frey, the former's expression deathly calm the later dancing on sodden soil. Boot heel dug deep into girth curviture and the mare lept forward leaving divets of soaked terra in flight. Large caliber souless eye was trained on Allister with cocky airs, hammer was placed in ready and as the mare overcame slick ground to close distance, trigger was engaged sending roar of deffience. And then there were two....

De rien, Madame.

aquatic flow

From within the carriage, Christophe silently cursed; once again damning the vehicle's blinding ways; damning the fact that it was a rental and not one of Le Cour's powered by well trained horses. His dark slate eyes moved to where Reiley and the Bay chose placement just outside, and to the 'buss that had been covered wisely against the elements. 'Too far away', he thought and silently cursed again. Returning his attention to Lilly and the semi-frightened expression she wore, Christophe eased across the short distance and leaned intimately close to her left ear, "Madame, it appears that your Chevalier Blanc has unwanted company. I wish for you to listen to me very closely and follow what I have to say without protest or hesitation." The soft touch of her hair brushed his cheek as Lilly gave a small nod to the Frenchman's words in reply, sweet scent of parfume taunting his senses. "I need to take my coat from you and apologise for having to do so, but I require items that are in its' security..." he whispered, drawing back just enough to handle wishes; carefully as not to disturbe carriage stance. Coat donned, he moved near again, " There are at least three out in front, judging by the conversation...I am going to leave you, as much as I would prefer not, but it seems of neccessity." Without moving from mistress McKinney's intimacy, he relenquished on of the large caliber pistols, placing it upon her lap. "Keep this hidden and I hope you are familliar with its' usage?" The soft nod teased him with encore. "Tres bien, Madame." Pulling away from her just enough to meet eye contact, he pursed his lips in afterthought. Holding Lilly's gaze steadily, he issued final instruction, "I wish for you to place yourself low on the floor at the slightest indication of this going awry..." For a momment, the Frenchman considered exiting on the side that Reiley was on and releasing saddle afixed iron. But such action would only place them in too close proximity which would act with no benefit. Christophe gave parting glance to traumaed rose, then crossed meager distance to opposit door wondering just how well the boy atop could handle the carriage if need be. The door was swung open and soft boots landed in the mire below. The action brought attention away from Reiley as four sets of eyes turned to far side. Christophe measured each coldly in turn, the comforting and familiar feel of shank palmed deftly in left hand. He addressed the Allisters with disdain, ignoring Moorehouse on purpose as if he were too low for acknowledgment. "Messieurs Allister...I do not know your stake in this petty buisness, but you are delaying my progress. It is embarrassing that you should choose such base company and it would be wise for you to let us proceed unhindered without further provacation. This man is under Our employ and I doubt you wish to tempt Our wrath..."

The Year of the Cat

Chronos

history

Begrudgingly, Christophe entered the carriage and took seating catty-corner and across from Mistress McKinney. In truth, the Frenchman had always loathed the use of carriages and enclosed versions even more so. It was the unsturdyness of center and the blindspots to exterior surround that bothered him in hieghtened was. Those issues alone were enough to stir grave irritation under unruffled surface, but added to the mixture was the other occupant. Christophe was at a total loss as to how one was expected to handle a distraught female; this was more Sabastian's forte' then his own. The soft patter of rain sounded on wooden roof as the carriage was turned to gain access to winding private drive and the main road beyond. As the gates were withdrawn to allow passing, Christophe hoped that the Doctor had the good sense to cover the blunder left secure to saddle keeping; it was fully charged and the rain would leave it useless outside of being a blunt instrument. Nothing outside of nod had been exchanged betwixt he and she thus far. But Lilly's attempt at covering her angst had been futile, punctuated by soft snuffles and silent river of tears. Christophe glanced to her while she watched the overcast view of gray framed by window's allowance. The air had cooled a few degrees as the rain gained stregnth and Christophe made effort to stand inside small compartment, carefully counter balancing the odd rock and sway of vehicle traverse. Removing his riding coat, the Frenchman found a square of soft linen inside a pocket and extended it to Lilly. She looked at him uncertainly at first, then accepted with a whispered word of thanks. He nodded in response, then after a momment of consideration, offered her his coat, as well. Mistress McKinney seemed hesitant to take second offering, then accepted it, allowing the Frenchman to drape and arrange it about her person. An effort of smallish smile was given to him as he regained former seating. The rain gained further confidence in its' intensions, waging assult to all that lay without sanctuary.

time piece

The Frenchman spoke soft wordings to Bay's swiviling ear while watching Reiley conduct grief stricken fille into to carriage interior. Muffeled verbose drifted back to his hearing, small snatches of sentance gleaned while the rest undecernable. The young lad Davis was instructed to take Driver's post as Reiley secured vehicle door. As newly appointed helmsman eased small stature onto appointed perch, the Doctor lingered at vehicle side, speaking with low tone to occupant. Sound of footstep drawing near captured Christophe's attention, turning him away from current scene. With caress to Bay's flank, he watched as Jason approached with objects requested a short time before. Said requests were inspected closely; two large caliber pistols were secured under the donning of riding coat, the ominous presence of blunderbuss tied into saddlery keeping. The Frenchman and youth exchanged comment briefly, words quelled as Reiley left vehicle to join proximity. As Medicine Man looked over the Bay with approving eye, he made offer of thanks in regard to its' usage. Christophe gave the other a look of strange renderings and informed that he was to accompany the carriage into the Port as escort at Sabastian's bidding. This in turn, brought a look of slight confussion to Reiley's expression and the Irishman politely suggested the Frenchman act as nearer escort and attend the Mistress inside the vehicle while he, himself rode in rear guard. Christophe's stance became rigid to the proffering, but not wishing to cause more stir than had already lanblasted coveted home, he reluctantly gave in. The Bay eyed constant companion curiously as he was passed by to enter carriage surround. Christophe called back to Reiley just before mounting black encompasment, "Take care, Monsieur...'e is most used to my instruction and you will find the slightest indication shall give extreme response."

Christophe brought the Bay around for saddling while overseeing progress made with carriage horses. Sabastian had been quite clear in instructions and at initial anouncement, the Frenchman had thought to send one of the others as escort back into the Port. But, as he thought on who would be chosen for the task, Christophe reconsidered his options; deciding to handle it himself. With Sabastian back, the way was clear to step away from the imediate reminder of his own losses. Crossed words exchanged betwixt her and Aurore still stung like fresh wounds. For the first time in five years, Christophe wished that he had never left France. A thought he would recant, for the fact lay that this place and the people that exsisted here were as family. An odd mixture, but family never the less. Pulling girth cinch tight, Christophe paused as young Davis rounded cottage corner. Hurried pace dropped off with uncertainty as youthfull expression showed signs of puzzlement regarding carriage already in the process of being mated to power sources. Regaining some shade of duty driven confidence, the boy approached eyeing black vehicle then the Frenchman in silent query. As Davis opened his mouth to inquire, Doctor Reiley and English Mistress rounded house edge, as well. Christophe gazed briefly upon Lilly's state, a minute furrow appearing on the swarth tinctured surface of his brow. Looking to her supporting companion, the carriage was indicated with a motion of small nod.

hind sight

forethought

Gently Aurore brush back fevered matting of light hued tress from Sterling's face. She drew deep breath, releasing it slowly then repeating words said not overlong ago in the day's more innocent time. The first offering was given as it had been originally in exotic sooth of Rom render. Then she repeated once more, in the language of his origin. Her voice tender, the tracings of accent winding verbage like wisps of smoke curl. "You are the air I breath; the water that quenches my dying thirst; my sanctuary within the storm...And if there is one thing I know, it is this. From now until I draw last breath, no matter what Fate deems right or wrong... That will never change."

Sterling's clasp was strong yet tempered with tenderness, acting as contradiction to verbal request. She sat on mattress edge carefully, allowing him to keep procured prize held insistantly. Deep olive visually caressed the drawn planes of his face and it was a view that brought pain to the depths of her soul.

His facial render conjured forth deep marks of concern on Aurore's own. Closing the door, she crossed small distance to place her hand into his keeping. Uncertain as what she should do, Aurore kept silent; allowing him to make next move with the wake of storm still so fresh.

She hesitated at his answer, delicate features drawn to frowning with the obvious weariness that betrayed unseen constitution. The door was eased back just enough to allow view. "Non, Sucre'...C'est moi."

Aurore felt a twinge of sympathy for the other woman, but just in so much as a common understanding of loss known to us all. No assumptions were made as to the verdicts that took place in chamber above and Aurore gave no impression of gloat as she gazed upon other's discomfort. Quietly, she begged leave to allow some dignity in Lilly's regard. A quick glance was given to the Doctor with departure. With soft tread, a whisper of bare foot to wooden rise, Aurore retraced step to private chamber. A soft knock was laid on wooden surface as she chose ways of propriety; waiting for word of admit from within.

Hopscotch

Just for Kass....Bon Appetit, Madame. A buffet of Temptation or perhaps this? "Stand and Deliver"

cat's game

paper

I beg pardon for the following bold enlightenment, monsieur..... Brass Monkeys are in all truth, the cradle that cannon balls were stacked upon, in regard to vessels of the sea. (Generally refering to British Naval.) The phrase in question refers to the contraction of metal in cold weather, thus causing the "balls" to fall off. No insult intended, I assure you.