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* Ilya is sitting quietly at Mira's desk, a handful of colored wax sticks near her. She hums under her breath as she is filling in a bright pink sky overlooking a large blue dragon. * Temire sits cross legged on her bed, books and papers strewn about her. Her brow is furrowed in concentration, but she occasionally looks up at Ilya and smiles. * Ilya looks up suddenly. She frowns a moment, then smiles. "Papa's coming!" * Temire looks up and blinks at Ilya, "How do you know?" <Ilya> ::shrugging, she gets up from the desk:: Don't know, just know... ::smooths out her smock:: * Temire shakes her head and smiles, setting her quill down on her nightstand and removing the books from her lap before standing up herself. "Well shall we go greet him?" <Ilya> ::nodding, she takes Temire's hand:: Let's go... * Temire smiles and lets Ilya lead her down the stairs and towards the door. * Ilya skips down the stairs and opens the door. "Here he comes... " She points to a carriage down the road. * Temire frowns slightly as they approach the door but does her best to hide the expression from Ilya. <Temire> Why don't we wait for him here Ilya. It'll only be a little bit before he gets here. * Ilya dances in a small, eager circle around Temire's legs, singing something in elven. * Temire smiles at Ilya, "I didn't know you spoke elvish." <Ilya> ::looks up at Temire:: Papa taught me... * Temire smiles faintly, "Maybe I'll get him to teach me as well." <Ilya> ::Ilarion's coach pulls up to the drive. Roni gets out, then helps Sallah out of the carriage. The two of them walk up the drive.:: * Temire smiles and pats Ilya, "Now you can run to him." * Temire heads down the drive to greet Roni and Sallah. * Ilya squeals and pelts down the drive. "Papa!" Roni drops down on his knee to scoop his daughter up and then swings her around. * Temire smiles at the scene, stopping a few paces away. <Ilya> ::Roni puts Ilya down, then ruffles her hair fondly:: <Ilarion> Pumpkin, why don't you run along home with Sallah now? I have a few more things to do, and then I'll be home for dinner, all right? <Ilya> Did you buy me a present? ::she giggles:: * Temire smiles and shakes her head. <Ilarion> ::messing up her hair some more:: I might have left you something... at the house... ::shooes her off towards the housekeeper:: * Ilarion looks over at Temire. "Would you like to go for a walk with me?" He turns and watches Ilya climbing into the carriage. <Temire> A walk sounds like a good idea. ::Her voice is starting to take on an edge, though it's equally obvious that she's trying to control it.:: <Ilarion> ::raises an eyebrow:: How interesting... I'm already in trouble... ::tilts his head to the side slightly:: * Temire glances towards the carriage, waiting a moment till it's mostly out of earshot, "What do you expect? You vanish for days and the only message you leave is that you're 'out.'" Ilya and I were worried sick. <Ilarion> ::clasping his hands behind his back, he looks around:: I suppose there's no really good way to do this, aside from getting it over with. * Temire turns to look at Roni, tilting her head, "Why do I suddenly think that I'm not going to like your explanation of where you've been and what you've been doing?" <Ilarion> ::nodding, pacing back and forth a little:: Probably because you won't. I... Mira, I did something really stupid... and I spent the last... ::counting backwards:: Four or five days - I sort of lost track there - trying to decide what to do about it. <Temire> Which do you want to tackle first? Your something stupid, or the fact that you had to vanish in order to decide what to do about it? For that matter what are you or have you done about it? <Ilarion> ::sighing:: I... um. ::he takes a deep breath:: I... can't think of a better way to say this. I... slept with Cat. * Temire blinks at Roni clearly shocked beyond words. <Ilarion> ::shaking his head:: It was a stupid... irresponsible thing to do, and I don't have... I can't tell you how sorry I am. * Temire sputters for a few seconds then grabs Roni's shirt front, "You've been gone all this time because you've been knocking boots with that tramp? And she fucking told me she didn't know where you were or what you were up to!" Shoves Roni away from her in anger and disgust. <Ilarion> ::blinks:: Mira... she didn't know where I was either. It... Mira... it was just... I've been alone since... well, since after it happened. I needed to think what to do about it. * Temire gives Roni a glare that would do Lisl proud and crosses her arms, "And just what are you going to do about it?" * Temire taps her foot, one hand clenching and unclenching as she waits for Roni's reply. <Ilarion> ::sitting down on a nearby rock:: I am doing it. Cat and I had a talk yesterday and we're not going to see each other anymore. <Temire> Oh, well as long as Cat's not interested in you of course I'll be happy to forgive you. ::Mira's voice drips anger and sarcasm:: <Temire> So did you and Cat come to any of decisions? ::Mira practically spits Cat's name:: <Ilarion> Mira... it's not... it wasn't like that. ::he glances at her, then looks away, his face a mixture of concern and pain:: <Temire> So just what was it like? Were you too busy enjoying that fat chested cow to talk or did you just not meet her standards? <Ilarion> Mira. It was a mistake. I don't... you're the one I care about... and I never intended to hurt you. <Temire> Oh you didn't? What did you think I would do? Jump for joy and give you my blessing? ::gestures angrily, her voice becoming shrill:: <Ilarion> ::shaking his head:: No... no, I didn't. I know you're angry... and I'm sorry. <Temire> Sorry! SORRY!!! Is that all you have to say for yourself?!? <Ilarion> ::flinching:: What else can I say? It was wrong, and it was stupid. And I know that. Believe me, you can't possibly say anything that I haven't already thought of. Sorry's just a word, but it's all I have. <Temire> Dammit Roni... * Temire collapses to her knees, her face in her hands, crying uncontrollably. <Ilarion> ::going to her, he lays one hand on her shoulder:: Mira... I am sorry. I love you. What I did was wrong, and I couldn't... couldn't make it more wrong by not telling you. I'm sorry... more sorry then I can say. * Temire swats Roni's hand away, still crying, the volume increasing until it sounds as if half a dozen women were crying. <Ilarion> ::shaking his head curiously:: Mira.... shhhh. I'm so sorry... ::his voice cracks:: * Temire collapses the rest of the way to the ground, curling up into a ball and rocking herself gently still crying. <Ilarion> Mira... ::blinks, two matching tears spilling over his lashes:: Please... * Temire continues to cry, softly mumbling only to have the mumble amplified, "damn you roni...damn you cat..." a new wave of sobs silence her before she continues, "am i really that ugly..." <Ilarion> ::shaking his head:: Mira... come here... ::tries to pull her up:: It wasn't like that... I... * Temire lashes out at Roni when he touches her, then continues to sob. <Ilarion> ::recoils:: Mira... ::he sits down, just out of reach, watching her:: I... I didn't want to hurt you. * Temire continues rocking herself and crying. <Ilarion> ::sighs, resting his chin on his knees:: I wish there was... Mira, I love you. * Temire continues crying, "then how could you?...you said...and you...i gave myself...." Mira is silenced by her sobs once more. <Ilarion> I... I was stupid, Mira, I... there's no excuse for how I acted. It was wrong to treat you like that. I hurt you, I hurt her... I've probably destroyed any chance I had to make a life with you. ::he blinks back tears:: I don't know what I can do... to make it up to you. * Temire sobs, "why?" <Ilarion> ::blinking:: Why what? <Temire> Why did you fuck that leg spreading Tart? ::a spark of anger returns to Mira's voice:: <Ilarion> ::shaking his head:: There's not a very good answer for that, Mira... * Temire rolls over and uncurls but remains on the ground, staring daggers at Roni, "Not a very good answer? Not a very good FUCKING answer?!? I broke a promise to Tarri because I thought you loved me, and then two weeks later you toss me aside for a slut you've said yourself goes through a new man every month and all you have to say for yourself is that you're sorry and there isn't a good answer for why you did it?!?" <Ilarion> ::flinches:: No, there isn't a good reason. Hell, Mira, there isn't *any* reason for it. She's attractive and we were goofing off after a late night studying. It just happened, Mira. * Temire sits up, her voice going ice cold, "It just happened?" The other voices have suddenly gone silent. <Ilarion> ::turning to face her suddenly:: What do you want me to say, Mira? It happened. It was a mistake and it's over. * Temire surges to her feet, screaming in Roni's face, the voices rejoining her, "I don't know what I want you to say! I want to wring your neck! I want to beat that bitch 'til no one will ever find her attractive! I want to be as pretty as she is so that you won't run off and fuck every pretty face that bats her eyes at you!" * Temire stands there, her face flushed, panting, her fists clenched and her body visibly shaking with the emotions surging through her. <Ilarion> ::taking her arms:: I've always thought you were beautiful, Mira... * Temire swats Roni away, "DON'T TOUCH ME!!!" <Ilarion> No. Mira, don't... ::pulling her to him:: I am... mira, I beg you... please. Let me make it up, if I can. I love you... and I am so sorry... ::he meets her eyes, his own filled with tears:: * Temire shakes an arm free and punches Roni in the jaw before turning her back on him and collapsing, beating her fist against the ground, crying once more, "Dammit Roni I love you...How could you..." <Ilarion> ::without hesitating, he drops to the ground next to her:: Mira, stop... please... I do love you... I swear that I do... it was a mistake... ::his voice breaks and he turns away from her with a sob:: Don't... * Temire stops hitting the ground and clutches her stomach, her sobs interrupted as she vomits. <Ilarion> ::winces, then gets to his feet, scooping Mira up:: Come on... let's get you back home... you can have a drink of water before throwing me out, but I'm not leaving you here like this. * Temire continues to cry, unable to support herself, occasionally pulling away violently before collapsing to the ground with dry heaves. <Ilarion> Mira, stop it... ::picking her back up, cradling her in his arms:: Just... come on... * Temire curls up in Roni's arms, crying into his chest, the voices fading as they head back towards Ellesmere. <Ilarion> ::the back door to Ellesmere flies open as Roni approaches, and he passes through it, still cradling Mira in his arms. He pauses a moment, then sits her gently in a chair.:: Stay here a minute, love... ::he goes into the kitchen and gets a glass of water and a wet towel:: * Temire pulls her legs up and hugs her knees, gently rocking herself as she sits on the chair, her forehead resting against her knees. <Ilarion> ::sitting the glass of water on the small table next to the chair:: Here... ::tilts Mira's chin up, wiping her face:: * Temire allows Roni to clean her face. <Ilarion> ::hands her the glass:: Drink that... you'll feel a little better... * Temire blinks at the glass, before hesitatingly taking it and staring into it. <Ilarion> ::encouragingly:: Drink it first... you can throw it at me after, if you want... * Temire continues to stare at the glass. <Ilarion> ::sighs, holding the damp cloth to his jaw:: I'm sorry, Mira... ::he sits down on the floor next to the chair:: * Temire watches Roni sit, then goes back to staring into her glass, "How am I suppose to trust you Roni?" <Ilarion> ::moodily, shifting his jaw:: Enlightened self-interest... * Temire looks up, blinking at Roni, clearly confused, "What?" <Ilarion> ::gingerly checking his jaw with his fingertips:: I'm somewhat more painfully aware of the consequences of not thinking... ::he shrugs:: I would not willingly cause you, or myself, this much pain again. * Temire sighs and looks into her glass again, "But you were willing to this time?" <Ilarion> ::raising an eyebrow:: Not to belittle what I did, but you've never done something without thinking? Or being aware of what you were doing? * Temire shakes her head, still looking in the glass, "I'm always getting yelled at for not thinking...But how do I know that you won't do this again without thinking?" <Ilarion> ::spitting into the towel, then folding it discretely:: Very enlightened self-interest. Mira, I would rather cut my own throat than hurt you again... * Temire blinks at Roni again, "I don't understand." <Ilarion> ::shaking his head, he turns to face her, kneeling in front of the chair she's in:: I love you. Watching you, knowing that *I* had done this to you... I could kill myself, Mira... ::touching her face lightly, he swallows, a tear leaking from one eye:: I don't deserve your forgiveness, I know that... but I can't help but want it anyway. * Temire pulls Roni to her, hugging him fiercely and accidently spilling her glass of water as she starts crying again, "I love you Roni. I love you, I love you, I love you." <Ilarion> ::taking her into his arms, he breaks down, sobbing without restraint into her hair:: Mira, love... so sorry... * Temire drops her glass, crying even harder at the sound of Roni crying. <Ilarion> ::wiping his eyes a bit self-consciously:: I'm sorry... gods, I hope your housemates are out... ::offering her the towel:: Wipe your eyes, love... * Temire takes the towel and wipes at her face, "Why?" <Ilarion> ::rolling his eyes:: Bad enough that she listens in when we're... ::blushes:: * Temire smiles faintly, "She doesn't listen in, she just doesn't go out of her way to ignore us." * Temire brushes Roni's cheek, "We could spend more time at your place unless you think we'd keep Ilya up." <Ilarion> ::blushing faintly:: Why don't we get you cleaned up? Then I think there's a little girl who I promised I'd have dinner with? If you'd like? * Temire sighs, "I wish I was Ilya and could just curl up in the arms of someone who loved me and be told that everything will be alright." <Ilarion> ::kissing her hair:: I do love you, and everything will be as all right as I can possibly make it. * Temire shakes her head, "It's not the same." <Ilarion> I know... ::closes his eyes briefly:: <Temire> Is Sallah cooking or were you going to take Ilya somewhere? <Ilarion> Sallah cooks, usually... ::standing up, he offers Mira his hand:: Come on, let's get you a nice hot bath before your muscles get all cramped up... ::gingerly:: And I might need some ice... ack... on top of a hangover, it's a wonder I can walk... * Temire looks concerned, lightly touching Roni's jaw, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hit you..." <Ilarion> ::shaking his head:: Yes, you did... It's nothing less than I deserve... don't worry about it. * Temire sighs and looks down, leading the way into the kitchen. * Temire gets a towel and fills it with ice before giving it to Roni. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have." <Ilarion> ::spits into the sink:: It's all right, Mira... it'll heal... ::lightly:: I'm just as glad you didn't stab me... that might have been harder to get around... ::holds the icepack up to his jaw:: * Temire frowns, staring at the floor, a few fresh tears on her cheeks, "I don't know if I would have if I'd had a blade." <Ilarion> ::patting her shoulder:: Well, there's no sense fretting over what we didn't do... * Temire sighs, "I'll go get cleaned up." * Temire heads towards the stairs. <Ilarion> ::following her:: Mira... * Temire turns and looks at Roni, "Yes?" * Ilarion takes her hand, dropping a kiss into her palm. "Thank you." * Temire blinks, "For what?" <Ilarion> I don't deserve it, but... ::leans in and kisses her cheek lightly:: thank you for loving me, still. * Temire sighs and shakes her head, "It's not the same..." <Ilarion> No, it wouldn't be, would it? ::he closes his eyes and takes a step backwards:: I'll... I'll wait here. * Temire slowly climbs the stairs, going to her room and stripping out of her clothes, tossing all of them into the hamper before going to her wardrobe and picking out new clothes. * Ilarion staggers backwards falling into a chair completely by luck alone. He shudders a moment, then, with a strangled gasp, he buries his face in his hands. * Temire goes to the master bath, thankful that everyone is out and filling the tub, before climbing in. * Temire begins washing herself but has to stop to cry once more. * Temire finishes washing herself and stretches out in the tub attempting to let the warm water relax her. * Temire finishes her bath and dries off, dressing in the cloths she brought from her room. * Ilarion grinds his teeth together, almost relishing the pain that is easier to bear. He gets up and paces around a bit, before, hesitating, he climbs the stairs. He pauses just outside the master bedroom, then, slides to the floor. Lightly, he touches the door, as if wanting to knock, but feeling certain of a rejection. * Temire steps out of the nursery into the hallway, seeing Roni by the door to the master bedroom, "Roni?" Mira is dressed in a red sweater and black skirt, the pearls that Roni gave her wrapped repeated around her neck until they form a sort of choker, her hair falling freely, the white lock having been split so that it frames her face. <Ilarion> ::looking up at her, his face a mask of anguish:: I'm sorry, I shouldn't have come up... I just... wanted to be near you. * Temire walks over to Roni, kneeling down next to him, "I wanted you with me as well...but I couldn't stopping thinking of the two of you." <Ilarion> ::pulls her into his arms, holding her tightly against his chest:: Mira... tell me I haven't ruined everything... ::his voice is ragged, near tears again:: * Temire hugs Roni, her own eyes watering, "I don't know Roni...I just don't know..." <Ilarion> ::rocking her back and forth, as much to comfort himself as her:: I love you... always you... * Temire starts crying again, "I love you Roni..." * Ilarion kisses her urgently, almost desperately. * Temire pushes away from Roni, shaking her head, "No Roni...Not now..." Mira looks at the floor ashamedly. <Ilarion> Sorry... I just... ::closes his eyes:: I'm so sorry... terrified of losing you... my own stupidity to blame for it. ::leans against the wall, relaxing his hold on her:: I'm sorry... * Temire curls up against Roni, "Just hold me..." Continues crying softly. <Ilarion> ::rocks her gently, smoothing her hair and humming under his breath:: * Temire stops crying after several minutes, "Roni...am I ever going to be able to lay with you and not think of that bitch?" <Ilarion> I don't know, Mira... ::kissing her hair:: I hope not... I won't be thinking of her. * Temire sighs, holding Roni tighter. <Ilarion> ::continues to rock her:: I'll do whatever you want, to make it up to you... ::runs his fingers through her hair:: * Temire sighs, "I just don't know how you can..." <Ilarion> ::flinches:: I'm sorry... * Temire sighs, "I'm sorry too." <Ilarion> ::getting carefully to his feet:: I need to go home, love... ::extends a hand to her:: You're welcome, if you want, but I understand if you'd rather be alone... * Temire takes Roni's hand, letting him pull her to her feet, "No. The last thing I want is to be alone. Tonight's going to be terrible, not being able to hold Ilya while I sleep." <Ilarion> ::gently:: You can stay with us, if you want. The guest room's made up and I'm sure Ilya wouldn't mind your company. <Ilarion> ::very softly:: Just don't tell her... she wouldn't understand... * Temire shakes her head, "I don't understand. I don't know how I'd even begin to explain it to her." <Ilarion> Come on, then... ::hands her the damp towel again:: We'll work it out, somehow, I hope... * Temire wipes her face, "What are we going to tell Ilya?" <Ilarion> ::shrugging:: That you were mad with me for going away, without telling you where I was. It's close enough to the truth. * Temire smiles at Roni, "And when she asks where you were?" <Ilarion> ::laughs bitterly:: I don't suspect she'd understand if I told her I crawled inside a brandy bottle and forgot what day it was. * Temire shakes her head, "Probably not." * Temire takes Roni's arm, "Come on. Let's go see Ilya. Maybe she can cheer us both up." <Ilarion> ::nodding:: Probably... she's a good girl... don't know where she gets it from... * Temire lets Roni lead her out of the house. |
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