|
|
Post by Nahara46 on Jul 26, 2012 18:45:58 GMT -5
Eleazar nodded, "Let's go." With that, he turned on the spot and disappeared with a Pop!
|
|
|
|
Post by kumainpink on Jul 27, 2012 3:08:51 GMT -5
(( General Perspective))
The mansion thrummed with activity the next morning, the same as it did every day. The maids went about cleaning, and the butler set about making breakfast and tending to the little things. Only, something was just the tiniest bit off. Where as the hired help usually talked and went about their work with a smile, today, they wore somber expressions and spoke in hushed tones.
Only one topic was on the forefront of their minds, in their hushed tones and pitying looks. All was not well in Ivory House
----
First I add the thrybel seeds, then stir counter-clockwise three times. Next comes the mandrake root. Hm... this potion is rather thin...three it is. Now for a measure of belladonna, and two measures of lilac petals.
For Cassalina, potions were a process she could get lost in. The various smells and the soft sound of their simmering always put her at ease. Her mother had been the one to teach her the basics, and that alone had been her reason for wanting to be a master of the craft. But as the years went by, Cassalina developed a genuine love for it, and would never seek another path.
|
|
|
|
Post by G. Novella on Jul 27, 2012 3:12:09 GMT -5
Alice awoke the next morning when she heard a squeak, and a mumbled apology. She turned to see a maid leaving the room, surprising Alice. Then she remembered the details of last night. She got out of bed, and pulled the torn robe on. Her eyes darted around the rooms, as she exited into the hallway. Where should she go now?
|
|
|
|
Post by kumainpink on Jul 27, 2012 3:19:18 GMT -5
Octavius read the news at the long breakfast table, or rather, sneered at it. As expected, the news of the Forbidden Forest battle had made headline news. It explained the losses of both sides, and even had interviews from some of the less-jaded participants. What he didn't like was the liberties Garrison had taken.
The man had claimed the attack to be his idea, and took any and all credit for its' success. While this was ideal - the Purists needed to be in the shadows for now - Garrison was far too boastful for his own good. He absentmindedly picked at his breakfast as he read, the dark expression he wore increasing with each line.
|
|
|
|
Post by G. Novella on Jul 27, 2012 3:32:31 GMT -5
Alice had decided to make her way to the kitchen. She had eyed the servants as a culture shock. She'd never known anyone to have sp many. In her own awe as she entered the kitchen, she didn't notice the man with the newspaper.
|
|
|
|
Post by kumainpink on Jul 27, 2012 3:40:30 GMT -5
"That lousy fucking git!" Octavius snapped, throwing his paper on the ground in disgust. It was then that he noticed Alice standing there. "Morning." he grunted, his mood still sour.
|
|
|
|
Post by G. Novella on Jul 27, 2012 3:42:59 GMT -5
Alice jumped in surprise when she heard a man cursing loudly. Then she saw Octavius, who greeted her grumpily. Alice looked down at the paper, wondering what had upset Octavius, but still too shy to ask.
"Good morning," she said politely, "Did you sleep well?"
|
|
|
|
Post by kumainpink on Jul 27, 2012 3:47:10 GMT -5
Octavius shrugged. "I was alright. What about you?" In truth, he'd gotten so pissed that he'd fallen asleep rather quickly.
"Miss, are you hungry?" asked the butler. What was his name again? Smithers? Yeah, that sounded about right.
|
|
|
|
Post by G. Novella on Jul 27, 2012 3:55:01 GMT -5
Alice was once again taken aback at the butler's appearance, and found herself uncomfortable asking for anything.
"Ah, I'll just er, have, please, some toast," she said nervously as she sat down in front of Octavius. "I slept alright, I woke up in the middle of the night and got some water, but otherwise I was fine."
|
|
|
|
Post by kumainpink on Jul 27, 2012 3:57:26 GMT -5
Octavius managed to calm himself down. He didn't want to make the girl any more nervous than she seemed to be. "I'm glad you were alright. From what I've heard, you've had a hard time as of late."
|
|
|
|
Post by G. Novella on Jul 27, 2012 4:01:25 GMT -5
"Ah, thank you," said Alice, pleased Octavius seemed less grouchy, just as the butler returned with two slices of toast, covered in a red strawberry jam. "It's not been that bad, I'm sure what you've heard was worse. Besides, I seem to find people willing to help me at every turn. What was so upsetting in the papers, may I ask?"
|
|
|
|
Post by kumainpink on Jul 27, 2012 4:06:49 GMT -5
Octavius sighed."It's Minister Vaynes. He's getting too big for his britches, and I'm ready to give him a good, swift kick in the arse." he finished off his poached egg. "It wouldn't have been so bad, but this time he had the nerve to declare the dead as 'champions of his cause'! Not only is that the biggest load of shite I've ever read, but it's disrespectful to their memories."
|
|
|
|
Post by G. Novella on Jul 27, 2012 4:11:40 GMT -5
Alice listened to Octavius's rant as she bit into her toast. Her hand shook at the idea of dead men and women. Briefly she wondered if Eleazar was alright, and made a note to send him an owl if she didn't go to the ministry today.
"That's terrible!" said Alice, "I thought the minister valued people. Why is he going about reporting things so disrespectfully? Does Maxwell know? He and the minister are good friends after all, and this could anger him as a slight on Brayden."
|
|
|
|
Post by kumainpink on Jul 27, 2012 4:16:41 GMT -5
"No, he doesn't know." Octavius said frigidly, before sipping the last of his coffee. "He's still sleeping, and Cassalina is going to keep him from going anywhere today. And I think you misunderstand what being 'good friends' with Maxwell means most of the time." He pushed his plate aside. "When someone makes that claim in politics, it usually means that galleons are being exchanged for public services."
|
|
|
|
Post by G. Novella on Jul 27, 2012 4:20:35 GMT -5
Alice was startled at this new explanation. She had no idea at all.
"Oh, I never knew," said Alice with a frown. "Where is Ms. Cassie, anyways?
|
|
|
|
Post by kumainpink on Jul 27, 2012 4:27:00 GMT -5
If it were a less serious topic, Octavius would have found himself amused with her lack of understanding. As it was, all he could do was stop himself from making things more uncomfortable. "She has her own potions lab out in the back yard, beside the green house. Cass is probably in the middle brewing now, so be careful if you go to talk to her." He took a look at his watch and sighed. "And damn, I'm late!" And without thinking to say goodbye, he abruptly left for the living room and flooed to his office.
|
|
|
|
Post by G. Novella on Jul 27, 2012 6:01:16 GMT -5
Alice finished her toast, and took the plate to the sink, despite the butler's best attempts to take it from her. From there, she headed upstairs. Unsure of where to go, she began looking for a library. Opening a large set of double doors that seemed imposing, she slipped inside. It turned out to be a bedroom.
Uncertainly, Alice heard voices outside the door. A little terrified, she slipped away from fhe door towards the bed. Then she saw the peaceful sleeping face of Maxwell. Her breath caught, and she realized she was in his room! Unsure of what to do, she didn't want to leave and look like a fool, and she wasn't sure if she could stay. However, she couldn't help but stare at Maxwell's face. Her fingers stretched out, and brushed his hair back from his forhead of their own volition.
|
|
|
|
Post by kumainpink on Jul 27, 2012 6:10:22 GMT -5
Maxwell was at peace, wrapped up in a cocoon of semi-awareness. At the moment, he felt wonderfully blissful and free of anything remotely negative - a hazy, pleasantly warm feeling. He turned toward the light brush against his forehead. "Mmm...that feels nice." he said softly.
|
|
|
|
Post by G. Novella on Jul 27, 2012 6:14:43 GMT -5
Alice paused when Maxwell spoke up. Uncertain, her fingers stopped brushing his hair, and she felt a blush stain her cheeks. She couldn't leave now, but she felt so strange in his room. She felt so confused at his words.
|
|
|
|
Post by kumainpink on Jul 27, 2012 6:20:28 GMT -5
When the hand didn't brush his hair again, he slowly started to leave his warm little bubble. He cracked one eye open, and suddenly felt very awake. "Oh...hello, Alice." he mumbled, trying to act a bit more formal. He didn't remember much about last night, just enough to know that they'd discussed something important.
|
|
|
|
Post by G. Novella on Jul 27, 2012 6:35:10 GMT -5
"I-I'm sorry, I didn't mean to impose, are you okay, you seemed highly upset last night. I can leave, I didn't mean to enter, I got lost, and I touched your hair because I didn't mean to impose, I'm sorry, I shouldn't have entered, I was lost-
And on Alice babbled like this, blushing and feeling highly embarrassed. Especially considering she'd entered still in her nightwear. The entire situation was highly inappropriate! Why did she let herself in?
|
|
|
|
Post by kumainpink on Jul 27, 2012 6:40:16 GMT -5
Maxwell sat up, feeling highly uncomfortable. "If I said anything to make you uncomfortable last night, I apologize. I don't usually drink like that."
|
|
|
|
Post by G. Novella on Jul 27, 2012 7:04:17 GMT -5
Alice paused her babbling. Instead she looked at Maxwell in surprise. He didn't remember anything? She thought about him grabbing her hand, unaware that the memory made her blush deepen. She stared at Maxwell curiously, the memory still making her blush. She wondered if he had meant to grab her.
"N-nothing happened," she said, stammering slightly.
|
|
|
|
Post by kumainpink on Jul 27, 2012 7:12:02 GMT -5
At once, Maxwell felt a great sense of relief. So at least he hadn't gotten carried away. Well, that was good to know. "Good. The last thing I'd want to do is to make you uncomfortable." He failed to stifle his yawn.
"So, what brings you up here?"
|
|
|
|
Post by G. Novella on Jul 27, 2012 7:17:56 GMT -5
"Ah, I was looking for a library to read up on some healing regimens for you. I want to nip any future health problems right now. I'm really sorry for intruding, I didn't mean to wake you, are you feeling okay? You had quite a bit to drink last night," said Alice, shifting her weight from one leg to the other.
|
|
|
|
Post by kumainpink on Jul 27, 2012 7:42:39 GMT -5
Maxwell frowned at the reminder, and started to fall further into his familiar formality. "Thank you for concern, Alice. But rest assured that I'm fine." He found that he could use his Occlumency walls once more, and used them to force back his feelings of awkwardness. He gave her his best, winning smile. "The others won't let me do anything but rest, so that is what I'll be doing."
Now that he was calmer, he actually was able to really look at Alice in her nightgown. It was nowhere near as showy as Veronica's, but it also left him less room for imagination. White - the color of innocence - suited her very well, and made her hair and eyes stand out even more. In a sense, she was like one of those porcelain dolls that you'd see in an antique shop; delicate, fragile and every bit of visible skin had no trace of imperfection. He looked away when he realized he was staring.
"Well, I think I might go back to bed." he said politely. "Why don't you go find Cassalina? I'm sure she'll be happy to keep you company." Merlin! Stop thinking like a horny old goat! I'M twice her age!
|
|
|
|
Post by G. Novella on Jul 27, 2012 7:46:14 GMT -5
"Ah, I understand completely. Sleep well," she said with a nod.
Alice moved to the door, glad Maxwell hadn't been upset at her intrusion.
|
|
|
|
Post by kumainpink on Jul 28, 2012 2:13:04 GMT -5
Cassalina wiped the sweat off her brow, as she finished adding the last ingredient to her potion - Essence of Murtlap. Just three small drops and the ugly brown liquid became a lovely emerald color. Smiling at her success, Cassalina lowered the heat and added a pinch of her special "standard ingredient", which would balance out any of the abnormalities in it.
With her job well done, she sat back and took a sip of her iced tea. She tried not to think about Brayden, or the long funeral arrangements that would await her later.
|
|
|
|
Post by G. Novella on Jul 28, 2012 2:26:57 GMT -5
Alice shut the door quietly behind her, and breathed a sigh of relief when she realized the hallway was empty. She didn't want anyone to get the wrong idea. Then again, she had no idea what the wrong idea was, in this situation. As she strolled down the hall, and back to the kitchen, she couldn't help but remember Maxwell's soft hair and his sleeping face. She wondered how many others had seen a man like him so relaxed. She couldn't help but wish to see him relaxed like that all the time.
As she approached the kitchens, she remembered Octavius telling her Cassalina's potions lab was outside near the greenhouses. As she stepped out from the kitchen door, she made on the winding path until she saw a small laboratorial looking hut. Carefully, she approached the door, and this time, she knocked.
|
|
|
|
Post by kumainpink on Jul 28, 2012 2:29:58 GMT -5
Cassalina's thoughts were blissfully interrupted by a knock at her door. "Come in!" she called to whomever it was.
|
|
