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 Posted: Mon Feb 25, 2013 2:24 pm
Gabriel nodded placidly as Merry responded and gave a gesture of more finality when she had finished. He minded his verbal filter just this once, knowing that for most the death of family members was a sore and devastating topic. Again he was struck by how the girl made him think and feel. He needed to keep her around. She could be the key to short bursts of sanity...
"Well. That is unfortunate, but it makes what I am to offer much less complicated," he offered, taking a sip of his tea before continuing, "I find that the younger generations have less knowledge of my past and are, ah... more accepting of my status as a human being. You parents likely knew something more of my life and would be likely to... protest." There was a flicker of emotion in a brief eye widening and very nearly an expression of 'my, and what might have been'.
"I personally have attended classes my whole life, although 'higher education' became somewhat daunting and I was forced to turn to tutors. In that light, I have an offer for your consideration. I myself may be able to tutor you to some extent, but it would also be possible then for you to become my... ah. Protege, of sorts. I would pay for your schooling in return for... oh, I don't know. Occasional companionship, and I do mean only that. I do not intend to force your hand in any way when it comes to more personal matters. I would of course expect a progress report at least once a week about the state of your education," he waved a hand dismissively then and gave a soft sigh, "Others needn't know my reasons regardless of the situation. It is human nature to assume and to spread rumor. In undertaking such a relationship, you would need to understand that people will say things about you and I entirely out of context or understanding. You don't seem the type to mind, but a disclaimer is at least in order." Something came over his face then, something grave and dark, albeit not threatening.
"and you would need to understand that there are facets of my existence that no one must know, within or without these walls. I much prefer assumption to knowledge. A breach of such an understanding could lead to... consequences."
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Posted: Fri Mar 08, 2013 9:47 pm
A small muffled snort at the idea her parents would protest anything was quick, and just as quickly ignored. She didn't snort while muffling her laugh, not really. What followed was a slight gape of her mouth as she and Eris both were stunned into silence. "Tutoring? You, you would..." Her gaze went to the tea cup, thumb running on it's edge. She should take it. Take it and do whatever he wanted. Schooling, education meant that she could get a better job, leave the taverns behind her. This was an opportunity. Biting her lip in thought, Merry stalked the pros and cons to what he wanted in exchange. "...I'm used to rumors." She said finally, thumb running over the teacup still. "I'm also good with secrets." Not like she had anyone to tell. "...If you want just companionship, it's a fair price." Looking up she smile just slightly, not entirely sure she was doing the right thing. "If you're willing to help me, I'm willing to.. do whatever it is you want me to do."
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iStoleYurVamps
iStoleYurVamps
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Posted: Tue Mar 12, 2013 3:27 pm
Once again, Gabriel was brought to smile by the girl he barely knew. This one was broad, almost bright and there was a bright flash of something in his eyes. Was it... joy? By god, he thought he recognized that emotion. It was... light and tingling in his chest. So odd... indeed, it worried him a little. He stumbled at the shock of feeling, choked briefly on his tea, and held a hand to his chest.
"Excuse me."
Morai suddenly brightened himself, his tail flicking happily back and forth as he approached Eris and began to affectionately nibble and mouth at her fur. It seemed that they'd be seeing more of each other, didn't it!
Gabriel took up his tea once more and crossed a shin over his knee. This girl... god, he couldn't place it, but this girl. "Very well, then. Do you wish to discuss the arrangement further, or would you like some time to think on it?"
Having a life-changing offer thrown violently into your lap tended to make you desire alone-time, or so he imagined.
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Posted: Wed Mar 13, 2013 2:23 am
She almost sat up when he started choking. The last thing she wanted was him to choke and die and then people would blame her and all that nonsense she could really do without. Eris thought Merry was just being overly worrisome. The man was fine. As was his little guardian. A gentle nuzzle to Morai's ears, she nudged the yearling just a bit. "Time..." A sip of her tea, Merry bit her lip when she looked back up at Gabriel. "That would be good I think. Get my affairs in order, let my employer know. We can discuss it in the meantime as well?" Two birds one stone. "I am all for the arraignment, just need to get everything in order. Doubt it would take more than a day or so."
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iStoleYurVamps
iStoleYurVamps
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Posted: Wed Mar 13, 2013 4:47 pm
"Of course," responded, still smiling and nodding softly, "It is worth mentioning then that my tutelage could not be, uh... professional, so to speak. I know of teaching only from my own studies, but with a past like mine you often find yourself absorbed in one thing or another." He placed his near-empty tea cup aside and then turned back to Merry, folding his hands in his lap. "Professional education, however, is sadly lacking in private attention and I don't imagine that you belong in a class of children simply because you've gone about learning in a different way. There are positives and negatives to each option, of course, and I offer either or both to you, at your discretion. You have all the time in the world to decide. ...well. Maybe not all of it."
Who knew how long a lunatic could last in civilized society? He was bound to flicker out at some point for one reason or another. Morai gave a pleased huff nearing a raspberry and turned his head side to side with no real intention otherwise.
"Anyway, you've asked for your time and so you have it. I find that I rather have some interest in tavern tradition..."
He would hold on to Merry and this glimpse of sanity as long as he could, and perhaps would return her proffered information in kind, to a point. His head felt free, clear... god, it felt nice.
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Posted: Sat Mar 16, 2013 1:28 pm
Not professional? She quickly covered her mouth to muffle the small laugh. "Well it's not the most common of things? A grown woman wanting an education that is. It would probably be best to have you teach me before going further?" Setting her tea cup down she stood, Eris giving a small nuzzle to Morai before going to Merry for a bump of her head to the woman's hand. Still, even as she pet the doe's ears Merry gave Gabriel a curious look. "What tavern tradition? Aside from the going home drunk part." She was pretty sure the man didn't want to get drunk of all things. "If that is all?"
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iStoleYurVamps
iStoleYurVamps
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Posted: Sun Mar 17, 2013 6:31 pm
The conversation continued, winding through the world of a working class woman and a noble without delving into pasts of families as Gabriel was wont to avoid. He smiled several times throughout and even once laughed, although it was an awkward sound that cut off abruptly as if choked out of him. Still, he was content to sit with Merry and enjoy another half-cup of tea before one of the workers arrived in the doorway. He spoke in a deeply accented voice that may or may not have been common dialect. Gabriel massaged the bridge of his nose with a sigh, and his pleasant countenance was gone. When he opened his eyes again they were dead and blackened and the corners of his mouth held not a twitch.
"Oui," he replied finally, and then gestured to Merry, "N'interrompez pas alors que j'ai invités..."
"Je suis désolé..."
Finally he actually addressed Merry, standing softly and offering his hand out to her.
"It seems as if I'm needed elsewhere. Shall I see you out?"
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Posted: Sun Mar 24, 2013 6:50 pm
It was nice to talk to someone who simply wanted to talk. More so, that the man was mannered and didn't seem to take offense to her being lower than he. Their talk ended when more 'company' arrived, the language passing here ears with mild confusion. Did Eris do something wrong? Did her presence unnerve? She hoped not. "Ah... Oh." That explained it. She had kept him and now he had other business to attend to. "Of course. I didn't mean to keep you." Eris's ears swivelled to her chosen. Getting up the guardian paused to give Morai one small nuzzle before going to Merry's side. "It was nice to stay as long as I did though."
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iStoleYurVamps
iStoleYurVamps
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Posted: Sun Mar 24, 2013 7:40 pm
Unfortunately, someone had now seen Merry in Gabriel's presence. The rumors were sure to start, if not in the city then at least on the grounds. Oh well. It had been entirely inevitable. Better late than never. He offered Merry a small smile.
"Certainly not. You are welcome any time. I have given you quite a lot to think about, however," he nodded, offering Merry his arm and then placing his hand atop hers. "I will let the men know that you are welcome and that you may have access to the finished rooms at all times. The others are dangerous, after all... and Eris as well. If you are to be my pupil, they'll have to get used to your presence."
He led her to the door and opened it for her, and then stepped out and down the stairs as proper manners dictated. He seemed to have taken the small brown bag of teas with him as he left, and when Merry reached his level, he offered it to her.
"For you."
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Posted: Tue Mar 26, 2013 4:53 am
Rumors were the least of anyone's problems as of late. She'd manage. "You-" She blushed a bit, trying to hide it and failing. "You're a kind man Gabriel. I'll be sure to think of your offer and all that entails." She'd made up her mind, but, she could think on the deeper implications later. By the time they reached the door, her blush was gone. At least until her offered her the tea. Pink tinting her face, she smile and bowed to him. "Thank you." Eris nodded, huffing lightly before looking to Merry. "For everything."
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iStoleYurVamps
iStoleYurVamps
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Posted: Wed Mar 27, 2013 10:21 am
Gabriel smiled softly and resisted the urge to touch Merry's arm or face. Why in the world was she thanking him? Education had might as well be a given right... everyone deserved a class or two, and offering them was simple enough.
"No, please. Thank you."
Morai gave Eris a happy nuzzle and a little tonguey 'plrrt' as a goodbye. Certainly they'd see each other again.
The pair watched the girls leave fondly, and then turned to the worker waiting in the hall behind him with a heavy sigh, his smile spontaneously disappearing.
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