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 Posted: Wed Aug 09, 2006 10:05 pm
Her reaction was satisfyingly ego-stroking as she blushed all the way to the tips of her ears. She clasped her hands in front of her and over her heart, mouth a small "o" of surprise. "Oh," she breathed. "Hadrian, I... -Oh-."
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Posted: Wed Aug 09, 2006 10:08 pm
"Do you like it?" He asked, unnecessarily. Then explained, "You can wear it like a scarf, you know, if its cold in Merry-land. Or...as a sash I guess...around your waist."
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Posted: Wed Aug 09, 2006 10:11 pm
"Is it really... Oh, Hadrian, is it really for me?" She pulled her gaze from it to look up searchingly into her friend's face. "Do you mean it?"
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Posted: Wed Aug 09, 2006 10:18 pm
Hadrian blinked, clearly trying to figure out how that bit had been unclear.
"Yeah, of course." He looked down at the fabric, then back up at Galatea, holding it out just a little bit further as if urging her to take it.
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Posted: Wed Aug 09, 2006 10:24 pm
Gingerly, Galatea reached out a hand to stroke the fabric. It was silky under her fingers and slightly warm from being held by Hadrian. She smiled, the look more than slightly dopey with pleasure. Taking a step closer, she ran her hand over the fabric again and shared the smile with Hadrian. "It's beautiful."
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Posted: Wed Aug 09, 2006 10:31 pm
He smiled back broadly, looking a little bit pleased with himself.
"I'm glad you like it." He did hope it would bring her luck, although he expected that maybe he'd have to settle for it just cheering her up a bit if she got homesick.
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Posted: Wed Aug 09, 2006 10:36 pm
Looking at him as if seeking permission, Galatea finally took the piece of fabric from his hands and held it reverently in her own. Eyes still aglow, she weighed it, felt the texture and the heft of it, the way it was soft against her skin and silky. Then she looked thoughtful and held it at either end, stretching her arms out wide to inspect how long it was. Suddenly, she smiled again and carefully wound it about herself. The ends tucked in neatly, almost invisible, the end coming up over one shoulder. When she finished, Galatea stood in front of him, wearing a make-shift (and slightly skimpy due to restricted amounts of fabric) sari. "It's so very beautiful, Hadrian. Thank you."
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Posted: Wed Aug 09, 2006 10:39 pm
That was a use Hadrian hadn't thought of. Of course he should have known Galatea would come up with a different way to use the fabric, she was after all quite intelligent.
"It looks really nice worn that way." He said smiling.
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Posted: Wed Aug 09, 2006 10:41 pm
Beaming at the praise, she bowed. "Thank you. The colors are so... Rich. I feel like an illustration from a book," she added shyly. "I'm certain this will bring me the best of luck. I promise to take very good care of it."
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Posted: Wed Aug 09, 2006 10:47 pm
"I hope it does bring you the best luck." Hadrian answered vehemently. "You'll have to tell me your stories when you get back."
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Posted: Wed Aug 09, 2006 10:48 pm
"Of course." She clasped her hands in front of herself again and smiled. "And I will write to you if I can."
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Posted: Wed Aug 09, 2006 10:51 pm
"I'd love it if you did! But don't put yourself out trying to do it." He thought she really did look like a picture in a storybook wearing the silk like that. Looking like a picture in a storybook suited her pretty well.
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Posted: Wed Aug 09, 2006 10:54 pm
"It would be no trouble at all. I would like to write you." Blushing again, Galatea took a step towards him and unlaced her hands. "Will you give me a hug for extra luck?" she asked quietly. She thought it was possibly the bravest thing she had ever done. "And because I am going to miss you."
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Posted: Wed Aug 09, 2006 11:05 pm
Hadrian, of course, probably would have given her a hug anyway...but having her ask him to made him feel nice and warm inside. He knelt down, so they were closer in height and he could hug her properly, arms around her shoulders. He hugged her close for a bit, and then, as he started to pull away, he brushed his lips against her forehead. Very lightly, very briefly, surprising himself with the impulse, and trying not to blush as he stood back up.
"I'll miss you too." He said, finally, in a voice that was - for him - almost exceptionally quiet.
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Posted: Wed Aug 09, 2006 11:12 pm
Galatea could not even attempt to avoid blushing at his impromptu gesture and she went pink once more. Being around Hadrian seemed to be fantastic for her blood circulation. "Thank you," she whispered again. She smiled up at him in a wobbly manner and offered another tiny bow. "Please take care of yourself while I'm gone, Hadrian, and... Would you check in on the Captain once in a while for me, too? I trust you to know if she is alright and she likes you."
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