====
Title: A New World (Part 3.2)
Number: 191
Date: Aug 25, 2008 at 7:30 PM
====
Divinatas – Aug 25, 2008 at 7:30 PM
[bg=#0e1938][padding=10px][so=#67708c][bg=#202d54]NEW AMSTERDAM: A NEW WORLD[/bg][/so][/padding][/bg]
[bg=#2d2623][do=#283762][imga=right]http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=1&pictureid=1825[/imga][b][i]Cheyanne Fowler[/i][/b]
The beach was warm and sunny with glimmering white sands, cheerful people, and rushing ocean waves! Many of the Atelier staff were there, having pooled together to rent a beachside cottage close to the water. Some had even brought family members along to enjoy the vacation.
Cheyanne was standing outside on the sand with a pretty parasol watching the people as they strolled by or played along the beach. The different styles of beach clothes were the most interesting. Some women were “scandalously” under clothed, with slim fitting suits that showed a fair amount of leg. She heard some of the older women clucking their teeth about it. Others were wearing complicated overlayered swimsuits and Cheyanne wondered how they’d even manage to swim.
Of course, Cheyanne herself wasn’t that great at swimming as it is. So she contentedly wore a light dress and stayed a comfortable distance away from the water. What time was there for swimming in New York, anyway?
It had been a pleasant few days so far, and it left Cheyanne wondering if Mr. Daupre ever did take a break. Maybe Alba would have made him.[/do][/bg]
====
Azul Morag – Aug 26, 2008 at 11:25 AM
[dashed=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=12&pictureid=166][b]Little Peter[/b]
Little Peter came by with a kite he had just made. He had been playing with other children, but he decided Miss Flower was bored – whether it was true or not – and she needed to play.
“Let’s go fly my kite!” Peter said. He was very proud, because he had made the kite himself the day before. He was only a little sorry because he had to leave Lady Keen at the house; Peter had been horrified at the idea that his cat could get lost at the beach. Besides, Lady Keen was good at patrolling the house.
“We can climb to the hill near the lighthouse and fly my kite from there.”
[/dashed]
====
Divinatas – Aug 31, 2008 at 1:33 AM
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=1&pictureid=16][b]Cheyanne[/b]
Cheyanne shielded her eyes from the sun as she looked down across the beach towards the hill and the lighthouse in the distance. “I haven’t flown a kite in forever. Not since my nephews were really small.” she replied, resting the parasol against her shoulder and starting in the right direction.
Twirling the parasol because she liked the shadows it made on the sand, Cheyanne blinked down at Peter. “Now you don’t have to answer, but I was wondering what happened to your mother?” She had found out about his father, but she didn’t recall anyone mentioning Peter’s mother and she had gotten curious.
[/dotted]
====
Azul Morag – Aug 31, 2008 at 12:48 PM
[dashed=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=12&pictureid=166][b]Little Peter[/b]
Little Peter fiddled with his kite and stayed silent for a long instant. Seagulls let out strange cries, floating in the seabreeze far above, suspended like long kites against the clear blue sky. Peter rubbed his nose with his free hand.
“My mother died. She got a cold… we didn’t have heating,” he absently said. “It was soon after my father was caught cheating at horse races, or so they said. We had spent the money her family sent us. I’d stay in bed with her and Lady Keen to keep her warm, but she was so cold and shivering. She died in her sleep one night.”
Peter nibbled on his lip.
“The people to whom my dad owed money sent the lawyers after her funeral. We lived a block from Master Daupre’s maison. The lawyers took everything that was left, and my father was taken away to Debtor’s Prison. When they tried to take me to the workhouse and sell me off, I ran. I remembered Master Daupre’s maison, because my mother used to be his client in better times. Master Daupre was on the doorstep, leaving for an appointment. I hid behind him and said I worked for him, said I had a job already so they wouldn’t take me to the workhouse. Master Daupre didn’t deny it. So I got to stay. I only went to my old house once, to get Lady Keen. She was wandering the alleys, and I brought her to the maison.”
Little Peter wiped his eyes absently.
“Lady Keen is so nice. I wish I could have brought her along… Let’s go fly my kite, Miss Flower.”
[/dashed]
====
Divinatas – Sep 11, 2008 at 10:32 PM
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=1&pictureid=16][b]Cheyanne[/b]
Cheyanne nodded slowly, following Peter in silence for a few moments. How horrible! Wasn’t there laws against forced child labor, or protection laws for kids? It was lucky Peter did run across Mr. Daupre, or who knows what would have happened!
When she realized she was probably scowling, Cheyanne put on a brighter smile. This was supposed to be a happy, worry free vacation, if not for herself… Peter deserved a little fun! Closing up her parasol, she hooked it on the edge of her skirt and rest her hands on her hips.
“Alright now, how do we fly this kite?”
[/dotted]
====
Azul Morag – Sep 12, 2008 at 4:28 AM
[dashed=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=12&pictureid=166][b]Little Peter[/b]
Little Peter wiped his eyes quickly and when he turned he had a smile again.
“We have to get to the top of the hill,” he explained, “and run back, holding up the kite! Then we have to loosen the thread as it goes higher. It can go very high!”
He grabbed Cheyanne’s hand and ran with her to the top of the hill!
[/dashed]
====
Divinatas – Sep 12, 2008 at 6:24 AM
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=1&pictureid=16][b]Cheyanne[/b]
“All the way to the top…?” she said, looking at the steepness of the hill. It wasn’t that it was too steep, but running around in these shoes and long skirts didn’t make for easy climbing. Before she could protest, Peter already had her hand and was pulling her up the hill!
“Not so fast! I’ll go tumbling down it, like a sack of potatoes!”
[/dotted]
====
Azul Morag – Sep 12, 2008 at 6:49 AM
[dashed=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=12&pictureid=166][b]Little Peter[/b]
“Run faster, Miss Flower!” Peter cried, running uphill. He was pretty stronger than he looked, because soon they reached the top of the hill. A hundred yards away, the lighthouse was all bathed in blue and yellow light, as the sun had begun to descend towards the ocean. Seagulls floated in the breeze like white cardboard birds. One of them seemed to find Cheyanne’s parasol pretty interesting, because it flew a quick curve around her just to give it a peck!
Little Peter waved a hand at it just like Marie used to wave a hand at Alba to “shoo” her away.
“Look, there are ships!”
Far into the sea, a couple of white sails showed, slowly moving like a feather floating in the breeze.
“I bet if we could get to the top of the lighthouse, we could see the Master’s house,” he casually said. He held up the kite.
“You hold it like this and run till it it starts flying!”
[/dashed]
====
Divinatas – Sep 18, 2008 at 9:50 PM
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=1&pictureid=16][b]Cheyanne[/b]
Cheyanne’s staring up at the light house was interrupted as Peter shoved the kite in to her hands. “Oh.. kay.” Holding the kite up, Cheyanne picked a direction and started running! Just when she thought the wind was catching the kite perfectly, somehow she made a misstep. Before she knew it Cheyanne was crashing to the ground and spitting grass out of her mouth!
“Bother! I knew it was impossible to run in a big fluffy dress!”
[/dotted]
====
Azul Morag – Sep 20, 2008 at 11:42 AM
[dashed=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=12&pictureid=166][b]Little Peter[/b]
Little Peter dashed after Cheyanne and nearly tripped on her when she fell. He caught the kite’s cord before it would float away into the sky and held it while pulling Cheyanne up (at least, upright!).
“Are you alright, miss Flower?” He grinned. “This is much more fun than staying at home, yes? Let’s try again!”
[/dashed]
====
Divinatas – Sep 20, 2008 at 3:08 PM
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=1&pictureid=16][b]Cheyanne[/b]
Cheyanne upon sitting up, dusted off her sleeves and straightened her shirt. She rose slowly to her feet, testing to make sure she didn’t break or twist anything as she rearranged the folds of her dress.
“I think, maybe, it’s a better idea if you do the running with the string and I hold up the kite in the air so it can catch the wind.”
[/dotted]
====
Azul Morag – Sep 20, 2008 at 4:33 PM
[dashed=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=12&pictureid=166][b]Little Peter[/b]
Little Peter arched an eyebrow and gave one of Alphonse’s lopsided smirks.
“Alright. I’ll do the running, but you have to keep up!”
Peter set off running with the kite! After some exertion, the kite finally began to catch the wind and slowly soared up into the sky above. Peter had run around the top of the hill. Opposite to the side of the hill facing the beach, behind the tall lighthouse, there was a groove of trees, a grassy field and in the distance, a roof. Several roofs in fact; but they were far. Down at the beach, people were enjoying the sunny day. Marie and some of the others were lounging around a tent they had rented. Peter was maneuvering with the kite, loosening the thread to allow it go higher.
“Miss Flower, it’s flying!”
[/dashed]
====
Divinatas – Sep 20, 2008 at 4:43 PM
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=1&pictureid=16][b]Cheyanne[/b]
“With no help from me, that’s for sure!” Cheyanne said cheerfully, shielding her eyes from the sun as she looked up at the flying kite. It was amazing how hypnotizing a floating bit of craft paper could be up there in the sky.
Cheyanne’s gaze switched from the kite to examine the expanse of the beach and all of the houses and buildings of the town nearby. It still looked old fashion with all the old stone architecture.
“I can’t see the Atelier. Didn’t you say we could see Mr. Daupre’s home from here?”
[/dotted]
====
Azul Morag – Sep 20, 2008 at 6:15 PM
[dashed=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=12&pictureid=166][b]Little Peter[/b]
Little Peter blinked, looking confused. Did he say that?
“Actually, we are a long way from New Amsterdam now,” Little Peter said. “Those houses are the outskirts of the town where we rented the tent and we’ll be staying there, I think. The other roofs are farm houses and well…” Little Peter got red. “Just don’t tell anyone, because I promised I wouldn’t tell… I shouldn’t be telling you. But I was here before, sometime after I started working with Master Daupre. The lawyers had sent someone to lure me out, so the Master brought me here for a couple of weeks. There’s a big house beyond those grass fields. His mother lives there, and I stayed with her for a while. She is kinda ill, but she’s nice when she’s well… like, when she is not confused. I don’t think even Mrs. Keane knows where is exactly the Master’s house. He’s very fierce about keeping people away, because they’d disturb his mom.”
Little Peter frowned a bit. It was obvious the fierceness with which the Master took care of his mother inspired Little Peter great respect. He was taking great pains in describing the lady without saying she was not well in the head.
“She is very nice and kind, but she sometimes gets confused. Like, living a lot of years in the past! Sometimes, she thinks the Master is his dad. His dad is dead. But she realizes and sometimes she’s sad.”
“Hm… Alba catches a lot of field mice, and rabbits.” Little Peter fiddled with the kite to avoid a curious seagull from getting too close to it in the sky.
[/dashed]
====
Divinatas – Sep 22, 2008 at 8:19 PM
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=1&pictureid=16][b]Cheyanne[/b]
“It’s sad… But I suppose it happens to most people. Getting older and having to take care of your parents.” Cheyanne said softly, looking out over the houses and green fields to see if she could spot the place. Her own parents were still alive and in good health, thanks to the modern medicine era. But eventually she was going to be in the same boat. …If she ever went back home.
Peter changed the subject and Cheyanne gratefully followed suit. “Alba is an owl after all, those are her favorite meals!” Unhooking the parasol from her belt she opened it back up again to shield herself from the sun. It was just so [i]hot[/i] having to wear such a layered dress. But Cheyanne didn’t want to try on any of those bathing suits or someone was going to get the idea of dragging her swimming. Flying kites with Peter was decidedly much safer!
[/dotted]
====
Azul Morag – Sep 22, 2008 at 11:27 PM
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=12&pictureid=165][B]Alba[/B]
Just as she said this, a white dot shone in the skies, and as it grew closer it became clear that wasn’t a seagull. The seagulls didn’t seem to mind it much, till it came closer and chased them! The white bird descended in a big curve and perched on a fence between them and the lighthouse. It was Alba! She shook her feathers and shrieked, then just sat there, staring at them.
[/dotted]
[dashed=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=12&pictureid=166][b]Little Peter[/b]
Little Peter opened his eyes wide.
“She heard me,” he said in dismay. “I shouldn’t have told…” He looked about to cry.
[/dashed]
====
Divinatas – Sep 23, 2008 at 3:51 PM
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=1&pictureid=16][b]Cheyanne[/b]
Well speak of the devil! Er… owl. Seeing Alba flying around in a more natural setting was enchanting to watch. As she landed, Cheyanne was smiling… until she realized Mr. Daupre wasn’t anywhere to be seen. Alba was out all on her own, and the once place she decided to go was here. With [i]her[/i]. She was going to get called an owl-knapper again!
“Albaaaa!” Cheyanne said with a softly plaintive voice. For a moment her expression was about the same as Peter’s, but didn’t he say Alba liked hunting in the fields. She quickly changed her tone. “You know, Alba is just out for an afternoon flight, there shouldn’t be anything to worry about at all. I think.”
[/dotted]
====
Azul Morag – Sep 23, 2008 at 10:50 PM
[dashed=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=12&pictureid=166][b]Little Peter[/b]
Little Peter didn’t look quite convinced. The owl was a household deity after all! Peter had quite a strong faith for a little kid. Maybe one spiced up with some details of his own.
“But why would she appear just as we mentioned her just now?” Little Peter argued. He began skillfully pulling down his kite, taking a short walk and gently maneuvering the kite to make it descend into an amazingly smooth landing. He turned and blinked as if it was the most normal thing in the world (which for a kid in his day and age, probably was).
“Do you think she’s here to fetch us?”
[/dashed]
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=12&pictureid=165][B]Alba[/B]
Alba fluffed up her snowy feathers with great dignity. She was sporting new leather jesses on her legs. Unlike common falconry practice, she didn’t wear any bells – apparently, not even at the countryside; but just from the new jesses and her apparent high spirits, it was seemingly she had been training with Alphonse. Why was she on her own though, was still unknown!
Alba flapped vigorously and stretched her wings, one at a time along with the side’s leg, shook her feathers and gave two short shrieks, staring at Cheyanne and Peter.
[/dotted]
====
Divinatas – Sep 25, 2008 at 7:30 AM
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=1&pictureid=16][b]Cheyanne[/b]
“Most certainly not. Why on earth would she come to fetch us, anyway? If there were any trouble she would fetch someone more appropriate.” Cheyanne eyed Alba carefully. Yes, if there was trouble, she and little Peter were surely on the bottom of the list of people to come and rescue.
Resting her parasol against her shoulder, she pointed out at the grassy meadow and towards the general direction of Mr. Daupre’s home. “Alba, you have to go home. Mr. Daupre is going to be furious and I refuse to get accused of kidnapping again.”
[/dotted]
====
Azul Morag – Sep 25, 2008 at 7:54 AM
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=12&pictureid=165][B]Alba[/B]
Alba gave a long shriek followed by several short, low and rasping ones. She fluffed up and stayed put on the fence, clicking her beak and watching them.
[/dotted]
[dashed=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=12&pictureid=166][b]Little Peter[/b]
“She definitely wants [i]something,[/i]” Peter whispered. “Maybe something happened? Something bad?”
Peter quickly wound up the cord of his kite around the handle.
“Is she hurt?”
[/dashed]
====
Divinatas – Sep 25, 2008 at 8:06 AM
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=1&pictureid=16][b]Cheyanne[/b]
Cheyanne was watching Alba carefully. “She’s alright. Alba is just delicately trying to tell me she’s not going anywhere.” Amused or annoyed, Cheyanne hadn’t decided yet. But she did know Alba couldn’t just stay out with them. She would be in [i]so[/i] much trouble!
With a quick glance around, there still wasn’t any sight of Mr. Daupre. She worried the handle of her parasol, and chewed on her bottom lip. They could take Alba home couldn’t they? Peter would know the way, and that was if Alba didn’t decide to fly off home herself while they were walking. Who knew what Alba was thinking.
Besides, it was a perfect excuse to see Mr. Daupre.
“Alba, where is Mr. Daupre? How about we go see him? He’s probably missing you.”
[/dotted]
====
Azul Morag – Sep 25, 2008 at 8:15 AM
[dashed=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=12&pictureid=166][b]Little Peter[/b]
Little Peter blinked in alarm.
“Go seeing the Master? What about the others? They will miss us and they could follow us and it’d be a disaster!” And he will know it’s my fault!”
[/dashed]
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=12&pictureid=165][B]Alba[/B]
Alba shook her head sideways to calculate the distance with every intention to take short flight to land on Cheyanne, but the parasol was most inconvenient. Alba shook her feathers and clicked her beak in disappointment. She however took a short flight to the near groove of trees and landed on a low branch, from which she shrieked again and watched them, rather expectantly.
[/dotted]
====
Divinatas – Sep 25, 2008 at 8:22 AM
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=1&pictureid=16][b]Cheyanne[/b]
“You don’t have to go if you’re afraid of getting in trouble.” Cheyanne replied, already following after Alba. She turned around after a few steps to glance at Peter. “If I don’t take her back, I’ll get called a crazy owl kidnapper again. I really don’t want to see that senile doctor again or get wrapped up in a straight jacket, or [i]worse[/i] put away in a prison!”
Flipping the parasol closed she hooked it on her belt as she continued walking again. “So I’ll risk getting yelled at for a few minutes, in making sure Alba is where she belongs compared to that! You can just go on and tell Marie I am out for a walk!”
[/dotted]
====
Azul Morag – Sep 25, 2008 at 8:47 AM
[dashed=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=12&pictureid=166][b]Little Peter[/b]
Peter looked about to cry with worry! He could do as she says, but how could he let miss Flower wander alone? She didn’t even know the place! Or where she was, for that matter – plus it was true miss Flower was a bit off in the head and most likely she would need an escort!
Peter furrowed his brow and wiped his teary eyes.
“I can’t let you go alone!” He said. He marched after her.
[/dashed]
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=12&pictureid=165][B]Alba[/B]
Alba waited till they catched up, then took a short flight to another tree. In this fashion, she led them through the trees and down to the grasslands that were visible from the lighthouse’s hill. The grass was knee-high, fresh and quite green, with tiny white flowers here and there. Alba flew ahead, leading them a long way across the grasslands. Trees grew behind and at the sides, where the beach was visible among the trees at their far right, but no people were seen there. On the far left, the trees were thicker to form a forest, and faintly visible a bell tower marked the place there the town was. Ahead, more grasslands and still far, a group of grand, stone buildings.
[/dotted]
[dashed=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=12&pictureid=166][b]Little Peter[/b]
“Those buildings over theeere are the Master’s house,” Peter grumpily said. He pulled his cap to his ears.
Alba circled them and flew a bit more, then just ahead something white shone in the grass. And something glared, like glass. A pair of boots came into view.
“There is someone there in the grass!”
[/dashed]
====
Divinatas – Oct 3, 2008 at 12:59 AM
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=1&pictureid=16][b]Cheyanne[/b]
Cheyanne first thought that maybe it was a dead body lying in the grass, but that was quickly pushed out of her head. Mostly. It still lingered there in the back – this [i]was[/i] a dangerous time period. Then she recognized the perfectly designed shoes and groaned aloud.
Slapping a hand over her mouth, she cleared her throat and primly adjusted her sleeves. Trying not to smile, Cheyanne clasped her hands behind her back. “Mr. Daupre, what a brilliant surprise! ”
[/dotted]
====
Azul Morag – Oct 3, 2008 at 1:13 AM
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=12&pictureid=123][B]Alphonse[/B]
Just saying Alphonse was surprised would have been an understatement. He was wearing a classy suit, fitting for exploring and taking strolls in the countryside. His hair was loose (something just a tad of a bit unusual) and his cap was suspiciously laying a few feet away. Alphonse didn’t make the slightest effort to sit up and just blinked at them in alarm.
“Well, surprise!” He finally grumbled. “Why are you…?” He briefly eyed Peter and Peter shrank half his size, pulling his own cap further over his ears. Alphonse gasped.
“Does this mean [I]the whole staff is at Madelaine Beach?” [/I]He seemed to find that a very disturbing thought!
[/dotted]
====
Divinatas – Oct 3, 2008 at 1:20 AM
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=1&pictureid=16][b]Cheyanne[/b]
“It seems they are.” Cheyanne didn’t find that the least bit odd. Of course the staff would settle for a familiar place that was relatively close. It made planning vacations so much easier. Mr. Daupre needn’t look so shocked.
Moving through the grass, Cheyanne scooped up his hat and brushed off the stray leaves. What did he do, throw himself on the ground? “Peter and I were flying a kite up on the hillside near the lighthouse, when Alba came over for a visit. Normally I would let her being, seeing as I enjoy her company but she-… Mr. Daupre, [i]why are[/i] you just laying in the grass?”
[/dotted]
====
Azul Morag – Oct 3, 2008 at 1:30 AM
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=12&pictureid=123][B]Alphonse[/B]
Alphonse eyed the white dot in the skies. No wonder, he grudgingly thought. Why Alba seemed to have a fixation with Cheyanne was something he rather refused to understand. He didn’t move, squinting behind his eyeglasses.
“There’s a better view of the skies from here,” he evasively replied. “That is something hard to find in the city.”
[/dotted]
[dashed=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=12&pictureid=166][b]Little Peter[/b]
Little Peter spied from under his cap. There was too much glare to enjoy staring at the sky with the sun up, but he cautiously kept quiet. He took a step back and began looking for bugs in the grass.
[/dashed]
====
Divinatas – Oct 3, 2008 at 1:59 AM
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=1&pictureid=16][b]Cheyanne[/b]
Cheyanne looked up at the sky. It was the very same sky she was admiring earlier, and sort of curious that Mr. Daupre was admiring it too. He really didn’t seem the sort of man that would sit still long enough to appreciate the little things.
This, of course, made her suspicious. “You’re right. I was telling Marie this morning just how lovely it was.” Glancing down at him as subtly as possible, she gave him a look over. He didn’t look rumpled or like he was in a fight. He wasn’t mugged or attempted murdered. Perhaps he over worried himself and fainted?
Cheyanne thought she give it a test. “I think you’re sitting on a pile of ants.”
[/dotted]
====
Azul Morag – Oct 3, 2008 at 2:04 AM
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=12&pictureid=123][B]Alphonse[/B]
Alphonse blinked and instinctively tried to jerk his body to sit up and check, but he just cringed and stayed where he was.
“Hm… no,” he said, almost defensively. “I’ve been here for a while and I have not got bitten!”
[/dotted]
[dashed=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=12&pictureid=166][b]Little Peter[/b]
Little Peter glanced at them, but he stayed at a prudent distance. He found a big ladybug and carefully tried to capture it but despite, he had an ear like a radar antenna pointed at them!
[/dashed]
====
Divinatas – Oct 3, 2008 at 2:17 AM
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=1&pictureid=16][b]Cheyanne[/b]
“Ah HA!” exclaimed Cheyanne! Cringing in pain was a sure fire clue that something was wrong. Why did the man have to be so stubborn and not ask for help when he needed it? At least he wasn’t about to go hurling up his guts or having a heart attack.
Kneeling down in the grass, setting her parasol over to the side, Cheyanne was already gently prodding at his legs to find the root of the problem. “Is it so hard to ask for help, Mr. Daupre? Would you have lain her all day if Alba didn’t spot us?”
[/dotted]
====
Azul Morag – Oct 3, 2008 at 2:29 AM
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=12&pictureid=123][B]Alphonse[/B]
Alphonse would have swatted at her if he could, but he had to resort to glaring and trying not to wince.
“I am alright… I just need to catch my breath.” He said with dignity. “I just slipped on the grass, that is all.”
He was wearing buckled boots but perhaps the obviously expensive leather was too supple for its owner’s good. Alphonse blushed. Why did he have to blush! But there he was, blushing miserably like a school boy.
“I am fine, really,” he protested under examination. “How bad could it be anyway…?”
[/dotted]
[dashed=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=12&pictureid=166][b]Little Peter[/b]
Little Peter captured his ladybug just on time to hear the Master fuss. Peter spied a bit, now more worried than before.
[/dashed]
====
Divinatas – Oct 3, 2008 at 4:59 AM
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=1&pictureid=16][b]Cheyanne[/b]
How bad could it be? Well, Cheyanne kept her grand ideas to herself. A place like this, even a small injury could go horribly wrong. The evil doctor she met was proof of that! At least for the time being Mr. Daupre didn’t look seriously injured. His foot had some dark bruising around his ankle but it wasn’t broken.
Thinking it was silly for a man to be twisting his foot, it was hard for Cheyanne not to giggle. Mr. Daupre wasn’t at all helping with his blushing. She smiled anyway.
“Not too bad. You’ve twisted your ankle, Mr. Daupre. You’re going to have to get it a rest for a night or two. I think Peter is going to have to fetch someone to help take you home.”
[/dotted]
====
Azul Morag – Oct 3, 2008 at 11:05 AM
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=12&pictureid=123][B]Alphonse[/B]
Alphonse propped himself on his elbows and sighed. He was very obviously in pain but refusing to admit it. He eyed her however, at the mention of sending Peter to fetch someone for help.
“Miss Fowler,” he started. He was frowning but he was still blushing and looking hurt, so that counteracted a little the effect of his glaring. “I would like to point out to your notice…” he winced, “that I would rather keep the Atelier staff unaware of my presence here, moreso the place of my residence. It’s very important for me to keep such information removed from public reach. I do have my reasons… and I do ask you to indulge me at least this once.”
That, because Cheyanne seemed to always be finding her way around his orders – she would usually have a way to either twist his words or just – and quite unrepentantly – misbehave for the sake or making him angry (or so he thought!).
“Mr. Little,” he said, eyeing Peter, “shall go to my house and find the butler, then will instruct him to send someone to help me get back to the house.”
[/dotted]
[dashed=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=12&pictureid=166][b]Little Peter[/b]
Peter zoomed back so quickly he could as well have glided on the grass like an otter on ice.
“Yes, Master Daupre!” Peter said. He looked about to cry, not only because as he feared, the Master was glaring accusingly at him but also because the Master was hurt. With both his parents gone, Peter looked up to Alphonse and the slightest notion that he could have an accident and die in an instant distressed him. He gave Cheyanne his kite and set off running.
[/dashed]
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=12&pictureid=165][B]Alba[/B]
An awkward silence followed. The breeze swept the surface of the grass like the waves of a green sea. The sun shone. Bugs buzzed by. Alba got herself a field mouse and stayed at a distance, rather smugly.
[/dotted]
====
Divinatas – Oct 3, 2008 at 8:43 PM
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=1&pictureid=16][b]Cheyanne[/b]
Cheyanne watched Peter as he ran off like a bolt of lightning, while simultaneously ignoring the fluffy smugness of Alba. After a moment she sat down next to Mr. Daupre, arranging her volumes of skirts appropriately, before opening up the parasol to hold over the both of them. They may be sitting there for awhile and the shade was nice.
“I won’t tell a soul, Mr. Daupre. But you might give Alba a better list of people to fetch when you’re in trouble.” she was teasing with a pleasant smile.
[/dotted]
====
Azul Morag – Oct 4, 2008 at 10:25 AM
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=12&pictureid=123][B]Alphonse[/B]
Alphonse allowed himself to fall back on the grass, now under the blessedly cool shade of Cheyanne’s parasol. He was half-blinded by the glare of the cloudless, blue skies – but he wouldn’t admit it under threat of death!
Alphonse focused his steel-gray eyes (full of dancing green spots, or to him it seemed so, anyway) on Cheyanne. He didn’t remember that dress, and he took that as a possible insult added to injury… but his eyes were hurting, actually. He saw her smile and a faint smirk slightly curled his lip. Alphonse closed his eyes for an instant.
“Thank you,” he said. “I doubt she would listen to me on such matters… but I would ask her to sit on you for weeks if you were to change your mind.”
[/dotted]
====
Divinatas – Oct 4, 2008 at 6:12 PM
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=1&pictureid=16][b]Cheyanne[/b]
A smile from Mr. Daupre was a rare thing, and very encouraging. Cheyanne smiled wider. “She would, I think. If at least for several hours until I had to take a bath or crawl in to bed. I doubt she’d like being watered or rolled over on.”
Balancing the parasol so it’d stay put, Cheyanne plucked up a few of the longstem wild flowers that were scattered amongst the grass. She weaved stems together as she formed a chain. It was just a simple thing to keep distracted with while she waited for Peter to return with help.
[/dotted]
====
Azul Morag – Oct 5, 2008 at 8:52 AM
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=12&pictureid=123][B]Alphonse[/B]
Alphonse rubbed rubbed his eyes a little, pushing his spectacles over to his eyebrows.
“Alba is strange, for a bird…”
Alphonse blinked slowly and watched Cheyanne weave flowers together. His leg hurt horribly but he wasn’t about to let that be apparent anyway.
“Tell me about this ‘world’ of yours,” he said. “What is it like?”
[/dotted]
====
Divinatas – Oct 5, 2008 at 11:49 PM
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=1&pictureid=16][b]Cheyanne[/b]
Letting out a small huff as she fussed with the flowers, she tried to put together a good description in her head. There was just [i]so many[/i] things about modern life that different from this place, that it could take years trying to describe them!
“Well… For one, it’s not as prim and proper or conservative. In fact, most people barely even know basic manners and chivalry is completely out the window. Especially in New York. Not that everything is crazy and savage, it’s just.. different.” Cheyanne figured if Mr. Daupre were to go to New York, he’d probably be so out raged by people he’d have a heart attack. …and that’s if he didn’t faint at the sight of all the women’s clothing.
Grinning to herself, she tied the ends of the flowers. “There’s electricity and plumbing for every business and home. Motorcars, airplanes, submarines, rocket ships. And probably not an unexplored land left in the whole world. People are all over the place. I guess in a thousand years they might try to build a colony on Mars.”
[/dotted]
====
Azul Morag – Oct 6, 2008 at 3:17 AM
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=12&pictureid=123][B]Alphonse[/B]
Alphonse raised his eyebrows. Personally, he thought street manners in New Amsterdam were not prim and proper, let alone conservative. Many people didn’t have basic manners and the budding feminist efforts were seemingly campaigning to have ladies treated like young lads in the back of a cart on its way to the market. How much worse could this “New York” be? According to Cheyanne… much worse.
“A woman that talks like a seasoned sailor could never be pleasant company,” he gravely pointed out.
Technological advances… He had guessed that much from the clothes he had bought from her when she arrived. He had read Julius C. Verne books about amazing contraptions and submarines… If such things really come to be, they should be quite the amazing sight! He enjoyed the book From the Earth to the Moon, but living in Mars?
“Your world sounds like technology has taken over the people,” he said with a faint smile. “Like something out of Julius C. Verne’s books. It must be interesting to see.”
Alphonse watched her for a long moment.
“Of course you’d wish you were there now,” he slowly said. “Don’t you?”
[/dotted]
====
Divinatas – Oct 6, 2008 at 10:54 PM
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=1&pictureid=16][b]Cheyanne[/b]
“If all the power went out, I doubt anyone would know what to do.” she said about the technology taking over the people. It was entirely too true! Even she could never had imagined living without her blow dryers, microwaves, and cars. If it weren’t for Mr. Daupre and the people at the Atelier, she might not have been able to survive!
[i]”Of course you’d wish you were there now,” he slowly said. “Don’t you?”[/i]
Cheyanne paused, a frown creeping across her face. [i]Did[/i] she miss New York? Her family for sure. Talking to her sister on the weekend to hear about her family and what they’ve been doing. But… her own life?
“Truthfully…?” she started, “I wasn’t very happy. I miss my family, but everything else was… dead ended. Here everything is so different and sometimes scary but it’s exciting, even adventurous. I like being here with you. …and the Atelier.” she added on quickly. Cheyanne smiled, giving an embarrassed shrug. “I don’t know what I’ll do without cheeseburgers though!”
[/dotted]
====
Azul Morag – Oct 7, 2008 at 5:57 AM
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=12&pictureid=123][B]Alphonse[/B]
Alphonse blinked and red crept over his cheekbones and the bridge of his nose again. He nibbled on his lip.
“I’m glad to be of help,” he said. “I don’t know what would I have done if I were in your place. I… have an ill mother and I am her only child.”
The wind rippled the green blanket of grass over the fields.
“Your world does sound interesting,” he said. He paused for an instant.
“I would miss you if you were to leave,” he muttered.
[/dotted]
====
Divinatas – Oct 8, 2008 at 4:46 AM
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=1&pictureid=16][b]Cheyanne[/b]
Cheyanne stopped, blinking down at the wild flowers in her hands and hoping her face wasn’t as red as it felt. Did he [i]really[/i] just say he’d miss her? She didn’t want to ask to be sure!
“I’m not going anywhere any time soon.” Tying the two ends together, Cheyanne had made a very pretty little flower wreath. She turned around to lay it just right over Mr. Daupre’s head, giving him a shy shrug of her shoulder and a small smile.
[/dotted]
====
Azul Morag – Oct 8, 2008 at 5:13 AM
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=12&pictureid=123][B]Alphonse[/B]
Alphonse blinked at the flower wreath was laid above his head somewhere he couldn’t see. His ears were burning.
“The others will wonder where are you,” he said, a bit defensively. He was however, looking shy himself.
[/dotted]
[dashed=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=12&pictureid=166][b]Little Peter[/b]
Just then, Peter came back, running. Behind him came a cart pulled by a horse led by a tall man in a black uniform. A flurry of skirts hopped off the cart and ran to them. It was a very pretty lady in a pinstripe dress and a blue bonnet on her nicely done very, very white hair. She looked about thirty or less which was shocking considering who she was!
“Etienne!” She cried as she ran to them. Little Peter arrived first and quite flustered.
“I did say it would be best if she waited at home, Master!”
[/dashed]
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=12&pictureid=123][B]Alphonse[/B]
Alphonse was dumbfounded. He tried to sit up. The lady was staring at Cheyanne accusingly.
“Who is this lady, if I may ask?” She asked in airy French.
Alphonse replied in English anyway.
“This is miss Cheyanne Fowler… and yes, my foot is alright,” he added incisively, in an attempt to divert the lady’s attention.
[/dotted]
====
Divinatas – Oct 8, 2008 at 6:03 AM
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=1&pictureid=16][b]Cheyanne[/b]
“I thought you said you were an only child?” Cheyanne said towards Mr. Daupre. The women was such a mirror of him and so young, she had to be a sibling or cousin! It didn’t occur to her to be anyone else!
“He twisted his foot out here in the field, and Alba chose to come and fetch us. Luckily it’s only a little sprain, but he shouldn’t be walking on it anyway so Peter went to fetch someone more helpful.” she rambled, hoping to spare herself from more suspicious glances! Cheyanne closed up her parasol and handed it to Peter, moving to Mr. Daupre’s side to help him to his feet.
[/dotted]
====
Azul Morag – Oct 8, 2008 at 6:59 AM
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=12&pictureid=123][B]Alphonse[/B]
Alphonse didn’t quite have an answer for that, so he allowed himself (mainly out of bewilderment) be helped up by Cheyanne. The man in black uniform handed Peter the reins of the horse and helped as well. Alphonse found himself on one foot with only one boot and a wreath of flowers over his eyes. The lady was staring accusingly.
“Miss Fowler wasn’t trying to kill me, mother. Alba brought her here,” he tossed in for a little belief. “Could you please be nicer?”
[/dotted]
====
Divinatas – Oct 10, 2008 at 1:35 AM
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=1&pictureid=16][b]Cheyanne[/b]
“Mother!” Cheyanne exclaimed! “She couldn’t be. She looks beautiful, like a sister or cousin.” Realizing she had said that out loud, she looked thoroughly embarrassed! Cheyanne hadn’t expected to meet his mother, especially with the way he was so secretive about her. Even Marie had said almost none had seen her!
Cheyanne pushed the flower crown up on Mr. Daupre’s head so they weren’t in his eyes. “I’m really not out to get him. I don’t know why Alba didn’t think to fetch someone more appropriate. She tends to have ulterior motives..”
[/dotted]
====
Azul Morag – Oct 10, 2008 at 1:54 AM
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=12&pictureid=123][B]Alphonse[/B]
Alphonse’s mother was mildly appeased at the compliments but she still eyed Cheyanne and gasped! She said she wasn’t out to get her son and that generally means the contrary!
“Etienne is too young to get married!” She said. “And you are too young, too! This is a scandal, really! You should go home to play, girl!” She eyed Cheyanne for an instant. “Why, are you not the girl that arrived on a flying carpet!”
“It was a train,” Little Peter cautiously pointed out.
The lady raised her eyebrows. “Regardless her means of transport, she shouldn’t be out on her own!”
Alphonse swallowed.
“Mother,” he said, “I am not so young anymore.”
“Nonsense. What in the Goddess’ name happened to your foot. You shouldn’t be running in the grass like that. Now get on the cart and we will go home. You will owe your father an explanation.”
She eyed Cheyanne and went back to the cart to fuss with blankets and pillows on it to accomodate her child. Alphonse nibbled on his lip.
“She will remember soon,” he muttered to Cheyanne. “Just… don’t take her words to heart.” He thought over that and blushed furiously. “… I mean, she thinks we are about Peter’s age. She will realize sooner or later we are not!”
[/dotted]
====
Divinatas – Oct 10, 2008 at 2:29 AM
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=1&pictureid=16][b]Cheyanne[/b]
Cheyanne could understand perfectly well the mental issue with Mr. Daupre’s mother, and could take it with patient grace. More than she really thought she had! She was especially curious that Mr. Daupre had spoken about her to his mother. What sort of things did he tell her?
Trying not to think about that, she helped Mr. Daupre to the carriage. “I’m sure your mother will take wonderful care of you.” she said, mostly for the benefit of Mrs. Daupre. “Peter and I can go back home, and not be a bother to you while you’re resting.”
[/dotted]
====
Azul Morag – Oct 10, 2008 at 2:53 AM
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=12&pictureid=123][B]Alphonse[/B]
“It will get dark in an hour or so. Be careful,” Alphonse said with a nod.
Mrs. Daupre eyed them. She was obviously outraged.
“Indeed, it will be dark in an hour! She can’t go around those fields in the dark; she would get lost! She will have to stay the night and I shall send a note to her parents. Peter should stay, too. ” With that, the lady flapped an imperious hand to get all of them climb into the cart!
[/dotted]
====
Divinatas – Oct 10, 2008 at 3:01 AM
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=1&pictureid=16][b]Cheyanne[/b]
She was going to have a hard time sending a note to her parents, Cheyanne thought! She glanced at Mr. Daupre, hesitating. Wouldn’t a grow women spending the night at his home like that be scandalous here? There was already all sorts of rumors and things about her, she was pretty sure!
Cheyanne opened her mouth to protest, but Mrs. Daupre was very good at giving the demanding mother look. Cheyanne made sure Mr. Daupre was inside the carriage and seated comfortably before she climbed in too. She leaned over to whisper, “I’m so sorry!”
[/dotted]
====
Azul Morag – Oct 10, 2008 at 3:13 AM
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=12&pictureid=123][B]Alphonse[/B]
“No more than I am,” Alphonse muttered almost apologetically. He eyed his mother, but she eyed him right back. Alphonse sighed. “Mother…”
“Don’t be difficult, dear. Bentley, drive back to the manor.” She sat beside Alphonse, then fussed over Cheyanne.” Don’t tell me Etienne cut your hair?! ” She examined Cheyanne’s head!
“She is English, mother,” Alphonse said with a smirk. The lady casted him a look of motherly warning that made Peter stifle a snicker.
[/dotted]
====
Divinatas – Oct 10, 2008 at 3:31 AM
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=1&pictureid=16][b]Cheyanne[/b]
Cheyanne didn’t get the culture reference as she raised her hand up to her hair. “He didn’t cut my hair, no. It really isn’t that short, it’s just the cut, mostly… And so much easier to take care of than when it’s really long.”
Thinking of things to talk about that wouldn’t alarm the women or get Mr. Daupre in trouble was harder than it seemed! She decided to go for safe chitchat topics! “Today Peter and I were flying a kite. He made it himself, even. It was ironic for Alba to appear just when we were talking about how much she enjoyed flying.” She had to pick her words carefully as to not get Peter in trouble too!
[/dotted]
====
Azul Morag – Oct 10, 2008 at 3:51 AM
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=12&pictureid=123][B]Alphonse[/B]
Mrs. Daupre sighed.
“Is that what you have been told? Hair is not all that difficult to take care of, dear. When you are older you will want long hair for fashionable hair-dos! Etienne used to protest but his hair is very nice by now – he burned it once to make me cut it shorter, the poor dear; what silly things boys do!”
Alphonse flushed but said nothing. Peter was biting his lip really hard in order to keep his job.
“Flying kites, where? At Le Madelaine? The beach must be so nice these days; we should go too, Etienne dear. I shall tell your father when he gets home.”
[/dotted]
====
Divinatas – Oct 10, 2008 at 4:01 AM
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=1&pictureid=16][b]Cheyanne[/b]
Peter was doing a very good job of not laughing, but it was still written all over his face. Cheyanne found it impossible not to smile. At least she kept her comments to herself.
“It was the first time I had ever been there and it’s really lovely. Before Peter took me to fly the kite, I was walking along the beach to watch the ocean and all of the people. Looking at all the kinds of bathing suits was amusing, all the fashions where I from are so different!”
[/dotted]
====
Azul Morag – Oct 10, 2008 at 4:09 AM
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=12&pictureid=123][B]Alphonse[/B]
Mrs. Daupre nodded.
“Bathing suits around here are more conservative. My dear husband says I have lovely knees, but he would have a fit if I would show them off at the beach!”
Mrs. Daupre primly held her delicate fingers to her mouth to hide a giggle. Alphonse looked dismayed. Peter was staring hard at the blanket they were sitting on and desperately trying to think of something horrible to avoid losing it.
“Men are silly creatures, really. Everyone can show off their knees except their wives and fiancees. What is the logic in that?”
[/dotted]
====
Divinatas – Oct 10, 2008 at 4:15 AM
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=1&pictureid=16][b]Cheyanne[/b]
“Well, I suppose it’s because they are dreadfully jealous and don’t want to share! Other men might look at their pretty wife and want to steal them away! And you know, I’ve seen men do it! Steal wives, that is. Women have done it too… But, well, you can’t really stop a man from being handsome, he’s going to look nice dressed head to toe or not.”
Cheyanne caught herself rambling, and worse about men and wife stealing right in front of Mr. Daupre. She very quickly shut her mouth, and was trying to think miserable thoughts like Peter!
[/dotted]
====
Azul Morag – Oct 10, 2008 at 4:24 AM
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=12&pictureid=123][B]Alphonse[/B]
Mrs. Daupre patted Cheyanne’s hand.
“Poor dear, all that is very true but you are too young to discuss such things! Poor child! Alphonse takes after his father, mostly. He will be such a nice young man, but he will stay dressed head to toe, you may take my word for it.”
Mrs. Daupre blinked at her wilted son.
“Are you hurting too much, my dear? I will have a doctor come before dinnertime to see your foot. Try not to jostle it.”
She had made a nest of blankets and cushions for her son, but the cart was jostling from time to time. Peter was grinning so hard his face must hurt, but he managed to stay silent.
[/dotted]
====
Divinatas – Oct 10, 2008 at 9:43 AM
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=1&pictureid=16][b]Cheyanne[/b]
Cheyanne sort of wondered if that somehow meant Mr. Daupre would get himself undressed! She shook her head slowly to get it out of her thoughts!
“My sister is married and has two kids already. She is always pestering me to meet someone or introducing me to men, and all of them are absolutely dreadful. So I sort of wonder how she ended up with such a nice husband when all the men she shows me off to end up being creeps.”
It was a bit of a ramble, but Cheyanne felt the need to talk so they wouldn’t all sit in an awkward silence! Peter was so busy trying not to snicker and Mr. Daupre was certainly uncomfortable. All Cheyanne could think to do was be distracting!
[/dotted]
====
Azul Morag – Oct 10, 2008 at 10:21 AM
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=12&pictureid=123][B]Alphonse[/B]
Mrs. Daupre seemed to throughly disapprove this.
“You are too young to be concerned about marriage,” she firmly told Cheyanne. “You just need to enjoy your childhood while it lasts. Marriage means taking care of a husband and children, and a whole house. It’s a very demanding task. You just need to play and prepare yourself without worries.” She blinked. “It’s not a wonder they are creeps!”
She beamed at her rather flustered son.
“I married for love and all turned out so nice. I made my choice against my family’s wishes. Perhaps you will have to choose yourself when time comes. It’s your life after all!”
The manor came into view. The sky had darkened to navy blues and light cerulean with golden clouds, and a few white dots of stray seagulls. The manor was a large stone building with turrets, like a medieval castle. There were two wings and other dependencies. Mrs. Daupre blinked at grinning Peter.
“Are you alright, child?”
Peter nodded.
“You are so nice,” he said. “Like my mother was.”
Mrs. Daupre smiled, then patted his head and Cheyanne’s. The butler stopped the horses and summoned two servants to carry Mr. Daupre into the house. There were stone steps to a large door under a portico, with gothic windows. The vestibule was solemn and pretty, the floor tiled in black and white marble and the walls covered in dark wood with white marble pillars. The lady had them all installed in a blue chamber where all was either black, white or navy blue. The tapestries were blue with golden and white flowers, as well as the chairs and sofas; all was small and chic. Alphonse was nested on a sofa with plenty of cushions.
“After the doctor sees you, I’ll have you carried upstairs, dear. I’ll get rooms for your little friends. I wonder,” she said, tapping her chin, “when will your father return. It’s kind of late, really.”
She turned. There was a large portrait dominating the wall above the white and black mantelpiece of the fireplace; it was a gentleman in a dark suit; a dark-haired version of Alphonse, with the same steel-grey eyes and a slightly snotty air. He wasn’t wearing spectacles. Something about him was both imperious and kind. The lady watched him with a smile.
“You look so much like Alphonse, Etienne…” She paused and her gaze slid down.
“How silly of me,” she said with a smaller voice. “Your father passed away. Why I can’t ever remember that?”
“Mother…”
The lady blinked with gentle dignity, to clear her eyes.
“I shall summon a physician. Don’t move.” When she turned, she saw Cheyanne again and eyed her.
“I should have known, you were such a tall little girl. Don’t let him move.” She then left the room.
[/dotted]
====
Divinatas – Oct 12, 2008 at 5:50 AM
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=1&pictureid=16][b]Cheyanne[/b]
Cheyanne remained silent until Mrs. Daupre left the room. There was another short silence before she started talking again! “You do look very much like your father.”
“Now that I am a grown woman again, do you think she’ll send us home? Not that I mind staying, but I really don’t want to be a bother, especially on your vacation and when you need a good night of rest. Your mother is really very lovely. I don’t think I’ve ever met someone so dignified.” Cheyanne cast a look at Peter. He could say something to help before she blabbered something ridiculous!
[/dotted]
====
Azul Morag – Oct 12, 2008 at 6:31 AM
[dashed=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=12&pictureid=166][b]Little Peter[/b]
Little Peter would have said something, but he had just dozed off on the rug by the fireplace. He had left his kite on a chair away from the fire and the rug he was sleeping on was fluffy and thick. He didn’t plan on napping, he simply dozed off right where he was.
[/dashed]
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=12&pictureid=123][B]Alphonse[/B]
Alphonse was nibbling on his lip. He was doing a good job of staying still, because his foot hurt horribly with every slight move otherwise. He chose not to reply to her first statement, but to her second.
“You could ask her,” he said. “It’s quite dark outside by now, yet if so you wish we could get a coach for you. We’d have to think about an excuse for you to show up so late, though. We could make one up after dinner.”
Alphonse sighed.
“Remember your promise,” he muttered.
[/dotted]
====
Divinatas – Oct 12, 2008 at 9:05 AM
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=1&pictureid=16][b]Cheyanne[/b]
Cheyanne sighed at the sleeping Peter. He was so horribly adorable. Why were kids so cute when they fell asleep in weird places. She shrugged her shoulders and gave Mr. Daupre a reassuring smile.
“I said I promise, and I always keep my promises.” she paused for a second. Cheyanne wouldn’t mind staying the night and spending some time with him and his mother, but that’s not something girls did in this sort of place. Everyone already thought she was crazy, last thing she wanted was for people to think she was a harlot too! “Hmm, yes, that’s a good idea!”
[/dotted]
====
Azul Morag – Oct 13, 2008 at 12:44 AM
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=12&pictureid=387][B]Mrs. Adelaide Daupre[/B]
Mrs. Daupre had them all (including Peter) sit at the table in one of the dining halls. Alphonse was sitting at one side of the long table with his foot on a spare chair, and little Peter next to it; Cheyanne was placed in the seat across Alphonse’s and Mrs. Daupre was sitting at the foot of the table. The head of the table was empty.
The dining hall was long and narrow, with a caissonated, vaulted ceiling and beautiful hanging lamps fashioned as glass lillies in hanging copper stalks, naturally stained in blue. Tall windows with long, tasselled curtains were closed. The walls had murals of a pond with water lillies. Despite Alphonse’s constant fretting about finances and his poverty-stricken past as a student (which Cheyanne may or may not have ever heard of), his mother seemed to be quite well-off. Peter didn’t seem phased and he was doing pretty well handling the silverware – yet maybe he was eating a tad of a bit too fast. Alphonse seemed calm but wilted still.
“The doctor will arrive after dinner,” Mrs. Daupre announced. “It seems like he’s tending to another emergency, dear. Please be patient.”
Alphonse just nodded. Mrs. Daupre was looking at Cheyanne.
“Where are you from exactly, child?” She asked.
[/dotted]
====
Divinatas – Oct 13, 2008 at 12:50 AM
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=1&pictureid=16][b]Cheyanne[/b]
Cheyanne blinked at Mr. Daupre before glancing over at his mother. How much was she supposed to tell? She wasn’t sure what he might have already mentioned to his mother, and she certainly didn’t want to sound like a lunatic! Cheyanne decided that she might just leave out any peculiar tidbits about dimensional time traveling, and maybe pretend it’s just another undiscovered city somewhere.
“Well, New York. It’s a large city but such a far way from here, that it’s a… culture shock to visit New Amsterdam. If it weren’t for Mr. Daupre, I think I would have been in lots of trouble.”
[/dotted]
====
Azul Morag – Oct 13, 2008 at 1:06 AM
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=12&pictureid=123][B]Alphonse[/B]
Alphonse was kind of busy being miserable, but he blinked back at Cheyanne with worry. He hadn’t told his mother all that much, but what did Peter tell after all? Because it was Peter who corrected the lady ealier from flying carpet to train – and Alphonse never mentioned a flying carpet!
“Apparently miss Fowler took the wrong train and lost her way, mother. I simply tried to help her.”
[/dotted]
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=12&pictureid=387][B]Mrs. Adelaide Daupre[/B]
Now, why did that sound a little on the defensive side? Mrs. Daupre looked at her son.
“Which was very kind of you, my dear. I am sure miss… Fowler appreciates your help.” Mrs. Daupre did find the name strange, maybe just because it seemed so… It reminded her of Alba. Where did she go anyway?
“Mr. Little told me a strange story about Alba stating that you should stay at Etienne’s offices. Are you planning to return to your city?” Mrs. Daupre had never heard of any New York, maybe it was actually a little town? Cultural shock from visiting a big city such as New Amsterdam would make more sense, if that were the case. “I had never heard of this New York before. What do your parents do for a living?”
[/dotted]
====
Divinatas – Oct 13, 2008 at 1:18 AM
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=1&pictureid=16][b]Cheyanne[/b]
Cheyanne was being grilled, but this was something she was used to be now! Of course, she was wondering what sort of stories Peter had been telling about her too. Kids weren’t afraid of blurting out everything like it was the most natural of things.
“I would like to return home eventually, but I admit I do kind of like it here. Father is a retired military officer, and he spends most of his time gardening now. Mother works as an advice columnist for a small newspaper. I have also have a sister, who is married with two sons.”
[/dotted]
====
Azul Morag – Oct 13, 2008 at 1:37 AM
[dashed=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=12&pictureid=166][b]Little Peter[/b]
Little Peter grinned innocently. After all, he had taken great pride in explaining in detail how Alba perched on miss Flower till the Master had to agree for her to stay at the Atelier. It was a miracle after all! He also explained how Alba was always keeping an eye on both miss Flower and the Master, and how Alba had come all the way to fetch them from the lighthouse hill exactly as if she would [i]have known from the start they would be there to fetch![/i]
“Alba has chosen miss Flower!” Peter said.
The elder lady blinked at Peter.
“Chosen her to what purpose?”
“To stay with the Master!” Peter said. Alphonse choked on a pea. Peter cautiously patted Alphonse’s back.
“Well, it’s a miracle,” Peter said with a slight frown.
[/dashed]
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=12&pictureid=123][B]Alphonse[/B]
Alphonse took a large gulp of water to dislodge the pea. He was somewhat blue, as his foot forcefully protested when he jerked so suddenly in his fit of cough, but he managed to keep most of his composure.
“Miss Fowler is a good worker and a caring person,” he said. “Alba has… has taken a liking to her. That is not so strange, is it?”
[/dotted]
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=12&pictureid=387][B]Mrs. Adelaide Daupre[/B]
“She has?”
Mrs. Daupre took a sip of wine, watching her son weave about some sort of explanation. She turned to Cheyanne.
“I hope your father is enjoying his retirement from the armed forces. It’s nice to hear your mother is an lady of enterprising. She is indeed lucky her husband survived service.”
[/dotted]
====
Divinatas – Oct 13, 2008 at 1:46 AM
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=1&pictureid=16][b]Cheyanne[/b]
Cheyanne was trying desperately to have that cool poise that Mrs. Daupre exhibited so well, but she just knew her face was red, and redder more still when Mr. Daupre nearly choked himself to death. …and said she was a caring person! Did he really think she was caring? Cheyanne prodded at her dinner with her fork, feigning great interest in what she was looking at.
“They’re doing very well.” Now wasn’t the time to complain about her parents insisting she get married and have them some more grandchildren like her sister did. She could just see Peter running with that!
“I think Alba just likes me because I’m not afraid of her. Everyone else at the Atlier are near terrified of her, and she really just wants some attention.”
[/dotted]
====
Azul Morag – Oct 13, 2008 at 1:55 AM
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=12&pictureid=387][B]Mrs. Adelaide Daupre[/B]
Mrs. Daupre smiled slightly.
“Well, Alba is a bird of prey after all. How curious… Alba has never taken a liking to anyone before, asides Alphonse. Sometimes being watchful over others all the time can get lonely, I suppose.
[/dotted]
====
Divinatas – Oct 13, 2008 at 2:06 AM
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=1&pictureid=16][b]Cheyanne[/b]
That sounded more like a description of Mr. Daupre than Alba. He was constantly watching over his staff. Of course at the thought of him being lonely, Cheyanne was pink all over again. She reached out quickly to take a swallow of water.
Ahem! “It’s a good thing she likes me, or I might have left and never realized how nice it is to work at the Atelier! I really enjoy my job, and the opportunity to try Mr. Daupre’s clothes.”
[/dotted]
====
Azul Morag – Oct 13, 2008 at 2:54 AM
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=12&pictureid=387][B]Mrs. Adelaide Daupre[/B]
Mrs. Daupre gave a gentle nod.
“I’m glad you are doing well, child,” she said. “Thank you for helping my son. And thank you Mr. Little,” she said giving Little Peter a smile, “for being so helpful as well.”
[/dotted]
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=12&pictureid=123][B]Alphonse[/B]
Alphonse casted beaming Peter a slightly gloomy look.
“Miraculous help indeed,” he muttered.
“On other things,” Alphonse said looking dignified, “Miss Fowler and Peter are staying at the town nearby, with a group.”
[/dotted]
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=12&pictureid=387][B]Mrs. Adelaide Daupre[/B]
Mrs. Daupre elegantly tilted her head with graceful disregard.
“Of course they are staying here tonight, Etienne. It is too dark already to send people out at this hour; this is not a big city after all. Miss Fowler, I have a room for you next to Mr. Little’s room. I hope you will find it to your liking.”
[/dotted]
====
Divinatas – Oct 14, 2008 at 6:20 AM
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=1&pictureid=16][b]Cheyanne[/b]
“I’m sure it will be comfortable!” Cheyanne tried to give Mr. Daupre a reassuring smile, especially with him looking so gloomy! Of course, she was going to have to be really clever on thinking up some way to explain where she and Peter disappeared to.
“We can leave first thing in the morning, so no one worries.”
[/dotted]
====
Azul Morag – Oct 14, 2008 at 8:22 AM
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=12&pictureid=123][B]Alphonse[/B]
“Why exactly is this a cause for worry? You both have helped my son. What else is there to say?” The lady asked. Alphonse shook his head.
“I prefer to keep my domicile anonymous as far as my staff is concerned, mother – as you well know. Being famous can be a most unfortunate thing.”
Alphonse narrowed his eyes looking almost as arrogant as he could get when he was back at work – however, he was just forcing it this time in order to convince his mother.
“I could take them back myself but if I do there would be questions. I don’t…”
“This is most unnecessary,” Mrs. Daupre said. “All this is quite ridiculous. What would people do, sneak into the premises?”
“I don’t want to find out, mother. Indulge me, please.”
[/dotted]
====
Divinatas – Oct 15, 2008 at 1:06 PM
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=1&pictureid=16][b]Cheyanne[/b]
“Well, Mr. Daupre’s style is so well renowed there are a lot of fanatical people that want to know everything there is to know about him.” chimed in Cheyanne.
“This morning, I chatted with a woman that said she’s collected all of the catalogs and model images that she could find, as well as news reports and magazine advertisements. She said ‘Anything of Alphonse Daupre’s is priceless!’ and told me all about how she wished she could marry a man like Mr. Daupre and how fabulous it would be to wear nothing but his fashions. Of course I agreed, up until she said that sometimes she sneaks a boy out to dig in the trash for fabric scraps. Afterwords I told Marie, that maybe we should keep an eye on the trash in case any crazed stalkers appear.”
[/dotted]
====
Azul Morag – Oct 15, 2008 at 1:45 PM
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=12&pictureid=123][B]Alphonse[/B]
Alphonse casted Cheyanne a look of horrified mystification. Was she just helping him to persuade his mother, or was that she had just said true?
“Well… something like that, yes…”
[/dotted]
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=12&pictureid=387][B]Mrs. Adelaide Daupre[/B]
Mrs. Daupre blinked, then looked at her offspring.
“Oh my,” she said. “Are you quite alright, dear?” She did notice his shock, even if he tried to dissimulate it.
“Well, if that is the case… I guess you may be right. My goodness, New Amsterdam is dangerous! I am not partial to lies of any color, though. I may as well take back miss Fowler and mr. Little myself on a coach tomorrow. After all, nobody knows me.” She ignored the look of alarm on her son’s eyes.
“Where is your group staying…?”
[/dotted]
====
Divinatas – Oct 16, 2008 at 5:25 AM
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=1&pictureid=16][b]Cheyanne[/b]
Did Mr. Daupre not realize how many crazy ladies were out there? Women were notorious for becoming obsessed fanatics, that was true in every reality!
Mrs. Daupre caught her by surprise offering to return them home personally. That was the very opposite of what was supposed to happen! “Oh, miss, you needn’t have to do that. I can easily explain that we ran in to a friend and stayed the night. It’s true, after all. Mr. Daupre came to spend time with you, so we shouldn’t be stealing you away like that.”
[/dotted]
====
Azul Morag – Oct 16, 2008 at 5:57 AM
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=12&pictureid=123][B]Alphonse[/B]
Alphonse blinked.
“Mother, that won’t be necessary!” He said with a frown. “Why, I can take them back myself tomorrow. I can just say…” He made a pause of desperate thinking!
“I could just say I had an accident and they helped me back to a friend’s house… and they had to stay the night because…” Alphonse nibbled on his lip. “Because she had to carry me on her back and she passed out till the next day!”
[/dotted]
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=12&pictureid=387][B]Mrs. Adelaide Daupre[/B]
Little Peter was giggling into his napkin. Mrs. Daupre raised her eyebrows in very dignified astonishment!
“That is atrocious! There is no way you could say something like that, poor miss Fowler!”
[/dotted]
====
Divinatas – Oct 16, 2008 at 6:03 AM
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=1&pictureid=16][b]Cheyanne[/b]
Cheyanne blinked in surprise at Mr. Daupre’s very interesting explanation and Mrs. Daupre’s shocked reply.
Then suddenly… she laughed! She laughed so hard it was very hard to be able to catch her breath again! “Well, I don’t know! I might try something like that, and certainly pass out because my corset was too tight! Carrying a man while wearing a corset is difficult for sure!” Just the thought of him trying to tell that story and all the shocked faces of the Atelier staff… she couldn’t stop giggling!
[/dotted]
====
Azul Morag – Oct 16, 2008 at 6:15 AM
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=12&pictureid=123][B]Alphonse[/B]
Alphonse stared in shock as Cheyanne laughed so hard she could have fallen from her chair! He blushed furiously.
“It was just an idea!” He protested as she laughed. Her remarks about her corset made his ears scarlet and he could have died just from the look on his mother’s face!
“Well, you could [i]try[/i] a better suggestion!”
[/dotted]
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=12&pictureid=387][B]Mrs. Adelaide Daupre[/B]
Mrs. Daupre was a very prim and elegant lady, but her delicate ears were red and she took a long moment before she could reply. Her eyebrow twitched slightly… but she couldn’t afford laugh in front of her scandalized son – he would have died from the look of him.
“Indeed, that would be quite difficult to accomplish,” she finally said. Peter was laughing so hard he was getting blue and the lady bit her lip.
“Have some water, Mr. Little,” she said – and finally she couldn’t help giggling!
[/dotted]
====
Divinatas – Oct 16, 2008 at 6:25 AM
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=1&pictureid=16][b]Cheyanne[/b]
Cheyanne was really trying to get that giggling under control, and even she had to try and take a long sip of water. Which quite nearly choked her good when she still couldn’t stop giggling. But she did her best to look nice and proper and keep a straight face as she tried another suggestion.
“Well, I don’t know why we can’t (koffgiggle) just say I ran in to a friend. (ahem!) It’s not like we’ll look put through some terror, so they’ll have no reason to get suspicious!”
[/dotted]
====
Azul Morag – Oct 16, 2008 at 6:39 AM
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=12&pictureid=123][B]Alphonse[/B]
Alphonse looked rather wilted.
“But they will ask who,” Alphonse pointed out, incisively. “They are always asking for all the gruesome details!”
[/dotted]
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=12&pictureid=387][B]Mrs. Adelaide Daupre[/B]
Having quickly regained her composure, Mrs. Daupre smiled.
“All this is very ridiculous,” she said, drawing a startled look from her son. “I am guessing we could ask the constable to take them back to their accommodations in the morning when he does his rounds. If you are so intent in hiding from your own staff, we could say they were simply lost and had to stay in a different accommodation.”
[/dotted]
====
Divinatas – Oct 16, 2008 at 7:40 AM
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=1&pictureid=16][b]Cheyanne[/b]
Cheyanne was grinning. The whole thing was pretty silly, but it was bound to be worked out one way or another. “That also sounds pretty reasonable to me. There’s no reason to worry.”
Her face was starting to hurt from all of the grinning and giggling, so Cheyanne sighed trying to get herself back in order. Now she was feeling rather tired, not realizing just how long the day had been! “In the meantime, we could all use some rest. Especially you, Mr. Daupre. You had a long afternoon.”
[/dotted]
====
Azul Morag – Oct 16, 2008 at 7:58 AM
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=12&pictureid=123][B]Alphonse[/B]
Alphonse casted Cheyanne a slightly murderous look. Long afternoon indeed! Alphonse’s foot hurt like hell and his pride wasn’t in much better condition right now. He stabbed a brussels sprout with his fork.
“I suppose,” Alphonse finally said. “It’s been a long day.”
[/dotted]
[dotted=http://space-kitten.org/forum/picture.php?albumid=12&pictureid=387][B]Mrs. Adelaide Daupre[/B]
The butler came in to announce the doctor had arrived. Mrs. Daupre gave instructions to show the doctor to Alphonse’s chambers and arranged for her son to be carried upstairs (without any dessert, but that was not intentional!)
“Thank you again for helping my son, Miss Fowler and Mr. Little. I will show you to your rooms myself dinner; you may stay and wait for dessert. I will go upstairs to assist the doctor.”
[/dotted]
====