“It is better to be feared than loved.”
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Post by Alice Himeno on Jan 1, 2016 20:50:32 GMT -5
Standing, Alice brushed herself off. It hadn't been the first time she'd used the snowy roses as cover, and it possibly wouldn't be her last. Though the throned flowers seemed to hold her in favor today; none of the thorns had pricked her. Or at least she guessed. Usually one or two managed to slice her face or hands every now and then. One time she'd even had a few burrowed into her skin after Kutsumari had teasingly pushed the spider backwards into the roses since she knew the albino girl couldn't feel pain. Ugh, that irritating rival black widow.
Jessie's hand soon returned to remove some stray white petals from the widow's dress. A soft chuckle rolled at at what was said. Even finding so much as a blade of grass imperfecting her outfit wasn't a very good thing. "Thank you."
Alice watched as the boyish girl pulled out her phone to check herself over, melting into her usual analytical pose after a few moments. That had been...an interesting experience. Not unpleasant in the slightest, either. But as the widow looked at the boyish girl, she wondered something. About their little game. In that moment just now, had it still been just a branch of their game? Or perhaps...actual passion?
Finally Jessie seemed to have finished and had returned her attention to the spider with a smirk. Once more that endearing label was used. Kitten. Could Alice, a venomous white widow, even be referred to as one. Either way, the spider chuckled once more, letting a mirroring smirk find her own lips.
"Jeez." The ever so common phrase slid out almost naturally.
Taking Jessie's hand again, she lead the girl gracefully out of the white rose planter over the ring of low hedges. There was a possibility her father could be home now. The Himeno manor was quite a large estate, after all, so there was more than one way to enter the property. Alice's childhood rival herself - as the spider had quickly come to learn - usually came through the equestrian field out back, though sometimes the service road off to the side was used if she didn't feel like trudging through the tall grass that day. Similarly, her father typically entered from the private service road rather than front.
She lead Jessie back into the mansion, not before stopping near the entrance to pluck a lone white lily from the hemispherical planter off to the right of the front of the gothic mansion. Alice was quite find of lilies; their scent, their petals, and their color; and always made sure to replace the one in her room whenever the previous one wilted. The maids and her occasional visiting rival were kindly instructed to carry on the habit of the albino girl's while she was away at Astrea, though it seemed like they hadn't really been focused on it. Ah well. She tossed the wilted one gently into the rippling, starry planter.
Once inside the main foyer again, Alice handed the lily to the short, flaxen-haired maid Rika from before with the soft order to take it up to her room. When the maid took the pure white flower and bowed, the spider next inquired if her father was yet present. A defining nod swishing two pigtails confirmed that he was here. Satisfied, Alice dismissed her with a flick of her hand. She already knew where he would be, so she didn't bother asking for his location.
This was it. Turning her frosted gaze back to Jessie, she quietly relayed the information. "It seems as if my father has returned. Are you prepared to make his acquaintance?"
It was not like he was scary or anything, it was just that he was the lord of the manor. As the leading male figure, it was his duty to evaluate and dictate the final say to any and all visitors of his humble manor. Which meant that he could even override his wife's decisions; the lady of the manor; should he find it suitable.
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Post by jessie ( jessica ) mcknight on Jan 2, 2016 0:07:13 GMT -5
They had regain there position on the game board. Yet some how , Jessie knew that kiss, the passion they felt, was no game. Though for now she let it be just that. Jeez now a habit of the spider was spoken. Only making Jessies lips spread wider in a smile.
They climbed there way out of the roses, coming back to the home of the spider. As they did they she watched as an ivory hand swept up a lily. Gently it was held by the icy figure. Jessie was going to ask about the flower once they came in. Yet once booted feet slide onto the titled floor the lily was pasted to a maid and a question was asked.
Ah that's right she was to meet Alices father. Taking a breath she took on her mature look once more and nodded. " Ready as I ever will be Alice ."
She guessed her lily question would have to wait. Straighten her jacket she took a step closer to Alice. Pink blue spiraled gaze looked ahead. Here we go was her last thought.
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“It is better to be feared than loved.”
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Post by Alice Himeno on Jan 2, 2016 1:51:36 GMT -5
Alice looked to Jessie as the girl prepared herself. Hopefully this went well... If not, then-- ah, she didn't really care. Surely it would go alright.
A flock of maids soon scurried by in a swirl of black and white lace with a chorus of quiet ramblings about the cleaning schedule and Lord Himeno's presence. It seemed like a tense eternity until the stately man graced the foyer with his regal presence. He wore a clean white coat sporting long tail and unlike his ghostly wife and daughter was crowned with neat yet shaggy black hair, though there was evidence of graying due to mild stress from work at the fringes. His eyes were of a dark shade of brown; his pale features overall narrow and clean, courtesy of his foreign French origins. A rather odd sight to see amongst his albino family for he stood out.
The snowy spider elevated her posture in his presence, though stooped for only a moment in formal greeting. Icy orbs peered up through snowy white bangs to cast an emotionless glance at Jessie. So far so good.
The man soon greeted his daughter in his soft, native French, receiving a quiet echo from the widow in return. Sturdy white riding boots clacked with authority across the floor as he approached the pair. At first, he kept his definitive eyes on Alice, then shifted them to the...girl? Boy? For a moment, he was confused. Though after a brief scrutiny, he decided to settle on girl desire the boyish appearance.
So this was his daughter's partner. An interesting figure. Though...almost poignantly familiar. But why? As her father continued his silent scrutiny of the girl, his footsteps slowly began to falter. Wait... This familiarity. This face. Those eyes... The man finally stopped in his tracks, receiving a quizzical look from his daughter. Finally, he prepared himself to speak. Though the word - or rather, name - that fell from his lips almost chilled him in sudden recollection.
"...Arabella?"
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Post by jessie ( jessica ) mcknight on Jan 2, 2016 2:09:52 GMT -5
Her eyes kept lower then the man as a sign of respect. Her eyes looked over his out fit, his shade of features were lighter yet still more warmer colored then Alice and her mother. The man spoke to Alice in what Jessie guessed was French.
The man came closer each step he took added a knot in her stomach. Here we go, as she was about to introduce herself she stopped. Pink sunset eyes looked at the mans.
Arabella, that was...mothers name. Eyes shook in shock taking a half step back she shook her head. Her eyes felt dry, as if they were to water at any moment. How did this man know her mothers name?! It was all confusing. She had to say something had to do something .. " No...Sir...my..my name is Jessica Ara Mcknight. Arabella was my mother...i..b-but how do you know her..."
That was the first time she used her full name in a very vary long time. She couldn't process what was going on, how did this man know her mother.
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Post by Alice Himeno on Jan 2, 2016 2:54:03 GMT -5
The snowy spider looked on in confusion. Arabella? Whose name...was that? Alice looked to Jessie, noticing the shocked expression that flashed over the boyish girl's face. That name had obviously struck a chord. Not only seemingly in her father, but in Jessie, as well, as was apparent by the expression dominating her features. Puzzled, the widow remained silent, curious frozen orbs studying both her father and the boyish girl.
Soon the answer was presented. Arabella was Jessie's mother's name. Also, the girl's full name had been revealed. Meanwhile, her father tried to keep himself composed while Jessie spoke. If Arabella was indeed this girl's mother, then...this was Arabella's daughter. The man was just as shocked as Jessie was. He almost didn't hear the question that was asked of him. Finally, he expelled a breath - an unbefitting action of someone of his grace. He had almost forgotten about the woman. The woman that he had once loved many years ago.
"Arabella-- no, I suppose, your mother, and I knew each other from long ago." He started. For a moment, he almost couldn't bring his eyes to look at the girl; the very offspring of the woman; before him. His moderate voice held a thick French accident which could come across as mildly difficult to understand at some definitive points. "From an exquisite dance academy she was from, and I happened to meet her one day... Your mother -- she had quite a talent for dancing. A passion for it, too. Never had I ever encountered anyone like her before..."
There was a pause. He didn't know if he should go on. Arabella had been a graceful collection of memories locked in his mind ever since the woman had, as he often put it, disappeared from the stage. Really, from the world, unfortunately. While the man had truly never forgotten, the memories of her - of their friendship and at one point their loving romance - had begun to fade. He had attended every dance recital the talented woman had performed; having brought Alice along once or twice with him, too, when the snowy young heir was younger, though she herself really only remembered one. But a daughter. Arabella's daughter. Right here in front of him. It was almost a bit too much for the man to absorb at one moment. Though the shock was probably far more for Jessie.
Realizing he had paused longer than he meant to, he started again in a slightly quieter voice, "Though a daughter of Arabella..." His foreign voice just trailed off into nothingness.
Alice just listened in a bit of shock herself though this time the expression did connect with her pale features a little. Her father knew Jessie's mother? Not only that, but they had known each other for quite a while. Fate worked in such surprising ways.
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Post by jessie ( jessica ) mcknight on Jan 2, 2016 3:06:49 GMT -5
Tears fell , slow and softly as she listened carefully to the man in front of her . He knew her mother, quite well in fact. He didn't seem to know, well at least really know what happened to her mother. In most cases she could have handled all this better. Yet still in shock her voice sliced on the now quite room, her words shook. " ...Arabella...my mother... Was murdered."
It was cold , now far colder then even when she touched Alice. Jessie hadn't meant for her words to leave in such a way, most adults didn't blurt such a thing out . Her hands and arms crossed over her tear filled eyes. Trying to fight the urge to run off and cry alone she bowed. " I am sorry, I... I didn't mean to give such news so suddenly, so rudely.... I just. ... I wished to have known her like you had been so lucky to... Please..."
Tears hit the floor. This was all to much she hadn't been able to speak of her mother since that day. " tell me more."
Her heart pounded on her head her standing again her eyes shifted to the man then Alice. Shed made a fool of her self. All this hidden emotion was falling from inside.
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Post by Alice Himeno on Jan 2, 2016 3:50:50 GMT -5
Murdered. Jessie's mother had been murdered. Both father and daughter looked to the girl in shock. It had been said coldly; bluntly, too. But it was almost understandable. Expected, even. Next the boyish girl apologized for her previous words, softly pleading for the stunned man to relay further his memories of her mother. When Alice noticed the tears falling from Jessie's eyes, she ever so gently reached out a hesitant, freezing hand to let it rest on her shoulder as subtle act of trying to comfort her. Her touch was light, however - cautious even - as to not possibly upset the boyish girl should she desire to shake off her hand.
Alice's father shifted his weight ever so slightly, dark eyes trained on the crying the girl and his snowy daughter. Those tears. The tears of a child who had never fully got to know her extraordinary mother. Whose mother had been murdered. Though he was curious to know why and how, he refused to ask. It wasn't proper, nor was it quite his place to inquire such a sensitive question. It would probably only upset the girl more, too. The man contemplated whether or not it would even be best to continue. No, this girl deserved to know about her mother.
"Your mother was incredibly passionate about what she did. Dancing was no doubt her soul - her driving passion. When she danced, it was almost magical to watch. Even more so if you had the delight of being her very partner in one of her dances. We were very much close for quite some time, until our paths came to separate later in life. Though that is one thing you will uncover about life; those close will sometimes be the seemingly furthest away when paths finally diverge. To hear that such a magnificent woman was...murdered. I am truly sorry for the unfortunate loss of your mother. I sincerely am. But if it lends any strength, please do know that you are not alone in the wake of her loss -- I... I will admit I miss her quite a lot, though I am certain my own grieving can never amount to the pain you must feel, having lost her. Your dear mother."
The stately man wasn't quite used to speaking that much in one sitting, but he barely noticed that it had winded him. This all needed to be said. The whole topic had formed a lump in his throat. He swallowed it promptly, determined not to break his already wilting composure and express his own personal sadness. After all, this girl's pain was far worse than his.
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Post by jessie ( jessica ) mcknight on Jan 2, 2016 4:03:24 GMT -5
Jessie only nodded, to the mans words, her mother was wonderful, she was happy to hear it be said. Feeling Alices touch on her shoulder she first hesitated to let it say, yet she did. It was nice, even the cold chill was warmer to how she felt now. " Thank you..."
Her eyes couldn't meet either father or daughter.Jessie knew Alice was closer then before yet she didn't move her head from the sight of the floor. " forgive me , this wasn't the way I had wished to meet you,sir. "
Her hands shook she grabbed the shredded edges of her shirt. Clearing her throat she finally let her gaze look upon the two she was in company of. " If it would be alright....after a moment to wash up, if..if that's alright I wish to show you what your daughter and I have been working on..."
Her eyes peered over to Alice " If that's alright with my partner that is..."
She wanted to know more, but at the moment she couldn't even think about it. She needed to process what shed learned. She wondered...only for a moment if this man had romances with her mother and if so...if their paths did not separate what could have been. Yet she quickly regretted even thinking such things. That would mean she nor Alice would have been born the same if born at all. That thought, was not okay.
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Post by Alice Himeno on Jan 2, 2016 4:50:49 GMT -5
The man offered a generous wave of a hand to the girl, granting her the requested forgiveness. Though it was him who had instilled the subject, however. "It's alright, miss. It was entirely my fault."
And it had been. There wasn't any argument in that. He had admittedly mistaken the girl for the long passed Arabella in the first place, even if just for a fraction of a memory-induced moment. Next came an interesting proposal after the girl had seemed to compose herself. Show him the results of their practice together? Now that was an offer. He thought for a moment, looking to his daughter then at the girl. Alice merely shifted her frosted gaze to Jessie when she was referred to. She really didn't know if she exactly wanted to or not, especially after the emotional event that had just transpired. Though the snowy spider figured it may be best to accept. But she did wondered if Jessie would be alright. That had been quite a lot to absorb at one time. Regardless, she offered a subtle nod in response, letting her frosted hand fall from the boyish girl's shoulder. There was currently no expression on her face, but a sullen, sympathetic glint had clearly invaded the ice in her frozen eyes from all she had just heard.
Looking between the two once more, the man straightened his stout posture and gave a nod of his own head, a few shaggy strands of dark hair slipping from their smoothed down position. "Very well, you two. I am mildly eager to see this."
With a slight pause, his clockwork mind flickered to his wife. He'd have to go inform her. There was no doubt she would be interested to see this as well. Finally, the man performed a bow, having regained his own composure. "I will go inform the lady of the manor about the event. In the meantime, please do take as long as you both need to prepare."
When the man came up from his bow, he offered an approving nod in Jessie's direction before casting a phrase in fluid French to Alice. The widow curtsied in silent response. Then her father exited the room with stiff, sweeping strides, a few French-speaking maids trailing him, eager to assist him in finding Lady Himeno.
The room fell silent again. Alice wasn't sure what to say. Was she even permitted to speak after such a mournful conversation between Jessie and her father. More importantly, was Jessie even recovered and in good-mind enough to dance? The snowy spider simply looked at her partner. She seemed like it; a little, at least; but still...
Shaking her head from her thoughts, she spoke carefully:
"Should...we get ready?" A soft sigh rolled out at the end of the snowy spider's words.
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Post by jessie ( jessica ) mcknight on Jan 2, 2016 5:05:15 GMT -5
" I am sorry for getting you into this....i just needed to get away from the topic...i.. Thought dancing would help..it was and is the only positive thing I have left of her."
It was spoken in a cool tone , neither sad , or happy. Taking a slight breath she looked at Alice. " thank you for being there for me."
It was true, Alice had stayed in the room even gave a gentle touch of sympathy. Jessie now seemed to be the frozen one. She took a shaky breath as she wiped away the last of her tears letting a soft smile graze her lips she spoke once more. " Yes, lets do our best alright? Though...may I take a shower? And do you have any suitable dance clothing? Now that I think of it this is a big deal isn't it, jeez what did I get us into."
A chuckle left her though it was a bit stiff, some how this all needed to happen, though shock still lingered some how knowing someone other then her father that knew her mother did infact feel nice. Turning to Alice she reached out a hand. They would have to do well in this dance. Yet right now in this moment she truly trusted Alice, she could feel the sympathy that Alice gave, this was the same as getting a hug to Jessie. It was enough to make her feel a bit better.. Though damp eyes still lay on Jessies face she was a bit excited though now nervousness did start to set in. What a long day, and it wasn't over yet.
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Post by Alice Himeno on Jan 2, 2016 14:39:30 GMT -5
"There is no need for apology, Jessie. I understand."
Truthfully, Alice did. Such a topic would only naturally be sensitive. And with all the information that was provided at one time, well... It was an understandable change of topic. As for being there for the boyish girl, Alice gave an acknowledging nod. Even with the ice frosted over her heart, she could openly admit to herself now that she did care for the other. Seeing her cry, hearing the revelation of the previous topic; it managed to make the spider worry a bit about her partner, though she didn't quite show it as was her nature.
Do their best. They'd have try. Though Alice wasn't quite sure how it would go. She quickly pushed any fragment of uncertainty out of her mind. She'd eventually have to perform for her family much later. Yes, when she graduated in the years to come. But...that would be a performance with her childhood rival as well as someone - from what she could guess, a man of a rival business family - she didn't know. And further still, unbeknownst to her, she was betrothed to this stranger man. She had been since she was little. Of course, her family had made a point not to tell her this beforehand out of fear their daughter would rebel. Though that didn't mean Alice didn't already have hidden speculations on the arrangement. Betrothal was common among aristocratic families. Even more so among those that were rivals that had compromised that such an arrangement would finally end the feud between them and allow them to establish a peaceful partnership and shared work ethic. At the expense of their children's marriage, of course.
Shaking her head from her thoughts, she looked to Jessie. The boyish girl had asked if she could take a shower. More so if there were better clothes she could dance in. Alice gave a nod, noticing that even her partner's following laugh was stiff. Would she really be alright? The snowy spider wondered about it. Finally she decided to speak again: "It's quite alright."
Then the widow went to ever so gently take Jessie's hand again. She kept her cold touch light still. Hesitant. Though before she took a step towards the grand main stairs, she let her frosted gaze wash over Jessie's tear-streaked face.
"Are you sure you will be alright enough to do this though?"
It was a question of genuine concern and care, whether the tones embedded themselves in her monotonous voice or not.
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Post by jessie ( jessica ) mcknight on Jan 2, 2016 16:12:34 GMT -5
A cool hand touched her skin. Letting her fingers grip it she looked at them.There hands seemed to match with in each others very well. Taking a moment she thought, would Alice and her friend ship last? Would...what Jessie felt for Alice last? No! She needed it to, she wouldn't let anything tear them apart. Gripping the hand a bit tighter." Yes , I am ready. I want to show your family I am the best partner for you."
Her gaze was determined, her tone a bit more then shed thought . She looked at snowy hair and iced eyes as she said this. " I know.. I know jeez."
She let a true smile fall but she did mean it, she wanted to show Alices father and mother and all the maids if needed that she could be the best partner and maybe the only partner Alice needed...but why only? Her heart pounded at this question that riddled with more questions and emotions. " lead the way.."
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Post by Alice Himeno on Jan 2, 2016 19:20:10 GMT -5
Icy fingers eventually tightened around the warmer hand when the spider's was gripped a little tighter. It was still gentle, but carrying a more or less reassuring firmness. Alice gave a nod to Jessie's words. The best partner for her... Was Jessie? Of all the people the snowy spider had ever had to dance with, so far she flowed best with the boyish girl. Business officials, young lords and ladies of other influential families, a handful of willing maids, and her childhood rival Kutsumari; none of them quite held a flowing sync with the widow. Well, pushing aside her own occasional off-tempo mischievousness.
Guiding Jessie gracefully up the stairs, she lead the girl down the west hallway to a large bathroom so that Jessie could take the shower she had initially requested, though detoured briefly into another room to fetch an appropriate change of clothes suited for dancing. Really, she could have asked the maids to do so in her place, but the thought of leaving Jessie alone with the ladies - who were still fooled into believing she was a boy - didn't appeal to her too much for some reason. Handing the clothes to her, (you can choose what these clothes look like, if you wish~) Alice ushered her into the room with an elegant wave of a hand, informing her that she would be waiting in the main entrance foyer again for her to guide her to the ballroom for their performance for her parents after Jessie had finished taking her shower. Hopefully this would all go well...
"Should you get lost on the way back, you may inquire any maid for assistance." She added before stepping out of the spacious, tiled room. The spider still didn't feel all too quaint with living her partner alone, but it was necessary right now.
In truth, she was slightly worried about the performance. But the widow made her way back to the foyer in preparation to wait for the girl; white ribbons of hair swaying with grace at each step; she tried to reassure herself. This wouldn't be the last time she would have to perform with someone in their presence, after all. Though knowing that she would be dancing with Jessie - whose touch, warmth, and flow she knew by now - this time around comforted her a little.
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Post by jessie ( jessica ) mcknight on Jan 2, 2016 20:06:22 GMT -5
" Thank you, I shouldn't be long .. I just need to clear my head."
Pink eyes watched as the iced figure left she wondered what Alice thought of all this? Sigh..she didn't know her self. Looking at the clothing she was given they seemed to truly match the feel of the home. Shutting the door she began to undress. Each arrival of clothing slid away from her pale skin. She was far warmer colored then the albino girl, but she was still quite pale. As the last fabrics left her skin she entered the shower, turning the nob she let a shiver go down her bare back, the water was freezing yet idly it no longer bothered her. Guess that ice bath did improve her sense of cold at least something came out of that. As the water heated up she closed her eyes.
Allowing the warm water trickle down scared skin she let out a cool breath. Thoughts spiraled in her mind yet she let though drip away as the water dripped to the floor. After a few moments she turned the water off. " I can and will do this..for her...and for me."
The whispered words echoed as she turned the water off stepping out she grabbed the towel Alice had supplied. Getting dressed she tried her best to make everything look right. The black fest with gold rimmed linking held to her body nicely. If she didn't know better its like if they were bought for her. The black slacks where tight but she could manage moving in them. This was indeed a perfect outfit to dance in. Lacing black dance shoes on she looked her self over in the mirror. Her skin was the kind it really didn't need make up but there was still the blue haze on her cheek, oh well.
Leaving the bathroom she headed to were she thought was the right way. She new her way..at least she thought. Sighing she had gotten lost. Looking around she finally spotted a maid. " E-Excuse me, I am a bit lost I am trying to find Alice."
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Post by Alice Himeno on Jan 2, 2016 21:11:09 GMT -5
Steely gray eyes shifted to Jessie upon being addressed. The maid straightened dutifully from where she stood bent in the process of sweeping the floor. Purple hair swung in a low ponytail as she moved. Unlike the majority of the other maids, she was a bit more reserved and pinpointed the boyish looking girl as a girl instead of a boy like the others had done.
"Ah, mistress Alice? Elle est... (She is...) Ah, please, if you will, follow me." She seemed to have a bit trouble speaking anything other than French and had an emotionless voice similar to her snowy mistress.
Setting the broom against the wall, she offered a formal bow and gestured for Jessie to follow. Soon the west stairway connecting the main one in the foyer was reached. The maid swung off to the side and made a sweeping gesture to the bottom of the stairs, giving another stiff bow.
At the bottom of the steps awaited Alice in the process of dismissing the maid, Rie, she had previously instructed to bring the lily to her room. The flaxen haired maid bowed and scurried off, leaving the widow pleased that the task had been promptly executed. She hadn't quite noticed Jessie yet and stood in her usual position, head lowered in thought.
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