Post by jelenahdvorak on May 19, 2008 14:14:51 GMT -6
Defective Beauty: Jelenah was found today out and about given nwith everything she had heard of what had taken place recently. Apparently the people they were now in an alliance with had been attacked and there was high alerts everywhere. As much as she was easily frightened, she would muster up some of the fearless part of her and venture out to the market place to gather some things for herself and perhaps for a couple others as well. With one arm looped with the basket and the other holding it to steady it, she continued to walk about gazing at things with her bright but shy blue hues. Deciding on just what fruits she wanted to purchase for herself today before heading over to the vendor with oils and soaps. This lil lady in waiting had big plans in the making.<d
Sardonic Whim: Tied about his shoulder was what appeared to be a many colored scarf. This patchwork of bright silk held beaded loops that draped like a fringe from it's edges, and apparently held inside it a crescent shaped object of some small weight. For within the all but hidden folds of the makeshift sling was the gentle curve of an infant's spine, as the three month old infant softly gurgled and cooed up at the shadowy figure it knew as it's father. Down the street they went, the horse, the rider, and the infant. The beast snorted softly to itself as if amused, and the rider couldn't quit the grin on his face even if he tried. If anything it grew exponentially when he saw the familiar sight of Jelenah. What had transpired those months back? Whatever happened, she did not seem in the worse for wear of it. So with a gentle click of his tongue, he urged the great white mare over to the lass... [e]
Defective Beauty: Hand was plucking a piece of fruit here, one there lifting it to her small pug nose for a sniff and then be replaced. One she found she placed in her basket, another that seemed to fit her likes was also added to the basket of
goodies that was quickly growing. She paid the vendor and began to walk over to another with necklaces, bracelets and other small trinkets, eyes scanning over the items in awe until the clicking hooves of a horse neared her. Just as she turned, a snort was given from the steed and Jelenah smiled when those blue hues lifted to see its rider. "Mateo ... how good it is to see you. You are quite the elusive sort. For I thought you had left without saying goodbye"<d
Sardonic Whim: Chuckling softly he canted his head to one side. In the warm sunlight his dark hair appeared to have lighter bits of deep brown in it as it brushed the collar of the open white lawn of his poet's shirt. In all he seemed little changed sans an aura of pride that was simply unavoidable now as it exuded from his very pores. Those nearly black eyes glimmered with unending humor as he jovially retorted, "Ah I was sorry enough to leave such a fair place, and such a fair people..." He let his words roll from his tongue like drops of warm rare honey, as he pointedly let himself take in the sight of her. "But, I knew that good-bye was something I should never say since I had every intention of finding my way back here as soon as could be arranged Mia Bella." His grin became broader, and he chuckled. "And how good it is to be back, si?" He pulled his eyes from her, with some twinge of regret as he looked about the market before deciding to dismount, and turn once more to her. "Will you not greet this travel weary rover, with a kiss?" [e]
Defective Beauty: Basket was propped up on her hip as her arm secured it and the free hand held it in place. The sight of him was one she welcomed and admitted to herself she had grown fond of. He was no doubt a handsome man and he knew this. Jelenah found humor in it and smiled. As her eyes drifted from his facial features and down, she took note of the colorful scarf about his neck and frame. A single blond brow arched, but she did not ask what it was or its contents. He moved to dismount and stood before her asking for a kiss and she had to look to him from a side glance. "I can not just bestow kisses on just anyone in public ... you may start a trend, having strange people ask me to do the same to them." She said with a grin. "But for you... I will." She stepped forward, leaned in and placed a sweet soft kiss on his cheek before stepping back.<d
Sardonic Whim: He chuckled and had been about to retort something before she complied with his request... Well how could he complain outside of turning his head at the last moment so that her lips landed squarely on his lips instead of his stubbled cheek. Grinning, he ducked away and gently adjusted the valuable contents of the scarf against him. "Well, I can't argue to myself being the exception to the rule..." His grin was cheeky, and as brash as ever, still it was all done in good humor and he was apparently happy to see her. "So I don't suppose Cara mia, that I might receive another if I share my good news with you? After all, it is a fittin' way to wish luck I am told." His dark brows wiggled suggestively, and his white teeth gleamed against his dark skin. Even as he teased, he pulled the scarf back slightly to allow the slightly squirming baby a chance to peek out at the world around her as well as giving Jelenah a good idea of his news. The three month old babe, had skin the color of cafe au lait, and black curling ringlets that looked silky from afar. From her large dark eyes, snub of a nose, full pinked cheeks, and small cupid's bow lips she appeared to be a doll except for her ability to move which she presently displayed by blowing a wet bubble from her lips. [e]
Defective Beauty: Jelenah's soft full lips would meet his as the sly man turned his head just as she placed the kiss. She blinked and hand came to her lips as she hid the grin. "You wicked man... I should have know." She said with a huge smile as he made moves to duck from what he thought would be a swipe made at him. The other blond brow would raise to meet the other as he asked for another should he tell her of his news. She chuckled and replied. "We will see..." He leaned in then and pulled back the fabric to reveal the object it held close to him. Her eyes went wide and her smile grew twice as much. "Oh my!"She gasped as a hand came to her chest. "What a beautiful baby.." She said as her hand suddenly itched to let fingers reach forward. But stopped and looked to him before proceeding. "May I?" She asked as he gaze moved from man to child.<d
Sardonic Whim: He laughed softly, and pulled the little one from her sling. She was dressed in a soft gown made of a peacoke satin. Obviously unsuitable or reasonable for an infant who might appreciate the shifting colors but not the expense of clothe she was clothed in. He however was unpractical when it came to such things, and just knew that this child would only have the best of what he could acquire and therefore, such strange extravagances would be bestowed upon her. "But of course." His voice was soft, with just a hint of reverence in it ... as he slid his daughter into the awaiting arms of Jelenah. "And she is most beautiful, and I am not just saying that because she is mine." Ah, the source of that added pride was evident in every word, and in every look he bestowed upon the chubby infant who waved her fists and cooed appreciatively. If anything other than the obvious resemblance was key, her good nature also resembled that of her father. It would be an easy guess that in the months to come she'd be a babe easy to laugh at near anything and everything. [e]
Defective Beauty: Her blue eyes lit up with such a gleam as Mateo pulled the baby from her sling while Jelenah put down her basket. As he placed the baby girl in her arms, she cradled it with care while trying to conceal some of the excitement that bubbled up from within. "She is indeed... such a lovely complextion. And what chubby cheeks." Jelenah said as she smiled down at the lil one. Letting a finger pry into the baby girls hand and holding it there."What is her name?" Jelenah asked without looking to him just yet. Jelenah's head canting to one side as she continued to admire the beauty that was cradled in her arms.<d
Sardonic Whim: He smiled, something hidden in his dark eyes as the lids sunk halfway down. He watched the two of them together, and not for the first time amused himself with that thought. Reaching out, he smoothed some of her downy ringlets back before answering softly. "Mia Vittoria Falconieri" Ah, for any who spoke that language there might be a few looks or even questions asked about the name that literally translated into -my victory-. As it was, he was happily enjoying the scene that unfolded before him. Yes, the round cheeked princess would take that digit as a peace offering. One that had Jelenah's finger grasped tightly in her sticky fist before it was brought to her rosebud mouth for a gummy chomping. Sometime during that chomping, she decided that she missed her friends the bubbles and began to try to blow them around the captured finger with a few decent results from her endeavors. Mateo for his part crossed his arms proudly and chuckled. [e]
Defective Beauty: "What a beautiful name for a beautiful lil lady." The Slavic woman said as her attention continued to stay on the small one. Jelenah leaned in but a bit closer, speaking to the baby as if she would understand her. "You are a lovely lil flower in a garden of beauty that all shall wish to pluck from your fathers arms. When you come of age ... the men will surly try their best to call you their own." She said. "But I think they will have much trouble... for not only he would be unwilling as I am sure others will be to. And with good reason..." She added. The small 5 ft 5 woman smiling from ear to ear could not get enough of her. Finally she tore her gaze away long enough to look to Mateo while Mia began to chew on Jelenah's finger before going back and making the cute bubbles with sounds that accompanied it. "When did you both arrive? Surely both are tired and need rest." She said with concern. "And if need be, I would gladly take her with me back to the castle and watch her for a time so you can have your own rest." <d
Sardonic Whim: .....Wait was she trying to take his baby from him? He rose a brow, and during that little chat with the baby smirked. Sure they could try, but he'd more than likely wind up killing a number of them before they got anywhere near his child. Although for the most part he was loathe to pick up his sword other than for the fun of it... This was something that had him more than contemplating murder over. Of course, it wouldn't show on his face, he was as perfectly as composed as ever. Still... no one was going to do anything to his little girl until she was good and married and even then.... The blasted woman was trying to ruffle him, and he was not going to let that happen. The Gaje did things differently than they did, and he'd see to it that she'd have a proper Romany upbringing. Chuckling, he ducked in to pluck the little girl from her arms and cradled her in the crook of one arm. "I thank you Madonna, but we have been here two days and have had some time to rest... Beside's she has a nurse to tend to her... As I am rather lacking of such abilities, and eventually she shall need to sup." He grinned broadly then and pointedly let his eyes drop to the decolletage of her gown. "Unless you are saying that you are able... As I have no question you are more than amply endowed for such a task..." You couldn't hit a man with a baby.. right? [e]
Defective Beauty: Jelenah had not meant to step on any toes, but it became obvious when Mateo plucked the baby from her arms. The smile faded and the gleam in her eyes did as well. She sighed inwardly and watched as her father held her close. A frown moved across her lips but was quickly replaced with a soft but faint smile, hoping the first had been missed as she tried to cover her tracks. Her eyes lifted from Mia to Mateo and nodded as he spoke. "I understand ... and--" Jelenah paused in mid-sentence with his last words. She tilted her head slightly forward and gave him a look that told him he should know better than to speak so boldly about... her body. Making it very obvious he had been taking notice which the thought of realizing that made her turn red as heat rushed to her cheeks.<d
Sardonic Whim: The problem was, that he simply found it adorable for a woman to blush... So this hardly discouraged him from what he had done. Instead, he grinned and lightly nudged against her before offering her the now cooing baby. As he leaned in to do so, he ducked his head to whisper softly into her ear. "You do know, how lovely you look when you do that, si?" His lips brushed lightly against the top curve of her ear, and he slowly straightened. "It makes it impossible for a man not to notice..." One hand rose up to lightly trace over her cheek before falling away. [e]
Defective Beauty: Her eyes began to gaze about trying to find something else to focus her attention on until she felt the heat disappear. Trouble was, Mateo only prolonged it with his following actions as she took lil Mia back. His head ducked, and whispered those words in her ear. Her blue eyes slowly cutting to the side of his face where he leaned in at. Her arms securing the baby as she shifted her for a more comfortable hold. When his lips brushed over the top curve of her exposed ear, her head tilted inwardly, as if she were shying away. His hand lifted and lightly traced over the curve of her cheek, making her freeze in place. When his touch faded, she took a small step back, letting her eyes fall only to have them move back up his form and she just swallowed the lump in her throat before looking down to Mia. In her Slavic tongue she spoke. "Your father is a very bold man... I see I will have to keep my guard up when around him. Yes?"<d
Sardonic Whim: He chuckled softly, his head tilting once more as he folded his arms over his chest watching the pair. "I am sure she would agree on the bold part... However, disagree on guards as they only get in the way of the pleasure there is to be had in life." His eyes were warm, and full of laughter. "Besides, guards are only there where there is something to fear, and a need to protect, and I am hardly a person to fear... So why would you need protection?" His accent rolled softly on his tongue, hugging each word with a familiar embrace. Mia, for her part waved her arms around and said "Agoooo agoo" several times as if she were indeed making an effort to speak back to Jelenah. "See, she agrees with me." He grinned then happily, as if indeed the child validated his words. In a way she did, after all ... the worst he could do to her could probably give her, her own version of Mia... [e] =[...must stop laughing..]=
Defective Beauty: Jelenah shot him a look of surprise when Mateo made it clear he had understood her words. She looked to Mia and then back to Mateo before speaking. "There is much to protect myself from ... things.. things you would not understand." Jelenah suddenly had flashes of her past and the expression on her face showed the fear that was once had, only to arise when triggered by intense feelings or perhaps words that were said. The small woman's attention snapped back to the current time and place with the sound of Mia's attempt to talk back. She gave an uneasy smile to the baby girl, stepping forward and offering her back to Mateo. "Should you need me to look after her for a time so things can be had,my offer still stands." She added as she stood now close enough to pass her back to him unless he wanted the small woman to continue holding her.<d ( -spanks him- you are terrible... you know that?! =P )
Sardonic Whim: He rose a brow at her, and nodded. Of course if she was offering his girl back he'd be the wrong person to even think of denying her. Lovingly he took the tiny girl back into his arms where he cradled her as if she were made out of something finer than skin and bone. Leaning down he nuzzled one of her baby soft cheeks and she wiggled happily before he tucked her back into the folds of the sling. He gave her a half smile, and in Ukranian.. "You have said as much before, but you judge more than you should... If you do not tell me, how would you ever know if I would not understand?" The Italian accent was there the whole time, but it was clear he had some handle on the language. He leaned forward to brush a kiss to her brow. "Be well Jelenah, you live in the present. Not the past. How can anyone move forward if they are forever looking behind?" He smiled saddly to her with a small shrug. Then it was gone and replaced with a true smile, that had him lightly nudging her. "Come now, do you really fear me?" [e]
Defective Beauty: Jelenah slid Mia into her fathers arms and stepped back, reaching down to gather her basket in her hands. Her eyes looking to Mia again as she was tucked away in the sling now and lifted her gaze to Mateo. Her eyes began to show the sadness from deep within as he spoke to her... in her language. She woukd reply after a few moments of silence. "If you can tell me you were a slave to hateful men, shackled to others or walls, made to do things against your will or beaten because you refused. Then you would understand me completely. If your village was overtaken, family and friends killed, your sister dying in your arms while in captivity...then you would understand." Again, the words flowed so easily as she spoke in her own tongue. "I fear what makes most giddy... or alive, for it always reminds me of harshness and death. A life once lived that still makes itself known even in times as joyous as these." Her tone was so quiet, so full of the emotions that haunted her.<d
Sardonic Whim: She was perhaps more wrong than she knew, and yet for each person things played out differently. Carefully, he took her in his arms. Once more his head bent as he whispered words meant only for her. "A soul is alone because it believes it needs to be isolated even in a crowd to protect itself from the badness it knows is there, for it has seen it with it's own eyes and felt it in the depths of it's heart. However, what protects it also kills it for a Soul to be alone, is just as painful as any torture another can deliver upon it ... for along with the bad, it denies the good and the very essence of what makes life what it is." He cupped her chin in one hand and tilted her head up so that they met eye to eye. "I will not pretend that anyone could ever know your pain, but it is easy enough to understand it and how it came to be... Still, you let them harm you by not letting go of the pain and moving past it. And so you punish yourself to forever be stuck there in that darkness... When there is also a world of light waiting for you to grasp it up again." He released her chin and smiled softly to her. "You are trying to live, but you don't have to try... you simply have to do it." [e]
Defective Beauty: Jelenah was so quick to assume and to judge, but given her past it was all she knew how to do. Even in doing those things, she did what was needed to hide her feelings on those assumptions and judgments. The small woman was never one to look down on another only because of her self thoughts. Thinking that in time, the people she feared from looks alone or harsh tones would soon do something to have her see them differently in a secretive manner. Mateo stepped closer, took her in his arms and had her look to him. She listened as he spoke, his words making perfect sense in her mind but the things that were locked away deep in her heart is what held her back. Her eyes began to mist as her jaw tightened when he lifted her chin, almost as if it were an act of strength to be shown. The wetness in her mouth was replaced with dryness and when he released her chin, she finally swallowed in an attempt to replace what was lost. In her tongue again she would speak. "How am I to let go of something which is all that I have come to know or am familiar with?"<d
Sardonic Whim: He smiled softly, something of it seeping into his eyes and softening the normally ruggedly handsome features of his face. "I do not claim to know all the answers... and it will always be apart of you." Here he lifted his hand to rest over her heart. "Still you must come to terms with it. Acknowledge it happened, and that you lived through it. You survived it, and now you move past it. It's there, but it can't hurt you any more unless you decide to let it. Focus on the future. What you want for yourself, and then make it happen. It might take a while, but if you believe, and if you want it, you can have it." [e]
Defective Beauty: Very few people knew of Jelenah's past, not even Bess knew the gressume details of it. Here, Mateo had got just a little more of the story in a short amount of time where it would take others months. Was it because he knew her language, making her feel comfortable with him when speaking like that? Perhaps, then again with this small woman, who knew why she did any of the things she did or refused others. Her past life was a well hidden well kept secret that very few would ever come to know of her. She listened as he went on to speak, again making perfect sense and knowing that what he said she needed to do was right. However, it was going to prove to be easier said than done. Maybe with the right person(s) to help her along the way, it could be accomplished. She exhaled a deep breathe and only nodded. Sunddenly feeling as if time had got away from her, she glanced down and back to him. "Will I be seeing you and Mia again soon? As I have to return to the castle..." Meaning she needed to return to her duties.<d
Sardonic Whim: He nodded to her, watching her closely despite his reassumed cavalier attitude. "Si, si. We are back and although we might travel from time to time we shall be around... Though Mia might not always be with me...." He smiled roguishly at her, "I hope you shall not be disappointed at those times..." He easily swept a half bow to her before turning, and getting one foot in a stirrup. "I know, any meeting with you shall not be disappointing in the least for me..." He launched himself up and easily into the saddle, with a faint coo from the still awake baby. Chuckling he wrapped an arm protectively about her before grinning down to Jelenah. [e]
Defective Beauty: Jelenah then gave a sweet smile, perhaps not as full of the happiness it should have been but one close to it. "Good... I look forward to many more meetings with you and she..." Her words were paused as he began add to his answer. "Do not give me a reason to be disappointed and it shall not be had..." She said with a grin and watched as he remounted the steed, his arm going over to protectively wrap itself around the baby "Good day little Mia... I shall think of you often, especially while I walk within the gardens lil rose of beauty." With that said, The small blond would nod to Mateo, turn and make her way back to the castle.<d
Sardonic Whim: Tied about his shoulder was what appeared to be a many colored scarf. This patchwork of bright silk held beaded loops that draped like a fringe from it's edges, and apparently held inside it a crescent shaped object of some small weight. For within the all but hidden folds of the makeshift sling was the gentle curve of an infant's spine, as the three month old infant softly gurgled and cooed up at the shadowy figure it knew as it's father. Down the street they went, the horse, the rider, and the infant. The beast snorted softly to itself as if amused, and the rider couldn't quit the grin on his face even if he tried. If anything it grew exponentially when he saw the familiar sight of Jelenah. What had transpired those months back? Whatever happened, she did not seem in the worse for wear of it. So with a gentle click of his tongue, he urged the great white mare over to the lass... [e]
Defective Beauty: Hand was plucking a piece of fruit here, one there lifting it to her small pug nose for a sniff and then be replaced. One she found she placed in her basket, another that seemed to fit her likes was also added to the basket of
goodies that was quickly growing. She paid the vendor and began to walk over to another with necklaces, bracelets and other small trinkets, eyes scanning over the items in awe until the clicking hooves of a horse neared her. Just as she turned, a snort was given from the steed and Jelenah smiled when those blue hues lifted to see its rider. "Mateo ... how good it is to see you. You are quite the elusive sort. For I thought you had left without saying goodbye"<d
Sardonic Whim: Chuckling softly he canted his head to one side. In the warm sunlight his dark hair appeared to have lighter bits of deep brown in it as it brushed the collar of the open white lawn of his poet's shirt. In all he seemed little changed sans an aura of pride that was simply unavoidable now as it exuded from his very pores. Those nearly black eyes glimmered with unending humor as he jovially retorted, "Ah I was sorry enough to leave such a fair place, and such a fair people..." He let his words roll from his tongue like drops of warm rare honey, as he pointedly let himself take in the sight of her. "But, I knew that good-bye was something I should never say since I had every intention of finding my way back here as soon as could be arranged Mia Bella." His grin became broader, and he chuckled. "And how good it is to be back, si?" He pulled his eyes from her, with some twinge of regret as he looked about the market before deciding to dismount, and turn once more to her. "Will you not greet this travel weary rover, with a kiss?" [e]
Defective Beauty: Basket was propped up on her hip as her arm secured it and the free hand held it in place. The sight of him was one she welcomed and admitted to herself she had grown fond of. He was no doubt a handsome man and he knew this. Jelenah found humor in it and smiled. As her eyes drifted from his facial features and down, she took note of the colorful scarf about his neck and frame. A single blond brow arched, but she did not ask what it was or its contents. He moved to dismount and stood before her asking for a kiss and she had to look to him from a side glance. "I can not just bestow kisses on just anyone in public ... you may start a trend, having strange people ask me to do the same to them." She said with a grin. "But for you... I will." She stepped forward, leaned in and placed a sweet soft kiss on his cheek before stepping back.<d
Sardonic Whim: He chuckled and had been about to retort something before she complied with his request... Well how could he complain outside of turning his head at the last moment so that her lips landed squarely on his lips instead of his stubbled cheek. Grinning, he ducked away and gently adjusted the valuable contents of the scarf against him. "Well, I can't argue to myself being the exception to the rule..." His grin was cheeky, and as brash as ever, still it was all done in good humor and he was apparently happy to see her. "So I don't suppose Cara mia, that I might receive another if I share my good news with you? After all, it is a fittin' way to wish luck I am told." His dark brows wiggled suggestively, and his white teeth gleamed against his dark skin. Even as he teased, he pulled the scarf back slightly to allow the slightly squirming baby a chance to peek out at the world around her as well as giving Jelenah a good idea of his news. The three month old babe, had skin the color of cafe au lait, and black curling ringlets that looked silky from afar. From her large dark eyes, snub of a nose, full pinked cheeks, and small cupid's bow lips she appeared to be a doll except for her ability to move which she presently displayed by blowing a wet bubble from her lips. [e]
Defective Beauty: Jelenah's soft full lips would meet his as the sly man turned his head just as she placed the kiss. She blinked and hand came to her lips as she hid the grin. "You wicked man... I should have know." She said with a huge smile as he made moves to duck from what he thought would be a swipe made at him. The other blond brow would raise to meet the other as he asked for another should he tell her of his news. She chuckled and replied. "We will see..." He leaned in then and pulled back the fabric to reveal the object it held close to him. Her eyes went wide and her smile grew twice as much. "Oh my!"She gasped as a hand came to her chest. "What a beautiful baby.." She said as her hand suddenly itched to let fingers reach forward. But stopped and looked to him before proceeding. "May I?" She asked as he gaze moved from man to child.<d
Sardonic Whim: He laughed softly, and pulled the little one from her sling. She was dressed in a soft gown made of a peacoke satin. Obviously unsuitable or reasonable for an infant who might appreciate the shifting colors but not the expense of clothe she was clothed in. He however was unpractical when it came to such things, and just knew that this child would only have the best of what he could acquire and therefore, such strange extravagances would be bestowed upon her. "But of course." His voice was soft, with just a hint of reverence in it ... as he slid his daughter into the awaiting arms of Jelenah. "And she is most beautiful, and I am not just saying that because she is mine." Ah, the source of that added pride was evident in every word, and in every look he bestowed upon the chubby infant who waved her fists and cooed appreciatively. If anything other than the obvious resemblance was key, her good nature also resembled that of her father. It would be an easy guess that in the months to come she'd be a babe easy to laugh at near anything and everything. [e]
Defective Beauty: Her blue eyes lit up with such a gleam as Mateo pulled the baby from her sling while Jelenah put down her basket. As he placed the baby girl in her arms, she cradled it with care while trying to conceal some of the excitement that bubbled up from within. "She is indeed... such a lovely complextion. And what chubby cheeks." Jelenah said as she smiled down at the lil one. Letting a finger pry into the baby girls hand and holding it there."What is her name?" Jelenah asked without looking to him just yet. Jelenah's head canting to one side as she continued to admire the beauty that was cradled in her arms.<d
Sardonic Whim: He smiled, something hidden in his dark eyes as the lids sunk halfway down. He watched the two of them together, and not for the first time amused himself with that thought. Reaching out, he smoothed some of her downy ringlets back before answering softly. "Mia Vittoria Falconieri" Ah, for any who spoke that language there might be a few looks or even questions asked about the name that literally translated into -my victory-. As it was, he was happily enjoying the scene that unfolded before him. Yes, the round cheeked princess would take that digit as a peace offering. One that had Jelenah's finger grasped tightly in her sticky fist before it was brought to her rosebud mouth for a gummy chomping. Sometime during that chomping, she decided that she missed her friends the bubbles and began to try to blow them around the captured finger with a few decent results from her endeavors. Mateo for his part crossed his arms proudly and chuckled. [e]
Defective Beauty: "What a beautiful name for a beautiful lil lady." The Slavic woman said as her attention continued to stay on the small one. Jelenah leaned in but a bit closer, speaking to the baby as if she would understand her. "You are a lovely lil flower in a garden of beauty that all shall wish to pluck from your fathers arms. When you come of age ... the men will surly try their best to call you their own." She said. "But I think they will have much trouble... for not only he would be unwilling as I am sure others will be to. And with good reason..." She added. The small 5 ft 5 woman smiling from ear to ear could not get enough of her. Finally she tore her gaze away long enough to look to Mateo while Mia began to chew on Jelenah's finger before going back and making the cute bubbles with sounds that accompanied it. "When did you both arrive? Surely both are tired and need rest." She said with concern. "And if need be, I would gladly take her with me back to the castle and watch her for a time so you can have your own rest." <d
Sardonic Whim: .....Wait was she trying to take his baby from him? He rose a brow, and during that little chat with the baby smirked. Sure they could try, but he'd more than likely wind up killing a number of them before they got anywhere near his child. Although for the most part he was loathe to pick up his sword other than for the fun of it... This was something that had him more than contemplating murder over. Of course, it wouldn't show on his face, he was as perfectly as composed as ever. Still... no one was going to do anything to his little girl until she was good and married and even then.... The blasted woman was trying to ruffle him, and he was not going to let that happen. The Gaje did things differently than they did, and he'd see to it that she'd have a proper Romany upbringing. Chuckling, he ducked in to pluck the little girl from her arms and cradled her in the crook of one arm. "I thank you Madonna, but we have been here two days and have had some time to rest... Beside's she has a nurse to tend to her... As I am rather lacking of such abilities, and eventually she shall need to sup." He grinned broadly then and pointedly let his eyes drop to the decolletage of her gown. "Unless you are saying that you are able... As I have no question you are more than amply endowed for such a task..." You couldn't hit a man with a baby.. right? [e]
Defective Beauty: Jelenah had not meant to step on any toes, but it became obvious when Mateo plucked the baby from her arms. The smile faded and the gleam in her eyes did as well. She sighed inwardly and watched as her father held her close. A frown moved across her lips but was quickly replaced with a soft but faint smile, hoping the first had been missed as she tried to cover her tracks. Her eyes lifted from Mia to Mateo and nodded as he spoke. "I understand ... and--" Jelenah paused in mid-sentence with his last words. She tilted her head slightly forward and gave him a look that told him he should know better than to speak so boldly about... her body. Making it very obvious he had been taking notice which the thought of realizing that made her turn red as heat rushed to her cheeks.<d
Sardonic Whim: The problem was, that he simply found it adorable for a woman to blush... So this hardly discouraged him from what he had done. Instead, he grinned and lightly nudged against her before offering her the now cooing baby. As he leaned in to do so, he ducked his head to whisper softly into her ear. "You do know, how lovely you look when you do that, si?" His lips brushed lightly against the top curve of her ear, and he slowly straightened. "It makes it impossible for a man not to notice..." One hand rose up to lightly trace over her cheek before falling away. [e]
Defective Beauty: Her eyes began to gaze about trying to find something else to focus her attention on until she felt the heat disappear. Trouble was, Mateo only prolonged it with his following actions as she took lil Mia back. His head ducked, and whispered those words in her ear. Her blue eyes slowly cutting to the side of his face where he leaned in at. Her arms securing the baby as she shifted her for a more comfortable hold. When his lips brushed over the top curve of her exposed ear, her head tilted inwardly, as if she were shying away. His hand lifted and lightly traced over the curve of her cheek, making her freeze in place. When his touch faded, she took a small step back, letting her eyes fall only to have them move back up his form and she just swallowed the lump in her throat before looking down to Mia. In her Slavic tongue she spoke. "Your father is a very bold man... I see I will have to keep my guard up when around him. Yes?"<d
Sardonic Whim: He chuckled softly, his head tilting once more as he folded his arms over his chest watching the pair. "I am sure she would agree on the bold part... However, disagree on guards as they only get in the way of the pleasure there is to be had in life." His eyes were warm, and full of laughter. "Besides, guards are only there where there is something to fear, and a need to protect, and I am hardly a person to fear... So why would you need protection?" His accent rolled softly on his tongue, hugging each word with a familiar embrace. Mia, for her part waved her arms around and said "Agoooo agoo" several times as if she were indeed making an effort to speak back to Jelenah. "See, she agrees with me." He grinned then happily, as if indeed the child validated his words. In a way she did, after all ... the worst he could do to her could probably give her, her own version of Mia... [e] =[...must stop laughing..]=
Defective Beauty: Jelenah shot him a look of surprise when Mateo made it clear he had understood her words. She looked to Mia and then back to Mateo before speaking. "There is much to protect myself from ... things.. things you would not understand." Jelenah suddenly had flashes of her past and the expression on her face showed the fear that was once had, only to arise when triggered by intense feelings or perhaps words that were said. The small woman's attention snapped back to the current time and place with the sound of Mia's attempt to talk back. She gave an uneasy smile to the baby girl, stepping forward and offering her back to Mateo. "Should you need me to look after her for a time so things can be had,my offer still stands." She added as she stood now close enough to pass her back to him unless he wanted the small woman to continue holding her.<d ( -spanks him- you are terrible... you know that?! =P )
Sardonic Whim: He rose a brow at her, and nodded. Of course if she was offering his girl back he'd be the wrong person to even think of denying her. Lovingly he took the tiny girl back into his arms where he cradled her as if she were made out of something finer than skin and bone. Leaning down he nuzzled one of her baby soft cheeks and she wiggled happily before he tucked her back into the folds of the sling. He gave her a half smile, and in Ukranian.. "You have said as much before, but you judge more than you should... If you do not tell me, how would you ever know if I would not understand?" The Italian accent was there the whole time, but it was clear he had some handle on the language. He leaned forward to brush a kiss to her brow. "Be well Jelenah, you live in the present. Not the past. How can anyone move forward if they are forever looking behind?" He smiled saddly to her with a small shrug. Then it was gone and replaced with a true smile, that had him lightly nudging her. "Come now, do you really fear me?" [e]
Defective Beauty: Jelenah slid Mia into her fathers arms and stepped back, reaching down to gather her basket in her hands. Her eyes looking to Mia again as she was tucked away in the sling now and lifted her gaze to Mateo. Her eyes began to show the sadness from deep within as he spoke to her... in her language. She woukd reply after a few moments of silence. "If you can tell me you were a slave to hateful men, shackled to others or walls, made to do things against your will or beaten because you refused. Then you would understand me completely. If your village was overtaken, family and friends killed, your sister dying in your arms while in captivity...then you would understand." Again, the words flowed so easily as she spoke in her own tongue. "I fear what makes most giddy... or alive, for it always reminds me of harshness and death. A life once lived that still makes itself known even in times as joyous as these." Her tone was so quiet, so full of the emotions that haunted her.<d
Sardonic Whim: She was perhaps more wrong than she knew, and yet for each person things played out differently. Carefully, he took her in his arms. Once more his head bent as he whispered words meant only for her. "A soul is alone because it believes it needs to be isolated even in a crowd to protect itself from the badness it knows is there, for it has seen it with it's own eyes and felt it in the depths of it's heart. However, what protects it also kills it for a Soul to be alone, is just as painful as any torture another can deliver upon it ... for along with the bad, it denies the good and the very essence of what makes life what it is." He cupped her chin in one hand and tilted her head up so that they met eye to eye. "I will not pretend that anyone could ever know your pain, but it is easy enough to understand it and how it came to be... Still, you let them harm you by not letting go of the pain and moving past it. And so you punish yourself to forever be stuck there in that darkness... When there is also a world of light waiting for you to grasp it up again." He released her chin and smiled softly to her. "You are trying to live, but you don't have to try... you simply have to do it." [e]
Defective Beauty: Jelenah was so quick to assume and to judge, but given her past it was all she knew how to do. Even in doing those things, she did what was needed to hide her feelings on those assumptions and judgments. The small woman was never one to look down on another only because of her self thoughts. Thinking that in time, the people she feared from looks alone or harsh tones would soon do something to have her see them differently in a secretive manner. Mateo stepped closer, took her in his arms and had her look to him. She listened as he spoke, his words making perfect sense in her mind but the things that were locked away deep in her heart is what held her back. Her eyes began to mist as her jaw tightened when he lifted her chin, almost as if it were an act of strength to be shown. The wetness in her mouth was replaced with dryness and when he released her chin, she finally swallowed in an attempt to replace what was lost. In her tongue again she would speak. "How am I to let go of something which is all that I have come to know or am familiar with?"<d
Sardonic Whim: He smiled softly, something of it seeping into his eyes and softening the normally ruggedly handsome features of his face. "I do not claim to know all the answers... and it will always be apart of you." Here he lifted his hand to rest over her heart. "Still you must come to terms with it. Acknowledge it happened, and that you lived through it. You survived it, and now you move past it. It's there, but it can't hurt you any more unless you decide to let it. Focus on the future. What you want for yourself, and then make it happen. It might take a while, but if you believe, and if you want it, you can have it." [e]
Defective Beauty: Very few people knew of Jelenah's past, not even Bess knew the gressume details of it. Here, Mateo had got just a little more of the story in a short amount of time where it would take others months. Was it because he knew her language, making her feel comfortable with him when speaking like that? Perhaps, then again with this small woman, who knew why she did any of the things she did or refused others. Her past life was a well hidden well kept secret that very few would ever come to know of her. She listened as he went on to speak, again making perfect sense and knowing that what he said she needed to do was right. However, it was going to prove to be easier said than done. Maybe with the right person(s) to help her along the way, it could be accomplished. She exhaled a deep breathe and only nodded. Sunddenly feeling as if time had got away from her, she glanced down and back to him. "Will I be seeing you and Mia again soon? As I have to return to the castle..." Meaning she needed to return to her duties.<d
Sardonic Whim: He nodded to her, watching her closely despite his reassumed cavalier attitude. "Si, si. We are back and although we might travel from time to time we shall be around... Though Mia might not always be with me...." He smiled roguishly at her, "I hope you shall not be disappointed at those times..." He easily swept a half bow to her before turning, and getting one foot in a stirrup. "I know, any meeting with you shall not be disappointing in the least for me..." He launched himself up and easily into the saddle, with a faint coo from the still awake baby. Chuckling he wrapped an arm protectively about her before grinning down to Jelenah. [e]
Defective Beauty: Jelenah then gave a sweet smile, perhaps not as full of the happiness it should have been but one close to it. "Good... I look forward to many more meetings with you and she..." Her words were paused as he began add to his answer. "Do not give me a reason to be disappointed and it shall not be had..." She said with a grin and watched as he remounted the steed, his arm going over to protectively wrap itself around the baby "Good day little Mia... I shall think of you often, especially while I walk within the gardens lil rose of beauty." With that said, The small blond would nod to Mateo, turn and make her way back to the castle.<d