An Advanced Victorian Steampunk Roleplay discussion
Characters' Havens
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Vivian's New Start
"Beautiful," he answered with a smile. His eyebrows rose at the mention of her friend, clearly impressed. With his little experience of mechanisms, Joeri knew how much effort goes into inventions and experiments. "I would like to meet him someday. Inventing is an interesting business."
"I agree." Vivian took of the hat and lay it out of Joeri's reach for the time being as she brushed her hair and fastened it back behind her ears with pearl-headed pins. Then she opened up her jewellery box and selected earrings and a necklace. She put the earrings on first then held the necklace up for Joeri. "May I request your help?" Vivian asked, smiling at him in the mirror.There'd be time enough between her visit to Doctor Teddy and her shift at McCann's to change into her stable clothes. She wanted to look as put-together as possible to help boost Joeri.
"Of course. I'm at your service, my lady," Joeri replied, taking the necklace from her and draping it around her neck. Brushing away the few stray strands of hair, he hooked the clasp together and then bent to kiss the side of her neck. "There, done."
Vivian turned her head to kiss his cheek. "Thank you." She put away her things and stood up, checking his cuffs and collar before pulling Joeri's head down so that she could press her forehead to his."It'll only be a few weeks more, right?" Vivian whispered, her slender delicate hands cupping his face. "Just a matter of a few short weeks before I can see you again."
Briefly he closed his eyes, then met her gaze. "Yes. These days will fly by before you know," Joeri said, trying to encourage himself as much as her.
Vivian kissed him wordlessly, making sure to make it a memorable one that could carry them both through the interim. It wasn't until Shakespeare woke up and began sniffing and whining around their feet that she pulled away and gave Joeri a brave smile. "I believe this is his way of saying he'll miss you," she said, looking down to see Shakespeare already lying down with his head on the toe of Joeri's right boot.
Grinning, he bent down to rub Shakespeare's ears furiously, making them flap. "Well, I'll miss him too. It's been too short a time for me to get to know him," Joeri commented as he eventually straightened again.
Vivian smiled down at her two favourite boys and then headed out, whistling for Shakespeare to follow. "He'll remember you, don't worry," she said to Joeri as they made their way downstairs.
"That's a relief. I imagine he could come across as fearsome when he wants to be," he said half-jokingly, stepping after her.
"Oh, the knotted rags don't stand a chance."Bridget appeared at the bottom of the stairs. "Miss, Sir," she said politely with a curtsy. "Your breakfast is waiting for you in the dining room. And Sir," she said, turning to Joeri, "I took the liberty of making you a care package to bring back to your regiment."
He smiled his thanks to Bridget. "Thank you. I'm sure it would be much appreciated. You don't know how much good food brightens a man's day at the barracks," Joeri told her.
Bridget inclined her head and curtseyed again before retreating to the kitchen. Vivian, still a step up on the stairs, bent down and gave Joeri a peck on the cheek. "We all love you here, in our own ways," she told him.
Joeri nodded, truly glad and touched to have them looking out for him. It made his go away a little easier at least, to think that there were people who cared for him and he won't disappear from people's minds when he was gone. "I'm probably the luckiest soldier," he commented as he moved to the dining room.
"Maybe," Vivian said, giving him a squeeze before sitting down at the dining room table. "I think I'm the luckiest girl ever to have found somebody like you."As always, she served him a plate of fruit, cheese, and pastries before doing up one for herself. While they tucked in, Vivian asked, "Did you...did you want me to keep being friendly with Anne while you're away?" She didn't want to intrude on his family if he didn't want her to.
Pausing, he tilted his head in though as he finished chewing an apple slice and swallowed. "Only if you want to. It would be nice to have someone else look out for her, though," he replied.
"I don't think she needs somebody to look out for her so much as somebody to talk to," Vivian murmured delicately as she nibbled on a corner of a croissant.
Joeri nodded in agreement. "I suppose that is true. My father wouldn't be much help in that he rarely likes to talk," he said before taking a sip from his glass of orange juice.
"I'll do my best," Vivian promised.They finished their breakfast quickly and in comfortable silence, and all too soon it was time to go. Vivian went upstairs again to grab her shawl and shies and Joeri's hat, and returned swiftly.
"Alright. Are you ready?" she asked.
Holding out his hand for his hat, Joeri gave her a small smile. "Ready as I'll ever be," he answered.
Vivian straightened out his uniform one last time before clipping on Shakespeare's leash. With one hand holding the pup and the other on Joeri's arm, Vivian stepped out and did not reveal just how torn she was inside at him leaving again.***END OF SCENE***
Mijn Schaatje,It's been a while since I wrote and I hope I didn't cause you too much distress with my absence of letters. Things seem a little more busy here with more work than usual. But at least I can handle it more than the younger men here. It seems I now have a reputation of giving out pastries (don't know how that came about), but now it seems the new soldiers are kissing up to me with their salutes and such in hopes of switching over to my regiment. Little do they know I have no say in such matters.
Anyways, I did receive some news from Samuel. He told me that your grandfather has set things into motion and I'll hear about my case soon. Though I'm trying to not get my hopes too far up, I can't help but think this might give me freedom at last. Hopefully I can see you the next visiting day and give you the news when I heard it.
I miss you and give you all my love. I'll see you soon!
Forever yours,
Your Knuddelbärli
*END OF SCENE*
Mijn Schaatje,Hearing from you has been wonderful as these past couple days have been quite hectic. When I was at the shooting range, as being part of the Rifle Corps requires sharpshooting, there was an awful accident. Someone's gun backfired in some way and his hand was severely injured with burns. I feel bad for the poor man as it might require him to get a bio-engineered hand if things turn out well. But to comfort him, our regiment gave him extra pastries, sacrificing some our extras.
Now, you better tell Shakespeare to stop growing. I'll miss all his puppy-ness and soon he'll be big enough to tackle me. But I'm glad he's still as playful and happy as ever with his Mama. And you're probably right about Anne. Perhaps you can show her Dr. Merriweather's shop?
That is strange, my dear. I wonder what is the cause of it. Maybe I'll have to make pastries especially and fatten you up! But, alas, you probably would be worse off with my cooking. Ah, well, perhaps all that food is going into muscle like me.
Good luck with work and make sure to give Shakespeare a hug for me!
Always,
Your Knuddelbärli
*END OF SCENE*
Dearest Schaatje,My comrade says his sincerest thanks and his burns weren't so bad as was originally thought. All of the men in my regiment sat down with him at least once over the course of the week and I think his complexion is improving tremendously. In no time, I'm sure he would be back on his feet, though his hands would still have to rest.
Perhaps, as I ponder what you might mean, it is the heaviness of the heat? I know the sun has been beating down especially this week. Anyways, I'm glad you do have rest with Shakespeare. I'm sure it would be more unpleasant if you had to do all that entertaining business. And speaking of reading, have you found any new interesting books? I finally have finished that book of sonnets and I was wondering if you have any suggestions.
Concerning your grandfather, I didn't know you weren't on speaking terms. I'll give Samuel both of our sincerest thanks. My case seems to at least have a chance as I'm sure everyone wouldn't be so willing to help me. I pray that it would go well.
With all my love,
Your Knuddelbärli
*END OF SCENE*
Mijn Schaatje,It is regrettable to hear about your grandfather. Hopefully, Old Battle Axe has been as strong as his name sounds. I suppose if it weren't for Samuel to bring the case directly to your grandfather, it might never have gotten past some of those Kaylocks in the Fortress then.
And there is no need to apologize. You and I both feel the sharpness of loneliness, though it is deplorable you don't have a friend to turn to like I do. Maybe you can seek out Anne's company as she is sure to brighten up your day immensely. She is never one to let down the chance to cheer up someone.
What is most frustrating for me now, is to hear about your brothers. It does make sense as I felt the same way after I met with my father. I wish I could comfort you and hold you in my arms, to just briefly make your hurt go away. I'm sorry what has been going on with them and you know I would do anything if I had the ability to help you. Just keep your chin up is all I can say for now.
Samson spooking like that is strange and I wonder what might have caused it. Would it be even more strange to have a sense of foreboding or unease? Be sure to give him some extra sugar cubes for me. I hope I can ride him more when I get back. I'm glad, though, that he knows you and you were able to soothe him.
A heavy heart could be your problem and I guess your solution should be doing something that you love and lightens your mood. I hope that my letters would ease your burden somewhat.
Missing you every day,
Your Knuddelbärli
*END OF SCENE*
Letters from Joeri were always a comfort, Vivian thought as she put his latest one away into the drawer of her vanity and shed her robe. She turned down the lights and slipped into bed, her glass balcony doors shut against the cool September night. Shakespeare was already snoring on his large round cushion, already too big for the puppy basket she'd gotten him.Letters from Geoffrey, however, were a bit...odd. No less affectionate in their contents, yet his overall tone had changed a bit and Vivian didn't know why.
Vivian curled up on her side of the bed, staring as she did whenever Joeri was away at the empty space next to her. She missed him terribly and was anxious to know when his visiting day would be. Slowly her eyes started fluttering shut, and she began to fall asleep. But her mind was still active and she would drowsily open her eyes every once in a while - something she'd never done before but now did almost nightly before real, deep sleep overtook her.
The moonlight coming in from her window was always filtered in only through the sheer curtains. It was never blocked...until now?
Vivian's eyes flew open faster than they had fluttered shut. Suddenly she was not drowsy. Her hand under her pillow closed around the sheathed knife she always had tucked beneath when she slept alone. Vivian sat up, her hand hidden under the pillow, and she stared intently at the balcony.
It was empty. Even through the sheer curtains, which made their own shadows and distortions, she could see it was empty.
***END OF SCENE***
Mijn Schaatje,I have the most wonderful news. Today I went to the office and met with officers to discuss my case. Apparently the Old Battle Axe created a dossier and has appealed for me. I'll be returning home soon after I gather my things and finish training. I'm am discharged because of my contract, but it is an honorable discharge. And everything against my name has been lifted! I'm a free man. I must go now, but I hope this letter reaches you soon!
With all my love,
Joeri
*END OF SCENE*
Stephen sent a reply back to Vivian after reading his morning mail and newspaper that Jenkins had set out for him at breakfast. Hello Vivian,
Yes, that would be fine. I will be home.
Best,
Stephen Dedalus
***END OF SCENE***
Vivian lay curled up in bed the morning after her visit to Stephen's shop, her eyes squeezed shut against the cramping in her stomach. The mild painkiller he had recommended worked wonders for her arm but for whatever reason her back and stomach were still hurting terribly. Vivian figured it was another result of stopping Samson on her own - smooth, Vivian Parthena, very smooth... - and after a very long while she unfolded herself and sat up in bed, leaning against her headboard as she stared at the ceiling.Eventually she eased herself out of bed and sat down at the small vanity next to the bed. Picking up a brush with her left hand, she began to brush out her rambunctious curls. Her hair was growing quickly and now it fell just past her shoulders, and Vivian could smile at that at least.
But the last two weeks had been hard, as they'd been full of restless nights and constantly feeling as though she was being watched and followed - not to mention the increasing feeling of loneliness and isolation that had been weighing on her. Vivian leaned closer to her mirror and looked at her, cringing at the shadows under her eyes...and were her cheeks more hollow than they'd been before Joeri had gone back to the Barracks?
Bridget had brought up a tray for her but Vivian had no appetite - another thing that had declined steadily since Joeri had gone back - and she crawled back into bed. Shakespeare whined from her doorway and Vivian whistled softly to him, patting the bed beside her. Shakespeare hesitated, confused perhaps as to why his mummy wanted him up on the bed when normally she became stern when he so much as put a paw up on it, but then he sensed she needed him and Shakespeare bounded up next to her and put his head on her thigh.
Vivian stroked his head and fell into a light sleep, and so too do the dog at her side. Shakespeare was so concerned for his mummy that he didn't even notice that somebody stood outside on the balcony for a brief moment before disappearing up onto the rooftop.
***END OF SCENE***
Ducking his head, Joeri stepped off he coach. He gave a nod and smile of thanks to the driver as the man offered him a free ride upon seeing his uniform. Moving to the back, he pulled off his suitcase, then he gave a tip of his hat as the driver headed off. Turning to the gate, he stepped up to the door, already smiling at the thought of what Vivian's reaction might be. Then, he calmly knocked on the green door.
Bridget peered through the peep-hole before opening the door, surprised but also relieved to see Mr Walker. Miss Vivian had come home a few days before from her appointment with Mr Dedalus looking very tired and even poorly, and had not gotten up since then. Liam had dropped by the day after that same appointment, and after noticing Vivian's state, had gone to his father on her behalf to arrange sick leave for her. He'd sent word back that his father figured she'd be laid up for a few days - apparently Miss Vivian had stopped Professor Northby's giant horse on her own - and that he hoped she would be well soon. In the meantime, Miss Vivian hadn't yet called a doctor, and Bridget was unsure of what to do. Her lady hadn't even read the mail - not even the last small letter Mr Walker had sent.
"Mr Walker! How delightful to see you - what a surprise," she said as she let him in. "We didn't know you were coming."
He smiled kindly as Bridget ushered him inside, though there was a questioning glint in is eyes. "It is indeed wonderful to be back, though I thought my letter would have reached Vivian by now," Joeri replied, setting down his suitcase.
"It did arrive, but..." Bridget wrung her hands. "She overworked herself, I think, and she's become...poorly." She looked up at Mr Walker with worry in her big eyes. "She's been in her room, barely moving around, for days."
Joeri's brow creased with worry as he took off his hat. "That is sad news. Thank you, Bridget, for telling me. I'll try to see if I can be of some help, though if you couldn't help, I'm not sure what I can do," Joeri told her, giving a small sigh.
"She loves you more than anyone, Mr Walker. I'm sure she'll at least let you convince her to call a physician."Bridget took his suitcase up the stairs and deposited it in the blue reading room and let him go upstairs to Vivian's.
About to insist that he could carry his suitcase himself, Joeri saw that Bridget was already moving off and so went up the stairs to Vivian's bedroom. Worry hanging over his mind, but when he reached her door, he straightened up and put a smile on his face. He didn't think it would be good to come home all worried. Again, he raised his fist and knocked on her door.
Vivian lifted her tousled head off the pillow at the sound of a knock on her door. "Yes?" she called out quietly, settling back down and burrowing into her sheets. Shakespeare barked happily and Vivian frowned. He never barked at Bridget.
She turned her head. "...Joeri?" Vivian said in disbelief. "What...what are you doing here?"
He opened the door at the faint sound of her voice and saw her lying on her bed. When she turned around to face him, Joeri smiled. "What am I doing here? I'm here because you are here," he replied, his tone light, but the worry in his eyes betrayed him.
Vivian sat up as quickly as she could - the cramps had died down but they still throbbed dully inside her - and she couldn't help but let the tears fall at the sight of him. She'd felt so restless and uneasy and lonely without him, and Vivian reached for him suddenly desperate to be held. "Let me hold you," she said, "for I do believe I'm dreaming."
Upon seeing her tears, he was already in motion and he came to her side, sitting down next to her. Joeri wrapped his arms around her, unable to stop himself from smiling. "No, you're not dreaming. In fact, you might wish you were as you won't be able to get rid of me."
Vivian frowned against his shoulder, puzzled. "What...what do you mean?" she asked, not daring to hope.
Pulling back so he could face her, Joeri smiled, brushing stray curls away from her face. "I've reached the end of my contract and have been released with honorable discharge as Joeri Roberts," he told her and waited for his words to sink in.
Vivian stared at him, still puzzled as she worked out what he meant. Then it hit her, and she threw her arms around his neck and cried with relief."You're...you're free?" she asked through her tears. "You...you..." She couldn't find any words so she just hugged him tighter.
Laughing, Joeri embraced her closer and dropped a on top of her curls. "Yes. Free. Name and everything. You are now engaged to Joeri and not Thomas," he said happily.
Vivian clutched Joeri until she thought her arms would break. She wouldn't have to be alone anymore, waiting for letters and one day a month to see him. Joeri was home.There was a soft knock at the door. "Miss?"
"Yes, Bridget, come in," Vivian called out, pulling away from Joeri reluctantly and wiping her cheeks.
"I'm sorry to interrupt, but..." Bridget clasped her hands in front of her and looked down. "Master Bertrand is downstairs, Miss. He says he wants to speak with you."
The blood drained out of Vivian's face but she had the presence of mind to nod. "I'll...I'll be down in a few minutes," she said quietly. Bridget nodded and left.
Joeri frowned thoughtfully and glanced over at Vivian. "Perhaps now is your chance to convince him to change his mind," he said gently.
Vivian dried her eyes on the hem of her shift and nodded. "Will you wait for me up here?" she asked, swinging her legs up over the side of the bed and getting up slowly. Her body was stiff and her back ached dully, but Vivian stood between Joeri's knees and hugged him. "I think I should talk to him alone, is all."
"As you wish," he replied. "In the meantime, I suppose I will unpack."
Vivian kissed his forehead and slipped out to put on a very simple cotton dress and brush her hair.***
Bertrand was waiting downstairs in the parlour, and at the familiar sound of Vivian's bare feet on the floor he turned around. The first thing he noticed was that Amelia had been right - Vivian was looking thinner and tired. His heart bled a little more.
"Hello," he said softly.
Vivian gave him a tight-lipped smile and sat down in an armchair, and Bert took a seat.
"Why are you here?" she asked him tersely, not meaning to be snippy but also unable to help her tone. He was the one who had told her to stay away and she'd been well on her way to making peace with that. Now he was here and she was thrown back into the misery she'd felt the night he'd told her to get out of his family's life.
"I..." Bert sighed and hung his head.
"Amelia said she saw you a little while ago at McCann's," he began again, "and I...I wanted to see how you were doing."
Vivian frowned. "That was ages ago, practically," she said bluntly.
"Well, it's not exactly been an easy choice, you know," Bertrand snapped. "Goddammit, Vivian, I come over here to see you - can't you at least respect that?"
Vivian bit her lip and looked away from him, and said nothing.
((You can post whatever Joeri's doing, JiMei, otherwise this is gonna be LOOOONG...))
((Oh, I'll post a snippet and you can have that long chat.))He left as she changed and went into the blue room. Opening the suitcase, the book of sonnets sat on the very top and he placed it in the gap on the Shakespeare shelf. Then, Joeri proceeded to unpack everything, praying that whatever was going on between Vivian and Bertrand would be resolved at last, one way or another.
She put the hat on at a jaunty angle. "How do I look? And yes, he's a very good friend of Geoffrey's. They met at a Kaylock event, naturally -" she rolled her eyes - "and he's been floating in and out of all our Kaylock-Northby lives ever since. He invents things and experiments with robotic animals."