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[Claudette]

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Claudette found herself at the Freehold yet again. It was one of her favorite spots and she seemed to always find good friends there. This time as she walked in, Hugh, Heather, Vaen and Brianha sat there and Hugh as usual was entertaining everyone. She sat and listened to his songs but couldn’t help noticing that Vaen seemed lost in thought. She knew something bad had happened but new enough to not press the issue. Perhaps soon he would talk to her about it. They had been there for each other before and she considered him a good friend. Although they always picked on each other, when push came to shove they cared for each other and she at least hoped he knew she would always be there for him as a friend.

She then looked at Brianha. Her cousin was busy paying attention to the conversation and as Claudette watched her, it dawned on her that Bri had changed so much since her accident. It seemed that they had become a lot more distant and their relationship just wasn’t the same as it used to be. Claudette understood that there was a lot that Brianha had to deal with and that perhaps she did not notice how long it had been since they had had one of their heart to hearts. Claudette missed confiding in her cousin and hoped this strangeness that had wedged itself between them would soon disappear. She decided to join the game they had decided to play. It was called Truth or Dare and everyone seemed to be having a good time.

She was glad and a bit surprised to see Melior there and asked him to join them. He was always a gentleman and she enjoyed his company. Although he seemed a bit nervous about playing the game, she thought him charming for even trying and being a good sport about it. Vaen still didn’t look like he was enjoying himself, and soon he and Brianha excused themselves for the evening. Maggy was there as well and Claudette enjoyed teasing her about Nicodemus. She knew they were deeply in love and was glad for them.

It amazed Claudette how a single person could change things so much. One minute she was laughing and enjoying herself and then the next minute it seemed to all end abruptly as she caught sight of Drayden. She glanced at him quickly but just the mere sight of him caused her pain and so she averted her eyes. He didn’t even seem to acknowledge her and sat down at a different table. Melior had noticed her change of mood and due to a previous conversation, knew that Drayden was the man Claudette had spoken to him about. It angered Melior to see Claudette so upset and sad and at one point might have even said something to Drayden if Claudette didn’t beg him not to start anything.

A woman soon joined Drayden. Claudette did not recognize her at first glance and as she watched the two, she felt an ache deep within her soul. Had he moved on to someone else? She thought. Could he not at least give her an explanation? Why was he not even acknowledging her? Thoughts plagued her mind as she watched the two leave the tavern. She watched Drayden walk by and again noticed how he wouldn’t even look at her. Melior was very sensitive to her emotions and asked if she was okay. She told him she’d be fine and tried to hide the pain and anguish in her face. She told him it would be best if she just retired for the evening and he insisted on seeing her home safe.

Once they had arrived at her home, Melior spoke to her of how upsetting it was for him to see her so sad. He was angry with Drayden and spoke of his rudeness. “If he cares for you so, why didn’t he come to comfort you?” Melior had asked. Claudette did not know the answer to that. She tried so hard to be strong and to hold back the tears in front of Melior. She had promised herself she would not shed any more tears over Drayden but the pain was too much and her eyes could not contain the salty liquid.

Melior delicately wiped her tears away and tried to comfort her. She hugged him and allowed herself to cry. Melior went on to tell her that all he wanted for her was happiness and that he hoped she would get an answer from Drayden soon. He spoke of what a fool Drayden was and said that were it he in his shoes, he would never let Claudette go. As he spoke, Claudette took comfort in his words and realized just how much he cared for her. She was taken aback when he whispered something into her ear. “I love you,” he had said simply. Claudette was overwhelmed with emotion and Melior knew that she could not reciprocate his sentiment. He kissed her and Claudette kissed him back and then abruptly backed off. She did not know if she was kissing him out of need for comfort and did not want to complicate things even more. “I think we need to stop here,” she uttered. Melior nodded and smiled at her. He was not upset or angry and he understood that she needed answers from Drayden. Melior had pledged to always protect her and care for her, no matter who she chose to be with in the end. She felt lucky to have someone who cared for her so much and thanked him for being so understanding.

After Melior left, Claudette readied herself for bed and stretched out on her bed. She thought about Drayden and the woman he had been sitting with. Anger and sadness filled her heart again. She hugged her pillow tight and cried into it until it was soaked with her tears. Exhausted she finally fell into a deep sleep.
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[Joanna Weaver]

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When he had arrived at the Freehold, his day brightened considerably at the sight of Claudette, smiling. She was laughing at some thick-accented fellow's joke. As usual, Melior almost forgot anyone else was in the room, but that would not have been polite.

He remembered his manners and said hello to everyone. He was invited to sit and join them in their game. He had never heard of this game, Truth or Dare. It sounded questionable, but he gave it a chance, anyway.

They had been having a fun time of it, even with the curious fellow who sat beside him in the captain's hat, when a drowish man came in and sat across the room. Melior would not have noticed, if Claudette's face had not fallen. He sensed her distress, and sent his gaze to where hers landed. She was watching the drowish man.

"That is him, the man I told you about," she said, sadly.

Melior was immediately angered at her sorrow, for this man was acting as if she didn't exist at all. Was he blind to how she felt for him? A woman came in and sat beside the man. They seemed overly familiar, as if old lovers. Melior was on the verge of approaching them, when Claudette asked him to not speak to the man. Melior obeyed her wishes.

He always would, unless it would truly harm her. But, it pained him to see her hurt. Even her slightest frown pulled at Melior's heart. How could the fellow avoid her on the pretense of needing space, and yet flaunt another woman in front of her? And then to leave with the other woman, as well?

It was all Melior could do to hold his anger in check. Calm, he told himself. There is naught to be gained by getting angry. Not at this injustice.

He walked Claudette home that evening. He did his best to cheer her. He saw the need to cry upon her face, heard it in her voice. He pulled her close in a hug, and she let loose all the raging emotions and bitter tears she had held inside. Tenderly, he whispered to her words of reassurance.

"I love you."

She seemed surprised.. but for so long he had been telling her, just not in those words. He wondered how she could be oblivious to what seemed so obvious to everyone else. How could she not see it in his eyes? he could only smile in wonder at her innocence.

They shared a kiss, one that caused him to feel guilty. It was heaven. How he could not stop the pull he had felt to kiss her! But damned if she didn't need that closeness right then. He left her shortly afterward, contemplating many things.

He fervently hoped for Claudette's sake, that Drayden would finally summon the manhood to figure his mind out.
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"Art and architecture must combine to create something larger than either." ~ Robert Campbell