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Post by Ladorak on Dec 12, 2009 0:59:44 GMT -5
"I...." the meerkat paused now when she asked if he wanted her to never leave his side again. Well that would be nice wouldn't it? After all she could get to know his family, and he might even consider taking her on this expedition once he learned the greater details of it. There were still some kinks to work out....such as dealing with the fact that they'd lost a child before they were even married,
He swallowed that pit however, refusing to let it drag him down. They would just have to move past this. Deal with it. So she hadn't just abandoned him because she hadn't cared. He had never been fully sure. Well her father couldn't reach her here. Boneparte had too many supporters on this island, and he would have the full use of the National Guard to protect both himself and Val.
"Well yes....I think I woudl like that." He said finally, hints of a smile spreading across his face. He couldn't allow himself to be fully sucked in by this, but for now he could just let this happen for what it was. He had seen an awful lot this year, and was glad to be heading home to try and clear his head and get a better perspective on everything.
"The trek is going to be about two days....I know since you just traveled that way. We'll traveling with most of my battalion, as I'll be bringing them down to the sea for the winter as well as to train them once the weather gets a bit better. I'll be glad to be away from here.....away from Pascale." a shiver went up the meerkat's spine at the mention of the head of the island, and his somewhat mentor. The sooner he distanced himself from him....the better.
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Post by jaydjasmyn on Dec 14, 2009 12:36:30 GMT -5
~Val
Val was happy to see him smile. It warmed her heart and he must have been able to see it written on her face. But no matter how much it warmed her heart she wanted him to be the one to make a move toward her next time. What happened really wasn't her fault. She was just trying to protect him. Val loved him.
She nodded when he was all through. The journey back would probably be easier then the journey here by herself. "That sounds like a plan. I look forward to getting to know your family better, especially since mine is pretty dysfunctional right now. Eventually I will have to try and contact my mother and my sister Viviana. I'm worry about them." The femme kat tried to smile.
Val moved toward her bag, where she sat it and then held it up to Boneparte. "Where would you like me to put my things and where would you like me to sleep?" She would let it up to him. Surely after everything she thought that he wouldn't want her to be in the same tent as him.
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Post by Ladorak on Dec 15, 2009 14:44:14 GMT -5
Shaking his head, he checked the sun's position, judging the time of day. "Don't bother, we aren't staying here any longer. I must be off to Ahachio. I need to get my troops down there for the holidays and also to prepare for the expedition. There's no time to lose I'm afraid." he said, going back into his tent and throwing on his overcoat and making sure that it was buttoned and on straight.
Moving hurriedly back outside again, he blew into his whistle and summoned his troops out of their leisurely activities. "Let's go boys! Form up!" he called, mounting a horse that had been designated as his own and riding it over to the assembling beasts. Riding back and forth as he waited patiently for his unit to gather, Boneparte eyed them with precision, counting the seconds off in his head for how long it took them to gather.
Not quick enough. He had measured them up to his unit in Rosferia, and the Rosferians were by far better organized and better drilled. That did not bode well for the future if they were ever going to throw off Rosferian rule.
"Troops." he addressed them the minute they were all together. "I have good news and some bad news. The good news is that we will be spending the holidays in Ahachio....the bad news is that we'll be mounting an expedition against our neighboring island to the south. I know many of you view them as our fellow meerkats, and that we are all one and the same, but it has been ordered and we must oblige this order. Try and relax in Ahachio, and see your families. You will all be given leaves of absence until it is time to depart. We will be cooperating with Rosferian forces that will be dispatched from the mainland to aid our effort. They will rendezvous with us at Ahachio. So then...battalion!" Drawing his sword, the meerkat held it in front of him, before waving it to the west. "Forward....MARCH!"
Turning to their right, his unit began to trek off along the twisty mountain road. Spurring his horse back to Val, he looked down at her, smiling. "Ms. Val, can you ride horseback, or would you prefer a carriage?" He asked as his troops shuffled past.
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Post by jaydjasmyn on Dec 16, 2009 13:43:00 GMT -5
This was all a bit sudden. Val wasn't expecting to go back this soon but it was fine by her. She looked forward to sleeping in a real bed with a real pillow beneath her head. The kat-tess watched Bone in action. He seemed born to do what he's doing now.
Soon they were all marching out. Bone returned to Val as she was walking. He asked her if she wanted a mount or if she'd prefer a carriage. Val smiled up at him, thinking how tall his horse was. Indeed she knew how to ride but for now she just preferred to walk. "Walking if fine by me for now. Perhaps later I will have you get me a horse... One that is kind and gentle?" The femme laughed and sauntered on, throwing her bag into the nearest wagon.
It should be a thrilling adventure toward home, or what she could call the closest thing to home that she has anymore. Val was slightly saddened when she thought about how she doesn't even have a house or her own kitchen. She was beginning to miss her home back on the plantation.
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Post by Ladorak on Dec 17, 2009 19:52:13 GMT -5
A frown creased his features, and his brow furrowed as she said walking would be fine for her for now. Looking down at her, the meerkat nodded. "Suit yourself Ms. Val, but I will insist on you riding at least part of the way by the time we begin entering the mountains. There is much hardy walking to be done on Personza, and you may have to get used to it after a bit."
He kept his horse always present though, either by her side, or in sight, riding behind her. The weather stayed good for their voyage, and it took only two days to march over the mountains the peaceful, seaside village of Ahachio. It was built right into the landscape, and was almost sort of tropic, even for this time of year. The weather was mild, being in the mid to low 50s. They did get snow from time to time when the temperature dropped, but that would be closer to Christmas.
A surprise was awaiting them as they neared the town. Anchored off the port were four Rosferian warships, many troop transports and numerous small frigates and corvettes. From the looks of it the big warships were three 74 gunners and one 80 gunner, which was clearly the flagship. Their names were painted proudly on their sides. "Thunderer" for the 80 gun flagship, "Apollo", "Centaur", and "Commerce of Bordo" was etched on the three 74s.
It was a forest of masts and rigging, and bustling activity could be seen on the transports as Rosferian troops prepared to go to shore. "Well, well, it seems the Rosferian Navy has impeccable timing. I only hope my troops don't take too ill at their arrival. Well Val..." he rode his horse back to where she was, in a small carriage he'd managed to procure for her. "We're here. How was the trip? Hopefully not too taxing."
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Post by jaydjasmyn on Dec 21, 2009 14:50:12 GMT -5
It was quite the trip Val had to admit. But at the same time it was rather wonderful. This time she didn't have to worry about being alone because she had the protection of Bone and his beasts. Much more relaxed this time was she. And the best part was that she could keep an eye on Bone. He was almost always in her sight. This reassured her.
The days passed quickly and soon enough Bone was asking her how she felt the trip was. "The trip was lovely but I'm glad to be here. Thank you Mr. Boneparte for my safe and comfortable journey." Val grinned up at him as she was throwing the blanket off of her lap. Indeed she was eager to get off of this carriage.
As she stood up in the carriage she noted the ships that Boneparte seemed to be talking about. At first she didn't understand but when she saw them with her own eyes she did. Val wasn't a military beast. She wasn't quite sure what was going on. She looked to Bone and then back out to sea. It was clear that she was quite confused.
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Post by Ladorak on Dec 22, 2009 14:25:44 GMT -5
"Oh them? They're just warships from the port city we sailed from to get here, Toluse remember? Rosferia is going to be attacking our neighboring island to the south....and we'll be cooperating with them....as much as I disagree with it." They were all meerkats on that southern island as well, and it felt wrong to be attacking his brethren...yet at the same time he was fast losing faith in his mentor as well. Pascale was acting erratically, and seemed to be drifting into the royalist camp but why!? He wanted Personza to be independent right?
"At any rate they're slotted for the attack on Brayleen island. They should be sending troops ashore.....I just hope my volunteers won't start trouble with them. We don't....traditionally get along well with Rosferians....yourself included." he said, smirking at her in a good mannered way and giving her a poke on her arm.
"At any rate I'd better go greet their commanding officer when he steps ashore. And...I've got to head back to Corte at some point to pick up Pascale and his nephew....ugh....his nephew is going to be my superior officer...and I've never even met the individual. Sounds more like favoritism to me....anyways let's get you down to my house." he said, kicking his horse in the flanks and moving it down into the snow. A heavy snowfall had blanketed Ahachio and covered it in glistening white drifts. It was heavier than anything Boneparte could remember in his youth. Unusual too, as this place could be quite tropic in the summer.
************
Trudging through the snow covered streets to his house, Boneparte alighted from his horse and started clearing a path to the front steps of his house. His house was three stories, stone with many windows on the exterior. The interior was lavish and denoted the Lantzer family's minor noble status...and yet it was deceptive too as the family was quite poor now, and Boneparte was the sole working male in his family.
A tall male meerkat met him at the door, grinning as he embraced his younger brother warmly. "Boneparte! It's good to see you again!"
"Joseph..it's good to be home." Boneparte responded back. "Joseph I'm sure you've met Valeata from her stay here before, but at any rate Valeata Mist this is my older brother by 1 year Joseph." Joseph Lantzer looked similar to Boneparte, was slightly taller but not quite as fit. He was 24, Boneparte was 23. Joseph was close to turning 25 however, as his birthday was next month.
"Here let me help you." Boneparte went back to the carriage to make sure Val could get down alright.
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Post by valeatavivianamist on Jan 1, 2010 12:24:42 GMT -5
~Valeata
Val never understood military and nothing that went along with it really, likely because it never interested her in the least. But at any rate Boneparte seemed to be into it and she was just hoping that he was happy. And so Val laughed when he stated that they usually don't get along with Rosferians. She then shrugged her slender shoulders, completely glad that Bone got along with her. It would be a very rocky relationship if he were bias like others here.
While they toured toward his house Val was grinning the whole time. The snow was just lovely. She watched Bone as he began to clear the walkway and especially so when his older brother came out and gave Bone a hug. It was nice to see such a loving family. Part of the femme was really jealous of that. It's at times like these she really misses her twin sister and anyone else in her family aside from her father.
Eagerly Val allowed Bone to help her down. Yes indeed she met Joseph before and she just couldn't get over how similar the two brothers looked, even though Val was still one-hundred percent in favor with Boneparte. To her he was the best looking male she's ever seen. Still though the kat-tess was very warm with Joseph. She approached him and smiled, holding out her paw for him to shake while she kept an arm linked into Bone's "It's good to see you again Joseph. This time I am feeling much better." Val laughed. It's apparent that she likes feeling better.
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Post by Ladorak on Jan 5, 2010 20:23:44 GMT -5
Joseph kissed her paw, but only in a polite manner, knowing of course that this fine specimen of a meerkat was with his brother, and he respected that. He was too busy with worrying about where he might secure work to think about romance right now. His brother had made quite the choice though in Valeata MIst, Joseph could say that.
Opening the door for the two of them, Joseph stood aside to allow Boneparte to pass into the house with his fiancee on his arm. Their house was opulent and splendid inside, very richly furnished, and did nothing to betray the family's rather bad financial straits. They had bought all of these things after Boneparte's miserly uncle had died and left them a small fortune, but that money was almost dry now.
Rich carpeting stretched away to several chairs and tables in what was a lounge. Most of Boneparte's family was inside. There was the lean, serious looking 17 year old Lucien, who's arms were folded across his chest and a scowl was upon his face, though mostly one of deep thought. Lucien argued the most with Boneparte, but that's only because he could get jealous sometimes of his brother's accomplishments. When worse came to worst he was still family, and would defend Boneparte if needed.
Then there was the 16 year old Elisa, whom Val had already met. A beauty with a sharp tongue and almost tomboy attitude towards things. 14 year old Louis was rather handsome for a meerkat his age and was a popular females' favorite in town, though his carefree attitude and whiny disposition made him an oddity in the Lantzer family.
On a chair sat 12 year old Pauline, who looked as if she might be a contended for most beautiful female in the Lantzer family....when she grew up that is. Right now her features were dainty, but had a lot of potential to bloom into grace and charm.
Sitting in a corner playing a recorder flute was the musically adept youngest sister, 11 year old Caroline. She was shy and introverted, unlike her year older sister, who was extroverted and talkative. Pauline felt much more comfortable playing her instruments than socializing.
Finally, screaming his head off and stomping through the house, was Boneparte's youngest brother and the spoiled brat of the family, 8 year old Jerome. Boneparte's mother spoiled him rotten, and gave him everything he wanted. He'd wail and cry and scream if he didn't get his way, and was proving to be a real armful and the only member of his family whom Boneparte did not really like. Maybe when he matured a bit he'd be better, but for right now Boneparte considered Jerome absolutely useless.
Boneparte's mother was following Jerome through the house, trying to quiet him. "Sorry about the noise." Boneparte muttered as Jerome ran out of the room, closely pursued by his mother. "I honestly can't see how that child thinks he can get away with all of that....though of course mother doesn't help things." He said, rolling his eyes.
"Good to see you again Valeata was it?" asked Elisa as they went by her, the female giving her older brother a wave from the chair she was sitting in. Lucien's serious features creased a bit as he smiled and gave his brother a nod.
"Good to see you brother."
"You too Lucien." Boneparte said by way of greeting. "So yeah....the whole Lantzer family is here." he said to Val at his side. "Would you like to set your room up? I need to head down to the docks to greet the incoming troops but I can wait if you need some time. I know my family can be a bit of a pawful at times." he said, chuckling lowly as he gave waves to everyone in the room.
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Post by valeatavivianamist on Jan 6, 2010 12:15:53 GMT -5
~Val
Even though Val had considered herself already spoken for she did still blush when Bone's brother kissed her paw. He was a very pleasant sort of fellow to say the least, and very friendly as well. Joseph was polite, allowing the couple to pass through the doorway before himself. Val nodded in appreciation.
Immediately upon entrance Val took mental note of how beautiful the house was. She could see why they wished to hang onto it and to keep it in the family. Eventually she was hoping to help with that, though she hadn't said anything of the sort to Boneparte as of yet.
After passing by the entire family, nodding, curtsying and shaking paws they ended up at Lucien, the final member of the family. She could sense something amiss between the two brothers. Valeata smiled quaintly, as always hoping to gain the family members favor. Indeed she had many eyes upon her since she was rather unique and beautiful. Val had a sort of exotic look about her, not to mention the elegant aura that oozed from her very being.
"So yeah....the whole Lantzer family is here." Valeata giggled as she took a tighter grip upon Boneparte's arm. "Your family is quite lovely." Val knew that not all members would get along but when push came to shove blood always won. She also sensed that Bone might be the closest with Joseph. Val could see why. He was rather pleasant to be around.
"Would you like to set your room up? I need to head down to the docks to greet the incoming troops but I can wait if you need some time. I know my family can be a bit of a pawful at times." Val shyly looked around as he said this. Eventually her orbs waved back up to his. "Do you wish to take me along with you? If you do I could work on my room later. If that's fine with you?" Val had butterflies in her stomach. She wanted to stay near to Bone if she could.
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