All that was (Henri and Helene)

[nathanielredenei]

[atrb=border,0,true] [/style][style=width: 450px; background-color: ffffff; text-align:center; padding: 8px; line-height: 10px; font-family: verdana; font-size: 9px; color: 000000;][style=background-image:url(http://i49.tinypic.com/11kea2v.jpg); width: 252px; height: 138px; float: left; margin-top:10px;] WHEN'S IT GONNA END, HOW WE GONNA LIVE, SOMETHIN'S GOTTA HAPPEN NOW, SOMETHIN'S GOTTA GIVE [/style][style=width: 252px; height: 26px; float: left; margin-top:10px] made by historyofus of caution Nathaniel's father had deteriorated to an even worse state, it was remarkable that he, had even lasted this long at all. The once strong and proud man had been fading away year after year ever since his wife's death, and Nathaniel could do nothing but watch. Jean Re Danei could barely even pick up a pen any more, most of his days were relegated to the sick bed, the doctor's had said many a time that his teaching days were over, Nate scoffed at The Doctors, it was common sense and as plain as day. It was also obvious that his father had only a few years left in him, at a guess Nathaniel would say three at best, the doctors would say two, they were very wrong in Nathaniel's mind, his father was still strong enough. Nathaniel's love for his father had dried out years ago when he had to start looking after himself, okay his father had tried but, in his mind children was the death of his wife. He was right of course but it was not Nathaniel's fault and never would be and actually it was the two that ended up dying that really broke and killed his mother. Nathaniel was resolved not to dwell on this, there was no point it was just one simple fact of his life, that he would be the last person, that he knew of in his family. His father was the sole remaining adult in his life, with his death everything would be Nathaniel's. Not that it was something that Nathaniel wanted, no he was thinking mainly of other things, yes he was from a rich family but he never felt the need for it. It could certainly help him in the long run but considering it was not earned and there were people, starving and begging on the streets who need this more than him. Should he give it to them? Yes but then if I kept it I could use the money in other ways to help them overall. This was one dilemma that Nathaniel found himself faced with, there was however another dilemma. This dilemma was one he was facing right now at this very moment. Nathaniel stood on the very edge of the Fontainbleau forest, he was in a deliberative stance, not entirely sure on what road he wanted to take. It was early morning earlier than Nathaniel usually cared to get up, Nate knew that while they need not meet now that his friend Henri would be up, it was before the birdsong after all. They usually met though just after the birdsong, as Nate found it easier to do so then than now, actually his being awake now, Nate was sure would be a surprise to Henri. This dilemma that Nathaniel was facing, was both matters of the heart, one of friendship and one of love, he was trying to decide on weather he should go see his lost love Adeleia and her daughter, they would appreciate the surprise he was sure of that, but then Adeleia's eyes hurt Nate so much, they were cruel but gentle eyes, the eyes that had let him go and turned to the man she was with now. Many times for Nate it hurt to think about it, he was more in love with her than he she ever was with him, and while he never noticed it at the time, apparently as Henri had told him afterwards and had apparently been trying to tell him, it was glaringly obvious. Being with her was consolation enough for him it was nice to be involved in her life still with her daughter Vanessa, he was even considered her uncle something he had not expected. He was deeply moved by this act, an act that had happened only days ago. What was better it had been on his birthday a special present to him, for not only apparently understanding but being a good kind and loving friend. The last part's of her words were like a dagger in his heart, he could almost feel the old steel at that very moment. Turning around the face the woods, Nathaniel smiled softly to himself, it was as if his hear and head, had already made his mind up for him. Right now his friendship was more important than that of a lost love, a friend who was most likely either beyond those trees or making his way up to the forest right now. The Edge of the forest was their usual meeting place. Adeleia would have to wait, what was a heartache to years of friendship? she would always have a place in his heart but Henri well Henri was and would always be apart of Nate, no matter. during all this deliberating an idea had struck the young lads mind, a very late birthday trick that Nate owed his friend Henri from a few months back when his last trick had been thwarted at Henri's own birthday, he had never said anything but he was certainly going to try and accomplish it and this plan was a lot more simpler than what he had tried last time. The last one had been complicated and had too many holes to exploit, it did not help that Henri knew him rather well, and all those factors had been the undoing of the friendly trick. Nates face was that of a boyish smirk and he gave a quick glance at his surroundings, his legs ached, he had been standing too long deep in his thoughts, it was cold, not windy but the usual gentle breeze held in it a biting cold. The boy rubbed his hands together and jumped from the stone he was standing on, it did not look like Henri was coming towards the woods at least yet he might be in the trees or forest somewhere already doing a few things before meeting with him either way Nathaniel needed to be quick. Which he was with simple ease he ran over to nearby tree and settled himself down next to it closing eyes and feigning sleep, deep sleep. he kept his ears alert for any signs of anyone approaching or a familiar voice.

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[HENRI ROQUEFEUIL-BLANQUEFORT]

It was a clear, pleasant day, and Henri covered the distance almost without realizing it. The sun was warm despite the day's chill, beating down on his back. He thought, belatedly now that he was nearly into the forest, that he should have brought something for a meal later in the day. He had learned as a small boy how to make fires in the woods and cook things on them, but that prospect had not entered his head for the day's activities until he had long since left the house—and its kitchens—behind.

He shivered when the wind picked up into another gust, catching even under the collar of his overcoat so that he pulled it closer around himself. He hastened his steps, anxious to get into the protection of the forest. There it might be cold, and the wind would still blow—but not so fiercely, with the trees to protect him.

Nathaniel was supposed to meet him there, but even as he approached the edge of the forest Henri did not see him. That was normal enough—it was difficult for them to time their arrivals perfectly, and even if Henri was running a bit late it was entirely possible that his friend was running later yet. It would be good when snow finally fell, he thought; it would allow him to see much more clearly if anyone had been through the area.

Finally entering the treeline, he still saw no immediate evidence of his friend. He would just have to wait a bit, unless he'd walked off somewhere else. Even then, this was their customary meeting place—and had been for years. He doubted that Nathaniel would go off to a different point without a good reason, and everything in the forest seemed perfectly peaceful.

Leaning his back against a tree, Henri decided the best option was to wait. He let his mind drift into daydreams and then, quite abruptly, noticed a foot.

A foot in familiar footwear. So he was sitting on the ground and hadn't said a thing—that was strange, but Henri couldn't bring himself to be concerned. Straightening back up, he walked toward his friend—sprawled against the tree, apparently sound asleep.

He poked him with the toe of his boot.

[nathanielredenei]

[atrb=border,0,true] [/style][style=width: 450px; background-color: ffffff; text-align:center; padding: 8px; line-height: 10px; font-family: verdana; font-size: 9px; color: 000000;][style=background-image:url(http://i49.tinypic.com/11kea2v.jpg); width: 252px; height: 138px; float: left; margin-top:10px;] WHEN'S IT GONNA END, HOW WE GONNA LIVE, SOMETHIN'S GOTTA HAPPEN NOW, SOMETHIN'S GOTTA GIVE [/style][style=width: 252px; height: 26px; float: left; margin-top:10px] made by historyofus of caution He had heard the footsteps guessing it was Henri but kept quiet and still having well-rehearsed this before now, he was just hoping that his friend did not guess what was going on, it would ruin his whole fun. Then again at times both of them had pretended not to notice something when they did actually notice something, it was another way to keep the fun alive. Nathaniel decided if Henri felt it was more fun to not go along with him then Nate would be able to have some fun out of it as well, either ways parts of Nate's trick might actually work so the fun would be there and Henri might be able to get some fun out of it certainly. Another plus any fun would stop any depressing thoughts Nathaniel had from entering his mind, well he hoped at least. He waited for his friend to come nearer trying not to give anything away, like the fact that he was actually awake, no the young lad knew how to keep up appearances, just as he did at home with his father, it was rather simple to be honest. So yes Nathaniel stayed looking like he was peacefully sleeping when he was in fact not, it would certainly fool most people, but not always Henri, would today be the day it would finally fool Henri on that account. When he felt Henri poke him he still did not move choosing to pick his moment, more through guess work than anything , any moment now Henri would think of a different way to wake Nathaniel up, so Nathaniel would have to quickly get to work before Henri could. Maybe his friend had turned around, maybe he had not either way hopefully it would surprise him and like he had decided speed here was key. He Made a small movement grabbing straightaway for Henri’s leg, not as bad to trip him up, though not sure if he got him or not he still looked up “got you.” It would have be remained to be seen if he had actually got him or not, his eyes were still adjusting to having been closed for a time even if he had not been asleep. (Im sorry but this as quite Rubbish)

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[HENRI ROQUEFEUIL-BLANQUEFORT]

Was he sleeping or was he faking? The doubt flashed quickly through Henri's mind, but his friend looked rather convincingly asleep. So sleeping it was... Henri wondered what had compelled Nate to not only sit down on the rather cold ground, but then to fall asleep there.

The thought came to him that he had more reasons to regret not bringing something to eat later on. The temptation would have been there to try pouring wine on Nathaniel's head, though Henri didn't think he would have actually gone to that point even if he'd had the bottle of wine to do it with. It would be hard to wash out if his friend was trying to sneak about.

Technically, they were both grown men. In practice, Henri knew that was hardly the case for himself at least. It often seemed so for Nate, too, and he wondered if it was something all young men of their age and rank experienced or simply coincidence. Growing up on a country estate had limited his contact with other boys his own age, though he had, of course, had friends—Nate was an example of that.

Slightly impatient at the lack of effect the nudge with his toe had, Henri sighed and glanced away, looking for a suitable stick with which to prod him. There was bound to be one around, though he preferred something that didn't branch in ten directions and still have dried leaves attached to it—and certainly didn't want something half-rotted, either. He pivoted slightly in place, scanning his surroundings for the bets candidate.

No sooner had he turned that one tiny bit, and he felt Nate's fingers wrap around his ankle. Even though he knew exactly what had happened, he jumped anyway. He wondered idly if anyone could help being startled at things like that. The quick fright fell away as fast as it came on, and he laughed.

“Sneak! You actually got it to work that time!” His words were divided by his laughter, and he sat down heavily beside his friend, disregarding the cold. “Have a good 'nap'?” He said it so that it was obvious he knew Nate hadn't actually been sleeping, now that the trick had been played.

[HELENE DE ROCHAMBEAU]

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A sigh escaped Helene’s lips, as her dark eyes scanned the small garden she had been confined to, in the grounds of her father’s estate. Her governess -after incessantly complaining that the weather was doing her no good- had retired back into the house. She had given Helene ten more minutes to play, before her music lesson was to start. She was being tested on her perception of time, but Helene had already become distracted. She had discovered if she stood on her tip-toes, she could just about reach the lowest branch of the big oak tree that grew inside the estate walls.

Reaching up she pulled herself onto the first branch, pausing for a moment to revel in her accomplishment. Taking another deep breath she continued to climb, pausing only to check her governess had not spotted her from the music room window. She pulled herself across a thick branch that stretched out over the estate wall; there was another tree branch just below it. Positioning herself carefully on the edge of the branch she, swung down to it, catching her day dress on a piece of bark.

‘Darn!’ she cursed, inspecting the small hole in her petticoat, she could only hope her governess wouldn’t notice and she could perhaps mend it. Brushing herself off, she gazed around taking a few wobbly steps forward. She could not believe she was outside of the estate and perfectly alone to enjoy the countryside by herself. She quickly started for the edge of the forest, it wasn’t too far from her estate, and she often gazed at it from her window, imagining what wonderful places it held.

Making her way through the trees she paused to pick some wild flowers, chaining them together she made herself a necklace that she placed around her neck. Pleased with her efforts she carried on exploring, she knew she would be missed, but held little concern for the repercussions. She was so caught up by the beauty of the forest around her, that she never heard the voices that drifted her way on the cold wind. Her dark hair was tied casually back in a ponytail, although there were several lose strands, as a result of her adventure-climbing the tree. She was only fifteen years of age, and just beginning to mature, although her face was still round and childlike, there were hints of adulthood in the slight narrowing of her cheekbones.

Several things happened next, one moment she was floating along looking at the plants around her. The next, she felt something tugging at her foot, looking down she saw her boot was caught in a loose tree root. Before she had the chance to rectify the situation, she found herself hurtling through the air landing flat on her face in a pile of leaves and moss. For a moment she didn’t move, the shock of the fall had partially winded her as she assessed there was no major harm done to herself. Unless you counted her pride of course...at least, she thought as she slowly began to stand up. No one had seen her fall. It was then she realised she was not alone.

‘Cripes’ she muttered to herself, angry at her mistake.

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template by tippy of caution.

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[nathanielredenei]

[atrb=border,0,true] [/style][style=width: 450px; background-color: ffffff; text-align:center; padding: 8px; line-height: 10px; font-family: verdana; font-size: 9px; color: 000000;][style=background-image:url(http://i49.tinypic.com/11kea2v.jpg); width: 252px; height: 138px; float: left; margin-top:10px;] WHEN'S IT GONNA END, HOW WE GONNA LIVE, SOMETHIN'S GOTTA HAPPEN NOW, SOMETHIN'S GOTTA GIVE [/style][style=width: 252px; height: 26px; float: left; margin-top:10px] made by historyofus of caution It was a good thing that both Nathaniel and Henri where friends and knew each other well, otherwise he would never of been able to get away with it. Not that he had expected to not get away with it, that's the point. As long as there was no malicious intent, there was no need to do anything back, to a certain extent the friends could do just about anything without it looking bad or wrong. While it was a good idea to think about the feelings and thoughts of the other, they did not have to be as careful as they would with others. He Laughed along with Henri as he stood up dusting himself off a little, not surprised that Henri had jumped, it would of bean he guesed that just about anyone would of jumped in those circumstances. "Yeah, this was better than my party idea you saw through that one straight away." Nate mentioned still grinning rather like an idiot, then smirked "Oh yes I'm feeling very refreshed," he stretched for effect then rested against the tree, just listening to the quite of the forest. "Who knew the ground was so comfortable you should try it some time," he gave Henri a slight nudge, before looking up at the clouds and sighing, thinking about how Adeleia was at this moment, what she was up to and how her daughter Vanessa was. He was in the midst of these thoughts when he realized he was most likely wearing a vacant expression, plus he was with Henri, Henri was important right now. He Sighed for a moment then turned to face Henri, before frowning thinking he had heard something a noise coming from within the trees, Most likely one of the early morning birds, come to sing it's song he just shrugged his shoulders at Henri then spoke. "So I think it’s your turn to be the planner of the day," actually Nate would never say it, one because it was obvious but he really liked Henri planning out the day, while Nathaniel was a good planner himself, Henri were a lot more fun his Nate's mind, plus his were bound to be more carefree, not that Nate could not do carefree. "Unless Captain," he did a quick mock salute "the well is dry," he challenged wanting to see if Henri could come up with something big, he stared at him waiting, he most likely would of said something sneaky to provoke him more, being able to get a desired reaction was something Nate was at times good at. Like was said whatever he was going to say was lost in the chaotic whirlwind of what had just happened. It was unexpected certainly, he had expected no one else near the forest at this time of day let alone a...... a girl. Then again Adeleia insisted to join in when she was younger, though they left her out of some things. Is she okay ? maybe she's being chased or is lost ? Either way girl had fallen and might need help even if there was no evidence of any damage, he looked at Henri for a minute, then carefully walked over. "Madame are you all right? Your not hurt are you?" he asked stopping just short not wanting to frighten or annoy the younger girl, one of the reasons he had not asked what she was doing here not yet anyway. He took another look at Henri, frowned for a moment then back at the girl, there was something about her, she was very beautiful and pretty he would give her that, looking back at Henri again he smirked.

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[HENRI ROQUEFEUIL-BLANQUEFORT]

Henri gave Nathaniel a playful shove at the suggestion he sleep on the ground, but the distant look on his friend's face caused him to draw back. There were times when he felt that Nate had grown up more than he had, even though they were both supposed to be adult men now. Perhaps it was his love for Adeleia that had matured him and left Henri behind. Despite his parents' pressure that he find someone to court, Henri had yet to find a young lady he was that interested in.

Most of them struck him as rather boring. He didn't share interests with them, and if he was going to marry a girl he wanted to at least be able to talk to her. But what would most women talk to him about? At least most aristocratic girls that his parents would let him court.

The sudden sound from the trees drew his attention abruptly, and he turned to listen. He hadn't even completely heard Nate's question; even if he had, he wouldn't have answered. He picked up another stick, realizing even as he did so that it would be a rather useless weapon... and something they were unlikely to need anyway. He moved toward the source of the sound as he met Nate's glance.

That it was a girl wasn't so horribly astounding, but it still surprised him. He knew one of the neighboring estates had a daughter... but he didn't think he'd ever met her. This, he thought, must be her—she didn't look like a servant girl or some kind of peasant.

But why was she here, in the forest and closer to his family's estate than her own? Had something bad happened? He'd grown up in the knowledge that bursts of violence would sometimes split the French countryside, and it wasn't impossible that some new conflict had suddenly burst through. He didn't think it had happened, but... the chance was there.

Feeling young and utterly invincible, he half hoped that was the case. He and Nate could both go off to fight, and...

And now that he took a second, better look at the girl, she was beautiful. A bit dirty from her fall, but that didn't detract from her looks. He tried to keep himself from staring, but it was useless. He noticed, then, that his mouth was open and closed it abruptly.

[HELENE DE ROCHAMBEAU]

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Looking back, Helene often commented on the irony of the fall upon meeting Henri. She quite literally had fallen for him, even before she had met him. Helene often marvelled at the fact it took her young heart a while to realise her true feelings for the young man, but their relationship had always been built on their strong friendship. Despite Nathaniel’s good humour Helene, always thought it was her pride, which perhaps had always made her more distant from him, although as time went on she learnt to understand Nathaniel’s motives.

Helene pushed herself slowly up from the ground, her face turning a crimson colour as she saw the first man in front of her. She had never felt more embarrassed in her entire life, her embarrassment doubling when she realised the young man was not alone. It was her misfortune that she had fallen in plain sight of these two men, and even more so when she took in their smart attire, realising that they were from a similar class to her also.

Helene glared at the one who had approached her, feeling flustered she quickly picked herself up off the ground, drawing herself to her full 5ft 4inches, she brushed herself down and folded her arms protectively across her chest. ‘I’m fine’ she retorted snappily sensing the man’s amusement over her little tumble she added, ‘I was simply testing the springiness of moss.’ Helene’s eyes turned on the other man who was further behind the blonde. The first thing that struck Helene was his eyes, they seemed gentle, but there was also a fire behind them that intrigued her. She looked down, embarrassed under the gaze of them both…noticing she was still wearing her make shift flower necklace she awkwardly tried to hide it, but quickly gave up.

Deciding the best defence was offense, she turned the attention upon the two gentlemen, ‘have I stumbled upon a secret meeting?’ She asked, ‘am I in trouble?’ she added teasingly, looking between the two. It was curious that she should have come across the two. Helene had not expect to meet anyone upon her adventure, she had never seen anyone venture into the trees, during her many hours she would gaze out of her window over the forest.

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template by tippy of caution.

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[nathanielredenei]

[atrb=border,0,true] [/style][style=width: 450px; background-color: ffffff; text-align:center; padding: 8px; line-height: 10px; font-family: verdana; font-size: 9px; color: 000000;][style=background-image:url(http://i49.tinypic.com/11kea2v.jpg); width: 252px; height: 138px; float: left; margin-top:10px;] WHEN'S IT GONNA END, HOW WE GONNA LIVE, SOMETHIN'S GOTTA HAPPEN NOW, SOMETHIN'S GOTTA GIVE [/style][style=width: 252px; height: 26px; float: left; margin-top:10px] made by historyofus of caution Nathaniel smiled stepping back a little as she herself stood up, not wanting to invade her personal space, he knew how tetchy some people could get, even more so with young girls, and this was a young girl who must have felt like a total idiot in front of them. While it would be amusing it would do not good to annoy this girl, something about her seemed a little bit different from most well normal girls, of the girls age. He guessed she was around 15 or 17, she certainly was not exceptionally young but you could tell she was a teenager, and she was certainly something to look at, yet one glance at the look on his friends face confirmed something for him he kept quiet though. He does need a distraction, and I do need something to tease him about, the last bit was more of a private joke to himself, he was not serious though some teasing might go on if anything happened, between the two though he was not sure they had only just met after all. Then again weirder things had happened; maybe love at first sight could happen, though he and Ad were never like that. Nathaniel smiled stepping back a little as she herself stood up, not wanting to invade her personal space, he knew how tetchy some people could get, even more so with young girls, and this was a young girl who must have felt like a total idiot in front of them. While it would be amusing it would do no good to annoy this girl, something about her seemed a little bit different from most well normal girls, of the girl’s age. He guessed she was around 15 or 17, she certainly was not exceptionally young but you could tell she was a teenager, and she was certainly something to look at, yet one glance at the look on his friends face confirmed something for him he kept quiet though. He does need a distraction, and I do need something to tease him about, the last bit was more of a private joke to himself, he was not serious , however some teasing might go on if anything happened, between the two though he was not sure they had only just met after all. Then again weirder things had happened; maybe love at first sight could happen, though he and Ad were never like that. He raised an eyebrow at her mention of the springiness of the moss; he very much doubted it, because that just sounded ludicrous. He kept a straight face though and kept watching the small looks that were exchanged between Henri and the Girl. "I see and was the springiness of moss to your satisfaction?" he asked smirking a little though he looked at the manner she stood, protective and cross armed, she even tried to hide the flower necklace she had made, she was very different from most of the females he had ever met, there was something special about her certainly. There was also something about her that was fierce, she was certainly confident, she had after all come across to strange older men, had not turned tail, but had rather gone on the offensive, and he was certainly intrigued by this. She was certainly making an impression on Nathaniel, though he was making a better one on Henri through her looks by the looks of things. He grinned at her teasing though and waited for a minute before responding "Depends on what you consider trouble, though I can't think of any reason why you would be and I certainly can think of better places to hold a secret meeting, where any little girl can stumble upon us." He Replied teasing her somewhat back before then bowing courteously to her not wanting to seem nasty or rude, he may be cold and distant at times but there was no need to be here. Though his bow did feel a little bit too dramatic after what he said. "The name's Nathaniel, and well," he stopped turned to look at Henri and smirked "and the young man staring at you like a puppy is Henri, he's not often like this, you know I can never get him to keep quiet." He winked at Henri before looking back at the girl, "and your name Madame?"

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[HENRI ROQUEFEUIL-BLANQUEFORT]

The girl's quick recovery impressed Henri; he was more used to the complaints of assorted girl cousins who could not fall without a shriek to convince half the world it was a mortal wound. It was, frankly, attractive to see a girl of apparently comparable class who didn't believe it would harm her to walk through the forest.

She was young, though; he couldn't guess her age precisely, but she seemed younger than either of them. This, of course, couldn't surprise him too much—most women their age would already be married off, he supposed. It made him a little glad that he didn't have any sisters, it seemed like watching them be married off would be stressful. Henri knew too many rumors about some of the other young men his age, even if he hadn't met many of them. His father had only very rarely ever taken them to Paris to partake in the city's social life.

Henri couldn't say that disappointed him. He liked the forest, and he didn't think he would care for the city. Most of the things he enjoyed best required the countryside and the freedom of the woods. Of course he'd been taught the necessities for an aristocrat's social life. He could dance passably well and eat at a formal dinner without embarrassing himself.

He thought he might enjoy the dancing a bit more if this girl's apparent spark and sense of adventure was a thing more frequently encountered. At first dancing with the girls at all had been interesting, a chance to be closer to them than daily life permitted—but quickly he'd realized how tedious the dances and conversations could be. Usually, it was the same set of people repeated over and over again, very few of whom did he have the slightest interest in.

But this girl struck him as interesting. He thought to give Nathaniel a playful shrug, let him know that he wanted to strike a more serious tone... but that itself might make the girl find him ridiculous. He wanted to answer the girl's questions, but Nathaniel had already done so—if in a less serious tone than Henri would have liked.

Finally, with a small grin, he decided to address that issue. “I apologize for my friend's... impertinence?” He was amused by it, yes, but there was a twinge of annoyance as well. He wanted to be taken seriously, to look like the adult man he was supposed to be and not the boy he still felt like. “But yes, my name is Henri.”

[HELENE DE ROCHAMBEAU]

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Helene was a well-educated young woman; she had been brought up mainly by her adoptive father. He had made her wise about many things a young woman of her standing may perhaps be unsure of. She still however, found herself frowning at the blonde’s words. She understood that he was making fun of her, and she didn’t appreciate suddenly becoming the butt of his joke. He clearly didn’t understand her dry sense of humour either, as he questioned her further about the moss. She chose to ignore it, instead studying the quieter of the two, who stood reserved and thoughtful in her presence.

Helene had never really thought much about her future, although she knew other young girls her age were being promised to gentlemen, thus securing their futures. Helene tended to live in the moment, and found it difficult to imagine her life a week from now, let alone her future. She feared her future. She was afraid of being caged away and becoming another man’s property. She was much like her mother that way, who had suffered greatly under being confined by her step father due to the local’s views on her. The narrow minded fools, Helene thought...she blamed them for her mother’s early death. Her mother was like a wild bird and should never have been caged. Helene sympathised greatly with her mother, as she herself was spreading her wings and venturing from the nest.

Helene listened wide eyed as the blonde gentleman introduced himself to be Nathaniel, blushing slightly at the implication of his words as she looked back to the gentleman who he had introduced as Henri. She couldn’t help but feel a little uneasy at Nathaniel’s jokes, she understood it was meant in good humour, but she wasn’t used to male attention. She felt better when Henri spoke, wiping away his friends words, which hung awkwardly in the air.

With a smile she acknowledged Henri’s words, inclining her head slightly, ‘Helene’ she said brightly, before pausing and remembering her manners, oh how her governess would have tutted at her! ‘It’s very nice to meet you both’ she rushed, realising that in fact as they hadn’t been formally introduced and the proper etiquette might no longer matter, but to be safe she continued, ‘I’m Lady Helene De Rochambeau…it’s important to give your full name and title…or so I’m told?’ she added, shrugging awkwardly. ‘I always struggled to pay attention to silly things like that’ she rambled, another bad habit she had often been reprimanded for, ‘this forest sure is beautiful, do you both come here often?’ she asked.

Helene could have kicked herself for her foolish ramblings; she was nervous, enchanted and confused, all at the same time. She was enchanted by the beautiful forest, the situation and by the young men that stood before her, but confused by her own thoughts and feelings that raced through her mind. She couldn’t help but sense that this very meeting would change her life forever.

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[HENRI ROQUEFEUIL-BLANQUEFORT]

Henri smiled at the girl's words, almost breaking into a laugh. She was pretty, and her rambling struck him as... endearing. Girlish, but not so properly ladylike as to be boring. He certainly didn't mind it. “Henri Roquefeuil-Blanquefort, then,” he answered with a small smile. “The son of the Vicomte... if it's really that important.” The laughter started to crack through his voice again, and his smile became more certain.

He nodded to her question about the frequency of their visits. The forest was Henri's lifeline, he often felt—whenever formality or boredom or frustration overtook him and he felt like some meaningless, superfluous aristocrat who could read about any problem in the world and do nothing about it, he would take to the woods. There, he found he felt healthier, happier, more alive. The forest felt more like home than the estate itself. “Yes... I love it out here.”

Glancing up to see Nathaniel's response, he noticed he was gone. He shrugged. It wasn't entirely unprecedented behavior for his friend to simply disappear, though it meant he would be spending the next twenty minutes at least expecting to be ambushed and surprised. Or else perhaps he had remembered something he was obligated to do and had to set off back toward his own home. Henri didn't know, and, quite enchanted by talking to Helene, couldn't particularly bring himself to care. “It's refreshing. The estate grows boring after a time.”

It was less some ridiculous sort of love at first sight than simply a result of him rarely meeting girls his own age who were anything but completely frivolous. “I'm not sure where he's gone off to,” Henri admitted almost sheepishly. “But I apologize for his behavior.” He wasn't sure if it would prove to be an apology in advance, should Nathaniel ambush them, or simply for the fact that he had chosen to leave without even a goodbye—should he not do so. He was not particularly concerned either way for his well-being, for he was quite aware that his friend could manage himself in the forest without a problem.

[HELENE DE ROCHAMBEAU]

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Helene was a lonely child of sorts, she didn’t have any friends her own age as no one lived near her she was allowed to see regularly, and she rarely attended social functions unless her father needed to for business reasons. The functions she did attend where very small, and she usually felt uneasy around the women her own age, who had very different attitudes than Helene did. Although she often wished for a good friend she enjoyed her moments of solitude, but in the presence of these gentleman she realised how socially awkward she was.

She laughed at the Victome Henri’s response, he seemed relaxed and friendly, not at all like the gentlemen she had met from backgrounds similar to him. Nathaniel seemed the same, something that gave hope to Helene. Hope that she had met two people who she might share something in common with. She had suddenly found herself in a world where she felt free from the constraints of her birth.

Helene was surprised to see the other boy had disappeared without a word, she had merely blinked and he was gone. She wondered if it had been something she said, had she bored him with her silly responses? Henri didn’t seem to be bothered by his friends disappearance, and Helene got the impression such actions were not unusual.

She nodded her head in acceptance of his words, silent for a moment as it dawned upon her she was completely alone with this young man, but she felt no concern over something that would cause such anger to her father. ‘I know how you feel’ Helene replied, ‘the grounds of my home become such a bore, I am rarely allowed outside the home. I don’t understand what exactly it is my father is afraid of’ Helene said softly, ‘the only time I’m allowed out is the rare occasions of balls or party’s and they are few and far between’ she added. Helene disliked the balls, and wished there were more opportunities for her to venture outside the home. She had such a huge curiosity for the wider world.

‘Its’ funny’ Helene said cocking her head to one side, ‘I’m not sure I’ve seen you at any of the local parties…although I’m always abit of a wallflower so I supposed we would have missed each other…’

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[HENRI ROQUEFEUIL-BLANQUEFORT]

Henri felt sorry for the girl, if she was confined to the house so frequently. That could hardly be healthy, he thought—however much girls were supposed to stay indoors and embroider, it seemed likely to him that it was that which rotted their minds and not some natural, inborn inability to think. It affected enough men of his class, too, if they never bothered to get out into nature and learn from it. If he ever had a daughter, he told himself, he would not make her sit inside with her sewing and do nothing else. “It doesn't sound healthy,” he offered with a playful smile. “Not that you look unhealthy.” She looked lovely, he decided, but he didn't want to make her feel threatened with such words.

“I've been to some balls,” he said in a thoughtful tone, “but I don't think I've seen you at them, either.” He did not go to many; his mother enjoyed them, he knew, but his father had never been fond of such events and did his best to avoid them when possible. Neither did he usually seem to think it important for his son to be exposed to them, though Henri sensed that it made his mother worry about his prospects of finding a suitable young lady.

Henri doubted his father would much care if he decided to start carrying on with a servant girl, as long as he didn't show an interest in marrying her. “My father dislikes them, and my mother... well, I'm not sure about her. I think she likes them, but I suppose here is not Paris.” He had heard that, when she was young, his mother had preferred the parties in Paris. Maybe things were just different out in the countryside, the people of a different category which did not please her so much. “And I prefer it out here. It's more interesting to me, and you don't have to worry about whether your cravat is crooked.” It invariably was at parties. If ever Nathaniel was there with him, he would make a point of causing it to be so, whether Henri had tied it that way or not.

[HELENE DE ROCHAMBEAU]

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There were times Helene pondered what her life would have been like if she had been born a boy. Freedom came more easily to the males of the upper classes than females, who were treated more like ornaments than humans. Helene knew she was lucky as her father valued her thoughts and feelings above all, but his fear of losing her meant he had created a safe cocoon for her away from the rest of the world.

Helene nodded at his words, agreeing with what he was saying; she understood too that things out here were very different to Paris. She had always got the impression, Parisian aristocrats thought the country aristocrats rather simple, as if they did not understand how to fit into the city way of life. Helene laughed at his words; she had never had the inclination to be a part of the city life, that was filled with Balls. She loved the quiet nights she could sit out on the veranda and watch the stars sparkle in the night’s sky. She loved reading as the warm evenings drew to a close, breathing in as much fresh air as she could before her bed called for her.

‘Yes!’ Helene agreed eagerly bridging the gap between them slightly as she beamed at him, ‘I simply cannot stand the Parisian fashions, sure they look good, but after an hour in one of those corsets I’d prefer to be able to breath.’ She said shuddering at the memories of being practically sewn into her corset and dress for an event. She used to sneak out of the rooms and try to loosen the knots her ladies maid had tied. It was a relief to meet someone who shared similar thoughts to her, it was lonesome rarely having anyone to share her thoughts with.

‘So how much of this forest have you actually explored?’ she asked gazing around her at the tall trees, Helene couldn’t wait to discover what wonderful places the forest held.

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