Troubled Thoughts And Evil Plots

[Maeve]

Maeve was traveling through the woods of Cantia. A beautiful kingdom and one that Maeve was truly enjoying the scenery of. This realm was so very different from her home, yet still held beauty....just of a different kind. There was more darkness in this world, and it was also why Maeve found herself venturing far from Mabon. She was currently sitting on the soft grass, while Haldir was surveying the area and would probably not return for hours....unless there was an immediate threat around her. But for now, she was enjoying the serenity of the quiet woods. Mirshann was wandering around as well, knowing when to return to her and as she was settled in this one spot, she would not need him here for hours either.

She sang to herself in a quiet voice, as she was weaving a new design for a piece of jewelry she was creating. She did not often take money for them, for monetary gain was not the objective....her being a merchant was merely a cover, a way for her to blend into this society. She enjoyed giving them as gifts though, as she has done several times in the past. She was wedging in a jewel on her latest bracelet when her hand suddenly slipped from its position. This was not done by accident, but rather, just a very reflexive act; a reaction to something she suddenly felt. A cold chill surged through her body as her eyes slightly widened. There was someone else near her, and it was not Haldir. It was not the presence of a traveler that alarmed her, as it was normal for them to wander through the woods.

It was more so that nature of this traveler. She felt something from them; something unexplainable. She would of course have to be close to this person to get a stronger sense of them, so for now, all she could do was try and obtain a physical sight of them. She rose from her seated position, her long flowing pale purple dress trailing behind her as her hair fell over her shoulders. She was still clutching the incomplete piece of jewelery, just waiting to see whoever it was reveal themselves. She was both curious, and intrigued....and while she was not impulsive, there were times when being too trusting of a stranger proved to be a strong weakness.

~ Tag Isabel ~

[Isabel de Massard]

Isabel de Massard was the sort of person who liked everything to run as smoothly as possible, and when things didn't run as she'd hoped, well, that was when problems occurred. This was why she spent most mornings obtaining various ingredients that could be used in various potions. She was not currently in need of any immediately, but she liked knowing that she had more than enough. She had never once been caught out without an ingredient, such an event could prove catastrophic.

It was no surprise then, that this morning should see Isabel wandering through the Cantian countryside in seach of the morteous flower, a highly specialised plant, used primarily in the sorts of poisons that led to a slow and painful death. Isabel usually favoured a quicker death - she was rather impatient, but this one had it's uses.

She was just coming into a clearing when she stopped suddenly, having spotted a young woman. Normally Isabel would not give this a second thought, but she was carrying a rather deadly plant. It could arouse suspicion. As quietly as possible, she stepped closer, trying to see if she could recognise the woman but found she could not. Hmm, what to do now? It would hardly be fitting of her status to run away, and yet she could not announce her presence for fear or raising any questions.

Thinking quickly, she crouched down and hid the plant at the bottom of the nearest tree trunk. She could always come and find it again later, and then she stepped proudly out into the clearing. "Excuse me, but who are you, and what are you doing here?" Isabel was always suspicious of strangers, after all, they could be acquainted with the real Isabel de Massard and expose her as a traitor.

[Maeve]

Maeve watched as the woman came into the clearing. She was a young beautiful individual, yet something within her betrayed her seeming innocence. Maeve was far from being rude though, so instead of immediately questioning what troubled her....she just remained silent. Having also been sidetracked by the woman's demanding question of who she was and her reasons for being here. Out of respect, Maeve lowered herself into a deep curtsy. It was the appropriate greeting, despite title and rank for in Mabon, it was the customary way to greet a person and these were small traditions that Maeve often carried with her when venturing out of her home. Her gaze went to the ground, once again out of respect and after a few moments, rose to her feet, her eyes resting on the woman once more.

There was something so dark about her, yet Maeve remained polite in answering her justified questions. I am Maeve, she answered in a soft voice. I am here as a peaceful traveler, journeying through these woods. She of course had no problem answering such questions, for they were spoken with honesty. Even if parts of her response had to be left out in order to protect her life, as well as Haldir's. I am a merchant, she went on to say, which would of course explain the bracelet clutched in her hand. If I may ask, what is your name dear? She had to ask, because she wanted to know more of this woman. She wanted to know what it was about her that sent a chill down Maeve's spine and thus far, she could not determine the answer.

[Isabel de Massard]

Isabel remained suspicious of the woman, although she did approve of the way she was greeted. Having spent the majority of her life as a peasant, there was always something to be enjoyed when being curtseyed to. It was the little things Isabel found herself enjoying more about her new life; of course there was the riches and money, but there was also an immediate respect. The fact that this woman had shown her that allowed Isabel to become less cautious.

She gave a small nod in acknowledgement of her words before introducing herself. A simple merchant would not have been acquainted with the real Isabel, so she was safe in revealing her name. "I am Lady Isabel de Massard." She did not explain her reason for being there, she would only lie anyway, but an explanation was not needed. Maeve, it seemed, did not possess any titles and therefore was not Isabel's equal.

The bracelet in the woman's hand caught her eye. She had never seen anything like it before, so delicate and beautiful, and much finer than her own jewellerey. "That bracelet is beautiful," her voice softened slightly. "Did you make it yourself?"

[Maeve]

She was nobility, as she defined herself using a title and giving her full name. This would change nothing about Maeve's interactions with her, for even if she was a servant, she would still respectfully bow. It had taken Maeve several years of exploring this realm to recognize that those here did not bow down to just everyone...they solely bowed down to those who were high in the societal hierarchy. A concept that the queen of Mabon could not quite understand, yet knew better than to disrespect the customs of this world. My dear Lady, it is a pleasure of mine to make your acquaintance. While there was something about her that still unnerved Maeve, it was always a pleasure to meet others....even if there was some sort of aura of darkness surrounding them and in their heart.

As the subject shifted to her jewelry piece, Maeve smiled. This time, the smile was not solely out of politeness, but rather, because she had flattered her by complimenting her work. Thank you immensely, she replied sincerely. I did make it myself, she added but of course not in a boastful manner; only confirmation in Isabel's assumption. But this was not the piece of jewelry for her. It was not right for what Maeve felt from her. Something else would be far better suited for her, and Maeve found herself highly compelled to show her rather than just offer what convenience had presented. If you like, I have far more pieces, ones that may be of greater interest than this unfinished one. But Maeve had a specific one in mind. She went towards her back and knelt down beside it, smiling up at the woman who was still some distance away, wondering if she desired to look or felt it was unnecessary.

[Isabel de Massard]

Isabel was not surprised at the woman's words. They could have been a lie for all she knew, or cared for that matter, yet it was expected that a woman like her should be spoken to in such a way. And besides, who did not want to speak to nobility? Isabel herself certainly had, it was how she had ended up where she was now. It had been her sole driving force, knowing that one day she would receive the same respect she had spent her whole life giving to others, she would be one who was looked up to and admired.

She smiled at the woman, it was not a particularly kind smile, but not an unkind one either. While Isabel had grown up with the lowest of society, she had not yet learned how to address them as a noble. "I am sure the feeling will be mutual." She said after a short pause. That may have been over familiar, but at least there was no one else around to see it.

Her smile grew as Maeve answered her question. This time it was genuine. She knew what it was like to have to beg, to starve in the streets, and although she doubted this woman did, she was still having to work to survive.

Normally Isabel showed little sympathy, or even pity to those lower than her, after all, she had managed to improve her social standing, so why couldn't they? But there was something warm and open about this woman that made it impossible for Isabel to completely look down at her. Perhaps it was because the only people of lower standing she met were servants, those whose sole purpose it seemed was to serve her. Maeve was just a young woman who, apart from social convention, and no reason to show Isabel respect and kindness, yet she did so anyway. "I should certainly like to see them." Isabel answered, almost surprised herself by the sincerity in her voice. "I have no coin on my person at the moment, but if you persuade me to take one, you shall be sure of having your money."

Again, this was rather uncharacteristic of Isabel, but she could not help but feel...something towards this woman. Perhaps it was because she was a young woman, seemingly on her own, and Isabel was taking it upon herself to help her. Whatever the reason, it was certainly a new one.

[Maeve]

Maeve could feel the sincerity in her voice, but what she could not yet determine was the source of her negative emotions. Which was why she felt a strange wave of relief when Isabel agreed to see what she had to offer. It was not about the money, though Maeve thought it kind for the woman to assure her of future payment. It was so strange in this realm; that no one seemed to believe in a selfless kind act. To the people here, a good deed had the expectation to be reciprocated and Maeve had often wondered how some people could so easily dismiss a gesture out of the kindness of their hearts, rather than purely for selfish purposes.

But once again, it was not her place to judge these things. Such was the way of their customs and she respected that, being a visitor in these lands. Maeve continued to smile, feeling more and more compelled to aid this woman....even if she did not require her assistance. I would like to show you a particular piece, She began to say as she searched her bag for it. She had a certain one in mind for Isabel. Maeve crafted specific things for specific people, but upon first meeting someone she could easily establish which jewelry pieces suited them....based on what emotions she read and which stones and jewels would best suit them.

Finding the piece she required, she unwrapped the cloth from it and held it up. It was a necklace, crafted from the stones of Mabon, and its fashion which often gave it a foreign look to this realm. Which only enabled people to grow intrigued by her pieces. There were places for three stones in this necklace, and the one on both the left and right side were sodalite, with the one in the middle being sapphire. As both stones were of a blue color, they were of different shades making the piece look compatible but also hold a detectable difference between them. The intricate border of each pendant consisted of small diamonds which was also what was embedded in the silver chain. Holding it up, allowed it to glisten making it all the more appealing to ones eye. (( CLICK to see necklace! ))

But as Maeve had said before, this piece held significance, not only for its style but for what each stone represented. There are two kinds of stones in this necklace, Maeve began to explain, even though Isabel may not be interested in their symbolism. The one on the left and right is sodalite. It purifies ones aura, cleansing it from negativity and protecting you from negative energy from people around you. It was the negativity that Maeve had detected from her; the darkness in her heart; the dark aura surrounding her. The stone in the middle is sapphire, she went on to say. It promotes light, pure emotions. Such as the purity of ones mind, serenity, joy, and peace. It opens the mind to beauty and love, and clears the mind from unwanted thoughts.

Whatever plagued Isabel.....the sapphire would hopefully encourage the light from the darkness; keep her mind open to the good rather than the bad. These two stones working together, held all the more power. They were not enchanted, but it was more the essence of them. It depended on whether the person was open to allowing them to grant them solace and peace, for it would only be then that they found serenity in them. As Maeve often designated certain stones to certain people. Maeve rose to her feet once more and offered it for Isabel to take, a smile on her lips. It is a gift. Because Maeve did not want coin for it. She wanted to help Isabel; she wanted to help cleanse all the darkness from her. Whatever caused it, however deep it was emerged in her....no one was past help.

[Isabel de Massard]

The suspicions that Isabel had felt only a few minutes before were soon returning as Maeve began to explain the significance of the necklace. It was certainly a beautiful piece, but listening closely she quickly decided she did not like what the woman was suggesting at all. Isabel did not need "purifying" and she certainly didn't need to extinguish any negative thoughts. Besides, her thoughts were not negative at all, but allowed her to become the person she was today.

However, she could not say anything outright at present. Questioning the woman would likely cause more suspicion, and it was clear, to Isabel at least, that Maeve did not trust her, or certainly felt there was something about her she could not see. She was right, of course, which made her dangerous.

Perhaps she did not mean anything by it, Isabel thought, trying to reassure herself. After all, who did not suffer from negative thoughts? Isabel was just being paranoid, there was no way Maeve could know who she was, or what she had done.

"It is certainly lovely." She remarked, her voice hardening again. Maeve had managed to unnerve her, and she was falling back on her defences. Her position in society was precarious as it was without strangers making such suggestions. "But I cannot accept it as a gift, you must allow me to pay you."

[Maeve]

Maeve only continued to smile, though she was sensing so many different emotions from Isabel. She wondered, if her reluctance to accept the gift was because she did not want to take anything for free, or if it was because of what the stones represented. She senses discomfort and in a way, Maeve felt guilty for that. At the same time, she wanted to help her and this was the only way she could without prying and thus, exposing her true identity as a faery. It was a dangerous revelation to make, and only did so when she came across a person who's life was in jeopardy. Please, I insist, she said softly. She did not want to force the gift onto her, but gently urged her to take it.

She took another step closer to Isabel, holding out the piece of jewelry for her to take. It would be an honor if I could gift something to a Lady of the Massard family. She may not have to know the actual family to want to give a gift to one of its members. It was just the desire that drove her to offer it without the exchange of coin or anything else. Maeve had crafted it herself, so why charge for such a thing when it had the ability to aid another person. It would be like Maeve demanding payment for having helped heal someone. Completely unnecessary and it would feel oh so very wrong!

[Isabel de Massard]

Isabel was perhaps now even more suspicious of the girl's motives. No one ever gave her gifts, they never had. As a young child, as Olwyn Caen, Isabel had learned the only way to gain things for free was to steal them. The world was a harsh and cruel place, and there was always something sinister behind a stranger's kindness. It was with this in mind that Isabel became reluctant to accept the necklace. Why was the girl so ardant that she should have it? Did she honestly believe a few stones would make such a difference to Isabel's life? As someone who practiced magic, Isabel was not about to completely disregard any power that the stones could indeed hold, after all, objects could be enchanted by those powerful enough, but really, a simple necklace was not going to suddenly transform Isabel into a different person.

Her instincts were tried to make her step back as Maeve stepped forward, but she held her ground. She was not going to be intimidated by a young girl. That would be ridiculous. "Why are you so determined I should have this?" Her words were slow and controlled, and her voice no longer held the tinge of warmth it had once had. Her suspicions were well and truly raised, she was going to have an answer.

[Maeve]

Isabel's question was one that came as no surprise. If this was Maeve's first journey into this realm, then she would have been taken aback by the reluctance to accept a gift. But having venturing in this world for so long, she knew that people were not used to selfless acts of kindness. It was something that saddened Maeve, for she did not quite understand why people would not simply accept a kind gesture. Never the less, a polite smile remained on her lips, not about to give up in gifting her with this piece. However, she could not force someone to take a gift. That would take away from the act of giving it. For it would become more of a burden, rather than a present. Because I feel you like it, Maeve said softly, not wanting to presume too much to give her away, but enough to be able to recognize the appeal it had to her.

She kept her hand up, in case Isabel decided to take it rather than question Maeve's motives for giving it. She could sense the abundance of suspicion, wishing she had none. But could not sway the emotions of people; unable to control how they feel. And quite honestly, Maeve would never want such a power, for it took away from free will... something she would never condone nor encourage. And I would like to give it to you as a friend, rather than a merchant to a customer. A sincere desire, one that she hoped Isabel would take her up on. If not, then Maeve knew her insistence would not last forever.

[Isabel de Massard]

Oh, well, if that was the case then what could possibly be suspicious? It was more than likely that Isabel was just being over paranoid, but then she had quite a lot to be paranoid about. Her position was a precarious one, one little mistake and she could be dead, or worse, back to where she started. There was no way either of those situations were allowed to occur, so no matter how paranoid she appeared her suspicions were going to continue. There was something not right about this girl. Anyone else would simply leave it at that and not try to pester Isabel further, especially as money had been refused. Well, she was just going to have to accept that no matter how much she persisted Isabel was not an idiot.

"I am not your friend." Isabel said stiffly, the almost friendly, understanding tone she had been using earlier, the nearly-kind smile, had both finished. Her expression was hard and cold, the look of self-preservation.

For someone who had never cared about anyone in her life the idea that Maeve was presenting her with a gift purely out of the goodness of her heart was an absurd one. There must be some ulterior motive, some hidden secret that Isabel was just too blind to see. There was something strange about this girl, and Isabel was going to find out what that was. "No merchant would willingly give away their wares," her hands settled on her hips, "so what do you gain?"

[Maeve]

Maeve was rather taken aback by Isabel's abruptly harsh choice of words and tone in which they were spoken. She opened her mouth to speak but no words immediately came out. She was unsure what to say for she wished not to further upset this woman, but at the same time, she did not want her to be so angry. Whether it be at Maeve, or in general. There was just so much negativity around her... so much darkness. Why was it that others could not understand an act of kindness with no selfish incentive? Doing something for someone else without ulterior motives. Maeve believed that if more people developed this mindset, of acting out of generosity rather than greed, then the world would be a happier and less hostile place.

But this was only a thought, one that Maeve wondered if it would ever be put into practice. It was an immense task and not something that would dramatically change the world over night. Forgive me if I have done something to upset or offend you, Maeve apologized. Their interactions had started off with a bit more general warmth between them... and now Isabel's mood had turned and Maeve knew she was responsible. I only seek to gain the privilege of gifting this piece to you. I truly have no ulterior motives to giving you this jewelry. She was not sure how she could convince her that her actions were innocent, when there seemed to be a great mistrust for others within her. I of course will not force it upon you, but if your reasons to not accept it is solely due to uncertainty as to what I expect in return... then please do not think this way.

Maeve knew she could not control the way a person thinks, but it was a humble request. I ask for nothing in exchange. Just the knowledge that I was able to give you something you liked. Was that not enough? Did there have to be material gain for Maeve? It was such a sad thing to be in a world where there was no such thing as a selfless good deed. But again, Maeve could not judge nor criticize their culture. It only made her heartache for she missed her home, and how much peace she found in Mabon, compared to this land where there was so much suspicion and skepticism.

[Isabel de Massard]

OOC - sorry about the lateness of this reply.

Isabel was not convinced in the slightest. People always had an ulterior motive, and yes, she was speaking from experience. There was never a time when she did not have one, so why wouldn't everyone else? Isabel survived through lies and manipulation - she didn't trust anyone, and she certainly didn't trust anyone who seemed determined that she should do just that. In her mind, there must be some other reason for Maeve's peristance, why else would she care so much?

Her mind wandered back to Maeve's earlier words, what she had said about the stones' significance. What had she said about them? Isabel could not remember her exact words, but she was certain Maeve had said something about how the stones would, hopefully, purity and serenity or some such nonsense while depriving her of...what was it...oh yes, unwanted thoughts, whatever they were meant to be. Isabel was quite sure she'd never had an unwanted thought in her life. And even if she had, why should Maeve be so interested?

She ignored the woman's words, they didn't matter because now Isabel was convinced Maeve was trying to somehow control her, or at least her thoughts. Why else would she try and giver her that necklace specifically? "You said the stones all have a significance. Why should you think that I am in need of those ones?"