The Delafonte Plantation (Aelfric and Lirliel)
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		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Bondage, D/s, S&amp;M =&gt; Bondage: Human Solos =&gt; Topic started by: Aelfric on 19-03-2008, 12:42:02</h2>
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				Title: <strong>The Delafonte Plantation (Aelfric and Lirliel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aelfric</strong> on <strong>19-03-2008, 12:42:02</strong>
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				1780<br>Saint-Domingue<br><br>Jacques let the letter slip from fingers struck numb by the shock coursing through his system. It had been utter horror when both Claude and Bernaud had been killed by Clinton's soldiers outside of Charleston, but this final blow was unmanning. Tristan, the last and most precious of his children, was aboard <em>The Météore</em> when she sank off the coast of Florida destroyed by British frigates. All were presumed lost, and with it the last hopes of his family line. The Delafonte's had owned the plantation in Saint-Dominque for nearly a century and from it sprang their fortunes. But with it came the gradual diminishing of their line until his household was all that remained. Jacques had not feared, for with three sons he had been assured many grandchildren to lavish praise upon and a resurgence of his family's future. Now this place, its servants and slaves would be sold upon his death, or given to a family rich in King's pleasure.<br><br>It was the slaves he feared for the most. His family had deep humanist values and long since before he was old enough to understand he was taught to treat slaves no worse than the European servants they retained. Their crops of sugar, cotton and coffee were thus tended by the willing; no starvations, rapes or unjust beatings would ever be enacted on the Delafonte plantations. Dwellings for the slaves were modest, but sound, and many families had contentedly grown here with his. His foremen too, tempered by years of kind treatment towards to the slaves, would find themselves at odds with what the new plantation masters would require. Jacques found that too many of his fellow lords were shortsighted in their views on the topic, convinced that the 'animal' nature of the slaves demanded harsh measures.<br><br>His gray eyes glassy with unshed tears surveyed the table laid before him, a feast more than fit to break his fast yet all humor or hunger had left him. He pushed the plate away and surveyed the room, a dim haze obscuring his vision, despite the morning sun. The room felt empty and cold. Not normally a man given to maudlin introspection, this profound depression weighed at him and he stood to give himself the strength the shrug out of the shroud of dismay. Striding to the window he looked out at the day and resolved to continue. While not a young man, he was far from doddering. He had yet the time to marry anew, and fortunes enough to lure even young women from court to his home. <br><br>Thus renewed, although with sadness yet weighing his heart, he returned to eat, sorting in his mind the steps required to woo a maiden or even a widow from court. He could give consideration to the task while in Port-au-Prince. He needed a new housekeeper as his last, a girl from France, had recently been married herself and returned then to her homeland to serve in the household her husband worked. The air there might revive him as well, and allow the dark spirits in soul to settle. Grief would stay with him yet a while, but pass it must. 
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Delafonte Plantation (Aelfric and Lirliel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lirliel</strong> on <strong>19-03-2008, 19:59:26</strong>
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				1780,<br>Saint-Domingue<br><br>Maria Delaxcroix had been a young wife when she had married her first husband, an older man, though well of wealth and estate the couple had enjoyed a brief yet pleasurable marriage until he was called to fight a war overseas first taking with him to the beautiful island's in the Caribbeans the couple was happy, but not glad when war split them apart. When during her six months without a letter Maria knew in her heart, her most wicked fears realized she found the letter on her doorstep. Spiraling into depression the widow sold her estates and her slaves. <br><br>Taking to a new found love of drinking, her entire wealth, which was considerable, washed away, thrown into seedy taverns. Spent on frival hours of lovemaking with both men and women before Maria found herself finally, penniless, alone and without a friend in the world. Having come from a noble family near the border to Spain and Milan the young woman was devastated by the full horror of what she had done.<br><br>Even so.. she made a promise to herself, as she sat on the streets alone, with her last dress clinging to her smooth pale skin, grown taut around her bones, that she would regain all she had lost.. whatever the costs.. and today at least. Her vow seemed a bit closer.. if she had seen the future..<br><br>(I will perhaps have two women vying for Jacques love and power, one Maria and the other you'll meet later on)
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Delafonte Plantation (Aelfric and Lirliel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aelfric</strong> on <strong>20-03-2008, 23:18:00</strong>
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				Simple pleasures were all Jacques had taken since Yvette had died. So long ago it was, that without her portraits he could not have recalled her face. It saddened him, for he loved her truly and fiercely. Two decades has passed, however, and memory of her soft touch and laughter had faded. He had not taken a lover, or even explored a tryst with his slaves, as so many of his fellows had. The part of him that desired intimacy and physical interaction had faded with Yvette's passing. He had instead outpoured his affection and attention on his children and the plantation, and his passion for Spanish horses. <br><br>He was riding his favorite, a grey Andalusian he called Entêté for her willfulness and pride, when he spied the woman. Dressed as he was, casually in a simple riding coat, breeches and boots, he could have been little more than a successful businessman on a morning ride. Port au Prince was busy, and only the fact that he was mounted afforded him a glimpse of her, looking so downcast on the edge of the street. He could not say was drew him too her; something in her clear sorrow called to and mirrored his grief such that he found himself in a daze sidestepping his Entêté until they were next to her. <br><br>Despite her condition, she was clearly from money, either a noblewoman or a merchant cast down into despair. The brocading on her bodice and dress, the fine weave of the worn fabric, her unmarred nails and the soft hands of the idle rich. She was malnourished, almost gaunt, but her creamy skin looked supple and smooth. Young and lovely she was, although too young to be so deeply distressed and alone. <br><br>“Madamoiselle,” he called softly, dismounting. “May I assist you in some way? Are you waiting here for someone? It is not safe in the streets, I would be happy to wait with you, if you would allow it.” He spoke in French or course, although something in her face had a hint Spanish to it, so he asked her after a moment, “¿Dice usted francés?”
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Delafonte Plantation (Aelfric and Lirliel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lirliel</strong> on <strong>22-03-2008, 21:15:59</strong>
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				"Qui Monsieur", she smiled and stared into the man's face, she had at least picked a correct spot it seemed. Young Maria Delacroix, "And no, I am afraid that I was not waiting for someone. But spare me a single coin and I will tell you why I am on these streets", she said with the sweetest smile, her eyes were full with life and perhaps troubled by what lurked beneath. But the girl at least did her best not to allow that to shimmer through, yet.<br><br>From the Café the owner of the bar watched the street below, seeing Jacques and him riding into town only to be intercepted by that young floosey Maria.. she snorted and turned around. She had loved Jacques, always from a distance and always with a love that she knew could never be realized. But now to see Maria moving in ever so quickly after Jacques devastating news, after all, news traveled fast and especially in the sector Lauren moved in, an English woman from birth she moved around quite a bit with her family until she finally boarded passage to the Carribean dressed as a man, during a rather fortunate card game with the former owner of the place she had won the Café from him and turned it into a profitable establishment, for the higher class of people.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Delafonte Plantation (Aelfric and Lirliel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aelfric</strong> on <strong>23-03-2008, 15:07:22</strong>
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				Jacques frowned at Maria Delacroix's plight. “Non, mademoiselle, to give you coin as though you must beg would diminish you.” He held out his hand. “I cannot bear to see a lovely woman such as you reduced so. I shall do better. Come with me and we will get you a warm meal, and then we shall speak as newfound friends.” He knew of a lovely Café that was close, run by woman of exceptional quality despite her English nationality. Such a place would might revive the spirit within this slight young beauty, who clearly had been without good companionship for some time.<br><br>His grief faded in face of her need. For so long he had buried his pain under the yoke of goodwill and philanthropy that this opportunity was like a godsend. Anguish over the loss of his sons would yield under the distraction of humble aid. Straightening, he drew on Entêté's reins, bringing the mare closer. “Have you the strength enough to walk, mademoiselle Delacroix, or shall we ride together?”
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Delafonte Plantation (Aelfric and Lirliel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lirliel</strong> on <strong>24-03-2008, 09:31:20</strong>
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				Smiling softly Maria nodded softly, "Then we will do as such Monsieur, I am sure that we will become good friends", being pulled up onto the back of the horse she sat comfortably there like she had certainly ridden one once before. Down in the Café Lauren was working on setting the chairs and tables right, sun shining in through many of the opened windows giving the scented Café an almost magical feel. As she saw Jacques enter, followed closely by Maria a soft scowl crossed her face.<br><br>The little bitch seemed to have hooked her talons into the man already, "Gaston, go take there order..", she grumbled to a nearby worker who quickly approached them. "Monsieur, Mademoiselle, this way please", he smiled and took them to there table. Sitting them down, the chairs were comfortable and the table was covered in rich silken cloth. "What would you like to have?", he smiled softly, the young man seemed to be in his early twenties, hair combed backwards, tied into a small ponytail.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Delafonte Plantation (Aelfric and Lirliel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aelfric</strong> on <strong>25-03-2008, 12:09:53</strong>
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				Jacques admired the way the light softened Maria's features, and erased some of the premature age that had set into them. She was young, certainly younger than he had even first imagined, and dawn's glow lent her an innocent air that stirred his heart. What had she suffered to be in such a state? Another man might have felt desire, a need to take advantage of her helpless state, but Jacques did not. While she was beautiful her need for compassion drove his actions, and little heed was given to his own growing attraction for her.<br><br>He looked up at the server and smiled. “The lady may have whatever she wishes of course, but I at the least a little bread and ham to stifle our hunger, and grapes; perhaps some red wine and water to thin it so early in the day?” He looked questioningly over at his frail companion. “Is there anything of particular fancy you would prefer?” He let her order and the man go before taking her hand. “Take your time and sate your hunger before unburdening your heart, mademoiselle. I am in no hurry, and you look have such dire need of a friend.”&nbsp; He business, mostly in the interests of his own needs, could wait. The plantation, for all of his interest, was run by the supervisors and much of his time was his own. 
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Delafonte Plantation (Aelfric and Lirliel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lirliel</strong> on <strong>26-03-2008, 06:33:20</strong>
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				Maria smiled softly and nodded, "A glass of wine as well Monsieur and if you have it, Brie de Meaux and some bread as well with an egg", she kept her soft smile as the man walked away, turning her attention again on Jacques, the young woman stared at him, "Then I will tell you my story, my friend, I was once the wife of a plantation owner here on this island, my older husband was the Monsieur Gerard Delacroix", whom Jacques should know, he did own a very large plantation.., ".. when he died I was dumbstruck and sold the plantation and it's people to various others.. with the money instead of moving back to France I stayed here and tried to drink my pain away.. it didn't help and I have been living on these streets since then..", she looked terribly said, which could be truth, or maybe she was just a great actress.<br><br>Whatever the case, from the Shadows an angry Lauren gazed at her, she didn't tell Jacques about the entire town's population the slut had slept with for a place to sleep and a nibble of there coin and food..
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Delafonte Plantation (Aelfric and Lirliel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aelfric</strong> on <strong>26-03-2008, 12:35:13</strong>
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				While they ate, Jacques listened to the sorrowing tale with a heavy heart. Here too was one struck by overwhelming grief. He sensed that much was left unsaid, but found not the strength to judge her. He had heard of Delacroix's death, of course, and should probably have made the connection. The sale of the Delacroix land was completed with such startling suddenness that he had in fact assumed the widow had died, or left Saint-Domingue. That she had trapped herself here in a web of despair was tragic, and he could not bring himself to judge her for it. He reached out his hand again and clasped hers warmly. He was oblivious to Lauren's ire, so consumed with Maria's woe. <br><br>“So what now, Maria?” he asked, switching to her given name with a newfound sense of familiarity. “I too have suffered, and I know some of your pain. I have just lost the last of my sons and must it seems prepare to have my own plantation parceled up, for I have no family.” He met her eyes, over brimming with sadness, and his heart ached. “Is there anything I can do to help you? My plantation house is large, you could stay there, away from the city and let your heart heal.” He knew that such an offer could be taken wrongly for she was an attractive woman; he had little doubt that such suggestions had been made to her before. It was a sincere offering of solace however, and despite his growing desire for her, he had no intention of taking advantage of her circumstances in that way. <br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Delafonte Plantation (Aelfric and Lirliel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lirliel</strong> on <strong>03-04-2008, 05:54:11</strong>
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				The plan seemed to have worked somewhat, she smiled but in her mind she laughed before she settled attention back on Jacques, "If you would Jacques.. it would mean the world too me, to allow my heart to heal. My body to mend from.. the drink and to be mayhaps happy even one day", she smiled softly and tried to put on her best soft and innocent enough face as she ran her fingers over his as she clasped his hands. ".. thank you my sweet man..", she lifted his hands up, kissing them softly.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Delafonte Plantation (Aelfric and Lirliel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aelfric</strong> on <strong>04-04-2008, 00:11:20</strong>
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				Jacques let the warmth of his goodwill suffuse him, as he examined his new house guest. The fresh air, gardens and food would do her well; fill in the hollows of her cheeks and perhaps bring color to them. As she lifted his hand and kissed it had had to admit within himself a small thrill. Such a simple act of affection had not been bestowed upon him in some time and to have such from a young beautiful woman was undeniably exciting. He dared not let her see it, for she had undoubtedly been put upon by men in the past. <br><br>“It is no trouble sweet mademoiselle. I am happy only to help.” He squeezed her hand gently and then retrieved money sufficient for the meal. “If you have eaten your fill we can take our leave, I can then show you the plantation in the light.” He stood and stretched, looking out at the brightness of the day and marveling at the change life brought him. The sadness over Tristan dwelled in his chest, but he could feel tendrils of hope suffusing him. “You will have to ride with me I am afraid, for if I were to walk beside you it would consume the afternoon.”
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Delafonte Plantation (Aelfric and Lirliel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lirliel</strong> on <strong>09-04-2008, 19:15:12</strong>
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				"And whilst such a walk would be wonderful, I'm sure there will perhaps be chances for many more on the plantation grounds themselves..", she smiled softly and finished her meal, "..I am ready my Lord whenever you are", standing up the woman's haughty status above the commoners of the island seemed a little restored, her eyes sparkled with soft glimmers of hope. Not hope of just love, but of a new life, another plantation owner to.. own. 
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Delafonte Plantation (Aelfric and Lirliel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aelfric</strong> on <strong>11-04-2008, 02:52:24</strong>
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				Jacques took her dainty hand in his, registering the newfound hope in her eyes and welcoming the brightness and strength in her step. It was good to see her regaining some will and esteem, and like spring renewed after a hard winter, seeing her improve began to wash away his sorrows. “I am ready then, dear lady.” He turned to wave goodbye to Lauren. “As always a pleasure, madam! Your fare is beyond compare,” he praised, and bowed before turning and escorting Maria out of doors. <br><br>He led Marie to his fair Entêté and offered his hands at her waist to assist her up. Once she was seated astride the saddle, he swung himself up behind her, careful not to press himself too roughly against her skirts. Wrapping and arm around Maria, gently, he clicked his tongue to urge the Andalusian mare forward. “Please forgive the familiarity, mademoiselle. I would be mortified if you were to fall and take injury.” He shifted into the gentle sway of Entêté's walk and let Marie settle against him. “It is an hour's ride, no more. Are you comfortable?” 
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Delafonte Plantation (Aelfric and Lirliel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lirliel</strong> on <strong>14-04-2008, 05:26:03</strong>
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				Maria made sure to settle against Jacques chest and hips best she could before the horse slowly started into a small trot, smiling softly she nodded. "Yes Monsieur quite comfortable, it's good to be out of the city again..", she said softly, the air from the countryside did do her good as she turned to Jacques, ".. how long have you been on the Isle Monsieur?", she asked softly as the horse plodded along it's course slowly but surely.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Delafonte Plantation (Aelfric and Lirliel)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aelfric</strong> on <strong>17-04-2008, 12:28:24</strong>
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				The warmth of Maria pressed against him was comforting, and Jacques found himself relaxing as the ride drew on. However, with his arm around her waist and her hair gently teasing his cheeks and neck his loins began to awaken and he dared not shift himself too much against her for fear that she would notice. He considered her question for only a moment before answering, “All of my life,” he answered simply, with a trace of pride. “I went as a young man to Paris for schooling, but returned as soon as I was able.”<br><br>“It was here that I met my wife, and at the Plantation where I raised my boys.” Jacques' voice look on a note of sadness, and the weight of Tristan's loss descended yet again upon him. “Saint-Domingue is my home, and I would not set it aside for the world,” his voice was husky with the upwelling emotion. After he composed himself he continued. “It will be good to bring life into the house again. I have been too long shut away.” &nbsp;Jacques smiled at her, although she could not see it. God worked in mysterious ways, and perhaps their lives had crossed for a reason. He was grateful he had extended his offer to her, and looked forward to her stay. He had been alone for too long, with none but the servants for company.
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