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Post by Rowan Trace on Apr 15, 2012 2:11:59 GMT -5
Rowan had prepared himself to lose the simple comforts of his quarters when they'd moved from the first story to the seventh. He'd told himself quite firmly that he'd given Shianni free reign to design the main portion of their home and he wouldn't rescind the offer, no matter her taste. He'd had much of his former living room's furnishings moved into a home office for the occasion. He wondered, however, as he stood in their simply decorated living room, why he'd been concerned. The furniture was intimately arranged, yet elegant, letting the view of the distant grounds act as a mural. There was plenty of room for Shianni's astronomy equipment on a broad balcony which wrapped partway around their tower. Rowan had never been very fond of the outdoors, but as he sat across from the windows, tucked against a small pile of throw pillows, he found that he appreciated it quite a bit. The entrances to the Headmistress's office and to Gryffindor Tower were nearby, as was the Room of Requirement, so there might be more foot traffic outside than he was used to, but the stone walls were deep, and it was surprising just how quiet it was. Across from the generous windows was a small entry space with a cloak closet, a bench, a wooden rack for shoes, and one for slippers, including several pairs for guests, should any arrive who were uncomfortable in bare feet. It had never occurred to Rowan before Shianni to provide such a thing, but it seemed a wise investment now. There was a rounded archway into a kitchenette with a small dining space and, nearer the front door, another which opened into a wide hallway. Their bedrooms were situated across from one another, and Rowan had Transfigured a door between his own and the room next to it, which was set up much as his living room had been. There was a still-empty nursery, and one last room which Rowan had told Shianni she might use as her own, or turn into a guest room. All in all, it was comfortably-sized, but not so small that either of them should feel restricted. Aside from the distance between the tower and his classroom, it seemed only to be an improvement. He was enjoying the view now, barefoot as he preferred, though his slippers rested nearby. He debated reading for a while, or planning the redesign of his bedroom. It had seemed enough before, but with the money his father had provided as a belated wedding gift, he could easily replace old pieces with nicer ones, as well as the Galleons spent on the rings, and on the rest of their quarters. Poco a poco uno camina lejos, he thought. Little by little one walks far. It was a Peruvian proverb, and he thought it appropriate to the situation, to the accident of their marriage, to life, and even to the move itself. When he felt that he'd absorbed the room as well as he could for now, Rowan stood and made his way to the edge of the rug. He stepped into his slippers, a soft charcoal grey that left his heels free, and crossed toward the hallway, admiring the simple touches Shianni had provided here and there. Now that she had a space which was most definitely hers, he no longer felt like a trespasser for knocking on her door. "Shianni," he called, rapping lightly against the wood. He wouldn't be loud, in case she was resting, but he was interested in her company, and in any case, she deserved praise for making everything so comfortable. |
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Post by Shianni Veridian Trace on Apr 15, 2012 19:44:23 GMT -5
Shianni was not comfortable, and it was not due to the change in living quarters. She truly liked the new rooms. It no longer felt as though she was intruding when she was in their mutual place. The balcony, especially, made her feel so very at home. When she heard the knock on the door she hesitated a moment before pulling herself up. Wrapped in her soft slippers, her feet whispered across the floor as she made her way to the door.
"Hello, Rowan," she said, a small smile hopefully masking any discomfort or pain she may be in.
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Post by Rowan Trace on Apr 15, 2012 19:56:31 GMT -5
"Hello," Rowan echoed, returning Shianni's smile. He was in good spirits, and it was easy to do so. "I wanted to tell you how much I like what you've done with the living room. I don't intend to spend nearly as much time in my study as I'd expected." It was a gentle attempt at humor, as truthful as it was. "It's quite comfortable, and the flowers and candles were a nice touch."
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Post by Shianni Veridian Trace on Apr 15, 2012 20:08:53 GMT -5
"Thank you, I suppose I am a little better at decorating than I had thought," Shianni said. She gestured for him to step aside and she made her way toward the living room. "I was not expecting this to be so large. The towers do not seem so spacious from the outside. I love having a balcony again."
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Post by Rowan Trace on Apr 15, 2012 20:30:08 GMT -5
"I had thought you might," Rowan said, following after Shianni. "It was something I noticed in Peru. The balconies, and the height of everything." It had seemed to fit, especially with her love for astronomy. "You may want to have your house-elf bring food, rather than going to the Great Hall, but you should be able to teach as long as you like."
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Post by Shianni Veridian Trace on Apr 15, 2012 20:35:32 GMT -5
Shianni nodded. That would be the best idea, and it was nice to be able to make it home without many problems after teaching. "You do know that he is our elf. He will listen to you, as well." It did not matter that the creature had been given specifically to her; she was married to Rowan and so the elf would listen to him all the same. She stopped in front of the window, unwilling to step out into the falsely warm day. The sun shined brightly, but she knew a chill wind had crept in.
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Post by Rowan Trace on Apr 15, 2012 20:47:11 GMT -5
"I didn't want to assume," Rowan said, "and to be perfectly honest, my experience with house-elves doesn't extend past those I've seen at schools." Which was very few, considering they tended to work when people weren't around. They'd never had a house-elf growing up, only a human maid who came in now and then, depending on the stepmother in charge.
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Post by Shianni Veridian Trace on Apr 15, 2012 21:15:03 GMT -5
"We had one my whole life. I rarely saw her, however. I was in my bedroom much of the time." Shianni braced her hands on her hips, pushing as though pulling her shoulders up would help relieve the pressure enough to help. "He is loyal; my parents have had him for a few years already, so you do not need to worry about the phrasing of your commands. Simply tell him what you wish him to do and he will do it and do not give him clothing." She turned and smiled, then made her way to one of the couches, her eyebrows creasing slightly.
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Post by Rowan Trace on Apr 15, 2012 21:24:10 GMT -5
"Thank you for that," Rowan said, watching Shianni carefully for a moment. Then he stepped forward, ready to offer a hand if she needed one. "Is it uncomfortable?" he asked. He'd been reading a book about pregnancy so that he might understand better what she was going through, and as poor as his people skills might be, it did occur to him that she was likely experiencing backaches, among other things, due to her rapid and unbalanced weight gain.
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Post by Shianni Veridian Trace on Apr 15, 2012 21:49:57 GMT -5
"A little," Shianni said. "I am glad classes will be over during the worst of it." She could sit on her own, though it was becoming harder to find a comfortable position, even when sitting or laying. "I can not help but wonder why some women wish to have so many children." It was doubtful that every pregnancy was like this, but it was still mind boggling.
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Post by Rowan Trace on Apr 15, 2012 22:09:24 GMT -5
"I don't know," Rowan said, shaking his head. Not one of his stepmothers had opted to ruin her figure with procreation during her time with his father, so he had no experience with such things. He ran through possible symptoms in his mind like a list—faster heartbeat, less fatigue and morning sickness—then sat beside Shianni on the couch. "Your back aches?" he asked. It was the one discomfort he had any idea how to ease.
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Post by Shianni Veridian Trace on Apr 16, 2012 20:26:25 GMT -5
Shianni nodded slowly. "Yes, that is the largest problem," she said. Surely there was some invention that could be used to limit the discomfort, but if there was something she had not been told about it. "I am a little worried I may have some of the same difficulties my mother suffered."
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Post by Rowan Trace on Apr 16, 2012 20:31:41 GMT -5
"What were those, if you don't mind my asking?" He lifted one hand to gesture for Shianni to turn slightly away from him. "I can help, if you'll let me," he added. He enjoyed massages more than he thought natural, and they did wonders for his own tense shoulders and back, and though he preferred not to think of what had happened after, the massage he'd given Keith seemed to have worked out well. It seemed like a simple thing he might do to ease the discomfort that Shianni wouldn't be in if it weren't for him.
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Post by Shianni Veridian Trace on Apr 16, 2012 21:14:22 GMT -5
"She was pregnant many times both before and after me," Shianni said, shifting at Rowan's gesture. "From what I have been told, she was on bed rest much of the time and lost them all, save for me." She was unsure what she would do if something similar were to happen to her.
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Post by Rowan Trace on Apr 16, 2012 21:29:51 GMT -5
Rowan's brows drew together, and he tried to think of something comforting to say. He reached out, sweeping Shianni's long hair gently into one hand, then moving it across one shoulder. "Abigail has an excellent reputation as a Healer," he assured her. "She worked at St. Mungo's for years, and actually has experience with difficult... pregnancies." It was a word he didn't say often, and it felt odd speaking it aloud. "I wanted to be informed," he explained.
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