Thread: Original Sin - Cast in Stone

Alessandra did as she was told, occasionally shifting her position if she had been in it for too long. From what it appeared, this modeling act of hers wasn't going to be so difficult. Then again, this was only just the beginning. She was seated now and not having to stand for long periods of time. Oh! what would her mother say if she knew about her standing for so long? There wasn't a doubt in her mind that said the older woman would scold her. Alessandra, mi bambina... What kind of man will seek your hand if he knew of your veins that spread like a spider's web? You mustn't stand for so long! Her mother was just as overprotective as her father. To her mother, her daughters were like precious china dolls that had to be preserved and given proper maintenance. Hair always had to be off their shoulders, though Alessandra often protested this, and their cheeks had to be perfectly powdered. With a few more sips of the wine, she had started to feel more comfortable, which she hoped facilitated his work. Few words were exchanged between the two she really had not wanted to bore him, or disturb him even with bland conversation. She couldn't imagine what an artist such as himself was thinking or what he was interested in besides his work. Though she was cultured and learned in several aspects of society, at least enough to get her by in conversation with a future suitor, at the end of the day the man was there for his work. Quietly, she watched as he began chipping away at the marble. Several times she would tear her gaze away just as he took glances at her more so out of respect. Staring was rude and suggested that she was critiquing his unfinished work--and she certainly didn't want him to think she had been. And as his strong arms chipped into the marble well on into the night, she found herself little tunes to hum under her breath, just to pass the time by. The wine had helped her feel at ease and a bit lightheaded too. She was used to drinking at social events, but here no one was present to monitor her intake and he certainly had not been concerned. Nonetheless, she felt relaxed. She had been surprised she had made it so far into the night without the feeling restless. So when he made his way towards her to help her off of the couch, she was amazed the time had flown by as swiftly as it had. Her eyes gazed into his as she placed her hand in his, and she let them linger there as she noted the color--a deep chestnut brown that reminded her of autumn when the merchants would bring the nuts from the high mountains of Italy to the market. There the servants would purchase them for the household and they would make delicious pies and puddings for her father's annual autumn feast. Yes, his eyes reminded her of that time. No, signore, but I am sure I can make it back alone. I do not wish to impede you from any other work you may have, she spoke softly, letting her hand slip away from his as she feared she had let it rest there for longer than deemed appropriate. Alessandra also had not wanted Tomas to wait around for her. She figured when it was nearly dawn she was more safe than if it had been late into the night. I must say you have one of the most beautiful eyes I have ever seen in a man...Well, two , she suppressed some laughter before she realized what she had said. Her eyes widened and her cheeks flushed as a sense of humiliation came over her. She then bit down on her bottom lip before addressing him. It was clearly the wine speaking along with her lack of sleep. I am...Please, forgive me, signore... I am feeling a little restless.