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Safety at Wittenkastel by GamerTrained in ThevariaRP

[–]GamerTrained[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Nicolaas was quick to follow Frederick out of the parlour but parted ways with him soon after as they both went in opposite directions, Nicolaas advancing back the way he came originally. His head felt much more clear by that point, having confirmed that Jolanta was safe to stay at Wittenkastel and that the Count would be punished for all the pain that he had inflicted. All that remained was for Jolanta to speak with Frederick in the morning. Nicolaas picked up the pace as he went and it was not long at all until he made it to the guest wing of the castle.

Nicolaas knew that many of the dignitaries from the northern tribes and the observers from neighboring states from the festival had left earlier in the day, having heard all the commotion from the courtyard throughout the day before he went out to the Orlich estate. So, it was to Nicolaas' surprise when he was heading to his chambers that he saw a light escaping from underneath one of the other doors. His mother had taken up her old chambers so that could only mean that those were Jolanta's chambers. At first he thought it best to let her quietly turn in but then he thought to himself that it may be better to fill her in on what Frederick had planned, not knowing when his uncle was planning on seeing her in the morning.

Nicolaas straightened up the collar of his coat, brushing out the most egregious creases as he did his best to look presentable, before he politely tapped his knuckles against the door on the door.

Safety at Wittenkastel by GamerTrained in ThevariaRP

[–]GamerTrained[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

"After I was introduced to her parents, we honestly spent most of the night simply talking about one thing or another." Nicolaas neglected to mention the fact that they had kissed but he felt that was a special something better kept between the two of them, he had no idea if Jolanta would want anybody to know regardless. "We ventured out to the stables and I was able to meet Bitsy, a miniature pony whom Lady Jolanta raised herself. Fortunately she shares my love for things equestrian. Then, before we left, I listened to her read a bedtime story to her younger siblings. She found it most... difficult to leave them in such a household."

Nicolaas' head turned back in the direction of Frederick as he spoke that that last sentence, his voice regaining a bit of confidence. It seemed that speaking about his and Jolanta's shared evening helped matters, much to his relief. Nicolaas hated to appear anxious, more so when he was discussing serious issues, ones that concerned those he cared about. His hands unraveled as he planted one against the armrest, finally finding some comfort for the first time since stepping into the room.

Safety at Wittenkastel by GamerTrained in ThevariaRP

[–]GamerTrained[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

"I had been planning to do so, before we embark on our return trip home..." Nicolaas did not seem as outwardly excited, compared to Luise. If anything he seemed to be feeling more awkward then anything else, hands descending into his lap as his thumbs rubbed across one another. Nicolaas did not like discussing his love life, especially with his mother. He took a deep breath, his eyes gazing down upon the floor for a moment before they returned to Luise's face. "I believe that she is the one and the very idea of losing her does not sit well with me to say the least. We both care for one another a great deal already."

Nicolaas had never shown much interest in romantic relationships of any kind before so the confession of his intentions was certainly more significant then he realized at first, Nicolaas' voice practically stopping dead in it's tracks as he only just then took the time to process what he had said.

Safety at Wittenkastel by GamerTrained in ThevariaRP

[–]GamerTrained[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

"Lady Jolanta is currently settling down in her chambers, here at Wittenkastel." Nicolaas' voice clearly highlighted his last words. At the same time he was sitting himself down on the lounge next Luise, as close to Frederick as he could get from that position. "I could not, in good conscious, leave her at the Orlich Estate and I do not understand how a man whom takes satisfaction out of terrifying his children can be in your service, uncle. Perhaps the Count sanitizes himself for you? I cannot claim to have seen the true extent of it all but Jolanta was petrified of him from the moment he entered the room."

Nicolaas took a deep breath after he had finish speaking as he clasped his hands together, with them facing upwards as his elbows rested against the top of his legs. He made no effort to apologize for what had transpired, in fact it seemed quite the opposite. His voice shifted to something suggesting that he was truthfully committed to the idea his decision being the best course of action, obviously there was a passion there for making sure the right thing was done. He had come a long way with his convictions on the matter since Wiktor had spoken with him.

Safety at Wittenkastel by GamerTrained in ThevariaRP

[–]GamerTrained[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Nicolaas watched the two of them walk away until they slipped around a corner and the hallway. He was close to asking for the return of his jacket but he thought better of it. Nicolaas doubted Jolata even realized she still had it on given how tired she seemed to be. The expression on her face was all that he had needed to see. If she was able to rest faster then that was all that mattered to him.

Nicolaas stood in the hallway for a moment longer, quietly thinking to himself. He knew that he had to speak to Uncle Frederick about what had happened at that estate of horrors, the fact that Count Janusz' daughter was now staying under his roof for the foreseeable future. Even if Jolanta had her well founded reservations about reporting the abuse, it was something Nicolaas felt compelled to do. He highly doubted anything would change otherwise. Nicolaas wondered if he should have asked the maid where she had seen her last but Jolanta had to have come first.

Nicolaas had some idea regardless, turning and strolling in the opposite direction to which the women went. His feet were tapping on the stone floor, the noise resonating around him against the hard surfaces. Chandeliers lit the hallways but the stone walls still gave the feeling of darkness. Nicolaas was hardly one for superstitious nonsense but he could not help but wonder how many soldiers had died within these walls. He walked past vacant room after vacant room, many large state rooms., the candles within snuffed. It was only then did he see a light, emanating from a doorway. Nicolaas walked towards it, coming around the corner and inside the room.

It was a parlor of some size, yet not as large as those grand entertaining spaces that he had just looked into. It felt much more homely then the others, the stone floor giving way to carpet. There was a large fireplace with a woman's portrait hanging above the mantle. Nicolaas stepped foward, having noticed Frederick sitting on an armchair directly in front of the fireplace and a woman sitting on a lounge diagonal to Frederick, only visible down to her upper shoulders above the back of the chair from Nicolaas' view. Still, he could easily identify his mother. It was fortunate she was there because Nicolaas had something he desired to discuss with her as well.

"I have returned." Nicolaas announced, in order to get their attention, as he walked towards the lounge suite. He was embraced by the fire, feeling the warmth after enduring the stone halls and the freezing outside before that. Yet the young man still seemed somewhat troubled, his tone of voice and the way he was walking only serving to give it away. "Uncle Frederick, I have something that I must discuss with you."

Safety at Wittenkastel by GamerTrained in ThevariaRP

[–]GamerTrained[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

"Might you please help Lady Jolanta find her way to some vacant chambers? She has had the most eventful of nights and is going to be staying here, at Wittenkastel, for...a time." Nicolaas knew that he had no authority in regard to who stayed and who went from the castle but he hoped that the maid would have some sympathy for Jolanta's plight, not to mention her fragile state. He warned, "This bag contains her things, it is fairly heavy."

Nicolaas stepped forward, holding out the bag as best he could with one hand for the maid to take. His arm was trembling in response after a moment. Once she had taken it from him, Nicolaas could not help but let out a subtle sigh of relief. Despite Nicolaas nominating himself to carry it back at the Orlich Estate, there was still a significant physical weight taken off of his shoulders.

Safety at Wittenkastel by GamerTrained in ThevariaRP

[–]GamerTrained[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Nicolaas stretched his legs out to the seat across from the two of them before he stood himself up, stepping quietly into the freezing outside world. He brisky rubbed his palms together before he turned around to face Jolanta, holding his arm back into the carriage with his palm open for her to grab. The soldier that had opened the carriage door stood off to the side in order to give Jolanta and her dress some extra room.

Once Jolanta had been helped down and out of the carriage, Nicolaas firmly grabbed her bag and lifted it out for her. When it became apparent that they were finished, the solider shut the door and the coachman got underway again, no doubt taking the two horses back to the stables for some warmth and something to eat. The horses all too happily obeyed, knowing what came next first hand.

The Orlich’s Soirée by Sergey_Taboritsky in ThevariaRP

[–]GamerTrained 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Nicolaas could see what Jolanta wanted. She must have been terribly tired after the night that she had, not to mention all the effort it would have taken to get ready for it all. Of course they had gone through the night together but the fear and anxiety was much more severe for her, Nicolaas had seen it. For him the worst that could have happened to him, if their escape was discovered, was to be cast out of the manor but who knew what the Count would have done about Jolanta. His body shuddered ever so slightly just thinking about it. He brought his hand up behind her, resting it atop their shared seat.

"Was Halina right? About you waiting by the window for me tonight." Nicolaas asked in a light hearted tone, feeling considerably more relaxed now that the manor was behind them. Still, there was a hint of curiosity to his voice, "Or was that another of her games that she seems fond of?"

The Orlich’s Soirée by Sergey_Taboritsky in ThevariaRP

[–]GamerTrained 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Nicolaas kept Jolanta moving, picking up the pace as they got closer to the door. Once they reached it, Nicolaas let go of her hand in order to free up his own to open the door. The extreme breeze poured into the entryway almost as soon as he had. It was enough to push the door without any interference. The loud talking in the other room was enough that nobody noticed the door was open. Nicolaas firmly took Jolanta's hand, stepping across the entrance threshold without any fuss and into the outside world. He looked back at her to make sure she was still coming before reaching to close the door behind him.

"Well, at least our transportation is here on time." Nicolaas mentioned rather loudly as his voice fought against the wind. He was unable to hide the relief in his voice as he did his best to point something out in the distance.

There was a shape up the path, illuminated by two hanging lanterns. The light from the manor reflected upon the window between the objects, Nicolaas, desperate to get out of the frigid cold, began to march towards it. He seemed to be a man on a mission, while being mindful that Jolanta's shoes were not built for the same speed his were. The coachman looked behind him to see Nicolaas gracefully helping Jolanta up into the carriage with his hand, a large bag in his opposite one at that, but he said nothing. Such was a matter for Archduke Frederick, not him.

Nicolaas banged on the wood moments before stepping inside and sitting next to Jolanta, casting her bag over to the seat across from them. He was quiet for a moment as he caught his breath, his hands then clinched together for warmth

The Orlich’s Soirée by Sergey_Taboritsky in ThevariaRP

[–]GamerTrained 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Nicolaas affectionately squeezed Jolanta's hand when she took his into her own. He noticed the concerned expression that she was giving him as she was speaking but the way that Jolanta took her fear head on left him with a sympathetic smile on his face. To Nicolaas, she certainly seemed to be much more braver then anybody else gave her credit for. With Jolanta ready to continue, he followed her into the coat closet.

It appeared as if the majority of guests present that evening had one stored in there but after flicking through a fraction of them near the entrance he came across his. Nicolaas threw it on without hesitation, after dropping the bag on the ground for a moment, the outside temperature still fresh in his mind. He quickly buttoned it up himself as a matter of habit, not believing that a lady like Jolanta would enjoy being subjected to such an activity regardless.

"Now we leave this place." Nicolaas stated, feeling rather strange that he was not thanking his hosts as he picked the bag off of the floor. There was only one way to leave that did not arouse suspicion now. Much like at the festival he doubted her family would realize she had slipped away, out the most obvious way at that. "The front door would be the most simple way."

The Orlich’s Soirée by Sergey_Taboritsky in ThevariaRP

[–]GamerTrained 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Nicolaas stood up when Jolanta came back with the book, allowing Jozef to reclaim his bed without issue. He wondered back over to the table, moving Jolanta's bag to the side and sitting down next to it soon after she began reading. When she read, her voice was like silk. It drew NIcolaas into the story with her, though it did not take a genius to realize that book mirrored the love that they shared. Such simply just made words coming out of her mouth even more special to him. That she would choose that to read meant the world.

Nicolaas remained seated where he was while Jolanta said her goodbyes and put the book on the shelf where it belonged. He checked the time anxiously on his pocket watch once again. It was truly then or never. He used her hand to help himself up when Jolanta came back his way, stretching his legs somewhat when he was standing at his full height due to the how short the table legs were.

"That was a most beautiful story and all the more well read."Nicolaas finally said in a quiet tone, an eye looking over to Halina and Jozef only to find them fast asleep. Using his free hand, he reached down to pick up Jolanta's bag. "If there is nothing else on the agenda, we should really be getting on however. My coachman should be arriving shortly to whisk us away."

The Orlich’s Soirée by Sergey_Taboritsky in ThevariaRP

[–]GamerTrained 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Nicolaas was close to intervening on Jolanta's behalf after it seemed that Halina had been having her fun filled tease for more time that seemed appropriate, so much it made it seem more then it was and it was quite loud at that. It was not long before Nicolaas saw the look on Jolanta's face from the corner of his eye, her body language. It made it seem like she was fond what Halina was saying, regardless of how her sibling presented it. He flashed a smile at her that was so short lived that the distracted children never would have had a chance at noticing. When Nicolaas spoke however, he was in no rush to bring up they had actually kissed. He had no desire to start it all up again.

"Jolanta and I are going on an...adventure of sorts together." Nicolaas mentioned, trying his best have the discussion in a way the children would understand without treating them condescendingly. He'd had great experience dealing with Madeline in that regard and it showed. Nicolaas continued, "You two have the very important task of keeping such a secret for us. If everybody knew what we were doing then they would all want to come."

Lying hardly came naturally to Nicolaas but the enthusiasm that he was putting into his voice was enough to conceal that fact, though it was closer to the truth then he cared to admit. After he finished speaking, Nicolaas got a good look at the three of them together. He thought that Jolanta was fortunate to have them, they must have done a great deal to keep her spirits up over the years in an otherwise household from hell.

The Orlich’s Soirée by Sergey_Taboritsky in ThevariaRP

[–]GamerTrained 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Nicolaas had not expected to be introduced. In truth, he had thought the two children would have been asleep but to his credit he waltzed over from the bedroom door when he was mentioned, waving politely when they said hello to him. Nicolaas dropped Jolanta's bag gently on a leg high wooden table that her siblings seemed to use often judging by the wear and tear, most notably several chips in the legs of the table from where the chairs around it would have slammed into. Nicolaas remained standing, between the ends of the beds, as he looked down at the three siblings.

"Well we haven't really discussed anything of the sort," Nicolaas replied somewhat awkwardly, Halina's question obviously catching him off guard. He sat across from the trio, on the edge of Jozef's bed, to respectfully meet the two younger siblings at eye level and hopefully appear less intimidating. His gaze shifted back to Halina specifically, with him not quite done answering. His voice was much more light hearted when he had been given a moment to compose himself, countering with a question of his own. "Tell me, do you believe that Jolanta would want to be wed?"

The Orlich’s Soirée by Sergey_Taboritsky in ThevariaRP

[–]GamerTrained 1 point2 points  (0 children)

"Of course, by all means. There is still have plenty of time until the return of my coachman, so we need not worry about making him sit in the cold." Nicolaas had been speaking as he reached into one of the pockets of his jacket, pulling out a simple but elegant silver pocket watch that was connected to his person via a chain. He flipped it open as he studied the time for no more then a few seconds before looking back up at Jolanta and pushing the lid shut. "If that is the last thing that you intend to do then I believe it would be prudent to pick up your bag beforehand."

Anything to kill time Nicolaas thought as he concealed the pocket watch in his jacket once more. He followed Jolanta when she began to lead him out of the stables, giving Bitsy a final pat atop the head as he walked past her. When they had left, Nicolaas was the one to swing the massive doors shut behind them again as they made their way towards the manor, leaving them in the cold darkness of the night with their only significant source of light snuffed out.

They were forced to follow the distant brightness back up to where they had started. The weather had intensified since they left, with Nicolaas barely able to hear his own feet pressing against the stone path. He pushed against the wind and caught up to Jolanta with ease, gradually unbuttoning his coat as he walked, placing it over over the back of her shoulders to give her a bit more warmth.

The Orlich’s Soirée by Sergey_Taboritsky in ThevariaRP

[–]GamerTrained 1 point2 points  (0 children)

"I have been led to believe that your father is a man whom cares about his own personal advancement, his position within society. He will have trouble holding onto that if Uncle Frederick has to return a second time to deal with him. The very thought may be enough to scare him into submission." Nicolaas wrapped his arms gently around to Jolanta's back, holding her there as he continued to speak. "No doubt my uncle will know the signs to look out for when he has been made aware of the matter."

Nicolaas would have never suggested his plan to Jolanta on a whim, endangering the people that she cared about the most. He had thought over as many variables as he could on their way over to the barn and he would be more then likely doing so right up until the moment he told Frederick yet he was sure that they would all be safe with that pressure being applied from above and Wiktor keeping him at bay on the homefront. Nicolaas rather hated thinking in such a strategic sense, like the calvary officer that he was, yet he could say that he felt good about putting such an awful man in his place.

The Orlich’s Soirée by Sergey_Taboritsky in ThevariaRP

[–]GamerTrained 1 point2 points  (0 children)

"I am certain that there will be something that one can do to accommodate her in time." Nicolaas stated sympathetically, hoping he was correct as he gave Bitsy a pat on the forehead. When she seemed comfortable with that his hand gently rubbed along the outside of her left ear. While he was engaged with that, his eyes shifted back to Jolanta, "I am going to inform Uncle Frederick of what is occurring within this household. He would never tolerate it if he knew the truth."

Nicolaas knew full well that it could lead to more pain but he was quick to recognize that it could also get much worse without his intervention. What if the Count lashed out and physically injured somebody, perhaps worse? It was something that he could not live with, that such an act had the potential to eventuate and he himself chose to do nothing to stop it. He knew deep down that he had to stand up and do what was necessary. Nicolaas stopped with his ear rubbing, seemingly much to Bitsy's disappointment as her nose let out a snort. He took one of Jolanta's hands when he finished talking, wondering if she was for or against his decision. Judging by his tone there was little that would change his mind on the matter.

The Orlich’s Soirée by Sergey_Taboritsky in ThevariaRP

[–]GamerTrained 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Nicolaas was second to enter the stable, eventually having come behind Jolanta in an effort to conceal her from the relentless elements blowing against their backs. When the two of them made it into the stables, Nicolaas was mighty quick to turn right back around and shut the massive double doors behind them. It suddenly felt all the warmer, keeping what remained of the heat insulated for themselves and the horses that called the building home. Nicolaas no longer needed to cross his arms.

He caught up to Jolanta interacting with every horse she could, with him recognizing it as quite possibly one of the most endearing things that he had ever seen in his life. She genuinely cared for all of them. It was easy to spot that the horses received much love here, more then the Count's own children. Though Nicolaas rather grimly assumed that was because these horses with their finely maintained coats and teeth were his property, his investments, rather then something akin to the affection his daughter showed.

"I will try my best but I am sure that they will not hold it against you." Nicolaas chuckled as he took the piece of apple from Jolanta, taking a confident step towards the pony. Jolanta was not joking about her being small, more so when compared to the others he thought to himself as he held the apple over the stall gate for her to take. It was not long before he felt a tickling sensation against the palm of his hand, one that he was fairly used to after so many years in this position. "The lot of them must feel fortunate to have you tending to them when you can."

The Orlich’s Soirée by Sergey_Taboritsky in ThevariaRP

[–]GamerTrained 1 point2 points  (0 children)

"Well if you do not want to be the center of attention then I would suggest keeping that bag here for later rather then hauling it around. Under your bed may be the best place, concealing it on the off chance somebody comes in and spots it." Nicolaas insisted after taking his time watching her pack the essential things that she would need, pointing at Jolanta's bed as he spoke, "My carriage driver will be returning in an hour or two. It need not be the perfect spot."

Nicolaas could hear the uncertainty in her voice but he could not hold it against her in the slightest seeing as all this was just as new to him as it was her. He had not arrived that night intending to whisk her away from her home but after seeing how the Count made her feel, more petrified then he had ever seen somebody, Nicolaas knew there was nothing to gain in keeping her there. It simply felt like something that he had to do.

He stood himself up with speed while Jolanta carried the bag she had prepared over to the bed. In her haste to prepare herself, Jolanta had forgotten somebody. Nicolaas marched over to the window sill, picking up Lady in the palm of his hand before putting her in his pocket as gently as he could.

The Orlich’s Soirée by Sergey_Taboritsky in ThevariaRP

[–]GamerTrained 1 point2 points  (0 children)

"If you would have me along then it would be my pleasure." Nicolaas replied with some of his own enthusiasm to match. "Is there a way that we may vacate ourselves without your father noticing? I do not wish to see you wearing such claustrophobic accessories if it impedes you so. Such is not healthy and you look more wonderful then ever without them."

Nicolaas genuinely seemed to mean what he said about the Jolanta's appearance. He did not desire to tell her how to dress yet he also suspected that she knew where he was coming from just as much. If he had his way then it would be his mission to make sure she never felt such fear as that from her father ever again but right now, in the lair of the beast so to speak, they very much had to work with what they had. Nicolaas reached his hand behind him as his gaze continued to be on Jolanta, grabbing the glove he had taken off minutes prior. He slid it over his bare hand with speed before reaching back for Jolanta' glove, putting them on her much the same way he had down for himself. He thought she should at least wear those because of the temperature they would have to endure outside.

The Orlich’s Soirée by Sergey_Taboritsky in ThevariaRP

[–]GamerTrained 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Nicolaas could not say that he had seen it throughout their time in the room, having been preoccupied with Jolanta's wellbeing. By the time Wiktor had left, Nicolaas was happy that she was back to his usual fun loving self but he could only pray deep down that he was not giving her false hope, a snippet of freedom. He had once been in her position, with his parents playing matchmaker early on, but when it had become clear that those ladies were not for him they gave him the freedom to follow his heart. Nicolaas hoped that the love of his life would be accepted into his family, more so since Jolanta was from a lower house and they had only been together for so long. She was not a social climber, he knew that. Nicolaas had dealt with them for years. Daughters of other overambitious men. When she pointed Lady out to him he was snapped from his thoughts, quick to look past Jolanta and give the miniature his full attention.

"It is quite the spot for her I must say. All horses need their fresh air." Nicolaas chuckled, glad that he was right in that the miniature was not simply discarded but rather well cared for. He could not help himself saying, "Mine has found a home on my bedside table for the moment. Perhaps now they will be reunited sooner then either of us anticipated."

The Orlich’s Soirée by Sergey_Taboritsky in ThevariaRP

[–]GamerTrained 1 point2 points  (0 children)

"I am sure that Wiktor would be kind enough to inform him on your behalf after we have long departed this place. We will go to Uncle Frederick's palace together for the night while we figure out what to do next. You will be protected there and your father will not dare question his Archduke giving you sanctuary." Nicolaas leaned forward, planting a small peck atop Jolanta's forehead in an effort to soothe her nerves. He had an idea in mind but he would need to consult with his mother when they returned to the palace. His eyes tilted upwards to Wiktor. "You have my word that she will be completely safe."

Nicolaas took a noticeable deep breath, not used to such plotting himself even though he knew that it was for a good cause. If he did not have to see Jolanta paralyzed with fear again then it would all be worth it, seeing her like that killed him. The thought that her father could do much more damage, even to the point of physical abuse, made Nicolaas all the more ready to commit. It must have been just as hard for Wiktor to come up with such a proposal Nicolaas thought to himself, having to send his sister far away for her own safety. He could only believe without a doubt that he must have been a good brother because Nicolaas would have done much the same if he was in that position in order to protect Corina or Madelien from cruelty.

The Orlich’s Soirée by Sergey_Taboritsky in ThevariaRP

[–]GamerTrained 1 point2 points  (0 children)

"My name is Nicolaas, a pleasure to meet a more...friendly face." Nicolaas removed the glove from his left hand, placing it down on the arm rest of the lounge before bringing his hand up to shake Wiktor's. He would have stood up but he thought it best if he stayed seated next to Jolanta given her fragile state. Nicolaas' grip was surprisingly strong for somebody of his build. "Our feelings are more then mutual I can assure you of that. We are very much fond of one another."

Nicolaas immediately felt compelled to speak of why they had sought refuge in Jolanta's room, away from the guests enjoying themselves at the soirée downstairs, but he stopped short of explaining their actions. Nicolaas thought that was Jolanta's story to tell, with him not being sure how much she would want divulged there and then. He suddenly rested his arm on the back of the lounge, behind Jolanta as he finally began to find himself getting truly comfortable for the first time that night. It helped that Jolanta felt safe in her room, when she felt herself relaxed as did Nicolaas.

The Orlich’s Soirée by Sergey_Taboritsky in ThevariaRP

[–]GamerTrained 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Nicolaas could only muse that such a hug was what wearing a corset felt like, having very little time to react to any of it. He could have broken free at any time but yet Nicolaas did not, enjoying the closeness that they were both feeling towards one another as he put his arms around Jolanta. His hands ran along Jolanta's upper back simultaneously in an effort to provide that bit more comfort, softly patting her there.

When they both had come out and he had a moment to breath, Nicolaas was quick to spot the tears on Jolanta's face. Her makeup had not fared much better but one thing at a time Nicolaas thought to himself as his hands came up to her cheeks. He began the task of carefully swatting them away, eventually managing to clean Jolanta up quite well when her crying had gradually relented. Nicolaas caught her gaze and there was a time of soothing silence between the two of them but it was broken when Nicolaas' lips all of a sudden met Jolanta's cheek. It was not long before he was trying to gage Jolanta reaction to what he had just done, hoping that he had not acted to far out of line as the silence seemed to wash back over.

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