A Whole New World (Jacques)

Subject: A Whole New World (Jacques) Thu Jun 13, 2019 7:06 pm

Contacting Jacques Clement and securing a visit to the Palace of Versailles had been truthfully easier than Azalea had expected it to be. Despite the young wizard's polite demeanor and courteous outlook, the witch had harbored no illusions that he remembered her when she wasn't directly in his company. Not that she minded it of course, he was vastly more important than the average university student and thus had a lot on his plate. So when he'd replied to her text within the same day, the brunette had been both pleasantly surprised and oddly fond of the boy who was out doing just regular boy things like watching a Quidditch match. Unbidden, the memory of a younger Jake had floated from her subconscious, only to be obliterated almost immediately as Ethan cried out, almost as if he could sense her attention drifting away and was demanding all of it back for himself.

Yes, securing the appointment had been easy, what had been more difficult was telling Josh that she would be gone for a day.

Azalea had learned very quickly into their relationship that Josh remained calm, always. Even when he saw things he didn't particularly care for. At first the young mother had thought it to mean he didn't mind many things that happened around him. Now she knew better. Living with someone did that you, she supposed as she got ready to tell the blonde her news. She began after breakfast was cleared away and Ethan had been taken by one of the nannies. The conversation had been of hiring a new au pair as Ethan should start learning French in addition to English and Gaelic. Once the child was cleaned up, the little troupe was due to head to the stream that bubbled on the estate. A day of swimming and (in Ethan's case) splashing had been planned so Azalea decided to get the news out of the way beforehand.

As always, Josh listens with hardly a word to interrupt her, then he questioned if her trip was strictly necessary as he could procure whatever she needed for her research right here. Azalea tried to explain how rare the herb she was after was, how it would involve a lot of paperwork and licencing to even contemplate its transportation from its natural habitat. And the issue of it surviving outside it's native biosphere was a different matter altogether. In the end, Josh didn't seem convinced but as always, he asked if if this was something she wanted and when she nodded in an affirmative, he said he would book her flight tickets.

Even though Josh never said a word to stop or contradict her, Azalea couldn't help the feeling that she had somehow done something wrong. Chiding herself for overthinking everything, the witch had brushed off the slight shivers creeping up her spine and headed down to the stream with the two blonds. By the end of the day and after a fun filled excursion which involved too many slashes of water and peals of Ethan's joyful laughter, the witch had forgotten all about her earlier reservations.

The sixteenth of July dawned dark, but then again, that was because Azalea herself rose before dawn. The night before she had insisted she could take one of the cars tot eh airport herself but Josh wouldn't hear of it. They couple had spent more than their fair share of the night before saying a temporary goodbye and now he was awake before she was. After a somewhat delayed breakfast, the two had barely made it to the car in time for it to be teleported straight to the airport. Magic truly was helpful. Azalea's business class ticket was waiting at the counter where Josh collected them for her and the two exchanged a brief kiss goodbye, Azalea promising to be home before midnight.

The one and a half hour on the plane the witch studied up on her material once again, taking advantage of the happy coincidence that no one had taken the seat beside her, behind her, or directly in front of her. By the time the pilot announced their touchdown in Paris, the witch was fairly confident she knew her stuff. Packing away everything into her bright red Birkin bag and taking a minute to look into a small pocket mirror to ensure she looked presentable for the palace, Azalea prepared for the landing.

Clearing airport security was once again easier than anticipated. As soon as she presented her boarding pass at the counter, a well dressed attendant ushered her past the line of people and through a sectioned off area where her passport was stamped promptly and she was released into the main airport in less than ten minutes. Travelling for the first time on her own since her recovery, Azalea had to admit it had gotten a lot easier than she remembered it.

The time she had given Jacques Clement was off by nearly half an hour now that she was free before she had anticipated. Wondering if she should shoot him a text or find things to keep herself occupied, the witch decided to do both. Ducking into a Starbucks and ordering a hot chocolate, the witch found a seat on a car stool and retrieved her phone from the Birkin.

"Bonjour! Cleared customs faster than expected. I'm at the Starbucks near the west entrance. Let me know when you get here."

With that out of the way, the brunette waited patiently for her name to be called in usual Starbucks fashion. While she waited, Azalea called up yet another academic journal on her phone, covering the wallpaper consisting of pictures taken at the Winter Valentine's ball with Jake and the three children.

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Subject: Re: A Whole New World (Jacques) Thu Jun 13, 2019 7:44 pm

Summer had been inexplicably busy for the Clement heir. With the Quidditch World Cup in full flow in Italy, and his more than interested nature for the sport despite his country's team being subpar, Jacques had found himself travelling across the two countries as often as he could to join his friends from university. Where most of them had tickets for almost every game they could lay their hands on, Jacques had not purchased a single ticket, simply deciding which games he wanted to join them for.

That said, of course, Jacques was revelling in being home. Back at the Palace with his Maman and Papa was where the young man felt happiest of all, and it showed in his more relaxed demeanour as he joined his Maman in her withdrawing room with some of the guests who had come to the Palace on a given day, or else joined his Papa in his solar, working through more paperwork and planning for the next takeover move of the Clements.

More recently, Jacques had found himself with more input in these dealings, both of his parents showing him the pros and cons of each country, the manner in which they would approach it, and, in some cases, taking ideas from him on how to win them over.

When the three of them found themselves with free time, they would spend time out in the gardens together, reaping the benefits of the warmth of the summer, and enjoying the time they had together.

Each week, Jacques would ask the same question of his parents. Each week they replied in the same manner. Elenore had not written. As far as any of them knew, she would not be coming back for the summer. The young man's eyes would darken as he caught the slight inflections of hurt in his Maman's tone, or the brief look of sadness in her eyes, but the Lady Clement would quickly right the situation herself. Elenore was too busy, that was why she wasn't coming home, she was having too much fun.

Jacques knew better, of course he did, but Elenore had always been difficult, and there would be no use in bringing her home if she didn't want to come.

It had been down to him, therefore, to keep his Maman happily distracted, and Jacques had done his best to do so throughout the holidays. His most recent of successes being the topic of Azalea coming to the Palace. Jacques had only spoke of her as 'his friend', not quite sure on speaking the witch's name given that the last name was the same as Mimosa's, and though his Maman might play with that term in mild jest, Jacques had reassured his Maman that they were just friends, and that he would appreciate it very much if she believed him.

The Lady Clement had insisted that she knew, but Jacques could see the curiosity had been piqued regardless.

On the day of the sixteenth, Jacques had woken early -- Azalea's flight would be coming in to the Paris in the early hours of the morning, and the man didn't wish to be late to picking her up. After dressing and eating alone -- he'd insisted his parents not be woken -- Jacques had found himself ready quite early. Both of his parents had work that day, so they were unable to meet with Azalea, but that wasn't why she was here.

Heading out to the garage early, Jacques had opted for the Ferrari to be readied for him that morning. True to his word, Artemis had brought the car out, and the car was gleaming beautifully in the early morning sun.

"M'lord," the man had offered as he handed over the keys, retreating away without much more conversation. The man had always been simple that way, and Jacques appreciated it that morning as he lowered the roof down turned the ignition of the car. The engine purred in to life only a second later, reverberating off of the buildings and making it sound much more beautiful than it had the right to be. Reaching down to the central pocket, Jacques obtained his sunglasses and slid them in to place to reflect the morning sun.

Next, his phone was turned back on, and placed in the central column where his sunglasses had been moments before. It took a moment for the device to light up, and after that, a ping alerted Jacques to the first message. Five more pings came in quick succession as the man lifted the phone back up, and then another. Smiling to himself, Jacques opened the torrent of messages from Mimosa that detailed what she'd been doing in India so far that day. Picture accompanied her explanations, and Jacques opened each of them, enlarging them as was necessary as the smile on his lips grew more fond.

Replying to each text with the attention the younger witch required, Jacques forgot about everything else for a moment, immersed in the adventures of the youngest Clement. And, as he'd taken to doing this time, the final text denoted how many more days they had to wait -- only five now.

Just as the man was about to put his phone back down, the device pinged again. This time, though, it wasn't Mimosa, but Azalea. She'd already landed. Checking the time, Jacques gave a small frown, she was much earlier than expected.

Good morning! I'm just leaving the Palace, I'll be twenty minutes, tops! See you soon!

Putting the phone down, Jacques knocked the car in to gear, foot down on the accelerator, and with a small skid in the gravel of the drive, the Ferrari pushed forth out towards the gates of the Palace.

True to form, Jacques' car pulled in to the airport twenty minutes later. The early start doing wonders to avoid traffic in what would -- in an unenhanced car -- take an hour or so to complete. The young man's hair had been lightly mussed by the wind as he'd wound through the streets. Following Azalea's instructions, Jacques had pulled round the west side of the airport, and upon finding the sign for the Starbucks -- Merlin the witch really did like some of the less finer things in life -- he pulled in to one of the 'pick up' bays and shut the engine off.

Exiting the car, Jacques moved around to the passenger side, phone in hand as he quickly let Azalea know he was outside waiting.

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Subject: Re: A Whole New World (Jacques) Thu Jun 13, 2019 8:17 pm

It took almost ten minutes for her hot chocolate to be done, giving Azalea ample time to skim the introduction and literature review she felt she now knew by heart. It was the methodlogy where she channeled her energies these days, much more interested in questioning why the researchers had employed the methods they had. Just as she was finishing up the journal, her beverage only slightly consumed, her phone buzzed, alerting her to a text from Jacques.

She spotted his car before her gaze found the Clement heir. There was only one person who would bring such a flashy car out to the airport to get her. Slipping her phone back into her back, the witch quickly smoothed down her red skirts, sweeping a wayward fringe behind an ear in the next motion. The same hand rose to wave at him as Jacques entered the coffee house.

"Hello, how kind of you to bring a vehicle that would go with my get up," she greeted him cheekily, extending her hand towards the French wizard. Every time she tried to think of him as someone serious and important, the man reminded her that underneath it all, he really was just a boy. Trying to hide her grin, she gestured to her barely touched drink.

"Would you like some hot chocolate, America's finest I'm told."

The two fell into genial conversation as they made their way to his ride. Azalea perfunctorily asking him what was happening with the World Cup if only so she had soemthing to say about it should she be asked. The witch also thanked him for his kindness in allowing her to see her research through which was once again waved away.

Finally, as they entered the car, the witch sliding in neatly and letting Jacques close the door that she mustered up the courage to ask the question that she had been wanting to ask since the moment she saw him. Waiting for him to get into the driver's seat and start the car, the brunette finally broached the subject.

"And how is Mimosa doing? I hope the little one is having fun in India."

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Subject: Re: A Whole New World (Jacques) Fri Jun 14, 2019 11:11 am

The quip on his choice of car for the day matching the witch's outfit of the day in way of greeting brought a soft laugh from the Frenchman as she extended her hand to him. "Well, I couldn't have you feeling out of place on your trip, could I?" The man replied in equal cheekiness as he took the proffered hand and placed the softest of kisses on the back of the witch's hand.

After letting go of the witch's hand, Jacques looked to the offered drink, trying to hide the frown that threatened his features. "No thank you, I'm afraid I've never liked the food or drink offered here." The man explained, making sure to drop his voice so only Azalea would hear the admission and not the rest of the bar. "You can bring it with you, if you'd like, but we can arrange for drinks when we're home." Jacques offered, not wanting the witch to feel she had to leave it here if she truly wanted to drink the beverage.

The short walk to the car was filled with polite conversation of the Quidditch World Cup, which Jacques kept to a minimum, given Azalea didn't hold much interest in the subject, and only really offered an explanation to how France had still not won a game and were looking like they would be going out of the competition soon enough. The witch thanked him once more, unnecessarily as it might be, and Jacques once again insisted it was no trouble as he got the door for the witch, and helped her in to the vehicle before carefully closing the door. Moving around the car, Jacques got in the drivers side, quickly pulling his seat belt in to place and glancing over to check the witch had done the same.

"And how is Mimosa doing? I hope the little one is having fun in India."

As the engine came in to life, Jacques' smile grew at the mention of Mimosa. "She's having a great time," the man explained, reaching to retrieve his phone from his pocket and unlocking the device. Opening the messenger application, the man scrolled up to the first message from Mimosa's trip -- almost a month and a half ago now, and then passed the phone to Azalea. "Have a scroll through, there are lots of pictures of Mimosa attending parties, exploring India, and just silly things she wanted to share with me." The man explained, trusting Azalea to scroll through the conversation without a second thought.

Pulling the car away from the curb, Jacques turned the car back towards Versailles, and set off at a much more comfortable speed towards the Palace, quite happy to show Azalea some of the most poignant places in Paris on their trip home, whilst fielding questions of Mimosa's visit to India, and questions on France.

As the Palace came in to view almost forty minutes later, Jacques pulled the car on to the drive, slowing down exponentially. "And this is home," he finalised the short tour, the beauty of the Palace showing off as the sun reflected off the highly polished windows, and the beautiful white stones. Jacques glances across at Azalea with a smile, wondering how she found it, but deciding against thinking too much on that subject.

"Maman and Papa don't like technology in the Palace grounds, so if you don't mind too much, it would be great if you can turn your phone off, and leave it in the car whilst we tour the gardens. It'll be quite safe." Jacques explained as the gates opened for them, and the guardsmen acknowledge the Clement heir as usual with a short bow.

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Subject: Re: A Whole New World (Jacques) Sun Jun 16, 2019 12:10 pm

"Oh no, that's fine, I was merely teasing," Azalea reassured the wizard, laving her to go cup behind. One taste of semi home brewed hot chocolate was quite enough. "And I'm all set thanks," she added at the notion of getting beverages at the palace.

Once they were inside the vehicle, the witch could hardly believe her luck when she was handed the shiny glass device masquerading as Jacques' Clement's phone. It certainly wasn't a model she was familiar with though the brunette would be the first to admit that her expertise did not lie in the world of tech. It wasn't the impressive model and make of the device that interested Azalea though.

Her eyes were only for the text and photo chain between Mimosa and the man, right from the start of summer and the first shots of the Taj Mahal from the young witch's lane up til now, a Quidditch update Azalea didn't really understand but which made Mimosa lose a bet to someone. Every single text, picture, gif and emoticon showed a blissfully happy child enjoying her trip and missing her family.

A family Azalea would never be a part of.

"It's her birthday soon," the brunette concluded quietly, handing the phone back to the driver of the ostentatious car. "I'll have to pick something up for her, though I confess I know very little of her likes and dislikes." The rest of he journey was spent with Jacques showing ehr famous sightings as they passed by. A church here, a museum there, a gallery to the left, an arthouse cafe to the right. It was clear he truly enjoyed living in his homeland, and was very proud of it to boot.

The driveway leading up to one of the palace buildings was miles and miles long, or at least that was how it looked to Azalea because Jacques had pointed out ten minutes earlier that they had entered the grounds and yet they were still driving. The sprawling estate was nothing short of spectacular, catching the witch of guard on several occasions.

"Wow, how big is this place?' she asked as they finally pulled into the garage, Azalea depositing her phone without question. It made sense why phones were not permitted, that was why she was here, wasn't it?

The gates that opened for them were extravagant in their own right, but Azalea's attention was immediately captured by the acre upon acre of gardens laying at their feet. Carefully manicured lawns, sectioned off shrubbery, contained botanical species and walled off herbs stretched as far as the eye could see. And the fountains, paths and seating dotted artistically throughout was enough to show how well maintained the entire area was.

"How do you not spend every single day out here?" she questioned, chocolate eyes shimmering as they took in every aspect of the garden. "I imagine working here is a Herbologist's dream come true."

Just as she had spoken, two individuals approached them, coming to stand smartly before and herself. From their casual yet pristine gardening attires, Azalea surmised these would be the in house herpetologists Jacques had enlisted to help them today. The man bowed first to the Clement heir than to ehr, the woman following suite with a courtesy.

"Bonjour Madam, we are Gustov and Annette, it is our pleasure to show you the wonders of the palace gardens today. Most of our team is busy with the Dehlientelle but we can assist you with anything you need."

"The Dehlientelle,,? Azalea looked up at Jacques, hoping for an explanation.

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Subject: Re: A Whole New World (Jacques) Wed Jun 19, 2019 7:14 pm

"It is, and if you need help picking something, I'd be happy to help." Jacques replied easily to Azalea's worries on getting the child a gift. Mimosa was not difficult to pick presents for, the child loved everything he'd ever gotten for her, so he doubted Azalea would have any trouble, but if she wanted to bounce ideas off of him, he truly wouldn't mind.

As they drove on through Paris, Jacques was more than happy showing off France to the witch beside him, and not being the slightest bit apologetic about it. He took his lead from the witch, though, and upon finding her interest piquing with more insights of Mimosa's first reactions, or tales at each place, they settled in to an unspoken understanding that everything he explained about Paris would come with a snippet of information about Mimosa, too.

The Palace was soon upon them, and as Azalea asked how large the Palace was, the Frenchman couldn't help but let out a soft laugh. "Bigger than Hogwarts." He offered in reply to that question, though it would not nearly -- or adequately -- explain the try extent of the Palace's size.

Aiding Azalea from the car as they pulled up, Jacques showed the witch out towards the gardens, and they'd barely stepped away from the buildings before the witch's features grew in to something akin to true bliss as she looked out upon the vast expanse of gardens before them. Once again the question posed by the witch was one Jacques couldn't help but smile at, looking out at the gardens with a wonderment, but a different wonderment to the witch beside him. This was his home, he'd never found the place to be as vastly remarkable as anyone else. They had thousands of tourists coming and going every year, guests who came and looked out in awe. But all Jacques saw as he looked out across the vast expanse was home. The place where he belonged, where he would find his Maman and Papa, always.

So the question of how he did not spend every moment in the gardens was one he couldn't really answer, because he couldn't see any of this how the witch did.

"I have been told many times that the Palace is a beautiful place, for a vast number of reasons. So, I would imagine that most of the Herbologists working here believe this to be one of the best places to work." Jacques replied. "Though, of course, I'm no Herbologist." He added, the smile on his lips showing that he understood where she was coming from, though it might not be as appreciated as it should be from his side.

The two Herbologists tasked with providing a tour for Jacques and his guest arrived only a moment later, politely acknowledging both of them before introducing themselves. Jacques remained quietly beside Azalea, not wishing to overshadow her enjoyment of the day with his own presence. True to form, the Herbologists were quick to be welcoming, explaining quickly what the other's were doing and dropping in talk of the Dehlientelle.

Motioning for the Herbologists to start heading in the direction of the plant Azalea was here to visit, Jacques fell in to stride beside the witch. "The Dehlientelle is a maze here at the Palace. The key feature of the maze is the dahlias that are planted to make the maze itself. My Maman's favourite flower is the dahlia, and... well, it's rumoured that they were added to the maze for her benefit by my Papa. That's what the romantics of France will tell you, at least." Jacques explained, the smile on his features showing he was one of those who believed that story, and no book, nor herbologist or historian could persuade him otherwise.

"Often they head down their together for walks, when they have time to get away from the Palace for a little while." Jacques continued, looking to the witch beside him. "If you would like to see it, I can show you later. Mimosa conquered it on her last visit to the Palace, she was so proud of herself." The man confided, the pride clear within his tone.

"But, please, don't let me keep you from your true reasons for being her." Jacques quickly added, motioning for Azalea to move forth and discuss what she wanted to obtain with the two Herbologists on hand for her every question.

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Subject: Re: A Whole New World (Jacques) Fri Jun 21, 2019 4:18 pm

In the end, it was easier than she had expected. Jacques possessed both good conversational skills and the lack of needing to impose his knowledge on matters he was not familiar with. For the most part, he allowed the Herbologists to do their work, showing her to a shaded grove where the highly prized shrub grew. The team at the palace was clearly a the top of heir game as they had not only isolated the rare herb but had made efforts to both preserve and breed it further. Azalea listens carefully as Annette explained the measures being taken to make sure the herb thrived in an environment constantly being polluted by modernity. Gustav in turn showed her the possible uses for the Herb. Her own research on combination potions came up but it was not well recorded as stripping the plans and killing them in the name of testing was still not quite viable as they believed the colony was not large enough fro that yet. Right now, the focus was on simply preserving the rare species.

"I see you've kept them shaded," the brunette noted, taking in all the information as she knelt by the herbs. to ehr surprise, the Clement heir joined her, not in the least worried about scuffing his clothes or seeming too above the task. "Have you considered keeping them in pitch dark? Somewhere no signal will ever find them, preferably deep underground?"

"They are photosensitive, Mademoiselle," Gustav gently reminded her. "They need the sun but not too much, that is why we kep them in shade."

The American witch nodded, feeling it would be impudent of ehr to point out that tropisms could be cultured. But then again, she had no proof of that save notes hastily scrolled over a decade ago, notes that she barely understood because even the handwriting they were in no longer resembled her own. At the end of the three thorough hours of questions and observations, Azalea broached the subject of maybe borrowing a few of the shavings to try and grow on her own. Both herbologists looked to Jacques as if asking silent permission.

"There may not be much point to it," Annette reminded her. "They cannot thrive anywhere with radio waves and frequencies in the atmosphere. We don't mind giving you samples but it is unlikely that you will succeed. Our team has tried planting them in many places but even within the grounds of the palace, they only flourish in certain spots."

Azalea nodded, leaving the discussion to the experts and their employers. Perhaps belatedly, the witch realized she may have asked for too much. There were all kinds of laws that applied to the export of such rare plants, asking them like that was puting them on the spot.

Once the examining of her research object was complete, the Herbologist were happy to give her a tour of the gardens with Jacques supplementing more family related information. The story of his father decorating the Dehlientelle for his mother was very heart warming and so far removed from anything she had grown up with. Almost the entirely of her childhood had been Clara screaming at Dad to get something to the other done. the witch smiled quieten at the idea of Jacques bearing witness to that.

"I grew up very differently," she confided to the young wizard as they walked the gardens, heading towards the famed maze. "My dad was a photographer and my... Well, Clara is just Clara, I doubt there are enough words in the world to describe my Godmother." Searching about for soemthing interesting to share form her own childhood, the brunette added. "I did have a stuffed cactus as a child, I used to bring it everywhere. I think Dad still has it but its in Mi-" Th witch stopped, correcting herself. 'It's probably in storage now. i haven't been back in Carmel for years."

The rest of the team the Herbologists had mentioned was indeed in the Dehlientelle. Over a dozen Herbologists overseeing the careful work being done in the area did nothing to take away from its beauty.

"Our team has been working around the clock to prepare the area for the Lord and Lady Clement's wedding anniversary next month," Annette announced proudly as Gustav nodded, beaming.

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Subject: Re: A Whole New World (Jacques) Fri Jun 21, 2019 5:12 pm

Jacques knowledge of Herbology was nowhere near good enough to participate in the conversations that continued with the three Herbologists as they made their way to the grove of the plant that Azalea had requested to see. The Clement heir was quite happy just listening to everything going on, learning more about the plant in the grounds of the Palace that he'd never really held much interest in until now. The knowledge that modern technology would destroy the plant was enough for the young man to look back to the Palace whilst the others continued their conversation, wondering if his parents had known that before they'd placed the ban upon technology upon the Palace.

Food for thought, that much was for sure.

The only points Jacques made more of a note on were those points raised by Azalea of the Herbologists. Their answers may have been more towards those ideas not actually likely to be of use, but Jacques couldn't help but wonder why Azalea would raise them if the answer seemed so... obvious. Not wishing to hurt either party by asking for clarification on those points, though, Jacques merely tucked away the question for another time.

At the question of samples, Jacques was about to answer when the reminder came that these plants would likely not adapt to an environment outside of the Palace grounds. But, linked with what had been brought up earlier by Azalea, Jacques was not quite so sure as the Palace Herbologists seemed to be. Still, in order not to insult either party, Jacques simply followed on the conversation until both parties had exhausted their questions and knowledge upon one another.

As Jacques had offered earlier, the small party meandered back through the gardens, offering Azalea more knowledge of what they had on offer here at the Palace, and more stories of the Clements that Jacques could find -- especially those that revolved around Mimosa. As they grew closer to the Dehliantelle, Azalea was offering her own story in return. A story that... gently confirmed what the man had already found out himself upon his return to the Palace.

Annette proudly announced that of the maze, and Jacques' decision was made.

"Azalea and I will be fine from here, thank you for your time." He told the two Herbologists, who quickly flourished a bow to each of them before heading off, ensuring that all of the other Herbologists currently working in the Dehliatelle would be moved away from the maze so that the two were alone.

"Clara's quite something," the Clement heir announced, a smile upon his lips as he spoke of the vastly amusing American witch. "Mimosa is quite fond of her, though, and Clara is very fond of Mimosa. She's been amazing, actually, well, apart from almost giving me food poisoning every time I have been to visit."

The man would move them in to the maze, navigating it easily unless Azalea wished to take the lead and try to conquer the maze.

"It can't be easy," Jacques continued, very carefully because he was now in unchartered waters, and without a clue how to broach the subject. He wasn't a parent, he couldn't possibly know, but he could guess. The young man decided against that route, though. "I know, that you're Mimosa's maman. Mom -- that's what you American's prefer, right?" He asked, trying to be gentle as he spoke so not to spook the witch.

"I just want you to know that I know the truth, and that I will help you to spend time with Mimosa more, if that's what you want." Jacques concluded, leaving it open to Azalea to discuss more if she wished.

"Mimosa had the cactus." Jacques added as an after thought, wanting Azalea to know she hadn't lost her teddy.

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Subject: Re: A Whole New World (Jacques) Fri Jun 21, 2019 5:37 pm

Mimosa is quite fond of her, though, and Clara is very fond of Mimosa. She's been amazing, actually, well, apart from almost giving me food poisoning every time I have been to visit."

"Granny Weatherwax, you're not supposed to eat her food-" the witch automatically warned before realizing the implication of his confession. He knew Clara... Of course he knew Clara, he knew everyone in Mimosa's life.

Or, now he did.

They were entering the maze now, and the brunette didn't know where to look. He had dismissed the Herbologists earlier so there would be no intruders on their conversation, and now Azalea understood why. Unsure what to say, the witch mutely followed him in, the secret coming out more and more as they traveled deeper among the hedges. It was almost as if the knowledge of Mimosa's parentage had nowhere to go but out now.

As the Frenchman confessed he knew, and that he wanted to help her, Azalea remained quiet. More than his offer of help, it was the unspoken things that silently tormented the brunette as she walked. How long had he known? Did he judge her for leaving Mimosa all alone for so long? Did he know about Jake too? Did this in anyway change Mimosa's status as... whatever she was here.

"I don't think... she began, brown eyes downcast as her feet came to a stop, unable to walk on for a minute. Th witch parted her lips once more, trying to speak. But ti was too difficult while standing still, it felt too much like the righteous judgement she deserved. lowly, she began to walk once again, relying solely on Jacques to guide ehr as ehr own vision was compromise.

"I don't think even I know what its like to be a Mom..." she admitted hesitantly, making sure to keep her eyes on her heels. "I've never really been one... I have never had the chance to..." To do the things that moms did with their children, not with Mimosa, and not with the unnamed child that was taken away from her.

"But she's so happy," the witch managed, admiring defeat. It was easier out here, surrounded by plants and literally in a maze. "She's beautiful, and happy and brilliant in every way. So maybe that's a good thing..." The sorrow in her voice was palpable, coloring everything around them.

"Please don't tell her...I don't want to disturb her life. She shouldn't have to suffer for my past mistakes."

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Come Plot With Me <3

Subject: Re: A Whole New World (Jacques) Fri Jun 21, 2019 5:53 pm

Jacques steps slowed as Azalea's did. He hadn't really known what would happen when he spoke of his new found knowledge, but he'd thought... No, that was unfair of him. Azalea was a very strong woman, but knowing what he did, it had temporarily thrown the woman beside him as his arm came out to gently guide her as they walked. Offering comfort, should she wish to accept it, but not pushing her in any manner.

"Azalea," Jacques managed as the witch seemed to meander off in to a conversation with little and less coherency. "I'm not going to tell Mimosa anything -- not because I want to keep the truth from her, but because it is not for me to decide what you can and cannot do with your daughter." The man explained to the witch, hopefully showing her that he was in no way going to be a threat towards her and Mimosa's relationship.

"I just... I got curious. Mimosa is a Harrington, you're a Harrington. Mimosa lives in Carmel, you lived in Carmel. It might have been a coincidence, of course it could have been, but... it just didn't sit right when I found out." Jacques explained, hoping this might help the witch to understand why he was letting her in to the fact he knew. "Mimosa came to the Palace when she was very young. Maman and Papa didn't really explain who she was, or why she was here, all they asked of my sister and I was that we looked after her like she was one of us.

"To this day, I haven't asked them about Mimosa's arrival at the Palace. I haven't needed to. But, when I met you, and we started to talk, and the similarities just kept coming, I had to know. So I got a copy of Mimosa's birth certificate, which confirmed you're her Maman." The man explained, not quite managing to drop the French term in favour of the American term.

"And, so far as I am aware... you didn't make any mistakes." The man finalised, showing that he wouldn't hear that kind of story. "Mimosa is like... a little sister to me. Family. Which means... you're... I just want you to know that if there is anything I can do to help you get to know Mimosa more, then I will help you. You've given me one of the best presents I've ever had in that little girl, and you should get to treasure her too."

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