lief-auslag-blog

[lief-auslag-blog]

Hearing her answer made him understand everything. He would be a knowledgable bitch if he were given away willy-nilly to someone to marry. - I am sorry for it. - He stated briefly, now feeling a bit bad about his own behaviour. - You are taking it quite well. Do you even know the man you will be locked to untill the rest of your life? - An honest concern appeared on his face, whilst looking at her before looking back down at his cigarette and tea. He had to tap it once more, the ashes accumulating on the end of it, saving the table from any damage he would do, no matter that the price he had to pay for such a short stay and bad room in comparison could have easily recompensed it, but it was merely a habit of him, so to speak, beating into him by his mother, who, even though they never were a poor family, always let him know the cost of manual labour and to respect property. - I would have hated if someone would have married my niece just because of business interest. Lucky for her though, her suitor was intelligent enough to fall before even thinking about financials. Disgrace of today's society, to be honest.

First Glimpses || Lief and Anna

Cocking her brow, Anna pursed her lips at Lief’s comment, referring to her earlier statement of how she did not fare prejudice with those working women. The blonde dismissed the thought, ready though should Lief strike once again with a similar comment of distaste for her ways. She cleared her throat somewhat inaudibly before she reached for a cup and glanced to the tea, noting how different it looked from tea she remembered of back home; black tea. Anna was not too sure on this concept of tea, and had avoided it whenever her friend, Millie had offered it to her back in Rochester. As she heard Lief compliment the tea to the passing housekeeper, Anna felt herself smile, he was not all that bad, surely.

Finally, she spoke, after sipping the tea that had been placed before them, “Heartbreak? My mother is most probably on her knees, beggin’ for me to return. You see, she had suggested arrangin’ an escort from London to meet me here. But, I insisted on travellin’ alone and left Rochester before her next letter arrived…” Anna nodded, “If I’m to be wed within a month, I expect to enjoy the last of my freedom while I can…”

[lief-auslag-blog]

Well, as I experienced from other interpretations, family tends to do that. - Lief nodded and took another smoke from his own cigarette. - Bad habit this is. And costly. Got to it myself at university, to be honest. Now I would hate my coffee without it. Nail coffins, nothing more. - He chuckled again the talk about his accent. It seemed everyone was solely interested in that one. - About a thousand miles or so. Give it another fifty plus minus. - Lief shrugged. - Hong Kong was further, I've gotten used to it.

It is in fact remarkably British to your surprise. Racecourses, cricket, teahouses, Brit neighbourhoods and on the other hand the old Hong Kong, having still some of its old glory with their original teahouses, living houses, harbour besides the open harbour and restaurants. But since it is ever changing, I'm paraphrasing one of the locals, you will have to ask someone living there to know what is worth seeing, since you will not be able to pass by a block without something new being constructed.

The one and only, Lief Auslag: alexandercampbell

                 “She will” chuckled Alexander, “and a suitor with a fortune to rival her father’s. My brother-in-law is a member of the Duke family in Manhattan – that electrical power house family” he rolled his eyes; “My, oh, my, he doesn’t let me forget that”

Alexander released the smoke in his lungs in a long stream, shutting his eyes as he did so.

                “There is nothing finer than sating the urge to smoke” he sighed blissfully, “I must say your accent is not familiar, you must be quite a way from your family”

                “Tell me about Hong Kong; it sounds like a remarkable place. I would dearly love to set a novel there, but of course I would have to visit it. Can you recommend any of the sights?”

[lief-auslag-blog]

Lief smikred amused, while he patted the cigarette to the ashtray. - Good then. Seldom do I meet such a... lively discriminative woman. - His hands leaned for the tea, he prepared for himself. The English and their tea. It was Earl Grey, but seemingly of the better kinds to his surprise, he would have not imagined that a small inn like this one would have means to pertain such quality. Some he drank in other similar places like this had only something vaguely similar to it, but thinking it through more thoroughly, this was a harbour. The keepers could have easily made acquaintance with some traders, having them spare a few pennies would easily have them get tea like this one. Seeing the woman pass by, Lief complimented the taste of it. 

The stay at his nice and her insistent admiration for tea lead him to catch up on this habit and love for the beverage. At home there really was no market for tea, save the upper classes, who wanted to be similar to the great empire and elite of the United Kingdom. His family was more a muled wine or honeymead lovers anyway. - So do tell, how much heartbreak do you cause to your mother, travelling alone?

First Glimpses || Lief and Anna

Anna nodded gently, slightly weary of Lief, as he seemed to be one of those men with a certain aura about him. He seemed charming and such at first, but like any animal when angered or threatened in any way, he taunted back. She had met her match, and of all days she not on top form with her quips firing back like lightning. Instead she sighed  and followed Lief to a table and sat, he had not yet dismissed their conversation.

Perching on the seat opposite him, she tilted her head a little and narrowed her eyes at his comment, yes it had sounded as though she had poked fun at some characters earlier, but really she did not mean for anybody to take offense. Clearing her throat, Anna spoke up, “Yes, I am travellin’ on that great liner as a matter o’ fact. I’m returnin’ home, to mother dearest…” she replied, using the phrase her had just moments earlier when chastizing her statement of working ladies. The blonde smirked back to Lief before she glanced sideways to the wife and the tea tray. She noted the couple of cups. And, when Lief offered her to stay and continue a conversation with him, the blonde nodded curtly, “I think that would be a splendid idea, Mr. Auslag.”

[lief-auslag-blog]

Oh I know Tyyne very well. That is her name. I have stayed at her for almost a year after working in Hong Kong, she was sending invitations for some time, I thought I would catch on the offer. And it was good at least, having some peace after the noisy and crowded city. Though I am not saying London is a small and quiet one. Just not as loud as Hong Kong. I've written the book there. - He added trying to stirr away from the topic of family, he did not want to go on the way to talk about Svante just yet. - Alexandra, I presume. Strong name, good name. She will have to find a decent suitor to live up to it.

My parents still live in Götheborg. Mother dearest teaches, father tends his chain of smitheries. - Seeing the man was merely polite Lief thought it would be wise to make it short.

The one and only, Lief Auslag: alexandercampbell

Alexander followed Liefs suit and lit another cigarette taking a long drag and releasing the smoke in small puffs.

                “What a coincidence, I have nieces too. Two of them to be exact. I’ve never met them however- It was always too far to travel” he took another drag and released it as he continued to speak, “I don’t think I would ever win uncle of the year”

He thought about his nieces for a moment – Alexandra and Sylvia; “I’m told that they are the most quiet children I will ever meet. One was named for me” he added as an afterthought.

He watched Lief carefully and noted that Lief was careful not to divulge too much information about himself. Unlike Alexander who liked to talk about his sister and nieces. They were the only family he had left that he actually liked.

                “What about your parents?” he asked, briefly wondering if it was too forward a question.

Ah well, I’ve asked it now – might as well listen to the answer.

[lief-auslag-blog]

It really is one. There are many beauties in it, from the wonderful harbour cities, trading cities down South, or if you would want to admire the wonders mountains and glaciers could provide, along with the taking solitude, I would advise you that as well. The bonus in it would be the chance of seeing Aurora Borealis. Remarkable view that is. - Lief nodded courtly, getting out his package of cigarettes along with his lighter. - Do you mind, if I, or can I offer you one? I prefer to ask before the crime.

That is indeed true. Though I am not sure about the ladies. Most conversations I have been in earshot was relatives, cousins, sending them to universities to find suitable husbands or hunting for them. Not that I was eavesdropping, some of them tend to be really loud about it. I ran as fast as I could from there. - He chuckled.

Verandah Café // Lief + G.

A coffee lover, he had to smile to himself. He was certainly going to do well in America, especially since Americans didn´t appreciate tea as much as coffee these days, hell history he had to admit. He suddenly remembered all these jokes about English he heard back home but was woken up from his thoughts as Lief spoke again. “Sweden? Sounds like a country I should put on my list to visit, or should I not? ” He had travelled through India, Canada, even South America and was hoping to be sent to Australia but never has visited the north part of Europe. It was mostly Britain, Ireland, France, Italy or Spain that he had been lucky to see. 

He chuckled “well both to be honest and you are definitely forgiven, what else should we talk to, right? Certainly ladies have it easier. There is only business, chess or reasons to travel to America that people talk on Titanic about” he laughed. 

[lief-auslag-blog]

Oh are you? – Lief asked as the waiter took their orders and handed them a clean ashtray for the table. – Probably that is why your name sounded vaguely familiar, Miss. Might I ask where are you from? I myself have been born and raised in Götheborg. Quite a nice city with a harbour. – He was intrigued that he had found a fellow Swede on the ship, though he did not know, hearing from her clean British accent whether Lottie was merely from a Swedish descent, probably parents, or even grandparents coming from the cold country to Britain, or she had time to study the language in a native habitat that she was able to fool anyone with it. – Do not let yourself fooled by the smell, I have warned you just moments ago, miss. – He mused. – It might come peculiar at first, but it is a very rewarding experience. Not that the other tea is of less quality, that is. Merely a more  interesting experience, than the floral taste, you could easily have become acquainted with with jasmine tea.  – As they spoke their orders were ready and brought out to the table. The eerie mixture of an indeed smoky incense mixed with the lilac was indeed interesting, to say at least. The waiter poured out their fresh brewes, leaving a small pot for each to pour some more, had they the taste for it. Lief put in two spoons of brown sugar and one of honey along with a splash of cream into his tea. – Not that often. My main reasons do not lie in hedony, but work. I have designed and built a cargo ship in Hong Kong. Lovely, but a tad crowded place, one could get lost quite easily there, especially if they are not familiar with the language.

Lief chuckled loudly at her question at him being lonely. – Really now, do not apologise for asking. At times, yes, it do gets a bit boring on yourself, but on the other hand I am not entirely acquainted with most people who tend to chat about their greatest achievements, some going to the lengths of talking about their horses or daughters for hours, probably the reason you have not yet seen me at the main gatherings. – Smiling widely at her invitation he sipped from the now thorougly stirred and ready tea. – Why thank you, you are most kind. Don’t mind my former outburst, I was lying I am as much as a socialite as one can be. – He joked, shaking his head. – Well if your company would not be disturbed by the long rants about naval architecture or cheap detective novels, I am sure the light would be present.

On the Verandah palm court || Lottie and Lief

With her eyes fixed on her gloves as she carefully removes them by plucking each finger first before sliding them off completely and laying them neatly on the table, Lottie smiles with a slight raise of her golden eyebrows. “As fate would have it, I am also Swedish. I came to England to board the ship of dreams,” she said with emphasis on on the last three words. From the moment she first set foot on the Titanic, Lottie had this feeling as if anything could happen here. It truly was remarkable and perhaps it was the saying that made it convincing, but it did live up to what people said. She felt as if the ship were sailing through a sea of stars rather than water, and that’s exactly what she’d imagine when laying in her bed at night. It was an exciting thought although she knew it wasn’t true. Lottie was not a child anymore and she was often reminded of that when telling her family of dreams she had or possibilities. They’d simply call her foolish and dismiss it. It was all in good fun for the blonde as she had been the one to dream and think of these things, so long as she was the one who experienced them, everything else did not phase her. She was amiss amongst her aunt and uncle who were too strict for her liking the majority of the time.

Lottie wrinkled her nose the moment he mentioned smoked swine. If at dinner, she may have considered it, but in tea? That wasn’t an option Lottie was willing to wager. “Ti Kuan Yin sounds lovely, if you please.” It was in his knowledge of these teas and the mention of his travels to the Hong Kong—a place Lottie had only heard of, but never seen herself, that he curiosity only grew. “To go to such a place sounds lovely! Do you travel often?” Intertwining her fingers on the table cloth, Lottie leaned forward slightly, eager to hear of his trips. As a sheltered child, though wealthy and able to afford most things, there was a lot she was kept from. Traveling to far away places was one of them unless there sat a purpose waiting for her on the other side. There was a reason for the voyage on ship even now; one she didn’t agree with. “Do you get lonely, Sir? Beg your pardon.” The doe eyed blonde lowered her head, nearly allowing her manners to escape her all together. She knew if he’d somehow told her uncle about this she’d get a good scolding. “Might you be interested in attending our dinner tonight? Your presence would be welcome undoubtedly. I’m sure my relatives would be happy to meet you, and perhaps you could bring some much needed light into conversation?” A part of her told her he’d decline, but it was worth it to give him an invitation than to not. Out of all the chatter that went around the clothes dining table; finances, gossip—one of Lottie’s guilty pleasures, she was most interested in what this man had to say.

[lief-auslag-blog]

The mention of family caught Lief up with sorrow memories of his brother. It was three years by now and he could not yet forgive himself for not being there for him. Svante has been calling him up, writing several letters to come to Scotland to visit, but he could not leave his work. And now, regretting every dismissed letter over the board, he could not ever see his brother once more, not even for a few minutes, since he has died in that bloody fire. - I have a niece in London and my parents in Götheborg.

Came the short answer along with his own flick of cigarette bun over the rail, not long after, he lit another one.

The one and only, Lief Auslag: alexandercampbell: The one and only, Lief Auslag: alexandercampbell:...

                “Thank you, I appreciate that” Alexander nodded. He allowed his mind to wander over thoughts of his sister. Was she really as sick as his brother-in-law made out? Or was he just trying to bring his wife’s family together again?

                “I have only one sister but she is quite the riot. Do you come from a large family yourself?” Alexander took another long drag of his cigarette. It burned right through to the end, smarting his fingers. He flicked it over the edge of the rail into the ocean.

[lief-auslag-blog]

OOC Notes belong in the OOC Blog, NOT on the dash.

That lame one and a half line bothered you so much to even go on anon? WOW.

[lief-auslag-blog]

I'm sorry, but I'm not anymore in the mood of playing. Just going to go and sleep or stare at stupid videos. :(

[lief-auslag-blog]

it's Swedish, Miss. I'm originally from Götheborg. - He replied with a court nod, offering his arm to walk her, as it would have been expected, even though the table was mere feet away. Letting her hand glide out of his reach, before pulling out the chair for her. It was always a nice gesture to do so, also, not just voluntary on that paricular part of ship. Though the thought of pulling out her chair and letting her fall on her behind made him smirk inwardly, this was not the time and place for it. Lief took a seat in front of her, not wanting to be too close, whereas some may insinuate an intimate relationship, or she could be anxious with others' close proximate. He knew, his niece was, ending up in several unpleasant situations. - Do tell then, where would you be from, Miss Sunden? Your name does not entirely seem classical English either, if I might add. 

As he talked, he opened the carte of the drinks and small lunches, cakes, cookies, sandwiches, salads, pastry and so on to find one of his favourite teas on the fifth page. - If you feel adventurous and in need of being awake, I would advise a Lapsang Souchong. It is a type of black tea, grown in the Chinese province of Wu-ji. I myself got acquainted with it in Hong Kong. It has a smoked aroma which makes it unique, however I have to admit it does give it a smell of a smoked swine. But if you could look away from it, it's really quite fascinating. Or another would be Ti Kuan Yin. It's base is green tea, combined with floral parts, mostly lilacs, giving them the familiar smell and ginger taste. - Lief chuckled at the mention of her uncle, or family. - I am travelling alone, yes. Also, keep away from most of those parties. Basicly I do not know anyone, besides the few crew members and officers I have pestered to gain some points of infamy.

On the Verandah palm court || Lottie and Lief

A slight wrinkle of her nose and Lottie was chuckling lightly at his reply. Anyone else she’d know may have called him out right rude or made some hostile retort, but Lottie found his impertinence humorous and so she dismissed any regard of anything otherwise. The transition for a First Class man was one Lottie caught easily. There was a shift of his exterior that made this evident along with a certain undertone of his voice. For a moment, Lottie had preferred the cheekiness. She kept her soft smile painted across her innocent lips as he kissed her hand, slowly pulling it back after the gesture to resume its position at her side. “Lief, what an interesting name. May I ask where you’re from?” Something about this man intrigued her, though what it was she could not say. Perhaps her sparking curiosity was a flame swaying today, edging her on to want to know more. She had a thirst for knowledge, relevant or not, and her cup was empty. “You’re too kind,” Lottie said softly with a blink of her long blonde lashes. “Please, I’d be very interested to hear your selected choices.”

Tucking a long lock of silk hair behind her ear, Lottie moved slowly and gracefully toward one of the wooden chairs, taking a seat after smoothing out her skirt beneath her. She admired the way the sunlight leaked through the open spaces. Small things such as this always caught her eye and brought her a genuine smile accompanied by feeling light. It was something the girl could not describe, but simply enjoy. Turning her gaze upon him again, Lottie took it upon herself to ask yet another question. “I haven’t seen you among any of my uncle’s parties, I’m sure we’d have met if you had been. Are you on this ship alone, Mr. Auslag?” Her voice was soft as satin, speaking timidly the way she had only known to. She felt held back like this, but put up with it due to the fact that she had no choice but to. If ever there was something her parents had struggled with when it came to their daughter, it was the way she spoke. As a child, she refused to obey speaking meekly; weakness was something Lottie could not tolerate, not even now.

[lief-auslag-blog]

Yes, well I do guess, since blood was not drawn, nor bruises there wasn't much more harm, then me exciting you. - Lief answered with a quick cheeky smirk, but stopped to put on the well known, and boring, mask of society. Seeing the nod, he thought it as a positive sign, or just a really well brought up lady-like one, he could not tell. It was this girl's kind, the one that confused him the most. They are raised to be as well educated as their talents let them to, but when asked of an own opinion, they would be caught off guard, even call him rude to insinuate something so improper, if in a topic they could not contribute to. To be frank, it weirded him out leaving him stare in a direction and to rewind every other word uttered quite some times in his head to get out what he could have possibly said wrong.

- The pleasure is all mind, Miss Sunden. Lief Auslag. - He nodded in a polite manner, lightly leaning his head as he reached for her hand to leave a delicate and small peck on the back of her lace gloves. - To be honest it must be me wandering around this mastery, rather to enjoy the company of fine young ladies such as yourself. Can I recompense you with some pleasant beverage? Tea perhaps? I gather you already know most of them, but there are some I could recommend.

On the Verandah palm court || Lottie and Lief

Lottie had already been seated with her aunt, uncle and those she did not know for lunch. Once again, she smiled and nodded politely when addressed by Sir’s and Lady’s. She had no interest to engage in conversations she wasn’t obliged to take part in and instead sat in silence the majority of the time. It was in this social isolation that Lottie took it upon herself to think of an excuse for her dismissal. Of course she’d be questioned and given wary eyes, but that didn’t concern her as much as sitting here eating food she wasn’t hungry for did. Taking one last sip of water, Lottie dabbed her pink lips delicately with her serviette and touched her uncle very gently on the shoulder. “I’m feeling ill, I think I’ll retire to my room for a while.” Her uncle creased his brows and took her hand carefully, “are you alright, child? I’ll have someone escort you—” Lottie was quick to interrupt despite the fact that she knew it was rude. “Oh, that won’t be necessary. Really, I’ll be fine after I lay down. I’ll send for some tea.” With a nod, he gave her a simple kiss on the cheek and allowed her to leave without further delay. Lottie hurried, without making it obvious, to the exit. Looking over her shoulder until she was certain she was out of any wandering eyes, she turned an opposite corner and found herself stepping into a part of the ship she had never seen before.

A smile graced her lips as she ran a pale, porcelain hand along the smooth, detailed wood paneling, stopping when she turned away. As in every room she’d been in so far, the decor was compelling. It was astounding how beautiful this ship was. She’d never dreamed in all her twenty-four years that she’d ever see something so magnificent let alone be aboard. It truly was a privilege. It was in her silent admiration for her surroundings that she felt a bump, causing her to stumble back two steps. She turned to the culprit, taken aback for a moment until he apologized with such mannerisms that her shock began to deteriorate. She gave him a soft smile and a simple nod, “Yes, well,” Lottie let out a breath of air, “I’m fine. Accidents do happen.” Looking upon his face, she made a note of his sharp features and the fact that she had never seen him before. “I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure of being acquainted with you, Sir. My name is Lottie Sunden.” Extending a delicate hand toward him, Lottie offered the same soft smile she’d worn only moments ago.

[lief-auslag-blog]

Sitting down after nodding, Lief put down his small cup of coffee. - Oh, it's not that long. Have been travelling on land for far more time, than these few days on sea to New York. - He had to chuckle at the mention of his accent. - Oh, do forgive me if I were to butcher your language. I am trying my best to sound at least decent. I'm Swedish, sir.... - There he waited for the other man's introduction, since there wasn't any beforehand. - Business trip or family? I usually hear these to reasons, do forgive me if I were rude to ask in the first place.

Verandah Café // Lief + G.

George listened to him with a polite smile on his face. The gentleman was right, it was a surprise how many people were already up, one would expect all the royals and aristocrats, merchants and lawayers to enjoy their sweet sleeping but the day was nice, the sun was shining and mostly everyone wanted to enjoy he sea until the seasick hit them. He looked at the man more carefully, well dressed, in his late 30s or early 40s, his accent wasn´t Brittish, neither it was American. 

“Must be a long journay for you, Sir. Excuse my curiosity but I´m not familiar with your accent to tell you the truth” 

[lief-auslag-blog]

Oh, good then. This way I will not have to be obliged to feign sudden interest in the chimeys and head upstairs in an unpleasant and awkward rush. - Lief joked along. - Well, then do so. I pretty much enjoy literature myself. Not having anything else to do as a child, either I escaped to the harbour, or the library.

Those in particular I am not well informed in, do not take offense in it, sir. Not many news come across, save professional or trading ones, the Atlantic, as you can see. - A smile spread across his face when mentioning family. He really did enjoy to stay with his niece for that much of a time, but felt bad about it afterwards hearing about the sick young woman. - I am terribly sorry. Best of wishes to her recovery.

Lief wasn’t taking the bait like Alexander thought he would. He couldn’t decide if this irked him or amused him. It was some kind of mesh of the two. He raised his eyebrows in a bemused fashion.

                “Well I can assure you I won’t bore you with the marriage details of my distant relatives. Even if I had any to share” he said with a chortle, “I’m afraid I prefer to discuss books. Quite typical of an author – somewhat boring” he rolled his eyes and smirked; “and of course the going ons in America”

He noticed that Lief was continuing to skip around the issue of his trip to America so he decided to skirt around asking though he was sure his last sentence definitely alerted him, if he hadn’t been alerted so already.

                “I myself am not on business to America. I’m visiting my sister” he wondered briefly he should say why he was visiting his sister. It was a private matter but Alexander found he didn’t care who knew, “She’s been taken ill”

[lief-auslag-blog]

Oh, not at all, on the contrary. I have not taken offense. I merely am not a fan of ignorance or preeching water and drinking wine afterwards. - He did not want to say anything else on the matter, especially, when the woman was obviously now hunting for excuses. 

Lief took a seat at one of the tables, nodding to the offer of tea, as his eyes met with Anna once more. - So besides making fun of people - He asked with a quirk of a smile once more. If nothing else, time would pass, mocking her and the boarding would come sooner, than he anticipated afterall. -, how come a lady like you is seated in the harbour, in a small little inn like this one? Travelling, I suppose? - As he finished the question, the missus' just came with a tray of tea, to his dismay with two cups, misunderstanding his order for it. As he took one cup and served himself, Lief looked back at Miss Kelly. - I believe there are two cups here. Would you care to waste your afternoon further on with me, Miss? 

First Glimpses || Lief and Anna

Hearing clearly what Lief meant, Anna swallowed and dropped her gaze, her usual quick thinking and the knack for words gone momentarily as she stood in the presence of this gentleman. The blonde moved her lips, readying herself to speak up, but she could think of nothing, could not compile a witty response to his statement. Instead she sighed in defeat and nodded.

“Sir, I do believe you have taken offense to my comment of those women back there…now, I do admit that I may wrong about some of their histories, but surely there are some who can be comparable to what I spoke of?” she questioned, pouting slightly as she tilted her head, watching as his cigarette box appeared in his hand, seemingly unphased by his habit. Although, had her offered her a smoke, she would have politely declined.

“Now, I myself have never once spoken to such a lady of that calibre, however I would be certain that some would rather me not stand blockin’ their line of sight. As they would be to spyin’ for likely customers to take a…tumble with them.” Anna stated, still not thinking her comments through before speaking up.

[lief-auslag-blog]

[lief-auslag-blog]