Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
Noble (Staff)
Sovereign Duchesse of Eisande, Lady of Marsilikos *Voted Member of Best Storyline 2010*
Wife of Fydor Romanov
Posts: 2,623
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Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Dec 12, 2010 19:09:30 GMT -5
As much as I enjoyed staying at home with my books and as generously appointed as my private estate in the City was I knew that there was more than one reason that I should get out into the fresh air and get more exercise than my gardens could provide. It helped the circulation and to clear the mind- and my falcons needed to be able to fly freely sometimes in a place that afforded them real prey so their hunting skills wouldn't atrophy. It wasn't the main reason I kept my birds, but I knew that if they didn't have the chance to do so they'd be unhappy. I couldn't stand that thought.
I wasn't the most agile rider but I was proficient enough to ride the short distance to the Crown's patch of land, thick with forests and sporting some clearer areas for birds like falcons who were meant to swoop while hunting rather than wing through the trees; in all it was a good place to let my falcon fly. He was a well-trained creature and would return when commanded and so there was little concern of losing him, so I carefully climbed down from my saddle and reined my horse on a nearby branch, then unwrapped Cyrus from his saddle-sheath and put him onto the thick leather glove I'd donned to protect my hand. Around my body was the treat-bag to lure him back when it was time to go. All that was left was to let him fly.
Smiling slightly I unhooded the beautiful bird and then gave him a graceful toss from my glove so he could take wing, lifting himself up into the air higher and higher. The last time I'd come hunting out here Fydor and I had talked and ridden and I'd shown off my birds a bit, which seemed to please him. Now he was far away, but I was sure I'd see him again soon. I had to be; to lose him as I'd lost Simon was unthinkable. My own thoughts wrapped me in them as I let the falcon fly and I watched his graceful movements.
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Post by Queen Coretta de la Courcel on Dec 12, 2010 19:40:58 GMT -5
'Coretta, truly, you need more fresh air. A lady cannot expect to keep her complexion smooth always breathing air indoors.' 'Coretta, mayhap you should take a stroll out of doors. It wouldn't kill you to do it for an hour or two; a lady needs to be seen in and out of doors to show she is not a porcelain doll from Ch'n.' 'Oh, it is quite pretty outside! You really should think of going out for a while, Highness, you have the most beautiful dress that would look just perfect to set your figure off while keeping your body temperature just right...'
For the past three days, it was all I heard, from my maids to my advisor to Azabel herself; I'd passed my cousin in the halls not too long before leaving, and I had a feeling she'd trail after me herself if nothing kept her behind. I didn't want to go out of doors - I wanted to stay inside, stay in my rooms and mull over where my life was right now. I'd broken off from Matt, distanced myself my family and friends, holed myself in with Fredric more than once only to have nothing come of it. I was frustrated and angry, and while I knew they were all right, I didn't want to go outside, but I knew too that the only way to get them to leave me alone was to do it. Rather than strolling in the gardens where I might stumble across someone, or have them run into me, I chose instead to go riding, taking my dainty-legged mare out of the stables and into the new spring grasses covering the fields. Safe from eyes, I scowled as I let my mare lengthen her strides, my posture settling low over the mares neck. Few enough knew I had an affinity for riding; I'd done it much growing up in the country, had even worn boys breeches a few times when I'd snuck out, my hair piled up under a rough workmans cap. Christien and I would ride for hours before we were found or came back on our own; it was one of the few true freedoms we'd had, and I hadn't had a chance to experience it again til now.. I hadn't taken the opportunity.
The more she moved, the lighter my mood became. Even after I slowed her, I worked her in lazy figure eights, I used my knees and seat to put her through paces that brought her graceful neck into a high arch and her hooves moving like she was dancing. Duo colored as if an artist had splashed white paint upon her, she was my favorite mount, and for good reason. No amount of looking over my shoulder produced Azabel, and by the time I saw a hawk wheeling overhead, I was actually smiling.
I watched it, that hawk, as it carted and swooped down, rising again with something squealing and kicking in it's talons. My eyes narrowed; it wasn't at all worried about my mare and I, even though we stood less than fifty paces away from where it's come down to snag the hidden animal.
Someone was around. Out of the City walls, I might have been wary, even afraid, but here I was merely curious. I followed the hawk as it flew back to where its master must be, my posture straight and regal, the carefree princess forgotten.
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Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
Noble (Staff)
Sovereign Duchesse of Eisande, Lady of Marsilikos *Voted Member of Best Storyline 2010*
Wife of Fydor Romanov
Posts: 2,623
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Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Dec 12, 2010 21:24:18 GMT -5
My falcon had sighted true and I could hear it's screeching cry as it dove to the ground, pinning whatever it had caught. Generally the birds didn't like to rise again after they'd made their kills, lured as they were by the fresh blood and the scent of death, so with a deep breath and slight smile I started in the direction that the cries and rustling had come from, leaving my horse to graze and confident that nothing would happen to her. These were the Queen's lands and guarded, even if there weren't soldiers hovering nearby. No one would dare to steal from such a place, at least not anyone with sense.
As I drew closer to where Cyrus had announced his victory I heard the sound of wings on the wind and raised my glove to catch him, a squirrel clasped in his claws. He seemed to be panting and anxious for his reward so rather than cutting up the creature immediately to give him I pulled a tidbit of rabbit from the bag I wore and gave it to him with my free left hand. Even in his hurry he didn't snap at my fingers but took the meat delicately and released his kill, which I put into the bag as well.
So intent was I on caring for my bird that it took a moment for me to notice the sound of hoofprints and look over at the person who was approaching. The regal bearing and familiarity of the features was immediately recognizable even without the retinue of people or the formalized appearance of the woman. Everyone knew the faces of the Courcel family and most of the other members of royalty and my memory was still as good as ever.
Flushing slightly in embarrassment at my own senses for not bringing the signs of her approach to me sooner I moved into a curtsy as gracefully as I could without making Cyrus mantle, strike at me or take off in surprise, not the most respectful thing but hopefully she would understand. "Good morning, Your Highness," I said in a respectful tone, waiting until she acknowledged me to rise and hoping that my bird didn't choose that one moment to be temperamental. "I apologize for not hearing your approach sooner."
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Post by Queen Coretta de la Courcel on Dec 12, 2010 22:07:47 GMT -5
Following the bird brought me to crest a hill, and just past the rise stood a pretty woman with a falconry glove upon her arm, catching up the bird quite gracefully. The kill was exchanged for a tidbit, and I watched curiously as I slowed my mare to a walk, making my way towards them with a small smile upon my lips.
"Good morning," I responded pleasantly as I reined in my mare not too close, but not so far I had to lift my voice to speak. "No need to apologize.. I didn't think I'd stumble across anyone out here, and I doubt you expected to as well. That's a magnificent bird you have," I added, my eyes taking in the avian; magnificent, but nothing I'd ever want perched on my arm.
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Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
Noble (Staff)
Sovereign Duchesse of Eisande, Lady of Marsilikos *Voted Member of Best Storyline 2010*
Wife of Fydor Romanov
Posts: 2,623
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Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Dec 12, 2010 23:08:17 GMT -5
She was right about that, I hadn't intended to come across anyone or I never would have let myself get as wrapped up in my thoughts as I had. It was rude and unseemly, especially since this was essentially their estate and private home that nobles were allowed to use at their behest. The sensation of somehow intruding was acute, but I forced it down along with most of the threatening flush, leaving my cheeks tinged only slightly pinked.
As the Princess spoke her voice showed no signs of irritation at me or at my actions so I respectfully rose, again careful to make sure that Cyrus was comfortable as I did so. My birds were very important to me, much like other hunter's dogs or most people's pets were to them, so I did my best to make sure they were as cared for as they deserved. My gown was a simply cut one, though the fabric was a fine sort of shimmering green silk suitable to the spring weather, the cloak over it a deeper green and made of velvet, all designed to be moved in with moderate ease for going after my birds.
"Thank you, Princess," I replied in a tone just loud enough for her to hear, Cyrus shifting a bit on my glove as I clipped his lead back onto the ring around his leg. After a few more moments of the food settling on his stomach he'd be able to fly again, though the second hunt was never as long or as frantic as the first. "I'm Duchesse Lessandrie de Mereliot, it's a pleasure to meet you. I hope I didn't interrupt your ride too much."
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Post by Queen Coretta de la Courcel on Dec 13, 2010 20:39:41 GMT -5
Very careful, very proper and stately; I could tell she was of high class even before she told me her name, and despite the lush horse behind her and where she was hawking her bird. Her eyes were calm and collected, demeanor easy but knowing, and when she spoke her name, I let out a little breath.
"Ah, the Lady of Marsilikos," I responded, a smile on my mouth as my mare frisked a few steps. I settled her without thinking much on it, her reins light in my left hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you. I'd introduce myself, but it seems you already know who I am."
Ah, and I knew who she was too, at least by reputation. Seeing a brother of the man who had broken vows with my sister... but I couldn't fault Alexei; I knew exactly what Sabrina was like as my sister, and I could only imagine being wedded to her and having to defer all the time. Alexei was a proud man.. it had to have been horribly hard on him. And then after, with how she flaunted herself with that awful Jaime fellow! My nose wrinkled slightly, and I covered it by lifting my free hand to brush my hair back, annoyed with myself. "Does it have a nam?" I queried, gesturing lightly towards the bird upon her arm.
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Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
Noble (Staff)
Sovereign Duchesse of Eisande, Lady of Marsilikos *Voted Member of Best Storyline 2010*
Wife of Fydor Romanov
Posts: 2,623
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Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Dec 14, 2010 12:14:19 GMT -5
Even if the Dauphine hadn't recognized me at least she knew who I was by name- though really that was to be expected. Rarely did the the convivances of the City affect Marsilikos, but Eisande was still a loyal duchy to the crown, of which she was next in line. I owed her my respect and allegiance, while she owed to me only the common courtesy of one noble to another. That didn't mean there couldn't be friendship there, but such things were generally complicated to the point that it hadn't happened before. There were so many mistakes that could be made. And of course this was complicated further by the dissolution of engagement between Tsarvich Alexei and the Queen. It wasn't known that he'd asked me to marry him and it seemed prudent to keep that at least somewhat quiet, but it was common knowledge that I'd attended events with him and probably even that we'd gone on outings and that I'd had him at my home more than a few times. There was nothing in the world that escaped the eyes of every human being and of that I was well aware. I wouldn't give him up though, not even if it did come with royal disapproval. All thoughts for a later time. "Yes, Your Highness, that I am- you may call me Lessa if you'd like though," I replied politely and with my same sweet smile, a slight flush on my cheeks as I shifted my hand so that the bird there could continue to doze. Once he'd settled I'd either need to fly him or hood him so that he didn't get startled by anything that happened by. "My kestral's name is Cyrus, and I'm honored that he drew your attention. It's a pleasure to meet you as well."
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Post by Queen Coretta de la Courcel on Dec 14, 2010 18:48:14 GMT -5
"Lessa," I repeated as if I were tasting the name on my tongue, though I'd said it a few times before and heard it spoken even more. When she spoke of her bird, I altered my gaze to it, watching as it sat so placidly, a stark difference from the hunting animal I'd seen a few moments before. "I'm quite glad he drew my attention," I replied, my smile transferred from the bird and back to Lessandrie once more. "It's a wonder we haven't met before now, with you being in the City and all."
Not so much a wonder. From what I'd heard, the Duchesse of Eisande was a quiet woman, more interested in birds and business than fetes and gossip, and I'd holed myself in my rooms of late. Still, I brushed that fact aside as I patted my mares neck again, my mind taking in the little woman before me, how she stood and spoke, moved and cast her gaze. "How does the spring differ in the City as compared to Eisande?"
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Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
Noble (Staff)
Sovereign Duchesse of Eisande, Lady of Marsilikos *Voted Member of Best Storyline 2010*
Wife of Fydor Romanov
Posts: 2,623
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Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Dec 14, 2010 20:48:25 GMT -5
She was right, most people would have expected us to meet before- and I had seen her in passing more than once. She'd even spoken with Fydor at the Midsummer Ball, I recalled seeing them and him mentioning it, and they'd even seemed to get along well enough. For a moment I'd even been a little jealous with how easily she could talk and laugh about little things, but it had passed after a moment. It wasn't her fault that I was less socially adept than she was, and I was past that now.
It was a sedate sort of conversation and hadn't really gone much past pleasantries but it seemed to be turning out well at least. Small victories, Louie. "I should apologize for not introducing myself sooner," I said with an abashed smile, a flush rising to my cheeks. "But I suppose I let myself become too occupied with other things. I hope meeting now will make up for it though."
Inquiring about Eisande brought to mind my father and brother's recent letters and my smile brightened a bit as I imagined my home. It surprised me a little that she'd never seen the duchy, but she was from L'Agnace from what I remembered and that climate was exactly the same as here. "It's a good deal warmer there than here, Princess, but there's also a lot more moisture in the air. Marsilikos is half surrounded by the sea and the rest of Eisande starts to blossom very quickly, and more ships start coming into port again."
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Post by Queen Coretta de la Courcel on Dec 18, 2010 16:26:17 GMT -5
"Mmm," I mused, picturing it not as an exotic place, but something that could stave off winters chill a little longer than L'Agnace did. "That sounds divine. You're missing it, I imagine."
I knew very little of the Duchesse; she was never a topic of gossip or heady conversation, never a name that appeared on lips even remotely often. No, if anything she was an enigma; a pretty, redheaded enigma that would stand a few inches taller than me if I dismounted my light-footed mare. "Tell me, Duchesse," I continued, my smile warming even as my eyes held a curious light. "What brings you to the City in what must be an important time of year for Eisande?"
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Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
Noble (Staff)
Sovereign Duchesse of Eisande, Lady of Marsilikos *Voted Member of Best Storyline 2010*
Wife of Fydor Romanov
Posts: 2,623
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Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Dec 19, 2010 15:44:19 GMT -5
It sometimes seemed that most of those who came to the City had other places that they'd called 'home' first, but they tried to hide it most of the time. The City of Elua was a place of status and nobility, the jewel in the crown of our land, so admitting that you preferred another place seemed like blasphemy or stupidity. That didn't change the fact that I loved and missed Marsilikos and Eisande though. The Princess's statement reminded me of exactly how much I missed seeing the places I'd grown up and everything that it meant as well as my family.
"Yes, I think it's very easy to miss somewhere that you are accustomed to, Your Highness- though the City is lovely and has many benefits of its own," I replied, my tone still politely soft as I reached my free hand over to very faintly stroke the breast-feathers on Cyrus' chest without ruffling them and agitating the kestrel. He'd need to take off soon or his attention would wander and he'd need to be hooded. "I'm lucky enough that my father is looking after the more immediate things in Marsilikos for me and everything else can be carried out through correspondence until my return."
A light flush came over my cheeks and I looked away slightly, not sure if I should say more about what I intended to do before I returned to my city on the ocean. By then I would most likely be married to Fydor and while the Princess didn't seem to have any grudge against me people in Court were often very good at hiding their feelings. "Before I return to the City I'll have another trip to make so I may not return there until the summer or even autumn," I simply stated with a slightly softer smile and my tone a bit more faint.
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Post by Queen Coretta de la Courcel on Dec 19, 2010 21:59:58 GMT -5
Aah, her father to look over her estates for her. That explained much; if they were close, there was no one better to care for something as precious as a duchy than ones parent, and I was glad that she had them. A momentary pang hit me for the loss of my own parents, and I shifted my attention to the landscape surrounding us, waking up from the barren wintery world it'd been submersed in for so long.
"You're lucky to have him," I said after a moment, bringing my attention back to the Duchesse again. My hands folded upon the pommel of my saddle; I was at ease again, perfect and smiling, the cloud that had passed over gone. "I hope whatever business it is that you have in the City is more than passingly pleasant. Mayhap we can meet again at some time - that is, if you'd like to have tea with me," I added, my smile kindly.
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Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
Noble (Staff)
Sovereign Duchesse of Eisande, Lady of Marsilikos *Voted Member of Best Storyline 2010*
Wife of Fydor Romanov
Posts: 2,623
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Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Dec 20, 2010 12:35:01 GMT -5
For some reason I got the impression that I'd said something more upsetting than usual- and then I remembered the events that had taken place in the last year and a half. The Princess's family had lost many members in that time, not to mention her own parents in a horrible string of tragedies. Could I have really drawn so far from the workings of society that such a thing could have slipped my mind?
I was lucky this time though and the moment seemed to pass easily enough as I reached into my bag and gave Cyrus another tidbit of meat, careful to avoid giving him the chance to nip at my finger. I loved kestrels, they were some of my favorite birds, and Princess Coretta was looking in my direction again with a smile that seemed- friendly. "Thank you, I'm sure I will continue to enjoy the City as much as I always have," I told her sincerely, smiling a bit wider until I could feel it reach my eyes. "And I'd be honored to have tea with you, Your Highness, and to return the favor at some point if you'd like."
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Princess Azabel de Somerville
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Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; House Somerville *Voted Member of Worst Character Dynamic 2010*
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Post by Princess Azabel de Somerville on Dec 20, 2010 16:36:58 GMT -5
I'd seen Coretta ghosting the halls and, needing to speak to her, I had tried to break away from the little knot of men who were talking to me, but I couldn't civilly break away for another few moments.. and of course by the time I was striding away, Coretta was long gone. I'd been put off by her more than once of late, and was not going to be so again, so I strode after her as gracefully and quickly as I was able to, my long, lean legs covering ground easily by thankfully loose skirts today.
It took little inquiring for me to find out where she'd gone, and after having my gelding brought 'round, I mounted side-saddle and rode off in the direction I'd been pointed in at a slow trot, not wanting to risk spooking her further, or missing her in some way because I was making too much haste.
By the time I found her, she was engaged in conversation with another however; Lessandrie de Mereliot? Curious. Placing an easy smile upon my mouth was easily enough done with years of court practices behind me, and I rode up upon them before Coretta realized I was there, turning with a start and a widening of her eyes. She had no reason to run from me that she knew of, though I knew after today she'd avoid me more in the future.
"Princess Coretta, Duchesse de Mereliot," I said with a warm smile, giving Coretta a deeper nod of my head and Lessa a shallower one. "How lovely to stumble across the both of you here. I do hope I'm not interrupting..."
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Post by Queen Coretta de la Courcel on Dec 20, 2010 16:42:16 GMT -5
I was smiling at Lessandrie, getting ready to answer when of a sudden I heard hoofbeats right behind me, too close - I should have been aware before now. Jumping with a gasp, I twisted in my seat to look at Azabel, feeling for a moment like a mouse hunted down by a bird much like the one perched on the Duchesses hand.
"Princess Azabel," I toned back, returning her nod with a lesser of my own. Aza was almost ten years my elder, but in ranking, she stood below me. "I'm doing quite well.. the Duchesse and I were just speaking of her beautiful bird and her home province," I added, looking to Lessandrie with a kindly smile.
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Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
Noble (Staff)
Sovereign Duchesse of Eisande, Lady of Marsilikos *Voted Member of Best Storyline 2010*
Wife of Fydor Romanov
Posts: 2,623
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Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Dec 20, 2010 23:50:22 GMT -5
The ways of nobility included a good deal of knowing where one stood in the midst of different groups of people. The Princess-Dauphine ranked higher than I did, but we'd been speaking and things had been growing more comfortably casual until we were both smiling and trading invitations to tea, something like an ovature of friendship between two people who had to have public facades as we did. The approach of the other rider was nearly silent, but I knew of it a half-second before Coretta did by the way Cyrus mantled, spreading his wings in agitation.
The woman who'd rode up was perched sidesaddle, as was appropriate for a lady, and her fine gown and the Palace livery on her horse showed that she was somehow related to the royal family or attached to the Palace itself in some way. There was a sense of irritation to her though, especially aimed at Coretta, but it smoothed over in a moment and I could only try to calm my kestrel as he continued to mantle until I had the falconing hood on his head.
This action took a few minutes in itself and it was during that time that I heard the name which the Dauphine used to refer to the new arrival- and she could only be Princess Azabel de Somerville. Flushing deeply I gave her a polite curtsy that wasn't as deep as I'd given Coretta but nevertheless respectful as befitting her standing in the Court. "Good afternoon, Princess Azabel," I said as politely as I could, then gave Coretta another smile. "I should be the one asking if I'm interrupting."
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Princess Azabel de Somerville
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Post by Princess Azabel de Somerville on Dec 22, 2010 10:13:31 GMT -5
I watched Coretta as she greeted me, composure settling over her like a blanket after her initial mouse-like jump. I'd always liked Coretta.. she was something like a younger sister to me in my mind, and right now I deeply felt the weighting pressure of an older sister needing to warn and guide the younger right now. Parliament might not like me for it, if I bungled and they ever learned, but I had no intentions on doing that... No, not in the slightest.
"Ah, Duchesse Mereliot's infamous birds," I smiled as I looked at the flame haired woman. "I hear you're quite talented in handling them, truth be."
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Post by Queen Coretta de la Courcel on Dec 22, 2010 11:26:05 GMT -5
My gaze shifted from Lessandrie to Azabel as she spoke and back again, with Azabels comment clearly directed to her and not myself. Just as well; it didn't bother me to have the attention off of me for a change, though Lessandries comment on whether she should be inquiring as to if she were interrupting brought their eyes back to me again.
"Of course not, Duchesse," I smiled at her, sitting at my ease upon my sidesaddle. Aza wanted to speak to me, that was painfully clear, but I wouldn't be rude. "There is nothing pressing that Princess Azabel and I can't discuss at a later time." Pointed to Aza, but I knew her well enough to know too that she wouldn't be put off in discussing whatever it was tickling at her mind.
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Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
Noble (Staff)
Sovereign Duchesse of Eisande, Lady of Marsilikos *Voted Member of Best Storyline 2010*
Wife of Fydor Romanov
Posts: 2,623
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Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Dec 23, 2010 9:53:58 GMT -5
Somehow even with their kind words I could tell that there was something other than usual going on, but whether it was from the tension in their tones or the way they didn't look like they had something important to talk about when they obviously did I couldn't say for sure. It was a common enough thing at court, even in Marsilikos, and I could play it as well myself but that didn't mean I wasn't invisibly wary of it. After all, while I was a Sovereign Duchesse and very politically stable that didn't mean I was immune to their power and lineage.
When the Princess Azabel called my birds 'infamous' I nearly startled, but I managed to keep it from me and thanked Cyrus' weight on my arm for making me able to do so. Infamy had a distinctly negative connotation and wasn't something I'd ever tried for, but I decided to treat the word as a light jest and a tease rather than something worse. "I do my best with them, Princess Azabel, though I think my falconers should truly take most of the credit," I replied with a light smile, still happy to be talking about the creatures that were my passion once I'd put the other matters out of my mind.
Princess Coretta was being very kind, even if she did have her own reasons for it, and I smiled slightly wider to her as I nodded in understanding of her words. "Thank you, Dauphine. I'm honored to spend time in such illustrious company and to be allowed to continue conversing with the two of you." I wasn't trying to flatter them and hopefully they could sense the sincerity in my voice, muted to acceptable Courtly levels as it was.
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Princess Azabel de Somerville
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Post by Princess Azabel de Somerville on Dec 29, 2010 22:02:33 GMT -5
Truth be, Lessandrie de Mereliot reminded me much of a quaint doll, the type little girls of privelage played with before reaching the age where thier court life began. Some dolls were frail and brittle, others with metal, wood, even smooth rocks behind the features for strength, and I couldn't help but wonder which the Duchesse was; when push came to shove, would she break, or would she wear out the storm?
She spoke to me, but turned to speak to Coretta immediately after, and though I had a good few years upon the Dauphine, she was the Dauphine, and I held my tongue to allow her to speak. My eyes remained on Coretta, not going back to Lessa save once, a friendly smile upon my lips. Truly, I liked her, and I could see myself being friends with her.
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Post by Queen Coretta de la Courcel on Dec 29, 2010 22:13:51 GMT -5
Very studiously I kept myself from looking at Aza overmuch, focusing my attention mostly on the ease to which Lessandrie handled her bird, capping it and at once calming it. I couldn't imagine being hooded like that; I think I might just go mad.
"But of course, Duchesse," I smiled kindly at Lessandrie, bowing my head slightly. "Though I'm afraid there's little enough to talk about, at least where I'm concerned. My life has been remarkably dull of late."
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Post by Prince Christien de la Courcel on Dec 29, 2010 23:42:45 GMT -5
I had been considering going to the theater, there was a production on this week that sounded promising, but on the way I'd had a bit of a surprise in the person of Victoire de Trevalion. I had not seen her since I left La Serenissima, and I found myself looking around in a slight panic - was Silvana with her? As if she could read my mind, she reassured me that it was merely she and her siblings that had come to the City, and suprisingly I felt disappointed.
Confused, I shoved the thoughts away, instead taking Victoire by the arm and determining to introduce her to everyone who was anyone at the palace. This proved more difficult than I had imagined, however, because no one seemed to be about. A guard told me that Coretta had gone riding, and Azabel after her, so I procured Victoire and I a pair of horses and we headed out.
On the way, we caught up, each telling the other what we had been up to in the months since I'd left La Serenissima. As usual, Victoire had the better stories, but then she had a knack for surrounding herself with interesting people. On the outside, she never did anything that might hurt the family name, but among our circle of friends, in private, she had a wicked sense of humor and wasn't afraid to have a good time. I realized suddenly how glad I was to have her in the City, and I knew that Cori was going to love her.
It took awhile, but we finally spotted Cori and Aza, and someone else. The trio were talking amiably, and I waved a greeting on my arrival.
"There you are, we've been looking everywhere for you!"
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Post by Victoire de Trevalion on Dec 29, 2010 23:54:46 GMT -5
Running into Christien was a bit of luck - well, I supposed it wasn't entirely luck that had me running into him in his own home, but the Palace was rather big, after all. Still, I was thrilled to see him again, looking as handsome as ever, even without the lovely Silvana by his side. I could tell immediately that he wanted to ask about her, the way his eyes darted around me as if she were hiding in my skirts. I put his mind at ease, but I knew we would have to make time to talk about her in a more private setting.
He offered to introduce me around, and the next thing I knew we were riding through the trees on the Crown's land, a heavily wooded area that duly impressed me with it's beauty. We chatted about inconsequentials and I told him the story of the Contessa del Chiaro's last party, which handed in four people naked in a fountain and the arrival of the policia. Of course he was amused, and I admit that I was extremely happy to see him again.
In due course we tracked down his twin, whom I was quite intrigued to meet, having heard so much about her that it was almost as if I knew her already. I kept quiet, waiting for Chris to introduce us, though I took a moment to scan each of the women in turn, committing their faces to memory for the future.
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Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
Noble (Staff)
Sovereign Duchesse of Eisande, Lady of Marsilikos *Voted Member of Best Storyline 2010*
Wife of Fydor Romanov
Posts: 2,623
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Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Dec 30, 2010 0:43:47 GMT -5
Now that Cyrus had his hood on he was far more calm; that's the way kestrels and falcons were. If they couldn't see it was dark, and that meant time to sleep, so they relaxed. Perhaps it was a simple way of thinking, but I could envy it. What if humans could just close their eyes and have the world of the present fade away to a calming darkness? But that was not how humans were made, so we made our way with the individual things that calmed us, and though they were more complicated than being hooded they also gave us depth.
"I'd be glad to talk to you of whatever you'd like," I assured Coretta with a warmer smile that reached my eyes; she didn't seem nearly as intimidating as she may have been, but I was never one to pay attention to rumors either. She was nice to me and that was all it really took for me to give her a fully trusting chance. And then there was the slightly older Princess Azabel, also beautiful and kind but somehow quieter of spirit. There were stories of her too, but of a far different stripe, and I didn't care for those either. "And you as well, Princess Azabel. If you'd ever like to come for tea or to talk I'd like that."
There was the sound of more hoofbeats and I was glad that Cyrus was hooded- so much tension after sitting still could have tried to send him to the air or made him snap at me. After making sure he was well-settled I noticed that the horses had stopped next to those of the Princess and Dauphine and I glanced at them as well. The woman was one I didn't know from seeing at the various court functions, but the man was very recognizable, especially when he greeted Coretta so personally. That was the Dauphin Christien, twin brother to the Dauphine.
Immediately I smiled and dropped into a curtsy just as low as the one I'd given the Dauphine when she'd appeared, Cyrus held to the side on my gloved wrist and his tether securely in my grip and my movements smooth enough that he didn't mantle or hiss this time. Perhaps he was getting used to the arrival of so much royalty but I was far from used to it outside of vaguely glimpsing them at parties. "Good afternoon Dauphin," I said in a clear but polite tone as I held my curtsy and waited to be bidden to rise. No doubt the woman to his right was also someone I should respect and I would give her the courtesy she was due afterward, but rank required I address the most noble of the arrivals first.
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Post by Queen Coretta de la Courcel on Dec 30, 2010 9:35:49 GMT -5
A sudden flurry of activity brought my mare to fling her head and dance to the side; for a moment, my attention was focues on her til she was under control again, and only then did I divert my attention to the newcomers.
A smile immediately broke out over my face at the sight of Christien, sparkling further as he burst that he'd been looking everywhere for us. "I'll have to hide better next time," I teased, before my gaze took in the blond he was riding with. That she was beautiful was obvious, a few years my elder unless I missed my guess, but she had a pleasant enough expression upon her face. A new toy for my brother, mayhap? My smile took her in as well before I glanced t Lessandrie, sweeping a bow for Christien, and I fell into silence to let him bade her rise.
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Post by Prince Christien de la Courcel on Dec 30, 2010 15:08:32 GMT -5
"Well met, my lady of Marsilikos," I said to her, recognizing her from some court function or other. At least, I hoped that was her, because this could be a bit embarrassing otherwise. My words were tacit permission for her to rise from her low curtsy, and also the tone was casual enough that she would know I was not in the mood to stand on ceremony here. Really, was I ever?
"I was just looking for Coretta, and here I find a bevy of beautiful women, it's like the woods have become Terre d'Ange beyond." I might have continued in that vein for a minute but Victoire slapped me on the arm and I had to laugh, waving her off. "All right, all right... I really came out to introduce our most esteemed cousin of some sort, I never can untangle these family trees, Victoire de Trevalion, of La Serenissima, until recently."
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Post by Victoire de Trevalion on Dec 30, 2010 15:18:47 GMT -5
I curtsied low, as had the Lady of Marsilikos, to Coretta. Though I was on familiar terms with Christien, his sister was another story. The way he spoke of her, she was a wonderful person, but there was always the possibility that he saw her through the lenses of love and familial affection, which were not always perfectly accurate.
So, I was now in the company of the Dauphin, the Dauphine, the Lady of Marsilikos, and one other that I did not yet know ... my father would be proud and I was more than a little pleased myself. Hopefully my sister would fare as well in her first forays around the Palace and its surrounding area, although if I knew her, this would not be the first place she showed herself ... there were usually far more interesting things afoot in the City proper, or so I'd heard.
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Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
Noble (Staff)
Sovereign Duchesse of Eisande, Lady of Marsilikos *Voted Member of Best Storyline 2010*
Wife of Fydor Romanov
Posts: 2,623
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Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Dec 30, 2010 21:32:49 GMT -5
From his tone I could tell the Dauphin wanted me to rise and I did so as gracefully as possible, then listened to the introdutions and gave another polite but slightly smaller curtsy to the woman that Prince Christien had introduced and then rose after a moment. A Somerville, a Trevalion and the twin Courcels; I was the only one here without a touch of royal blood in my veins and it was a little dizzying though I made sure to keep my composure. They were people too, even if they were the ones that the rest of us looked up to, and it was important to remember that they were more than their titles. Princess Coretta and Princess Azabel had been friendly so far and hopefully the others would be as well.
"It's a pleasure to meet all of you," I said with a smile, trying to be polite and friendly at once and hoping I succeeded. If Fydor had been here I would have felt far more comfortable, I knew that, but as he wasn't and I had to represent Eisande it was my responsibility to seem capable and in-control. Cyrus was calm and trusting for the moment and that was something; I had a responsibility to him as well and he relied on me to see that he was cared for, and I reached into my bag and fed him another small tidbit of the meat I'd brought along. As he was hooded I had to let it touch his beak from between my fingers but he took in politely rather than snapping at me and that helped my poise some.
The exchange between the royals was one of family and friendship, a good sign overall; no one was very tense and they seemed as friendly as I could have hoped. "Please, I hope you'll call me Lessa if that suits you." The Prince's compliment wasn't something I quite new how to respond to so I simply smiled a little at it and used my free hand to push my hair back from where it had blown in my face.
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Post by Prince Christien de la Courcel on Dec 30, 2010 22:59:44 GMT -5
I noticed the hooded bird on her arm and slid from my horse's back to have a look. Well, not too close a look, I knew better than that, and besides it would be rude to assume that her bird would take well to such a thing.
So I moved closer, but not too close. "What kind of bird do you have under there?" I asked. I was curious about birds, but it wasn't something I had bothered with overmuch in my youth, and not a pastime at all in La Serenissima. I heard Victoire sigh behind me, and I could almost see her rolling her eyes.
"Oh, don't get him started on animals! We had cats in La Serenissima and he was always giving them too much cream or scraps from his dinner. Honestly, they gathered outside his window and serenaded him to sleep nightly."
I tried to give her a dirty look, but it failed, because while she was exaggerating - a lot - it was an amusing picture. I looked back to Lessa and smiled.
"Anyway, we can just ignore Victoire, I want to hear about your bird, if you're interested in sharing."
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Post by Queen Coretta de la Courcel on Dec 31, 2010 9:13:23 GMT -5
I watche the going-ons with a curious eye, my gloved hands folded neatly atop the pommel of my saddle, reins threaded through my first two fingers. Victoire and Christien behaved like.. Well, like he and I behaved, and I had to fight down a stab of jealousy as they bantered back and forth.
"Oh, come now Christien," I crooned as he suggested to ignore Victoire. "Surely she must be telling the truth.. You were much the same growing up. I remember a foal that would leave its mother to follow you about instead, nipping at your hair whenever it had a chance. I could picture it with cats as well." I gave Victoire an amused smile, though I still hadn't quite decided upon her, before I looked back to Christien.
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