Tabién de Valclesa(I)
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Viscomte de Valclesa; House Valclesa
Clarity of mind and soul brings clarity of passion
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Post by Tabién de Valclesa(I) on Sept 18, 2007 8:46:06 GMT -5
It was a somewhat restful night when I awoke in the morning. Having not much else to do, I thought I'd visit Mount Nuit to take stock of any sort of damage from yesterdays little bout with Gadleon. I remember that I found a crack in my sheath. Quite a feat considering the hardness of the wood and coating.
Dressed casually in tan breeches and matching overcoat I found my way to one of several leather working shops. I could probably use a new sword belt as well. Maybe a dagger wouldn't be a bad idea.
The shop owner gave me a cocky grin thinking me an easy sell for a noble looking for a sword. His smile quickly faded as I brought him mine on the counter, well tested, and very specific in my purchases.
"Hmmm, I don't know, let me check in the back, I might have something." and with that he disappeared, leaving me to wait.
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Post by Sébastien de Loréan on Sept 18, 2007 10:49:41 GMT -5
I’d noticed my leather overcoat was growing older – it seemed to be tired – then again, I did wear it all the time. And so it was that clad in my coat of arms – I wore it all the time – and sword at my side, I entered the shop of Antoine Lefebvre, who had prepared my first coat. His work, I enjoyed a great deal – besides, he did this only for me, because I made sure to help him and act as messenger on my regular trips to Aragonia, which was a great deal of assistance, in his need for a good leather supplier.
I had a mind to see what new works he had to offer, and so I pressed in the door. Only one man in the shop, quietly waiting. Long hair, braided – but a good sword on the counter. That told me two things – he was an experienced wielder, and not in the military – we all kept it at the shoulders or shorter. I stood on the counter, my hand on my hip, waiting patiently.
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Tabién de Valclesa(I)
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Viscomte de Valclesa; House Valclesa
Clarity of mind and soul brings clarity of passion
Posts: 1,685
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Post by Tabién de Valclesa(I) on Sept 18, 2007 13:07:20 GMT -5
It seemed to be some hidden thing he was looking for. I found a pillar to lean against, letting my eyes wander the shop as I heard shuffling in the back. I saw the door open as another man entered the shop. Cropped hair, trimmed attire, soldier. I gave him an assesting glance before turning my attentions to the back of the shop.
"How's it coming back there?" I asked aloud. I was rewarded with a small thud like a head hitting something. I let a tiny smirk crease my lips, giving the new entry a raised brow of confusion.
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Post by Sébastien de Loréan on Sept 18, 2007 14:37:59 GMT -5
“Oh, he always does that,” I replied with a grin. I bent over the counter, and taunted the shopkeeper, “Everything alright, Antoine? Don’t let them get you – shelves have never hurt anyone, you know !” Another thud, more audible, this one, and a chuckle were my reply. “De Lorean, is that you?”
“It’s me alright, and about to come rescue you, if you don’t come out now, Antoine.”
And so he did, and I pointed at the braided man eloquently.
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Tabién de Valclesa(I)
Inactive
Viscomte de Valclesa; House Valclesa
Clarity of mind and soul brings clarity of passion
Posts: 1,685
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Post by Tabién de Valclesa(I) on Sept 18, 2007 14:45:03 GMT -5
"Ah, here it is," Antoine said, pulling out a small jar with a dark liquid. "I can apply it right now if you'd like, It need sit only a tiny bit."
"Yes, that would be fine." No doubt I would be forced to browse his wares while I waited. "Let me remove the blade then before you apply it, just in case." I grasped the hilt, and unsheathed the blade with a nice ring as curved metal scraped fine wood.
"There you are, I guess I'll just wait here." I said.
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Post by Sébastien de Loréan on Sept 18, 2007 15:53:42 GMT -5
I waited patiently, silently motioning Antoine to take care of the new customer, seeing as I was a regular, and let him go back to the shop with the sheath, promising quietly to be patient.
“Beautiful blade,” I said from where I was. “Unusual model as well…”
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Tabién de Valclesa(I)
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Viscomte de Valclesa; House Valclesa
Clarity of mind and soul brings clarity of passion
Posts: 1,685
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Post by Tabién de Valclesa(I) on Sept 18, 2007 16:34:49 GMT -5
"Hmm," I turned my head. "Ah, why thank you. Yes, it would be unusual given the surroundings." I looked around a bit at the array of classic swords.
"You wouldn't be in here without being well versed in sword play, I imagine, would you care to take a look, I'm not going anywhere for the time being?"
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Post by Sébastien de Loréan on Sept 18, 2007 17:34:51 GMT -5
"If you don't mind..." I said, smiling, and extending my hand. "I'll admit I was dying to know its feel."
I looked at him more - blue eyes, intelligent and witty - Siovalese, perhaps? He did have something about him...
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Tabién de Valclesa(I)
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Viscomte de Valclesa; House Valclesa
Clarity of mind and soul brings clarity of passion
Posts: 1,685
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Post by Tabién de Valclesa(I) on Sept 18, 2007 17:38:14 GMT -5
I swiftly turned the sword and held it by the blade, dull end on my palm, allowing a safe removal from my hand.
"You'll find that despite it's light weight, it is exceptionally balanced, and very strong." I started pragmatically. "And more over, it sharpens itself with every solid cut."
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Post by Sébastien de Loréan on Sept 19, 2007 1:14:56 GMT -5
And I did – his description was perfectly accurate – and it made me smile.
“A good weapon, indeed,” I replied as I handed it back to him. “Too light, for me,” I said, “But I reckon our fighting styles must differ as our weapons do.”
When he’d retrieved his own, I unsheathed my sword, letting it gleam in the dim light of the shop as I examined it. It was Aragonian, one of the Swords Antonia’s father had smithed for his men. It was heavier, but it was balanced perfectly for me, and it had cleaved many an Akkadian.
I looked at him, and asked, “Curious?”
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Tabién de Valclesa(I)
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Viscomte de Valclesa; House Valclesa
Clarity of mind and soul brings clarity of passion
Posts: 1,685
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Post by Tabién de Valclesa(I) on Sept 19, 2007 16:44:24 GMT -5
I wasn't too especially, but I didn't want to offend, so I accepted to it as he handed it to me. It took a second to recall the motions from memory, but I gave it a couple standard flourishes.
"Oh, much better than then training sword I used as a kid." I handed it back reverently. "I grew up in Aragonia, so I'm well aware of their sword style and make, and can agree they certainly have their advantages. Do you usually use a shield with it, or two hand it?"
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Post by Sébastien de Loréan on Sept 19, 2007 17:18:44 GMT -5
I took a step back as he made some testing movements, noting that he had skill, and that he cared little for the shop’s limited space.
“Two hands,” I replied as I took back the sword, “And vambraces. The shields don’t do to well under the Akkadian sun, if you know what I mean.”
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Tabién de Valclesa(I)
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Viscomte de Valclesa; House Valclesa
Clarity of mind and soul brings clarity of passion
Posts: 1,685
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Post by Tabién de Valclesa(I) on Sept 19, 2007 18:56:08 GMT -5
"Like the Cassiline, yes it does have it's advantages." I commented, returning the sword. I heard a minor curse from the background, but it didn't seem to important.
"So, what might your name be, you seem to be a regular?" I asked, extending a hand.
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Post by Sébastien de Loréan on Sept 20, 2007 1:09:56 GMT -5
The sword was received and sheathed in an easy gesture as he spoke. “It does on many levels,” I replied, ignoring Antoine’s cursing – he did have a problem with my style, and I cared very little. As long as he did the work I needed, and enjoyed the occasional Eiran liquor in my company, it was all good.
“Sebastien de Lorean,” I said, clasping his hand. “And you might be?”
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Tabién de Valclesa(I)
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Viscomte de Valclesa; House Valclesa
Clarity of mind and soul brings clarity of passion
Posts: 1,685
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Post by Tabién de Valclesa(I) on Sept 20, 2007 8:52:27 GMT -5
"Tabien de Valclesa. A pleasure." I gave him a firm handshake.
"So you mentioned Akkadians, I take it you were a soldier during the war?" I asked inquisitively.
I'd not known much about the war other than the reports, and a good first hand persepctive was always good.
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Post by Sébastien de Loréan on Sept 20, 2007 16:11:55 GMT -5
I retrieved my hand with an appreciative glance, and smirked - he did have a firm hold. But then, he asked about the war, and inwardly, I sighed - I shouldn't have said that - such memories are not bantered.
"Some would tell you I was," I replied. I supposed he had noticed the golden hue I had retained from the exposure to the desert sun - I would never be white again.
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Tabién de Valclesa(I)
Inactive
Viscomte de Valclesa; House Valclesa
Clarity of mind and soul brings clarity of passion
Posts: 1,685
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Post by Tabién de Valclesa(I) on Sept 20, 2007 17:42:19 GMT -5
I raised an eyebrow. Guess I should have known it'd be a touchy subject, and I took the subtle que.
"So, how do you know the owner then, if I may ask?" Perhaps if I could make a friendship, I could make a good purchase too. Or at the very least, not get a poor quality repair.
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Post by Sébastien de Loréan on Sept 20, 2007 18:04:11 GMT -5
"Oh, Antoine and I go back a long way," I replied, bending over the counter, "Don't we, old fool?" A mumble was his reply, and I chuckled.
"We have some agreements of sorts," I said. "He works my coat of arms, and I carry some letters for him when I travel..." it downed on me, Tabién de Valclesa, "to Aragonia." He had to be linked to them, somehow - though he did look D'Angeline, somewhat.
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Tabién de Valclesa(I)
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Viscomte de Valclesa; House Valclesa
Clarity of mind and soul brings clarity of passion
Posts: 1,685
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Post by Tabién de Valclesa(I) on Sept 20, 2007 20:39:18 GMT -5
"Which part did you travel through." My memory was a little vague, but I'd climbed every inch of the countryside that I was allowed. I knew a couple goat paths. But, this guy looked a little to stilled, and competent to be just a courier.
However, it seemed Antoine had finished somewhat. "Alright, here we are M'lord. Now, this is an adhesive tar, nasty stuff, but it should seal up the crack nicely. I had to wait for it to cool a bit, before I could shave off the excess on the inside. It probably needs a full day to harden completely, so, don't keep it sheathed more than nessicary." He gave me an inquisitive look. "Anything else I can do for you?"
"Yes, I could use a couple other things. A new sword belt, and possibly a dagger," I thought of Gadleons set up. "Perhaps a boot sheath would be best suited."
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Post by Sébastien de Loréan on Sept 21, 2007 4:09:00 GMT -5
Before I could reply, Antoine came back, and some more orders were taken. “Daggers, I don’t do, this is a leather shop,” he said a little gruffly. Then, he turned to me, and asked, “How about you, old Rat? What do you need?” I pointed eloquently at the coat on my shoulders, and he nodded, “New one?” I made a sound of agreement, and off he was, to fetch Tabien’s large order.
“Mostly in the north bordering Siovale,” I replied to Tabien’s inquisition. “I have some cousins there.”
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Tabién de Valclesa(I)
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Viscomte de Valclesa; House Valclesa
Clarity of mind and soul brings clarity of passion
Posts: 1,685
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Post by Tabién de Valclesa(I) on Sept 21, 2007 9:41:31 GMT -5
I looked around. Silly me, just leather indeed. I dunno, guess I was hoping for one stop shopping.
Turning back to Sebastien, I found that coincidence a little interesting. "No kidding, Siovale border. "If I may ask, what are your relations?" I hope I didn't come off as too questioning, but, well, that part of the world isn't to big yet.
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Post by Sébastien de Loréan on Sept 21, 2007 9:48:05 GMT -5
"Cousin on the maternal side, and an uncle. My mother's brother married an Aragonian, and so they have an estate there," I said, grinning. "Do you have a particular interest in Siovale?"
I leaned against the counter, waiting for Antoine to return.
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Tabién de Valclesa(I)
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Viscomte de Valclesa; House Valclesa
Clarity of mind and soul brings clarity of passion
Posts: 1,685
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Post by Tabién de Valclesa(I) on Sept 21, 2007 13:08:49 GMT -5
I didn't really feel threatened by him, and he had been honest enough to me. Truly, I'd trust a soldier before a courtier mayhap. "Yes, you could call it interest, but that is where my estate, or at least my family's. Right around the area that you so described quite well just then." I responded.
The Valclesa estate was rather interesting, being near so many borders, yet being so small. I tiny little cog in an important machine that is the functioning of the nation.
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Post by Sébastien de Loréan on Sept 21, 2007 13:29:54 GMT -5
"I must have passed through, then," I said, shrugging. "Interesting that we never met then, but rather here, in Antoine's shop."
Talk of the wolf, his tail shows up, and so he did, and Antoine said, "Well, in 3 days, Rat, and you'll be good." I nodded, not needing anything else.
"I'm done here, Tabien de Valclesa. Are you?"
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Tabién de Valclesa(I)
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Viscomte de Valclesa; House Valclesa
Clarity of mind and soul brings clarity of passion
Posts: 1,685
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Post by Tabién de Valclesa(I) on Sept 21, 2007 13:44:57 GMT -5
I received the belt and boot sheathe from Antonie. Good quality indeed. I took a moment to fasten the sheath into the belt, because it was full wood, and not leather, it was a tight and awkward fit, but I made it work. I placed the boot sheath where it belonged, deciding indeed to get a dagger for it later.
Adjusting the belt, I looked at Sebastien, "I guess so. Do you know any good weapon smiths too?" I mused.
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Post by Sébastien de Loréan on Sept 21, 2007 14:00:48 GMT -5
"Just down the street," Antoine replied, though it wasn't adressed to him. "Will you show him, Sebastien?"
I nodded, and opened the door, "This way, please. See you later, Antoine," I added at the shop-keeper's attention.
Out on the sidewalk, I showed him the sign, "See, it's only 3 houses down. You'll see... they have good weaponry."
I paused, and looked at him curiously, "What are you buying weapons for, anyway?"
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Tabién de Valclesa(I)
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Viscomte de Valclesa; House Valclesa
Clarity of mind and soul brings clarity of passion
Posts: 1,685
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Post by Tabién de Valclesa(I) on Sept 21, 2007 14:06:52 GMT -5
I looked, and dimly saw the sign, but responded anyways. "Oh, practice mostly. I had a friendly duel that reveal some weaknesses, and perhaps a new curve onto my training would help give me a leg up."
I wondered if that would be a good enough answer?
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Post by Sébastien de Loréan on Sept 21, 2007 14:10:01 GMT -5
"Ah." I nodded pensively, "It's always a work in progress, true enough. Where do you train, anyways?"
I was always curious of it - there was no public salle in the City, and so I'd always wondered where new comers did such things.
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Tabién de Valclesa(I)
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Viscomte de Valclesa; House Valclesa
Clarity of mind and soul brings clarity of passion
Posts: 1,685
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Post by Tabién de Valclesa(I) on Sept 21, 2007 14:13:29 GMT -5
I started to walk, motioning him to follow.
"Well, besides this one person I met, I try to train by myself at my townhouse. However, there is only so much one can do my yourself. Form are nice, but they defeat the purpose of preparing for true combat; your not tense, not motivated, and not challenged to your limit." I stated.
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Post by Sébastien de Loréan on Sept 21, 2007 14:26:03 GMT -5
I nodded, understanding his words. What, he wanted me to follow? I looked at the sun, and decided I had enough time.
Abruptly, I asked, "You don't know many people here, do you?"
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