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Post by teo on Jun 28, 2008 14:49:34 GMT -5
I glanced around, making sure I would be heading us in the right direction and then began to lead her down the street.
“Did you attend a lot of performances in Aragonia?” I asked.
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Mercedes de las Aragonia
Royal
Princesa of Aragonia and Condesa de Lleida
Daughter of Rafael and Colette de las Aragonia
Posts: 1,546
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Post by Mercedes de las Aragonia on Jun 29, 2008 2:39:27 GMT -5
"I try, when I'm in Amilcar," I replied with a smile. "I so love the arts, and don't get nearly enough in Lleida."
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Post by teo on Jun 29, 2008 14:24:48 GMT -5
“What is your favorite type of performance?” I asked, smiling and stealing glances of her as we walked.
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Mercedes de las Aragonia
Royal
Princesa of Aragonia and Condesa de Lleida
Daughter of Rafael and Colette de las Aragonia
Posts: 1,546
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Post by Mercedes de las Aragonia on Jul 1, 2008 11:54:47 GMT -5
I laughed lightly. "I'm not rightly sure." I thought for a moment. "My cousin is a flamenco musician, and I've been to a few of his concerts. The music and the dancing... it's heavenly."
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Post by teo on Jul 1, 2008 18:24:52 GMT -5
“Flamenco?” I echoed, trying not to butcher the word. “I’ve never heard of it."
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Mercedes de las Aragonia
Royal
Princesa of Aragonia and Condesa de Lleida
Daughter of Rafael and Colette de las Aragonia
Posts: 1,546
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Post by Mercedes de las Aragonia on Jul 2, 2008 15:05:10 GMT -5
"Truly?" I asked, brows raised in surprise. "You are missing out then. Flamenco is the dance of passion, of strength. Of things that shouldn't always be spoken."
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Post by teo on Jul 2, 2008 15:11:59 GMT -5
“It sounds fascinating,” I said interestedly. “What sort of instruments are used?”
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Mercedes de las Aragonia
Royal
Princesa of Aragonia and Condesa de Lleida
Daughter of Rafael and Colette de las Aragonia
Posts: 1,546
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Post by Mercedes de las Aragonia on Jul 2, 2008 16:57:02 GMT -5
"A particular type of guitar, and the performers and audiences clap or stomp the beat. It's very percussive, you feel it in the beat of your body," I explained with a smile. "Most songs you can sing along to as well."
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Post by teo on Jul 2, 2008 17:07:57 GMT -5
“How marvelous.” My interest was growing. “Is the dancing difficult?”
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Mercedes de las Aragonia
Royal
Princesa of Aragonia and Condesa de Lleida
Daughter of Rafael and Colette de las Aragonia
Posts: 1,546
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Post by Mercedes de las Aragonia on Jul 2, 2008 17:19:42 GMT -5
"Yes and no. It's very different from the dances you'll find at court," I said with a smile. "I tried it once, before my father found out and put a stop to it."
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Post by teo on Jul 3, 2008 12:13:27 GMT -5
“Is it not proper?” I asked. “I mean, since you said they give performances and such I got the impression it was accepted.”
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Mercedes de las Aragonia
Royal
Princesa of Aragonia and Condesa de Lleida
Daughter of Rafael and Colette de las Aragonia
Posts: 1,546
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Post by Mercedes de las Aragonia on Jul 4, 2008 1:18:57 GMT -5
"It is... a dance of the common folk," I replied, trying to think of how to explain it. "It is fine for professional dancers to learn and perform. But it is not traditionally a dance style for the gentry. It is too... edgy."
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Post by teo on Jul 4, 2008 13:13:07 GMT -5
“Ah,” I said, beginning to understand. “Does your father not approve of your cousin for being part of it?”
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Mercedes de las Aragonia
Royal
Princesa of Aragonia and Condesa de Lleida
Daughter of Rafael and Colette de las Aragonia
Posts: 1,546
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Post by Mercedes de las Aragonia on Jul 5, 2008 0:27:00 GMT -5
"Unfortunately," I replied sadly. "It is a shame, for Eduardo is extremely talented. I'm sure Papá would love his music if he gave it a chance."
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Post by teo on Jul 5, 2008 0:30:52 GMT -5
“It is unfortunate when people miss out on something because of misconceptions,” I said, nodding slightly.
We’d arrived at the café and I held the door open for her.
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Mercedes de las Aragonia
Royal
Princesa of Aragonia and Condesa de Lleida
Daughter of Rafael and Colette de las Aragonia
Posts: 1,546
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Post by Mercedes de las Aragonia on Jul 6, 2008 19:55:35 GMT -5
I murmured my thanks and stepped inside. A boy greeted us and led us to a candle-lit table, tucked away in the corner. I glanced about us, noting many other theatregoers scattered about the quiet café.
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Post by teo on Jul 6, 2008 21:59:35 GMT -5
The table we were led to have a definite romantic feel to it, tucked away and almost shielded from the view of others. The thought of being in such a situation with her was undoubtedly appealing, but not one I had arranged or would force her in to.
I stepped close enough to Mercedes so that I could speak without being overheard by everyone else. “Would you care for another table? I saw others less…secluded as we came in,” I asked. My tone and gaze held nothing but respect for what would make her the most comfortable.
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Mercedes de las Aragonia
Royal
Princesa of Aragonia and Condesa de Lleida
Daughter of Rafael and Colette de las Aragonia
Posts: 1,546
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Post by Mercedes de las Aragonia on Jul 11, 2008 11:34:06 GMT -5
The table would not have been my first choice, but a little naughty thrill went through me when I realized that I would agree to sitting here. But Teo's question gave me pause. Would he feel more comfortable somewhere else, and was trying to hint as such? If that was the case, I couldn't afford to be wrong.
"That might be for the best," I replied, voice low. I motioned the boy over and asked, quietly mind you, for something not quite so secluded. He led us to a table by the windows overlooking the street, and I glanced to Teo to see if it was satisfactory to him.
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Post by teo on Jul 11, 2008 12:02:57 GMT -5
For just an instant I’d thought maybe she would say this table was fine and it made my blood race. But then my first instinct was confirmed and keeping a smile on my face even as I tried to calm the inner passion that had flared, I followed them to the new table.
Politely, I held Mercedes chair for her and waited for her to sit before taking my own seat.
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Mercedes de las Aragonia
Royal
Princesa of Aragonia and Condesa de Lleida
Daughter of Rafael and Colette de las Aragonia
Posts: 1,546
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Post by Mercedes de las Aragonia on Jul 14, 2008 0:05:07 GMT -5
"Thank you," I murmured, smoothing my skirts under me as I sat. Maybe he wanted me to be comfortable, or maybe he didn't wish to imply further intentions. I wish I knew which. I hated the uncertainty that clung to these situations.
I searched my mind for a topic of conversation, desperately trying to leave my inner debate. "So what else would you recommend for me to see while I'm here? Your suggestion for tonight was certainly worthwhile."
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Post by teo on Jul 14, 2008 0:11:51 GMT -5
“You’ve already discovered my only other place of enjoyment, the Palace gardens,” I said with a chuckle as I settled in my seat. “I’m afraid I am rather unadventurous.”
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Mercedes de las Aragonia
Royal
Princesa of Aragonia and Condesa de Lleida
Daughter of Rafael and Colette de las Aragonia
Posts: 1,546
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Post by Mercedes de las Aragonia on Jul 18, 2008 23:01:03 GMT -5
I wondered if unadventurous meant steady or dull. Or if he was just being modest; he was as modest as I.
"Surely you must have some little thing that is adventurous?" I said with a little smile.
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Post by teo on Jul 18, 2008 23:52:41 GMT -5
“I’ve gone to a couple of taverns, but most of my time has been dedicated to work and doing all I can to expand my business to help care for my family and those who depend on us,” I told her. I suddenly felt like an old man, set in his ways. What a bore I must seem to her. I’m certain she had suitors a plenty who were interesting and full of adventure. Men worthy of her. Perhaps I should resign myself to an acquaintance, perhaps even friend. Someone she could safely go see plays with or walk in the gardens. I could see the merit in that. If only…
If only I didn’t ache inside to know what the brush of her lips against mine felt like.
“Attending a play with you would probably qualify as the most adventurous thing I’ve done since coming to the City.”
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Mercedes de las Aragonia
Royal
Princesa of Aragonia and Condesa de Lleida
Daughter of Rafael and Colette de las Aragonia
Posts: 1,546
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Post by Mercedes de las Aragonia on Jul 20, 2008 1:57:21 GMT -5
"It's rather adventurous for me as well," I admitted shyly, studying the tablecloth as I spoke before risking a glance at his face. "I have never seen a production in D'Angeline before, much less in such company."
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Post by teo on Jul 20, 2008 10:56:59 GMT -5
“I hope you enjoyed it enough that perhaps we might attend another in the future,” I said, smiling.
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Mercedes de las Aragonia
Royal
Princesa of Aragonia and Condesa de Lleida
Daughter of Rafael and Colette de las Aragonia
Posts: 1,546
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Post by Mercedes de las Aragonia on Jul 20, 2008 23:24:56 GMT -5
"I would like that," I replied, my smile shy still. "I would like that very much Teo."
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Post by teo on Jul 21, 2008 1:20:14 GMT -5
Her words made me smile so wide my cheeks threatened to cramp.
“So would I,” I said, my voice amazingly even for all that I was dancing inside. “I enjoy your company very much.”
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Mercedes de las Aragonia
Royal
Princesa of Aragonia and Condesa de Lleida
Daughter of Rafael and Colette de las Aragonia
Posts: 1,546
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Post by Mercedes de las Aragonia on Jul 22, 2008 11:46:20 GMT -5
"Truly?" I asked, a bit surprised. Many men had told me the same, but they were all courtiers and could lie with their silver tongues. I didn't think Teo could lie to save himself.
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Post by teo on Jul 22, 2008 17:17:47 GMT -5
“Truly,” I replied, meeting her gaze so she could see just how fully honest I was being.
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Mercedes de las Aragonia
Royal
Princesa of Aragonia and Condesa de Lleida
Daughter of Rafael and Colette de las Aragonia
Posts: 1,546
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Post by Mercedes de las Aragonia on Jul 23, 2008 14:50:14 GMT -5
Oh Mother, I was in trouble. That look in his eyes....
I flushed brightly. "That is a great compliment," I whispered.
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