Thereza de Soigneux
Military
First Lieutenant
Second in Command to Captain de Etalon
Posts: 233
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Post by Thereza de Soigneux on Dec 12, 2010 0:32:59 GMT -5
There was one thing you couldn't doubt about being in a military- you had a family of sorts, with all of the baggage that went with one, or so it was told. I'd never had a large or close family, not knowing anything about either my mother or father's relatives or my parents themselves, but the library at the Temple of Shemhazai had many memoirs of those who did. My brothers and sisters in arms had different requests for various things that could only be procured in the City itself and I'd agreed, reluctantly in some cases, to gather those items. Necessities were covered by the military itself but everyone had a little extra money for their luxuries and this was as good a time as any to procure them.
The City of Elua was as large as could be expected and though my back still stung slightly under the bandages I kept my pace steady, the list in the pocket of the simple gown I'd put on for the ease of dressing. The color was a steely sort of blue but it wasn't something I paid more attention to than necessary. Cut into the side was a hidden slit, easily freed for movement if I did need to fight for some reason, and on my waist was my sword-belt bearing the short-sword I was virtually never without. I'd left the longer knife back with the rest of my belongings, but the shorter dagger was in its sheath on my wrist, concealed by my sleeve. Sometimes it could get too cramped to swing a blade, even the close-ranged one I preferred.
There was a good bustle of people and while I had read of this place and how it had been constructed and laid out I still had to figure out which direction to venture in first. My posture was as confident as ever as I looked around, gaining my bearings amidst the buildings from my spot on the bench by the fountain. No reason to waste energy running around madly before I had a plan. With that in mind I let my brown eyes wander over the surroundings, my sword hanging comfortably at my side as I arched my back to try and take some of the pressure off of the fresh tattoo on my right shoulder blade. It would heal before I went back to my unit, but that also meant I would have to baby it a little for now or ruin the work.
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Post by Gadleon Shahrizai on Dec 12, 2010 1:05:41 GMT -5
I was still limping but as ever I had my sword and dagger at my hips. Most people in the hustle and bustle of the square moved out of my way. It was hard to tell if it was my family resemblance or the fact that I had blades and I really did not care. I just knew I enjoyed not getting poked and prodded in the crowds.
I had just got my house opened again after the long absence and I needed to get some supplies. I was hoping my plans worked out and that I did not have to tend these mundane tasks myself for much longer. But for now it was nice for me to be out and about really as it gave me a good chance to get the feel of the City once more.
I was not overtly paying attention to those around me but I was still aware of my situation. One never really knew when danger might strike. And I had found that even in mundane settings that could happen. The small little bit of paranoia I always had, had managed to keep me alive and more or less in one piece on many occasions.
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Thereza de Soigneux
Military
First Lieutenant
Second in Command to Captain de Etalon
Posts: 233
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Post by Thereza de Soigneux on Dec 12, 2010 14:03:41 GMT -5
It seemed to be in my nature to observe what I could even when trying to do other things, and it hadn't ever really proven to be a problem. Knowing the flow of traffic would do some good if nothing else, and honestly I was more used to paying attention for threats than most others would have been, serving as the bodyguard for my Captain when it was required so he could concentrate on his other business. Traitors could exist anywhere.
The limping but serpentine pace of the Shahrizai-haired man came into the corner of my eye immediately drew my attention; here was someone who could be dangerous, even if he was injured and not because of his heritage. His movements alone gave me a hint of what he was, or could be, and from the way he looked around it was easy to tell that he was as veteran to such a way of thinking as she was. More, he was uncomfortable, probably because of his wound and the disadvantage it put him at, or so I gathered from looking at him.
The battlefield habits still stayed with me even here in this City and my brown eyes that had had been called both deep and steady stayed on this figure as he made his way across the square. Unfortunately that meant I paid a bit less attention to what else was happening; before I realized that anyone was that close a stray arm bumped the shoulder that had recently been marqued, drawing a small hiss before I could quite restrain it. Perhaps it was about time to move on before the area got more busy.
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Post by Gadleon Shahrizai on Dec 12, 2010 15:30:28 GMT -5
A woman captured my attention when she stopped and hissed in apparent discomfort. She seemed to be a military type from attire to her blades. That thought made me smile as so many of the stick up the arse soldiers had no real idea what a for real sword fight was. Battle field butchers was all they were. Not that butchers are not needed because they are, but I am more akin to a surgeon and thus more than a cut above such riffraff.
I spent a moment studying her and taking in her bearing as she had clearly already spotted me. It was not someone who I would ever consider a threat even though she was clearly more trained than the average citizen. No, even with a bad knee I was more than a match for as many as three of your average soldiers at one time. It was other sell swords like myself that caused me concern.
I was also not aware of any prices on my head so I had nothing to fear in that regards either. Eula's balls I had been employed as a palace guard during my last stint in the City. Indeed I found the need for soldiers in the City proper to be a rather ludicrous idea as the nation had been at peace for so long. But just to be safe I stalked toward the young woman so that it was clear I had spotted her and thus I could read her intentions.
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Thereza de Soigneux
Military
First Lieutenant
Second in Command to Captain de Etalon
Posts: 233
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Post by Thereza de Soigneux on Dec 12, 2010 16:00:43 GMT -5
I may have been wearing a gown for today but that didn't mean I was any softer than I had ever been. Though many soldiers were seen as nothing more than hack-and-slash fighters good for nothing more than chopping through enemies based on sheer numbers anyone who had been at the front knew how wrong that was. The Captain's intelligence and my own training and knowledge from the Temples had crafted us into a very neat, organized and graceful fighting force, able to take care of ourselves without the immediate aid of our associates, even against several foes. I had a keen eye for seeing the weakness in an enemy's defenses as well, and I'd done my best to impart that skill to my fellows. Many things I could have been called, but 'common' or 'messy' was not one of them.
The man obviously noticed my intention and stalked over in an almost wolf-like fashion, never coming close enough to be considered an obvious threat but certainly making his intentions clear. He was nearly bristling with some kind of tension, but I refused to match it, meeting his intensity with only a self-possessed stare as our eyes met. He may have been a stalking wolf, but I was a wary one at rest with other things on my mind than taking his pride away or his territory. This wasn't my jurisdiction or even my concern, but I wasn't taking the chance that this one was rabid either, or an enemy to my Captain.
It seemed that this was unavoidable though, and unless addressed it would turn into a tense snarling match that would probably attract even more attention. "Good afternoon Lord Shahrizai," I said in a quiet, sedate tone that had been described before as 'flat' or 'dry'. "Is there something I can help you with?"
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Post by Gadleon Shahrizai on Dec 12, 2010 17:23:43 GMT -5
She greeted me and she did not seem hostile and that was well and good considering I did not have the patience to deal with such things at this moment. I noted that despite the blades she wore a gown and that was an interesting combination as I could never imagine wielding a weapon with something loose like a skirt twirling about. But at the end of the day it was not my business or concern.
"Good afternoon" I returned her greeting. "And no I am fine you just have a military bent about you despite the garments and you also seemed to be a bit confused. So I suppose you piqued my curiosity." I shrugged "well that and I tend to keep an eye on those who are sporting blades lets call it a survival instinct."
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Thereza de Soigneux
Military
First Lieutenant
Second in Command to Captain de Etalon
Posts: 233
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Post by Thereza de Soigneux on Dec 12, 2010 20:02:43 GMT -5
The man was blunt but not overly aggressive, which was fine- I was used to dealing with such mannerisms from various soldiers, though if this man had an official rank I would be greatly surprised. He didn't have the uniform of one, or the bearing, instead carrying an independent air that spoke of fighting alone. To each their own, I suppose. There were advantages to his ways as much as mine, and many said that the Shahrizai didn't play well with others in an official manner.
As she spoke I could only raise a brow at his statements, not sure yet whether gaining his attention was a positive or negative thing. Then again he'd garnered my notice so it seemed only fair. "I am in the military, but I don't know that confused is what I would say of myself," I replied politely but steadily, my gaze still calmly on his face so I would know the truth of his reactions behind his words. "I can understand that survival instinct though, it's the same thing that drew my attention. Unless I miss my guess you are not of the military, but well-trained nevertheless, Lord Shahrizai."
Even if my company wasn't around they could still be judged by my behavior and I would do nothing to give them a bad name. "I'm in the City on leave and my comrades asked me to pick up a few things from various places before I left to return to Siovale." The wounds of the marquing were starting to itch a bit and I rolled my shoulder slightly to shift the fabric of my gown and relieve some of the irritation. "Would you be native to this area?"
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Post by Gadleon Shahrizai on Dec 12, 2010 21:07:21 GMT -5
Her explanation explained her manner even if she denied being her confusion. It all made sense really since she was obviously and by her own admission not a native to the City. But all the same I did not pursue the matter as it was not really worth the effort. Nor did I delve further into the issue of why we had noticed one another we simply had and that was good enough.
"Not recently military but I was in the Palace Guard for a while. As for your other question I am not a native of the City as to being born here but I have been inhabiting the place for a little while now." I shrugged my lithely muscled shoulders "perhaps you need some directions as to where some of the items your comrades would like picked up might be obtained?" I was guessing that running such errands for her cohorts would have her running all over the place and I decided she was much more generous with her time and energy than I ever would be. Something was bothering her about her shoulder as well. I could see that easy enough as she had a little twitch that was a sure tell. My eyes glanced to that shoulder but I did not notice any overt injury. Of course a lot could be hidden under garments much like my bad knee.
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Thereza de Soigneux
Military
First Lieutenant
Second in Command to Captain de Etalon
Posts: 233
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Post by Thereza de Soigneux on Dec 12, 2010 23:18:49 GMT -5
I had to admit that he seemed sincere enough, though the idea of him ever having served on the Palace Guard made me quirk a brow. No doubt he could be very good at the job of defending when it suited him, but something about this man said that he would rather only follow orders when it was convenient rather than trusting to his superiors without proof or struggling through the ranks to achieve a position for himself that put him in charge of others. This was perfectly acceptable- no doubt he knew things about fightin in his style that she never would- but she preferred to work for the goals of her Captain and herself, even if it was the harder path at times.
The offer of help was equally unexpected, but I managed to lower my brow and consider what he said. He may not have been born here but I was far more a stranger to this city than he was and it was plain to see. Wisdom dictated that you accepted help when it was offered so long as there wasn't something to warn you against it. As he didn't seem inclined to try anything dangerous there was no harm. "I would appreciate it if you could point me in the right direction and perhaps indicate which routes will be the most convenient," I replied in a steady tone, one corner of my lip twisting up into the most smile I gave the average person.
And of course this conversation had gone on long enough that introductions would probably have been polite. Offering my hand to be shaken rather than kissed as most women outside of the military would have done I shifted the other shoulder again to keep the cloth on my back from tugging at the bandage. "I'm Lieutenant Reza de Soigneux."
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Post by Gadleon Shahrizai on Dec 12, 2010 23:53:38 GMT -5
I took her hand and shook it firmly. "Pleased to meet you Lieutenant" it seemed best to address her that way as most military types tended to prefer it. "I would be happy to give you any aid that I can in your task. The City can be quite daunting at times." She was clearly on guard and it was something I would not begrudge her.
Pulling my hand back I then added "I would imagine your comrades gave you quite a list." Then dipping my head a bit to her I introduced myself "my name is Gadleon. I am rather sure you can guess my surname so I generally do not bother with it." I smiled a bit "one of the quirks of being from a well known line." And certainly there were other quirks but I was sure her mind was already filling in those places.
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Thereza de Soigneux
Military
First Lieutenant
Second in Command to Captain de Etalon
Posts: 233
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Post by Thereza de Soigneux on Dec 13, 2010 14:21:22 GMT -5
At least he didn't look oddly at my handshake or try to act as thought such an action was beneath him, which many peers may have done. Of course he didn't have to worry about whether or not he may be polluting himself by associating with a killer since I didn't doubt he was one himself, but everything in my experience said that the Shahrizai were a proud family and some of them could be easily offended. He was right about his family name though. Even children knew tales of the blue-eyed, black-haired descendants of Kushiel as well as their proclivities. His mention of them caused my brow to quirk slightly again but it quickly went back into place as I brought my hand back to rest on the side of the fountain where I sat.
He'd used my title so it was only polite that I use his. "Your features are recognizable to me, Lord Sharizai," I replied sedately, that bare hint of a smile coming back to my face before I picked up the list I'd been looking over before he caught my attention. "And I do have to admit that those from my contingent get to the City rarely enough that they have quite a few things they'd like, but I doubt many of them will be difficult to find." True, some of the men and women I served with could be picky about their preferences, but they also knew how far I was willing to go outside of what they were usually alloted and they respected that.
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Post by Gadleon Shahrizai on Dec 13, 2010 22:20:45 GMT -5
As we stood I slid the weight from the leg that contained my bad knee as it was starting to bother me a bit. I smiled a bit at her manner especially as she used such a formal way of addressing me. "Well Gadleon will do for me. I only called you by your rank as most military units I have been around tend to be on a first name bases and that name being your rank." It all amused me and I am sure it showed on my features all the same I carried on.
"Yes, the service tends to be a bit stuffy when it comes to simple luxuries and pleasures in life. Part of the reason I never went military. Well that and I have found it is more profitable to kill people for private interests." I shrugged "so whats first on the list?"
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Thereza de Soigneux
Military
First Lieutenant
Second in Command to Captain de Etalon
Posts: 233
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Post by Thereza de Soigneux on Dec 14, 2010 14:22:25 GMT -5
"I'm used to hearing Lieutenant but I can still answer to Reza if that's what you prefer, Gadleon," I told him nonchalantly, repeating his name as an aid to my memory as well as to express that I understood the point he was trying to make. I'd already started to stand and my dress smoothed itself almost as though I'd never been sitting at all. I wasn't one for messing with fussy fabrics or overly-stylized clothing mostly because there were more than a couple of scenarios in which I'd need to move easily. Other than the secret slit I had tailored into the skirts of my gowns there was no difference between them and the most common dresses of a well-kept citizen.
His reasons for not going into the military were common enough, though not ones I could say I myself had ever considered. Earlier in my life I'd been completely driven in my quest for knowledge and my duty to my Temple; when I decided to join the military and help Royal with his own vision of the military and the future I made the practical side of that vision my responsibility and took it fully onto myself, using what I'd learned to that purpose. Yes, there was killing, and it was necessary, but that was not what I thought of first and foremost when I considered the military and myself. I was a killer, and I would be be one whenever it was required, but I was other things as well.
I managed not to raise my brow this time and I nodded in acknowledgment to his words. "I never intended my path to be an easy or a profitable one," was all I could reply to what he'd said about his choice in vocation, glancing at the list. The first things listed were actually what the Captain had requested and were at the top because they were the most important. "The first place should probably be a leather-worker to pick up patches for fixing scabbards and sword-hilts." Generally this would be easy enough to find but with Gadleon helping hopefully I could find it at the best quality for the price.
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Post by Gadleon Shahrizai on Dec 14, 2010 14:38:24 GMT -5
She was belaboring the point on names and I simply added “I will call you whatever you want me to call you.” Pretty much the rest of the posturing and the like was ignored by me as to be honest it had started to bore me. All the same when she mentioned leather I turned and set off with purpose. “I know a place where you should be able to get some pieces for use.” I did not elaborate further as it might disturb her. We slid through the crowd easy enough and my knee was feeling better all the time. Indeed I suspected I had reached the point where exercise was good for it.
Spotting the small leather shop I favored I ducked in after holding the door open for her. As always the wonderful smell of leather assaulted my nose and I inhaled deeply. It was quite possibly my favorite smell in the whole of the world. The place was small but offered a wide variety: ball gags, crops, whips, restraints. Oh but that was just the amusement section the other sections offered practical items: boots, belts, breeches. Like most shops of its kind it also offered no frills items as well leather thongs, patched, and rolls of raw leather. As we made our appearance I gave the middle aged lass who ran the place a wink and not for the first time wondered how she managed to lace a bosom that large into a corset that tight.
Once settled in I gave my new friend a predatory gin and wink “well here we are.” I suspected being of the military bent such a lass would not be easily intimidated by surroundings but it suited my perversity to try and unsettle anyway.
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Thereza de Soigneux
Military
First Lieutenant
Second in Command to Captain de Etalon
Posts: 233
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Post by Thereza de Soigneux on Dec 14, 2010 15:00:58 GMT -5
To be honest I couldn't have cared what he called me so long as it wasn't something obviously derrogatory- but I also had to remember my manners and try to avoid being brusque with people who could be important. The Shahrizai were a close family, and well-connected in more than a few military circles even if this one did seem to dislike the idea of taking or bearing responsibility. You never knew if the one you were speaking with was close to a member of some council or regiment and they were even known to lie from time to time when it suited them. Best to be safe rather than sorry.
With that in mind I followed him respectfully, my brown eyes moving over the surroundings steadily but without darting too quickly, which could signal paranoia or fear. This was still a good district and the chances of him leading me into a trap were small, and he didn't seem like the kind to find amusement in such a weak scheme anyway. The best option was to be prepared for anything but not overly concerned, which I really had no reason to be. I tended to be a rational person and it hadn't led me astray before.
From the scent of the building as he opened the door I knew it to be a leather shop and I slipped past him with a polite nod of thanks for holding it for me. The almost-genteel manners could have thrown me for a moment, but I knew that for most men of breeding they were taught as early as reading or writing had been to me. The scent of cured hides and oil was a comforting one that reminded me of book-bindings and clean saddles, and even though the wares on the walls may have shocked an ordinary country girl I was far from surprised. There were very few reasons a Shahrizai would know where to get leather items, after all.
Looking sideways through the corner of my eye I could see the slight smirk and the smile at the corner of my mouth widened slightly. Since I'd joined the Temple of Shemhazai at eight years old none of the reading materials there had been denied to me, including some of the records of a more intimate nature. "This is a very nice place," I commented honestly, looking over the wares with a speculative eye- crops were always useful things when dealing with horses- before moving to a roll of medium-weight tan leather. "I actually prefer shops of this type, the leather is always the finest quality for making the more enticing wares."
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Post by Gadleon Shahrizai on Dec 14, 2010 15:14:41 GMT -5
“To be honest I just mostly like the smell. I can suit with a new leather piece and just smell it for hours on end. One would think some smart purveyor of scents would bottle that smell and make a fortune.” I shook my head as it was an odd idea that I had gotten stuck in my head on more than one occasion. Now would not be the time to get distracted by the thought yet again.
While she selected her items I went over to peruse the ward robe possibilities. I preferred leather truth be told in all things. Tight, soft, and supple the material also had long lasting qualities as well as the wonderful smell. I probably needed to spend some time here or at least to send Olivia over as my trip had been hell on garments. Not to mention my nature tended to wear things out like for example when I had cut my breeches leg open to have my knee examined rather than waiting for a more practical moment to tend the matter. For a member of a family based on patience I could be horribly impulsive.
These and many other thought flowed through my mind as I ran my fingers over a nice soft brown pair of doe skin breeches and matching lace up boots. They were as soft as a baby’s bottom and I could only imagine how sensual they would feel against my skin.
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Thereza de Soigneux
Military
First Lieutenant
Second in Command to Captain de Etalon
Posts: 233
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Post by Thereza de Soigneux on Dec 14, 2010 16:31:52 GMT -5
It was natural that two people with different backgrounds could have something in common but I was still moderately sure that his appreciation for leather had a different connotation than my own. Perhaps not, but I wasn't exactly about to question his word either. "The scent of leather is comforting for many people, perhaps because it's used in so many ways," I replied, feeling that I needed to at least pick up some of the conversational weight. "Though I'm reminded of book bindings and stables. There are places that sell the scent as well but you'd have to look for a very noted perfumer for it I'd imagine."
Once I'd judged the bulk leather suitable I politely but firmly ordered five yards from the large roll and then wandered over to where the horse tack was kept. The gags made to resemble such things but for human use were hanging nearby so it took an academic and critical eye at times to pick the right ones. If I chose wrong there was no doubt I wouldn't hear the end of it for some time and likely hear a few offers from people I would rather not know that much about the private lives of.
Luckily this shop was as good at keeping the animal gear in working condition as the more sensually playful ones and I soon had the most reliable pieces on the counter before walking around the store at a calm pace, stopping to check things every so often and keeping one eye on my Shahrizai companion. Since he'd brought me here and I hadn't evidently acted in a way that was unseemly to him he'd become more conversational, but that may have only meant that he had another trick in mind. Something at the corner of my eye caught my attention and I let myself turn to face the display of leather-bound books, all of them blank. Somehow it was fitting, and I ran a finger along the edge of it, feeling the burnt scrollwork design on its spine.
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Post by Gadleon Shahrizai on Dec 14, 2010 17:20:04 GMT -5
“You really should get out more.” Was my reply to her descriptions of her varied tastes when it came to leather products. One such as me found it hard to grasp such sedate tastes. Indeed here she was on leave and what was she doing but running errands for her comrades. Yes, this relatively attractive woman really needed to get out more. But having just met her I would not go into details of such matters with her.
Instead I watched her as she made her selections and became distracted by some blank journals. “You know it is your business but at the rate you are accumulating things with just this one stop I would recommend you come up with some means of transport other than simply strapping it all to your back.” I smiled a bit “otherwise by the time you are done all that will be visible will be a pair of feet trundling under a heaping mountain of supplies.”
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Thereza de Soigneux
Military
First Lieutenant
Second in Command to Captain de Etalon
Posts: 233
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Post by Thereza de Soigneux on Dec 14, 2010 18:48:55 GMT -5
When Gadleon made a statement about me needing to 'get out more' I heard the humor in his tone and understood it; the Captain would often tease me toward the same end, though that was more because he knew I was actually more adventurous in nature than most people would assume from my quiet demeanor. The difference was that I wanted to go into situations knowing what to expect rather than being surprised by them. Besides, it was generally assumed that if I was stoic and controlled there was nothing about me that could be passionate. Perhaps those who followed Shemhazai's path were rarer these days.
"Thank you for your concern, but I think you're underestimating how much I can accomplish," I told the man as I pulled down one of the journals and then turned my head to look at him, my gaze sparking with a bit of humor that filled my tone with a touch of sardonic wryness. "I grew up in the Temple of Shemhazai in Siovale. I may not think of leather as attractive in the same way you do but that doesn't mean it's any less attractive to me." I wasn't one to be overt but I was used to being around men, who generally outnumbered the women in the military. As much as he was joking with me I was joking back in my own subtle way.
The mention of the amount of supplies I was purchasing as well as his animated description surprised me a bit, mostly because it meant he was paying attention when I hadn't expected him to be, but I only nodded. "I already planned on having the items delivered to the room I'm staying in to be made ready to transport to my unit. If I hadn't I suppose I'd need a mule of some type by the end of this trip." The smile almost reached to the other side of my mouth by this point and I could hear the humor that was still present in my tone.
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Post by Gadleon Shahrizai on Dec 14, 2010 22:11:03 GMT -5
I straightened up "well I hope you have a whole pack train of mules at the rate you are going. Mayhap an armed escort might be in order as well." I did not comment any further on her tastes or need of some recreation. There was a point when you were just beating a dead horse after all. So I walked over to her and looked over at her list "so what is next?"
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Thereza de Soigneux
Military
First Lieutenant
Second in Command to Captain de Etalon
Posts: 233
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Post by Thereza de Soigneux on Dec 14, 2010 22:58:07 GMT -5
There were some people who cared about nothing besides their own realm of desire and influence, and from the way the subject changed and the jesting dropped I could tell that was the case here. It was sadly closed-minded of the man but love as thou wilt meant allowing some people the luxury of their ignorance. If the only desires he believed in were the ones of lash and blade rather than the much more expansive realms of the mind that was his affair. It was also a reminder to me that I truly did belong with the people I knew, not conversing with strangers.
"The rest of the needs are much smaller and generally easier to find for a fair price," I assured him, setting the journal onto the counter with the bridles and bits for my own purchase. This was all that could be purchased from this store so I quickly paid the buxom shop-keeper what she asked for and made arrangements for delivery to the modest inn I was staying at for the duration of my time in the city, then shifted my shoulder again as the itching sensation of healing increased.
"I think the next place would be to a shop with usige, which shouldn't be that hard to find," I told him in a respectful tone. "I know that you may have other things to do that are far more necessary than showing someone around on your bad knee, so if you need to rest please let me know." Maybe there was a little bit of a reminder of his own fallibility in that statement by pointing out his wound but the humor was still in my tone so hopefully he wouldn't take too much offense to it.
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Post by Gadleon Shahrizai on Dec 15, 2010 6:55:12 GMT -5
"Actually at this point moving around on it is probably better. So many get something hurt and then baby it for so long that it takes forever to heal." I shook my head "I am not saying go run a marathon but at least make sure all the body parts get regular work. At least as much as they can handle." I smiled a bit "but I will leave you to your devices if you are sure you can find the rest of your items.
She was confident and confined to her own little world and if that worked for her that was just fine. I never could really understand that narrow minded and blinders on type view of things but it was not my place to concern myself either.
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Thereza de Soigneux
Military
First Lieutenant
Second in Command to Captain de Etalon
Posts: 233
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Post by Thereza de Soigneux on Dec 15, 2010 10:04:35 GMT -5
"Extra help is never something to be turned away and it's been some time since I've spoken to someone outside of my immediate group of companions," I replied steadily, hearing the wisdom in his words about his wounds. The shop-keeper had assured me that she'd be having the items sent and if they weren't I could always find my way back here and find out what was going on. One good thing about working in official channels was that I never had to worry about whether or not I'd be able to get returns on my investments while many mercenaries and assassins didn't have such guarantees.
"Could I ask how you received that wound to your leg?" I inquired as I made my way to the door, my brow raised inquisitively as I waited for him to decide whether or not he wanted to accompany me after all. There was a little bit of tension in the air but I was used to subduing such things, and the chance to talk to a member of such a notable family wasn't one I was ready to push away with any kind of rash behavior. Besides, there were still a good deal of shops to see. The healing marque my my shoulder itched and unthinking I actually brought my opposite hand behind me to press on the bandage while I waited.
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Post by Gadleon Shahrizai on Dec 15, 2010 10:22:39 GMT -5
She headed for the door and there was that hand to her shoulder once more. Something there was chaffing her but I put it out of my mind and followed. “I caught an arrow on my last run on a recent trip.” I answered as we made our way once more into the street. “It was in Ch’n actually. I had taken on work as a caravan guard as palace guard did not suit me. All walking in circles and looking menacing and no real blade work or even logistics” I shrugged.
“Guarding lead to bandits, bandits lead to fights, fights lead to my skills being noticed. There are still certain warlords and the like around who employ champions. It is not as open as it once was but it is there. I best three good men in duels and some others in less formal affairs body guarding and the like. Pay was good and I made my fortune, but I took one last run as a guard on a caravan heading back in this general direction. Bandits struck and I got hit, if I was a betting man I would say the bandits were more after me than the goods. One does not send that many people to the grave without pissing off their families.”
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Thereza de Soigneux
Military
First Lieutenant
Second in Command to Captain de Etalon
Posts: 233
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Post by Thereza de Soigneux on Dec 15, 2010 12:50:18 GMT -5
The main difference between sell-swords and soldiers seemed to be one of idealism, which was clearly evident in what he said, but if looked at from an intellectual viewpoint it made sense. Impatient, impulsive people were rarely good at controlling their desires. He had a lot of passion for battle, which was his right, while guards and soldiers trained to prevent fighting. We wanted to be the best so that we were an appropriate intimidation factor and when someone was either crazy or dangerous enough to challenge us or our country we could deal with the situation. The personal grudges that mercenaries usually took care of were of no consequence to me outside of an academic sense.
The streets were still somewhat busy but it was easy enough to match pace with the Shahrizai and hear him over the other people who were walking about. "You're probably lucky that the arrow didn't nick a tendon or ligament within the knee itself," I observed calmly, my eyes taking in my surroundings and my money-pouch bound tightly closed and to my sword itself so I could feel any disturbance of it by whatever pickpockets may be making their way around. Then again generally the fact that I was a woman carrying a weapon as though I knew how to use it was enough to dissuade most.
"It's not surprising that Ch'in has some unscrupulous habits though," I continued, trying to keep the conversation moving at a moderately steady pace on a topic that was equally neutral to both of us. "My unit is stationed in Siovale and while Aragonia is our ally there are still some bandits who take advantage of the mountains to kidnap both Aragonians and d'Angelines for various purposes. I'd be willing to bet we probably see more fighting than the average Palace guard considering those circumstances."
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Post by Gadleon Shahrizai on Dec 15, 2010 13:52:07 GMT -5
I always had my eyes open but on the streets a I was less wary than many would be. I was after all a Shahrizai with a blade and a reputation for knowing how to use it. Even if I had been gone a while I suspected no one had forgotten those facts. “Well Ch’n also has some excellent surgeons. Their methods are odd by the way most in these climes would reckon things but they are affective.” I patted my leg “bone stopped the arrow before it hit anything too important but it still would have likely been a career ender most places and a life ender others. But they patched me up well there so other tha another scar I should be good.”
I crinkled my nose “served on the Skaldian boarder a while where I got nicked” pointed at the scar on my face “it went septic and nearly killed me. I reckon that was an example of poor care.” I smiled a bit then “so that was how I ended up here serving on the guard, but like you pointed out about your unit the boarder is where the action is. If things ever get so bad here the Palace Guard is called out then things will be bad indeed.”
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Thereza de Soigneux
Military
First Lieutenant
Second in Command to Captain de Etalon
Posts: 233
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Post by Thereza de Soigneux on Dec 16, 2010 11:20:09 GMT -5
There was no point in saying that if the Palace guards ever had to see any real duty things would have to be far more dire than most people could comprehend since it either meant insurrection or that some group had managed to fight through many soldiers to do so. After all, it was common sense. Keeping out invaders and strengthening borders was why the military was kept in most cases, or at least as much as keeping any possible traitors in line. The Captain served the Queen with complete loyalty and the d'Angelines as a whole with utter devotion, which was as it should be.
"I've heard that they have very advanced medicine in Ch'in, using techniques that the Eisandine physicians have never had exposure to before," I told him, cocking my head slightly to take in the scar he indicated. A very unpleasant looking wound, and damage to the face was seemed to end up a tricky thing. Not so much as that to the organs or limbs, but it was very easy to blind a fighter in such a way. "And I have heard that the medical care along the Skaldi border is scant at best and often haphazard. Perhaps your luck has improved since then, which allowed your knee to come through so well." The dry tone of humor was in my voice again and it was difficult to tell whether or not he was able to read it. "With Ch'in medicine you may even regain full mobility."
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Post by Gadleon Shahrizai on Dec 16, 2010 12:04:26 GMT -5
Her manner rather than anything else showed she had a chip on her shoulder. It was common enough to those who earned their bread with blades. After all a large portion of the exercise was mental and for that portion to be a success one had to believe they were the best. But at times conversations with such became vexing it was the body language more than the words. But then a smile bloomed on my face as I thought of a phallus waving contest and the lady trying in vain to waves a phallus that she did not have. The mental image was utterly amusing to me.
“Very advanced, they tell me the leg should heal and not offer problems other than a bit of an ache when the weather changes. Though when I took off back home on horseback not long after I got on my feet again was probably not my swiftest move ever.” I shrugged “a job hazard. There are two kinds I think they are called the quick and the dead and one sees few active and middle aged blade masters.”
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Thereza de Soigneux
Military
First Lieutenant
Second in Command to Captain de Etalon
Posts: 233
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Post by Thereza de Soigneux on Dec 17, 2010 10:53:24 GMT -5
He was cocky- oh yes. Pride was one thing, but assured superiority when you hadn't even faced a person or yet was quite another. I didn't have to speak highly of myself to know where I stood, or kill to have confidence. It was likely he'd also not picked up on my humor, but that was a common enough circumstance that I didn't become perturbed by it. With the number of people existing in the world it was impossible to relate to all of them on every level, at least for one such as myself. Captain de Etalon had a knack for it though, which was why he was good at leading his troops.
The shops were passing by at a steady pace but none of the bulk suppliers of spirits seemed to be in this general area. This wasn't so odd though, since shops of similar types tended to work near each other. "Well, I'd imagine the ride was better for the leg than trying to walk on it," was all I could really say as I tried to ignore the irritation on my back. The wrappings would have to be changed soon or they might chafe into the tattoo itself, causing damage and smudging of the lines. Hopefully it wasn't showing too heavily in my features.
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Post by Gadleon Shahrizai on Dec 17, 2010 11:16:10 GMT -5
I trailed along with her and shrugged “well better than walking but to be completely honest it was really dumb on my part. So dumb it in fact boggles my mind that I did it as that is a sure way to get a leg to heal badly.” I crinkled my nose “we will see I may have indeed turned it into a career ender. Of course like I said a moment ago I am getting a bit too much age on me to be a blade master.” It was true and it mildly vexed me because I was slowly starting to realize my best days with sword in hand were behind me. I would always be good to one extent or another but I was in my mid 20s now and those in their teens had more physical gifts.
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