Leyna de Somerville
Royal
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; Future Comtesse de Somerville; House Somerville
Posts: 5,711
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Post by Leyna de Somerville on Feb 15, 2006 0:42:17 GMT -5
As the carriage rolled through the City, I pointed out the things I knew to Nicanor. I knew woefully little it seemed, I had spent no time really exploring since I had arrived.
The carriage stopped in front of a beautiful building. Devan jumped down and opened the door.
"Your graces," he said, "we are here."
I patted Shylah one last time and whispered in her ear that she just had to stay. With a smile, I nodded to Nicanor that I was ready.
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Post by Nicanor de las Aragonia on Feb 15, 2006 1:11:13 GMT -5
I listened to her stories about the City; every sight surpassed the last for beauty and ingenuity. When her man had stopped and told use we had arrived, I grinned and Leyna and help out my hand to her to help her down.
Once she was out and I had made my way outside, delicious smells of food began to become evident; breaking over me in waves or scent, my hunger became more acute. "It seems you d'Angelines are adepts in making every hunger it's most primal and overwhelming," I said, winking.
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Leyna de Somerville
Royal
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; Future Comtesse de Somerville; House Somerville
Posts: 5,711
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Post by Leyna de Somerville on Feb 15, 2006 18:14:47 GMT -5
I blushed at his words, but managed not to look away and kept my smile.
"Ah, but hungers can only be truly satisfied when they are fed at their most primal level," I replied, returning his wink.
I slid my arm through his and moved us towards the door. A very pretty young man dressed in greys and green bowed deep and opened the door for us. I smiled at him as we entered. Somehow Devan must have sent someone ahead to the restaurant, for the door wasn't fully closed behind us before a woman came rushing up to us, and curtsied deeply.
"Your graces, we are honored to have you dine with us this evening. My name is Carlee," she said. "If you would follow me I will show you to your table."
She turned and led us through the restaurant to a secluded table in the back. The décor was marvelous, two shades of grey accented with green very tasteful and subtle. There were a few other patrons and they looked up as we passed, but were well mannered enough not to stare.
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Post by Nicanor de las Aragonia on Feb 15, 2006 23:48:27 GMT -5
I noticed people looking but paid no attention; I was used to such things when I went out in my homeland. At least the people here didn't rise to bow, which set me at ease.
When we had reached our table, set back in a corner away from prying eyes, I moved out Leyna's chair and waited for her to sit, then pushed her in and sat across from her. My smile never faded; she seemed an amiable girl and I was pleased to be spending time with her, though I was making an effort to seem nonchalant. It wouldn't do for me to have picked sides, not knowing all of the court's intrigues.
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Leyna de Somerville
Royal
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; Future Comtesse de Somerville; House Somerville
Posts: 5,711
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Post by Leyna de Somerville on Feb 16, 2006 10:32:08 GMT -5
As I settled in my chair, it occurred to me that this was my first time out to dinner with a man without a chaperon. My life had changed so very much in such a small time. I shook my head a little, trying not to get lost in thoughts of events that would dampen my spirits.
I looked at Nicanor, and was caught again my just how attractive he was. The colors in the décor and the soft lighting of the candles was very flattering to him. I smiled, determined just to enjoy myself.
"Would your graces care for wine?" Carlee asked.
Wine sounded nice to me, but I glanced at Nicanor not sure of his preferences for alcohol.
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Post by Nicanor de las Aragonia on Feb 16, 2006 10:59:58 GMT -5
She looked at me smiling and I looked back, raising an eyebrow. "I'll have wine, but you have to choose," I said slyly. "After all, I'm only a simple soldier in a strange land." I wanted her to be cheerful and forget about some of the things that had happened; the Regent would need everyone's support, and besides, she was too pretty to seem so sad.
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Leyna de Somerville
Royal
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; Future Comtesse de Somerville; House Somerville
Posts: 5,711
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Post by Leyna de Somerville on Feb 17, 2006 10:07:12 GMT -5
I smiled wider, thinking a 'simple soldier' was hardly the only thing he was.
I chose a White Merlot that was one of my favorites and Carlee dashed off.
Turning back to Nicanor I asked him, "Do you have any specific plans for things you would like to do or places to see while you are in Terra d'Ange?"
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Post by Nicanor de las Aragonia on Feb 17, 2006 10:46:34 GMT -5
I thought about what I had heard about their Night Court and decided to keep that to myself; sheltered Princesses were not known to be so inclined to indulge in or even discuss such things. My features never flickering, I said, "Well, my father sent me to renew our countries friendship and offer support in whatever undertakings Terre d'Ange embarks on. As long as I don't start a war I'll be doing well."
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Leyna de Somerville
Royal
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; Future Comtesse de Somerville; House Somerville
Posts: 5,711
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Post by Leyna de Somerville on Feb 17, 2006 11:12:56 GMT -5
The wine arrived and Carlee proceeded to poor us both a glass.
"Tonight, you have your choice of either fish in a light cream and herb sauce or slices of beef layered between parchment thin dough and baked with a wine and cheese sauce. I shall bring out some appetizers while you decide," she said before bowing and leaving again.
My mouth was watering at the descriptions. "Those both sounds divine," I said. " So, not starting a war? Is that really your only plan?"
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Post by Nicanor de las Aragonia on Feb 17, 2006 11:41:45 GMT -5
I grinned devilishly. "Any other plans would probably make a well-bred lady like yourself blush and faint and I wouldn't want you to be injured; they may behead me for ruining a lady's dinner."
I watched her; was there a bit of a spitfire looking out of those eyes? Everyone had their secrets; were hers innocent or dangerous? I had been distracted by a pretty face, but I would be more careful from now on.
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Leyna de Somerville
Royal
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; Future Comtesse de Somerville; House Somerville
Posts: 5,711
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Post by Leyna de Somerville on Feb 17, 2006 11:52:36 GMT -5
I took a sip of my wine, using the moment to gather my thoughts. Nicanor would probably be shocked and appalled if he learned I had spent time in the Night Court. I was certain that 'well-bred' ladies in his land kept themselves pure until marriage. I would not feel shame for the hours I had spent with LaValle, nor were they to be shared.
"I think perhaps I would not blush as easily as you think. Terra d'Ange is not a place that looks askance at certain pursuits that are kept behind closed doors in other lands. Love as thou wilt," I said with a smile. "Should you find yourself with time to go sightseeing in the countryside, I would be delighted to show you around. I have a mare who gets rather put out if she doesn't get to stretch her legs often enough and the surrounding landscape makes for beautiful rides."
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Post by Nicanor de las Aragonia on Feb 17, 2006 12:00:51 GMT -5
"Yes, I found the countryside lovely as I was making my way here- things seem so vibrant. Noche would also like a run on occassion, though I fear the moves he may try to make on your mare."
I slowly sipped my wine; their credo, 'love as thou wilt', was a beautiful idea when expressed in such a way, but society always had it's own unspoken rules. Still, being forthright could only help me; if she was scheming it would make me seem simple, and if she was a genuinely as sweet as she seemed she wpuldn't take offense. I leaned toward her and quietly asked, "So this 'Night Court' is here to serve that purpose of loving as one would?"
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Leyna de Somerville
Royal
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; Future Comtesse de Somerville; House Somerville
Posts: 5,711
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Post by Leyna de Somerville on Feb 17, 2006 14:48:30 GMT -5
"Soir's sire was a war stallion of Aragonian stock, you might want to warn Noche that she's not as delicate as she might appear," I said with a chuckle.
I lowered my voice to match his as I answered. "It is. There is a House to serve every need or desire. The servants of Namaah honor her and Elua both through fulfilling Elua's precept." I felt myself growing warm as flashes of LaValle rose in my mind. Lightly, the scent of apples began to rise from my skin. "Love does not come in a singular form that presents itself equally to everyone. Some people visit the Night Court regularly, some not at all. There are those who go for comfort, for fun, or to satisfy a need that they can not meet elsewhere. There are rules, there is safety, and in all things there is honor to our land and those who created it."
I knew the Night Court was an oddity and point of interest to those from other lands. I hoped that I had done it justice with my words. I wondered briefly which House would attract Nicanor's attention first, for I could tell he was more than casually interested.
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Post by Nicanor de las Aragonia on Feb 17, 2006 14:59:57 GMT -5
"Ah, then I will have to whisper to Noche about your mare lest he be outmatched."
The appetizers began arriving; crusty bread with sweetened cheese, stuffed mushrooms and small, spiced meatballs. Everything smelled wonderful and I smiled and motioned for Leyna to serve herself. "When you say there are 'houses', do you mean that there are different families who have sworn to serve in this way? And are these the only priests in your land?"
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Leyna de Somerville
Royal
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; Future Comtesse de Somerville; House Somerville
Posts: 5,711
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Post by Leyna de Somerville on Feb 17, 2006 15:19:51 GMT -5
I began to fill my plate with a small selection of appetizers.
"Forgive me, I am doing a poor job of trying to explain this. There are thirteen different Houses within the Night Court, each named for a different night blooming flower. Each House, or sect, has its own cannon describing the traits of the adepts there. While there may be some families who have a tradition of sending children to train as adepts, most are there because they match the standard of the House. No adept may take a patron before they are sixteen, and once they start taking patrons they can begin their marques with the patron's gifts they receive. Once they have completed their marque they are no longer bound to their House."
My mind was searching for anything I had forgotten, of the basics I did know, and for any other way to describe the Night Court. "The adepts are not priests, but servants. We have temples dedicated to Elua and his companions, the priests and priestesses reside there."
I sampled one of the tidbits on my plate, it was delicious.
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Post by Nicanor de las Aragonia on Feb 17, 2006 15:48:48 GMT -5
I collected by own palatte of appetizers and took a sip of wine. "I'm sorry if I seem dense about such matters- thank you for explaining it to me. In Aragonia we only hear of such things and it isn't considered the topic for polite conversation or speculation. It is good to know that people are not forced into this life with no other way out and that children are not mistreated."
Nibbling at the appetizers, amazed that I was having such a conversation with a girl who would have screamed and blushed at the mention of these things in my homeland, I asked, "If you could pick a House to visit, if you didn't have the responsibilities you do now, which would you choose?"
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Leyna de Somerville
Royal
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; Future Comtesse de Somerville; House Somerville
Posts: 5,711
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Post by Leyna de Somerville on Feb 17, 2006 16:27:24 GMT -5
I paused with a mushroom halfway to my lips, but only for a second. I finished the motion, taking the chance to think while I chewed and swallowed.
Looking up, I met Nicanor's eyes. "Alyssum," I said truthfully, for it was true that should I return to the Night Court right now it would be to Alyssum and LaValle. "the House canon for Alyssum is 'with eyes averted'. The adepts are sweet, gentle, and modest."
At that moment Carlee returned and asked if we had decided on our main course.
"I shall have the beef, thank you Carlee," I told her, blessing her timing for arriving then. As I had described Alyssum adepts, I had grown noticeably warmer as my body had recalled LaValle's touch. I took a steadying breath as Carlee looked towards Nicanor.
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Post by Nicanor de las Aragonia on Feb 17, 2006 16:49:25 GMT -5
"I'll try the beef as well, thank you." I nodded to Carlee and smiled winningly. Leyna seemed to be becoming somewhat uncomfortable; had she tasted this not-quite-forbidden fruit? If so, it must be recent, to be so fresh a sting.
As Carlee departed I crossed my arms before my chest and gave her a knowing, older brother sort of look. "I could understand why a Princess would want someone with modesty and gentleness, especially considering some of the cockerels that must preen about the garden." Then I took pity on the poor girl and smiled again. "What are the other Houses? Modesty has never suited me, I couldn't bear to have two shadows."
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Leyna de Somerville
Royal
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; Future Comtesse de Somerville; House Somerville
Posts: 5,711
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Post by Leyna de Somerville on Feb 17, 2006 17:32:04 GMT -5
While I may have chosen Alyssum for its modesty, I was no shrinking violet. I was not about to let him make me feel ashamed or embarrassed for what I had done, even if he was only guessing at this point. Neither was I going to cry innocence.
"Not all the preening cockerels are found in our gardens, some make the trip from distant lands," I said with a smirk. I leaned back in my chair.
"I would not presume you to have any interest in modesty, you do not seem the type at all. Balm is compassion and healing. Bryony is for those who enjoy money and wagering. The adepts of Camellia are the embodiment of perfection. Cereus is filled with quiet, fragile adepts. Those of Dahlia have a dignity that rivals any royalty. Eglantine is where those who are artistically talented go. Gentian adepts are gifted with the sight and other spiritual gifts. Heliotrope adepts inspire devotion and deep love. Jasmine adepts are exotic and sensual. Mandrake adepts are talented at giving pain. The adepts of Orchis are filled with joy and laughter. Valerian adepts are submissive and enjoy receiving pain."
I drew a breath after that recitation. "Which of those catches your interest?"
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Post by Nicanor de las Aragonia on Feb 17, 2006 18:13:51 GMT -5
Witty banter; something I hadn't engaged in for some time, it now looked at me from the face of a pretty girl. "Oh yes, that foreign riff-raff is the worst- especially when the hens find themselves saddled with it."
I thought about the different houses, drinking my wine and concentrating; there was a lot of information contained in her little speech and it was never a talent of mine to remember things that I had no personal experience with. "I find joy and devotion beautiful- that would be Orchid and Helo-trope, wouldn't it?"
I took a bite, then frowned. "I didn't mean to insult you, and if I did, I apologize. I'm sure your adept from Alyssa is perfect, and when you see him, will serve you well."
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Leyna de Somerville
Royal
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; Future Comtesse de Somerville; House Somerville
Posts: 5,711
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Post by Leyna de Somerville on Feb 17, 2006 20:09:57 GMT -5
"No insult taken. You asked, I answered. I am sure that should my desires take me to the Night Court, and I choose an adept, he or she will be perfectly suited to my needs," I said, smiling.
"Yes, Orchis is joy and Heliotrope devotion. It is a lot to remember. If my cousin August feels up to it, you could discuss the Houses with him. Supposedly he has spent time at each House, and being a soldier like yourself he might have better insight into where to find what you desire," I said, my smile turning slightly more wry. "Of course, if you are here long enough you would be able to taste for yourself everything that strikes your fancy."
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Post by Nicanor de las Aragonia on Feb 17, 2006 20:52:02 GMT -5
I grinned and flushed a little. "I am not much on one for dalliances; at the core, it seems to be dishonest. I am from a stoic land not known for it's shows of affection. I fear I would fall for whoever I dallied with, and I am sure my family has other plans for me."
About this time the food arrived; every hint of odor seemed to drift into my pores and I knew without tasting it that it would be as wonderful as anything I had ever tasted.
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Leyna de Somerville
Royal
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; Future Comtesse de Somerville; House Somerville
Posts: 5,711
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Post by Leyna de Somerville on Feb 17, 2006 21:34:12 GMT -5
I grinned inwardly, pleased that I had remained composed enough to draw a flush from him.
The food arrived before I could reply. Along with the beef dish we had selected there were vegetables served in a bowl of herbed bread. It smelled so good I was lost for a moment. I looked across at Nicanor, seeing that he was enjoying the aromas as well.
"Thank you Carlee," I said, smiling. She was beaming with pride, and I could understand why. She told us to just call if there was anything we needed and left us to our privacy again.
"There is no shame in experiencing a tradition in a land that you visit. If done with honor and respect, is it not a sign of kinship?" I said with a smile.
I then took a bite of food. I had never in my life tasted anything so good. I moaned softly, unable to stop myself. I barely had to chew, everything was so tender it near melted in my mouth. I looked at Nicanor again to see if he was as overtaken by the flavors.
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Post by Nicanor de las Aragonia on Feb 17, 2006 21:42:41 GMT -5
I took a bite and my grin widened. The conversation we'd just been having almost flew from my mind in the assault on my tastebuds, subtle yet rich. Without being heavily spiced it still demanded everything of my tongue, having layers upon layers of different flavors and textures. "You were right, this is the best food in the City, and the world, if I'm not mistaken," I said happily.
Bringing myself back to our conversation I thought for a moment, then replied, "I agree, following your traditions is an important part of acknowledging kinship, but I also have a responsibility to my culture and myself. When I am put into the situation I may feel differently, but for now it is only hypothetical and, while I don't disagree with the practice, I do not see myself fitting into it."
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Leyna de Somerville
Royal
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; Future Comtesse de Somerville; House Somerville
Posts: 5,711
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Post by Leyna de Somerville on Feb 17, 2006 23:36:58 GMT -5
"Hmmm?" I had to stop eating so that I could focus on what he was saying.
"Not everyone here practices that particular tradition. It is an option more than a requirement. I actually think less people visit the Night Court than anyone imagines. Love as thou wilt is a mind set more than a command of action. Follow your heart in all things, and Elua will guide you. My father followed his heart and restored his family's honor, and through his deeds he met my mother. Had he not done as his heart told him, he would never have met the only woman he ever loved," I told him.
I began eating again, but this time I was more prepared for the deliciousness and didn't let myself become too distracted.
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Post by Nicanor de las Aragonia on Feb 18, 2006 8:26:25 GMT -5
Taking another bite, I nodded. "That's a beautiful story, and I'm happy for you and your family, but in my line of work one must be able to put aside matters of the heart and pursue duty."
If I thought that every bite would become progressively less wonderful, I was mistaken. Every bite was as delicious as the first and I knew I would be returning here often to try everything they had to offer.
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Leyna de Somerville
Royal
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; Future Comtesse de Somerville; House Somerville
Posts: 5,711
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Post by Leyna de Somerville on Feb 18, 2006 11:42:13 GMT -5
The food was not only delicious, but there was far too much of it. I set my fork down and leaned back again.
"But where does your sense of duty come from?" I asked.
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Post by Nicanor de las Aragonia on Feb 18, 2006 11:51:49 GMT -5
I thought for a moment, then acknowledged defeat. "I suppose it comes from my heart; but my sense of fairness comes from my mind and makes me be dutiful even if there are things my heart would rather let me do. It all seems to fir in a precarious balance."
I took a sip of the wine and then continued to work on the food before me; usually I ate the same food as the soldiers, so a luxury like this was not going to be wasted. I just hoped I'd kept some of my table manners.
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Leyna de Somerville
Royal
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; Future Comtesse de Somerville; House Somerville
Posts: 5,711
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Post by Leyna de Somerville on Feb 18, 2006 12:03:44 GMT -5
"Forgive me. I was raised in an environment where I breathed duty and loyalty to the crown with every breath. It's as much a part of me as my heartbeat. The recent events have reminded me that not everyone feels the way I do. It also saddens me that no matter what my father has done, no matter how much he sacrificed there will be people who suspect him and my family in these latest tragedies," I said, picking up my glass and taking a sip of wine. "I think that I have become overly sensitive to the subjects of duty and loyalty."
I let a smile curve my lips again. "Tell me about your homeland, what would you be doing right now if you weren't here?"
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Post by Nicanor de las Aragonia on Feb 18, 2006 12:13:50 GMT -5
"Most likely I'd be riding to inspect the troops and our lands, make sure no bands of raiders have set up niches along our coast or our country's shared border. After that was done I would have returned to the Palace, where brother is expected to soon pick a queen."
I looked at her and noticed that the talk of loyalty really had unnerved her. "I'm sorry, but I don't see you as a suspect in these circumstances in the least."
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