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 17:17:26 GMT -5
"Most people have a short memory for innocence and a long memory for guilt. My grandfather betrayed the crown and there will be plenty that believe these latest incidents are his blood running true. I cannot control what they think, all I can do is be honest and open in all things," I said, my smile genuine if faint.
"Has your brother anyone in mind for his future queen?" I asked.
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Post by Nicanor de las Aragonia on Feb 18, 2006 17:50:51 GMT -5
"Most likely he will choose someone placed in the current court of moderate status but outside the direct bloodline, for those are what he knows. If one of you lovely ladies showed up he'd gladly take you, so if you have a desire to be queen, that would be the easiest way," I said teasingly.
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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 17:56:46 GMT -5
Luckily I had just swallowed another drink of my wine, or else it may have rained all over Nicanor when I laughed.
"No thank you," I said, shaking my head. "I have no wishes to be queen anywhere. If you'd like the word spread that you are looking for you’re a possible queen for your brother I can always let that slip into a few ears, but I will have to pass. I am sure your brother is a wonderful person, but I am happy here in my homeland."
"Besides," I said with a wry grin," it's hard enough to get away with things now, I could never have any fun as a queen."
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Post by Nicanor de las Aragonia on Feb 18, 2006 23:14:17 GMT -5
I shook my head, chuckling at her expression. "No, I suppose being Queen can't be much fun, but some women enjoy power enough to overlook it. And please don't tell anyone about my brother looking to marry- I would drown in the beauty that would swarm our country."
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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 19, 2006 0:05:36 GMT -5
I raised an eyebrow and tilted my head slightly. "Do you think the women here so power hungry and desperate to leave our land?" I asked, my voice dancing with amusement.
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Post by Nicanor de las Aragonia on Feb 19, 2006 8:56:52 GMT -5
I looked at Leyna intently; for a moment I was confused, it was as though we were talking apples and she had brought up oranges. "I would not make a generalization about the ladies in your land, but practicality must dictate that some women are just as bad as men, conniving and corrupt, hungry for power. I do not see sentimentality playing heavily into those people's opinions of the world."
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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 19, 2006 11:27:23 GMT -5
I nodded. "Very true. However, the women that I know who fit your descriptions are not ones that you would want as a queen. No want who wants to rule because of the power they would have should ever be allowed to rule." A brief image of Evangeline flittered through my mind. I needed to let go of my dislike for her. I was not the type of person to have a sworn enemy, but she just galled me so.
"What about you? Do you plan to find a bride soon? I am sure they could fill the Great Hall with the beautiful women you left pining for you in Aragonia, is there one for whom you pine as well?" I asked.
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Post by Nicanor de las Aragonia on Feb 19, 2006 11:37:17 GMT -5
Raising an eyebrow, I answered her, "I am sure there are ladies who would take me to husband, but in Aragonia it would be unseemly for her to make it known. Besides, my time among ladies is but a few moments a week; I try to enter and exit while being noticed and remarked on as little as possible. I would hate to start quarrels amongst the ladies in the corridors as they rushed about trying to get as close to me as possible," I said deprecatingly.
"What about you? Surely you must have a fiance, or at least an idea for one."
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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 19, 2006 13:25:00 GMT -5
I laughed, having no trouble imaging Nicanor sneaking in and out of women's rooms like a thief.
"I have spent too much of my life in the barns and stables to attract the eye of a finance. I think that is part of the reason my mother was so agreeable to me coming to the City. She has taken to making comments such as all she wants from her grandchildren is that they only have two feet and no wings," I said, grinning. "I am not opposed to the idea of marriage and children, in fact it is very appealing. I just want to make sure that I find someone I love and who can be as much a friend to me as my parents are to each other."
Carlee arrived again and asked if I was done with my main course. I nodded and told her how delicious everything was. She beamed even more with pride before turning to Nicanor.
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Post by Nicanor de las Aragonia on Feb 19, 2006 21:11:30 GMT -5
I agreed with Leyna to Carlee and tried to be charming; everything had been delicious. I promised to return and ask for her specifically, and to recommend this place to all I should meet.
To Leyna I wryly said, "Sometimes I think they'd rather I didn't have children- less chance of some get of mine wanting a political upheaval. Besides, what a legacy they'd have, trying to live up to, with my diplomatic fumblings! It's nice, though, to see a princess who respects animals as well as people."
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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 19, 2006 21:58:07 GMT -5
"Husbandry is in my blood," I said. "As for children, I am sure any child of yours would be witty and charming and as true in its sense of duty as its father."
I smiled, trying to imagine litters of small dark eyed, dark haired children swarming over Nicanor. I had to suppress a chuckle, it was still easier to imagine him sneaking in and out of women's rooms.
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Post by Nicanor de las Aragonia on Feb 19, 2006 23:30:23 GMT -5
"Well thank you, though your blessing may come back to haunt you; one of my sons may wed one of your enchanting daughters; then you would have me as a relative and may kill yourself in a fit of pique."
I smiled and wondered if dessert were on its way; though I was stuffed, I didn't think I'd be able to turn it down if it looked as appetizing as the rest of the meal.
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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 19, 2006 23:40:25 GMT -5
"Or perhaps one of my sons shall seduce your only daughter and lure her to his homeland with promises of perfect beauty and endless love," I said with a chuckle.
Then the thing I had been both looking forward to and somewhat dreading happened. Dessert arrived. We were each given a beautifully etched crystal bowl. Inside the bowls were layer upon layer of parchment thin fruit slices separated by what looked like a sweetened cream filling. The very top layer was a crumble of spiced oats and nuts. Carlee said not a word, just set down the bowls and left again.
"I think I would have to seek absolution from Kushiel were I not to try this it would be such a sin, but where I am going to fit any more food I have no idea," I told him.
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Post by Nicanor de las Aragonia on Feb 20, 2006 14:22:43 GMT -5
Grinning, I inhaled the smells of dessert, sweet and savory. ""It seems I will go home looking like a bonbon, for I couldn't resist it either." Still, I looked at it a while longer, allowing my stomach to settle.
"My daughter will have the same sense of adventure as I and will travel the world; after all, home is in the heart and one can take it with them."
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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 20, 2006 16:15:28 GMT -5
I smiled, thinking how very right he was.
"Well said," I replied. I picked up my fork and took a bite of dessert. Impossible as it seemed, it was better than dinner.
"Oh Elua, with food like this I am going to grow so fat I will never find a husband," I said before taking another bite.
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Post by Nicanor de las Aragonia on Feb 20, 2006 16:20:51 GMT -5
After seeing her take a bite I took one of my own; it was rich and savory and sweet, and it worked perfectly for the meal we'd just eaten. "My lady, we will be a pair, though I doubt you could ever be fat, and if you were to gain weight, your beauty would never change. I, however, will have to be rolled out the door and hitched to horses like a carriage when I go back to Aragonia."
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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 20, 2006 16:29:42 GMT -5
"Well, if that happens you will be the most handsome carriage in the land," I said with a grin before taking another bite. I was glad I had not worn a dress with any intricate stitching around the waist, it was going to be hard enough to breath with my stomach this full.
I finally had to put down my fork and lean far back in my chair or else I would make myself sick. I don't think I could have even swallowed plain water at this point.
"I think it is a testament to the active nature of the population that we don't have a City full of people needing to be hitched up like carriages with this restaurant here," I said, chuckling softly.
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Post by Nicanor de las Aragonia on Feb 20, 2006 16:35:49 GMT -5
"Yes, but no matter how fine a carriage is, no one is going to marry it." About this time I leaned back as well. "Either you are an exceptionally active people or your Elua has blessed you all with the magical power to transmit all excess weight to another nation of people. Unfortunately, I have not that skill, so I will just have to exercise tomorrow."
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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 20, 2006 16:51:25 GMT -5
I started to laugh but had to stop because my stomach was just too full.
"I am just hoping I can still fit into my dresses tomorrow," I said, smiling.
Carlee appeared again, I wondered if she had to practice her quiet appearances or if it was a natural skill.
"Was everything satisfactory?" she asked, though I could tell by the gleam in her eyes she already knew the answer. I found it hard to believe anything here would be unsatisfactory.
"I know I am not well traveled, but I can not imagine a better meal could be found anywhere in the world," I told her.
"Thank you, your grace," she replied. "Unfortunately the owner is not here tonight, but I will make sure and pass on your comments. He takes great pride in feeding people. Every recipe we have is his creation."
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Post by Nicanor de las Aragonia on Feb 20, 2006 17:07:39 GMT -5
My eyes widened at Carlee's words. "He designed these meals himself, you say? Do you know if he may want to serve in the Aragonian royal household?" I looked at Leyna slyly.
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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 20, 2006 17:51:04 GMT -5
"If your grace would like I can have the Comte d'Nourriture call on you while you are here and you can discuss matters with him personally," Carlee said.
"I think you might start and international incident should you steal our greatest chef, Nicanor," I said, returning his sly look. "I shall just have to make sure and offer him more to stay than you offer him to leave."
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Post by Nicanor de las Aragonia on Feb 20, 2006 17:54:41 GMT -5
"Thank you Carlee; I would like to meet him, but I would hate to start a war. Besides, I could never outbid a lady," I said,winking at Leyna.
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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 20, 2006 18:13:56 GMT -5
Leaning closer to Carlee I said, "He just want the Comte to stay here and make us all fat so that Aragonia can invade us." I laughed and returned Nicanor's wink.
I untied my coin pouch and handed it to Carlee, there was more than enough to pay for the meal no matter the prices had been. "Here, this shall cover the cost and anything left can be split among you and the rest of the staff for such a wonderful experience," I told her with a smile.
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Post by Nicanor de las Aragonia on Feb 20, 2006 18:20:38 GMT -5
I tsked Leyna, saying, "Ah, you jumped in front of me! I thought I was the gentleman here! Maybe I'll just kidnap this cook and leave you some of our cooks that our soldiers get, who can't even cook gruel." I grinned at Carlee and kissed her hand. "This was the best eating experience of my life- thank you."
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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 20, 2006 18:26:08 GMT -5
I saw the blush that rose on Carlee's cheeks and covered a grin. Nicanor could charm the stars from the night sky. Carlee curtseyed, thanked us for our patronage and said she would go call for the carriage.
"You are a guest in my homeland, Nicanor. I couldn't have you paying for your first meal here, what sort of host do you take me for?" I asked, letting my grin show as I rose from my chair. Yes, I was definitely glad I hadn't worn a stiff dress.
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Post by Nicanor de las Aragonia on Feb 20, 2006 20:43:30 GMT -5
I rose and made my way to Leyna's side, holding out my arm. "It seems that our servers eyes were bigger than our stomachs. Now that I don't have to eat for three days I will have much more free time. I haven't been this full since I stole three pies from the kitchens when I was nine years old. Thankfully I have better gastric control now than I did then."
"So, where to now? Shall we set a cat among the hens and wreak havoc?"
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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 20, 2006 21:00:40 GMT -5
I laughed at the thought of Nicanor stealing pies as I took his arm.
"I feel like the cat who got into the hen house and now just wants to stretch in the sun for a nap," I said with a smile. "I am up for anything you might like. I can give a you a tour of the City, show you around the Palace, or even let you peek at the Night Court, it is up to you."
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Post by Nicanor de las Aragonia on Feb 20, 2006 21:16:27 GMT -5
"Hmm." I said, tapping my chin with one finger. "Maybe a night's rest would be a good idea before we cause trouble; we need less full stomachs and lots of energy to run away from irritated tavern owners. Besides, you may not need beauty sleep, being perfect anyway, but I do."
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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 20, 2006 22:17:03 GMT -5
We exited the building, and my carriage was waiting.
"True," I said as I stepped up into the carriage. "You'll need a pretty face to catch a wife as you are being hauled back to Aragonia like a carriage."
I laughed as I entered the carriage fully and settled in my seat. Shylah was stretched across the seat opposite me, her tail thumping in happiness at our return.
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Post by Nicanor de las Aragonia on Feb 20, 2006 22:42:40 GMT -5
I helped Leyna into the carriage and then entered myself, suprised for a moment to see Shylah there. I made to sat down next to Leyna; sitting on a dog cushion sounded less than comfortable, and even somewhat painful, as dogs have teeth and will use them. I almost tripped over my own feet and fell into the seat. Groaning, I said sorrowfully, "It seems I am already somewhat carriage, for I find it impossible to move on two wheels."
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