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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Mar 25, 2008 21:06:18 GMT -5
I didn’t frown, though she had seemed fine the night of the L’Envers wedding. All the more for me to pay more attention to others, I decided. “Why is that?” I asked, sincerely concerned. “Are you not finding enjoyable moments in the City?” I don’t want to say it was panick, but I knew if she left, I would miss her. I took a breath, trying to pack away my own mourning, and smiling at her with the friendship I felt for her – because truly, very truly, I did care about Lessa. She was both endearing and interesting - a rare and prized combination.
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Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
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Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Mar 25, 2008 21:41:59 GMT -5
"I like it well enough," I replied, smoothing my hands over the napkin on my lap. "I suppose it is only homesickness, and a bit of wishing for familiar things. In the City there seems to be an unnecessary level of complication at times. It's good for me, though- I need to learn to adjust to such an atmosphere. I can't remain in the security of my bower forever, after all."
Smiling a bit wider I looked at him with sincere happiness. "Talking to a friend does make me feel less so, though. Thank you for being so understanding."
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Mar 25, 2008 23:34:22 GMT -5
I nodded, understanding all to well the feeling – it was an old acquaintance of mine, the want of something I knew, something I felt at ease with. I’d missed home, when I was in Jebe-Barkal especially.
“You’re welcome,” I replied with a smile. “You know, it’s a matter of balance,” I said understandingly. “Stepping into new territory is a learning experience, yet losing touch with where you come from is destabilizing. Is there something with which I may be of counsel, perhaps?”
I offered sincerely. I wanted to help, if help her I could.
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Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
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Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Mar 25, 2008 23:43:16 GMT -5
"Thank you, but really, I don't want to be a bother," I told him sincerely, though I was happy to see he wished to help. It reaffirmed our friendship a bit. "You have your own sorrows, and I was only thinking of silly things, truly. I lost touch with another friend and I just worry over where he is at times."
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Mar 26, 2008 0:02:50 GMT -5
I smiled, denying that she was anything other than a blessing. “Lessa, you’re no bother, you are wonderfully patient and kind. But tell me, why don’t you contact your friend, if you are so worried? Sending word is no big hindrance, really.” I reached over and patted her hand, trying to be gentle and reassuring. It felt odd, but not bad, just different.
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Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
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Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Mar 26, 2008 0:06:34 GMT -5
He obviously wasn't used to doing this, but that made the gesture even sweeter for the effort it took. "I would, but he's something of a traveler and I doubt he'd even in the City or perhaps the country anymore," I replied, smiling bravely through the feeling of sorrow and dismay that filled me and I fought to keep from my features. "Besides, I'm sure I'd feel guilty if I was interrupting what he was doing at the moment."
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Mar 26, 2008 0:18:00 GMT -5
I gave her a cocky smile, trying to make her laugh, for her face was showing the shadow of pain - I was no Gentian, but I was familiar enough with it to know it when it came into view, even if fleetingly. With exaggerated tease, I said, "You do have a very selfish friend with no elegance at all, who wouldn't feel guilty, you know..." Of course, I was laying it on thick - but if I didn't it wouldn't come out as a pleasantry laced in truth, but a truth masquerading.
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Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
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Sovereign Duchesse of Eisande, Lady of Marsilikos *Voted Member of Best Storyline 2010*
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Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Mar 26, 2008 0:24:48 GMT -5
"Thank you, but that's alright," I replied, brightening a bit. Gods, but if Simon ever did she me again he'd never forgive me for doing such a thing. "It's best to leave him in peace. Besides, if anything were to happen to him while he was away I'd likely find out- his lands are in my holdings and I'd have to- arrange things for his next of kin to know in such a circumstance."
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Mar 26, 2008 0:36:15 GMT -5
The chuckle that was coming in my throat for her visible appreciation of my terrible sense of humor died a little for what followed. “Elua, Lessa-dear, I pray you don’t find out that way. It would be dreadful. If you’d like, though, I’ll try and find out from the grapevine what has become of him. He’ll never know we sought him out, and perhaps you’ll find some measure of peace knowing his whereabouts.” If he was a traveler, perhaps contacts I’d made on my previous embassies could be helpful. Then again, perhaps not.
I suddenly understood what she’d meant earlier. This friend was someone she cared about deeply, and he’d disappeared without giving her news, perhaps. Such a thing would make grieving difficult, if not impossible, much lengthier.
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Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
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Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Mar 26, 2008 8:11:34 GMT -5
"No, I'm sure things will be alright," I told Gillermo soothingly as I patted his hand. "I'm a bit used to it in some senses, truth be told. I know he'll be fine and have every faith in his abilities. Please don't worry for me so, I don't want to cause you more pain and grief."
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Mar 26, 2008 8:16:27 GMT -5
“Oh, Lessa,” I said, catching her hand deftly as she patted my own. “I’ve been so much a source of trouble myself, I’d be grateful for a chance to worry about someone else than me.” I squeezed her hand softly, and added, “You know you can count on me if there is something I can do.” I meant every word of it, truly I did.
I couldn’t help but wonder how things would have turned out if I’d lingered in Marsilikos last year. If I’d stayed long enough to see her mourning through. I pushed the thoughts away – this was somewhat I could not change.
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Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
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Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Mar 26, 2008 8:24:01 GMT -5
At his assurance I nodded in understanding; his hand was warm and soft, but I ignored such details of sensation. His heart was still hurting and he needed friends, not complications- much as I did, though for different reasons. Instinctively I knew he sought soothing for his sorrow- and I couldn't bear to simply be that to someone. "If I need anything I promise I will keep you in mind," I told him with a smile. "Though I expect you to do the same for me." Lightly I squeezed his hand in return, offering the small comforts I felt familiar with.
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Mar 26, 2008 13:35:07 GMT -5
I nodded quietly, taking it all in. “Then we have a pact.” I statedwith a warm smile. There was something comforting in that thought – for all my bad luck, I was blessed with good friends and a supporting family. We’d somewhat ignored the food, though, and that was too bad – but I preferred to fast and have a friend, than the other way around. Still, I retreieved my hand and had a bite of meat. It was juicy, tasty and delicious.
“So,” I said after I’d swallowed. “Will you be leaving to Marsilikos soon?”
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Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
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Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Mar 26, 2008 14:57:33 GMT -5
Once I'd swallowed my own bite I shook my head. "There's still so much I need to do here," I told him. "And now there will be a royal wedding, if not several from what I've been told. One has to attend such functions." At that I could only smile- even though I rarely completely enjoyed myself at parties I liked to see others doing so.
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Mar 26, 2008 15:05:05 GMT -5
“Ah, yes, the weddings,” I said with a nod. “It was interesting, the announcement at the Fete,” I observed before I had some of the side dish I’d ordered. Once I had swallowed, I asked, “Were you surprised?” I was always curious of such things – one’s reaction to news of this nature could be very revealing, though of course, I knew Lessa rarely thought ill. Weddings. That re-opened my own wound. I wondered if I would ever feel the desire to ask anyone to marry me. Asking once had been very different from my habits, twice would probably be more than otherworldly for me.
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Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
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Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Mar 26, 2008 17:38:41 GMT -5
"The Knaj and the Queen seem very happy together," I replied with a smile. "I was surprised as anyone is, to miss such an obvious love when it must have been present for some time, but I am glad she has the freedom to marry as she choose and he seems like a good man."
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Mar 26, 2008 21:42:02 GMT -5
“That, he does,” I replied with a smile. “I can only wish them well. It will be interesting to see what this does for Terre d’Ange. No doubt, it will open the northern ports for trade.”
It was a quiet assertion. I wondered how Lessa forecasted for this contingency – it would perhaps affect La Serenissima as well, if Terre d’Ange grew in interest towards its northern neighbors.
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Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
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Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Mar 26, 2008 22:01:57 GMT -5
"More ports can only increase the willingness to trade, which benefits us all," I replied without worry and with a small, knowing smile. "If nothing else, we become a gateway through which goods may pass and will reap the rewards in that regard."
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Mar 26, 2008 22:07:48 GMT -5
That was true for Terre d’Ange, but could impact one region to the detriment of another. I guessed she had loyalty enough not to be so worried about it. As long as business continued, La Serenissima would not be uncomfortable with the situation. Perhaps there would be openings with the Ruskovians. I’d promised myself to meet again with Romanov, yet it seemed it was always a bad time. I made a mental note of it.
“True enough,” I said without commenting further. “It is impressive, this network of alliances the crown is establishing. I feel a great deal of admiration for Her Majesty the Queen, in that respect.”
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Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
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Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Mar 27, 2008 14:19:05 GMT -5
Nodding in understanding I smiled playfully. "Isn't this a good deal like discussing work for us?" I asked in a softly questioning tone as I raised a brow and winked. "You're making my brain work to think of answers, Gil, and it's most unfair."
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Mar 27, 2008 14:24:26 GMT -5
“Ah, forgive me,” I replied with a little sigh. “You are most right. I’ve been burying myself in work to go through my days, and it seems to be taking over my mind.” I took a sip of my wine, and leaned away from my plate, having decided that the food sufficed me for now.
“Allow me to make this up to you by offering a game of wits,” I said with a smile. “Making one’s brain suffer, but for the sake of entertainment, instead. Is that a good compromise?” I couldn’t help but feel myself coming back. Perhaps it was the food – I hadn’t eaten much, these past few days.
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Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
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Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Mar 28, 2008 13:53:08 GMT -5
"I think it is a perfectly equitable compromise," I agreed with a smile, enjoying the idea and remembering the last battle of wits we had. "Shall it be as last time, or have you learned a new game?"
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Mar 28, 2008 14:05:42 GMT -5
“A new one if you will,” I replied with a smile. “I will describe a situation at length. The game for the other player, is to locate the two word alliteration which describes it. Then, rolls are inversed. Do you wish to try?”
I smiled, amused. It wasn’t a bad game, and it had the benefit of being funny at times.
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Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
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Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Mar 28, 2008 14:38:02 GMT -5
Word riddles- I smiled, for I had played games ofthis such quite often and enjoyed them a great deal. "I will if you will," I teased lightly. "Shall you begin, or do you wish me to make one first?"
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Mar 28, 2008 14:44:56 GMT -5
I was pleased that she was agreeable to my suggestion. “If you are ready, go ahead,” I said with a grin. This was a flash back to other times, where the world spun somewhat differently than it did now. It had been more innocent, in a way, even if I was still ridden by the thing back then. I smiled for the relief – it was good to be able to be in the presence of a woman I cared for, without fearing to witness Ka Shorok’s horrors.
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Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
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Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Mar 28, 2008 14:46:16 GMT -5
"I'll start off easy, since I've only answered them and never made them up before," I confessed easily. "What is spending that considers itself comic?"
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Mar 28, 2008 16:25:29 GMT -5
I couldn’t help but grin, very amused. I had no idea whatsoever, but I gave it a try nonetheless, following the rule – therefore, choosing alliteration as my form
“Candid coinage, or perhaps a giggling guinea?” I shrugged goodnaturedly. It was still funny, even if I hadn’t guessed it.
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Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
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Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Mar 28, 2008 18:08:03 GMT -5
"All of those do work," I admitted. "Now it's your turn to offer me one, isn't it?"
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Mar 28, 2008 19:23:20 GMT -5
"It is," I replied with a smile. "Here, this one. Too small for a stead, too elegant to carry weight, never wistful, who am I?"
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Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
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Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Mar 28, 2008 19:44:22 GMT -5
For a moment I simply thought, toying with my napkin subtly as I ran through ideas- my mind kept wanting to turn to rhyming riddles, but that wasn't what the rules of the game called for. "A pretty, perky pony?" I guessed absently.
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