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Post by Queen Coretta de la Courcel on Mar 6, 2006 13:29:41 GMT -5
It had been the easiest thing to filch the invitations from Mother's stack of correspondence. We went to visit, give her our love. I had distracted her with my merry chatter while Moon found what we needed. It was an old game of ours.
Darcy scowled and grumbled as we insisted upon leaving the palace without Father's approval. But again, we knew how to manage him. The unmarked coach helped soothe his frazzled nerves. I smiled into my muffler. It was getting cold.
We arrived at a silk merchant I had heard of, the shop looked less than grand, and had probably never seen royalty before. What a treat for them. I had a portfolio of sketches and gowns that I had spent long years designing.
Pray they did justice to them. We entered the shop and waited for someone to notice us.
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Post by Prince Christien de la Courcel on Mar 6, 2006 13:36:17 GMT -5
I stepped into the fabric filled shop after Coretta- things seemed out of order, all of the colors jostling together for attention. At the moment there were few other people in the shop; they must be recently opened, at a slow time or doing poorly. Darcy hovered over our shoulders and I wanted to snap at him to begone, but I knew that would only result in him tattling. I looked about grouchily, hands crossed over my chest. "How on earth did you pick this place?" I asked Shadow under my breath.
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Post by Queen Coretta de la Courcel on Mar 6, 2006 13:39:54 GMT -5
"I know lots of things. They may not look like much, but they carry some ofthe finest imported silk. I want it, and will slum it a little to have it." I fingered a few bolts of fabric. The material really was delicious.
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Post by Jacques Blanchard (I) on Mar 6, 2006 13:51:25 GMT -5
I hear the door open and look up from my work. I see two younger d'angeline enter, a male and a female, unmistakingly twins. That wasn't too out of the normal, but what was was the fact that they had a caseeline hovering behind. Royality I thought. Strange.
"Good morning and welcome to my shop. I'm Jacques Blanchard. What can I help you with today?
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Post by Prince Christien de la Courcel on Mar 6, 2006 14:45:34 GMT -5
A man greeted us and I looked him over appraisingly; his features were fine, if aged, and he seemed to have noticed Darcy standing behind us. Even so my expression didn't change and I nodded coolly. "We are here for outfitting for a fete, plus to fill out wardrobe with suitable clothing for the City and the season. Are you able to help us with such things?"
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Post by Queen Coretta de la Courcel on Mar 6, 2006 15:21:16 GMT -5
The man was pretty enough, and courteous. But i wasn't really interested in him, only his work.
"Yes, are you able to help us?" I echoed Moon, but my tone was a bit more sunny with a hint of mischief. "My brother may not have particulars, but I most certainly do. I have a portfolio of sketches that I would like made up. The only question I have is, does your shop have the skill?" I smiled, like a cat.
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Post by Jacques Blanchard (I) on Mar 6, 2006 15:28:53 GMT -5
The boy twin answered rather coolly. Definitely noble born I thought taking in his expression and tone of voice. "Ahh, you've come to the right place then. As you can see we have silks of the finest quality in every shade imaginable. What you haven't seen is our commissioned suits and gowns as well as several books full of various choices that we can have made for you.
Perhaps you speak of the akadian themed fete? We have several pieces on display in the rear parlor and if you require I can have assistants model them for you as well. We have a multitude of styles to fit any taste, from modest to exceedingly daring"
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Post by Queen Coretta de la Courcel on Mar 8, 2006 12:44:12 GMT -5
I grabbed Christien's hand, tapped my glee across his palm.
"Yes, the L'Envers fete, I hear it is to be quite the event. Have you had many commissions?" I smiled graciously and pulled Moon behind me, deeper into the shop.
I tilted my head and looked at Christien, "Would you like to see something modeled? Of course you would. Please Monsieur Blanchard, show us some of your costumes." I already knew what I wanted, but felt Moon would enjoy a little show.
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Post by Prince Christien de la Courcel on Mar 8, 2006 12:55:58 GMT -5
I rolled my eyes and tapped a thank you to Shadow; she knew me too well. Staggering, I followed her, trying not to trip or sneeze at the smells of fabric and perfume. Darcy followed us, looking sour; it reminded me of when Shadow and I had tried to lose Father in the marketplace as children, ducking in and out of shops and from behind carts.
Once we had reached the back room with the stage I looked at Shadow mischeviously. "Is there anything you want to look at? I think it should be..daring.."
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Post by Jacques Blanchard (I) on Mar 8, 2006 13:23:47 GMT -5
I offered the twins seats on the couches in the back parlor. "May I get either of you something to drink? Wine or champagne perhaps" I say, giving their Cassiline a quick glance to gauge his reaction to the offer. Just then Joséphine entered, and I quitely instructed her to find Gisèle and Frédéric and arrange a showing of Akkadine garb.
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Post by Queen Coretta de la Courcel on Mar 8, 2006 14:03:37 GMT -5
"Champagne, please." Oh the lovely brew! We rarely even got to taste the stuff, and here he was offering us glasses. Darcy scowled harder, but said nothing. Wonderful. I could get used to this life very easily.
"And Monsieur, I agree with my brother, daring if you please, but with a mind toward anonymity. Opaque face veils if you have them."
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Post by Prince Christien de la Courcel on Mar 8, 2006 14:11:19 GMT -5
I took my own glass and raised an eyebrow at Coretta, lifting my glass in acknowledgement. "Yes, I think anonymity would be a plus in this case, sister. And you'll have to pick my clothes, you know I have no mind whatsoever in that regard."
I watched the stage with one eye as I looked at Shadow with the other; this was going to be an interesting show.
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Post by Jacques Blanchard (I) on Mar 8, 2006 14:24:49 GMT -5
I excused myself to go look after Josephine and the others. Luckily, Jo had taken charge and Gisèle was on her way out wearing a two piece gown that bared her midriff completely. It was a blue shade, with the arms covered in transparent silk with her bosum covered with a darker blue, though it left little to the imagination. The bottom part was also transparent, with a very low cut front and back. On her way out I added a veil that covered to her shoulders.
Next Frédéric was dressed in typical Akadin garb, turban and all. I was hesitant to send him out, not sure how daring the male twin wished to go.
Finally Jo found a traditional gown, that was a sea green in color and consisted of multiple layers. I gave her a questioning look. "And this is daring?" I said. She responded with her devilish lil smile as she shook back the upper part of her gown, which was little more that a cloak, to reveal a completely revealing blouse that left nothing to the imagination.
I grinned as she winked at headed out onto the stage.
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Post by Queen Coretta de la Courcel on Mar 8, 2006 21:33:44 GMT -5
I watched the models come in, show their wares and depart. I was a bit bored really. We just needed something to blend in a the fete, the point wasn't to draw attention to ourselves, merely slip our leashes and play a bit, see the nobles of the realm before they saw us.
I already had the glorious beginnings of a plan for our debut into the Court.
"See anything you like, brother dear?"
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Post by Prince Christien de la Courcel on Mar 8, 2006 21:45:25 GMT -5
I watched the women slink by in some very revealing outfits. While I can't say I didn't enjoy the show there was no way that Shadow was going out of the house in ANY of it, at least not while I was drawing breath. "Not in the sense of the clothing," I muttered to myself, then looked at Coretta. "Honestly, I just don't think any of this is your style."
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Post by Queen Coretta de la Courcel on Mar 8, 2006 21:52:21 GMT -5
I patted the portfolio of sketches. "No, not particularly, that's why I brought my own deigns. From the work I see on these though, I think they have the skill to create what I want."
I sipped my wine again, lovely stuff. " I think we should go simple, I heavily veiled and you masked. Some are bound to recognize us, but we'll use our lesser titles and try to evade overall recognition."
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Post by Prince Christien de la Courcel on Mar 8, 2006 21:54:45 GMT -5
Oh, that sounded like fun! Fetes were not really something we were supposed to be doing on our own; that's what made it sweeter. "I bow to your superb experience; show your designs to the nice man."
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Prince Delaunay de la Courcel
Royal
His Royal Highness the Duc de Montespan, Prince of the Blood; House Courcel and Montespan *Voted Member of Worst Character Dynamic 2010*
Son of Prince Imriel de la Courcel & Laurette de Montespan.
Posts: 2,360
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Post by Prince Delaunay de la Courcel on Mar 10, 2006 13:38:31 GMT -5
I entered into the Grand Magasin de Soie and looked around. I had heard that they offered some of the best fabric of the City so it seemed like a good choice. I notice a group toward the back of the store and walked slowly toward the curtains. I watched as two younger peers watched their own private showing and smiled.
"Those are certainly nice designs." I said crossing my arms and leaning against the door way.
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Post by Prince Christien de la Courcel on Mar 10, 2006 13:48:25 GMT -5
I whirled around in suprise; there stood a man, long of neck and blue of eye, watching us and smiling; did he know who were were? Cautiously I gazed at Shadow, tapping onto her shoulder Be careful, resist flattery.
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Post by Queen Coretta de la Courcel on Mar 10, 2006 15:19:29 GMT -5
Huh. What was he doing here? I knew he was our cousin, rather distant but still family. I'd seen him at the coronation, announced with our parents and Sun. Delaunay, the son of Imriel and the Duc de Montspan.
I tapped a reply on Moon's hand in mine, Family, cousin, Wanna play?
"Yes, they are rather fetching now, aren't they? But I don't think pink is your color." I motioned at the sheer pink caftan one of the girls was strutting by in.
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Prince Delaunay de la Courcel
Royal
His Royal Highness the Duc de Montespan, Prince of the Blood; House Courcel and Montespan *Voted Member of Worst Character Dynamic 2010*
Son of Prince Imriel de la Courcel & Laurette de Montespan.
Posts: 2,360
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Post by Prince Delaunay de la Courcel on Mar 10, 2006 15:24:57 GMT -5
I smiled widely with a soft chuckle trying to place the familiarity of the two. "Perhaps not." I said moving forward. "But I'm fair less interested of whats on the out side. It only ends up on my floor anyway."
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Post by Prince Christien de la Courcel on Mar 10, 2006 15:36:06 GMT -5
I was at a loss as of what to say; words were not so much my arena. "So keeping yourself well-groomed as a priority?" I quipped quietly.
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Prince Delaunay de la Courcel
Royal
His Royal Highness the Duc de Montespan, Prince of the Blood; House Courcel and Montespan *Voted Member of Worst Character Dynamic 2010*
Son of Prince Imriel de la Courcel & Laurette de Montespan.
Posts: 2,360
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Post by Prince Delaunay de la Courcel on Mar 10, 2006 15:38:30 GMT -5
I looked to the young boy. "Unfortunately, in my station it becomes a priority." I pushed myself from the doorway and uncrossed my arms.
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Post by Queen Coretta de la Courcel on Mar 10, 2006 19:17:45 GMT -5
"Your station? Pray tell, whose esteemed company do we keep? I may have to be embarrassed for saying pink is not your color." I smiled and gave him a coquettish look. He kept looking at the two of us askance, trying to place us. After all, how many blond twins of noble birth were in the City?
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Post by Prince Christien de la Courcel on Mar 11, 2006 0:02:00 GMT -5
As the man stood I straightened, watching through heavy-lidded eyes. I knew him for a relative, but that did not ensure a good nature toward us. I hoped Shadow was playing the right card; a false move at this moment could prove disasterous.
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Prince Delaunay de la Courcel
Royal
His Royal Highness the Duc de Montespan, Prince of the Blood; House Courcel and Montespan *Voted Member of Worst Character Dynamic 2010*
Son of Prince Imriel de la Courcel & Laurette de Montespan.
Posts: 2,360
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Post by Prince Delaunay de la Courcel on Mar 11, 2006 0:26:27 GMT -5
I smiled and crossed one hand across my chest and made a deep bow. "Forgive me and my manners, I am Prince Delaunay de la Courcel-Shahrizai de Montespan." I smiled and reached forward taking the young woman's hand and kissing it lightly on the knuckles.
"And whose company do I have the pleasure of." I said pulling back after the kiss, I new the face. Like a ghost from the past, both of them.
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Post by Queen Coretta de la Courcel on Mar 12, 2006 17:39:18 GMT -5
His lips were cool on my hand. I rose and sank into a curtsy before him, my mouth an adorable 0 of surprise. I knew it. I flashed Moon a quick sign, Watch me play!
"My Prince, you do me and my cousin a great honor. I fear I must be embarrassed now. I am the Comtesse Oriel d'Everdon of Namarre. This is my cousin, Comte Ganelon d'Volour of Kusheth." Yes, our minor titles and holdings, and middle names, hopefully it would keep him unbalanced.
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Post by Prince Christien de la Courcel on Mar 12, 2006 17:45:42 GMT -5
I bit back a retort as I bowed to someone who was a lower station then I was, but such was the price of deception. "It's nice to meet you, Your Highness," I said quietly.
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Prince Delaunay de la Courcel
Royal
His Royal Highness the Duc de Montespan, Prince of the Blood; House Courcel and Montespan *Voted Member of Worst Character Dynamic 2010*
Son of Prince Imriel de la Courcel & Laurette de Montespan.
Posts: 2,360
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Post by Prince Delaunay de la Courcel on Mar 14, 2006 0:43:04 GMT -5
I made a smile and bow of greeting to them both. "Cousins." I said looking to the two. "Of course." I looked over then a few moments trying to place where I knew them. Not cousins of course, they were too close in appearance. My mind wandered over every place I could have seen them, any events or fetes. "You are from Kusheth." I said turning to the Comte. "I know Kusheth like the back of my hand," I joked holding up my hand. "I know every lordling in the province, though I can't say I've ever seen you." I smiled trying to find a foil in their rouse.
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Post by Prince Christien de la Courcel on Mar 14, 2006 0:49:48 GMT -5
I kept my face and bodystil as I thought quickly, rising slowly from my bow so he couldn't see my eyes darting in thought. "I was fostered in L'Agnace, my lord, and only recently came into the title. I haven't even been to visit my estate yet, is there any chance you could tell me what it's like? How is it prospering?"
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