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Post by Aleron Carle(Retired) on Feb 20, 2006 15:57:59 GMT -5
I walked into the manor, having instructed for my horse to be put away and my bags taken to whatever chamber I would be staying in. Everyone within was sedate and quiet; the Duchesse seemed to run a strict household. Grabbing a passing maid, I stopped her and said, "Inform the Duchesse that I would like to speak to her if she is willing."
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Post by Jaiden Liatris-Durante (D) on Feb 20, 2006 20:05:30 GMT -5
My study was finally clean. I had terrorized a few housemaids to get it up to my standards, and felt little remorse. I was going over several reports when a soft tapping on the door interupted me. I didn't bother to look up from my reports as I bid them enter.
"Your Grace, your aide is back and is requesting an audience, if you have a moment to spare." She bobed a nervous curtsey, staring hard at the floor.
"Raya, yes?" She looked up, surprised I knew her name. Elton had furnished me with a list of names and discriptions of the staff he had hired. "Please escort him here. His rooms are ready?" Another nod. "Good, if he wants anything changed, make it so. Dismissed."
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Post by Aleron Carle(Retired) on Feb 20, 2006 20:50:10 GMT -5
The servant scurried back down the steps and looked at me. "My lady says she will see you," she murmured, then went back to her duties. I smiled coldly at her and made my way up the steps, taking it the house and anything that may prove useful to me at a later date. When I reached the door I entered quietly, closing the door behind me and bowing.
"My lady," I said respectfully, looking solemn and cross, "I have heard some things from Bryony House that may interest you, though I could find nothing specific."
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Post by Jaiden Liatris-Durante (D) on Feb 20, 2006 21:01:33 GMT -5
I looked up as the door opened again, saw Aleron enter. I was pleased with his bow, he did have pretty manners when he cared to use them. I gestured curtly for him to sit.
"Report. Then I will determine how interesting your information is." I steepled my fingertips against my lips, watching him.
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Post by Aleron Carle(Retired) on Feb 20, 2006 21:18:40 GMT -5
Nodding compliance I moved to a chair and sat leaning forward, elbows on my knees, hands clasped. Looking at her face, cold and impassive, I began my recitation of my findings.
"My lady, both Phreya and Delaunay Shahrizai de la Courcel were with adepts; Delaunay with some freelancer at their city home and Phreya at Valerian with a Mandrake. Nothing has been said of Evangeline except she got into a carriage with Sabian Shahrizai, her assistant Fleur and a Valerian man. Where they went was in the City, but no one is quite sure what residence. Unfortunately, rumors of the questioning have not yet begun to circulate; no guards were told of the goings-on other than that there was a meeting."
I paused for a moment to collect my thoughts, trying to drag together whatever had escaped my litany of hearsay.
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Post by Jaiden Liatris-Durante (D) on Feb 20, 2006 21:25:14 GMT -5
I made a noncommittal sound. Not thrilled with his news, but not entirely disappointed.
"Was it just Bryony you trolled for information then? What is going on in the City? Has the news of the attack been spread beyond the nobles? I have here a missive, I can only assume it was delivered to every noble house, stating that the Princess is Regent, and that an attack was carried out" I narrowed my eyes, I had expected more thorough report.
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Post by Aleron Carle(Retired) on Feb 20, 2006 21:31:12 GMT -5
"Yes, every house has this missive, and the Regent told the Dowaynes, who are now telling their Houses. Most people are shocked and dismayed, the others apathetic. Many of the nobles have taken to their houses in despair. There is rumor of a fete being assembled by House L'Envers. Quite a few see it as a slap in the face after such a tragedy, though I assume it is their pitiful way of trying to bring things back to a measure of normal hedonism. Unfortunately I could not go see the other houses with your guards around and I am sure that by the time I get there the rumor mill will be sullied by some idiot's speculations."
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Post by Jaiden Liatris-Durante (D) on Feb 20, 2006 21:39:32 GMT -5
"Hmmm, understood. I still would like a status report on the moods of the other Houses." I leaned back in my chair. So many things to do, to know. I was not going to sit complacently by while events whirled past.
"I want you to find out more about this fete the L'Envers are holding, who is to attend, when, where, all the details you can." A tight smile curled my lips, "Find out what you can, and then procure yourself some evening wear, I think we shall attend."
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Post by Aleron Carle(Retired) on Feb 20, 2006 21:42:10 GMT -5
"Yes, my lady. Am I to be scolded if some of the imformation I gather has been tampered with by people who believe they are smarter than plain knowlede?" I asked imputently. "Also, what color will you be wearing, and what style? If we match somewhat, it will be known that I have come with you as an adept."
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Post by Jaiden Liatris-Durante (D) on Feb 20, 2006 21:50:42 GMT -5
I arched one delicate brow at his impertinence.
"I don't waist my time with scolding. You'll know when you have done something to warrant my ire. Or have you so soon forgotten my love tap?" I purred. But the boy did have a point. More to the fact, I myself would need a suitable wardrobe for my station and gender while in the City.
"The only gown I have at the moment is a white brocade. I intended to wear it to the coronation. Match what you will wear to that. And while you are at it, buying fripperies and such, I am charging you with purchasing me a suitable wardrobe, one to match my station and gender for my stay in the City. I may be a warrior, but even I know you don't wear mail and armor to a ball." I grimaced, knowing it was necessary, but still finding it distasteful. Elton would tell me to grit my teeth and bear it.
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Post by Aleron Carle(Retired) on Feb 20, 2006 21:57:15 GMT -5
"Understood, Duchesse. However, I will need your gown to match sizes, or for you to strip and let me measure you myself. Taking in the measurements would be more in character with our parts, but I can make anything seem reasonable. Also, will you need me to purchase your jewels? By the act of purchasing such things I can learn more that a chancy visit to the sex-addled Night Court."
Eyes slitted, I added, "No, I have not forgotten your brusque caresses, and I assure you that I will not need another any time soon, unless your nature becomes more sensitive for some reason. Or unless my skin becomes thicker and I cease to feel it."
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Post by Jaiden Liatris-Durante (D) on Feb 20, 2006 22:10:28 GMT -5
"Good. I am pleased that you remember your lessons." I stood and walked around to the front of my desk, undoing the straps and buckles of my cuirass. Most of my weapons I had already removed.
"Realism is what we are striving for in this charade, so find whatever it is you need to take my measurements and let's get on with it." I carefully placed the heavy armored shell on a stand in a corner.
I began on the many ties of my leather jerkin underneath. "I'll give you some funds to purchase minimal jewels, nothing too extravagant. There is a cache of my mother's jewels here in the City, at some bank. I'll give you authorization to retrieve some of those. I'll send Elton with you." I cast the jerkin on the desk.
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Post by Aleron Carle(Retired) on Feb 20, 2006 22:28:14 GMT -5
I nodded, taking note of what she said as I moved to the door and opened it slightly, asking for a ball of twine on which to mark measurements. Nonplussed, I watched her undress, eyes unfeeling and glittering. When the twine arrived I took it and closed the door and then allowed her to undress, watching coldly from a safe distance. "May I borrow your dagger and some ink? I will need to cut and mark the strings as to which measurement they are. Besides," I grinned impishly, "If I tried to stab you, you could kill me before I even blinked."
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Post by Jaiden Liatris-Durante (D) on Feb 20, 2006 22:38:31 GMT -5
I ignored his barbs, instead fetching him ink, quill, dagger and a pad of paper. My breeches were tight enough that he could easily take measurements without the fabric interfering, but the shirt was simply too voluminous.
I cast it onto the desk as well.
Impassively I stood before him in naught but skin and breeches. My body was a weapon, not a temple to pleasure.Besides, very few modesties remained to me after my captivity.
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Post by Aleron Carle(Retired) on Feb 20, 2006 22:54:12 GMT -5
She stood shirtless before me, clad only in breeches so tight they left nothing to the imagination. Shrugging, I moved toward her and unwound some twine. Kneeling, I put the frayed end to hang at her heel, they unrolled upward to the top of her back where it joined the neck and made a mark. I then made a mark for her waist and one for the widest portion of her buttocks and hips and another along the bottom of her shoulder blades; these were where the fabric would change dimention due to her curves. I cut the thread at the topmost mark and then moved to the front of her, face still showing no emotion.
With this same silent treatment I measured every inch of her; across her shoulders, hips and waist, thighs and ribs, and finally under her breasts and across her nipples, never flinching, my touch impersonal and cool. Whether or not she was offended I couldn't tell, for my eyes never looked at her face, being busy with getting correct measures and thinking on colors.
After I was done and was numbering the cords on some paper so that I knew which was which, I asked, "It there any particular style you find most comfortable? One you think is the best to fight in and sully up?"
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Post by Jaiden Liatris-Durante (D) on Feb 20, 2006 23:12:34 GMT -5
He took the needed dimensions, face cool and impassive. He touched me only as much as necessary, no games, no hint of any emotion. Good.
He breathed not a word about the scars.
I was impressed, I had seen the damage wreaked on my back, and knew few who could view it without some reaction. The latice work of scars adorned my flesh from ankle to neck, a momento of my days in captivity so many years ago. The scars were silver with age, thin hard lines weaving a symphony of pain.
He finished and began scribbling notes. I pulled on my shirt, lacing it up carefully. "All I request of any gowns is that they are high backed, anything else, I leave to your discretion."
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Post by Aleron Carle(Retired) on Feb 20, 2006 23:19:07 GMT -5
"Of course, my lady. And your hair? Do you have someone to do it, or would you like me to pick up a net or veil of some kind? Most of your gowns will be deeper, darker colors; pale would only wash you out like a ghost, and bright things would seem garish. I will keep the embroidery subdued."
I picked up my paper and folded it with the threads inside. "Is there anything else you wish to impart to me? This may be the last time before I purchase the clothing that you can have a say." I looked at her through slitted eyes, appraising her mood.
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Post by Jaiden Liatris-Durante (D) on Feb 20, 2006 23:26:19 GMT -5
I tapped a finger against my cheek.
"A net would be best suited to my needs. Simple, yet acceptable. Try and find several, some more decorative than others. Dark colors are fine, little to no embroidery suits as well. I do have to request. I'd like a white gown, silk, simply cut. I want it embelished with the D'Neige crest on the bodice." I pulled out a piece of parchment with the crest rampant and handed it to him. Again, use your own discretion."
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Post by Aleron Carle(Retired) on Feb 20, 2006 23:31:59 GMT -5
I took the paper, memorizing the crest. "My lady, I will use as much discretion as I can, but I still have a part to play. You are a woman and must appear to have womanly tastes, some of which are extravagant."
Suddenly remembering, I picked up the twine again. "I need to measure your feet for suiable shoes. I hope you're not ticklish."
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Post by Jaiden Liatris-Durante (D) on Feb 21, 2006 10:03:07 GMT -5
I smiled sardonically, the mere thought that I possesed womanly extravagance amused me. I was halted though by his comment on shoes.
I stood frozen for a second, two ties hanging forgotten. Shoes? People looked at your feet? I don't think I owned anything other than boots. I shook it off. I perched myself on the desk and extended one leg. There was no way for me to remove the tightly fited knee high riding boot by myself.
"Your assistance, if you would? And I'll warn you now, if it has heels, I will not be pleased."
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Post by Aleron Carle(Retired) on Feb 21, 2006 10:52:58 GMT -5
I sat and began to help her remove her boots, untying the laces and tugging them over her feet. "Fine, no heels, if I have to saw them off myself. I will warn the dressmakers as to your shoed attire so the trains can be adjusted accordingly. I take it you know how to dance- I mean the courtly kind, not the sword-slash variety."
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Post by Jaiden Liatris-Durante (D) on Feb 21, 2006 22:11:03 GMT -5
My mood was quickly darkening. All this talk of dresses, shoes and other such nonsense irritated me. It was a logistical nightmare, and I was not happy having to rely on Aleron for everything. Inwardly I sighed. This was part of the reason you engaged his services. But I still found it an unpalatable situation to be in.
"Sword fighting is more than just hacking and slashing, it is a dance in and of itself. You will learn this when you begin your training. As for 'courtly' dancing, a little, but not since I was younger than you." This time I sighed out loud, "I suppose this will be another necessity I must learn?"
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Post by Aleron Carle(Retired) on Feb 21, 2006 22:18:25 GMT -5
I began to measure her feet, starting at the heels and moving to the largest toe; this was the quick part, there had to be 6 width measurements. "Yes, and soon, since I don't know how graceful you're going to be at such things. About as graceful as I will be at swordplay, I'd expect. I just hope whoever's going to be teaching me doesn't remove any digits."
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Post by Jaiden Liatris-Durante (D) on Feb 21, 2006 23:10:48 GMT -5
I resisted the urge to smash his face with my foot. Instead I grabbed a handful of corkscrew curls and pulled his face close to mine.
"I will not warn you again, mind your tongue, and your presumptions about me." I gave him a little shake before releasing him. "You will be instructed by my captain of the gaurd, Elton. He's a master of blade and bow, so have no fears for your extremities."
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Post by Aleron Carle(Retired) on Feb 21, 2006 23:17:18 GMT -5
When she let go of my hair I moved back, eyes flashing in irritation. I began my measurements from the beginning, running my fingers along the bottom of her feet subtly as I ran the twine the length of her foot again. Unable to resist, I said bitterly, "Thank you for making sure I will be fully equipped to do your noble work. I'm suprised you haven't a defunct Cassiline among your number to help Elton by throwing daggers at me every time I get a move wrong."
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Post by Jaiden Liatris-Durante (D) on Feb 21, 2006 23:32:20 GMT -5
I had little skill, or patience, dealing with people and their emotions. And I did not do appologies, most certainly not to underlings.
"Think what you want of me, I don't really care. And the ability to fight and defend yourself will not enable you to think any better. Life is dangerous, and the better prepared you are to fight back, the longer you survive." This philosphy had served me well.
I turned my face away from his, and said in a slightly softer tone, "I think you will be surprised at how easy the dance of sowrd and steel can come. And as for teaching me, I am not lacking in grace. It will not be as horrible as you imagine." Though my father had trained me in the martial arts, so had my mother trained me to be a lady. It was simply I skill I had little need to use.
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Post by Aleron Carle(Retired) on Feb 21, 2006 23:45:25 GMT -5
I nodded and began to measure the width of her foot, watching her cautiously. She was very good at hiding her emotions and the slight softening of her voice could be a ploy; I listened with my head down, taking the measurements and cutting the twine as needed. "I am sure you will do fine, my lady; one can no more forget how to dance than to forget how to breathe or sleep. I will do my best to learn what is required and to learn it well; one day maybe I can even match you." The last thing was said completely atonally; I really meant to learn everything to the best of my ability, and coming in second was never an option.
"Also, I will need to see a marquist and get my marque finished before we arrive or people may make the wrong assumptions."
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Post by Jaiden Liatris-Durante (D) on Feb 22, 2006 23:48:49 GMT -5
A marque. It would be a permanent brand, and as he was now under my emply, and to the world my personal adept, I had a say in that brand.
"Set up the appointment, however many it takes. If it is acceptable to you, I would like to accompany you on your first visit. I have never seen such a proceeding, and would like to speak with the marquist." I wondered if he would balk at my going with him. It was one of the many secrets of the Night Court outsiders were rarely privy to.
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Post by Aleron Carle(Retired) on Feb 22, 2006 23:56:28 GMT -5
Shrugging, I said, "I didn't expect you to do anything else. You own my marque and it is up to you to see it done, in one appointment if that is your wish, though it would make me mostly useless for a few days as I tried to heal. Besides, I am sure you have a design in mind for the rest of my back. Please bear in mind that once it is done, there is no taking it back."
I pulled out the paper and made the tables of measurements for that foot; now I would need to do the other, since feet were rarely the same size. Once again I struggled with the boot, then finally got it off and began measuring.
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Post by Jaiden Liatris-Durante (D) on Feb 24, 2006 18:09:09 GMT -5
I contemplated the top of his head as he methodically took measurements of my other foot. I mulled over his words. I would indeed need some time to contemplate the final design of his marque. I would do it justice.
"Whether in one sitting, or many, my dear boy, it needs must be finished by the fete. I leave the choosing of it up to you. I will put some thought into the design and speak with the marquist upon your first appointment." He finished fiddling with my foot. I hoped off the desk, leaving my boots off.
"Now, leave me for a while, I have much to attend to. You have things to accomplish as well. Money is not an issue, but use those shrewed bartering skills of yours to good effect." I resumed my seat behind my desk. "If there is naught else, you are dismissed."
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