Guilty Pleasures

[Amélie d’Essoms (D)]

Having had a warm cup of tea, and a pleasant conversation with Prince Christien, I felt a great deal better about my situation. Earlier in the day I had wanted to discover what shops the city walls encompassed, to get my mind off of the past few days. Now, I didn't think I really needed that sort of comfort. I would discover the city shops just to discover them. In search of a small gift for the Princess Sabrina, I decided I might purchase a few of the small beloved trinkets, that quite possibly could be classified as a guilty pleasure. I might as well just spoil myself a little bit, while I was out.

After leaving the quaint little cafe, I traced my steps back to the shop that had caught my eye previously. Having been caught up in conversation with the Prince I had forgotten to look at the shop name. But I could certainly remember what the window display looked like. Finding the shop once more, I walked inside and immediately spread my gaze over the entire shop.

[Sylvestre de Valmont(D)]

Having paid the first of what I hoped to be succession of regular visits to a discreet little emporium tucked away in a corner of Night’s Doorsteps where, I am happy to say, they treated me with all the deference due to a very special customer, I was conscious of a feeling of contentment. Nightmares fade in sunlight like the memory of dreams. Before abandoning myself to the pleasures of wandering (and ogling) I paid a short, long over-due to Jasmine House. Needless to say most of the faces had changed but my reputation lingered. Honestly, whatever they say, when it comes to money all the Houses have the memory of Bryony. So I paid off my debts, with interest, with enough extra to ensure I could cross the threshold without future embarrassed, and with enough extra-extra to allow me to procure the services of three very charming, eager young things to entertain me later. I was feeling somewhat lazy, but there’s nothing like the sight of young ladies disporting themselves for one’s viewing pleasure to awaken slumbering appetites.

All my business transacted, I merely wandered. I’m a good wanderer. It’s probably a manifestation of inner restlessness but who cares? My wanderings, eventually, led to me to a rather curious little shop, offering a selection of rare exotic treasures that quite caught my magpie eye. I pushed open the door and sauntered in.

Well. My. My. It was indeed a trove of delightful offerings. Perusing the goods was a delicate chestnut haired beauty and presiding over the shop itself a singularly striking creature who seemed to watch everything with proud, shrewd eyes. I would have to watch myself. I rather feared such eyes would see right through me.

Nevertheless I tipped my hat in a greeting, and then swept it off politely.

[Mirsada Anezka]

The bell rang and I looked up as a woman entered. Before I could go make my introductions the door opened again and in swept someone I knew by reputation. The news that Sylvestre de Valmont had been elevated to sovereign Duc had moved through business owners like wildfire.

I moved from behind the counter.

"My lord Duc," I said, curtseying. "Welcome to Anezka Collections, I am Mirsada Anezka. Please let me know if there is anything I can help you with."

I glanced over at the woman, indicating that I would be right with her.

[Amélie d’Essoms (D)]

Nodding politely in reply to Madame Anezka's gesture, I turned my attention to an exotic display of items from Menekhet. Making a point for myself not to touch anything, for I wouldn't want to take the chance of breaking any of the beautiful trinkets and knick-knacks, I allowed myself to view only from a foot away.

I couldn't help but overhear that the man, walking in behind me, was a Duc. Must have quite a reputation, I thought, to be waited on before those who first walked in the door. My nerves stung in irritation. Ah, well. That was how it worked, did it not? In a society of rank and reputation, it was indeed not first come-first serve.

I calmed my nerves, remembering that I had only been in the City for three days, and that no one knew quite who I was yet. Except for the awful incidence at Desir... but I had put that behind me. I would make up for it, giving to society more than I would take from it. I could not wait to fully step out into the light and have them see...

... Of course, I would be tactful in my way of introducing myself to the city, for there was a possibility of stepping out into the light too dramatically. There was always an honorable way of doing things.

Keeping a skillfull ear tuned in to the Duc and shop owner's conversation, I continued to browse the store.

[Sylvestre de Valmont(D)]

She moved with the assured, sinuous grace of a wildcat stalking through the dappled sunlight of some tropical glade. Mmmm. A pleasure to witness, so witness I did. I wondered how she’d move in the heat of passion … perhaps also like a cat, with writhings, and purrings and claws. Belatedly, I realised she was talking to me. And she knew who I was. Interesting. The title, unfortunately, never fails to send a shiver up my spine, like the ghostly finger of Clovis reminding me how little I deserve his name. It’s a shame really, because I’m rather attached to all the bowing and scraping it tends to engender.

“I am rather afraid,” I said, with one of most charming smiles, “that my reputation may have preceded me. Why don’t you call me Sylvestre and beguile my money from me.” I let my eyes settle on her. “I have something of a weakness for exotic rarities.”

I caught a rustle of movement from behind me. Perhaps she was merely curious. Or perhaps the title-dropping had caught her attention … it occurred to me suddenly that my new found wealth and status conspired to make me – in spite of everything - eligible. After all, enticing women to sleep with you takes effort and skill … but they show no such discrimination in whom they marry. I rather like the idea of being pursed by fortune-hunting adventuresses. It didn’t seem likely of the brunette, though. She seemed rather too well turned out for that. Perhaps she had merely wanted the magnificent Madam Anezka’s attentions. Indeed, who wouldn’t?

[Mirsada Anezka]

"Only your reputation for a lover of beautiful things and a man of taste, Sylvestre," I said, smiling my most charming smile.

"Perhaps I could beguile you with these items from Caerdicca Unitas while I greet my other customer" I said, indicating a display of leaded glass decanters. They were masterworks of color, and ran in a variety of shapes from flowers to a rather buxom woman. "I shall be right back."

I made my way over to the woman.

"Hello and welcome" I said, smiling. "I am Mirsada Anezka, welcome to my store."

[Sylvestre de Valmont(D)]

At her pretty words – about as sincere as pretty things tend to be – I gave a low chuckle. Something told me this was a game we both knew far too well. Far too well. And when players get together, rules tend to get broken. Rules, and other more fragile things.

“My dear, I’m sure you can beguile me however you choose,” I said, turning my attention to the decanters she had pointed out to me. I ostensibly occupied myself sorting through them, turning them to catch the light in the sheen of colour upon the surface of the glass. There was a flower-shaped one I rather thought might be a lily – I have always appreciated lilies, with their demure-pale petals and their gaping, lascivious tongues. Covertly, though, I watched the two women from beneath my lashes.

[Amélie d’Essoms (D)]

"Good afternoon Madame Anezka," I returned a smile, and bowed my head respectively. I wouldn't reveal my name right away. "It is a pleasure to meet the owner of such fine artifacts. It was difficult for me to pull my gaze away. I am just here for a gift and a couple of trinkets to decorate my new home."

Gesturing towards her other customer, I said, "But please, I do not wish to interfere with your other transaction," sincerity dripping from my lips, for I did not enjoy being in the way of others. "I am not quite sure what to get as a gift, as it is."

[Mirsada Anezka]

"It is the woeful shopkeeper who can not see to the needs of more than one customer at a time," I said, smiling. "Do you have any ideas what sort of gift you are looking for? I could at least get you headed in the right direction."

[Amélie d’Essoms (D)]

"I am glad, then, that I have no shop to run, for I would certainly be 'woeful', as you say," I laughed softly. I was beginning to notice my heavy Ephesian accent once more. I would never be fully rid of it, and I was glad... because it reminded me of home and what I left behind.

Putting a finger to my chin a moment, I thought about the Princess Sabrina, and what might please her. But, then, I realized I knew nothing of her! What had she reminded me of during our abrupt and informal introduction? That might give me a clue. Graceful, accepting, and of course beautiful. Princess Sabrina de la Courcel. Courcel. The Courcel Swan. A swan. That was it.

"What might you have that has an image of a swan?" I smiled, glad that I had thought of it.

[Mirsada Anezka]

"Of course," I told her, my inventory of swans instantly coming to mind.

"There are some wooden ones there," I said, pointing. "Or, I have some more intricate ones in a case at the end of the store, some glass, some jeweled, and one made of pure gold."

[Amélie d’Essoms (D)]

I nodded, thinking on it. Then, looking up at Madame Anezka, I asked, smiling. "Would you happen to have any mirrors with a carved image on the back, or some sort of carved box? I would be happier knowing that the item wasn't collecting dust on a shelf." I said frankly, "I may be one to enjoy the simplicity of figurines, but the reciever of this gift might not have the time to."

I did not want to seem difficult or unappreciative, but there was no point in letting go of the idea that was just forming in my head.

[Mirsada Anezka]

"Yes, as a matter of fact, I have a trinket box," I said, leading her to a case. I took the item off the self.

"It is from Ch'in," I told her. "It is made of ebony and the swan here on the lid was created with pearls set into the wood."

[Amélie d’Essoms (D)]

As my eyes caressed the form of the box, I knew instantly that this was the gift I had imagined for the Princess. "This is a wonderful piece. Just what I had hoped for," I gave a relieved smile. "I will take it. Would you be able to wrap the gift for me as well? Blue wrapping, perhaps. Or yellow. I would rather not have it wrapped in pink." I chuckled to myself. "I can wait, though, if you need to tend to the Duc."

Choosing my words with care and precision, I realized I did not know what this Duc's full title was, so I may have seemed slightly awkward in that moment of calling him 'the Duc.' I had overheard his first name, but it would be utterly rude of me to call him thus. Lifting my gaze to the shrewd, feline features, I smiled, "I am still trying to consider what exactly I might decorate my home with. So, please, I would not think you at all 'woeful' for it, Madame, if you left me to continue browsing for a while longer."

And perhaps I could find out a small amount more about this Duc...

[Mirsada Anezka]

"Of course, I can have this wrapped however you like," I said, setting the box on the counter. "Please, feel free to look around, I have items from all regions of the known world. If you have any questions, please just ask."

With that I went back to Sylvestre.

"Lovely, aren't they?" I asked, looking over the decanters. "I am always at a loss as to whether they are better used as art or for their intended purpose."

[Sylvestre de Valmont(D)]

So it was a swan (a swan for a swan?) she sought. Interesting, if one cared for politics, which I never have. There are some games too filthy even for my tastes. And speaking of tastes, I wasn’t entirely sure she was to mine. Oh she was lovely enough, there was no doubt of that, and I would know, I am, indeed, a connoisseur. But the melting eyes, the dulcet tones … not so much prey as vegetation, or already preyed upon. How tedious. All the same, if I ever had a spare half hour and was particularly bored…

And then Madam Anezka was back at my side and my attention was thoroughly diverted. “Yes they are,” I agreed. “One should never degrade beauty by forcing it to yield to functionality but I have a brandy of such a sublimely golden hue that I believe it will augment the colours of this one, rather than overwhelm them.”

[Mirsada Anezka]

"Yes," I said, looking at the one he indicated. "I can see how that would indeed enhance the colors. The rumors of your eye for beauty were based in truth I see."

In my mind I began thinking of all the other things I had heard about him and items he might like.

[Sylvestre de Valmont(D)]

“All rumours begin with a whisper of truth,” I said, arching a brow, “but often only a whisper.” Although she was too shrewd a businesswoman to admit it, I knew my reputation contained some far less savoury elements than an appreciation for the aesthetic.

“I think I’ll take it,” I added. It would do me good to dispense with the ancient antique monstrosity I was using currently; it made the brandy inside practically taste of Clovis. Urgh.

[Mirsada Anezka]

"Wonderful," I said, smiling and taking down the decanter. There was something in his eyes that belied his reputation as a man completely lost to his darker side, a man whose mind was lost to anything intelligent. I was intrigued as to how much of the other stories about him were true.

"Can I show you anything else?" I asked, raising a brow slightly and leaving the blatant suggestion hanging there.

[Sylvestre de Valmont(D)]

Oh she played exquisitely. A smile curled my lips as I caught the provocative lift of a brow. And there was something more than that, as well, behind her smile. Her eyes never lost their piercing gleam.

“I don’t know,” I said, mirroring her expression, “can you?” I let my eyes dwell on her. “I am always receptive to beauty.”

[Brys de Warrene (D)]

After speaking with Benoit and making sure I had new boots that would be delivered, I double backed to Anezka Collections. I entered and looked around noticing that a woman, who seemed to be the shop keeper, and a man speaking as well as young woman eavesdropping. I kept my hands clasped behind my back and searched through the items by eye trying to see if there was anything I liked.

[Mirsada Anezka]

"I will keep that in mind," I said, letting my smile melt slightly into something hinting at familiarity, not just business.

I set the decanter on the counter, glancing at the woman as I did, seeing if there was anything she needed. She appeared to still be browsing so I turned back to Sylvestre.

"Perhaps you will be receptive to these," I said, opening a flat case hold a dozen rings. "These just came in last week from Aragonia. They are made of the finest silver I have ever seen used in jewelry. As you can see each one has a different precious stone to catch the eye, but what isn't so obvious at first is the fact that each ring is actually a different animal."

I took one out to show him.

"This one with the emerald is jungle cat," I told him.

The bell above the door rang and I looked up to see another man enter. I caught his eye and with a smile and slight nod let him know I would be with him in just a moment.

[Sylvestre de Valmont(D)]

I heard the doorbell jangle again with a flash of irritation. It was almost as if people and events were conspiring against me today. A young noble of infuriating splendour stepped nonchalantly across the threshold and began browsing. Conspiring, I tell you, conspiring.

I stepped close to Madam Anezka, ostensibly to admire the rings she brought out to show me … which, were, coincidentally exquisite. “These are lovely,” I said, with a smile, “and full of secrets.”

I lowered my voice to little above a whisper so that no-one could hear but the two of us. “But, despite my dazzled determination to buy whatever you show me, I’m afraid I am interfering with your business. However, I would very much like the opportunity to keep distracting you … perhaps on my time, rather yours? Dinner, perhaps? I hear Desir is very good.”

[Mirsada Anezka]

Instantly intrigued, I moved closer to him as well, letting my arm brush his.

"Désir is marvelous," I told him. "I would be honored to join you.

"Tonight?" I asked, letting my hand brush his as I reached to settle the ring I was holding back in its place.

[Sylvestre de Valmont(D)]

Twice she touched me, once the lightest brush her arm, then the whisper of her fingers against mine as she slipped the ring back into its box. I noticed them both with an intensity that belied the subtlety of the contact.

Tonight? Tonight I three lovely nymphs from Jasmine prepared to entwine themselves aesthetically for my viewing pleasure. Ah well they could entwine without me there, surely. It wasn’t like I couldn’t have as many as I wanted with a snap of my fingers and the rattle of coins at any other time. But Madam Anezka was probably not so easily arranged.

“I find myself suddenly unengaged tonight,” I said promptly. “Eight, then, at Desir?”

[Mirsada Anezka]

"I look forward to it," I said, touching him once more under the excuse of closing the case. "Shall I have the decanter sent to your home or would you like to take it with you now?"

[Sylvestre de Valmont(D)]

Ye Gods, no, I'd only drop it," I said quickly. "I'm not really trusted with fragile things. If you would be so kind as to wrap it and send it to my house, along with the bill, I will instruct my secretary to see to it immediately. I'm afraid old habits still occasionally induce me to deal with my accounts by stuffing them to the back of the drawer but I assure you not in this case."

I toyed with the idea of kissing her hand and disregarded it as a trite. I would leave us both glowing with stolen touches instead. So I swept a bow and settled my hat back on my head, sparing her one last, glittering glance before sauntering out into the street.

[Mirsada Anezka]

I settled my professional smile back on my lips, it was a rather default position and comfortably accessible.

The girl was still looking around and I approached the man who had entered.

"Welcome to Anezka Collections," I said, curtseying. "I am Mirsada Anezka, how may I help you today?"

[Brys de Warrene (D)]

I carefully took in the surroundings including the noble the shop keeper spoke with and the woman browsing. When she had finished she came toward me introducing herself.

"Good day Mirsada," I said politely. "I'm Brys de Warrene, I have heard you carry items from Ch'n."

[Mirsada Anezka]

"Yes, my lord, I carry many items from Ch'in. I have several displays here in the main room, and also in the back I have an area with some larger statuary and a few furniture pieces. Was there something in particular you were seeking?" I asked him.