The Library Part III: Tables and Rugs

[Avive de Rocaille]

A bell chimed softly as I entered Anezka Collections. The propietress was not in sight, so I waited, examining a porcelein cat from Ch'n.

[Mirsada Anezka]

I had been inspecting a new selection of items my parents had sent from Illyria when I heard the bell. Dusting the straw from my skirt, I went to the front of the store.

"Welcome to Anezka Collections," I said with a smile. "I am Mirsada Anezka."

[Avive de Rocaille]

Mirsada was tall and striking, with a businesslike air about her.

"Good afternoon, Lady Anezka," I said politely. "I'm Avive de Mauvais."

[Mirsada Anezka]

"It is a pleasure to meet you," I said as I crossed closer to where she was. She must be a relative of the new made Duc, Mauvais was not a large clan. "Can I help you find something or would you prefer to browse?"

[Avive de Rocaille]

"Actually, I am looking for a few things not found in the market," I said. "My cousin's library is quite the crypt, and I am refurbishing it as a gift to him. I am looking for a chess table, with pewter or ivory pieces, some small side tables of fine wood, and an Umayyati rug. A few knicknacks probably wouldn't hurt either."

I smiled apologetically. "I'm sorry, that was quite a long list."

[Mirsada Anezka]

"Not at all," I said, smiling as I mentally matched up items in the store to her list. "Where would you like to start? Which piece are you looking to be the center to build on?"

[Dominic Shahrizai (D)]

I had returned home, from my well enjoyed assignation with Douleur, but decided to head to the market for some new items from my home. As I walked I passed the store Anezka Collections and notice a familar figure. I entered seeing Avive and smiled crossing over to where she was I gently placed my hands at her waist and leaned over inhaling her scent. My eyes locked with the Mistress Anezka I would resume.

"Hello little Flower." I whispered in her ear.

[Mirsada Anezka]

I hid my impatience at the Shahrizai who interrupted what looked to be a profitable encounter. I could wait while he and Avive talked, as they seemed to know each other.

[Avive de Rocaille]

I knew it was Dominic even before he spoke; I recognized his hands on my waist. Alain's voice shouted in my head, and I quickly moved out of his embrace. "Elua, Dominic -" I began.

But I was cut off by Robert, who had been standing quietly in the corner, and was now standing firmly between me and Dominic. "My lord," he said steadily, "you are not to lay hands on the Lady de Mauvais."

I was almost sure Alain had told him to say this, but it didn't stop me from feeling horrible. I turned a fiery red, and kept my eyes fixed on the floor, unsure of what to say next, unsure of what Dominic would do.

[Dominic Shahrizai (D)]

I held my hands up in defense smiling slightly.
"Easy, the Lady and I are friends." I replied looking at Avive. "Call of your attack dog will you?"

[Avive de Rocaille]

"He isn't mine," I said quietly. "He's Al- the Duc de Mauvais' man. Oh Dominic, I did write to you -"

"My lady," said Robert, "the Duc has not yet delivered your letter."

[Dominic Shahrizai (D)]

I smiled and shook my head.

"Now, don't tell me you're cousin is that short sighted." I said giving a wink to the guard as I lowered my hands. I had no real fear of him, chances were that if he tried to stop me I'd kill him first.

"Forgive me my flower, as delicate as you are, I wouldn't think you wouldn't need your cousin to fight your battles; if you didn't want to see me again."

[Avive de Rocaille]

"There is no battle between you and I," I said softly. "I simply wrote to tell you that I could not have lunch with you tomorrow."

I hoped this would be satisfactory, or at least he would figure out that prying would only hurt us both.

[Dominic Shahrizai (D)]

I nodded clasping my hands in front of me.
"Alright," I said smiling still. "Then another time?" I already knew the answer but wanted to push it anyway.

[Avive de Rocaille]

"I'm afraid not," I said, eyes fixed on the floor. Tears sprang to my eyes, and I hurriedly blinked them away. "You'll be getting a letter from me," I said wryly. "When he delivers it, my cousin will explain better than I can."

I loved Alain with all my heart, but I was so angry that he had put me in this position. I felt trapped between obeying him and being friends with Dominic. And I wanted to do both, but it was impossible.

[Dominic Shahrizai (D)]

I could see all the fault lines in Avive and smiled but nodded.

"Of course," I said reaching over and taking her hand in mine. "Perhaps when you are done living under your cousin's rule come see me." I kissed her wrist long and slow then released her and walked from the store.

Excellent.

[Avive de Rocaille]

Despite the pain I was in, his words were comforting. He was not angry with me. It hurt that he thought I was too obedient, but I was who I was, and let it not be said that Avive de Mauvais is not an obedient child. His kiss on my wrist sent a fire into my cheeks and I could feel Robert glowering at my side.

When Dominic left, I addressed him: "Robert, you will say nothing. I will talk to my cousin myself about today." He frowned, but nodded.

I turned back to Mirsada. "I am sorry about that," I said.

[Mirsada Anezka]

"It's quite alright," I told her. The Lord Shahrizai had made me think of Theo and I wondered when I would see him again.

"I was asking you which item on your list you wanted to build upon, that's the best place to start," I said, smiling.

[Avive de Rocaille]

"The room is rectangular," I said. "In the center will be two large chairs in red. There is also a fireplace. The rug will go under the chairs. I suppose that's where we should start."

I kept my tone businesslike, but I was still disconcerted by my encounter with Dominic.

[Mirsada Anezka]

"That would have been my suggestion as well," I told her. "I have quite a selection of rugs from Umayyat, they are in here."

I led her to one of the back alcoves where there were stacks of rugs.

[Avive de Rocaille]

I followed Mirsada to a back room laden with rugs. "The wallpaper is dark red and green and gold," I said, "I'd like the rug to have green in it as well." Absently I examined a rug in brown and blue, which was quite lovely in its own right, but not what I was looking for.

[Mirsada Anezka]

"Perhaps something a little lighter to keep the room from becoming too dark," I suggested. I folded back a couple of top rugs to show her the one I was thinking of. The rug had some red accents, but it was mostly gold and a light and dark green pattern.

[Avive de Rocaille]

"Oh, how lovely," I breathed. "This is perfect." I felt the rug with my fingertips, checking the quality, which was excellent. "How much?"

[Mirsada Anezka]

"600 ducats," I told her, lowering the price a bit since her list of items had been so large.

[Avive de Rocaille]

Eagerly, I said, "I'll take it. I will send our man with payment to take it to our home tomorrow."

[Mirsada Anezka]

"I can have it and anything else you might find delivered if you prefer, free of charge," I said, smiling.

[Avive de Rocaille]

"That would be lovely," I said, nodding. "Thank you."

[Mirsada Anezka]

"I think the chess table next, don't you?" I asked, leading her back into the main part of the shop.

[Avive de Rocaille]

Following her back to the front, I said, "The chess table goes next to the big glass window, which will have red velvet curtains."

[Mirsada Anezka]

Leading her to a far corner, I motioned to two elegant chess tables. They both had pieces carved from ivory and jade, one in a military theme, the other in an animal theme.

"There are both from Illyria, and have only just recently arrived," I told her.