Tabién de Valclesa(I)
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Viscomte de Valclesa; House Valclesa
Clarity of mind and soul brings clarity of passion
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Post by Tabién de Valclesa(I) on Aug 27, 2007 10:19:56 GMT -5
My business deals with sealing my treasures from the east were going more or less well. For the time being, I've managed to procure some additional funds. If I was serious about finding an avenue of work, the first thing I had to do was brush up on my studies. I'd more or less highly excelled in Tiberium while I was there, and with some quick refreshers, and a start on a modest library, I could definitely pull this off.
I'd noticed the Armands Bookstore several times walking Night's Doorstep. Walking in, it was a little dark, not wanting to keep to many flames around the tomes. It also had that slightly musky smell, from a few good old books stored away. The clerk seemed to be somewhat dozing, so I strode carefully around the shelves.
Subject matter. In such a case, I should only play to my strengths. That means Philosophy, History, and Language. I looked around for what they had on Ch'n. Hopefully I could find something to gauge the populations understanding. It was my only scholarly expertise at the moment, so it was my best bet.
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Shona Tertignan
Priestess
Priestess of Anael; Fully Marqued Bryony Adept
Prosperity tries the fortunate: adversity the great.
Posts: 2,009
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Post by Shona Tertignan on Aug 27, 2007 11:07:41 GMT -5
I had a mind to get a little something for Eddie. It had come to mind, that as holed up as he tended to be in his room, a new book would perhaps interest him. Besides, I wanted to thank him for all his gentle kindness.
I walked in the bookstore, intent on finding something about Ch'n. It had me curious - from that conversation with Lady Frizon, I had kept a head full of questions, and I needed to diversify my own interest. If anything, I would likely get something for Eddie and something for me - and we would be able to swap reads.
I pressed into the bookstore, my regular place, and looked for Patrick - the clerk was so helpful, he would have me assisted in no time.
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Tabién de Valclesa(I)
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Viscomte de Valclesa; House Valclesa
Clarity of mind and soul brings clarity of passion
Posts: 1,685
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Post by Tabién de Valclesa(I) on Aug 27, 2007 11:14:05 GMT -5
One book?! That's it, one. I sighed inwardly. If there were others, chances are they were stored in the royal library. I pulled the book down from the top shelf, and opened it.
It looked like a copy of another traveler's notes. It seemed to be a general synopsis, with excerpts of the calligraphy next to translations. However, one thing seemed to stick out. They were, more or less, wrong. Whoever wrote it clearly hadn't done so in true intellectual pursuit, and it showed. I chuckled to myself. Judging from the age of the paper, and the date, it must have been made when people had no other source, so was eagerly accepted.
I had been behind a shelves, and I heard the door open, with soft footsteps enter, though not much more. I continued to scan the pages, more or less oblivious.
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Shona Tertignan
Priestess
Priestess of Anael; Fully Marqued Bryony Adept
Prosperity tries the fortunate: adversity the great.
Posts: 2,009
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Post by Shona Tertignan on Aug 27, 2007 13:31:01 GMT -5
"Greetings, Pat, how are you?" I asked as I gave Patrick a kiss of greeting.
"Well little Shona," he replied, pinching my cheek. Patrick's ways, I accepted, because he had been working at the bookstore ever since I could remember. He was old, as moldy as his older books, but I adored the old man. "How did you find Stanzo's treaty?"
I blushed, and grinned, "It was good, very good," I said, thinking I'd read it over Eddie's sleeping form, and strangely relishing the memory. "I had a mind to purchase a present for a friend, something about Ch'n, if you have."
Patrick grinned, and showed me to the section, saying, "Looks like you may have to charm your way to the only volume I have, Little Shona."
I giggled, much to my dismay, and kissed him on the cheek, bending a little to do so. "I'll do my best, Pat."
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Tabién de Valclesa(I)
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Viscomte de Valclesa; House Valclesa
Clarity of mind and soul brings clarity of passion
Posts: 1,685
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Post by Tabién de Valclesa(I) on Aug 27, 2007 14:33:15 GMT -5
I heard some discussion, but I couldn't quite make it out. Despite the horrid translations, I found myself acutely interested in this writers experiences, which he did detail to some extent. I found myself leaning slightly on a bookshelf, with the book held over my face, there happened to be a shaft of light behind the shelf and it illuminated the page when held up.
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Shona Tertignan
Priestess
Priestess of Anael; Fully Marqued Bryony Adept
Prosperity tries the fortunate: adversity the great.
Posts: 2,009
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Post by Shona Tertignan on Aug 27, 2007 14:56:12 GMT -5
I smiled, taking in the focused reader at the end of the shelf line. Slowly, I walked to him, and took a moment to look at the book's cover. No doubt, it was my target. A little embarrassed, but intent, I cleared my throat, a charming smile ready for the gentleman at my side.
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Tabién de Valclesa(I)
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Viscomte de Valclesa; House Valclesa
Clarity of mind and soul brings clarity of passion
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Post by Tabién de Valclesa(I) on Aug 27, 2007 15:00:14 GMT -5
I thought I heard someone else mention Ch'n, and I was right when I felt a body in front of me. I was finishing this last sentence.
"I'll be finished in just a moment. Although, it's really not that..." I pulled the book down, and the shaft of light illuminated a women, and every word emptied from my head. I just stood there dumbstruck and speechless looking at her. She was stunningly beautiful.
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Shona Tertignan
Priestess
Priestess of Anael; Fully Marqued Bryony Adept
Prosperity tries the fortunate: adversity the great.
Posts: 2,009
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Post by Shona Tertignan on Aug 27, 2007 15:39:21 GMT -5
"Not really what?" I asked, intrigued.
In the moment, I had forsaken propriety, and, snorting at myself, I bobbed a curtsy, not mouthing a greeting just yet. I looked at him in the dim light. Tall, visibly of a powerful, or at least athletic build, long hair in a braid, and were those blue eyes? Handsome, for what I could see. I smiled.
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Tabién de Valclesa(I)
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Viscomte de Valclesa; House Valclesa
Clarity of mind and soul brings clarity of passion
Posts: 1,685
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Post by Tabién de Valclesa(I) on Aug 27, 2007 15:44:42 GMT -5
I shook my head, less I look a fool too long. I cleared my throat. "Not really worth your coin. No offense there. " That last comment was directed at the clerk. I think he grumbled back. "If I heard right, you mentioned something about information on Ch'n, right?"
I found it helped a little if I looked slightly past her shoulder so I didn't stare at her. I thought I might not be able to finish a sentence if I did.
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Shona Tertignan
Priestess
Priestess of Anael; Fully Marqued Bryony Adept
Prosperity tries the fortunate: adversity the great.
Posts: 2,009
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Post by Shona Tertignan on Aug 28, 2007 1:34:38 GMT -5
"I did," I replied, smiling still in way that was charming. He wasn't looking at me, and I wondered if there was something about me... but I had too many lovers to be insecure, and so I assumed he didn't like looking at women. No matter - I was here for a book.
"I met an interesting person who talked to me of Ch'n recently - and I had a mind to give a present to a friend, something out of the beaten path... So I thought it would be an original idea," I explained, grinning as I heard Pat leaving me and to go mumble behind his desk. I made a note to kiss him again, and to look over the ledger before his employer came over- that would cheer him up, it always did.
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Tabién de Valclesa(I)
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Viscomte de Valclesa; House Valclesa
Clarity of mind and soul brings clarity of passion
Posts: 1,685
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Post by Tabién de Valclesa(I) on Aug 28, 2007 9:25:28 GMT -5
Now I was curious. I met her eyes, green, and sharp. She was no fool. I closed the book shut. "Something off the beaten path you say. I actually might be able to help you out. First of all, my name is Tabien," I gave a small bow of my head, and returned her smile.
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Shona Tertignan
Priestess
Priestess of Anael; Fully Marqued Bryony Adept
Prosperity tries the fortunate: adversity the great.
Posts: 2,009
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Post by Shona Tertignan on Aug 28, 2007 9:41:25 GMT -5
No name, no name.
"Shona," I said, curtsying again. I wondered if he had any idea I was an adept. After all, I was dressed soberly, as usual, again in earth tones, light yellow, this time, and my marque was covered - I only showed it off at fetes - it was my ultimate coquetterie.
I cocked my head to the side, and said, "Really? How so?"
I tried to assess him, discreetly. I was ready to bet he hadn't been around the City very long - his hair, his manners... he was a scholar, too. I fiddled with the horseshoe pendant, smiling.
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Tabién de Valclesa(I)
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Viscomte de Valclesa; House Valclesa
Clarity of mind and soul brings clarity of passion
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Post by Tabién de Valclesa(I) on Aug 28, 2007 9:47:32 GMT -5
"Well, it must be your lucky day then Shona. I've recently come back from said nation after an" I looked for a good phrase "extended vacation. And while I was there picked up some very many interesting things, all of which you could say were off the beaten path." I used her last phrase in humor.
I realized that she probably couldn't see me, shrouded in the light, so I stepped to the side. Another shaft of light caught part of me, illuminating my white shirt and leather jerkin, my braided hair, and perhaps even my sword, though I kept my eyes on her. It seemed I had a hard time looking away now.
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Shona Tertignan
Priestess
Priestess of Anael; Fully Marqued Bryony Adept
Prosperity tries the fortunate: adversity the great.
Posts: 2,009
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Post by Shona Tertignan on Aug 28, 2007 10:10:47 GMT -5
An extended vacation? At least Seraphina had told me her plans straight off, I thought curiously. This one had gone far for no mundane reason, and none that he was willing to share. Fair enough.
"Did you bring back books, from your travels?" I asked curiously. "It is really what I am considering. A treaty, travel notes, poetry, legends, philosophy, mayhap... " I shrugged, chuckling at myself and the jest I was about to deliver. "It's for a hermit." Although, I was ready to bet my hermit friends wouldn't stay isolated very long.
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Tabién de Valclesa(I)
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Viscomte de Valclesa; House Valclesa
Clarity of mind and soul brings clarity of passion
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Post by Tabién de Valclesa(I) on Aug 28, 2007 10:18:04 GMT -5
"Well, not so much books as in this kind of book," I held up the copy I had. "But I have several scripts, detailing everything you said. I've actually planned to sell the majority of them, but I did keep a couple for personal use." Then a thought crossed my mind.
"Tell me Shona, how good is scribe work?"
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Shona Tertignan
Priestess
Priestess of Anael; Fully Marqued Bryony Adept
Prosperity tries the fortunate: adversity the great.
Posts: 2,009
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Post by Shona Tertignan on Aug 28, 2007 10:36:07 GMT -5
That sounded very interesting, all that... I made a mental note, but then he inquired, and I said, "Well, I'm not really into that sort of thing," I replied quietly. "You would have to see if there are some Siovalese who do it. I know that bookkeepers are usually not very good on Night's doorstep, and I'll admit that is where I get most of my business. But scribes... I am a at a loss. Have you tried the Royal Library?"
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Tabién de Valclesa(I)
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Viscomte de Valclesa; House Valclesa
Clarity of mind and soul brings clarity of passion
Posts: 1,685
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Post by Tabién de Valclesa(I) on Aug 28, 2007 10:42:10 GMT -5
I sighed. "No, I've not been there. I'm afraid I don't have the capital to hire anyone at the moment. I asked because I thought there might be something in this for you. I've started to translate some of them for my personal use, but it's a daunting task. I figured you could help me with the work, and in exchange, keep one translated copy for yourself." I held up the book I'd been reading.
"Or, you could decline my offer, and take this instead, but I would hate to think that a women of your caliber would be willing to take a shortcut to bring someone joy." I held out the book, and my tone was light and gentle, but there was a challenge in it.
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Shona Tertignan
Priestess
Priestess of Anael; Fully Marqued Bryony Adept
Prosperity tries the fortunate: adversity the great.
Posts: 2,009
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Post by Shona Tertignan on Aug 28, 2007 11:26:58 GMT -5
Oh.
I didn't think he was offering it to me. Surprise likely should a little into my face, schooled to bluff at the gambling table. "I'm sorry, I didn't think you would offer me a job," I replied sweetly. "It's not the kind of contract I usually take, but... I could see the interest of it. Gaspard would likely find it very amusing, to see me take a scholarly assignation - it is in my personal tastes. I've just never been contracted for such things."
I thought an instant. An assignation, perhaps, to bring Eddie a present... I would accept, I noted - he was handsome after all, and I would enjoy mixing business and pleasure with him. Besides, having a learned patron... the perspective was heady.
"I will do it," I said gently. "I would gladly do it," I added, a look of mischief in my eye.
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Tabién de Valclesa(I)
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Viscomte de Valclesa; House Valclesa
Clarity of mind and soul brings clarity of passion
Posts: 1,685
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Post by Tabién de Valclesa(I) on Aug 28, 2007 11:40:11 GMT -5
"Favor more likely." I started, then she continued. Contract. Assignation. I stared at her letting the realization cover my face. No wonder I was taken aback. Naamah's Tits, it was so obvious
"Your an adept?!" I said quietly, but the shock was strung in my voice. Then she accepted, it sounded almost eagerly. "I thought you were just another peer I was helping for my own benefit?" I blurted out the words somewhat hushed. I couldn't afford another adept so soon. And what the devil was one of Naamah's servants doing in a bookstore anyway?
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Shona Tertignan
Priestess
Priestess of Anael; Fully Marqued Bryony Adept
Prosperity tries the fortunate: adversity the great.
Posts: 2,009
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Post by Shona Tertignan on Aug 28, 2007 12:45:20 GMT -5
I grinned more at his surprise, and bobbed another curtsy, that one, almost irreverent, not because it wasn't well done - because it was hilarious.
"House Bryony, M'Lord," I said matter-of-factly. "We know all about benefit, at my house."
He seemed completely surprised, and I said, "I'm sorry I didn't tell you my house name. I was... absorbed in the conversation, My Lord."
He seemed a little... contrite. Or was it disappointed?
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Tabién de Valclesa(I)
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Viscomte de Valclesa; House Valclesa
Clarity of mind and soul brings clarity of passion
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Post by Tabién de Valclesa(I) on Aug 28, 2007 12:51:52 GMT -5
I shook my head. "No, that's alright. But you said Assignation, didn't you. I doubt I could afford such a thing, at least for the time being." I thought of my night with Geraldine. Worth every ducat, that was to be sure. But visiting the night court wasn't something I could do regularly, that was for sure.
I sighed. "Tabien's still fine, I was never one to stand on ceremony."
So what now. I couldn't just take back my offer. I contemplated my options.
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Shona Tertignan
Priestess
Priestess of Anael; Fully Marqued Bryony Adept
Prosperity tries the fortunate: adversity the great.
Posts: 2,009
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Post by Shona Tertignan on Aug 28, 2007 13:19:54 GMT -5
I smiled. "Well....."
I had broken rules before. But it was for Troy - and it was because... because Troy was sublime an special. Because neither of us could afford and assignation. Because he wasn't free. With a peer, it was different.
"I understand, Tabien. If you are in a hurry, you can talk to my Dowayne... maybe come to an agreement. If you are not, mayhap you can wait? If it's any help, my marque is made, which would suggest... that there is no contract fee, only the patron gift, which you seem to have in your possession."
I grinned mischievously. It seemed he was graced by Lady Luck.
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Tabién de Valclesa(I)
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Viscomte de Valclesa; House Valclesa
Clarity of mind and soul brings clarity of passion
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Post by Tabién de Valclesa(I) on Aug 28, 2007 13:30:35 GMT -5
"No contract fee? That changes things I think." This seemed to easy. I had the patron gift in my hand, how on earth does that work.
"Well, if that's the case, perhaps this can work. I'll be moving into a new residence soon in the city. After that, perhaps I can...contract? I said the word, though I didn't feel like it fit, "you to help me out. Would that work Shona?"
It seemed the longer I stayed in the city, the more odd but enticing events befell upon me. How strange.
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Shona Tertignan
Priestess
Priestess of Anael; Fully Marqued Bryony Adept
Prosperity tries the fortunate: adversity the great.
Posts: 2,009
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Post by Shona Tertignan on Aug 28, 2007 14:06:46 GMT -5
"It would work," I replied. "The contract will likely outline the... modalities, as it would be for any other job."
I smiled, fiddling with the pendant. It seemed I was charmed, as always, in more than one ways. He was indeed rather enticing. Mature-looking, as well. That would be a nice change from my last patron - no matter how sweet he was.
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Tabién de Valclesa(I)
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Viscomte de Valclesa; House Valclesa
Clarity of mind and soul brings clarity of passion
Posts: 1,685
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Post by Tabién de Valclesa(I) on Aug 28, 2007 14:10:46 GMT -5
This can't be normal under any circumstance. But then, I was always a little strange, so I guess it shouldn't be surprised. For good or ill, I'd found myself contracting a free Naamah's servant to translate scrolls for me. And dammit all, she looked delicious.
I laughed. Loud. Gods, could this get any weirder.
"Alright. I'll do that then." I said after I calmed down. "I suppose I'll have to send word after I've my place of residence. Bryony house you said? Do I notify you or the Dowayne?"
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Shona Tertignan
Priestess
Priestess of Anael; Fully Marqued Bryony Adept
Prosperity tries the fortunate: adversity the great.
Posts: 2,009
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Post by Shona Tertignan on Aug 28, 2007 14:58:16 GMT -5
I smiled preciously, my eyes peering up at him ingenuously as he laughed to his heart's content.
When he was done, I smirked a little, and said in response to his inquiry, "Well, you can send me word, or simply come to the house. We will then work over the details with Gaspard."
I thought a moment, examining him. Did he have any idea who he was about to contract?
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Tabién de Valclesa(I)
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Viscomte de Valclesa; House Valclesa
Clarity of mind and soul brings clarity of passion
Posts: 1,685
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Post by Tabién de Valclesa(I) on Aug 28, 2007 15:53:06 GMT -5
"Alright. I'm sure it will be a strange meeting. " I looked at the book, putting it back on the shelf.
"Since I cheated the shop keeper out of one purchase, " I started slyly at Shona, "perhaps I should buy something else for his trouble. You sounded like you've been here before, any suggestions?" Realizing that she probably would ask my preferences, "History and Philosophy."
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Shona Tertignan
Priestess
Priestess of Anael; Fully Marqued Bryony Adept
Prosperity tries the fortunate: adversity the great.
Posts: 2,009
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Post by Shona Tertignan on Aug 28, 2007 16:37:28 GMT -5
"Oh, but of course," I replied, smiling eagerly.
My hand sifted on the shelves, and I found several items, pulling them out just a little, as a way to leave them available.
As I did, I recited the specs. " The Allegory of the Cave, Socrates. The 7 seasons, by Machiavel Rondelli, How to gain enemies and make yourself interesting, by Vlad the Impaler, Diplomacy for the Ages; a comprehensive guide to trade negotiations, by Guisseppe Stregazza, Religious encyclopedia of the Nubians, by Anton mab Actanabha, Treaty of Yeshuite Bone-Mending, by Schlomo ben Yashem, A Contemporary History of Terre d’Ange, by Benoite D’Estrange, Sonnets, by Liandro Del Antega."
I paused, and turned. "Do any entice you, Tabien?"
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Tabién de Valclesa(I)
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Viscomte de Valclesa; House Valclesa
Clarity of mind and soul brings clarity of passion
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Post by Tabién de Valclesa(I) on Aug 28, 2007 16:46:47 GMT -5
I couldn't help but chuckle as I found myself staring at a beautiful women marking books from the shelves.
"Shemhazai must be having a fit right now." I jested. Before she could respond, I answered. "A contemporary History of Terre d'Ange and." I lingered over the Vlad book, simply sheer curiosity, but then figured it probably wouldn't send the right message. "The 7 seasons look good.
I plucked the books from the shelf, but didn't look through them. "I trust they are good reads." I winked.
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Shona Tertignan
Priestess
Priestess of Anael; Fully Marqued Bryony Adept
Prosperity tries the fortunate: adversity the great.
Posts: 2,009
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Post by Shona Tertignan on Aug 29, 2007 2:21:17 GMT -5
"They are," I replied confidently. "D'Estranges works will bring you up to date, should you need to be, and if you don't, it will provide you with interesting insights on current events. As for The 7 seasons..." I smiled devilishly, "They will make your evening more than entertaining, it's a promise."
Machiavel Rondelli had some interesting views on art, coupling, Naamah's worship, and how it paired with Kushiel's cult. A little mind-boggling, for anyone who wasn't a Mandrake or a Valerian, was my take on it - but it had been a stimulating read.
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