Princess Azabel de Somerville
Royal (Manager)
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; House Somerville *Voted Member of Worst Character Dynamic 2010*
Posts: 2,048
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Post by Princess Azabel de Somerville on Oct 19, 2007 13:47:07 GMT -5
Where other stores might have bells on the door to signal the entry of a customer, Armands had nothing, adding to the overall peace and quiet of the bookstore. I took a deep breath in as I stepped inside, the door whooshing quietly shut behind me, inhaling the fantastic aroma of old and new parchements, connecting to it the idea and facade of knowledge, stories, intrigue.
Glancing from left to right, I struck out in a slow walk that let me look over the shelves as I moved, maneuvering down one of the middle isles. I had half a mind to search up on journals of seafarers, having just finished reading one written by a Kriti fisherman who claimed to have seen a monster belonging to the depths of the ocean. My fingers reached out, trailing over a small leather-bound series of books, peering at them and lost in thought.
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Post by Landis de Verreuil on Oct 19, 2007 16:26:54 GMT -5
The city-home hadn't had a new book placed within it for many years, and it offended my Siovalese sensibilities to realize that fact; after all, knowledge was a powerful thing, and all of it useful. That thought in mind I'd set out to purchase every novel and reference book that caught my eye. Armands was welcoming with its scents of leather and vellum, and I smiled, then began gathering, setting an armful of histories on the counter before wandering again.
On one aisle a blonde lady walked with that intent look that could only mean she was looking for nothing specific and I smiled before walking over to look at that selection as well. "Good afternoon," I greeted her politely but good-naturedly.
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Princess Azabel de Somerville
Royal (Manager)
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; House Somerville *Voted Member of Worst Character Dynamic 2010*
Posts: 2,048
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Post by Princess Azabel de Somerville on Oct 19, 2007 21:32:21 GMT -5
Had it not been for the general quietness of the shoppe, I likely wouldn't have even paid attention to someone walking up near me, but thankfully I was spared the embarrassment of jumping by hearing the soft thud of boots on the polished floors. "Good afternoon," I responded as I looked over, a friendly smile coming onto my face.
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Post by Landis de Verreuil on Oct 19, 2007 21:50:31 GMT -5
She returned my grin and I brightened a bit as I looked casually over a set of Tiberian mythology. "Have you seen anything terribly interesting as of yet?" I asked hopefully. "I'm trying to restock my library."
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Princess Azabel de Somerville
Royal (Manager)
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; House Somerville *Voted Member of Worst Character Dynamic 2010*
Posts: 2,048
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Post by Princess Azabel de Somerville on Oct 20, 2007 15:13:49 GMT -5
"Nothing that I haven't read so far, though these," I said as I stretched up, plucking a pair of thin leather bound books down from a shelf above my head, "I found more than slightly interesting. They're a small collection of first-hand stories written by a Menekhetian merchant, and the trials and things he's seen on his travels." I'd read it after Juliette and I had spoken last spring on hopefully traveling there one day, and though I hadn't expected to find much interest in it, I'd been delightfully surprised.
I smiled as I glanced up at him again, the books held in my hands in a way that he could take them or leave them without causing awkwardness. Fair skin and handsome of face; I wondered idly who he was, and decided on offering my name up instead. "I'm Azabel de Somerville, by the way."
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Post by Landis de Verreuil on Oct 20, 2007 15:46:21 GMT -5
"I'm Landis de Verreuil, Princess," I replied as I took the stack of books from her arms easily, adding a small wink. "They sound like a wonderful set of tales, and already I find myself intrigued. Thank you for the information. I should really return the favor though, considering you've been so kind. Is there anything I can do for you?"
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Princess Azabel de Somerville
Royal (Manager)
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; House Somerville *Voted Member of Worst Character Dynamic 2010*
Posts: 2,048
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Post by Princess Azabel de Somerville on Oct 21, 2007 13:33:37 GMT -5
"I'm glad to hear that you think so," I said, my smile growing for the amusement and appreciation found in the wink he so effortlessly gave. "You might think it silly," I said as I lowered my arms after he took the books, "but I just recently finished reading a journal depicting a monster that belong to the sea; whether or not it's true is anyones guess, I suppose. I was looking to see if there were others like it."
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Post by Landis de Verreuil on Oct 21, 2007 13:54:54 GMT -5
"A monster story?" I asked interestedly. "Sea monsters in particular, or any? I don't think it's silly- after all, there are more boring things. There's a book in my library about the differences between particular breeds of cows." My tone was light, conversational, but I still scanned the shelves quickly. "Have you heard of a creature called the Yeti?"
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Princess Azabel de Somerville
Royal (Manager)
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; House Somerville *Voted Member of Worst Character Dynamic 2010*
Posts: 2,048
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Post by Princess Azabel de Somerville on Oct 21, 2007 14:13:28 GMT -5
I glanced to the shelves as he did, looking across the broad expanse, though my gaze inevitably went back to him as I answered. "The snowman, of course," I said, nodding as I thought back on my prior readings. "Of large proportions, preferring to inhabit mountainous regions; some consider them nothing more than hairy, wild men." I looked at him, feeling a small smile cross my lips. "What's your opinion on them, Landis? Do you suppose they're real?"
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Post by Landis de Verreuil on Oct 21, 2007 14:23:28 GMT -5
"I've spent a good amount of time in the mountains, and I have to admit there's some things that wild animals alone can't explain," I replied thoughtfully, considering the idea. "But I also haven't seen such a thing, not a wild man or a monster, so I can't give a definite answer. What of you? Do you believe in such things?" The gaze I turned on her was interested, but not prying, my tone conveying the same.
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Princess Azabel de Somerville
Royal (Manager)
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; House Somerville *Voted Member of Worst Character Dynamic 2010*
Posts: 2,048
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Post by Princess Azabel de Somerville on Oct 22, 2007 10:10:09 GMT -5
I listened with interest, wondering what he had seen and heard that he couldn't connect to a wild animal. "Well, on the same side of that coin, I can't say I've ever seen anything either, so I don't know for sure." I gave him a gently teasing smile, my lips parting just enough to show my teeth. "Was it frightening, though, being out there with things you couldn't explain?"
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Post by Landis de Verreuil on Oct 22, 2007 10:18:40 GMT -5
"Not so much," I replied, teasing back and cocking my head sideways to look at her. "In the end everything in nature follows the same basic rules. Wild things don't like fire, and they're usually more scared of people than wanting to come close. Being quiet can, in some ways, get you in more trouble than being obvious." With that I gave her a wink.
Gods, but I was a shameless flirt. Oh well, at least I wasn't likely to get slapped.
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Princess Azabel de Somerville
Royal (Manager)
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; House Somerville *Voted Member of Worst Character Dynamic 2010*
Posts: 2,048
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Post by Princess Azabel de Somerville on Oct 22, 2007 10:32:02 GMT -5
"But if it's a wild man, who's to say he won't be attracted to the fire rather than repelled?" I countered, my smile broad. "Besides, you can get in trouble both by being quiet and by being loud. It just depends on the delivery of what you want to get across."
His wink had nearly made me laugh, and I looked down as I finished talking out of reflex, then glanced back up with amusement still written on my face.
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Post by Landis de Verreuil on Oct 22, 2007 10:49:34 GMT -5
"If he's a wild man he could build his own fire, couldn't he?" I replied, raising a brow thoughtfully. "And I find quiet is best for when one is hunting, but making noise when you're just on a hike and looking around saves trouble and is more honest."
A book caught my eye and I grinned wider, reaching up to pull it down and offer it to her. "Here's a compendium about mythical flying creatures- gryffons, pegasus, rocs and such. How does that look?"
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Princess Azabel de Somerville
Royal (Manager)
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; House Somerville *Voted Member of Worst Character Dynamic 2010*
Posts: 2,048
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Post by Princess Azabel de Somerville on Oct 22, 2007 13:45:38 GMT -5
Before I could reply, he'd stretched up and plucked down a book, though in doing so gave me a good view of his lean profile. He was fit, admirably so, with a whisper of strength that belied his handsome form. "Wonderful," I replied with a smile as I reached out to take the book. I glanced at the cover as I did so, seeing an inlay of creatures burned into the aging leather, done in exquisite detail. "From Yetis and sea monsters to flying horses; you seem to know my tastes already," I said, my smile broadening as I looked up at him.
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Post by Landis de Verreuil on Oct 22, 2007 13:50:20 GMT -5
"I can be a good guesser on occasion," I replied demurely, my grin belying a true sense of shamed modesty. "But I'm very glad I found something you may enjoy, since you helped me first." Leaning just a little closer I added in a conspiratorial whisper, "And the topic isn't completely foreign to me either."
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Princess Azabel de Somerville
Royal (Manager)
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; House Somerville *Voted Member of Worst Character Dynamic 2010*
Posts: 2,048
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Post by Princess Azabel de Somerville on Oct 22, 2007 16:17:19 GMT -5
"I'm glad its not," I whispered back, leaning in a little myself and adding to the air of secretiveness between us. "After all, there's no way I could have reached that book without a ladder." I gave him a smile that bordered a teasing grin, my features open and friendly, if a touch flirtatious.
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Post by Landis de Verreuil on Oct 22, 2007 16:23:14 GMT -5
"Well, you could always have jumped for it," I teased lightly, eyes flashing. "You don't look clumsy, so you'd probably have made it alright. It's probably a bit less embarrassing to have my height around, though; can you imagine trying to explain what you were doing?"
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Princess Azabel de Somerville
Royal (Manager)
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; House Somerville *Voted Member of Worst Character Dynamic 2010*
Posts: 2,048
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Post by Princess Azabel de Somerville on Oct 23, 2007 9:00:49 GMT -5
I laughed as he teased me, light and happy. "If that's the case, then I guess I'll have to figure out how to coerce someone into joining me when I shop," I said, smiling. "I don't think I'd want to have to explain to someone why I'm jumping in their quiet store, or why I accidently knocked over half a row of books while trying to get one down."
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Post by Landis de Verreuil on Oct 23, 2007 9:21:24 GMT -5
"As long as it was only half a row I'm sure they wouldn't mind," I replied with a light chuckle. "If nothing else, rank has it's privileges and you look like the sort of person who could charm others quite easily."
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Princess Azabel de Somerville
Royal (Manager)
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; House Somerville *Voted Member of Worst Character Dynamic 2010*
Posts: 2,048
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Post by Princess Azabel de Somerville on Oct 23, 2007 9:46:18 GMT -5
"Well thank you," I said, smiling at him. "I'll take your comment on charm as a compliment. I'd like to think, though, that I could convince someone out of friendship rather than station." I glanced down at the book I was holding, running my fingers across the burned images before looking back up at him. "Besides," I said, flashing him another grin, "you seem like a charmer yourself."
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Post by Landis de Verreuil on Oct 23, 2007 9:53:20 GMT -5
"Thank you for the returned compliment." My own grin flashed. "But yes, I would help out of friendship as easily, if not more so, than from simply having eyelashes batted at me, even if the eyes are as startling as yours."
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Princess Azabel de Somerville
Royal (Manager)
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; House Somerville *Voted Member of Worst Character Dynamic 2010*
Posts: 2,048
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Post by Princess Azabel de Somerville on Oct 23, 2007 10:01:30 GMT -5
"It's good to know that we are on the same page, then," I said, not meaning the pun given where we were at and what we were holding. Gods but he was a flirt, though done with class and charm enough to make me like it and him more, and not to look at him simply as one trying to squirrel their way into a warm bed. "Though I have to admit, if you resorted to batting your lashes, I'd have to help you out of the simple fact that I'd be laughing too hard to refuse." I smiled at him, feeling full of good humor.
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Post by Landis de Verreuil on Oct 23, 2007 10:10:58 GMT -5
"Well, I've never tried, but I could," I ventured, my tone suggesting that it would take an immense amount of courage for me to do so, then took on an innocent expression and flitted my lashes a few times before looking concerned. "How was that?"
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Princess Azabel de Somerville
Royal (Manager)
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; House Somerville *Voted Member of Worst Character Dynamic 2010*
Posts: 2,048
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Post by Princess Azabel de Somerville on Oct 23, 2007 10:14:35 GMT -5
The simple fact that he took me seriously and tried was enough to make me laugh and I nodded my head as I did it, acceding to him. "Not too bad for a first try," I said, smiling broadly. "Though if you tilt your head a little more and dip it down just so, it'll enhance the effect." And I did as thus, muting my smile to a curve of my lips as I tilted my head slightly to the right, dipping it down enough that I was forced to look up at him from under the rims of my lashes.
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Post by Landis de Verreuil on Oct 23, 2007 10:53:10 GMT -5
"Oh, I understand," I replied, grinning to hear he laugh, then mimicking her actions to the best of my ability. "Like so?"
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Princess Azabel de Somerville
Royal (Manager)
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; House Somerville *Voted Member of Worst Character Dynamic 2010*
Posts: 2,048
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Post by Princess Azabel de Somerville on Oct 23, 2007 10:58:58 GMT -5
"Perfect," I said as I laughed again; even knowing he was going to do it wasn't enough to stop me from finding it funny. A few customers paused as they made their way from aisle to aisle, looking at us. I stemmed my amusement as much as I could, shaking my head as I looked up at Landis with a smile. "You're talented, I must admit."
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Post by Landis de Verreuil on Oct 23, 2007 11:01:31 GMT -5
"It's good to hear." The bookshelves weren't quite calling to me as they had been and I glanced over the shelves with a sigh. "Unfortunately,the development of this new skill seems to have taken the one I had for finding such books as may interest you- or me."
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Princess Azabel de Somerville
Royal (Manager)
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; House Somerville *Voted Member of Worst Character Dynamic 2010*
Posts: 2,048
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Post by Princess Azabel de Somerville on Oct 23, 2007 11:11:49 GMT -5
"Ah," I breathed. "With all skills comes a price."
I smiled at him to show I wasn't being serious with it, and turned my eyes instead to the shelves. "Was there anything in particular that you were looking for?" I asked, willing to offer a helping hand.
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Post by Landis de Verreuil on Oct 23, 2007 11:25:15 GMT -5
She was lovely, kind and good-natured- but I tried not to think too hard of those facts, as they were only going to increase the amount of flirting I was doing. "The library of my House in the City is about ten years old," I explained. "So I'm trying to get it up to date. I've already picked out a set of updated histories, but now I think I should get some of the more significant recent works as well. "
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