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Post by Odette Lamberte on Nov 17, 2007 11:45:24 GMT -5
I had only been in city now a short time, seeing all could be seen when not filling my duties as a bar matron to a seedy, interesting group of patrons. I desired to see more, easily I gave into such need.
There was time in the day to make way for a book store, that I had noticed the prior day in my wanderings, so that I may find a book to pass the time between my shifts at the tavern, whilst increasing my knowledge in the same breath.
I smiled widely upon entering the store, spying the vast collection of books on the shelves in wonder. “So many a book to browse, where shall I begin?”
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Tabién de Valclesa(I)
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Post by Tabién de Valclesa(I) on Nov 17, 2007 14:05:19 GMT -5
After my run in with Mercedes, I realized I should brush up on my Aragonian. Surely a couple foreign novels should jog my memory. It was a bright mid day as I went into Armands. For once, I had a purpose in here, as opposed aimless wandering. I went to the clerk who directed me to the section I was looking for of foreign scripts.
Although, I must have been too focused on my objective because I didn't see a small stack piled up near a book case, and sent myself face first to the floor, with a small thud.
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Post by Odette Lamberte on Nov 18, 2007 10:56:28 GMT -5
I perused the many shelves until my fancy was stricken, carefully my fingers curled about the spine of the book and held fast there as the book was eased from the shelf to be then cradled in one arm. With a good-natured smile, I opened the book to peer inside when a noise startled me and I snapped the book closed to see what was amiss just a short distance away from me.
I would have chuckled at unfortunate folly of the man, if naught for the way his body lay upon the floor. Wincing, I abandoned my book to the shelf and hurried over to his side where I knelt, placing a gentle hand upon his back.
“My lord, are you well?” It was a concerned laden question, albeit a silly one. Who would be well after such a fall? Inwardly I chastised myself for the question and waited on his reply.
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Tabién de Valclesa(I)
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Post by Tabién de Valclesa(I) on Nov 19, 2007 18:12:36 GMT -5
"Fine." I said from the floor boards. At least I hadn't hurt my nose, landing on my forehead, which no doubt had a nice red spot now. I pushed my self up, and took a look back at the stack I'd tripped over. It appeared to have been there some time, covered in dust, and might explain why I didn't notice it. The storekeep had started towards us, but stopped after my response.
"Sorry My dear to give you a scare, I'm quite alright, I'll just have a headache the remainder of the day." I responded good natured.
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Post by Odette Lamberte on Nov 21, 2007 10:13:16 GMT -5
I stood along with him, wrinkling my brow at the injury to his forehead. “A bit of wine would cure the headache, though it seems I’m freshly out.” Lightly I patted my skirt then smiled at him.
“You will bare a light bruise, I think, for a few days.” Without thinking I reached up lightly to brush his forehead, the portion that was without injury, with the fingertips of my right hand, making study of the red spot before I spoke once more.
“There will be tales of chivalry told that will depict this temporary injury as being received by battling a worthy opponent in the streets rather than an unfortunate…accident with a stack of books, aye?” A light grin curled my lips as I slowly began to lower my hand away from his handsome face.
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Tabién de Valclesa(I)
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Post by Tabién de Valclesa(I) on Nov 25, 2007 14:39:11 GMT -5
I couldn't help but chuckle at the cute comment. "My thanks. Though, I'm humble to admit when I've made a follisome accident. And besides," I pointed to the scar on the bridge of my nose. "I don't need any more battle scars." I took her hand, and placed it gently at her side.
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Post by Odette Lamberte on Nov 25, 2007 20:01:31 GMT -5
I smiled as he took my hand and guided it to my side. “My apologies, my lord, you might gain a fondness for scars one day. As my father would say… Battle scars are a true testament to one’s valor. The more scars one bares the better, as it speaks volumes of a man’s character.”
Softly I chuckled, “My father speaks many things though I have a mind of my own so, I make my own judgment of men that are scarcely based upon scars.” Somewhat minding my manners, I offered a short curtsy as well as an introduction.
“Odette Lamberte, savior of this hour.” Widely I smiled at him.
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Post by Tabién de Valclesa(I) on Nov 25, 2007 23:10:42 GMT -5
I smiled. "Tabien de Valclesa." I offered a curt bow, despite the somewhat cramped store. "I would mean no disrespect to you or your grandfather, though there are other reasons besides valor one might endure the harshness of battle." I looked around for the section I'd come for, and started toward it.
"Was he a soldier?" I asked aloud, figuring it alright that the store was nigh empty, and able to carry on a conversation.
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Post by Odette Lamberte on Nov 26, 2007 19:32:23 GMT -5
As he strode away to the section of his liking, I turned to wander over and recover the book I had found interest in before Tabien happened upon the stack of books. I drew the book into my hands, turning it slowly end over end to consider its condition, as well as his comment and question.
I knew naught of battle first-hand though it had done a fair business in wounding my father, robbing him of the full capacity to move about as freely as I do everyday. In my father, I had seen daily the harshness of what a battle might bestow a man for his valor…and more. I swallowed down the lump of emotion rising in my throat, at last providing an answer across the small distance between Tabien and myself.
“He was indeed…for a time.” It was a simple, yet honest answer.
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Post by Tabién de Valclesa(I) on Nov 26, 2007 22:44:29 GMT -5
I couldn't help but noticed a small lilt in her voice. It sounded like a suppression of emotion, perhaps too sensitive a subject. I espied her between a couple books on the shelves, "I see. So what might bring you to the book store lady Oddette?"
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Post by Odette Lamberte on Nov 26, 2007 23:42:39 GMT -5
I was grateful for the change in subject as I could not bare to speak any further upon the matter. After a thought, my eyes lifted to behold him across the space parting us.
“Knowledge, I find it pleasing to curl up with book at the end of a…most challenging day…it calms my mind of things.”
Many a day or night was challenging for me, as I performed a myriad of tasks among drunkards who sought to test the firmness of my body by smacking or grasping me in ways that would stroke my father fury. I went about my business though, in fair-nature, knowing that my patrons would soon pass out or brawl their way out of the establishment, leaving me in good peace until the next encounter.
“And what has brought you out this day, my lord?”
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Post by Tabién de Valclesa(I) on Nov 26, 2007 23:45:38 GMT -5
I chuckled. "Knowledge also my dear. Or, recapturing some to be more specific. I'm looking for." I scanned the top row, and spied an interesting book, I grunted a bit, as it seemed at the tip of my height, and a bit lodge in. "Some 'foriegn' reading, to work on my Aragonian."
I blew some collected dust off the cover producing a small cloud, and rightly gave a cough.
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Post by Odette Lamberte on Nov 27, 2007 0:04:01 GMT -5
I held my book tightly against my chest in watching him, hoping that dislodging the book would not send him sprawling to the floor, he managed the action well to his credit. Until the book was held safety within his hands, I naught taken notice that I had held my breath, slowly I exhaled.
“Aragonian, not a study to be taken lightly, so I understand…’tis worth the study though. Mayhap I will endeavor to commit it to memory, one day.” I smiled kindly.
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Post by Tabién de Valclesa(I) on Nov 27, 2007 0:06:54 GMT -5
"I was fostered there for a good portion of my life." I said, flipping through. Apparently, this novel has been here awhile. "Which I find is the most effective measure to learn any other language." I closed it promptly and held it up.
"This is merely a refresher, as well as.." I trailed off as I when down the shelf for another one.
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Post by Odette Lamberte on Nov 27, 2007 0:27:37 GMT -5
“Ah…I see.” I released the book from my bosom to be held with care in one hand. Curiously I spied his moving about the shelves, there was somewhat on my mind that I desired to be uttered but could not, at least not yet.
When it appeared that he had found something else that gained his interest, I advanced a few steps to pose my question.
“My lord…if you naught mind me asking, what other languages are upon your tongue? And do you offer lessons?” Quickly I added, “I would pay coin for the lessons.” For the second time today, I held my breath and continued to watch him.
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Post by Tabién de Valclesa(I) on Nov 27, 2007 0:38:57 GMT -5
lessons?! I stopped, and walked back to the edge of bookcase. "My lady, are you looking for a teacher?" I couldn't believe what I'd heard.
I grinned wildly. "You, my dear, are a very lucky lady, so very lucky. I know several languages, including Aragonian, Carrdician, Ruskovian, and Ch'n, as well as a small smattering of Skaldic, should you find that of interest."
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Post by Odette Lamberte on Nov 27, 2007 9:08:01 GMT -5
My heart pounded within my chest as he halted his task, had I offended him with my inquiry? In earnest, an apology began to fall from my lips though it was quickly stolen away by the expression on his face, I naught offended him after all.
Steadily I regained my composure and nodded. “I would find all of that a great interest, my lord. My purse is light these days of coin…” It was embarrassing to admit but I needed to be truthful in what I could afford. “Mayhap I could make up the difference in payment by seeing to a few chores of your choosing, if you would find that agreeable?”
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Post by Tabién de Valclesa(I) on Nov 27, 2007 13:22:57 GMT -5
"Ah.." Hmm. "You know, this could work." I closed the distance, and gave her an inquisitive look. "Since I've gotten back to the city, I've been looking for just such an opportunity, how fortunate that you were here. I only have one helper at my townhome, and I think she'd be delighted to have some help. How well do you cook?"
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Post by Odette Lamberte on Nov 27, 2007 22:08:57 GMT -5
“I’ve a knack for cooking, my lord. For many years, I prepared meals for my family having only heard a handful of complaints from them in that time. I suspect that you might appreciate a meal or two made by my hands.”
With my mother’s passing so long ago, I had become well aquatinted in the more domestic tasks of my family manor as I grew, cooking among them. It would hardly be a task to perform in Tabien’s town home, I thought, unless he had a score of guests to entertain. In such an event, it would be cause enough for me to panic though since there was little need to worry over such now, I simply smiled.
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Post by Tabién de Valclesa(I) on Nov 27, 2007 23:05:59 GMT -5
"Ah, wonderful. I can make do for myself, but it's not the most tasteful thing. If I had to estimate now, I figure you cover my meals, and I'll teach you any language you'd like, that I know of. I don't need much coin right now, you'd serve better as an advertisement for me. How does that sound."
This was just the start I needed.
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Post by Odette Lamberte on Nov 27, 2007 23:15:19 GMT -5
My lord, that sounds like a perfect arrangement! I promise to spread the word of your instruction to all that would hear of it!” The prospect of learning other languages filled me with much joy, I nearly hugged him though thought better of it and hugged my book instead.
“When are we to begin the lessons?” I eagerly awaited his reply.
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Post by Tabién de Valclesa(I) on Nov 28, 2007 2:26:19 GMT -5
"Well, I'll have to make a few arrangements. Purchase a couple other books," I said noting back toward the shelves. "I can send a courier when I'm ready, though it shouldn't take to long. Where are you staying so that I may know where to send the letter?" I asked politely.
She seemed rather overjoyed for such an occasion. Nothing better than a willing student.
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Post by Odette Lamberte on Nov 28, 2007 9:14:47 GMT -5
Mayhap he thought that I was overly delighted for the lessons, who knew these things, but if only he was aware of where I truly called home, he’d understand my excitement in this endeavor, I thought.
“My lodging is none to far away from the Le Poulet Gauche, my lord.” I explained where to find my humble home, that was located in the seedy section of the city, hoping that it had no ill effect on his decision to instruct me in the languages.
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Post by Tabién de Valclesa(I) on Nov 28, 2007 18:34:40 GMT -5
"Hmmm, I'm not familiar with that area. Still, I'll send notice to you shortly." I held out my hand. "A strange and enjoyable coincidence, my lady. A pleasure to meet you."
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Post by Odette Lamberte on Nov 28, 2007 21:40:11 GMT -5
Thank Elua that he was unfamiliar with the section, it made my mine rest easier with that knowledge.
I held fast to my book with one hand to allow the other to rest gently into his hand. “It was an absolute pleasure to have made your acquaintance, my lord. I look forward to our next meeting, do take care.”
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Post by Tabién de Valclesa(I) on Nov 29, 2007 0:04:06 GMT -5
I tapped the book knowingly, and strode back into the shelves, now with a larger list of books to acquire.
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Post by Odette Lamberte on Nov 29, 2007 22:16:16 GMT -5
I nodded to him as we parted way, moving in the direction of the shop owner to purchase my book, which only took a few moments.
With my book in hand, I strolled out of the shop to continue on with my day.
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