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 Jan 19, 2008 16:42:27 GMT -5
Royal Hunt : Day Two It had been a while since I'd visited Armand's bookstore. In fact, it was a bit stupid on my part, to go and look for more books when my personal library was already so full, and I was likely to move out of Bryony in the up coming weeks. But I couldn't resist dropping by to see what was available. Maybe I'd get them to set something aside. I entered the store with a smile, my attire simple and unassuming. If I wasn't going to a Fete, if I wasn't seeking out an assignation, I was usually dressed modestly, and today was no exception. The dress was a deep saffron, the shawl for the spring chill a color the clothier had deemed to be burnt orange, and my loyal satchel hung at my side. Nonchalantly, I set about looking at the shelves for something that may attract my interest.
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Nyx nó Cereus
Adept
Cereus House
Daughter of Gareth and Christelle de Brise, unmarqued adept
Posts: 2,768
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Post by Nyx nó Cereus on Jan 19, 2008 16:53:58 GMT -5
I decided to get out of Cereus, if only to avoid another person asking me if I was going to the fete the next day. I was getting tired of saying I wasn't contracted, and my back was itchy from my recent visit to the marquist. I needed out.
So I headed down to the Doorstep, knowing Jacob would be swimming through fabric this close to a major event. Finding Armand's, I slipped inside and began looking about.
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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 Jan 19, 2008 16:58:23 GMT -5
The bell of the door sang its singsong, and I couldn't help but look up curiously. Good gods, the random idea that the last time I'd been here, I'd met Tabien filled me with embarrassment. I prayed it wasn't him - not because I had a problem with the man, but because my behavior with him had made me feel quite horrible, in retrospect.
But no, it was a young girl, very pretty - lovely enough to be of Cereus, in fact, something I could perhaps have wagered on a while back. I smiled at her, and resumed my browsing.
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Nyx nó Cereus
Adept
Cereus House
Daughter of Gareth and Christelle de Brise, unmarqued adept
Posts: 2,768
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Post by Nyx nó Cereus on Jan 19, 2008 17:14:27 GMT -5
I woman, or more appropriately an adept, smiled to me as I entered. I returned her smile, and went to look for something smutty. I wasn't in the mood for anything heavy, just wanted a romance novel where the girl gets the guy and live happily after some hardships.
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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 Jan 19, 2008 17:54:37 GMT -5
I wasn't exactly satisfied with my browsing, and so I decided to go and ask the clerk what his new arrivals were. As it turned out, it was the old man who liked me because I was pretty, and he welcomed me with a grin.
"Well, hello Shona," he said as I kissed his cheek with familiarity.
"Hello uncle," I replied sweetly. I gave a little pout, "Do tell me you have something else than those old things, won't you?"
He gave me a grin, and said, "well... they're not on the shelf yet, but we do have some new copies of Jessamine de Mornay's book, if you're into that kind of thing."
I frowned, pondering. I usually didn't quite read books of that nature - I had enough sex in my life, that I didn't usually feel like reading about it. "I could flip through and make up my mind, I suppose," I replied before he went to dig out said piece of work.
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Nyx nó Cereus
Adept
Cereus House
Daughter of Gareth and Christelle de Brise, unmarqued adept
Posts: 2,768
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Post by Nyx nó Cereus on Jan 19, 2008 18:21:58 GMT -5
I had found a book that seemed just my cup of tea, and made my way to the counter. I caught the tail end of a conversation the owner was having with the adept that smiled at me. "I'm sorry, did you say Jessamine de Mornay?"
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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 Jan 19, 2008 18:26:42 GMT -5
The old man was still browsing in the crate, and I turned to the younger girl. She visibly had heard the tail end of the conversation. "Yes, that's right," I replied with a grin. "New arrival from the printers, it seems."
I gave her a curious look, and asked, "Are you a fan?"
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Nyx nó Cereus
Adept
Cereus House
Daughter of Gareth and Christelle de Brise, unmarqued adept
Posts: 2,768
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Post by Nyx nó Cereus on Jan 20, 2008 1:07:03 GMT -5
I smiled pleasantly. "I might be, I haven't read any of her work. But I met her fairly recently," Well, attended her fete is more truthful, "And thought it might be nice to read what she's done."
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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 Jan 20, 2008 1:38:05 GMT -5
Ah, of course. I'd heard that the writer had indeed hosted a fete for Longest night, though I hadn't attended - I'd taken my sweet time, instead, and enjoyed, with much delight, the energetic attentions of a young Eglantine male adept. He'd been quite delightful, as I recalled.
"Well, it seems like it's your lucky day," I replied, fiddling absently the horse-shoe pendant at my neck. "Maybe you'll be able to convince him to sell you one, even if they're not out on the shelves yet." Curiously, I asked, "What is she like, Lady de Mornay?" Maybe I'd enjoy reading her, after all.
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Nyx nó Cereus
Adept
Cereus House
Daughter of Gareth and Christelle de Brise, unmarqued adept
Posts: 2,768
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Post by Nyx nó Cereus on Jan 20, 2008 1:40:59 GMT -5
"She's quite vivacious, and always has a smile on her face," I replied honestly. "She's... well, she's fun."
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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 Jan 20, 2008 1:49:56 GMT -5
I chuckled without guile. "You make her sound like an adept of Orchis, and rather of pleasant company," I told her with a grin. Hmm... Maybe a bit of light reading wouldn't hurt, after all. With all the upcoming changes, I could use a bit of diverting.
As the little exchange progressed, the man came out of the back of the shop, holding triumphantly a volume. "You're lucky," he said, "it seems the last crate was damaged, and only one volume survived." He gave me a shrewd look. "Do you want it?"
I looked at the girl. She seemed much more interested than I, and besides, I could do with a lighter load if I were leaving Bryony. "Do you?" I asked her gently.
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Nyx nó Cereus
Adept
Cereus House
Daughter of Gareth and Christelle de Brise, unmarqued adept
Posts: 2,768
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Post by Nyx nó Cereus on Jan 20, 2008 1:55:08 GMT -5
An adept of Orchis? Oh no. She's wasn't nearly as much fun as the two I knew. One in particular.
I smiled a little shyly at her question. "Well, yes, but you were here first."
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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 Jan 20, 2008 1:59:47 GMT -5
I shrugged. "Not as much as you seem to," I replied. I looked at the man, and gave him a charming smile, "You'll give a good price for my little sister, now, won't you, uncle?"
He looked at me in surprise, and I moved next to her, just enough that he may see us side by side. At least we had hair color in common. He must have known I was lying for the look on his face was that of doubt, but he didn't pursue. Must be all those little kisses I give him for the discounts.
"Alright, but you're ruining me, Shona," he said with a bit of a scowl. I felt like laughing, but I looked at the girl next to me, imploring her to play the game. She wasn't very old, and I wagered she could use all the savings she could make, for likely her marque wasn't very far along. "And what's your name?" he asked her with a doubtful look.
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Nyx nó Cereus
Adept
Cereus House
Daughter of Gareth and Christelle de Brise, unmarqued adept
Posts: 2,768
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Post by Nyx nó Cereus on Jan 20, 2008 2:11:32 GMT -5
I knew immediately that she must be Bryony. No one else was that good at manipulating people for money. Later I would question why she was helping me, but now was not the time. I placed my other book on the counter, and deadpanned. "Nyx. Shona and I were meeting here before going for lunch."
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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 Jan 20, 2008 2:19:25 GMT -5
"Of course," he replied, a little discountenanced by her aplomb. I, on the other hand, was very pleased, and almost admirative - she was convincing, with her little smile and the way she'd improvised a lie of her own. Reminded me of Genevie, and how we used to pretend to be Orchis, she and I, to have a bit of free candy in exchange for mild flirting. That boy had almost fainted, as I recalled.
"I can ask you for 20 bronze ducats, no less," he said at length. "And I'm almost losing in the deal, considering the damage to the crate."
I gave him a look. The loss would go to the seller, if he'd taken responsibility for delivery - so what was he complaining about? He'd make full profit over the sale, on top of the claim the seller would have to pay. "Alright, 15, it's my last offer," he said resentfully.
I gave Nyx a nod. He wouldn't go any lower - it would be ridiculous if he did, and Patrick didn't have a bleeding heart.
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Nyx nó Cereus
Adept
Cereus House
Daughter of Gareth and Christelle de Brise, unmarqued adept
Posts: 2,768
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Post by Nyx nó Cereus on Jan 20, 2008 2:32:40 GMT -5
Even I wouldn't have bought his first excuse, but one withering look from Shona and the price change was immediate. I smiled prettily at him, not minding his earlier study of me as he tried to figure out exactly what was crooked about the scene before him, and fished the money out. "Thank you sir, that's very kind," I told him, gathering the two books up. I shot Shona a smile as well, though I would put off the real thank yous until we got outside. Since we had to leave together after my little addition to her story.
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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 Jan 20, 2008 2:37:26 GMT -5
"Indeed, a really priest of Eiseth," I replied to Patrick with a teasing smile. I bent over, and kissed his cheek with a loud smack, and added another one, closed-mouthed, on his lips for good measure. I was a regular consumer, I needed to maintain good relations with him.
I turned to Nyx, and said enthusiastically, "Ready, sister-dear? I'm famished! Let's go have the free lunch at Desir!" A true Bryony, I didn't pay for food unless I had to, and it was a wednesday - how convenient. Were we really going for lunch together? Mah. I didn't mind - it was free, one way or the other, and I was indeed hungry. I wouldn't mind the company.
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Nyx nó Cereus
Adept
Cereus House
Daughter of Gareth and Christelle de Brise, unmarqued adept
Posts: 2,768
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Post by Nyx nó Cereus on Jan 20, 2008 2:48:51 GMT -5
I watched the interaction between the two with an amused eye, then linked arm with her with a laugh. "Onwards," I agreed with a grin. Thinking on it, I was indeed hungry, and I had forgotten about the link between Desire, Wednesday, and adepts. Shona really was turning out to be most helpful.
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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 Jan 20, 2008 2:54:40 GMT -5
Nyx's gesture was familiar, and perfect for our little jest. I smiled happily at her, and we exited the shop under Patrick's watchful eye, to the clinging sound of his doorbell.
Once we were out, I stopped, and after I'd allowed myself to laugh a little for the whole thing, I asked, "Well, are you up to it? I'm really famished."
Eh. This way, we hadn't completely lied, at least. It was an amusing turn of events.
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Nyx nó Cereus
Adept
Cereus House
Daughter of Gareth and Christelle de Brise, unmarqued adept
Posts: 2,768
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Post by Nyx nó Cereus on Jan 20, 2008 3:07:31 GMT -5
I couldn't help the laughter either. "Oh thank you, that was wonderful." I told her with a smile. "And yes, I'm hungry as well. Nyx nó Cereus." I introduced myself merrily.
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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 Jan 20, 2008 3:09:03 GMT -5
"You're welcome," I replied, grinning wide. "Shona no Bryony, but I'm sure you've guessed that by now," I added, chuckling again.
I liked her laughter - she was a happy one, Nyx, and that was a good reason to stick around her. I could use the light-hearted laughter.
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Nyx nó Cereus
Adept
Cereus House
Daughter of Gareth and Christelle de Brise, unmarqued adept
Posts: 2,768
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Post by Nyx nó Cereus on Jan 20, 2008 3:18:04 GMT -5
I smiled. "You did give yourself away." I pointed out, then looked about the street, gaining my bearings. Turning in the direction of the restaurant, we started heading that way. "Do you often help other adepts?"
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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 Jan 20, 2008 3:26:14 GMT -5
"I sometimes get the whim," I replied with a shrug as we started heading our way down to Desir. "It's fun, you know, kind of like a lark, and it doesn't cost me anything." I smiled, remembering the Songbird, and added, "Sometimes I make friends, sometimes, it's just a pleasant encounter, but I never regret it."
What could I say? I had my spontaneous moments.
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Nyx nó Cereus
Adept
Cereus House
Daughter of Gareth and Christelle de Brise, unmarqued adept
Posts: 2,768
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Post by Nyx nó Cereus on Jan 20, 2008 3:35:20 GMT -5
"Well, I certainly appreciate it. I take it you know the owner then?" I asked, smiling at her kindness as we strolled down the street.
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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 Jan 20, 2008 3:42:17 GMT -5
"Of course," I replied, noting that there were new things in the shops' windows. Spring collections and new arrivals from the North, thanks to the thaw, I supposed.
"It's my specialty," I explained. "The bulk of my patronage comes from Night's doorstep merchant community. They like for me to revise their books, even as I entertain them. Not a bad way to get things done." There was also a core of wealthier nobles who liked for me to create games, such as Marcus, but it wasn't how I'd made my marque, not the larger part of it, anyway. There were a few exceptions. One of them was the Vicomte d'Nourriture, whose food I adored, and whose books were a mystery to me. Another was Aramis, but I was working on him. Sort of.
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Nyx nó Cereus
Adept
Cereus House
Daughter of Gareth and Christelle de Brise, unmarqued adept
Posts: 2,768
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Post by Nyx nó Cereus on Jan 20, 2008 3:47:58 GMT -5
I whistled in appreciation of the skill required in what she was describing. "No, doesn't sound like it. You must be quite sought after."
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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 Jan 20, 2008 3:53:44 GMT -5
"Work doesn't lack, that's for sure," I replied happily. "But I'm sure it's the same for you, you're so pretty, they must be begging, all of them, to have you, aren't they?"
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Nyx nó Cereus
Adept
Cereus House
Daughter of Gareth and Christelle de Brise, unmarqued adept
Posts: 2,768
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Post by Nyx nó Cereus on Jan 20, 2008 3:59:15 GMT -5
I blushed a little and looked down, a pleased smile coming to my lips. "Not quite yet, but I'll get there." And I was confident I would. I had the ink in my skin to prove it. At that thought, it began to itch again. Bugger.
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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 Jan 20, 2008 4:02:00 GMT -5
Oh yes, she would. Just the way she blushed and laughed. The way she'd entered seamlessly my little scheme. She could commit a Cassiline to perjury, if she put her mind to it.
"I don't doubt it," I replied. "Mind if I ask how old you are?"
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Nyx nó Cereus
Adept
Cereus House
Daughter of Gareth and Christelle de Brise, unmarqued adept
Posts: 2,768
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Post by Nyx nó Cereus on Jan 20, 2008 19:36:29 GMT -5
"Sixteen," I replied, trying not to feel young. My hands stayed firmly at my sides, as I was determined not to scratch my scabbing marque. "May I ask the same?" The question had just a hint of a mischievous smile to it.
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