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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on May 22, 2007 23:24:49 GMT -5
I swallowed a pieace of chicken and smiled. "Alrighty then. I guess you'll have to borrow Brian's sword seeing as you dont' have one with you. We'll go to the training field for that, and we can go as soon as I'm done working on this," I said, referring to the chicken leg. "Tell me, you seem to be very fit for court. I think I could use your help in that department, if you'll lend me your hand."
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Post by Adrienne Ambre de Rocaille (D) on May 23, 2007 1:30:48 GMT -5
I raised an eyebrow speculatively, "Is that a question? I can try my best, although I dare say we're relatively well matched I would think in that department. What is it that you need help with?"
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on May 23, 2007 1:34:19 GMT -5
I sighed. "Everything. It's come to my attention recently that I have no education whatsoever in that respect." Fidgetting with my cutlery and looking down, I admitted, "I couldn't pick out a member of House Courcel if I met one."
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Post by Adrienne Ambre de Rocaille (D) on May 23, 2007 20:47:05 GMT -5
I pursed my lips and tapped the table in front of me. "I haven't been to the city since I was 8, and I've never met royalty before, but I do believe I know something about blood lines and how to act. So in that respect I think I have something to offer, but most of my learning is about the past, and not the present, so I might be off a few years. I'll try though. Can you think of any specific questions or examples?"
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on May 23, 2007 23:48:22 GMT -5
I toyed with my food, but looked at Ambre this time. "Well, for example, how do I distinguish the different houses? How can I guess station? I was horrible last time out of ignorance. I don't want to repeat that."
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Post by Adrienne Ambre de Rocaille (D) on May 24, 2007 0:30:35 GMT -5
"The bloodlines run strongs in Terre D'Agne, and their features generally remain solid. The royal line House Courcel and L'Envers share strong blood ties, so their features are similar. They are usually very fair, with white blond hair, and violet eyes, although the current Dauphine isn't she's dark haired, but she still has violer eyes and the long necks of the Courcel line. Shahrizai is easy, their features are as dark as their blood lust is, alabaster skin, dark blue black hair and sapphire eyes. Trevalion has fair skin, raven hair, and a sea grey color in the eyes. Somerville has pale blue eyes, broad L'Agnacite features in the face, and I'm told they smell faintly of apples. D'Aiglemort typically have blonde hair so pale it's almost silver, and dark eyes. I could go on, but there's almost no point, I think the blood lines have been mixing of late."
I paused to take a sip of ale, my mouth had gotten parched from speaking, Placing the glass back down I began again, "As for stations, now i would just curtsy and beg their name of them. When they tell you you'll know. Better to be safe than sorry, curtsy low."
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on May 24, 2007 5:19:51 GMT -5
I’d listened to Ambre with much attention, recording in my mind every word she said, hoping to remember everyone of them, and to compare her words to my mental image of Phreya. A mix of Shahrizai and Courcel, then? “And what should I expect of these different households?” I asked, my attention riveted.
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Post by Adrienne Ambre de Rocaille (D) on May 24, 2007 19:57:44 GMT -5
I glanced over at her. "That's a tricky question to answer Julie. Just because someone's family did something, doesn't mean they will do the same. I think you'll get the closet with predictably in the Shahrizai lineage though. They're known for breeding within their family line, and often cousins marry and have children. So I think their blood is probably less deluded. They're very frisky lovers I'm told, the kind who find pleasure in delivering pain. And they hold fast to family, they protect their own." I shook my head slightly, I didn't particularly want to be one of their lovers.
"It's a dangerous line judging someone on family, but I can tell you more about it later. I'd have to read up on it to be honest. What about Deveroix, what is your blood line known for?"
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on May 25, 2007 1:25:51 GMT -5
I had finished my chicken leg as Ambre talked, and I had shuddered a little at the description of the Shahrizai, the subtle sense of threat immediately turning to curiosity. I wasn’t sure I would like their style of love-making. But I was so new at this, I wasn’t sure of anything. I made a note to perhaps explore this later.
“The Shahrizai sound like a bunch of troublemakers from your description,” I observed. “Maybe there is something there in our quest for adventure. But to answer your question,” I said as I wiped my mouth, “it would be fair, I think, to associate the Deveroix name with loyalty and passion.”
Winking, I added, “We are from Namarre, after all.”
I thought of my own distractions and of Kendrick’s temper – both were superseded by our affection and would be smothered if either of us fell in love, and both of us knew it. We did butt heads quite a bit, and I realized this was also a trait, both of us the epitome of it. “Stubbornness, also, I think.”
Concluding, I shrugged. “We have a tradition of tragic love stories in the family. I’m blessed with a short attention span, so it doesn’t affect me too much, Elua be thanked !”
Cocking my head to the side, I asked, "How about the Rocaille?" Smiling brightly, I added earnestly, "I won't judge you on it, anyway, no matter what you say." Winking, I added, "I like you."
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Post by Adrienne Ambre de Rocaille (D) on May 25, 2007 18:32:40 GMT -5
"Rocaille... I'm not sure there is much to tell about us. Shemhazai taught us knowledge, we follow his ways. All knowledge is worth having. My grandfather used to tell my mother that, I think it's true. We learn, and Rocaille has become cautious after Edmee's death. My grandfather was a seaman I'm told. So there must be adventure somewhere in my blood, but it isn't from the Rocaille side. I guess that makes me wistful and restless. It certainly explains some things." I paused, "Someties I feel apart from my family even though I've always been with them, maybe it's because I'm a girl." I shrugged and laughed at my own foolish thought.
"This is interesting conversation, on my second day here, I didn't think my studies would be so useful."
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on May 26, 2007 1:17:12 GMT -5
"Sounds like it, for sure, Ambre," and I smiled genuinely, for I was happy to have met her. "Are you ready for some swashbuckling?"
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Post by Adrienne Ambre de Rocaille (D) on May 26, 2007 14:00:12 GMT -5
Brian laughed, he'd seen me fight on Rocaille when I was younger, I'd even fought him before, and I wasn't very good. Smiling good naturedly I nodded, "I made my bed... I guess it's time to lay in it, although I have to warn you, I was never very good."
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on May 26, 2007 14:23:59 GMT -5
"That's fine, Ambre. We'll start easy. Besides, I'm not sure how good a teacher that one," I pointed to Brian with my chin, "would be if he is busy laughing at you."
I gestured to the innkeep, and he confirmed the price of the meal. Without a word, I paid for it.
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Post by Adrienne Ambre de Rocaille (D) on May 26, 2007 14:35:34 GMT -5
Brian looked slightly abashed, not enough to shut him up though, and he was still grinning, "Oh any teachings that one has had, hasn't been from my accord. She used to hide out by the training field and watch, and then Justine caught her practicing one day with a stick. So I'd blame him if her foot work isn't good. Although he is a dire sword master. Used to have her running about in the rain, he made these little courses for her, jumping over fence posts and the like." I gave him a wry look, but I was smiling, it was all true. Justine had tried to teach me, and his lessons had been pretty wicked, but I had done them, while the other boys had watched on, and practiced with me. I had looked pretty silly.
"My mother was furious, when I kept coming home mud soaked. I told her I kept tripping over my skirts, so she let me wear pants for a while more." I chuckled at the thought. she had never been truly made, just exasperated, and I honestly think she knew what I was up to, but she let me continue it without much words.
When I saw Julie pay for the check, I objected. "Why would you do that for Julie? I mean I thank you for it, but I'm hardly a pauper in need of charity." I sighed trying to swallow my pride, she had done what I had planned on doing, so I couldn't really complain if she had beaten me too it, and it was bad manners to object to someone's good nature and hospitality. "I'm sorry, thank you. I'll be sure to pay for the next one then."
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on May 26, 2007 15:06:36 GMT -5
I shrugged. "Don't worry about it. I felt like it. I'm doing it because I like you, not because i think you are a pepper," I giggled as I corrected myself, "a pauper."
"Well, let's see how well Justine has done, then," I added as I stood up. "It sounds like he's given you some punishment as it is. It will be interesting to see how well it worked. And you," I said to Brian, "will do well to avoid laughing. Confidence is key in this practice, you know that. Besides, I have a hunch that your mistress is better than she claims, or at least that she has hidden potential."
In truth, I had no idea and I needed to see her on the field first. But I had hopes. After all, I had taught myself a lot of what I knew, and Jonas had merely been there to confirm and infirm. If I could do it, anyone could, I thought.
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Post by Adrienne Ambre de Rocaille (D) on May 26, 2007 15:21:57 GMT -5
Brian stood up and nodded grimly, before grinning again and I followed Julie out the door. "I'll try my best," I said as I untied my mount and swung my leg up onto him effortlessly. If I couldn't fight, I could ride. In truth I didn't have much hope of being that good, my mother had spent much time training me otherwise.
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on May 26, 2007 15:34:24 GMT -5
Settled onto Freya, I took her to a trot aside Ambre's, and as we made our way, I asked, "I hope you don't mind my scolding Brian, Ambre. I just want you to be as confident as you can be for the exercise." Changing my tone to that of light banter, I asked, "Would you care for another race? I'm sure Brian will be very excited to entertain Nicole again," I said, turning back to giver him a smirk of tease.
In truth, I liked his frank and friendly ways. For a retainer, he wasn't the worst. I just enjoyed teasing him a little, as I liked teasing pretty much everyone.
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Post by Adrienne Ambre de Rocaille (D) on May 26, 2007 15:42:57 GMT -5
I laughed. "Brian loves pretty maidens such as nicole!" I pressed the sides of my faithful brother's steed, and took of in the direction we had come. I wasn't sure exactly I knew where we were going, but I knew I probably wouldn't be in the lead for long.
The winds was good on my face and my belly was full. So far, the city hadn't been so bad to me. The coronation might be another story.
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on May 26, 2007 15:57:53 GMT -5
I pressed Freya immediately after Ambre had taken off, and she raced well. On my steed, I laughed, happy and excited to have made a friend, and suddenly realized I owed it all to Jonas. My life may yet be coming together, I realized.
Eventually, Freya caught up to Ambre's mount, and I sided her, only heading enough to make sure we didn't miss the training circle. There was a little fence, and I pushed Freya a little so she could jump over, something she did effortlessly. I had been dying to do that for a while, I owned.
Arrived at the training ground, she stopped, and I jumped off, going to the dummy immediately, intent on patching it if I could.
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Post by Adrienne Ambre de Rocaille (D) on May 26, 2007 16:04:42 GMT -5
Julie was a good rider, but so was I, although firestride wasn't as fast as her mount, he kept up well and it was eady enough for us to jump the fence. I was a few seconds behind Julie and as I reined in Firestride I slide down from him, patting him and letting him to graze.
"Need any help with that"
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on May 26, 2007 16:18:28 GMT -5
"I was thinking we might need it later, but I'm doubtful." I looked at the dummy, finding that I had indeed damaged it very much, and wondering if it could be hooked up again. "Any thoughts?"
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Post by Adrienne Ambre de Rocaille (D) on May 26, 2007 16:35:04 GMT -5
"Well maybe we should just go over forms? And how to positon yourself, before I attack the dummy?" I suggested
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on May 26, 2007 16:45:22 GMT -5
I shrugged. "Maybe I am ahead of myself. That's fine. Well, let's do it then. Take the sword, and brace. Then, I'll see what we need to do."
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Post by Adrienne Ambre de Rocaille (D) on May 26, 2007 17:12:37 GMT -5
I looked around before spotting the sword and picking it up, it was wooden, and the hilt was well worn with sweat and use. It wasn't so heavy, but I'm sure it would be after some time, and I worried that real sword would be worse.
I was suddenly glad I had pinned my hair up for riding today, it would be much harder to fight what I couldn't see through my hair.
"Alright then, what shall you teach me first?" I handed her the other practice sword and prepared myself to follow her lead.
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on May 26, 2007 17:26:26 GMT -5
I set myself across from her, at a reasonable distance, and took the sword.
"Ambre, can you take this starting position?"
I observed a basic stance, letting my weight rest on my left foot behind me, my knees flexes as I held the sword ahead of me in my right hand, my left hand at the back of me in a balancing pose.
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Post by Adrienne Ambre de Rocaille (D) on May 26, 2007 17:46:43 GMT -5
Watching Julie, I tried to mimic her pose, raising my sword in her right hand. It was somewhat familiar, my body was used to my weight being in my thighs thanks to all those damn curtsies, but my arms were not used to being held aloft, and I suddenly thought that being sore, wasn't on the top of my list. I was hoping that that wouldn't be the case. Thankfully the rest of my body was use to riding, so I wasn't entirely without muscle or out of shape.
Holding the sword out, I slid my weight on my back leg like I saw Julie had done. "Does this look right?"
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on May 26, 2007 17:53:26 GMT -5
"You're doing well, but hold the weapon more firmly. Your life may depend on it, so grasp it as such. Also, you want to give your opponent as little target room as possible, so only show me this," I said as I half-broke the stance and gestured to my side. "It has more natural proctecion than your front, so that's what you want to expose."
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Post by Adrienne Ambre de Rocaille (D) on May 26, 2007 18:01:16 GMT -5
I turned more so I was more to side, showing little of either my front or back and I tightened my grip on the sword. My knuckles began to turn slightly white with the effort of it and I watched Julie for more instruction.
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on May 26, 2007 18:09:31 GMT -5
"Lovely," I replied with a satisfied smile. "You are doing very well. Now, walk towards me, intending to strike. Your back leg first, then your sword leg. Keep your knees flexed for better reaction, and your arm extended."
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Post by Adrienne Ambre de Rocaille (D) on May 27, 2007 3:27:38 GMT -5
I walked towards her, moving my back leg towards my front before moving my front. The sword in my hand as I got closer to her I gave my sword a little thrust towards her, I did it cautiously making sure I wouldn't actualy hit Julie, but with enough force that my sword would still stay in my hand, and that if I were attacking I thought it might actually do slight damage if intended.
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