|
Post by Gadleon Shahrizai on Jul 11, 2007 20:16:37 GMT -5
"Quite true" I agreed as I finished up the cookie. "I would gleefully entertain suggestions of where else I might seek employ that does not involve the military. I after all just left that service."
|
|
|
Post by Sirena Shahrizai on Jul 11, 2007 20:20:35 GMT -5
"You could try Gabriel's ways," I teased, knowing that Gadleon had neither the subtlety nor the good nature to do such a thing. "Or return to your family's estates and wait to become useful. Marrying well or somesuch."
|
|
|
Post by Anacrasia Shahrizai on Jul 11, 2007 20:27:31 GMT -5
"If you wished to stay in the City, I would suggest looking for work among the Palace Guard. Your rank would ensure a decent posting. If, of course, you and the Duchess don't get along." It was getting to the point where I was going to have to physically separate them. Gods, it was like dealing with children. And it's like this with the entire family Ana dearest, a voice whispered in my head, sounding suspiciously like my father.
|
|
|
Post by Gadleon Shahrizai on Jul 11, 2007 20:35:09 GMT -5
I gave Sirena an achingly sweet smile. "Yes, I suppose that works for some but I have never been one to eternally nurse at the family's breast. But yes it does serve others." Then I turned my attentions to the far more elegant Anacrasia as I picked up my tea and finished the cup. "To be honest Your Grace the palace guard was a goal of sorts of mine when I came to the City. Problem is I suspect I need a better referral than the Unforgiven. Not to mention I am not even sure how to approach seeking such a posting." Barbs with my cousin aside I was not too proud to admit it when I just did not know.
|
|
|
Post by Sirena Shahrizai on Jul 11, 2007 20:42:46 GMT -5
Smiling sweetly in return, eyes burning, I turned my attention to my cup and drank politely. I knew when to withdraw, especially as Ana was looking drawn and Gad simply didn't seem to see. I could feel the bruise building where he'd elbowed me and I remembered it with every breath. Maybe a small revenge, in a different place and with some time passed..
|
|
|
Post by Anacrasia Shahrizai on Jul 11, 2007 20:52:03 GMT -5
"You should petition Sabrina, if you wished a post." I replied easily after sipping my tea. I had noted the look in Sirena's eyes, and knew that this wasn't over. But at least she was polite enough to save it for later. I had a feeling Gadleon truly had been at the border for far too long. "But that can wait, should you wish to try your luck elsewhere."
|
|
|
Post by Gadleon Shahrizai on Jul 11, 2007 21:04:42 GMT -5
I stroked my chin in thought my gaze going a bit distant and my cousin forgotten. "I honestly do not know, but I greatly thank you for the advice." My gaze then became focused once more. "As well as the hospitality for the evening."
|
|
|
Post by Anacrasia Shahrizai on Jul 11, 2007 23:57:35 GMT -5
"Oh, it was nothing." I replied, a hint of a smile on my face. "Are you set for lodgings and such?"
|
|
|
Post by Gadleon Shahrizai on Jul 12, 2007 8:20:42 GMT -5
"Yes" I nodded "I have a townhouse I arranged for before arriving in the city. I even have managed to take in some of the joys of once more being in civilization." I then offered up the address of my home. "So if either of you ladies happen to be in need of me simply leave word there and I shall be at your command as soon as possible."
|
|
|
Post by Anacrasia Shahrizai on Jul 12, 2007 15:53:21 GMT -5
I wondered if he meant the Night Court when he spoke of the joys of civilization, or merely a hot bath. “Thank you for the lovely offer.” I replied with a small smile, subtly keeping an eye on Sirena, wondering if this would produce another pissing contest. “I’ll be sure to keep it in mind, should I require your services.”
|
|
|
Post by Gadleon Shahrizai on Jul 12, 2007 16:19:24 GMT -5
I inclined my head graciously to Anacrasia as I stood then looked to Sirena just as graciously. I had no further urge to wave phallus I already showed mine was bigger.
|
|
|
Post by Sirena Shahrizai on Jul 13, 2007 16:45:55 GMT -5
Serenely I took a sip of my tea- I was confident in my place and could let him throw himself against it all day. "And if that pans out, what are your other options?" I asked innocently. The summer season was a strong one for mercenaries, but that rarely guaranteed staying within the City.
|
|
|
Post by Gadleon Shahrizai on Jul 13, 2007 18:48:35 GMT -5
"I got two strong ones now. If those fail then I will move on to the next one. Part of the nice thing about having skills as opposed to not." With a tilt of my head I offered another smile. "Good evening cousins."
|
|
|
Post by Anacrasia Shahrizai on Jul 13, 2007 22:15:57 GMT -5
I nodded. "Good evening, and good luck Gadleon." I didn't bother to rise. He wanted to make a point.
|
|
|
Post by Sirena Shahrizai on Jul 13, 2007 22:20:28 GMT -5
"Good evening," I added in my own sweet voice, smiling widely. "It's been good to see you." Ana didn't rise and I wasn't going to- if nothing else, my rib still smarted.
|
|
|
Post by Gadleon Shahrizai on Jul 13, 2007 22:36:59 GMT -5
And smiling to myself I made my way out and to the waiting buckskin. He of course as ever tried to rend a large hunk of flesh from my arm. I cupped him before he could and then mounted. At least with him it was more open than dealing with family. And off I rode into the night.
|
|
|
Post by Anacrasia Shahrizai on Jul 13, 2007 22:58:12 GMT -5
"That was interesting." I said dryly after taking a sip of tea.
|
|
|
Post by Sirena Shahrizai on Jul 14, 2007 10:22:33 GMT -5
Laughing lightly I nodded in agreement. "He's been away for too long," I replied after I swallowed my own tea. "His swagger showed it a bit, as did his lack of subtlety, or so I'd think."
|
|
|
Post by Anacrasia Shahrizai on Jul 14, 2007 21:21:42 GMT -5
"He was about as subtle as that thing he had strapped to his waist." I wrinkled my nose just slightly, letting her know how I felt about anyone carrying arms in my presence.
|
|
|
Post by Sirena Shahrizai on Jul 14, 2007 21:25:55 GMT -5
Nodding in agreement I pushed my teacup, empty but for the dregs, slightly away as was polite. "He'll learn," I replied hopefully. "They usually do, it just takes time after they're away." Like my Tal.
|
|
|
Post by Anacrasia Shahrizai on Jul 14, 2007 21:31:12 GMT -5
I laughed. "Was that a note of hope I detected in your voice, dearest Rena?" I teased her. "Are you thinking of training our long-lost cousin?"
|
|
|
Post by Sirena Shahrizai on Jul 15, 2007 1:44:09 GMT -5
For a moment I thought teasingly, then shook my head. "His voice wasn't pretty enough from what I heard," I replied in mock-sorrow. "And he'd take rather more taming than I think I have patience for. He can fight, though- perhaps he could teach me somewhat of it. I find swordwork so pretty."
|
|
|
Post by Anacrasia Shahrizai on Jul 16, 2007 21:48:35 GMT -5
My quirked eyebrow suggested the rather obvious joke that followed a comment such as that, but I moved on. "And how have you been these last months?" I watched her closely, desiring honesty.
|
|
|
Post by Sirena Shahrizai on Jul 16, 2007 22:32:43 GMT -5
"I've been well, thank you," I replied sincerely, wondering why she would think I was lying. True, I hadn't seen Tal in some time, but I was sure he'd be back tomorrow. It wasn't as if he'd been gone months. Surely he wouldn't leave me alone that long. "How have you been?"
|
|
|
Post by Anacrasia Shahrizai on Jul 16, 2007 23:36:06 GMT -5
She honestly believed the words she spoke. Made me wonder...
"I'm fine. Though the family is keeping me as busy as ever." I smiled slightly. I knew exactly what she would start thinking with my next question, though it wasn't true. "You knew Gabriel is staying here?"
|
|
|
Post by Sirena Shahrizai on Jul 17, 2007 15:36:26 GMT -5
Smiling widely, I nodded, only the slightest hint of slyness coming to me. "Yes, I saw him at the Coronation," I told her. "It's good to have him back. I told him I'd arrange a family party at Valerian in celebration of his return."
|
|
|
Post by Anacrasia Shahrizai on Jul 17, 2007 21:20:55 GMT -5
"Oh good." I smiled at the thought. "A very good excuse for a fete."
|
|
|
Post by Sirena Shahrizai on Jul 17, 2007 21:26:47 GMT -5
Smiling, glad to see I'd earned her approval, I asked interestedly, "Will you be attending, Ana? I don't know when it will be, but I will try to work with whatever schedule you wish."
|
|
|
Post by Anacrasia Shahrizai on Jul 17, 2007 21:38:53 GMT -5
I thought for a moment, inwardly going over my schedule. "Perhaps shortly after the L'Envers wedding? That way the family has an excuse to be in the City for our little soiree."
|
|
|
Post by Sirena Shahrizai on Jul 17, 2007 22:29:11 GMT -5
"I'll see what I can do," I agreed with a smile. "But the House may have something else going on and I don't want to have to choose out of the dregs for adepts either."
|
|