Joras Timbule (I)
Citizen
Caerdicci citizen
A distant past is closer than you think
Posts: 197
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Post by Joras Timbule (I) on Aug 11, 2007 7:49:35 GMT -5
I knocked on the door to the ambassador's house and stepped back, straightening my newly bought clothes. The door opened, and I was led to where Gillermo was waiting for me. I bowed to the ambassador, and greeted him in the traditional Caerdicci fashion as well. "Joras Timbule, my lord. I am honored to meet with you."
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Aug 11, 2007 12:23:26 GMT -5
I rose from my chair, slowly, very slowly.
I'd agreed to meet this new trader, but my concerns laid heavily on me, and I'd voted for asking To-Biko to stay in the room, for Timbule's safety more than for my own.
I was bathed, but unshaved, and dressed soberly. The knock on the door had sounded, To-Biko, my large Jebean right-hand man opened it silently, and the peer entered, introducing himself.
As he bowed, I nodded in greeting, smiling a professional smile. I may have been more joyful in other circumstances. This time, I was not, though he was not to bear the brunt of if.
I suppressed my urge to correct his etiquette, and held out my hand to shake. "Welcome to my study, Lord Timbule. Do, by all means have a seat," I offered, indicating two chairs set by the window, and an ottoman which would welcome, very soon, the light meal.
To-Biko faded in the background in his fashion, not wanting to make the newly arrived ill at ease.
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Joras Timbule (I)
Citizen
Caerdicci citizen
A distant past is closer than you think
Posts: 197
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Post by Joras Timbule (I) on Aug 12, 2007 20:26:32 GMT -5
I could see something was troubling the Ambassador, but I decided to let it be. It would not be meet to trouble him further. I took a seat, being careful to act the courteous guest. "You must know much about the city, being the ambassador. I would like to learn of it some more, if you have the time."
I figured that some small talk would put him in a better mood, and I wanted him to be pleased with me. He seemed like a good man through all his gloominess.
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Aug 13, 2007 1:44:04 GMT -5
I nodded, sitting myself on the seat across from him, and smiled, crossing one leg over the other in a relaxed fashion.
"I do know the city, but have been away a while - somethings may have changed, or not. If you make our query, I will do my best to inform you," I replied.
It was nice to speak my father's tongue, to one who rather visibly was fully Caerdicci. He had a demeanor that breathed of goodness, and I found myself relaxing a little . It seemed the little demon had no interest in showing itself, in his presence.
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Joras Timbule (I)
Citizen
Caerdicci citizen
A distant past is closer than you think
Posts: 197
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Post by Joras Timbule (I) on Aug 13, 2007 8:09:22 GMT -5
"Well, it seems to be a curse upon me." I laughed, "Everyone I meet hasn't been here for a while, and so can't inform me."
I took a deep breath, in and out. My native tongue- I hadn't realized I was using it. It had been a very long time...
"I am really interested on whatever you can tell me. I haven't had the time to get to know my new home, and so it would be nice to know what it holds."
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Aug 13, 2007 8:59:01 GMT -5
A curse. Oh, but Joras Timbule did have a way with words, didn't he? Likely, he did not know of my little demon, my own curse and horror. Better this way, I thought to myself.
"Well, I assume you are in need of introductions," I said thoughtfully. "The Sovereign Duchys are controlled by their Ducs and Duchesses, all great people of influence. If you are in need of a passage route, Caerdiccas Unitas sealed an agreement with the Sovereign Duchess of Eisande for the passage thought Marsilikos, and into Terre d'Ange. This agreement is still valid for a year, and so you are in your rights, as a Caerdicci merchant, to take advantage of it."
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Joras Timbule (I)
Citizen
Caerdicci citizen
A distant past is closer than you think
Posts: 197
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Post by Joras Timbule (I) on Aug 14, 2007 16:15:21 GMT -5
Well, the ambassador was already helping me out. "Thank you, that is actually extremely helpful"
"So, what after that one year?" I questioned.
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Aug 14, 2007 16:36:53 GMT -5
It was a good question. Emilio had delegated me here, and I made a mental note to update my agenda.
"After that, I will have a sitting meeting with Lessandrie de Mereliot, the Sovereign Duchesse of Eisande, and re-evaluate if both parties are still in agreement, or if caveats are to be added, or modified. Likely, the Doge will then send his instructions for the negociations."
That set me to thinking of that fateful dinner with Lessa, and to wonder... where was she, and how was she faring? I made a note to look her up, once all the madness in my life subsided. I couldn't help but ask myself... what if?
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Joras Timbule (I)
Citizen
Caerdicci citizen
A distant past is closer than you think
Posts: 197
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Post by Joras Timbule (I) on Aug 15, 2007 7:35:40 GMT -5
"Well I certainly hope that matter settles well, for all of our sakes." I noticed Gillermo was receding again. I didn't begrudge him his personal thoughts now, though. He had already helped me a tremendous deal.
I realized that an uneasy silence had fallen, but couldn't think of a way to break it.
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Aug 15, 2007 8:05:08 GMT -5
"I have faith," I replied with a grin that was a bit forced, but he wouldn't see that, not unless he was trained to detect such things. "The Lady of Marsilikos is reasonable and friendly, she well have heed," I explained, shoving away the thoughts of her, and her delicious lips.
"But enough about this, tell me, what of your trade?" I asked amicably. After all, for all the women I had in my life, I was running short on male friends.
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Joras Timbule (I)
Citizen
Caerdicci citizen
A distant past is closer than you think
Posts: 197
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Post by Joras Timbule (I) on Aug 15, 2007 9:44:54 GMT -5
Well, that was a long story, so I decided to shorten it a bit.
"Well, I came here as a traveler. I didn't prepare well, and I didn't have any money with me when I arrived. All I knew was that D'Angelines have an insatiable need for fabrics, so I risked all I had on it. I guess I was right." I smiled, a big ear to ear grin.
"And in case you were interested, I am also opening up in other ventures soon."
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Aug 15, 2007 11:05:27 GMT -5
"Fabrics," I replied with a smirk. "It's clear that will all the events in the City, it seems peers and adepts alike are constantly purchasing new Fete attire."
I sighed dramatically in mock despair, "After a while here, you will even find it to be an ongoing task,and be rather tired of it, I wager," and my tone became more reflective as I spoke what followed, "though it seems your trade will be handy to you all the more for it. And pray tell, what other ventures are you considering?"
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Joras Timbule (I)
Citizen
Caerdicci citizen
A distant past is closer than you think
Posts: 197
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Post by Joras Timbule (I) on Aug 15, 2007 14:48:02 GMT -5
I laughed at Gillermo's mockery. He could be funny if he wanted to.
"Well," I said in a humorous tone "if you must know, I'm not even sure myself."
"I was hoping to create a fashion line, but I'd have to hire tailors for that." I chuckled "I could model for the public, though"
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Aug 15, 2007 15:07:26 GMT -5
"A fashion line?" I repeated, thinking. "Have you met the Dowayne of Eglantine? She would likely be a valuable resource. It seems their clothier rooms are constantly booming with requests. Otherwise, the clothier district is very active as well..." I paused, an idea forming in my mind. "If you have talent for design and other endeavors, you may want to consider offering personalized tailoring to the peers and nobles of the city. God knows, they likely would appreciate not having to do all this shopping - at least those who actually do work, from time to time," I concluded with a smirk of amusement.
The idea was more and more enticing. If he was up to it, I would ask him to design my garments for the L'Envers wedding, and speak of him there. It was the least I could do.
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Joras Timbule (I)
Citizen
Caerdicci citizen
A distant past is closer than you think
Posts: 197
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Post by Joras Timbule (I) on Aug 16, 2007 19:43:05 GMT -5
"Well, I might have to go deaf then, too, so I can't hear their nagging!" I laughed at myself. Nobody here had so completely disarmed me as Gillermo. I simply found myself relaxed in his company.
"You have certainly been a great deal of help, Ambassador. I would feel disappointed if there was nothing I could give in return." I waited for him to respond, seeing the look on his face of a prospective buyer. That was one thing I never missed.
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Aug 17, 2007 3:51:38 GMT -5
I smiled, and grinned deeply. "Well, there is one thing.... I've been rather occupied, and uninterested in going out to shop, yet again." I sighed, "The Sovereign Duc of Namarre Elliott L'Envers is wedding an adept, and I am, yet again, in need of attire for such an occasion. I would be rather grateful if you took care of it, measurements, design, tailoring and all - and I will gladly speak of you at the event, make you be known."
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Joras Timbule (I)
Citizen
Caerdicci citizen
A distant past is closer than you think
Posts: 197
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Post by Joras Timbule (I) on Aug 17, 2007 6:42:15 GMT -5
I was gleaming now. Everything had fallen out perfectly, and I hadn't come in expecting anything!
"Certainly, I would be honored! I will start straight away, then!"
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Aug 17, 2007 9:03:17 GMT -5
His enthusiasm was rather amusing, and for the first time in days, my mirth was completely genuine.
"Lovely," I said as I took a sip of my tea. "My sister might like to take advantage of your services as well, would you have time for a second fitting?"
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Joras Timbule (I)
Citizen
Caerdicci citizen
A distant past is closer than you think
Posts: 197
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Post by Joras Timbule (I) on Aug 17, 2007 12:03:25 GMT -5
I was getting lightheaded. TWO contracts? I must have done something to please the gods, because this couldn't be coincidence.
"I would love to! Please, no more, I think I might faint!" I checked my pulse jestingly, putting a hand to my wrist.
I suddenly realized my tea was sitting untouched. I took a sip, noticing how good it was.
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Aug 17, 2007 12:48:23 GMT -5
I smiled, calmly taking another sip, and turned to To-Biko who had of course heard everything. He must have figured I had taken a liking to Joras, because instead of taking his usual pretense of being my retainer, he strode over with a wide grin, and said in Caerdicci, "Shall I get Cascata, Gil?"
I teased him back, "It would be helpful if you gave Giovanna the commission. Whether you get her or not, however, is entirely my sister's decision." As he left for the door, he grumbled something in Habiru that made me laugh, and I turned my attention to Joras.
"So tell me, will you be staying at the Cockeral long, still, or do you intend to find yourself a home?"
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Joras Timbule (I)
Citizen
Caerdicci citizen
A distant past is closer than you think
Posts: 197
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Post by Joras Timbule (I) on Aug 18, 2007 16:40:50 GMT -5
"I honestly hadn't been thinking about that, really. I may start looking soon after the wedding." I told him. "It really depends on how busy I am afterwards."
I had managed to calm myself in the time it took me to speak those words. I wondered what Gillermo's sister would be like- if she would be calm like him or excitable like myself. I always liked meeting new people, and today was no different.
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Aug 18, 2007 17:07:58 GMT -5
I nodded, understanding. "Although, if you don't mind me prying... you mentioned that you were looking for work. Is it not an expensive adobe, to that at the inn?"
Joras was visibly a jovial character - it was refreshing, to meet someone who seemed so full of life and innocent. I was so tired, so weary of my own confusions... his enthusiasm did me a great deal of good.
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Joras Timbule (I)
Citizen
Caerdicci citizen
A distant past is closer than you think
Posts: 197
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Post by Joras Timbule (I) on Aug 19, 2007 7:04:07 GMT -5
"Well, I used to live on the streets, but I managed to scrape up enough earnings to live under a roof. Maybe soon that roof will be my own." I was pretty sure that I could afford a house, but with everything happening so suddenly, I would be hard pressed to get one before the wedding.
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Aug 19, 2007 11:03:16 GMT -5
I couldn't help but lift an eyebrow at his comment. He used to live on the streets. Asherat does not bless us all in the same way, and Joras was a good reminder of that oft forgotten fact. I gave him a look of patient understanding, and of increased respect.
"I understand," I said calmly. "Well, if your reserves come short, do let me know, and I will see what can be arranged. It would be unseemly for the Doge's representative not to see to the best comfort of his fellow kinsmen."
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Cascata Stregazza
Aristocrat
Future Marquise d?Iz-Entre-Mer; House Stregazza
Posts: 507
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Post by Cascata Stregazza on Aug 19, 2007 11:50:35 GMT -5
I was roaming the kitchen to see what I could sneak when Giovanna entered and called for me. "Your brother needs you, he has someone to commission a dress for you, for the wedding of course."
I didn't know that a person was coming over. "Oh! Thank you Giovanna." I ran back to my room to put on something decent before finding my brother.
I knocked on the door lightly before looking in to make sure it was ok for me to enter now.
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Aug 19, 2007 11:53:41 GMT -5
A soft knock interrupted the conversation, and To-Biko opened the door, finding Cascata, as pretty and perky as ever.
"Oh, sister, come in," I told her in our father's tongue, to Joras' benefit.
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Cascata Stregazza
Aristocrat
Future Marquise d?Iz-Entre-Mer; House Stregazza
Posts: 507
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Post by Cascata Stregazza on Aug 19, 2007 15:00:41 GMT -5
I smiled when Gil spoke in Caerdicci. I took a look at the man who was with him and saw it was someone who shared our home country. I smiled at him and also spoke in the same language, "hello, my name is Cascata its a pleasure to meet you."
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Joras Timbule (I)
Citizen
Caerdicci citizen
A distant past is closer than you think
Posts: 197
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Post by Joras Timbule (I) on Aug 20, 2007 15:32:00 GMT -5
"As much pleasure and more, Cascata" I said, half bowing in my seat. "I am Joras, by the way. As you might surmise, I will be your clothier for the wedding." I gave her my disarming grin.
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Cascata Stregazza
Aristocrat
Future Marquise d?Iz-Entre-Mer; House Stregazza
Posts: 507
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Post by Cascata Stregazza on Aug 21, 2007 18:38:38 GMT -5
I smiled at Joras, he seemed relaxed in his posistion and I always felt more comfortable around such people.
"It is good to meet you Joras." I took a seat near where he was sitting. "Do you or my brother's have something in mind or will I have to be the creative one for this?"
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Joras Timbule (I)
Citizen
Caerdicci citizen
A distant past is closer than you think
Posts: 197
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Post by Joras Timbule (I) on Aug 27, 2007 7:14:52 GMT -5
I was thinking already.
"A beige would be lovely on you. Yes, a long beige dress, with some accents to liven it up. Hmm..." I began looking about for colors that I could use with beige. I soon found a vibrant purple and a less harsh yellow. "What do you think of that shade of purple, and that shade of yellow? The purple will be accented in the dress, as curls right here" I gestured towards my chest, between my breasts, but not much further. "I will embroider them myself. As for that yellow there, It will be ribbons for your hair, as well as a border embroidery. The dress will be cut with a lily keyhole here, and will come up to here" I gestured to myself again. "the sleeves are cut slanted, with the backs of your hands covered, and the skirt will be higher in the front."
I let that sink in while I thought some more. "As for you, Gil, I believe the color of my tunic will suit you. Yes, Olive green, it would be good for a jacket, and an underjacket. A simple white shirt will do, with black pants to contrast. And to top it all off, a golden tie to ravish all of your garb, and to render it all a bundle of mismatched coloring. Though... It shouldn't be bad looking. It'll draw eyes for sure."
I laughed at this. It didn't look BAD, just out of the ordinary. I supped some tea while I waited for a response.
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