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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jan 14, 2008 2:33:54 GMT -5
It was a good doublet. The material was rich, stiff, handsome. Gold brocard. It qualified as flamboyant, and it suited me. My hair was attached in a low ponytail, low enough to hide the place where my hair had been cut for the ritual. I had no hat, but my faithful sword hung at my side, as always. I’d leave it at the entrance, if they required it. The breeches pleased me as well. They were a light tan, enough to offset the doublet. The shirt under was just a little frilly, a creamy white. I felt gloriously in shape, and I was looking forward, very much so, to the Fete, for a myriad reasons. The clothes were thrown on, and I made for my exit. The House, this night, would be very well represented at Court, and that pleased me greatly. Indeed, we formed a famous trio, the young and flamboyant Duca and his delicate, beautiful little sister with their D'Angeline fosterling. It was perfect, just perfect. And... it was Riva's debut. Her introduction to D'Angeline society as my fosterling. The rumor would be that I'd bought her marque out of gratitude for services rendered. Let them believe what they would. The more inoffensive she appeared, the better. What excited me the most, though, amidst all these new developments, was that I had, perhaps a chance to spend some time with Mirielle. That... simply elated me.
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Post by Riva Carle (R) on Jan 19, 2008 1:28:47 GMT -5
The dress Gill had bought be was so beautiful and I felt spoiled. With help, my hair had been arranged in an artful pile atop my head with strands trailing down in planned randomness. I was nervous, but that was to be expected I guess.
Knowing I would only do harm to the effect if I kept fretting, I exited my room and headed downstairs.
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jan 19, 2008 1:49:43 GMT -5
I waited for Riva in the lobby eagerly, for a good variety of reasons. One of them was that I couldn't wait to see her in the dress, for I'd spent quite a bit of time seeking it out. The other, was that it was her debut, as well as her beginning of her functions, though I hoped she would have fun as well at the Fete.
As she entered, I let out a happy gasp, followed immediately by a smile. "By all the gods, Riva, you look splendid," I told her, "Positively splendid."
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Post by Riva Carle (R) on Jan 19, 2008 11:04:51 GMT -5
I flushed with pleasure at his compliments.
"Thank you," I said, smiling. Between resting and being the recipient of a large amount of pampering by Gillermo's staff, I was feeling myself again. "And you look very handsome, my lord."
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jan 19, 2008 11:07:39 GMT -5
I gave a flourishy, swooping bow in amusement, and replied, "Thank you, M'Lady."
With that, I moved over to the table of cordial, and said, "Let's have a drink before we go. There are a few things we should discuss before the fete." As I spoke, I poured myself a glass of brandy, and turning my head towards her, I asked, "What will you have?"
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Post by Riva Carle (R) on Jan 19, 2008 17:44:12 GMT -5
"Nothing with liquor," I said as I followed him. "It doesn't sit well with me. Just water is fine."
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jan 19, 2008 17:47:04 GMT -5
"As you wish," I replied as I poured her a glass of fresh water. I handed it to her, and picked up my own glass. I sat in the comfortable armchair, and beckoned she sit as well. "So... are you feeling ready for the Fete? A new debut, in a way, is it not?"
I gave her a grin of pride. I was looking forward to the outcome of this new approach to gleaning information.
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Post by Riva Carle (R) on Jan 20, 2008 1:34:41 GMT -5
I settled carefully into a chair near him, then took a sip of water. It tasted wonderful and I took another sip before answering.
"I am," I said, nodding. "Your staff has been just wonderful and has taken amazing care of me."
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jan 20, 2008 2:45:35 GMT -5
"As they should," I replied with a grin. I took a sip of my drink, and pondered a minute. "I hope you have fun tonight, but I also hope tonight will shed some light on the situation," I told her. "I've been trying to get the lay of the land since I arrived here, and it's been increasingly difficult. I'm hoping you'll be able to find out some additional details. It's only a matter of listening, really." With her skill, I was willing to bet she had a leg up anyone, any day.
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Post by Riva Carle (R) on Jan 20, 2008 20:55:30 GMT -5
"Of course, my lord," I said, leaning forward a little with interest. This, it seemed, was going to be my assignment for Gillermo. "Anything special you would like me to listen for?"
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jan 20, 2008 21:23:14 GMT -5
I made a whirling gesture with my free hand. "Anything and everything," I replied. "Alliances, mostly. I know the Illyrian ambassador is in town, and he hovers around the Sovereign Duchess of Eisande. I want to make sure his intentions are honorable," I said with a smile. "I would pay attention to the foreigners, but to the High Nobles as well. For example, the Sovereign of Kusheth may be marrying into House L'Envers... let's try and verify that. All in all, I want to know what is happening in Terre d'Ange, and what concerns we should look out for."
I took a sip of my drink, and added, "Anything that may be of interest, commit to memory, even if it seems mundane. Sometimes, the smallest things give sense to a larger enigma."
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Post by Riva Carle (R) on Jan 20, 2008 21:36:19 GMT -5
I nodded, making notes in my head of all the things he said.
"Yes, my lord," I replied. "Is there anyone I should avoid?"
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jan 20, 2008 22:10:40 GMT -5
I thought a moment, and drummed my fingers on the table. "Yes. Lessandrie de Mereliot. I don't want her to know I'm keeping an eye out for her, and she's bound to meet you later, as one of my household."
A thought crossed my mind, and I asked, "Tell me, how much are your abilities known, Riva?"
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Post by Riva Carle (R) on Jan 20, 2008 22:32:50 GMT -5
"I'm not quite certain," I answered, twirling my glass slightly. "The Queen knows, of that I am certain. I have had very few assignations and the patrons who have contracted me have sought answers to personal matters."
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jan 20, 2008 22:35:42 GMT -5
I nodded. I didn't mind her Majesty knowing. She and I were on the same team, as far as I was concerned, even if I served La Serenissima before Terre d'Ange. "Then you know who to avoid," I replied quietly. "Your strength is in appearance, or lack thereof. Be unseen and unheard, as much as you can. Where you cannot avoid showing yourself, be your innocent, charming self, rather than the cunning, smart adept that I know." I knew enough of her - she had two sides, and it was only a matter of displaying the appropriate one.
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Post by Riva Carle (R) on Jan 21, 2008 12:08:55 GMT -5
"Yes, my lord," I said, drawing a deep breath. "I understand. I shall do my best."
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jan 21, 2008 12:42:59 GMT -5
It was the second time that she called me My Lord, and I gave her a look of concern. “Am I scary?” I asked with a gentle smile. “I hope not, good gods.”
She looked tense as a bow, and I extended my hand to squeeze her knee, “You’ll be fine,” I told her. “I wouldn’t ask this of you, if I didn’t have ultimate faith that you could do it.
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Post by Riva Carle (R) on Jan 21, 2008 16:47:56 GMT -5
"No, you're not scary," I said, shaking my head, though carefully so as not to ruin my hair. "I guess it's just habit. Such things are drilled into us in the Night Court. What should I call you?"
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jan 21, 2008 17:09:49 GMT -5
“Gil,” I replied. “You see, for one, I like you. For two, I’m not big on formality in the house, amongst family members, which includes you. For three… as far as the world is concerned, you are my assistant, and learning about trade… which you will as well, but… your other assignments are ours to know.”
I gave her a look of complete seriousness. “I cannot stress the latter enough. Discretion is a matter of security, in this business.”
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Post by Riva Carle (R) on Jan 22, 2008 2:38:02 GMT -5
I stiffened a little. "Oh course, my lo… Gil," I said. "I have never betrayed anyone's secrets." I dropped my gaze. "Do you not trust me?"
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jan 22, 2008 2:46:02 GMT -5
“With my life,” I replied, grinning. “I would have thought it was evidence by now. No, I meant that you should simply be careful, Riva, and nothing more.”
I patted her arm a little, and added, “A competent and trusted right hand is rare, and should be treasured…. As should a friend.” Gods, I was fully aware that this arena wasn’t one of puppies – history had taught this to the Immortali a long time ago, and as much as I had faith in her, I was aware that it would not be without risk. I liked her. Hence the protection - I wouldn't be reckless when it came to her safety.
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Post by Riva Carle (R) on Jan 22, 2008 2:51:50 GMT -5
"I will be, I promise." He was right in that this was like a new debut for me, in fact it was like my only debut. My introduction to the life of an adept had been a private, sacred thing between Aleron and I, this was something completely different. I knew I could do this, could be what Gillermo wanted me to be, but it would be a process and this was the first step.
I smiled at him and squeezed his hand. "Should I wait until we return home before telling you what I've found?"
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jan 22, 2008 2:58:46 GMT -5
"Absolutely," I replied with an approving nod. "Unless it is critical and urgent, and then again, a subterfuge would be best," I explained. "At the Fete, be charming, let them meet you, entice, if you will, those whom you deem have something to hide. Importantly, have fun," I added. "This will not come again, and there should be pleasure in this as well."
I twirled my drink in my hand, and thought a moment. Was there anything else? I didn't think so. "Is there anything more on your mind, Riva?" I asked patiently. Otherwise, it would be time for us to get going.
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Post by Riva Carle (R) on Jan 22, 2008 11:55:41 GMT -5
"No," I said, smiling more confidently. "I'm ready when you are."
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jan 22, 2008 22:15:37 GMT -5
“Then let us no longer make the fete await,” I replied as I set my glass on the table. A thought occurred to me that the matter of her marque had yet to be discussed. No matter – it had to wait after the Fete, one way or the other. Gallantly, I offered her my arm, and off we were, to the Palace and its many fascinating intrigues.
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