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Post by Sébastien de Loréan on Jul 9, 2007 10:11:06 GMT -5
It had been a few days since the Coronation, and I had found in the stack of letters that had piled on my desk while I was in Aragonia, a missive from someone unexpected.
Andre de Saint-Martin. Now, that was someone long forgotten. And he has sent word, telling me that a friend of his made way to town, and as he was absent for a long while, requested that I treat him as a long-lost brother.
So I would. Saint-Martin and I went way back, back to the sands of Kebbel-in-Akkad, to the bivouacs around the fire, the bad wine turned to vinegar, the roaring Akkadian troops.
His words had been clear. He had met Gadleon Shahrizai on the borders of Skaldia, and he had been impressed. His commendation was all I needed, and ready to do my best, I presented myself at his address.
Besides, Kushelines, even partial, should help one another.
The servant opened the door, and I gave my name : "Lord Sebastien de Lorean, Captain of the Lorean Company, wishes to meet Lord Galdeon Shahrizai."
Saint-Martin's letter was in my pocket - just in case.
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Post by Gadleon Shahrizai on Jul 9, 2007 14:27:59 GMT -5
After cleansing the travel grime from my body and lying down in a -real- bed for a short nap I arose and tended to my practice in the small garden at the rear of the property. I was nearly done with my practice when I was notified of a guest at the front door. Sébastien de Lorean now that was one Andre had mentioned. It brought a smile to my face after all I was but a babe in the woods in my new surroundings. Tucking my blade under my arm I went to greet my visitor. Extending my sword pommel callused hand as I approached.
“Ah, you must be Monsieur Lorean. I have heard many good things about you and shall try not to hold them against you.” I greeted my guest with the sort of feral smile that comes natural to me.
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Post by Sébastien de Loréan on Jul 9, 2007 14:36:09 GMT -5
His hand was extended in greeting, and I gripped it firmly, noting that no matter how young, this one had sparred his share in training or combat. My grin was amused, as I a visibly predatory expression on his lips - all natural Kusheline, and in turn, it turned a little wolvish.
"Likewise, My Lord Shahrizai. Although if you don't mind, let us drop the Lords and Monsieurs - de Lorean will do," I told him with returning warmth.
Noting the blade under his arm, I asked, "Am I interrupting your training?"
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Post by Gadleon Shahrizai on Jul 9, 2007 14:56:05 GMT -5
“Gad will be fine with me.” I retrieved my hand and then set it to the well worn pommel of my blade. “And no interruption I got in, I bathed, I slept, and now I was loosening up. In fact I just finished.” I shrugged and touched the still obviously fresh scar on my left cheek. “Have been working on getting my strength back after healing from my mishap I managed to not duck a Skladie blade quite quickly enough. Not a bad wound but infection is a terrible mistress.”
Turning I slid the sword into the scabbard that still hung from the wall peg before turning back to my guest. “It is a pleasure to meet you de Lorean I feel a bit like a lost lamb in the woods since my arrival and I am quite confident that certainly does not suit me in the least.”
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Post by Sébastien de Loréan on Jul 9, 2007 15:06:07 GMT -5
"If we are going by name, Sebastien, please," I told him. "House names were the custom in Kebbel-im-Akkad, I assumed it was the same on other fronts."
I eyed his scar, "A buggart indeed, Gad," and lifting my shirt a little, I showed him the souvenir the Akkadian guard had left me during the final assault, "No-one is perfect, and the Akkadians are likely as fierce as the Skaldi," I told him.
I found a chair, and sat, though he hadn't offered, "Saint-Martin is an old friend, his friends are my friends," I told him with a grin. "Now, tell me, how can an old captain help the restless disembarked?"
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Post by Gadleon Shahrizai on Jul 9, 2007 15:13:23 GMT -5
“Well if I had a rod stuck up my arse to far I walked bow legged you are correct.” I grinned and flopped down as well though even when I flop there is a nasty predatory grace about me. “But I like to be a bit irreverent and am not a big fan of formality. Father is probably living in fear that I might run into any of the royalty whilst in town. Of course he is probably more fearful my funds shall run out before I get established and I will return home.” I smirked a bit clearly jesting though mayhap the words were really not that far from the truth.
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Post by Sébastien de Loréan on Jul 9, 2007 15:24:49 GMT -5
I laughed at his jest - I liked him already. "Don't worry - I'm sure your matriach will keep you in line, if not I. Although, in truth, it's not my game to baby and coddle grown men." I had no intention to stir Gad - although if he did embarrass me, through himself, he might remember my name the next day.
"Did you intend on paying your respects to the Duchesse Anacrasia?" I asked more seriously. I had no need for such rituals myself - but it was a well known fact : paying a curtesy visit to Anacrasia Shahrizai upon arrival was good politics in their clan.
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Post by Gadleon Shahrizai on Jul 9, 2007 15:29:49 GMT -5
“Had not thought about it to be honest.” I frowned. “But I believe I shall, being a bit irreverent is one thing being stupid is another thing entirely. I suspect such a breach of protocol would fall under the stupid category.”
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Post by Sébastien de Loréan on Jul 9, 2007 15:37:50 GMT -5
I chuckled, "You said it, not I. And yes, I believe penning her a small letter of introduction, delivered to her townhome, would be a good start. She is rumored to be fair, in the tradition of her clan, and a rather pleasant looking woman," I added with a grin.
I'd seen her at functions, though not formally introduced, and had kept quite an impression. "You will find that you have many cousins in the city, and most will be pleased to see a new face in their clan. I doubt your stay here will be a bore, if anything."
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Post by Gadleon Shahrizai on Jul 9, 2007 15:43:09 GMT -5
“We are a prolific lot if nothing else. Or mayhap I am getting evil spawn and prolific confused.” I grinned still in a jesting mood. “Though to be utterly serious it is pleasing to have many cousins around. Being from a tight knit family has its advantages. They all realize I am a bastard, but at least I am their bastard.”
Rising at last I looked back at my guest. “But where are my manners? Could I interest you in some refreshements?”
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Post by Sébastien de Loréan on Jul 9, 2007 15:55:46 GMT -5
"Bah," I told him, still laughin, "Being born out of wedlock isn't as daunting as you seem to think," I replied. "We have bastards of our own, in our families, and they are ours indeed," I added, thinking of my beloved Seraph - though I would never call her such in truth.
"I'm interested in anything you have that isn't camel piss or goat's milk," I told him in jest. "Ale has my preference, though."
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Post by Gadleon Shahrizai on Jul 9, 2007 16:02:19 GMT -5
“Well I was referring to my nature not my birth. That is unless mother has something she wishes to share with me.” I headed for my small kitchen. And rummaged around. “And I fear all I have on hand is wine.” There was the clinking of glasses as I got out drinks and then returned soon handing my guest his before flopping down once more. “I have only been in town a few hours so supplies are limited.” I tilted my head considering and grinned. “And I wonder if my mount has injured anyone in the stable yet? He was tired when we arrived and did not even try and bite the lad when I handed over his reaigns.”
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Post by Sébastien de Loréan on Jul 9, 2007 16:13:59 GMT -5
"It will do," I replied. "As for your nature, bastards are what makes the world interesting - if not entertaining, Gad. I'm rather pleased to drinking a bastard's wine in pleasant company," I added, pushing his own jest.
"Though I would avoid that vocabulary in the City if I were you. The Bastard was a rapist and a murderer, who was executed about a fortnight ago, I'm told. As rowdy and irreverent as you like to be, you would be well-advised to refrain from such associations," I told him with a grin. If he wished for more news, he would have them. I'd taken the gist of it myself the previous morning.
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Post by Gadleon Shahrizai on Jul 9, 2007 16:24:36 GMT -5
I crinkled my nose. “Eula’s balls man thanks for telling me that. It could have lead to some real foot in mouth illness on my part.” I took a deep gulp of my drink. “As far as advice goes I try and keep my indiscretions on the amusing side as opposed to the utterly stupid and suicidal side. It so helps with keeping the continued attachment and love affair I have with my lily little arse.” I smiled as I could feel the tension slipping from my body. It was so nice to not have to worry about something or someone coming to cleave my skull. Though for sure I would have to watch my evil tongue. “I recon I’d be well advised to catch up on the local gossip if you do not mind sharring.”
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Post by Sébastien de Loréan on Jul 9, 2007 16:50:34 GMT -5
"No sweat, mate," I replied. "I've been away more often then not - it's not easy to stay up to date. The gist of it is as such : Lord Davion Clavel, which many now call the Bastard, did terrible deeds, slavery and rape as I know. The word is he even attempted on an attack on one of the Royals present at his trial. The whole affair was incriminating enough, there is no doubt that he was to be executed - but he was so... brash, a foreigner executed him during the trial, in an attempt to defend the endangered noble."
I sighed, disgusted by the recollection of the gossip I'd just heard that morning. There was more, although the rest wasn't anything I was ready to believe. When the rumors transpired with sufficient realism, I would go further. I'd never met Clavel, though he hailed from Kebbel-im-Akkad, but there were rumors of the treachery his family had committed, that there was more than one involved. But those were not of a sure source - and so I kept them to myself. No need to spread useless gossip.
"Rumor is, the slave girl has been made a peer, and was seen by my own father in the presence of the Dauphin at the Coronation Ceremony. I wasn't there myself - I was still on my way here, but nonetheless, corridors whisper of a seedy affair between them." I shrugged, "but you and I both know, corridors can have a wild imagination."
I took a swig of wine, my throat dry from the talk. "At the moment, it is the gist of it, unless you need to hear about Ambrose, and the war on our side, and how the King and Queen died. But that's already history - you may have heard it all where you were."
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Post by Gadleon Shahrizai on Jul 9, 2007 19:39:12 GMT -5
I linked my fingers listening nodding on occasion. "Perhaps, on the corridors front when it comes to embellishment, but I dare say my family has made a glorious living on the fact that there is very often a kernel of truth in the most outrageous of rumors thus I never discount them." I traced the tip of my tongue over my upper lip the possibilities of manipulating such matters were tasty and heady indeed. "What makes this bastard's crimes all the more absurd though is the sheer lack of reason. I mean we are in the City of Eula home of the Night Court where most things may be had within the rules. I can see no reason why on earth anyone would seek to perform such a sacrilege that is would be destined and doomed for disaster."
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Post by Sébastien de Loréan on Jul 10, 2007 7:01:17 GMT -5
"The only explanation I can suggest is insanity, that Clavel was a troubled mind with a fading reason. The girl has been going by an Akkadian name, though she is d'Angeline, and she has been calling him in such fashion as well. All d'Angeline citizens, but raised as Akkadians. That explains a lot," I concluded, and loosing my cool at it, I spat it out, "Barbarians!"
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Post by Gadleon Shahrizai on Jul 10, 2007 8:07:26 GMT -5
I noded. "Very true, of course most or probably many consider our ways more than a bit odd. So I try not to cast stones." Then clearing my throat I changed the subject. "On a lighter note can you tell me much about those of my family currently living in the city aside from there is an ass load of them? You know how it is with Shahrizai our games are amusing but rather deadly."
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Post by Sébastien de Loréan on Jul 10, 2007 8:26:19 GMT -5
I thought an instant. The Shahrizai kept to themselves quite a bit... and although I was of Kusheline descent, I'd never dabbled so much with them, mostly because I had been out and about quite a bit. Nonetheless, there was the inevitable.
"Your Matriarch - Anacrasia," I started. "Overall, she has a good reputation, has been doing her best to keep the standing of your clan. Nothing notable has been put on her account, although I would wager she can be fierce."
I thought an instant on other rumors that may have coursed over the month. "One of your cousins, Aramis, came back during the winter, and has a shop on Night's doorstep, another one, Talenon, is rumored to have disappeared, much to the chagrin of his hostess. It is rumored that his room has been left unscathed since his disappearance."
I paused, and rummaged some more in my mind. "That is all I can think of - but I will let you know if anything notable comes to my memory," I concluded.
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Post by Gadleon Shahrizai on Jul 10, 2007 8:30:37 GMT -5
That of course made me seriously wonder what Anacrasia was really up to. I do know my kin after all. Chewing my lip a bit I asked. "So what sort of foul play is suspected to have happened with Talenon/ I trust random disappearances are not the norm"
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Post by Sébastien de Loréan on Jul 10, 2007 8:44:19 GMT -5
I shrugged. "You cousin Sirena would know better," I replied. "Though I suspect it had to do with personal matters, more than anything else. I would not be surprised if he returned, one day or another."
"After the mid-winter masque, the adepts had been all about that little felting on the dance floor, a Shahrizai and an Orchis, an uncanny pair." That left me unphased. "It has not reoccurred, though the Orchis is rumored to be at Valerian now," it was all very uninteresting to me, and irrelevant, but maybe I was wrong - so I volunteered the juicy tidbit.
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Post by Gadleon Shahrizai on Jul 10, 2007 8:49:55 GMT -5
I smiled my Shahrizai blue eyes sparkling. "Ah cousin Sirena, she is my senior, but was still a bit gangly last I saw her. But there is just something about her." I stopped there and shook my head to clear it. "And that is all making more sense now. What about the other cousin? The one who runs the shop, Aramis"
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Post by Sébastien de Loréan on Jul 10, 2007 8:56:53 GMT -5
"She is rumored to be very beautiful, and a lovely singer, but I have not had the privilege," I replied. "Aramis, I have never met, but he runs a tight business that is rather successful. He was seen leaving the Longest night fete with an Heliotrope Adept in tow," I replied, my eyebrow arched at the surprising recollection.
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Post by Gadleon Shahrizai on Jul 10, 2007 9:01:35 GMT -5
I smiled. "Hhhhmmm all makes me wonder what the cousins are really up to." I then cracked my knuckles. "Of course that is all for nothing if I cannot track down gainful employ before my funds run out."
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Post by Sébastien de Loréan on Jul 10, 2007 9:05:49 GMT -5
"Gainful employ?" I asked. "I assume you intend to sell you swordskills?"
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Post by Gadleon Shahrizai on Jul 10, 2007 9:08:46 GMT -5
"Pretty much" I smirked "I had thought on selling my body but I suspect I would not get a lot for it." I offered with self degredation.
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Post by Sébastien de Loréan on Jul 10, 2007 9:17:06 GMT -5
I laughed wildly at his pleasantry. "Now now, Gad, don't go fishing some compliments, I'm no heating chit to go and praise you on your body. Besides, with Mont-Nuit right up the hill, you do have some powerful competition."
I took a breath, and gave it a thought. "There is always the possibility of the Palace, see if the Guard will employ you, though I do not know if there are any openings at the moment," I told him. "Otherwise, there are nobles and foreigners galore, who are looking for retainers - all you have to do, is look for it."
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Post by Gadleon Shahrizai on Jul 10, 2007 9:22:13 GMT -5
I smiled a bit. "Not seeking compliment I simply do not take myself overtly serious. It all goes back to that whole rod up the arse thing and the fact I try to maintain a lack there of." I titled my head pondering. "Yeah there is the palace worse comes to worse, but I just got back from a god forsaken hell hole and would reather not take a chance on getting sent to another. So I am thinking I shall keep my eyes peeled with teh various nobles. If I can pull it off it should be a soft touch."
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Post by Sébastien de Loréan on Jul 10, 2007 9:33:36 GMT -5
I thought an instant, remembering that the Lioness did have her own personnal guard - or at least, she did, way back then.
"You might want to try meeting up with Jaiden Liatris, and offering her your services, then. In the city, she is the only Noble I can think of to have her own guard - or at least, she did, back in the desert," I told him thoughtfully.
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Post by Gadleon Shahrizai on Jul 10, 2007 9:44:46 GMT -5
"Hmm I will keep that in mind. thank you for the advice"
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