Aramis Shahrizai
Aristocrat
Lord of House Shahrizai
Son of Bryant and Felice Shahrizai
Posts: 936
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Post by Aramis Shahrizai on Sept 23, 2007 16:48:54 GMT -5
"Sirena, she..." I swallowed. "She's been in quite a state for a few months now, I won't stand to have her hurt again." Whatever the nature of their relationship, Sirena was a vulnerable woman; no, more than that, she was bordering on madness. We knew how to take care of our own, could this outsider know?
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Post by Yvan-Etienne d'Lantier(D) on Sept 23, 2007 17:05:47 GMT -5
“How noble,” I said pragmatically.
I paused, and took a drink of my glass, examining distantly the liquor's effect in the cylindric glass. “I suppose you spend a great deal of time with her, then, to be so concerned, and so well informed,” I commented offhandedly.
True, Sirena had her moods. But as long as she was taken care of with attention and submission, she would be well – and those were two things I had in great quantities for my sublime intended. More importantly, she had seemed happy enough with me.
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Aramis Shahrizai
Aristocrat
Lord of House Shahrizai
Son of Bryant and Felice Shahrizai
Posts: 936
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Post by Aramis Shahrizai on Sept 23, 2007 17:14:13 GMT -5
"I saw quite a bit of her before the Coronation a few weeks ago," I said. "The last we spoke was there; we talked of a family fete." I emphasized the word family just a bit. "I have known her my whole life; it is my prerogative to keep an eye out for my family." I wondered how long this man had known Sirena.
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Post by Yvan-Etienne d'Lantier(D) on Sept 24, 2007 1:25:59 GMT -5
I couldn’t help it. I chuckled.
“Is it?” I replied, completely indifferently. “I thought it was Anacrasia’s prerogative… how interesting… She seemed rather disinclined for inbreeding, last time we had a word on the matter, really.”
I concluded my off-handed remark with a sidelong look at the adolescent. Fair and well, to care about his family, but did he also presume to choose lovers for Sirena?
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Aramis Shahrizai
Aristocrat
Lord of House Shahrizai
Son of Bryant and Felice Shahrizai
Posts: 936
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Post by Aramis Shahrizai on Sept 24, 2007 11:31:45 GMT -5
Inbreeding? When had I even suggested such a thing? "You presume too much," I said, my voice just hinting at a growl. "I only meant that I wish to see Sirena happy and well-cared for, as much as any of my other relatives."
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Post by Yvan-Etienne d'Lantier(D) on Sept 24, 2007 18:16:03 GMT -5
“Do I, really?” I asked on a tone that was both indolent and cold. “That is really a philosophical question, don’t you think?”
I tapped my finger, musing a little, and my eyes turned to slits as I asked questions for which the answer was as glowingly evident as the wetness of his navel. “Do you presume to know what, or who it is, that Sirena yearns for? Do you presume, yourself, to know what she needs, and to be able to supply her with it?”
Oh, the presumptuous little brat. A good whacking slap in the face would do him good, likely so – he evidently wasn’t a quarter of the man Sirena needed. I might have indulged. But then again, it would be unsightly to make him cry, really.
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Aramis Shahrizai
Aristocrat
Lord of House Shahrizai
Son of Bryant and Felice Shahrizai
Posts: 936
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Post by Aramis Shahrizai on Sept 24, 2007 18:41:47 GMT -5
I promptly rose from my seat, my voice dropping to a cold murmur. "I know who it is Sirena yearns for," I hissed. "And would that I could supply him." It isn't you.
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Post by Yvan-Etienne d'Lantier(D) on Sept 25, 2007 1:39:52 GMT -5
“Good, then we are on the same page,” I replied on an even tone that dripped of indifference to the growing ire in his voice. More and more, Aramis made me think of a kitten, who mistakenly thought he was a great cat. He opened his mouth, tried to growl majestically, and instead, he squeaked like a piping up cub.
That thought made me chuckle low, and I let silence linger a moment, before I tilted my head to the side, and, examining him with just a hint of amusement, I asked, as though it were about the weather, “Is something bothering you?”
We were at Le Poulet Gauche. Really, really, if he wanted to throw me a punch, and take out his anger, he was welcome to do it. But one thing was certain, my hand would catch his fist, and I’d have him in an embarrassing position, his arm twisted uncomfortably against his back. He was young and likely fast. I had experience and cruelty at my service. He was annoying me like little flies tick off the great stallion – and so I would wave him off, if he tried.
At the moment, what really protected him from my true indulgences was his blood. Injuring one of Sirena’s family would not do.
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Aramis Shahrizai
Aristocrat
Lord of House Shahrizai
Son of Bryant and Felice Shahrizai
Posts: 936
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Post by Aramis Shahrizai on Sept 25, 2007 13:57:51 GMT -5
"I am not so sure," I said under my breath, returning to my seat.
"You might say that," I said, in response to his inane question. This man was without question the most vile human being I had ever met. The thought of him touching my beautiful family made me ill, and for a moment I considered getting up and leaving. But that would show weakness, and clearly this man thought himself my superior. Write to Anacrasia, that's what I would do. Write to someone, express my concern that this man would bring a darkness of the most foul upon us all, a darkness that not even my Kushiel's blood found appealing.
"You love this," I said. It wasn't even a question. Any fool could see that he was enjoying toying with me. But I knew something he did not know, and it was my one trump card.
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Post by Yvan-Etienne d'Lantier(D) on Sept 25, 2007 14:41:29 GMT -5
“There is some entertaining value to the situation,” I replied very blandly, as though I were contemplating the rain falling on tainted glass, and deciding on the aesthetics of it. “But the word love is a bit strong, Aramis.”
I’d used his name purposely – it was a reward, for not being a complete cad, and running out the door like a weakling. Yes, really – he deserved that I use his name, at least once, I decided. It didn’t mean I admired him or saw him as a strong adversary, not at all. But I did acknowledge his existence. It was a start.
I didn’t use the word love much, not until Sirena had been in my life, anyway. Still, I pondered… was I enjoying myself? Yes, to a certain degree. There is always pleasure in confronting the weak – and shining light on their own flaws, and letting simmer there the fire of self-loathing. I wouldn’t have said I loved it – and Aramis was such an easy target, prone to anger, yet unable to fuel it like a man.
Eh. In Illyria, I’d been fostered with pillagers and thieves – I’d seen much worse than his nineteen year old eyes had witnessed, and at a younger age – and such sparring I had witnessed had lives at stake. This, really, was light banter, in my world.
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Aramis Shahrizai
Aristocrat
Lord of House Shahrizai
Son of Bryant and Felice Shahrizai
Posts: 936
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Post by Aramis Shahrizai on Sept 25, 2007 15:58:30 GMT -5
My name on his lips was sour, and I could barely hide the shiver of disgust coursing through me. "Do you often treat strangers thus?"
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Post by Yvan-Etienne d'Lantier(D) on Sept 25, 2007 16:18:53 GMT -5
“You mean do I offer drinks and conversation, and let them go sour on me, and insult me without reacting?” I asked indifferently. “No, I am usually much less generous, or patient,” I replied, looking him straight in his eye, and allowing just an ounce of warning to my gaze - oh, so subtle.
Oh, he hated me. It was delightful, really – and all I’d done, was tell him good things about his clan, offer him a drink and some banter. True, I’d teased a little, and chastised him. But really, really… I was so good hearted, I was disgusting myself, I mused.
Sure, we had differences in opinions – and it is in the nature of youth, to try and prove their worth to the older predators. Now, he wasn’t doing very well so far, really – but I cared very little, if not at all, in the end.
“I will not claim that passionate arguments have no virtue, however,” I added, smiling pleasantly.
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Aramis Shahrizai
Aristocrat
Lord of House Shahrizai
Son of Bryant and Felice Shahrizai
Posts: 936
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Post by Aramis Shahrizai on Sept 25, 2007 16:26:15 GMT -5
"As far as I can tell, I have said nothing against you," I said. "Drinks, conversation and banter are appreciated, but not when one party talks down to the other."
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Post by Yvan-Etienne d'Lantier(D) on Sept 25, 2007 17:02:12 GMT -5
“I don’t keep score,” I replied quietly. “Not at this game, anyway.”
I paused, reconsidering the chain of conversation. “You didn’t insult me per say, but you made a great deal of suggestions that weren’t exactly flattering. As for talking down… you may want to expect a bit of patronizing, from one of my generation.” One who is old enough to be your father.
I wasn’t even feeling guile in that moment. No matter how annoying, he was still Sirena’s blood, Anacrasia’s charge. I couldn’t help but notice he had really become aggressive at the mention of my intended. Bah. It was to be expected, I supposed.
No, at this point, I was still willing to be gracious. I had been as arrogant as he, back the day. Oh, I still was – but now, I’d earned the right to be as such.
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Aramis Shahrizai
Aristocrat
Lord of House Shahrizai
Son of Bryant and Felice Shahrizai
Posts: 936
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Post by Aramis Shahrizai on Sept 25, 2007 17:24:32 GMT -5
"I want no such thing," I said. "I have always found it noble to treat all peers with respect, regardless of age or title. I don't think either of us has fared well in that department tonight."
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Post by Yvan-Etienne d'Lantier(D) on Sept 26, 2007 2:50:23 GMT -5
“If such is your assessment,” I replied non-committally, but I didn’t resist the urge to tease, “My Lord.”
It was almost amusing – I gave him barely an ounce of the warning I could issue with my gaze, my aura of danger wasn’t even seeping out of me, and already, he retreated to pleasant banter, and issued a half-hearted apology. For it, and it only, I grinned. Ah. He looked Shahrizai, but didn’t quite walk the walk or talk the talk. Either that, or he wasn’t fit for a good brawl. Inwardly, I shrugged. If Ana had some weaklings on her hands, it wasn’t much of my business. I might comment on it offhandedly, though. I played with the idea, and filed it away – it would be fun to keep playing with it, more than anything else. An even more entertaining thought, was to mention it to Sirena. It would make good pillow talk, no doubt.
“For myself, I find there is value, to a heated and passionate discussion. If anything, it keeps one sharp,” I added with what could be misconstrued as good humor, though it was a more amusement at the situation than anything else.
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Aramis Shahrizai
Aristocrat
Lord of House Shahrizai
Son of Bryant and Felice Shahrizai
Posts: 936
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Post by Aramis Shahrizai on Sept 26, 2007 15:25:13 GMT -5
I ignored his "my Lord" and nodded in agreement. "Perhaps a less personal discussion is more in order," I said, with a bit of a warning in my voice. I no longer wanted to discuss my family affairs with this foul person.
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Post by Yvan-Etienne d'Lantier(D) on Sept 26, 2007 17:32:28 GMT -5
“Really?” I asked rather quietly. “But we were just coming to an agreement…” I said in mock pout. To add to the very strange mix, I batted my eyes innocently. “Mayhap you would like to punish me, for my impudence?”
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Aramis Shahrizai
Aristocrat
Lord of House Shahrizai
Son of Bryant and Felice Shahrizai
Posts: 936
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Post by Aramis Shahrizai on Sept 26, 2007 17:35:00 GMT -5
I raised an eyebrow at him. "Excuse me?" I asked, surprised. There was nothing I wanted to do more than punch the man, but to take a whip to him...I would do it, but he might enjoy it too much.
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Post by Yvan-Etienne d'Lantier(D) on Sept 27, 2007 5:49:11 GMT -5
“Well, you seem to have a need to punish something,” I replied with a wide grin. I set my glass down, and opened my arms wide, “I’m giving you a free shot, just now. Will you take it?”
My smile was dangerous. He was amusing me beyond belief. Cat and mouse, mouse and cat. Would he take the bait?
“Unless you’re rather hear all about Sirena and I…” I added lowly, tauntingly, menacingly. His jealousy had become clear to me – and best to clear the air now, if we were to be family.
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Aramis Shahrizai
Aristocrat
Lord of House Shahrizai
Son of Bryant and Felice Shahrizai
Posts: 936
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Post by Aramis Shahrizai on Sept 27, 2007 22:25:47 GMT -5
I chuckled, shaking my head. "It's tempting," I said. "But I think you'd enjoy it too much." I wanted to beat him senseless, but it's what he wanted, too. If he began to talk about Sirena, I'd simply drink myself unconscious.
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Post by Yvan-Etienne d'Lantier(D) on Sept 28, 2007 3:41:16 GMT -5
I usually don’t laugh – but this time, I did, and it was laughter of amusement and contentment. He wasn’t as bad a judge of character as I thought. “Aaaaw, that’s too bad,” I replied in mock pout. “Just when I thought you could prove me that you aren’t a kitten…”
I looked at him with a wide grin, and said, “There’s other things we can enjoy, you know…” I gave him an assessing look. “Funny, she never mentioned you,” I said offhandedly.
It was rather entertaining, really. In truth, I couldn’t believe he was still putting up with me. I am really insufferable, at times.
I love being me.
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Aramis Shahrizai
Aristocrat
Lord of House Shahrizai
Son of Bryant and Felice Shahrizai
Posts: 936
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Post by Aramis Shahrizai on Sept 28, 2007 10:21:01 GMT -5
"I don't need to prove anything," I said. "As for other enjoyable activities, I am not one to engage in love triangles." It was true, taking Sirena's lover to my bed was on the bottom of my to-do list. His last comment irked me, but I was done responding to his nasty little pokes.
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Post by Yvan-Etienne d'Lantier(D) on Sept 28, 2007 10:32:08 GMT -5
I chuckled. “Don’t worry, dear, I am rather too old, for such things, by your own standards,” I said with a wide grin. “I’m surprised, but fair enough.”
I turned and leaned languidly against the bar, my glass in my hand, and took a sip of whiskey. “So what do you do, for pleasure’s sake, then?”
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Aramis Shahrizai
Aristocrat
Lord of House Shahrizai
Son of Bryant and Felice Shahrizai
Posts: 936
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Post by Aramis Shahrizai on Sept 28, 2007 11:05:26 GMT -5
"I enjoy the Night Court as much as anyone, not that it's any of your business," I said, a little irritably, "and I take my lovers as I choose."
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Post by Yvan-Etienne d'Lantier(D) on Sept 28, 2007 11:11:37 GMT -5
I couldn’t resist giving him a quizzical look. “Is that the only pleasures you enjoy? Tsk tsk tsk… There are other rooms to live in than the bedchamber, as I reckon,” I said just a little amusedly.
I didn’t care to know about his interest in the Night Court, or otherwise. I was in fact asking if he had other pastimes in an honest attempt to go off the subject. What a cad !
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Aramis Shahrizai
Aristocrat
Lord of House Shahrizai
Son of Bryant and Felice Shahrizai
Posts: 936
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Post by Aramis Shahrizai on Sept 28, 2007 11:14:19 GMT -5
Of course he would say that, this snake with his mind in the gutter and his arse out for a beating. "I spend much of my time in my store," I said. "I enjoy work very much."
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Post by Yvan-Etienne d'Lantier(D) on Sept 28, 2007 11:20:22 GMT -5
“Of course you do,” I replied matter-of-factly. That was getting more and more interesting – and enlightening. No reading, no artistic endeavors, no other pursuits than that of hard work. No wonder Sirena had never mentioned him. He must have bored her to death. “Shahrizai and Sons, is that right?”
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Aramis Shahrizai
Aristocrat
Lord of House Shahrizai
Son of Bryant and Felice Shahrizai
Posts: 936
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Post by Aramis Shahrizai on Sept 28, 2007 11:50:10 GMT -5
"That's right," I said with a nod. I was very proud of my store, and used any opportunity I could to promote it. "You won't find a finer variety of foreign foods than at my store."
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Post by Yvan-Etienne d'Lantier(D) on Sept 28, 2007 11:54:54 GMT -5
I simply nodded. I was familiar with his store – Bertrand even made some purchases there, once in a while. But that wasn’t something he needed to know.
“How did you come about your store?” I asked, curious. He was so very young, to have already a striving enterprise….
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