Princess Azabel de Somerville
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Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; House Somerville *Voted Member of Worst Character Dynamic 2010*
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Post by Princess Azabel de Somerville on Apr 15, 2008 9:42:01 GMT -5
It'd taken me a little while to maneuver my way through the lesser known parts of the Palace, though eventually I arrived out where I'd intended, near the stables. Having gone home for a few moments to change out of the finer clothes suited for the Palace and into something a little less, even if still cut fine, I finally made my way back down to Mont Nuit and the Cockeral.
I didn't honestly know whether the soldier I'd met would show, and under normal circumstances I would not have invited him, but I was curious... and some things couldn't be found in books.
Seating myself at a small booth, I ordered a glass of wine when a child came up, giggling and wanting to whisper something in my ear. Laughing, I scooped her up into the seat next to me to talk to while I waited, my fingers gently combing out the gnarls that marred her beautiful black hair.
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Post by Xantias d’Amarante (I) on Apr 15, 2008 9:52:51 GMT -5
Well, if I couldn't exactly find my way through the Palace, finding my way to the Cockeral was simple enough. Asking a couple of people along my way was amusing as they looked at me as if I had crawled out from some dank corner of the countryside, which I suppose I had.
Looking up at the sign hanging over the door, just to make sure, I entered the Cockeral and looked around. Nice enough place really. I had heard a couple of tales about it from passers-through in Camlach. Nothing of note though.
So I stood, just to one side of the door, allowing my eyes to adjust to the different light levels. I had decided to let my hair out of its restraints, since Camael knows it hardly ever worked in the first place. Now it fell in cascades down around my face and shoulders and was slightly less of a bother, since I was determined to simply let it do what it would.
After a moment or two after my eyes adjusted I looked around the common room for Princess Azabel. It didn't take very long for me to spot her, considering her looks. I was a bit surprised to see a child in her lap though.
Nevertheless, it was she that I was here to see, having been invited. I made my way over to the table, winding deftly in between the crowd, serving staff, and even a musician or two. Catching the eye of one of the serving boys I ordered a pitcher of what I hope wasn't too-watered wine.
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Princess Azabel de Somerville
Royal (Manager)
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; House Somerville *Voted Member of Worst Character Dynamic 2010*
Posts: 2,048
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Post by Princess Azabel de Somerville on Apr 15, 2008 10:10:51 GMT -5
The little girl had me laughing when a brief flash of blond hair caught my glance. I looked up, spotting Xantias, and flashed him a smile before speaking to the little girl again.
I reached into my purse and drew out a baby-blue ribbon, tying her hair back for her before she scampered down and ran off, giggling. Amused, I looked at Xantias again, waiting til he'd come closer to the table before speaking. "Fancy meeting you here," I quipped pleasantly.
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Post by Xantias d’Amarante (I) on Apr 15, 2008 10:19:26 GMT -5
"Imagine that..." I shot back just as pleasantly. "...you did invite me after all." I watched the little girl scamper off before taking the pitcher of wine from the serving boy. I dropped a silver coin on the tray and then sat down across from Azabel. Pouring myself some wine, I saw she already had some, I hooked my left ankle with my right foot and got comfortable.
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Princess Azabel de Somerville
Royal (Manager)
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; House Somerville *Voted Member of Worst Character Dynamic 2010*
Posts: 2,048
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Post by Princess Azabel de Somerville on Apr 15, 2008 10:39:33 GMT -5
I reached out and took my glass as he sat, not bothering to hide my smile. "I hope you don't think me brash for inviting you like I did, though it's not very common for me to meet a soldier from Camlach."
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Post by Xantias d’Amarante (I) on Apr 15, 2008 10:42:27 GMT -5
"Brash, Princess Azabel, would have been trying to unclothe me in the middle of a Palace hallway. At least, where I'm from it would be." I chuckled softly, wondering how she would take it. This, to me, was a little test of her personality. Not to mention, I was telling what I considered to be the truth anyhow.
"At any rate, I do not think you brash. As far as a soldier from Camlach, well...yes, I suppose I am at that."
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Princess Azabel de Somerville
Royal (Manager)
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; House Somerville *Voted Member of Worst Character Dynamic 2010*
Posts: 2,048
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Post by Princess Azabel de Somerville on Apr 15, 2008 10:46:19 GMT -5
I laughed, jovial and amused at his response. "I promise, Xantias, I will not strip your clothing in the middle of a Palace hallway." Lifting my glass to my lips, I took a slow drink, still chuckling a little from the picture he painted. I could hardly imagine it.
"You suppose you're a soldier from Camlach?" I asked after I'd swallowed, my head tilted just a little. "I was under the impression you were."
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Post by Xantias d’Amarante (I) on Apr 15, 2008 10:52:11 GMT -5
I feigned a disheartened look at the news of not being undressed in the middle of a Palace Hallway. "Suppositions can be very strong things." I lifted my own glass to my lips and was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the wine. "Yes, however. I am a soldier of Camlach. Though I would say that 'of Camlach' relates only to the place I kept a home." Make of that what she will. I had a suspicion that she was here because she was more than a haughty princess with her head in the clouds.
Our earlier conversation came to mind, briefly. I dare say she more than suspected what, if not who, I was.
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Princess Azabel de Somerville
Royal (Manager)
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; House Somerville *Voted Member of Worst Character Dynamic 2010*
Posts: 2,048
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Post by Princess Azabel de Somerville on Apr 15, 2008 11:03:11 GMT -5
Interesting, though not very surprising. Most soldiers moved, so to think they remained in one area would be idiocy. His words made me reassess his features though; given he was from Camlach at the least, as well as the fact that he didn't have the features of a full-blooded d'Angeline, I would have staked my ruby necklace that he was half Skaldic.
Interest flashed in me, though I kept my features schooled to pleasantness; whether or not it shone in my eyes I couldn't say. "I wouldn't expect a soldier to remain in one place forever; even in one province. I envy you, though, in the freedom of movement. It must be at least partially nice to not feel tied down all the time."
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Post by Xantias d’Amarante (I) on Apr 15, 2008 11:13:44 GMT -5
I shook my head slightly. Clever girl! She thought I had no permanent home. "I did not move often so much as I lived on the move. I had a home. My mother and father both lived there. Now it is just my father, my mother passed some years ago." I took another swallow of wine.
"You speak true though. There is a freedom in sleeping under the stars, never in the same place except while not on patrol..." I lost myself a moment in the memories, but could not afford to reminisce too long. "As for freedom of movement yourself...you are here in the common room of a fine establishment. I really wouldn't think that of too many 'well-to-do's', to be perfectly honest."
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Princess Azabel de Somerville
Royal (Manager)
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; House Somerville *Voted Member of Worst Character Dynamic 2010*
Posts: 2,048
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Post by Princess Azabel de Somerville on Apr 15, 2008 11:40:23 GMT -5
I paused, smiling still, but trying to gauge his thoughts on me. "Do you suppose I'm simply slumming it, as they say?" I asked, toying with the stem of my wineglass as I looked at him.
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Post by Xantias d’Amarante (I) on Apr 15, 2008 11:46:38 GMT -5
"Somehow I don't quite think so." I leaned back in my chair. "Let us not dance the issues Princess. I have no doubt there is something you wish to ask, and while I don't mind a jovial jig every once in a while, you seem learned enough that we not play the politics."
Suddenly changing course was something I was wont to do. I didn't mind the creeping around outsides of subjects. Sometimes it was useful. She had a question itching to be asked, of that I had little enough doubt.
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Princess Azabel de Somerville
Royal (Manager)
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; House Somerville *Voted Member of Worst Character Dynamic 2010*
Posts: 2,048
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Post by Princess Azabel de Somerville on Apr 15, 2008 11:54:05 GMT -5
My smile slipped.
The first reaction that took me was sitting up straighter, though in good truth I'd been holding good posture before that. I let my expression change without hindering it, sliding from almost teasing and jesting to one of thoughtfulness, eyes gauging him further.
"If I had something in particular I wanted to ask, my lord d'Amarante, I would," I said after a moment. "I don't blame you for being overly suspicious on why I invited you out, though if you want the truth so bluntly, it was because I suspect you are of the Unforgiven, and I'm curious as to the soldiers that serve the ranks."
I took my glass in hand and tasted the wine it held before placing it back down again. "As you know, your company, if it is whom you serve with, is rather infamous; disciplined, well trained, sturdy. And not many come to the City."
Continuing to hold my glass, I gave a small smile to show I wasn't angry. "Don't think my intentions will harm you; all I wanted was conversation."
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Post by Xantias d’Amarante (I) on Apr 15, 2008 12:20:08 GMT -5
I couldn't help myself. I laughed. Not only that, I laughed loud enough a passing serving girl looked at me like I'd sprouted horns. I watched her reactions closely. It was, of course, what I was going for in the first place. Though I daresay she could have me thrown back to whatever forgotten corner of the Realm she desired.
"Princess, I was not suspicious. I simply thought you had a more direct question you wanted to ask, or a point that you wanted to get to." I also noted her use of a title. A title granted to landed gentry. I wasn't landed gentry. "Also, I'm not even a Chevalier, let alone Lord of anything."
I had been right on my early assumption as well. "You are a clever woman, Princess. I thought you had already figured out I was with the Unforgiven. I see I was right."
I then hesitated a moment. "The caliber of men in the Unforgiven is, if you'll forgive my saying, unrivaled in nearly all of Terre d'Ange. That is my opinion. The Palace Guard, and perhaps select portions of the Royal Army itself may be exceptions. I say 'may be' because I don't really have the experience with either of them yet." I looked down into my wine glass a moment. "Whereas the Unforgiven I have served for nearly fourteen years. I led my own squadron. I have seen more fighting in the those fourteen years than I cared to. The Akkadian War was not something the Unforgiven fought in, but we gave it thought."
I looked her straight in the eyes then. I had nothing to hide and wanted her to know that I took pride in those that fought with me. "I thank you for your compliments towards them. I was very uncertain as to how those in the City thought of the Unforgiven. I have a better idea of how one at least thinks."
I took a drink from my glass then, having said a little more than I had originally intended to all at once. "Even among the Unforgiven though, I was something of difference. My father...or rather, foster father, was a Captain, as I was, and took my mother in. I think that is perhaps the only reason I gained acceptance amongst them. You can most likely guess my heritage, now I get to see if you're right in that guess."
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Princess Azabel de Somerville
Royal (Manager)
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; House Somerville *Voted Member of Worst Character Dynamic 2010*
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Post by Princess Azabel de Somerville on Apr 15, 2008 23:32:22 GMT -5
He startled me enough when he let out the boisterous laugh that I jumped, causing the wine in my glass to rise up and slosh over the side and across my hand. Immediately I took my napkin and began wiping my hand off, studiously cleaning the red liquid from my skin as I peered at him. That was entirely not the reaction I'd been expecting.
I listened to him as he talked, his wild hair the only distraction I had as I ignored everyone else in the establishment. "You're half Skaldic," I said without bothering to cease and think; I knew it already. "The breadth of your brow and the general build of your frame tells it, if nothing else does. Maybe more, maybe less, but I'd place a solid bet it's near enough to half to be right."
My hand clean I worked on the table next, mopping the small puddle up. "You do not keep your rank when moving from border duty to Palace?" I asked, rather surprised, before letting the question go and moving on, leaning forward slightly towards him over the table. "Your fighting the past fourteen years - thank you for that, for it saved the rest of the country any threats. And please, call me Aza."
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Post by Xantias d’Amarante (I) on Apr 16, 2008 10:58:37 GMT -5
I gave a brief nod. "I am half Skaldic, yes. My mother was raped and left for dead by an invasion party. My father found her and took her in, nursed her back to health, and despite the child, me, being Skaldic he desired to keep it and raise it as theirs." I smiled briefly as she cleaned up the wine. I had startled her or thrown her resolve off balance, either or.
"I would not wish to be known as Captain Xantias of the Unforgiven here. Even were I allowed to keep the rank, I would decline. I would work my way up through the Palace ranks, or take a postion they would honour me with." I looked at her a moment as her last couple of sentences sank in.
"Thank you..." I hesitated but a breath's time. "...Aza. It means a great deal to hear that from somebody other than our families and friends. Most of Camlach respects what we do, but even some of them fear us." She had me at a slight impasse in the conversation; I didn't immediately know what else to say.
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Princess Azabel de Somerville
Royal (Manager)
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; House Somerville *Voted Member of Worst Character Dynamic 2010*
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Post by Princess Azabel de Somerville on Apr 16, 2008 16:16:28 GMT -5
"Oh gods," I gasped softly, staring at him as he spoke of his mother and what had happened to her. He seemed so impassive at it, like it didn't matter... but then again, that might have a lot to do with the simple fact that it was a long time ago, and he was a soldier. I didn't doubt he knew how to hide his feelings, to put them away until he was alone.
My face fell a little even in spite of it, and let the matter drop as he had, moving onto other things. "I can see why it would be easier for you to leave the title of the Unforgiven behind, but if it is who you are and where you belong, Xantias, don't worry about what people say." I gave him a brief smile, trying to better understand him. "Why would Camlach fear you?"
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Post by Xantias d’Amarante (I) on Apr 17, 2008 17:53:33 GMT -5
It took me a moment to realise why she gasped and seemed so taken aback. Then I remembered that all D'Angelines considered rape to be the lowest criminal act. I had grown up the product of it, and I had seen the victims of it countless times during my patrols. I was deadened to it. To this woman who would only take a lover if she consented, I probably seemed a right monster now. After all, I had come to terms with it years and years ago.
"I'm sorry Aza..." I said softly. "I sometimes forget how proper D'Angelines consider such a thing. As the product there-of, and a member of the Unforgiven, I saw far too much of the violation of Elua's greatest precept."
I smiled, ever so slightly then. "Yes, I am Unforgiven, and it is what I have lived all my life, not just fourteen years of it. To be honest, I cared little what others would think. It is why I brought my shield with me to the City. I will bear it proudly. It is what all those who join the ranks are taught. Though once we were considered traitors and worse we now fight for our rightful places in the Terre D'ange that is Beyond." I gently ran a thumb along the line of my jaw as I thought for a moment. It was a common sign that I had to consider what I was saying, not that she would know that.
"Camlach fears the Unforgiven, and worships them, because of who and what we are. Isidore D'Aiglemort was a fearsome man, and a true hero, but before he was a hero he was traitor. There are some that still think we aren't what we say, and that perhaps we allow the raids by the Skaldi into Camlach." The words tasted as ash to my mouth, and my face conveyed my thoughts on the matter. "That is why I never expected many people to think of the Unforgiven kindly here in the City. If those in our home cannot trust us, why would any elsewhere?"
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Princess Azabel de Somerville
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Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; House Somerville *Voted Member of Worst Character Dynamic 2010*
Posts: 2,048
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Post by Princess Azabel de Somerville on Apr 18, 2008 14:26:40 GMT -5
I leaned back after he finished talking, folding my fingers across my stomach. "Most of us are not of Camlach," I said simply. "The majority of us are from L'Agnace, or travel here from our estates. I cannot place fault on you for being wary, though, especially if the majority of your experience has been negative."
I thought for a moment, my eyes moving over the weathered lines of his face. "Why did you join the Unforgiven, if it's not too impolite to ask? To follow your foster fathers footsteps?"
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Post by Xantias d’Amarante (I) on Apr 18, 2008 15:54:05 GMT -5
She fielded an interesting question. I thought on it a moment, lacing my fingers behind my head and leaning my chair on it's back legs, bracing myself against a wall.
"Yes, partly for my father. Partly for me. I wanted to prove to myself that a Skaldic background didn't necessarily mean that one had to be against Terre d'Ange itself. I know that seems strange, considering one might look at it as slaughtering 'my own' people..." I trailed off for several moments then, reaching forward with one hand to take hold of my wine glass. I held it without drinking. "...I saw it as a chance to be more than a boy gotten unwanted on a D'Angeline woman."
I shrugged then, perhaps a little exaggerated, and then took a long swallow of the wine before setting down the empty glass.
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Princess Azabel de Somerville
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Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; House Somerville *Voted Member of Worst Character Dynamic 2010*
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Post by Princess Azabel de Somerville on Apr 18, 2008 17:40:20 GMT -5
"You seem as if you carry a lot of burdens on your shoulders, Xantias," I said softly, giving him a gentle smile. "I'm sure your mother was very happy to have you, once she saw your face. I know I would, whenever I'm lucky enough to have a child of my own." My cheeks grew warm, and I knew I was blushing. "Not that I can completely relate, anyway."
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Post by Xantias d’Amarante (I) on Apr 18, 2008 17:57:48 GMT -5
"Luckily they do not seem as burdens to me. Simply milestones with which I have judged my life." I said this warmly, showing I held no particular ill meaning to her words. "My mother loved me as much as my foster father did, and that says a great deal. He was a man that anybody could have been proud of, especially me." I used the refilling of my wine glass as an excuse to work through the rest of her words though. I wasn't entirely certain whether she was lightly flirting with me or not.
"So either you are happy to have me, which I might add has not happened..." I chuckled softly, revealing the jest in my words. "Or you find my face amusing enough that it has given you warrant to smile and make merry. But perhaps you've simply had too much wine and a face like this would look good no matter who you saw." I finished with a smile, hoping she wouldn't take any of it amiss.
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Princess Azabel de Somerville
Royal (Manager)
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; House Somerville *Voted Member of Worst Character Dynamic 2010*
Posts: 2,048
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Post by Princess Azabel de Somerville on Apr 18, 2008 19:22:19 GMT -5
He was jesting with me.
It was nice to see it after so serious a conversation, and I smiled more at him just because of it. "It sounds like you were very lucky with your parents; in some ways, luckier than a lot of others. I doubt she ever thought of you as unwanted."
My expression turned a little more coy, and I gave a small, light shrug as I picked up my wineglass again. "I haven't even had a full glass yet, but if you'd prefer that I think you handsome just because of the wine, by all means." My tone was teasing as I took a sip of my dark red wine, having to focus on that to keep from chuckling.
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Post by Xantias d’Amarante (I) on Apr 19, 2008 8:43:57 GMT -5
I watched her over the lip of my wine glass as I drank. I couldn't tell if she was a spitfire, a hellion, or just a casual flirt who could work the room and not be the less tired for it.
"No. I do not think my mother thought that in the end. Perhaps immediately after the deed was done, but not once I had been born. I think it helped that I appeared more D'Angeline than not."
"As for the rest..." I gently ran my thumb along my jawline, thinking. "...If it is not the wine, perhaps it is simply the lure of the exotic Skaldi blood in me." I flashed her another grin and took another sip of wine.
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Princess Azabel de Somerville
Royal (Manager)
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; House Somerville *Voted Member of Worst Character Dynamic 2010*
Posts: 2,048
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Post by Princess Azabel de Somerville on Apr 19, 2008 9:51:56 GMT -5
I nodded as he spoke of his mother, understanding what he meant and where he was coming from. When the topic turned to the tease, I laughed, balancing my wineglass with a light hand to keep it from shaking too much. "That must be it," I responded, answering his tease with a flirtatious smile. "Or mayhap the fact that you're a seasoned warrior that belongs to a notoriously rebel group." My grin held strong, and I took another drink, peering at him humorously over the rim of my glass.
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Post by Xantias d’Amarante (I) on Apr 19, 2008 10:27:55 GMT -5
"Ah! So it is the sense of danger that I exude!" I was thoroughly enjoying our conversation, I had not had a sense of lightness on my mind in some time. It was refreshing. Perhaps I would come to like the City more than I thought I would.
"I did not figure you one to fall for the seasoned war veteran type though, Princess." I used the title with no sense of seriousness behind it. "One would think that one of your station would prefer the more high-brow humour of courts and their intrigue." I allowed one brow to arch slightly at my words, my eyes holding the mirth of the moment.
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Princess Azabel de Somerville
Royal (Manager)
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; House Somerville *Voted Member of Worst Character Dynamic 2010*
Posts: 2,048
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Post by Princess Azabel de Somerville on Apr 19, 2008 13:31:33 GMT -5
I laughed, setting my glass back down again as I looked across the table at him. "Mayhap I tire of such intrigues, with all the petty games and political innuendos that accompany them. Besides, if you should not like to be judged based on your position within the Unforgiven, it is highly unfair to place judgement on me for my rank and title."
I flashed him a grin again, not showing any sort of irritation.
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Post by Xantias d’Amarante (I) on Apr 19, 2008 14:13:15 GMT -5
Oh she was witty. I found myself liking her. "You are quite right Aza. My apologies." While the words were sincere my tone was light. "Love as though wilt. High born or low, farmer or soldier."
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Princess Azabel de Somerville
Royal (Manager)
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; House Somerville *Voted Member of Worst Character Dynamic 2010*
Posts: 2,048
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Post by Princess Azabel de Somerville on Apr 19, 2008 14:27:02 GMT -5
"Precisely," I said pleasantly. For a moment I was silent, peering at him. "You weren't trying to insinuate that you disliked my attentions, were you?" I asked teasingly, giving him an incredulous look.
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Post by Xantias d’Amarante (I) on Apr 19, 2008 15:05:46 GMT -5
I laughed again. Not as loudly as before mind you, but loud enough. "Far from. I have been enjoying the time we've spent together. And have you started second guessing whether or not to continue said attentions?"
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