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Post by Odette Lamberte on Nov 4, 2007 16:26:18 GMT -5
My adventurous spirit was needful of exploring the city, as I had newly arrived and there was so much to hear and see, so it was with that desire that I entered the Clothier’s district to calm my spirit.
Try as I may to not appear awed by all that I paid witness too, each step brought something new and wonderful to behold and it ran my jaw slack at times...how unlady like of me.
Mindful of manners though, I quickly sealed my supple lips together in the hopes that I would not draw the type of attention that my father had cautioned me to be weary of while I resided in the city.
Mayhap it was foolish of me to explore on my own but I was a grown woman and capable of handling myself, if ever a moment turned unfortunate during my explorations. I continued on my way.
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Post by Juliette L'Envers de Montegue on Nov 4, 2007 16:43:36 GMT -5
I was out wandering the clothier's district. I didn't think it needful, but Jeanne sent me out with orders that I needed still more gowns. And slippers. And accessories. Apparently she was under my mother's orders to see me drowned in outfits. So I took it as an excuse to get out of the house, knowing it was unlikely that I would find anything on my own.
I paused at a stand, scarves fluttering in the wind. I caught one of a deep plum, admiring its shade as the light silk threatened to blow from my gloved fingers.
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Post by Odette Lamberte on Nov 4, 2007 17:01:12 GMT -5
On occasion I had need of abruptly ceasing my gentle footfalls to avoid a collision or two along my journey. There were so many beautiful colors…and so many patrons meandering about…it all dearly strained my attention.
I turned to spy a brightly colored bolt of fabric, as it reminded me somewhat of a color that my mother would have found merriment in wearing were she still alive today, and connected with a patron in the market.
The collision was a bit harsh, nearly knocking me off balance. I gasped to see who or what I had happened upon.
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Post by Juliette L'Envers de Montegue on Nov 4, 2007 17:18:59 GMT -5
I ended up rather solidly on my rear, looking around to see what had happened. I had been lost in the colours, thinking of what gloves and gowns could go with the summery scarves that caught my eye, and had not seen whoever it was that knocked into me. Being so unprepared, it wasn't a surprise that I made a fool of myself by falling over.
My gaze found a girl about my age, looking as surprised as I was. "In a rush?" I asked dryly.
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Post by Odette Lamberte on Nov 4, 2007 17:28:48 GMT -5
My eyes were wide, if only for the briefest moment, before I extended both of my hands towards the victim of my ill attention.
“My lady…forgive me for I meant no harm in my careless action. My mind was somewhere else and I paid no heed to my steps.”
I had hoped that I had caused no injury, in a physical way, to her person but I could not help but crack a smile at my folly. I naught blame her for finding no humor in the moment, since she was the one knocked off her feet.
“Are you okay? Please…let me aid you back onto your feet."
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Post by Juliette L'Envers de Montegue on Nov 4, 2007 17:42:11 GMT -5
She seemed truly sorry, so it was easy to forgive her. "Nothing wounded but my pride." I assured her, taking her hands and letting her help me up. I smoothed my skirts down once up, shaking the dirt from them. "You're lucky it hasn't rained in a few days. If I had gotten mud on my gown I might have been truly annoyed." I told her, flashing a teasing smile.
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Post by Odette Lamberte on Nov 4, 2007 18:09:03 GMT -5
“Mayhap… only a bit, my Lady.” My eyes sparkled in amusement, reflecting what I now expressed to her through a good natured laugh.
It appeared to me that we shared a like age and it was to my advantage in that I earned no ire for my action from a peer of my youth. Had she been of greater age, never mind any foul weather, I would have spoiled her shopping pleasure, of that I was certain.
“I’m truly sorry for jostling you in such a manner that it caused you to be free of your balance. Are you sure that you are well though? Mayhap if I was of a stronger gender, I could cradle you into my arms and carry you away to a chirurgeon to ensure of your health!”
I tried my hand at a chivalrous bow, that I had seen many times played out in my household or elsewhere, but failed to give it the flare that it did so deserve…of which I had intended.
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Post by Juliette L'Envers de Montegue on Nov 5, 2007 13:28:45 GMT -5
She bowed in a suitably flamboyant manner - really, she was in a skirt - and I chuckled. "It's quite alright, I have a suitable number of men who would carry me there if there was need. Might I inquire as to what had you in such a rush?"
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Post by Odette Lamberte on Nov 6, 2007 0:07:42 GMT -5
My respectful bow transformed into a graceful curtsy that was fitting for my ease of manner, as I explained myself through a brilliant smile.
“My manners are ill this day, my lady. Forgive me. I am Odette Lamberte, fair new to these surroundings.” I gazed over one shoulder towards the bolt of fabric that had stolen away my attention moments ago, thus leading to my bulling over this beauty of a woman onto her hind end.
“So many a wonder to see about the city,” my eyes drifted effortlessly from the fabric to behold my present company. Indeed she was beautiful; so much so that I had no doubt that she ever had difficulty in finding masculine aid, no matter the situation.
“Mayhap I was in a rush to see them all in one day!” ruefully I chuckled.
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Post by Juliette L'Envers de Montegue on Nov 6, 2007 14:09:26 GMT -5
“There is indeed much to see, even for those who have been in the City for a time. And please Odette, I’m not large on formalities. I would prefer Juliette to my lady.” I told her with a soft smile. She did indeed seem enthralled by her surroundings. “Where are you from?”
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Post by Odette Lamberte on Nov 6, 2007 17:47:17 GMT -5
“As you wish…Juliette,” sensibly I nodded then curved my lips into a delighted smile.
“I hail from Siovale…there my father desired for me to remain with him until a ripe old age , but I convinced him to allow me my independence, as he should, so that I might explore the lands...make what I will of it and enjoy life.”
My father...had he not ceded to my wishes, I would have gave half mad in suppressing my urgent need for travel, of that I was certain.
“Have you had the pleasures of seeing the glory of my homeland, Juliette?” Slightly my head canted off to one side, further expressing my curiosity in this matter.
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Post by Juliette L'Envers de Montegue on Nov 8, 2007 1:31:46 GMT -5
"Siovale is a beautiful area. I have not spent nearly enough time there." I said with a smile. "I'm from Namarre, Montegue to be exact."
She truly hadn't been in the City for long. Not many were so open and bright as she at the best of times, but in this world of busy commerce, it was even a rarer attribute. I liked her for it, she made me smile.
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Post by Odette Lamberte on Nov 9, 2007 9:20:07 GMT -5
“Namarre.” I felt the heat rise in my high, graceful cheeks, flushing them with crimson as my thoughts strayed from the conversation to reflect upon such knowledge that had never been pressed upon me intimately.
Feeling my nearly unwavering smile pass into a lazy grin, I clasped my hands together quickly then laughed in spite of my rosy cheeks. “Ah…Namarre! ‘Tis a grand place filled with interesting folk, I’ve been told, much like this city that I’m certain to grow fonder of in the passing days.” My smile returned, as before, kind and bright.
“Could I sway her ladyship into providing me a light tour of the district? I swear to guard you well in our travels!” With that, I lent another chivalrous bow to the fair Montegue.
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Post by Juliette L'Envers de Montegue on Nov 9, 2007 12:42:34 GMT -5
"On one condition." I told her with a chuckle. "That you stop bowing. You look ridiculous."
I turned back to the stall, paying for the original plum scarf that had caught my attention with a few coppers. Wrapping it about my neck, I turned back to her. "Come on then." I told her with a little smile.
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Post by Odette Lamberte on Nov 9, 2007 16:31:55 GMT -5
“As you wish, Juliette.” I grinned at the request, it was simple to follow and would be adhered to while in her company. My nature betimes was a challenge to entertain so, I greatly appreciated her presence.
I watched the exchange of good and coin with little interest, looking away from the pair to once more admire the bright bolt of fabric that was responsible for my intruding upon Juliette’s day.
In that moment, a memory surfaced of my mother holding a length of the same colored material within her small hands, when I was but a child. I heard her laughter echo in my mind and heard words uttered that were gentle…though it was not my mother’s voice that called to me now.
“Come on then.” I blinked away the memory and turned my attention to Juliette, knowing it was her voice that I had heard, following her lead as we strolled away from the merchant.
“My thanks for the tour, ahead of time.” I smiled warmly before dipping my chin briefly.
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Post by Juliette L'Envers de Montegue on Nov 9, 2007 17:39:54 GMT -5
"It's not a problem. It's a good excuse not to go gown shopping." I told her with a little, mischievous smile. "So this is the block with all the more inexpensive shops. The block north has jewelers in the same price range."
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Post by Odette Lamberte on Nov 9, 2007 22:24:15 GMT -5
“If you say so…my lady.” I took a side long glance at Juliette, offering a grin of my own making in the process. I was observant of what was shown to me, committing the information to memory as we moved along.
As by judgment of my present garment, an uncomplicated long skirt with a long sleeved white chemise and tan lock-laced bodice, I kept a life of simplicity and could ill afford anything beyond the realm of the inexpensive shops that stretched out before us. Though no matter my finances, I’d naught turn up my nose at the chance to see more of the city…I was enjoying the company too much.
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Post by Juliette L'Envers de Montegue on Nov 11, 2007 15:37:12 GMT -5
"Juliette, please. Now as I'm sure you noticed since you came from that way, if you head in the opposite direction," I pointed behind us, "you'll find the... seedier section If you go in the direction we are now, it gets more expensive, better quality. Closer to the palace, closer to the nobles." I explained as we continued down the street. "And if you'd like to stop to look at anything, feel free."
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Post by Odette Lamberte on Nov 12, 2007 23:30:05 GMT -5
I had an adequate sense of adventure though I had no deep desire to muck around the seeder section of the district on this trip. My undertaking as a bar matron at the Le Poulet Gauche provided many opportunities to test my limits of my adventure, and there was little need to test such limits presently.
“Thank you, Juliette.” Gently I nodded. I curtailed my foolery, which had been born out of my excitement in exploring the city, to manners that were becoming of a lady, no matter her status, so that I might soak in the details of our surroundings without complication.
When I found cloth that was somewhat of interest, I lightly touched Juliette’s arm then wandered forth towards a merchant that presented his goods in splendid fashion.
Various hues of color flashed before my eyes, beautifully adorned garments hung in an arrangement that summoned one’s attention to them. Certainly they had called to me from afar and thusly I stood before them now, admiring each whilst I felt the delicate fabric with the back of my right hand.
“They are beautiful…” I commented to the merchant who smiled and offered his thanks kindly. “My complements to the seamstress.”
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Post by Juliette L'Envers de Montegue on Nov 13, 2007 11:51:10 GMT -5
I followed Odette as she wandered over to a stall bright with fabric. Her eyes moved lovingly over the garments set out on display, and I fingered a jacket made of a rich royal blue. “This would be a beautiful colour on you.”
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Post by Odette Lamberte on Nov 14, 2007 9:25:50 GMT -5
My eyes parted from the garments that had earned my admiration to set upon the jacket that was in Juliette’s tender care. The shade of blue would likely complement my skin tone nicely so I stepped closer to examine the jacket, taking a small measure of fabric at the bottom of the garment to lay it half over one hand. As predicted, the colour mingled well with my complexion.
“You have a good eye for this sort of thing.” I smiled to my companion and glanced at her a moment. “Mayhap a full length skirt could be turned from such a colour or even an attractive gown that would aid in finding a suitor or two. What do you think, Juliette?”
From the corner of one eye I could see the merchant in action, moving towards us to offer his opinion on the matter.
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Post by Juliette L'Envers de Montegue on Nov 14, 2007 12:03:50 GMT -5
I smiled at her compliment, pleased she thought well of my suggestion. "Little bit of while embroidery mayhap?" I suggested just as the stall owner bustled over.
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Post by Odette Lamberte on Nov 16, 2007 15:53:58 GMT -5
“To each I bid a fair day.” The portly stall owner greeted us with a smile and a courteous bow, dipping his chin to expose a growing crown of grey atop his head. He stood proudly and spoke once more.
“As her ladyship has offered…” his gentle, hazel eyes parted from Juliette to look upon me. “This shade…” respectfully his hands graced the jacket, “would enhance the beauty that I keenly see that you possess.” At that my cheeks flushed, subsiding only when I forced them to return to their natural coloring.
“You are kindly.” Thoughtfully I glanced at the fabric then to Juliette for any last thoughts before I sought to make up my mind about a purchase.
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Post by Juliette L'Envers de Montegue on Nov 16, 2007 19:04:57 GMT -5
I hid a smile at the blatant flattery the stall owner used. It didn't do any harm, though I would keep an ear on how much he charged her. Too many took advantage of those newly arrived to the City.
"It is beautiful, as is much here. If you're not sure, we can always come back." I offered, my voice soft.
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Post by Odette Lamberte on Nov 17, 2007 11:20:37 GMT -5
The voice of the stall owner stole my attention away from Juliette as an offer was developed that fancied his purse rather than my own. Mayhap it was a generous price though I doubted it, steep it was for me. Politely I declined his offer and began to depart this stall with Juliette when the owner shuffled around us quickly to halt our leave.
“Wait! Such beauty deserves an offer worthy of the Gods. I will reduce my price by half, what say you?” His eyes burned with intensity that I had never seen the likes of before this day. He meant to strike a bargain though the way it was presented had ill placed my level of comfort. Firmly I spoke.
“No…thank you.” He was bound and determined to point out my seemingly poor judgment by begging my alluring companion, his exact words, to explain the error I would be making in abandoning such a bargain.
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Post by Juliette L'Envers de Montegue on Nov 17, 2007 16:19:58 GMT -5
I simply raised an eyebrow when he turned to me cajoling, and stepped past him. I was getting better at that, dealing with pushy people by ignoring them rather than cowering. In this, I was backing Odette up. "Good choice." I told her when we were out of earshot. "That first figure was robbery."
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Post by Odette Lamberte on Nov 19, 2007 8:14:07 GMT -5
I looked over one shoulder towards the stall, that was now a good distance away from us and shook my head. “I suspected the first figure would free me of all my hard earned coin. Mayhap if he was not so…determined for a sale I would have taken the second figure. Are all the merchants in this quarter…” with a graceful motion of my right hand, I swept it before me to refer to the inexpensive shops that were about us. “Have the same determination as that last fellow?”
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Post by Juliette L'Envers de Montegue on Nov 19, 2007 16:26:37 GMT -5
“No, not at all. There is a little boutique, about half a block up that I was going to show you. I’m friends with the proprietor’s daughter, so he gives me a discount. Let’s go see what we can find.” I suggested with a calm smile. We were alike, Odette and I, in our bewilderment in the face of overbearing people.
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Post by Odette Lamberte on Nov 21, 2007 10:42:45 GMT -5
“That is pleasing to know.” The light foulness that had built up in my mood, by fault of the stall owner, was removed by the suggestion, giving my cause to smile as I continued to follow Juliette.
There were many merchant traps that I’d have to try and avoid on my own in this city but I was glad for the aid with the pushy stall owner as surely I would have exchanged coin for his goods, or more than likely stricken him across his face for being so… domineering. With hope in my heart that the next merchant would be more polite, I took a deep breath then exhaled smoothly as we neared the boutique.
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Post by Juliette L'Envers de Montegue on Nov 21, 2007 22:28:23 GMT -5
The door opened with a little jingle, but the shop was otherwise quiet. A familiar face poked out from the back, and grinned. "Juliette! I'll be right out."
"No hurry Monsieur Rousseau," I called back. I turned back to my companion. "He'll be a few minutes. Look around, I think you'll like the wares here."
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