Looking About

[Allisande nó Dahlia]

Mont Nuit was bustling in glee and renewed spirits after the King's waking; people were busy out of sheer happiness as I walked about, looking for new things and wondering if I would find something to occupy my attention. I attracted no attention more than any other pretty face would- adepts were a common enough thing, especially here at the base of the hill.

[Sylvestre de Valmont(D)]

My rash of visitors having since subsided and, the excellence of Clovis’s cellars notwithstanding, finding myself bereft of entertainment I decided to venture out into the glorious, bustling, sordid world and see what was what and who was who. I took the carriage to Mont Nuit and then, even though I am adverse to all forms of exercise save one, decided to stroll and re-acquaint myself with the sights and secrets of Night’s Doorstep. It had changed superficially in my ten years of absence, but not in essentials. I wondered if a certain herbalist to whom I was devoted benefactor was still in business and, if not, who currently dominated the market for rare botanicals.

I was so glad to be back. It was a bright clear day, bracingly chilly, and busy with wanderers and businessmen. I felt far from my blood-soaked nightmares and my spirits positively soared as I made way through the crowds, my silver-topped walking cane tapping out a joyous anthem on the cobbles. Although I had still not entirely caught up with the current trends and fashion, released from petty financial considerations, I had taken time with my attire. My mirror reflected a very debonair gentleman indeed, sleek, elegant and exquisitely groomed. I was still young, young enough anyway, and now I was rich. The world from which I had been excluded for so long, was my oyster … waiting for me to crack it open and seize the pearl within.

I was lingering by a jewellery shop, giving a rather fine enamelled snuffbox the eye, when a reflection in the glass caught my attention instead. A young lady, unaccompanied, tall and regal, with a rather splendid mane of dark hair. She had air of dignity that I itched to ruffle. I turned to face and tipped my hat to her, an easy smile coming to my lips.

“Good day, my lady. I’m surprised your father lets you wander abroad without a chaperone.” My eyes sparkled with merriment, and I tilted a mischievous brow. “There are all manner of unsavoury characters about.”

[Allisande nó Dahlia]

Hearing a voice behind me I turned, smiling at his words slightly and lifting my own brow in mirth while dipping a slight curtsey and taking him in- handsome and well put together, looking every inch the gentleman. Still, my regal air held, even if I was a little bit flattered.

"Good day, my lord," I said as I rose, catching his eyes with mine. "My father has little say in what I do, as he has since I was taken to my House. I am Allisande no' Dahlia."

[Sylvestre de Valmont(D)]

Dahlia indeed. Hah, I should have guessed. I was out of touch. Ten years ago, I would never have made a mistake like that. I’d met a few adepts from Dahlia in my time, but we’d rarely had what I would consider meaningful interaction. I found them stuffy and pretentious. They just didn’t like me. All the same, if one was going to take the trouble to talk a girl from Dahlia mistaking her for a lady was probably a fine starting place.

“A pleasure to meet you, Allisande no Dahlia,” I said, bowing in return. “You must forgive me my mistake, although I’m sure it’s a common one. In truth you shall probably have to forgive me for many mistakes. I’m Sylvestre de Valmont.” The words were barely out of my mouth before I remembered that I wasn’t Sylvestre de Valmont anyway. I was momentarily confused but there was nothing I could do about it now without looking a prize fool. So I continued. "And what brings you here today?"

[Allisande nó Dahlia]

"It is a pleasure to meet you as well, Lord Valmont," I said, trying to quickly place the name but coming up with nothing; still, it sounded familiar.. Oh well, best let it pass- if it was important it would come to me later. One of the faults in my almost-illiteracy was that family trees were hard to study and I had to remember everything rote.

I was tall enough to look him in the eye easily- cat-green and a little languid with lazy good humor set in an attractive face that was obviously d'Angeline. HIs hair was as pale and straight as mine was dark and curly. Also, I got the distinct impression that there was more hiding beneath the surface, both frightening and pitiable and that this was no patron of my House. All of this I learned in a moments flickering glance across his face, my gaze never changing. I had many years of practice at such things, after all.

Speaking calmly, with a slight smile on my face I replied, "I'm just a wanderer, my lord- I like to walk about and see what has changed in Night's Doorstep from time to time. One never knows who they may run into, or what may strike their fancy."

[Sylvestre de Valmont(D)]

“Indeed,” I agreed, “one never knows.”

Concealed beneath the down sweep of my lashes, I let my eyes run over her. Dahlia, truly not my tipple of choice but something about her had obviously arrested my attention for Mont Nuit was positively a connoisseur’s hunting ground today and I could have easily found an adept (or other) to suit my most whimsical (or depraved) inclinations. Still, I had found this one, and I might as well try my luck.

She was regarding me with a similar, appraising interest although her gaze never left my face. I wondered what she made of me, and then wondered why I wondered.

“How fortuitous,” I said, “I, too, am a wanderer. I think we should join forces, don’t you?” I offered my arm with a gallant gesture.

[Allisande nó Dahlia]

Nodding graciously I smiled slightly, taking his arm as I said, "That seems to be an amicable arrangement, my lord."

I knew he had appraised me with his eyes- it was par for the course and not insulting in the slightest. If he found me wanting I could have cared less- he was not a patron of mine and I was inclined to treat everyone as my equal, no matter my status or theirs.

"What do you look for when you wander?" I asked curiously.

[Sylvestre de Valmont(D)]

“An amicable arrangement?” I repeated, amused. “Why, Lady, what big words you use. I do hope this association will be mutually beneficial.”

Her arm rested lightly on mine. In truth, I felt a little odd. She bestowed her presence like it was a jewel and, such was her air of quiet confidence, I almost felt gratified as if she lent me grace. Almost. She was, after all, just an adept I’d picked up to enliven an idle afternoon and, if was lucky, an idle night. Even if she was from Dahlia.

“Just trinkets to catch my eye,” I answered. “I’m afraid I must have the heart of a magpie.” I drew her round so that we faced the jeweller into whose window I had been peered before she had attracted my attention. “At the moment, I’m considering that enamelled snuffbox. I hear they’re quite the thing this season and I am utterly bereft without one.”

[Allisande nó Dahlia]

"Magpies make their nests lovely to attract other birds- is that why you collect such things?" I teased, not really intending to get an answer. He seemed entirely too sure of himself and his place in the world to speculate on such things.

"As to my language, you must forgive me- I have had such usage drilled into my head since I stepped foot inside the house when I was six years of age and it is a very hard habit to break."

[Sylvestre de Valmont(D)]

A surprised laugh escaped me. I had not expected her to be over-endowed with a sense of humour. I darted my eyes to hers. “Perhaps I just like beautiful things,” I offered, holding her gaze for a second or two before I let it rest again on the snuffbox.

“And don’t worry about the language on my account,” I added. “Possibly I could even give you a run for your money. I have a cunning tongue.” I grinned. “And a dictionary down my trousers.”

[Allisande nó Dahlia]

Raising an eyebrow willfully and head cocked to the side, I teasingly replied, "I have met many people who say so, but not have been my match. Their clever tongue trip and tangle over more complicated phrasings and their dictionaries are often abridged, leaving out some of the more subtle usages. So forgive me, my lord, if I don't take such things at face value any more- being who I am has made me somewhat jaded."

Turning back to the window I looked at the snuffbox. "And personally, I find that beauty is as beauty does."

[Sylvestre de Valmont(D)]

“Pompous is in my dictionary, abridged or not,” I shot back, more out of habit than any real malice. “I’m sorry,” I said with the ease of utter insincerity, “that was insufferably rude of me. I should, indeed, bite my clever tongue for it has tripped me up already.”

Speaking of jade, this was a jade’s trick: say something discourteous, and apologise immediately. It’s a cheap thing, and I shouldn’t fall back on it but sometimes I just can’t help myself. Besides, I wondered if I could hit a nerve. Perhaps I could discover what lay beneath her pride.

[Allisande nó Dahlia]

Turning at his words I looked at the ground, a little ashamed of myself. Even if his apology was insincere, that did not change that I was the one at fault for seeming so condescending. "My lord, I apologize- that was terribly crass of me." Looking up into his eyes I smiled apologetically. "Please forgive me."

[Sylvestre de Valmont(D)]

Of all possible responses, this was the one I had entirely failed to predict and prepare for. It left me completely disarmed and for a moment my wits completely deserted me. I merely blinked like a halfwit, as if harpooned by her piercing hazel eyes.

“No, no, not all,” I said awkwardly, realising I had no mechanism for gracefully accepting such earnest shame. “I’m sure I deserved it,” I said, more cheerfully. “I deserve all manner of dreadful strictures.” Ah, that was better. The strange moment passed, and I felt myself again.

“Now then,” I directed her attention to the jeweller’s again, “I know you scorn my snuffbox and, I think, beauty in general … although it has crossed my mind that you disdain beauty as a rich man disdains his gold … but is there anything there to win your approval?”

[Allisande nó Dahlia]

Smiling and flattered at his compliment I turned to the window, looking down at all of the snuffboxes arranged there, a variety of precious metals and carved woods. Almost all of them seemed to scream of pretention and money poorly spent.

Finally I spied one that looked beautiful to me- it was wonderfully made of brass, warm and glowing and had designs etched into the middle. It looked like class and dignity and still had enough beauty to stun- you just had to look closely to see it. "That is beauty- the ability to not flaunt your skills but to instead possess enough grace to brighten your surroundings."

[Sylvestre de Valmont(D)]

I leaned forward to examine the snuffbox she indicated. I had no strong feelings either way – I just wanted an enamelled snuffbox because I didn’t have one – but the one she had chosen seemed to possess some special quality, much as she did. I’d long since lost interest in the snuffboxes anyway, I was much more interested in the adept at my side.

“You may be right,” I agreed, nevertheless. “My, you do have taste. It makes me wonder how you’ve contrive to tolerate me as long as you have.” I paused, and then went on: “And while we linger by this window – what do you think of those tigers’ eyes. I know it’s dreadfully trite to compare a lady’s eyes to precious stones but they’re staring right at me, just like you are.”

[Allisande nó Dahlia]

Turning to look up at the tigers-eye, I glanced at him, then looked closely at the stones. "You have a good eye yourself, my lord- the stones are lovely."

Part of me was wondering what he was playing at- I had felt his attention shift to me and knew that was no so odd, but something about him was trying to set my nerves on edge, like a fox watching a hare. Still, this was one hare who knew where her hidey-hole was and I had no intention of giving him a merry chase through the countryside.

[Sylvestre de Valmont(D)]

“For some things,” I agreed, “I have a good eye.” I cast another glance at her. “Wait here, my dear, I will be very swift. I have no need to loiter over other beauties.” On the threshold of the shop, I turned. “I hope you won’t take this opportunity to flee,” I said, half in jest, half in earnest. “I’d be heart-broken.” With that, I darted inside.

I wasn’t sure whether I expected her take flight the instant my back was turned. If she did, I admitted I’d be somewhat peeved. I rather hoped I’d caught her interest. And it wasn’t like she was from Alyssum. I’m sure Dahlia’s are made of sterner stuff than that.

My business was transacted hastily – perhaps I was more anxious that I was willing to admit, for I usually linger over purchases. I enjoy the act of spending money … strangely enough particularly on other people. It must be one of my few virtues.

A few minutes later, I was stepping back into the sunlight, the snuffbox she had suggested tucked into my pocket and one gloved hand discreetly behind my back.

[Allisande nó Dahlia]

Patience was one of my virtues and I thought I detected a little drop of earnestness in his words, so I waited patiently for him to come back. He was like a puzzle and I wanted to figure him out a little- plus, there was the thrill of danger unidentified and I was not immune to such things. If patience was my virtue, pride was my sin.

When he stepped back out I raised an eyebrow and smiled. "I don't flee from anything, my lord."

[Sylvestre de Valmont(D)]

She was still waiting for me outside. I told myself I’d been expecting it, but a flicker of gratification travelled through me that she was.

“I didn’t think you would,” I said. “You don’t strike me as a coward. And,” I added, remembering her astute appraisal, “I suspect you might have just a little too much of the hunter about you.”

As I stepped back to her side, I brought my hand out from behind my back with a flourish. The tigers-eyes we had admired, linked together to form a bracelet, danced between my gloved fingers, glowing in what was left of the afternoon sunlight. I smiled, rather boyishly, pleased with myself and held it out to her. “Tiger tiger burning bright.”

[Allisande nó Dahlia]

The sin of pride left one open to flattery and I knew it, but that didn't make it any less enjoyable. His childlike grin transformed his features into something almost sweet and I smiled glowingly, eyes warm. Gracefully I reached out a hand and caressed the bracelet he held, the stones smooth and cool and glowing. Just as gracefully I continued the caress of my fingertips up to the tips of his fingers before pulling them away.

Smiling still, I said, "You flatter me, my lord- though I do not know if I am a hunter as much as prey who knows her surroundings. And who has too much daring at times."

[Sylvestre de Valmont(D)]

Ah, a woman’s smile for the price of some tigers-eyes, I’d always known how to spend money but I’d never had quite had the resources to indulge myself. Joyous day, joyous, joyous day. How distant did my exile seem now, on this bright day in the city with a lovely adept smiling adoringly at me? Her felt the brush of her fingertips against my own and, as much as I had admired the gloves, for they were pearl grey and just the thing, I wished my hands were bare.

I dropped the bracelet carelessly into her hand, knowing that one of the secret of being a good benefactor is to give seemingly without heed or expectation.

“A prey with audacity is the best kind of prey,” I said, “for they will venture places more timid creatures dare not … and consequently are more easily caught.”

[Allisande nó Dahlia]

The secret to accepting a gift with dignity is to be gracious but never fawning- I had watched my mother with the same mannerism as a child and had it drilled into my head with the same persistance as everything else I learned at Dahlia. It was a very thin line and one easily crossed, but I was nothing if not self-observant.

Rolling the bracelet carefully between my fingers I nodded in thanks as caught his eye to seal the message. Cocking my head sideways I answered wittily, "Bold prey is only more easily caught, my lord, if they are slow or distracted. Many creatures of prey are the best at knowing their surroundings and effect escape even as the hunter is sure of their catch. There can be few rewards without risks."

[Sylvestre de Valmont(D)]

She accepted my gift as if it was her entirely due. Oh these Dahlia adepts. I wondered whether I was irritated. It’s not as I if I demand, or even expect, sycophancy for my generosity but still. One doesn’t like to feel one has offered tribute. But, no, she did everything with some solemn care and the day was such a lovely one and my life was a cloudless sky that I just couldn’t be bothered to be annoyed at anything. I wondered if she did everything with that air of gravity. I thought of her serious lips on my prick and had to hide a smirk of amusement.

“They say risk adds spice,” I said, “but I’ve always preferred reward. I think it’s because I’m essentially very lazy. But bold prey falls, err, prey … if you’ll forgive the pun … to curiosity and is therefore far more easily distracted than it usually gives itself credit for. Ah, the dangers of overconfidence.”

[Allisande nó Dahlia]

It almost seemed for a moment like he was going to become irritated, but then his features relaxed and I gave an internal sigh of relief; this was turning out to be an interesting meeting and I didn't want to be the one to set it awry with my somewhat off-putting nature.

Smiling a little charmingly- just a small twist of the lips to make me seem more playful and less offensive- I rebutted with, "Hunters can be overconfident as well, or so I believe. They wait for the prey to step into the open and venture into areas unknown to follow it once it has been wounded. Wounded or trapped prey is the most dangerous kind, because they have nothing to lose, and a hunter often forgets that."

[Sylvestre de Valmont(D)]

“Then, that,” I returned, rather taken by the mischievous curl of her smile – I bet she didn’t let that one out often, “is why a hunter should always go straight for the kill.”

Conscious of labouring the point for rhetorical points, I gave a slight bow. “But since you seem so well versed in the matter and, I confess, I find it hard to oppose you in anything when your eyes sparkle so becomingly, I shall let myself be instructed by you.” It was time to move on.

“You know,” I said, “I have been away from our delightful capital these ten long years. You may have to re-introduce me to the world. What would be a pleasing way to spend this afternoon, do you think? What do you do for pleasure? Are you too…” I made sure my voice was teasing, “upright and unbending for fun?”

[Allisande nó Dahlia]

My eyes really did sparkle now from the flattery as I tossed my hair slightly, feeling it brush the bottom of my back. My mischevious look became a bit more pronouced as I asked sweetly, "I would be honored to show you around, but I wasn't wandering the City ten years ago and you would have to tell me what you remembered so I could compare it to what I know now. As to whether I am too solemn to be fun," I said, eyes flashing with a little mirth, "I manage to keep myself amused, but you would have to find out for yourself if my fun and yours match. I wander where my whim takes me and stop to watch what catches my fancy."

[Sylvestre de Valmont(D)]

A shadow seemed fall across me. Ten years! What madness, what relaxed madness, had made me admit to that? I felt suddenly wrong-footed, as if the ground beneath me had suddenly become quicksand. It was horrifying to think that pretty young things like my companion were probably following their mothers around a homely kitchen somewhere while I was mouldering in the country like a discarded turnip. Still, at least it meant she retained a blissful ignorance of my reputation. I tried to shrug off the minor injury to my vanity.

“Oh you’re a cruel heartless creature,” I said, pressing a hand to my heart as if she had wounded me and giving a flamboyant stagger. “You make me feel so unbearably old when you say things like that. But let us wander together in whimsy. You shall have to proceed slowly of course. My old, aching bones and all that.”

I offered her my arm again, self-conscious of my movements now. It was importantly to belie my words with sprightliness. I would hate it if she actually thought me old. Did she? Argh.

[Allisande nó Dahlia]

Inwardly berating myself for slipping up again- what was wrong with me today?- I kept my expression calm and harmless, never letting slip I had noticed his insecurity. Men were such sensitive about such things.

Laughing lightly I took his arm and said, "I don't think I said that quite how I meant it to sound. It was supposed to encourage you to tell me tales of things you did about the City when you were last here so I could get a slight understanding of what you find fun and than I would expound on it, speaking of what was now available. I apologize- it seems that one of the faults of a spoken language is that no one really knows what another person says, or even hears."

[Sylvestre de Valmont(D)]

My vanity was duly soothed. Perhaps she was being kind, but then I have no objection to pleasant lies. Or even unpleasant lies.

“One lady’s fault is another man’s advantage,” I said, tucking her arm cosily in mine and strolling off in a direction that struck my fancy. I didn’t know where I was going, but what did it matter. “I have always appreciated the slipperiness of language. I think the world would be a little dull if our meanings were always plain. And as for my city adventures, well … I’m sure they would hardly make for interesting tales.”

I hesitated, unsure whether blatant dishonesty was my friend. After all, if she’d never heard of me and was unlikely to ever do so, then I could be as charming and honest a gentleman as I wished. Of course, perhaps it would be easier to be relatively open about my murky past, and suitably shamed, naturally. Women tended to like that, I found. They like think themselves our saviours. I have no wish to be saved. To be damned is much more pleasurable.

“Take me somewhere that means something to you,” I said, deciding not to confront the issue at all. “Most of my old haunts are probably long gone.”