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Post by Avive de Rocaille on Sept 13, 2006 22:06:34 GMT -5
I glared at him. "One day, I'll find out who she is," I proclaimed.
"Father is quite well; these days he spends a lot of time evaluating the value of the estate," I said. "He wants to make sure I will have my inheritance when he passes on."
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Post by Alain de Mauvais (D) on Sept 13, 2006 22:11:25 GMT -5
"He's not sick is he? He will be around for years yet," I said, my brow wrinkling a little. The thought of another person that I was related to passing on was a little too much right now. It was time for peace and people just staying where they should be for awhile.
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Post by Avive de Rocaille on Sept 13, 2006 22:13:31 GMT -5
"Oh no, no, he's quite well, but he's past 50, so he wants all his affairs straightened out," I clarified. "Father won't be going for a long time."
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Post by Alain de Mauvais (D) on Sept 13, 2006 22:19:57 GMT -5
"Good, that's as it should be," I said, smiling again.
I heard a knock on the front door and groaned. "That's my solicitor," I told Avive. "I forgot he was coming. I have to see him about some accounts. Will you be alright? I have someone come help you unpack if you like." I heard Bonnie answer the door the low mumble of their voices.
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Post by Avive de Rocaille on Sept 13, 2006 22:22:14 GMT -5
"Oh, no," I said, "I will unpack myself, and read a little. Will I see you at supper?"
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Post by Alain de Mauvais (D) on Sept 13, 2006 22:26:37 GMT -5
"Of course," I said, standing. Bonnie appeared in the doorway and I nodded to let her know that I was coming. I drew a loop of keys from my pocket and removed two of them. "This one is to your bedroom," I told her, handing her the first one. "This one is to the library." I gave her the second key. "They are both the only copies, so have no fear that I will be barging in on any of your privacy."
I smiled and laid my hand on her cheek for a moment.
"I really am glad you're here Avive." I smiled and then headed out to my office to meet with my solicitor.
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Post by Avive de Rocaille on Sept 13, 2006 22:29:53 GMT -5
I took the keys and tucked them into my bodice, then headed to my room.
Once there, I flopped on the bed and felt it bounce under me. I let out a peal of laughter. A library! New dresses! Mont Nuit! I had so much to be thankful for. Mostly I was thankful for Cousin Alain. He was so wonderful. Supper couldn't come quickly enough.
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Post by Alain de Mauvais (D) on Sept 14, 2006 13:44:25 GMT -5
The happiness of having Avive here was soon lost in the avalanche of numbers and accounts. There was a problem with one of the minor holdings, a steward who appeared to be taking more than his due from the harvest every year. I wondered at how this had escaped my father's notice for so long, but that too was lost as plans for how to handle the situation were discussed.
Eventually the solicitor left, but I was still ensnared in figures and reports and scores of other tedious duties. I was startled when there came a soft knock on my door.
"Come in," I said, sitting up and running my hands through my hair.
Bonnie opened the door and peeked in, "Supper's ready, my lord." Now that I was a Duc, she had gone back to calling me 'my lord' and there seemed to be nothing I could do to stop her this time.
"Thank you, Bonnie," I said, pushing my chair back from my desk and standing.
"Shall I tell the young lady?" she asked.
"Yes please, I am so stiff it would take me forever to climb those stairs right now," I said with a chuckle.
She smiled and left, followed shortly by the sound of her heading upstairs to get Avive.
I stretched mightily, hearing bones in my back and shoulders pop in protest. Grunting at the old man sounds I my body was suddenly treating me to, I headed out of the office and to the dining room.
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Post by Avive de Rocaille on Sept 14, 2006 16:35:01 GMT -5
A kiss a kiss kiss me again kiss me forever marry me take me away to a lovely place with books lots of books and Father why are you so sad can't you see I'm happy happy happy with my new dress oh it's lovely Cousin thank you I mustn't wear it in the library my library Orchis Valerian Alyssum whichever will I choose I've climbed too high and now I'm falling...
"My lady?" called a voice, and I jolted out of slumber. I had falled asleep where I had lain.
Cursing myself inwardly for not unpacking or reading, I called out, "Yes?"
"Supper is being served."
"Thank you, Bonnie," I replied, "I'll be down in a minute!"
I jumped up and splashed my face with the cold water in the basin. I unlocked my trunk and pulled out my comb, running it through my tangled hair. I tied it back up into a ribbon, smoothed my dress, and pattered downstairs to the supper table, where Alain was waiting.
"Good evening, Cousin."
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Post by Alain de Mauvais (D) on Sept 14, 2006 19:39:47 GMT -5
I had taken a seat, but stood as Avive entered the room.
"Good evening to you, cousin," I responded, smiling. The table had been set so that we could sit close enough for easy conversation without having to yell over our food. "How goes the settling in?"
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Post by Avive de Rocaille on Sept 14, 2006 19:43:15 GMT -5
"Poorly," I said honestly. "I fell asleep as soon as I got upstairs. I haven't even unpacked yet, let alone finished the chapter of the Tanach I was reading."
"How did your work go?" I asked.
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Post by Alain de Mauvais (D) on Sept 14, 2006 19:45:34 GMT -5
"Tedious, a nap would have been much more fulfilling. They make a title sound so wonderful, but thus far it's been a lot of boring contracts and meetings," I told her, chuckling.
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Post by Avive de Rocaille on Sept 14, 2006 19:46:55 GMT -5
"But you must meet so many important people," I commented, eyes wide. "I have never seen a real noble, let alone commiserated with one."
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Post by Alain de Mauvais (D) on Sept 14, 2006 19:56:46 GMT -5
Motioning for her to sit, I sat also. "I met more people before the title, but I am sure that will get better. It's been a lot of just getting the feel of everything up to now," I explained to her. I didn't point out that she had met a noble before, me and my father in fact. People tended to forget the positions of family.
The food began making it's arrival. Trays filled with breads, bowls filled with steaming vegetables in sauces and a platter with slices of spices duck were all set before us.
"Is there anyone in particular you'd like to meet now that you are in the City? I am certain I could arrange for an introduction to anyone if you'd like," I told Avive as I watched the food get placed on the table.
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Post by Avive de Rocaille on Sept 14, 2006 20:01:52 GMT -5
"Everyone!" I exclaimed, although it came out more, "Mrrrmmpgh!" due to the mouthful of bread I was chewing.
I swallowed, then repeated myself. "Everyone," I said. "Anyone you like, anyone you think I'll like, or will like me." I chuckled. "I suppose it's a bit much to ask to meet the Princess Sabrina, I imagine she's a very busy woman. but I admire her very much; she is one of my greatest role models."
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Post by Alain de Mauvais (D) on Sept 14, 2006 20:07:13 GMT -5
"Really?" I asked, a bit surprised. "Maybe not right away, but I think we could arrange something. Even just an introduction at a fete or something like that."
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Post by Avive de Rocaille on Sept 14, 2006 20:12:22 GMT -5
"I would like that," I said. "I would especially like to go to a fete. We can meet people there, I would assume."
I cocked my head at him. "Cousin, do you have many friends here?"
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Post by Alain de Mauvais (D) on Sept 14, 2006 20:15:32 GMT -5
After finishing my bite of duck I looked up at her. "I have a few. Events haven't really been conducive to me making scores of them between the national tragedies and having to return home. But I am not lonely if that is what you are asking," I told her, smiling.
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Post by Avive de Rocaille on Sept 14, 2006 20:25:55 GMT -5
"Oh, good," I said. "I would be sad to hear otherwise."
"Who are your friends? What are they like?" I joked, "Are they married?"
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Post by Alain de Mauvais (D) on Sept 14, 2006 20:57:05 GMT -5
"Too many to name right now.. they are all different… and no, I don't believe any of them are married," I answered, chuckling and rising an eyebrow at her jokingly. "Why are so curious?"
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Post by Avive de Rocaille on Sept 14, 2006 20:59:09 GMT -5
"No reason. I thought that if I were to marry someone, it might as well be someone you like," I answered practically. "Well, then let's start with one. Tell me about your closest friend."
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Post by Alain de Mauvais (D) on Sept 14, 2006 22:52:17 GMT -5
"When you get married, the only person whose needs to like him is you, your father would be nice as well, but you are the important one," I said, nodding my head to emphasize my point.
I took a bite of vegetables and then answered d her question.
"My closest friend Marshall is in Siovale right now, at the estate. He is training to be my steward. He and I have been through many adventures together, quite a few of which I only survived because he was there." I chuckled softly and took a drink of wine. "You would like him. That's his old room you choose as yours."
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Post by Avive de Rocaille on Sept 15, 2006 16:34:37 GMT -5
"What did he like to read?" I asked. "There are many many books in that room."
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Post by Alain de Mauvais (D) on Sept 15, 2006 17:51:41 GMT -5
"Marshall likes to read anything he could get his hands on. He especially enjoys histories and languages. I couldn't begin to count how many languages he is at least passable in. He's a good man, I miss having him around, but it was time for him to move on and quit having to look after me all the time."
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Post by Avive de Rocaille on Sept 15, 2006 17:56:01 GMT -5
"That's sweet," I commented. "I speak passable Caerdicci and Aragonian myself."
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Post by Alain de Mauvais (D) on Sept 15, 2006 18:01:17 GMT -5
"I can communicate well enough in a handful of languages, but what I didn't speak I always managed to figure out some way to communicate," I told her, chuckling wryly.
Then I shook my head slightly. "I shouldn't corrupt your delicate ears with such tales of debauchery. Nothing but tales of honor and purity from here on out."
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Post by Avive de Rocaille on Sept 15, 2006 18:14:28 GMT -5
"I am not so delicate," I said wryly, "I'd finished the Trois Milles Joies by the time I was thirteen. I've read all the histories. It's hard to shock me, after the things I've read."
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Post by Alain de Mauvais (D) on Sept 15, 2006 18:16:56 GMT -5
I chuckled low and looked at her. "There is a big difference between reading and doing."
"But then again, isn't that part of the reason you are here in the City?" I asked, smiling.
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Post by Avive de Rocaille on Sept 15, 2006 18:21:02 GMT -5
"Yes, of course, what better place to get a hands on education in everything I've read?"
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Post by Alain de Mauvais (D) on Sept 15, 2006 18:25:39 GMT -5
"Good point," I responded. After finishing my food, I took a sip of wine and studied Avive for a moment.
"So, cousin, what is it you are hoping to get in your life? A husband and family, I know… but anything else?"
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