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Post by Yvan-Etienne d'Lantier(D) on Aug 3, 2007 10:27:17 GMT -5
It was a few days gone since the coronation, since that lovely night spent with Anacrasia, and I had found myself restless once again, my home quiet, but too quiet, and so I took my steed to the City, using the excuse of ordering new supplies for the sculpture I intended to make of the Feline Beauty.
The day was a little bit grey, and it suited my mood. The streets were calm, and so I strode nonchalantly the streets of Mont-Nuit, seeking out Lesper, the man who sold me the knives I used for my art. Sheathed against my arms were throwing daggers, cloaked discreetly under a coat of grey and black.
I hummed to myself, pleased by my initiative - this was quiet, but the possibility of the unexpected was there - not something I hated at all.
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Pièter Kolcei
Noble
His Highness the Ambassador of Illyria, Nephew of the Ban; House Kolcei
Posts: 1,920
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Post by Pièter Kolcei on Aug 3, 2007 10:52:11 GMT -5
I had just gotten into town and made myself known to the Queen though she had not sent for me yet. So I was in good spirits as I walked exploring the City and getting a feel for the lay of the land making up a mental map of sorts and checking and re-checking it. I was getting more than a few looks as I was clearly not D’Angeline, but the City of Eula is used to visitors and I did not feel like I was being starred at as if I was some sort of exotic animal.
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Post by Yvan-Etienne d'Lantier(D) on Aug 3, 2007 11:00:55 GMT -5
Across from me, on the same sidewalk, I noticed a lone figure walking. Not particularly interested at first, my curiosity was sparked as he was getting closer. His features, his gait, his garments... he screamed Illyrian, and that made him the first compatriot I met in the city in over a decade.
True, I was half D'Angeline, and so that made me less remarkable to him, although I had been told before that my nose was distinctively Illyrian. No matter. As we crossed paths, I inclined my head, giving him a polite salute in my mother's tongue. "Sdradvoi," I said calmly.
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Pièter Kolcei
Noble
His Highness the Ambassador of Illyria, Nephew of the Ban; House Kolcei
Posts: 1,920
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Post by Pièter Kolcei on Aug 3, 2007 11:13:06 GMT -5
I was lost in my own thoughts when a stranger happened to come near. When he spoke my milk tongue I was a bit taken by surprise none the less I stopped and returned the greeting “Sdradvoi.” I then studied him and yes I could see a trace of our blood in him. I had left my cutlass behind all the better to not appear to be the stereotype of a pirate but I had been marked easy enough. Perhaps this was something I needed to work on if I was going to be a good ambassador.
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Post by Yvan-Etienne d'Lantier(D) on Aug 3, 2007 21:06:41 GMT -5
His returned greeting held a hint of suspicion - nothing I would not, myself, have, if I didn't live here all these years.
Bowing, I gave my name, my full name, the one I had not given in years.
"Yvan Lantier, son of Etienne and of his wife, Menschka Grigonishcu," I said in our tongue. It had been years, but my pronunciation was still good, and it made me grin.
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Pièter Kolcei
Noble
His Highness the Ambassador of Illyria, Nephew of the Ban; House Kolcei
Posts: 1,920
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Post by Pièter Kolcei on Aug 3, 2007 21:11:13 GMT -5
Hearing my milk tongue spoken flawlessly made me smile at my good fortune at having met a kindred spirit. "Pièter Kolcei son of Nicolie Kolcei and his wife Marisopia Kolcei. New to the city as you probably guessed. It is a pleasure to meet you as I am sure you can imagine finding one who speaks my language is quite refreshing." It was to because truth be told now that I was here my task as well as getting acclimated was a bit daunting.
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Post by Yvan-Etienne d'Lantier(D) on Aug 3, 2007 21:22:26 GMT -5
My smiled was replaced by an expression of surprise, and I bowed more deeply. "My Prince, what..." I gasped. Recollecting my thoughts, I said, "It is an honor to meet a member of the Royal family, my Prince, but what brings you to this place?"
This was interesting indeed. I had not met another Illyrian in years, though I had heard the rumor of a shopkeeper on Mont-Nuit. I had never bothered to confirm it, being usually uninterested in traders. My business was... other.
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Pièter Kolcei
Noble
His Highness the Ambassador of Illyria, Nephew of the Ban; House Kolcei
Posts: 1,920
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Post by Pièter Kolcei on Aug 3, 2007 21:29:56 GMT -5
"Thank you" I inclined my head to him. "Though I am a fairly low ranking Prince the ban is my uncle. As for what brings me here Illyria has sent me as an ambassador. We would like to see the strangle hold La Serenissma holds on our trade end." I grinned a bit and added in conspiratorial tones "Being the world's best pirates is sorely overrated. No one seems happy to see you." My jest made my smile bloom even more. "And trust me it is an honor to meet you as well."
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Post by Yvan-Etienne d'Lantier(D) on Aug 3, 2007 21:40:49 GMT -5
I smiled, the young Prince did not seem to care much for his title. It must have been all these years in the City, where station sometimes matters more than true valor, that drew me to be so ceremonious.
"Is it?" I asked, referring to his statement about piracy. "I've never had an issue, but then again, I do keep to myself, quite a bit, usually." My eyes glazed over his young form, but any thoughts on it were shoved away. That was the D'Angeline blood expressing itself - but the Illyrian in me knew that would not be appropriate. "So tell me, have you had an occasion to visit the City since you arrived?"
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Pièter Kolcei
Noble
His Highness the Ambassador of Illyria, Nephew of the Ban; House Kolcei
Posts: 1,920
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Post by Pièter Kolcei on Aug 3, 2007 21:46:27 GMT -5
I chuckled at that "Yes it is. Piracy has gain in the short term, but it is not the thing solid relations or a strong nation are built on." I held my arms wide "As for the City you have caught me on my maiden voyage of exploration. I have some hope of being able to find my way about as it certainly would not do to be lost when I was supposed to be in one meeting or another."
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Post by Yvan-Etienne d'Lantier(D) on Aug 3, 2007 22:17:23 GMT -5
I laughed lightly. "No, it would not do, indeed. I was on my way to buy some knives, in fact, but that takes me rather far, so mayhap you would like to join me? Along the way, I will point out the sights and places of note, if you like."
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Pièter Kolcei
Noble
His Highness the Ambassador of Illyria, Nephew of the Ban; House Kolcei
Posts: 1,920
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Post by Pièter Kolcei on Aug 3, 2007 22:19:28 GMT -5
"I would appreciate that." I responded and fell into step with him. "It really is a beautiful city much like the D'Angelines are a beautiful people."
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Post by Yvan-Etienne d'Lantier(D) on Aug 3, 2007 22:50:56 GMT -5
"Excellent," I replied, taking the first step towards my destination. "Oh, yes, the D'Angelines are beautiful, very delightful. Have you been to the Night Court?"
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Pièter Kolcei
Noble
His Highness the Ambassador of Illyria, Nephew of the Ban; House Kolcei
Posts: 1,920
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Post by Pièter Kolcei on Aug 4, 2007 7:54:51 GMT -5
Following along with an easy gate I shook my head no. "No I have not. I figured if I ran that way as soon as I got into the City it would not be the best of first impressions."
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Post by Yvan-Etienne d'Lantier(D) on Aug 4, 2007 13:22:59 GMT -5
I laughed lightly, trying to stay polite about such a thing, for that he believed that going to the Night Court sent the wrong message, he was sourly mistaken. Keeping my amusement from my voice, other than that easy chuckle, I gave him the adequate explanation.
"On the contrary, My Lord, the Night Court is the flower of the City, and its pride. Adepts are servants of the Angel Naamah, whose jurisdiction, in their pantheon, is love. In a way, they are priests and priestesses, and the Night Court is their foremost sanctum. They entertain the Royalty and the Nobility of Terre d'Ange. Certainly, it is not a bad thing for you to do. Love as thou willt, as they say," I concluded with a simple smile.
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Pièter Kolcei
Noble
His Highness the Ambassador of Illyria, Nephew of the Ban; House Kolcei
Posts: 1,920
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Post by Pièter Kolcei on Aug 4, 2007 13:28:52 GMT -5
I listened and nodded repeatedly as I had learned all of this in my studies but I replied with what was really on my mind about such. "I know that as it has been revealed in my studies, but I have heard that sometimes practice is much different than dogma. I am fearful that while speaking openly as you just did others might speak scandalously behind closed doors." The was mostly the truth. Well that an the fact I am limited in my bed chamber experience. Oh I am not a virgin, but when one carries blood linked to the throne one must take care not to seed the countryside with bastard off spring.
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Post by Yvan-Etienne d'Lantier(D) on Aug 4, 2007 13:37:51 GMT -5
"Behind closed doors?" I looked at him. "Oh, there is gossip in Terre d'Ange - but you will find that Adepts are most discreet. The only issue, is that the Thirteen houses all have their specialties - and thus, going to one, without disclosing your specific bedchamber activities, will reveal your tastes, no doubt. But again, Love as thou willt. Here, one can bed several people, of any gender they choose, or engage in the darker arts without being judged on it. Otherwise, it may be considered to be somewhat heretic."
A thought had crossed my mind, and I indulged it. "If I may, would you allow me to offer advice?"
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Pièter Kolcei
Noble
His Highness the Ambassador of Illyria, Nephew of the Ban; House Kolcei
Posts: 1,920
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Post by Pièter Kolcei on Aug 4, 2007 13:46:32 GMT -5
I gave him a wide eyed look for all he said and well I honestly did not know how my tastes ran. Trying desperately not to let my mouth hang open I answered "Yes of course?"
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Post by Yvan-Etienne d'Lantier(D) on Aug 4, 2007 14:12:54 GMT -5
Oh, the innocence of the freshly arrived. Then again, he was young, rather young, I noted, almost a teenager still. He still had much to learn, visibly.
Kindly, trying to make sure I was not condescending, but patient, I told him, "Well, I would suggest you stay away from Bryony if you value your coin, from Mandrake if you do not enjoy pain, and from Heliotrope if you are concerned about heartbreaks. Most of the other Houses are harmless. The other thing I was going to tell you was... politics are often settled in the bedchamber, in this country. It is an important thing to keep in mind."
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Pièter Kolcei
Noble
His Highness the Ambassador of Illyria, Nephew of the Ban; House Kolcei
Posts: 1,920
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Post by Pièter Kolcei on Aug 4, 2007 14:16:13 GMT -5
I was.....stunned and I am sure my wide eyed expression said as much as I just stared at Yvan. At last I found my tongue "I think I should have spent more time carousing and less time studying."
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Post by Yvan-Etienne d'Lantier(D) on Aug 4, 2007 14:21:28 GMT -5
Laughing fullheartedly, I told him, "I would not be concerned about it, if I were you. The ladies are going to be all over you, very soon. Do not be worried. Oh, I forgot. Remember this name : Shahrizai. Unless you enjoy pain, don't bed any of their clan until you are ready," I told him, licking my lower lip at the sweet recollection of Anacrasia's attentions.
The moisture woke up the still healing cut on my lower lip, and it prompted a grin. That woman was sublime.
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Pièter Kolcei
Noble
His Highness the Ambassador of Illyria, Nephew of the Ban; House Kolcei
Posts: 1,920
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Post by Pièter Kolcei on Aug 4, 2007 14:27:05 GMT -5
I blinked a few more times and I replied honestly "Not sure what I like. I am not overly experienced."
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Post by Yvan-Etienne d'Lantier(D) on Aug 4, 2007 14:34:41 GMT -5
"As I said, that will be fixed soon enough. In the meantime, though, heed my advice," I told him with a chuckle. I eyed him, noting he was going about unarmed. A rumor was about town that one had been attacked on Mont-Nuit, and I had thus chose to go about with my knives, though they were concealed. Giving him a look of concern, I asked, "On an other matter completely, do tell me you did not come to Night's Doorstep unarmed, please?"
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Pièter Kolcei
Noble
His Highness the Ambassador of Illyria, Nephew of the Ban; House Kolcei
Posts: 1,920
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Post by Pièter Kolcei on Aug 4, 2007 14:38:49 GMT -5
Recovering I walked with him and added in an amused tone "Alright, I did not come to Night's Doorstep unarmed. Though in truth I did come without weapons for a reason that whole appearance thing again." I was starting to feel like a real dolt as this conversation continued.
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Post by Yvan-Etienne d'Lantier(D) on Aug 4, 2007 14:44:32 GMT -5
"Fair enough," I replied good-naturedly. "Worry not, when I came here, I was but a young teen, and I took some time to know my way around. In truth, if you had done so last month, it would have been the normal practice. However, the morning following the Coronation, a foreign noble was attacked, and beat, his horse stolen... so I will admit, caution is in order, more so than usual."
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Pièter Kolcei
Noble
His Highness the Ambassador of Illyria, Nephew of the Ban; House Kolcei
Posts: 1,920
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Post by Pièter Kolcei on Aug 4, 2007 14:50:50 GMT -5
"Thank you for the advice." I added as we strolled and I took in the sites. "I do hope that was not a sign that foreign people are to be persecuted in the near future. That would certainly spell bad timing on my part."
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Post by Yvan-Etienne d'Lantier(D) on Aug 4, 2007 15:38:23 GMT -5
"The exact circumstances are unknown, although the same rumor suggests that he was rescued, eventually," I told him. "If it's any thing to you, I believe that was a Caerdicci that was attacked," I added off-handedly.
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Pièter Kolcei
Noble
His Highness the Ambassador of Illyria, Nephew of the Ban; House Kolcei
Posts: 1,920
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Post by Pièter Kolcei on Aug 4, 2007 19:08:47 GMT -5
"Not exactly my favorite nation." I replied honestly. "But I would not wish such ill will on anyone. Not to mention it is short sighted to stereotype all of a nation." I gave a small smile "He might not have been anymore of a slave trader than I am a pirate."
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Post by Yvan-Etienne d'Lantier(D) on Aug 5, 2007 0:13:24 GMT -5
"What a lovely conception," I commented off-handedly. We were passing by an establishment, and I pointed it out to him. "This is the Cockeral, one of the three foremost taverns on Mont-Nuit, and likely, the less reputable," I told him. "Good ale, though, and some pleasant ambiance, if you know what I mean."
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Pièter Kolcei
Noble
His Highness the Ambassador of Illyria, Nephew of the Ban; House Kolcei
Posts: 1,920
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Post by Pièter Kolcei on Aug 5, 2007 7:39:28 GMT -5
I followed his finger and inclined my head. "Less reputable eh? Does that mean it is a place to avoid if I enjoy remaining attached to my various parts?"
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