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Post by Naomi Verre de Forgernon (I) on May 8, 2008 22:25:44 GMT -5
“Stop fussing maman!” For all my mother knew how to care for our family business, she knew little of what it meant to create the art that kept us fed and the roof from leaking. To her, my father’s concentration on a project seemed tedious and his abrasive attitude toward food and sleep done only to further agitated her. Truly she knew nothing of the weeks of preparation, the endless hours of sketching and discarding ideas only to have inspiration strike with claws sinking deep into the conscious of the artist. It was in that moment that nothing else mattered; nothing else existed until the birth of perfection. “I will not young lady, not when you haven’t slept in three days. Naomi, my treasure you’re too pale for your own good and your hands are beginning to shake.” Even as her tongue clucked at me, I hid the embarrassing truth of her words behind the leather apron I wore over one of the coarse gowns I preferred for my work. What was the use in wearing silk if it would only get singed every now and then when heated sand fell from the kiln to the shops floor?
Exasperated, I shoved away from the table where I was beginning to build my newest piece from scraps of scattered glass. It would be a patchwork of vibrant colors, a waterfall that would rival the real thing and yet here my mother was, taunting me over the fact that I had no patron of my own. It was a discussion months in the making, ever since I had graduated from apprentice to partner in my father’s shop. Though we were first rate glass makers, and highly sought after for our talent with staining, it was in the creation of masterwork that saved us from wrack and ruin as my mother often put it. Why, even once upon a time we had been danced attendance upon by those of Carediccia Unitas, who had glass makers of their own but none to rival the Verre de Forgernon. “Glass,” my father had once said, “is in our blood. Some take to the fields and farm, some take to the water and fish. Still others take to the sword, and war but we …” I recalled him tapping his nose, silently telling me the rest. Yes, we … we took to the sand and made glass.
Skimming my hands through my hair, I noticed then that it was knotted and slick. So captivated had I been I failed not only to sleep and eat, but to bathe as well. Wrinkling my nose in disgust, I waved a hand airily toward my mother. “Very well, maman. I shall forfeit the rest of my day which is still long in the making to going about spreading the appropriate gossips. Perhaps someone might catch the line we send out, eh?” Her mother would like that, a little fuel for the fodder of the shop keepers as she strolled to and fro. She wasn’t a great beauty as she thought her sisters, but there were other qualities she had, one being an intensity when she was about something that captured the attention of others. It might have had something to do with her gaze, the blue of it that was like the deepening color of a night sky, slashed with stripes of black. Or perhaps her mouth, the fullness of it marked but the ever upturned corners that gave some the impression that at any moment they might stretch further apart into a brilliant smile. Naomi’s sisters had plagued her often as a girl that she was ever-smiling. It was why; she perfected the art of frowning or scowling.
My house is a blessed one with water that ran hot and true no matter the time of day. That of course, was thanks in part to my ingenious father who smartly installed the copper cisterns of water against a common wall shared by the glass kilns. No matter how cold the rain, it heated well when seduced so nicely by a hungry fire that was constantly fed. Leave it to the Siovalese a cousin once said, to engineer such feats. Lounging in the bath I couldn’t have permitted, but instead scrubbed and scoured until I felt clean again. Myself again. Racing to cream my skin, to brush out the tangles from my wet hair and dress, I failed to notice the tear in my skirt. It wasn’t an overly obvious one at first, but once I began walking the backside of my chemise was clearly visible. I just … hadn’t the time to notice. I should have been more dusky, like my sisters but with so much time spent indoors it is hard to garner the light bronzing of the skin one acquires from a life outdoors. Since I was wearing a gown of deep umber, my chemise stood out like a sore thumb, brilliantly white and stark. At least it didn’t smell of the forges, but as with all things I too carried that scent with me no matter how much violet and rainwater oil I rubbed into my skin. There are always those husky tendrils of smoke around me.
Sailing through the different clothing shops, the taverns and the bookstore I spoke with several other shopkeepers and dropped numerous hints that I was indeed looking for someone to assist me. Not in the way of labor of course, but with money. Sand was expensive to import and the better the grade of sand, the finer the pieces I could create. There were also minerals and metals I needed to add color, to induce shaping. What good would I be if I couldn’t garner enough capital to brand out on my own? I couldn’t remain in my father’s house forever!
When all was said and done, I retreated to the closest wine shop, thinking to lessen the displeasure I was sure to receive at home with a bottle of well chosen red. My mother’s favorite was from the Namarre region. Still, even with the wine it wouldn’t be enough to halt her from nagging at me. But what was I to do? It wasn’t as if some wealthy peer was going to drop into my lap!
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Post by Jareth d’Aiglemort on May 9, 2008 6:14:25 GMT -5
I had been back home tending my affairs and those of my holdings. The death of my father and my assuming of his title and lands had now subsided from being a throbbing pain to a dull ache. In fact as I thought on my sire now it was more the many fond memories than the pain of his passing that I recalled. I was even growing accustom to it being me people were talking to when I heard someone call Duc d’Aiglemort.
Thus i was back in town and pondering Ana's advice that I take up a regular residence rather than staying in an inn whilst in the City. It was true with my duties I was going to have to regularly be in the city. I was wandering and thinking as always my well worn sword at my side and the dust of travel still clinging to my clothing. Lost in thought I ducked into a wine shop to pick out something for the evening and nearly collided with a young woman who looked as distracted as me.
"Excuse me!" I quickly exclaimed as my hand snaked out to catch her shoulder and steady her less she drop the bottle of wine she was carrying.
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Post by Naomi Verre de Forgernon (I) on May 9, 2008 12:05:53 GMT -5
So distracted was I, that when my forward progress was abruptly halted it was with a sound of dismay that I’d tread on someone else’s feet. My grasp on the bottle clutched to me so absently loosened and it was then that I nearly lost it. “Sweet Elua!” I knew better than to take a companion’s name in vain but it couldn’t be helped. Laughing a little, I brushed aside a strand of dark hair before smearing my palm over my eyes. "Forgive me, please. I was …" Well there certainly wasn’t much more I could say given the state I was in. Shaking my head a little over my own impolite behavior, I looked up in time to smile shly at the rather world weary looking gentleman.
He seemed as distracted as I. Knowing that nothing soothed the nerves better than common ground, I motioned toward the interior of the shop with as much aplomb as my red cheeks would allow. Of course, it might have come off well had he not already had a hold of me. I became exaserbated, not by him, but by my own ineptitude. Was this the reason I had failed thus far as an artist? With nothing but another apology on my tongue, I clamped my mouth shut and prayed that the floor would open up and swallow me whole. At least then, I wouldn't have to worry about the strong possibilty of rumor spreading that I had nearly knocked a member of the peerage down into the street. Weary as he seemed, he almost didn't fit into my mental picture of what a city lord should like, but he was handsome in a worldly sort of way that made me think of deep green, with edges of striking umber and lines of burnished gold.
It was in itself rather inspirational. "Thank you, for ... breaking my near fall." I didn't know what else to say and since my cheeks near to hurt with the blush I was wearing, I could only hope for the best.
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Post by Jareth d’Aiglemort on May 9, 2008 12:41:22 GMT -5
The young woman with the ebony hair was turning several shades of red and was about to loose her grip on her bottle. With subtle ease I slid me free hand under said bottle lest it fall to the floor. A smile creased my face as she seemed to work herself into more and more of a thither with each passing moment it was passing fetching really. I kept a light hold on her shoulder with my other hand as I was not exactly sure what she might do if I let go “No it was really my fault I was a bit distracted.” I offered a smile “Calm down a bit and let me buy you a drink because your nerves appear to be an edge and need some calming.” I removed my hands when I was sure she had a grip on herself as well as her bottle and then simply hooked one thumb in my belt and let my other appendage lightly rest on my sword hilt for lack of anything better to do with my hands. “By the by I am Jareth d’Aiglemort” I tilted my head slightly because when one is a near relative of a famous traitor ones name tends to be recognized. I did not bother to add the Duc part as most in the land would know who I am.
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Post by Naomi Verre de Forgernon (I) on May 9, 2008 13:36:22 GMT -5
There really was no other way for me to make a greater idiot of myself than not, until of course he offered me his name. Although my father brushed proverbial elbows with many of the peerange, it had never been with a family so ... notorious. As much as I was confused in my distracted state, I couldn't help my innate curiosity. It was probably one of the reasons why, I ventured too often out in situations that I would have been better off leaving alone. "My nerves? Oh, yes." I wasn't doing so well, and knew it which only made matters stranger. Remembering my manners, I curtsied quickly. "It is nice to meet you, Your Grace." As I looked at him, I noticed the subtle trademarks of his family but found that his smile was open, friendly even. "Naomi Verre de Forgernon, at your service." Though some might have attempted at being coy, or fawningly polite, I kept myself in check remembering that his family had risen from he ashes of the past. Who was I, a mere glass maker to judge a peer of the realm?
"You said you were distracted? It seems like the right sort of day for being so." Murmuring the words, I set my bottle aside while asking the wine merchant for two glasses. "What sort of wine do you enjoy? Dry, sweet? Red, or white?" I wasn't an expert, but at least this small segway might help both of us return to our better senses. He really was, quite at ease in his own way and that in of itself was attractive. I found confidence a trait that is attractive in people so perhaps that is my own downfall that I forget mine.
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Post by Jareth d’Aiglemort on May 9, 2008 13:48:19 GMT -5
She was vibrant as well as young but then again most seemed young to me anymore. That was probably part of the reason I so enjoyed Ana’s company she did not make me feel as ancient as other lasses often did. But that was a thought for another time as the whole absurdity of the situation kept the quirky half smile on my lips “Dry and on my tab please.” Yes, dry like my humor and manner tended to be.
I motioned toward a table and then reached over and pulled out a chair for her “A pleasure to meet you Lady de Forgernon.” I kept my words soft and soothing not unlike I would speak to a skittish foal. It was not condescension on my part in the least when one’s linage is such a bizarre combination of heroes and traitors one gets used to others reacting to you with shock and it soon comes natural to try and calm them. “And yes, distracted but why don’t we have a double and you can tell me why you seem so flustered” I winked “not that the crimson on your cheeks is not fetching.” I was trying to lighten the mood and I hoped it worked as I really would hate to be the cause of a lass wetting herself right in the middle of a wine shop. Especially one as attractive as this one the lass not the shop that is.
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Post by Naomi Verre de Forgernon (I) on May 9, 2008 14:06:49 GMT -5
It was almost so absurd how far off I'd lost my wits than when he winked I laughed then, letting the tension in my shoulders go as I sat. "I am not normally so agitated. And I'll not ask you to forgive me again since it would be pointless to forgive a fool his folly, wouldn't it?" I had a canny knack for knowing at times when to press and when to retreat, it was only when my curiosity got in the way that I tended to forget my better sensibilities. "Please call me Naomi, as Lady de Forgernon reminds me too much of my mother." Sure enough she didn't need that worry on her mind.
"What brings the Duc to a wine shop on so nice a day? Obviously distracted as I, and twice as traveled by the look of you. Are you newly returned to the city?" She spoke to him as she might a neighbor, rather than a member of the court which probably wasn't wise but then Naomi hadn't ever claimed for herself that she had such delicate wisdom. No doubt, if her sisters could have seen her now they'd have had collective heart attacks because of the familiarity in her voice when she spoke.
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Post by Jareth d’Aiglemort on May 9, 2008 14:19:16 GMT -5
Once she had taken her seat I settled into my own and took a sip of wine to wash the road dust from my throat “Observant and not the least bit foolish so there is really nothing to forgive. Now make a mistake in campaign and get an entire squad gutted and I might not be so charitable.” I sat my glass back down “Yes, I recently arrived back in the City from Camlach. Not having held my father’s title for long I find there is much more on my mind than when I was a simple soldier.”
I shrugged my shoulders “I should for example probably get a regular townhouse in the City, find some suitable investments here, and establish a regular presence and a somewhat presentable persona. All things I did not have to consider in the past.” I was being more than a little open in an attempt to put her at ease and besides one never knew when such a contact might pay off. “So tell me what seems to have your skirts in a bunch? Oh by the by you have a small tear in the back of one as well.” She may be young but who was I not to glance at a shapely behind?
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Post by Naomi Verre de Forgernon (I) on May 9, 2008 15:36:27 GMT -5
Head tilted to the side, something of a habit of mine when concentrating on a person I realized that he was trying to put me at ease all the while I wa trying to ensure he didn't feel as if he were a leper of some sort. After all, who knew how the family members of notorious traitors were treated. I had always been treated well by others, but who knew what sort of gossip and stares he had to endure. "I do not think I'll be holding down a regiment of men anytime soon, Your Grace, but the thought ... does make one wonder." I laughed again and shook my head before drawing the glass before me to my lips. Rarely did I drink, because it didn't mix well and I was as they say, a light weight. Just enough to coat my tongue and brace my settling nerves before the glass was set back on the table.
"There are places aplenty within the city, and some of them quite beautiful. My family has always been here, but I'd like to see the country sometime. No doubt I'd find good inspiration there." Ducking my head once, I drank again and marveled that it was so easy to speak with him. It might have had something to do with the crooked grin he wore now and then, or the fact that there was certainly a fair amount of devilment in his eyes. Mine of course only widened when he mentioned my gown being tore and as I rolled my eyes and laugh I couldn't help but stand up to check for myself, only to sit back down with a teasing huff. "Well, that certainly puts things into perspective doesn't it? Not the whole ideal of my being rather upset, but the tear just takes the cake. My mother whom I love and adore has a nasty habit of prodding into why I haven't been able to entreat a patron to our house. My father was and is still a rather famous glass artisan, and I am attempting to follow in his footsteps. However, I haven't had the sort of luck he has with getting anyone to be interested in my work. It's too racy my mother says, but I find it challenging to one's normal perspective." I thought perhaps I might have been babbling, but then I realized that I had never voiced all of it out loud to another. Hopefully he wouldn't think me completely daft.
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Post by Jareth d’Aiglemort on May 9, 2008 17:15:24 GMT -5
She took my revelation in stride and with good humor now that is a great trait "Such things always seem to happen when they are heaping on. On good days minor distractions are just that on bad days they can seem insurmountable." Another sip of my wine "A glass maker in need of a patron I reckon we might be able to help one another out then. I need a toe hold in the City like I said before."
I sat my glass down "That is assuming I am correct and you are wishing to strike out on your own?"
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Post by Naomi Verre de Forgernon (I) on May 9, 2008 17:50:13 GMT -5
He had a point, and as I brought my glass once more to my lips I couldn't do other but agree with him whole heartedly. "When things are good, they are good, but when they are bad ... they're wretched. One could possibly lose themself completely if they don't keep a positive frame of mind in all things." Of course, she herself had been down in the dulldrums a time or two enough to know when to shake herself out of it. To push forward, and move onward. It was just harder when those obstacles were related by blood. Leaning forward a little, the cool of the table beneath my forearm I grinned broadly at him. "I am indeed looking to strike out on my own. My father's home can't house me forever as it were and our two styles are very different. He take a more traditional approach to sculpture where I ... I rather like things that seem completely out of the ordinary."
Easing a finger against the rim of my wine glass, I watched in as the tell eerie sound of crystal sounded. When I lifted my finger and the strange sound died off, I laughed. "What sort of toe-hold are you looking for? There are gossips aplenty in this city, and one need only frequent the right shops to have their name bandied about for good, or ill." There was something jovial, and wicked about him that made her blood pump. They might quite the partners. That he was handsome in that rugged sort of way was simply a bonus.
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Post by Jareth d’Aiglemort on May 11, 2008 18:35:22 GMT -5
I rolled my shoulders and turned my palms up "Simply a few holdings in the City. The nature of which I do not have a lot of idea where to turn or how to go about it. As I said I am new to my title and still trying it on for size." I laughed a bit "Though I do not see myself say sponsoring an artist or the like. Generally I am a good judge of a person and my initial impression of you is positive." I grinned "I mean after all I have seen your knickers. You could probably help me on the gossip and rumor department as well outside of the bounds that other nobles normally use."
I finished my glass and refilled it and then leaned over and top hers off as well as soon as she moved her fingers. The first glass had washed the trail dust from my throat and started relaxing me and I always felt better among plain old people than among nobles with a few exceptions. That thought made me consider a certain someone and a small smile bloomed a bit more on my features "So tell me what is it you would need to get started? I know you cannot give me a complete list off the top of your head but before we discuss more it would be nice to know if it is at least in my means." I nudged her a bit with the toe of my boot under the table "Though you do not seem to be too expensive of a date" I teased.
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Post by Naomi Verre de Forgernon (I) on May 11, 2008 21:58:20 GMT -5
I was never one to look a gift horse in the mouth as it were, and that he even afforded me the thought of entreating him as my patron was a thrill unlike anything I had ever known. It was one of the most effortless sort of seductions surely. I couldn't help that the air in my lungs seemed to be charged or that I there was a hum in my blood. Watching him, I discovered that the half sort of grin he made only put me further at ease. "It must be strange, at least it would seem so to me to come from Camlach and what seems a soldier to being a Duc. But I think that perhaps that might be to your benefit since well, it will help spread that a mysterious and elusive titled lord is now in the city and seemingly just wicked enough in the proverbial sense to sponsor an artist that enjoys the more ... primitive side of human nature."
I could have held my tongue, but with the wine already going to my head there was no turning back. When he refilled my glass, I boldly drank off somewhat of it in answer to the nudge of his boots. That and his humor made me laugh out loud, a bubbling sound that was displeasing to the ears. "You and more than likely half the merchants of this quarter since I've been to near every shop." Which was embarassing but strangely thrilling in the same right. "A studio for one, with a kiln and plenty of water or access too. There are a number of places in the business district. Through my father I've dealt with several men and women who could give me access to sand and clay. First though is the studio, then we can move from there." I had my own tools, and my own contacts as it were but there was never money enough to break out on my own. It meant freedom, it meant ... freedom. "I wouldn't count yourself lucky about the expense of the date, since it isn't over yet." Taking my glass up, I let my eyes tease as much as mouth smiling could. "In return, what is it that I might help you with?"
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Post by Jareth d’Aiglemort on May 11, 2008 22:26:33 GMT -5
I leaned forward a bit and propped my chin in my hand considering while looking at her. "Well truth be known I have been a simple soldier most of my life all be it a Lord's son and a commander. Tis more than passing odd really. I always knew one day I would take over my father's place I just choose to put it out of my mind." I considered her more and then leaned back once more.
"A studio should be doable, Elua knows I need to secure myself a residence here so I have been pondering such things. Water should not be an issue either as this is the greatest city of our land. The other things you list do not sound overtly expensive but I am no expert." I took another sip of my wine and considered the charming young lady. She had the right feel about her as best I could tell and surely if we took it slow I would be able to get a feel for her and her for me so we could either one back out if things did not go according to plan.
"Well we will have to see how the date progresses as we learn more." I scratched the side of my cheek near my ear then added "As for have, when you are up and running a fair percentage of your profits and with some luck you will be able to take over the expense of your business' upkeep. Once that time is reached my percentage would of your profit would drop accordingly." I leaned forward once more and added in softer tones "On the less financial front I would trust you might pass onto me any juicy things you might hear and check which way the wind might be blowing if I ask you about whatever matters might arise." I winked at her "Or if you are inclined render any other services that you think I might need or enjoy we can figure it out as we go along."
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Post by Naomi Verre de Forgernon (I) on May 12, 2008 1:31:38 GMT -5
He had a charm about him that was mesmerizing, but then he was D'Angeline and of course I knew that the men and women of our country were charming to say the least. That most thought us rather full of our own beauty, arrogant with our own prowess, I could only say that they then it not what it meant to be well, us. "I think even if you were not the son of a Duc, you would have made yourself a career of it." Humming a little, I couldn't understand why he seemed to at ease and I in turn with him but we would soon enough see what there was to see. Elbow planted to the table, and with the wine in my other hand, I continued to smile and flirt if only a little.
After all, if I was going to be breaking out onto my own I would need some sort of personality, some sort of reputation. "You are quite generous. I think a few whispers in the right ears could do us both wonders. I'll do my part, if you do yours. I can't reach the upper crust of the peerage the same as you. If you were to plant a few notions here or there that a brilliant, and extraordinary artist was in the making ... I'm sure I could provide some measure of mystique for this Duc new to the city who has a devil may care smile and a healthy portion of his own charms."
Regarding him closely given he had leaned in toward me, I offered him a lazy sort of smile, like a cat who had gotten the cream. "I think it's a fair deal, certainly. Of course there is also the matter of how you'll be at the center of my creative output. It is one of the reasons an artist needs a patron. And muse. I work with the deeper elements of us, of people. My father says it is far too much a risk, to look into others and draw those things out of them, framing it into glass. He says it is rude." I laughed then, saying more to him than I had ever said to anyone. Still, he'd either think I was eccentric or he would think it perfectly rational.
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Post by Jareth d’Aiglemort on May 12, 2008 4:55:21 GMT -5
I chuckled a bit "That sounds like a fair trade on all levels of course the details shall take a bit to work out. I reckon we will get to know one another better as we go along." I topped off our glasses once more and then held up the bottle and noted with some interest and amusement that it was well past half empty. "As for the artistry I admit your manner about it and description interests me. I also have to admit I have not the first clue about art so you shall have to teach me to be the center of your universe so to speak."
I nudged her leg with my boot once more and sat the bottle back down "And I do not find you the least bit rude at all." I then shook my head at my own bravado "Though at some point I should probably think about finding a room less I spend yet another night on the ground. Though if you choose to keep me a bit longer I just might let you."
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Post by Naomi Verre de Forgernon (I) on May 13, 2008 20:42:23 GMT -5
He continued to knudge me from beneath the table and I found myself unable to cover my laughter. It was surely the wine, which by now was humming steadily through my blood, clouding my brain and loosening my tongue. "You'll not need any clue once you've seen my work. It will more than likely, tell you all there is to know about myself as an artist." And she was excited, on a basic level to show off her work, to give it to the eyes of another.
"You shall indeed be the center of my universe which isn't a bad thing, considering you've quite the charm about you."
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Post by Jareth d’Aiglemort on May 13, 2008 21:08:39 GMT -5
I chuckled "I meant about the price of materials but I indeed shall need to see your work I suppose. To do so before diving off the cliff so to speak would not be very wise." I emptied the rest of the bottle into our glasses and raised my own to her in a toast "And flattery like you keep giving me is quite charming also." She was open and clearly proud of her skill and that I could admire. I did not care for braggarts but simply stating what one can do when they can do it is another thing entirely as false modesty vexes me as well.
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Post by Naomi Verre de Forgernon (I) on May 13, 2008 21:19:31 GMT -5
There was no need for me to bat my lashes, to play coy and yet in the way he teased gently it was surely a sign that we would get along well. "Most of the vendors are more than willing to haggle, so long as the price is settled in timely fashion. I myself hate to haggle, I simply want to get on with it. I'm too often in a rush, am more than brash and have a bad habit of ... being impatient." Of course, there were certain things one takes time out for, but with her work it was always about the intensity of the moment, that searing heat that suddered through the soul. "As far as flattery, you should get used to hearing it, and discerning what is genuine and what isn't." Leaning back indolently in my chair, I scraped the column of my neck a moment with the tips of my fingernails while angling my chin to look at him levelly. "I rather like the idea of spreading the rumor that you and I are more ... intimate than mere patron and artist. I rather like it quite a bit."
Of course, if they were more than patron and artist, it wouldn't be such a shame either.
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Post by Jareth d’Aiglemort on May 13, 2008 21:45:46 GMT -5
I nodded considering "I might suggest that you come to some equitable agreement with regular suppliers. That way you only haggle with them once and it is done with and you have a steady stream of materials." I and a laughed a bit loudly at her statement on flattery "I think what you mean is with my station there are a lot of boot lickers and I should be good at figuring out who they are." I shrugged rolling my shoulders "Generally I think I am pretty good at it and you strike me as one who is pretty honest with her feelings. I admire that as I do not play games very well unless forced."
"You know what they say about my line? 'd’Aiglemort's think with their swords.'" I slid my hand across the table and let my fingers brush hers "Of course you are sounding like you prefer the idea of spreading the rumor that there is a bit of a sword between us than patron and artist." The thought sort of amused me really as it would possibly make the snobby upper crust think I was becoming more domesticated. Of course the lass was attractive enough to make one entertain such thoughts.
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Post by Naomi Verre de Forgernon (I) on May 13, 2008 22:40:20 GMT -5
My fingers fairly itched at the thought of setting my hand to parchment, signing contracts that would enable me to work in peace without the worry of how much coin was in my coffer. Oh it was almost a sinful delight. "I am honest, at least in my dealings with those I feel it is necessary to be honest with. A patron would do me no good if they failed to be inspired by my work, and to inspire it as it were." Drinking deeper, I smiled when the glass was set down. I had drunk near half the bottle, and he the other and was more than a little bold from it.
"To have the thought in others minds that you are my lover helps me in as much as it will help you. It will ... afford me the ability to keep the interest of others at bay." If he saw through me, he'd have to be clever. Unlike most, I had kept my virginity a secret because it could harm as much as it could help. Besides that, I was still too focused on my art to look for the warmth of a true lovers arms. "Games are for people who have more time on their hands than thoughts in their heads, my lord. I am not one with time, and too many thoughts to suit a woman of my age. I should be flighty and seeking my next sport." My tone might have been dry, but there was certainly a current of laughter to it!
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Post by Jareth d’Aiglemort on May 13, 2008 22:51:46 GMT -5
I nodded and leaned back to sip of my glass once more. I had not had enough to be drooling on myself but I was feeling a nice warm glow. "We will need to take care that the word is not spread too loudly less it loose its validity for the voracity of the rumor." I gave one of my small grins "In other words play it a bit coy and it will make the ruse seem all the more real." I chuckled at what I had just said "To think we are discussing avoiding such games by using yet more games!"
I had no real idea why she wished to keep other interests at bay but I suspected she considered it a distraction from her work that she was obviously very passionate about. "Though we may have to work on your flighty act" I quipped to add a bit of levity to the discussion.
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Post by Naomi Verre de Forgernon (I) on May 13, 2008 22:55:39 GMT -5
Head tossed back, I laughed once more and this time more whole heartedly. "To be sure, you are correct. I would hate for our little ruse to lose all the interest of those we'd have it hold too quickly." For all he seemed new to his title, he didn't seem new to the game of politicking itself. "What might you suggest for our little foray into business, my lord? You are clearly a man of some intelligence, and you've no doubt some experience with a campaign." This was no flattery on my part, because at this point we were speaking quite plainly. No, what I needed now was someone with a better head for strategy than I.
As for working on my flighty act, I could only snort and roll my eyes with a shudder of lashes. "Mummery is the same no matter what one turns their attention too. I'm sure I can pull it off." But could I, really?
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Post by Jareth d’Aiglemort on May 13, 2008 23:09:03 GMT -5
She had a rather infectious laugh and it seemed to draw the lines from my face "Like you often have mentioned in this conversation supplies. An army runs on its stomach and supplies are important. So you need your supplies to create your art." I toyed with the bottle as I added "I suggest we take inventory of your work so I can at least say I have seen it and at the same time we take stock of what you have and what you need. The flat sounds like the first thing to tend to."
I tilted my head a bit and regarded her as I added "And that should actually take care of the matter of getting the rumor mill running. I tend to think when a charming young woman like yourself is seen about in the presence of someone as old and crusty as myself it will get the gossip's nickers in a bunch in short order." I tossed back the rest of my drink and added "Just like a campaign you let the spies see what you want them to see and hide what you do not wish them to know about."
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Post by Naomi Verre de Forgernon (I) on May 13, 2008 23:21:35 GMT -5
Not to be under done by him, I finished off what was left in my glass and nodded with a surety that I was not at all certain I did feel. "First the flat, along with a few lines of fire under the scrutiny of the mill." With a scrape, I stood up so abruptly my head spun, but righted myself before becoming a spectacle. "If you are considered old and crusty, then I'll ... I'll ... Eat my next creation." Which of course would never do, sincewell, i twas made of glass.
"Let me show you about this quarter of the city. It will give us a little time to take stock of the mill as it were and also I'll have the opportunity to show you my work." More than anything, I enjoyed shocking people with what came from my hands and lips into the glass but at this moment I wanted to truly impress him. Why, I couldn't quite say. Perhaps it was the strange sort of challenge in his eyes.
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Post by Jareth d’Aiglemort on May 14, 2008 4:11:44 GMT -5
She stood rather abruptly and swayed a bit but then righted herself and began to speak. At the same time I stood as well and joined her lightly placing my hand on the small of her back to help steady her. I disguised the action though as a familiar gesture of affection. "Very well show me around, I doubt we can get much of a lead on your flat at this time but we will see. And while we are at it I need to procure myself a room in an inn and I might even see something that suits me for a more permanent residence."
I kept my hand resting lightly against her back as I followed her lead "And well lets fall back on the fine old wine cliche then when it comes to me. None the less I am looking very forward to seeing your work."
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Post by Naomi Verre de Forgernon (I) on May 15, 2008 22:14:54 GMT -5
Thankful for his steadying hand, I led him out into the open street and took in the air as if somehow that might help me. I had never been much for drink, and this certainly proved the why of it. "If you are unfamiliar to the city, it can be confusing. For a man such as yourself, you'll want to perhaps procure yourself a home where the other nobles of the realm reside?" She was almost certain that he'd prefer something a little more secluded, something that would hold more of an air of mystery.
"I am eager to show you my work. There is nothing like it in all of Terre d'Ange." Which was true enough.
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Post by Jareth d’Aiglemort on May 15, 2008 22:20:15 GMT -5
I nodded and kept the steadying hand on the small of her back "I am passingly familiar with the city but by no mean intimate. As far as where I might reside that seems about as good as anything I have not really given it much thought." I was feeling pretty mellow from the wine but was in control of all of my faculties as we made our way along.
"Though for now why don't you show me your work if you do not mind. I must admit I am more than a little curious."
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Post by Naomi Verre de Forgernon (I) on May 15, 2008 22:32:23 GMT -5
If it was my work he wished to see, then see it he would. After all, if he was to be my patron then it was better that he be familiar with it. Intimately familiar as it were. "Of course! We're this way." And by 'we' I mean my father's house which I currently not only resided but also where the families kiln and collection were housed. Save for those pieces which were already paid for and simply waited on the delivery to the proper house.
When the townhome my family owned came into view, I knew it was impressive simply because at this time during the day the sunlight hit all the stained glass that made up our windows in just the right fashion. Everything was bold color and liquid imagination. There were no forms, necessarily to speak of but all just fluid motion. "This is it, Maison de Verre." The House of Glass simply, eloquent and yet when I drew him around the side gate verses the front there was something secretly provocative about those shapes in the windows. Like lovers entwined here or there, or the brutal passion's of two opposing forces meeting. I would let him see for himself the first part of my talent. "The windows were mine." Was all I could say before ducking into the searing heat of our work room, with no less than a Duc in my wake.
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Post by Jareth d’Aiglemort on May 15, 2008 22:39:54 GMT -5
As we came into view I took in the windows and all the brilliant colors of the glass. The house was certainly a showplace for their work. I was using their assuming her father had some input since she mentioned she was still under his tutelage. I paused as she hurried in and said the windows were hers "Most impressive indeed." I did not have much of an eye for art but with the lighting through the glass even I could tell it was impressive. "You do seem to do very good work."
I then followed her in the side door that was somehow a bit more intimate and took in the area we had arrived in. "And I can tell that you are quite passionate about your work. That of course is the main part of any undertaking." I then paused to let her continue to lead a faint smile once more quirking my lips as she clearly became even more animated the more she spoke of her work.
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