Gabriel Shahrizai
Aristocrat
*Voted Most Charming 2010*
The devil in angel's clothing
Posts: 3,884
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Post by Gabriel Shahrizai on Jul 27, 2007 15:42:11 GMT -5
The pampering by Ana's staff had done me wonders and I felt like myself again. I still needed to see Sirena about my mop of hair, but no one besides family would notice it's lack of perfection.
So, it was with light spirits that I ventured into the shopping areas to see what was new and interesting. Gifts for Ana and Sirena were on my list of things to find, but mostly I was just thrilled to be out again in the heart of everything.
Dressed impeccably in black velvet breeches, an emerald green shirt open at the neck and a black velvet vest, I strolled the streets, looking in shop windows and handing out smiles to everyone I passed.
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Nyx nó Cereus
Adept
Cereus House
Daughter of Gareth and Christelle de Brise, unmarqued adept
Posts: 2,768
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Post by Nyx nó Cereus on Jul 27, 2007 22:12:39 GMT -5
Things were quiet at Cereus sometime after the coronation fete, and so I was asked to do a small errand. Happy to be out in the sun, and even happier that the Second had asked before she sent me off, I was humming softly to myself as I traversed the warm streets of Night's Doorstep. Coming toward me was a very handsome gentleman who looked to be in as good of a mood as I was, and I smiled back to him.
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Gabriel Shahrizai
Aristocrat
*Voted Most Charming 2010*
The devil in angel's clothing
Posts: 3,884
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Post by Gabriel Shahrizai on Jul 27, 2007 22:31:33 GMT -5
My eyes slid from the window of a candle shop to the pretty little thing coming towards me. An adept, or I'd eat my hat. Not that I was wearing one, but I'd spent enough of my time in the Night Court to be a pretty good guess. Only adepts moved with that perfect grace all the time.
She was smiling sunnily and I stealthily nicked a daisy from a window pot as I drew closer to her.
"You remind me of the sun," I said as I stopped in front of her. "And so you need a devoted worshiper." With a flourish I offered her the flower.
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Nyx nó Cereus
Adept
Cereus House
Daughter of Gareth and Christelle de Brise, unmarqued adept
Posts: 2,768
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Post by Nyx nó Cereus on Jul 27, 2007 23:58:26 GMT -5
His outrageous charm made me laugh. "Well thank you kind sir." I curtsied in return before taking the flower. "I had not realized how bereft I was of worshipers until now."
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Gabriel Shahrizai
Aristocrat
*Voted Most Charming 2010*
The devil in angel's clothing
Posts: 3,884
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Post by Gabriel Shahrizai on Jul 28, 2007 0:16:18 GMT -5
"You certainly are. In fact, I'm shocked you don't have a line of people following devotedly behind you," I replied, smiling wider.
"You must have outpaced them as you came around the corner. They will be here momentarily I'm sure."
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Nyx nó Cereus
Adept
Cereus House
Daughter of Gareth and Christelle de Brise, unmarqued adept
Posts: 2,768
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Post by Nyx nó Cereus on Jul 28, 2007 0:22:07 GMT -5
"I hope you don't wish to join them. Worshipers tend to be rather dense in their religious ecstasy, and I would hate to see your charm fall from such pressure." It was always easier to flirt when I was in a good mood, and I certainly couldn't help myself with this man. He was very attractive, and I smiled prettily.
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Gabriel Shahrizai
Aristocrat
*Voted Most Charming 2010*
The devil in angel's clothing
Posts: 3,884
|
Post by Gabriel Shahrizai on Jul 28, 2007 0:27:23 GMT -5
"I've been told I'm charming even when I'm sound asleep, so I think I might even survive devotion to you," I told her, voice dropping slightly as if imparting a secret.
"Shall we slip into a store and see if we can elude the mobs of worshipers for a bit longer?" I asked, offering her my arm.
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Nyx nó Cereus
Adept
Cereus House
Daughter of Gareth and Christelle de Brise, unmarqued adept
Posts: 2,768
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Post by Nyx nó Cereus on Jul 28, 2007 0:33:58 GMT -5
I smiled at the offer. "I would be everlastingly grateful." I said it as a tease, taking his arm. "I take it you have a particular one in mind, to provide the best escape?"
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Gabriel Shahrizai
Aristocrat
*Voted Most Charming 2010*
The devil in angel's clothing
Posts: 3,884
|
Post by Gabriel Shahrizai on Jul 28, 2007 12:54:43 GMT -5
Motioning to the perfumery across the street, I said, "I think that might do for now, and fortunately it's where I was headed next. I think the change in sides will help throw them off your trail for awhile."
Smiling happily, I led her across the street.
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Nyx nó Cereus
Adept
Cereus House
Daughter of Gareth and Christelle de Brise, unmarqued adept
Posts: 2,768
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Post by Nyx nó Cereus on Jul 28, 2007 23:21:10 GMT -5
Now this was something Donatien would be proud of me for. We entered the shop, and I gazed around happily at the bottles that lined every possible surface. "How wonderful." I murmured.
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Gabriel Shahrizai
Aristocrat
*Voted Most Charming 2010*
The devil in angel's clothing
Posts: 3,884
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Post by Gabriel Shahrizai on Jul 28, 2007 23:23:47 GMT -5
"Oh, this is a nice place," I agreed, looking around.
The store was new since I'd left the City and I was delighted so far in it's array of choices.
I led her deeper inside the store. "What's your favorite scent?" I asked, picking up a bottle of greenish oil and looking at it.
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Nyx nó Cereus
Adept
Cereus House
Daughter of Gareth and Christelle de Brise, unmarqued adept
Posts: 2,768
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Post by Nyx nó Cereus on Jul 28, 2007 23:40:27 GMT -5
"Apples." I replied, my eyes taking in all the different sizes, shapes, colours. I could only imagine what the smells were like. "What about you?"
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Gabriel Shahrizai
Aristocrat
*Voted Most Charming 2010*
The devil in angel's clothing
Posts: 3,884
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Post by Gabriel Shahrizai on Jul 28, 2007 23:47:17 GMT -5
"Desire," I answered, smiling a bit wickedly. "But of the things they offer here, vanilla would be my answer."
With a quick move, I leaned in and inhaled the scent of her at the curve of her neck.
"Mmm," I breathed, straightening again. "I wonder if we could bottle that."
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Nyx nó Cereus
Adept
Cereus House
Daughter of Gareth and Christelle de Brise, unmarqued adept
Posts: 2,768
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Post by Nyx nó Cereus on Jul 29, 2007 0:34:19 GMT -5
I bit my lip, nonetheless smiling. Oh he was quite the charmer. "Shouldn't I at least know your name before you steal my scent?"
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Gabriel Shahrizai
Aristocrat
*Voted Most Charming 2010*
The devil in angel's clothing
Posts: 3,884
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Post by Gabriel Shahrizai on Jul 29, 2007 15:50:48 GMT -5
"Gabriel Shahrizai," I told her, bowing slightly and smiling.
I leaned in and sniffed her again.
"And I wasn't stealing, just sampling," I said, chuckling. "If we were to bottle that lovely scent, what name would we put to it?"
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Nyx nó Cereus
Adept
Cereus House
Daughter of Gareth and Christelle de Brise, unmarqued adept
Posts: 2,768
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Post by Nyx nó Cereus on Jul 30, 2007 1:26:33 GMT -5
I had never met on of his family before, but his words confirmed my suspicions. "Nyx nó Cereus, my lord." I replied with a proper curtsy, still smiling from his charm. "And how do you propose we bottle it?"
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Gabriel Shahrizai
Aristocrat
*Voted Most Charming 2010*
The devil in angel's clothing
Posts: 3,884
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Post by Gabriel Shahrizai on Jul 30, 2007 19:51:17 GMT -5
Walking away from her slightly, I picked up a vial of amber liquid, considering it for a moment.
"Hmm, I am not sure how, but they manage with everything else so I'm certain they could." I flashed her a playful smile and walked around one of the display tables.
"Oh look, here you are… apples." I picked up a vial and showed her.
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Nyx nó Cereus
Adept
Cereus House
Daughter of Gareth and Christelle de Brise, unmarqued adept
Posts: 2,768
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Post by Nyx nó Cereus on Jul 31, 2007 0:06:35 GMT -5
I followed and took the bottle carefully. It was labeled with a delicate script. "I wonder if they have one labeled desire?" I asked, looking up at him through my eyelashes.
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Gabriel Shahrizai
Aristocrat
*Voted Most Charming 2010*
The devil in angel's clothing
Posts: 3,884
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Post by Gabriel Shahrizai on Jul 31, 2007 1:00:54 GMT -5
Oh but she was a sweet little thing. What a charmingly coy look that was.
"If anywhere would, I have feeling it's here," I said, gesturing to the hundreds of vials. "What do you think, will they have it?"
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Nyx nó Cereus
Adept
Cereus House
Daughter of Gareth and Christelle de Brise, unmarqued adept
Posts: 2,768
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Post by Nyx nó Cereus on Jul 31, 2007 1:10:48 GMT -5
"We could ask." I replied with a tiny grin. "Though I imagine they might have to make something for you in particular. Desire is a very personal thing."
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Gabriel Shahrizai
Aristocrat
*Voted Most Charming 2010*
The devil in angel's clothing
Posts: 3,884
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Post by Gabriel Shahrizai on Jul 31, 2007 1:22:45 GMT -5
Her words made me smile, a pleased if a tiny bit predatory smile.
"Yes, it is," I agreed, my voice dropping slightly. I raised my hand and let my fingertips whisper against her cheek as my gaze held hers.
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Nyx nó Cereus
Adept
Cereus House
Daughter of Gareth and Christelle de Brise, unmarqued adept
Posts: 2,768
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Post by Nyx nó Cereus on Jul 31, 2007 1:33:41 GMT -5
I blushed a little as his hands brushed against my cheek, though my eyes didn't waver from his. "And what would the parfumeur find out from picking your brain on the subject?"
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Gabriel Shahrizai
Aristocrat
*Voted Most Charming 2010*
The devil in angel's clothing
Posts: 3,884
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Post by Gabriel Shahrizai on Jul 31, 2007 1:51:03 GMT -5
"That if it brings pleasure, that is what I desire," I replied, letting my fingers drift down over her neck in the same manner. "It would take all the vials in this store and then some to name all of my desires."
I held her gaze for just a moment and then looked away, moving to a nearby table that held lovely bottles in various shapes. "Do you think a gift from here would be a good show of appreciation?" I asked conversationally.
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Nyx nó Cereus
Adept
Cereus House
Daughter of Gareth and Christelle de Brise, unmarqued adept
Posts: 2,768
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Post by Nyx nó Cereus on Jul 31, 2007 10:21:33 GMT -5
"Depends on how well you know them." I replied practically. I wandered down the aisle in the opposite direction a little, gazing about. "But yes."
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Gabriel Shahrizai
Aristocrat
*Voted Most Charming 2010*
The devil in angel's clothing
Posts: 3,884
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Post by Gabriel Shahrizai on Jul 31, 2007 10:30:44 GMT -5
"Well enough, but not as well as I might like," I said, watching her walk about and appreciating the view. "I needs find things for two very different women to thank them for kind things they are doing for me."
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Nyx nó Cereus
Adept
Cereus House
Daughter of Gareth and Christelle de Brise, unmarqued adept
Posts: 2,768
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Post by Nyx nó Cereus on Jul 31, 2007 10:37:24 GMT -5
Friends he lusted after, not lovers, his words said. "I'm sure the parfumeur would be able to help, but since he appears to be elsewhere, you could tell me about them?"
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Gabriel Shahrizai
Aristocrat
*Voted Most Charming 2010*
The devil in angel's clothing
Posts: 3,884
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Post by Gabriel Shahrizai on Jul 31, 2007 10:59:22 GMT -5
The sounds of movement in the back gave the general idea of where the shop keep was, but I was enjoying the privacy so I made no move to attract attention.
"One is tempestuous. As changeable as the weather, with music and storms in her blood," I told Nyx, still watching her subtly. "The other is like a master sword, with strength and a cutting edge that could leave you bleeding to death but with such beauty you would weep with gratitude for having been its victim."
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Nyx nó Cereus
Adept
Cereus House
Daughter of Gareth and Christelle de Brise, unmarqued adept
Posts: 2,768
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Post by Nyx nó Cereus on Jul 31, 2007 11:39:03 GMT -5
I listened to his tone as much as his words, watched his body language out of the corner of my eye. I thought hard about the answer. It was difficult, only having one description to go by and not my own experiences.
"For your sword master, something fresh. Mint perhaps, with fruit tones. All very subtle of course. Oranges maybe?"
"For the first... Saffron, exotic yet sophisticated, I think. Something that will linger pleasantly in a room, after her nature dictates she leaves."
I came across one bottle labeled apple blossom, rather then just apple. Intrigued, I barely uncorked it and raised the delicate thing to my nose. It was superb, fresh as spring. Made me wish for a patron gift.
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Gabriel Shahrizai
Aristocrat
*Voted Most Charming 2010*
The devil in angel's clothing
Posts: 3,884
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Post by Gabriel Shahrizai on Jul 31, 2007 16:23:26 GMT -5
Noticing the look on her face, I stepped closer to see what she had found. I caught sight of the label and made note of it.
"No wonder you have such a throng of worshippers, you are brilliant of mind as well as face," I said, smiling.
A shuffle of feet and a whip of a man emerged from the back room, seemingly surprised by our appearance.
Casting Nyx a look that said I would be right back, I went to the man to arrange my purchases. Saffron oil in an exquisite bottle of twisted blue glass that reminded me of Sirena in all sorts of ways. A mixture of mint and lemon I decided for Ana, in a tall bottle that looked as if someone had frozen molten gold as it was being poured. Both of those to be delivered to the town house.
And then, a small bottle of the apple blossom oil, clear but painted with delicate flowers, pressed subtly to my hand and then slipped into my pocket. Everything paid for, I thanked him and returned to Nyx.
"Do you think it's safe to venture out?" I asked, peering out the window.
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Nyx nó Cereus
Adept
Cereus House
Daughter of Gareth and Christelle de Brise, unmarqued adept
Posts: 2,768
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Post by Nyx nó Cereus on Jul 31, 2007 23:50:05 GMT -5
I put down the bottle unwillingly, and wandered a bit more as he spoke to the proprietor. I still couldn't get over how many different scents there were, all in their own, seemingly unique bottles.
I laughed at Gabriel's antics, following him back to the edge of the store. "Undoubtedly. They should have passed by now."
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