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Post by Prince Christien de la Courcel on Jun 12, 2006 20:51:22 GMT -5
In the trickle-down from the usual influx of notes of introduction I was handed to work through while Sabrina prepared for the coronation I found one from a Marcellan Bounard no' d'Eltoine, recently arrived from La Serenissima. Sighing and wondering what things were about this time I sent someone to fetch the man and waited for his arrival.
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Post by Marcellin nó D'Eltoine (I) on Jun 12, 2006 21:34:44 GMT -5
Barely a day after my arrival, I was surprised by a knock at the townhouse door. A liveried courier offered me a letter, a look of distaste in his eye at my somewhat unkempt appearance. I had barely taken his from his hand, and he snapped a quick turn, muttering "Don't waste their time, and don't be late."
Looking down at the letter, I saw that it bore the insignia of the Royal House. A slight flutter of anticipation, and dread, quickly swallowed and I swept back into the house to change and make myself presentable, pausing for the briefest moment before deciding to don my sword belt in addition to my normal dagger.
I swiftly departed, my legs bearing me more swiftly to my destination that I believed possible; or mayhap it is because I was unsure what awaited me and my body conspired to make sure my mind was unprepared.
Approaching the gate, I offered the opened note to the guard. My accent betraying to my upbringing, even had my appearance not, I sketched a brief bow to the guard. "His Highness is expecting me."
With an arched brow, and a pointed stare at my weapon, the guards escort me to the chamber where the Prince awaits.
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Post by Prince Christien de la Courcel on Jun 12, 2006 21:47:20 GMT -5
I was informed that Lord no' D'Eltoine was waiting and ran my hands though my hair, attempting to hide my irritation at having to take up Sun's slack. I ws dressed moderately well and I fit a mask of calm regality over my features. "Show him in," I said firmly as I pushed back the papers I'd been working on. The guard left and I waited, trying not to fidget.
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Post by Marcellin nó D'Eltoine (I) on Jun 12, 2006 21:51:39 GMT -5
I was admitted quickly, but not with haste, and stepped into the room, now quite aware how dated my clothing was. I briefly met the Prince's eyes, before I kneeled, and held the position.
My Sernessiman accent ringing in my ears, I spoke... "Your Highness, I am at your service."
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Post by Prince Christien de la Courcel on Jun 12, 2006 22:02:33 GMT -5
Serenissiman accents, nothing strange there, and he was respectful, though he was about my age. "Please rise, Lord D'Eltoine," I said calmly, looking him over with cool eyes. The clothing was about a decade out of fashion, but of good quality, and he had a certain air of confidence. "I'm Prince Christien de la Courcel. I recieved your letter that was left with one of the guard. Could you please explain your situation in greater detail?"
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Post by Marcellin nó D'Eltoine (I) on Jun 12, 2006 22:08:08 GMT -5
My eyebrows rose at his address. Lord? I had no such rank and deserved no such courtesy. What was in that letter? No matter, I rose to my feet, careful to keep my hands away from either weapon pommel.
"My liege, I am Marcellin Buonard nó D'Eltoine; the last and least of the Unforgiven. I am come in my family's name to serve and make amends for the disservice done to your family."
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Post by Prince Christien de la Courcel on Jun 12, 2006 22:24:40 GMT -5
My face was schooled into calm and ease, but my mind was trying to make connections about all of this, trying to remember lessons in geography and politics. Elua must hate me, to throw me so many confusing things in such a short time- my parentss adn Ambrose's death, my new duties, Ishtar, and now this. Well, maybe he could solve my problem for me. "How do you think you would best serve?" I asked carefully and curiously.
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Post by Marcellin nó D'Eltoine (I) on Jun 12, 2006 22:33:19 GMT -5
My eyes narrow at his question... where was the hidden meaning behind the words, for surely, no member of the Unforgiven was ever given the choice of how to serve. I began to reply, but closed my mouth, as a fluttering darkness began to obscure my vision. It was momentary, but it served to put fresh resolve to my mission.
"Highness, I would be hard pressed to advise you. I could offer my services as bodyguard, but to "Protect and Serve" seems trite, and I do not follow the Cassiline vows, although I have studied them, or more specifically the forms. I could be but another servant at your beck and call; click your fingers and I am there... but I hope you would have better uses for me. My training and my loyalty would be better applied elsewhere... where, I know not. What do you need done?"
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Post by Prince Christien de la Courcel on Jun 12, 2006 22:43:47 GMT -5
I could almost taste the suspicious that was coming off of him, and the secretiveness. He wore a sword as though he actually knew how to use it well, and he certainly had a sense of discretion. "Have you considered perhaps serving as a private guard or a companion? I'm going to be needing a sparring partner and someone who has a good sense of loyalty as well as respect."
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Post by Marcellin nó D'Eltoine (I) on Jun 12, 2006 22:53:49 GMT -5
Hmmm... he feels the need for a private guard? Mayhap he is the one I was sent to serve after all. For all that he is no older than I, he is of the Royal House... my eyes narrow, just slightly, studying him. Of course, Kushiel's interest already made itself apparent.
"My liege, in Kushiel's name, I swear to my service to your own."
May Elua help us all if I have chosen wrongly.
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Post by Prince Christien de la Courcel on Jun 12, 2006 23:02:55 GMT -5
Nodding in acceptance, I said, "Then you will be considered a member of my own private guard in my station of Duc de Vermandois, Sovereign Duc of L'Agnace." He would be good for Coretta and I's uses- we were starting to be too easily recognized for some of our ideas. Also, it would be a good idea to start placing around myself people I believed to be trustworthy. After all, the game of thrones was dangerous for everyone, especially an heir.
Relaxing slightly, I said, "Please feel free to ask any questions you wish."
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Post by Marcellin nó D'Eltoine (I) on Jun 12, 2006 23:10:17 GMT -5
I had many thoughts and questions, of course... but the one that came to my lips was...
"Besides the obvious threats to one of a Royal Household, are there specific threats I should be aware of?"
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Post by Prince Christien de la Courcel on Jun 12, 2006 23:16:09 GMT -5
Calmly I said, "None of the obvious ones, I'm afraid- most people are going to be subtle and assassinate one's character rather than one's person. Still, these are troubled times and I'm trying to avoid the mistake of being overconfident. In the face of my cousin and parents deaths not only have I become a direct heir to the throne, I am also Sovereign Duc, a hefty title in its own right. I would rather not come across as an easy target, in case someone should get any ideas, if you get my meaning."
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Post by Marcellin nó D'Eltoine (I) on Jun 12, 2006 23:24:10 GMT -5
"But of course, my liege. Words are much harder to fight than swords."
I stood a little more at ease, now, the decision having been made. However, my wariness and natural readiness to act would be ovious to anyone.
"You mentioned the need to spar... I had simply thought you felt the need to hone your skills for a reason."
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Post by Queen Coretta de la Courcel on Jun 12, 2006 23:24:42 GMT -5
I'd woken from a nearly dreamless sleep. Granted, my pillow was soaked in tears, but I had slept deeply. Verreuil. I'd have to thank him. I made a note in my journal to write to him at some point.
Dressing was difficult, as it brought back all the horrid feelings of last night, juts more, muted. My maids laced me into an elegant black gown with detailed onyx beads sewn in intricate patterns. It rustled quietly as I walked, carefully adjusting the black veil over my hair and face. For the first time in my life, wearing proper clothing for the situation didn't offend me. I would honor them that way at least.
The rustle of my skirts echoed down the hallway as I went to Moon's study. He wasn't in our rooms and it was still early. Quietly I knocked on the door, hoping he wasn't busy.
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Post by Prince Christien de la Courcel on Jun 12, 2006 23:29:26 GMT -5
I was about to answer when I heard a light rap at the door, one with the distinct feeling of Shadow to it. "Come in," I said, loud enough for her to hear, and waited until she had completely entered before I made introductions. "Marcellan, this is my twin, the Princess Coretta. Coretta, this is the first member of my private Vermandois guard. What do you think?" Turning to Marcellan again I said, "As this is my sister and my twin, I would like you to consider her orders as mine."
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Post by Queen Coretta de la Courcel on Jun 12, 2006 23:34:13 GMT -5
As I entered I raised the veil off my face, framing it like a dark halo. Moon had company. I was a bit startled to find he had company in his study. Automatically I inclined my head in gracious acknowledgment. Some gestures come as reflex when you are born to the courts.
"Brother. You have been busy and it is not even noon. Does Sun- Princess Sabrina know?" I went to stand by him, giving his hand a quick squeeze of greeting, and tapping a question on his hand. How happen?
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Post by Marcellin nó D'Eltoine (I) on Jun 12, 2006 23:41:15 GMT -5
My eyes widen, both at the order, and in response to her majesty in general. Blessed Elua, but she is one of the Companions incarnate. I quickly step into a bow to cover my discomfort, eyes never leaving her and thus noticing, if not understanding the hand gestures.
"Your Highness, my life is yours."
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Post by Prince Christien de la Courcel on Jun 12, 2006 23:43:18 GMT -5
"No, Sabrina hasn't been informed," I said to Shadow in a certain inflection that was meant to convey there was nothing Sun could do about it in the first place. Quickly tapping on her hand, I sent Sworn to serve, loyal, could be useful and then dropped her hand.
Looking over to Marcellan, I asked, "Do you have any more questions?"
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Post by Marcellin nó D'Eltoine (I) on Jun 12, 2006 23:56:41 GMT -5
I turn to face Christien, swallowing lightly, as I rise to my feet again, accent just a touch more pronouced this time.
"My liege, while I am certain I will have questions in the future, I believe the best way for me to learn what is needful is to simply observe. I am assuming you wish me close at hand, at present I reside in the townhouse of D'Eltione. Is that close enough, or did you wish me to relocate elsewhere?"
My eyes wander towards Coretta again, watching her to gauge her reaction.
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Post by Queen Coretta de la Courcel on Jun 13, 2006 0:06:18 GMT -5
I picked up a hundred tiny details about him, some consciously registering, some just filed away. He was near our age I was betting, and lithe, like those dark panthers we had seen once in a traveling menagerie as children.
And he kept looking at me. I didn't know whether to blush or smile. I chose brusqueness instead, even as a blush stained my cheeks.
"Here would be best, I think, for the time being. The political situation we find ourselves neck deep in is unprecedented. We will need as many of those who are loyal around us as possible. Other arrangements can be made later, I think. If that suits you, Messier. "
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Post by Marcellin nó D'Eltoine (I) on Jun 13, 2006 0:16:19 GMT -5
Ah, my attention is apparent... I shift my eyes upward slightly, a trick I learned long ago, as looking just over peoples heads gives the appearance of looking at them.
"If you wish me reside in the palace proper, that is not an issue. However, I think perhaps I would be in need of some more, shall we say, appropriate clothing. I dont need to be starting more tongues wagging by my lack of fashion sense."
I chuckle, eyes catching Christien's.
"And I do believe that I should at least occasionally check in at the townhouse, as I may hear things when I am not with you that would not be heard otherwise."
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Post by Prince Christien de la Courcel on Jun 13, 2006 0:21:11 GMT -5
Smiling slightly, I nodded in agreement. "That is a wonderful idea- Coretta, would you show him where he'd be staying and find him some clothing to his tastes? You're better at those things than I am." I wanted to go sit by a pond in one of the gardens and think on things while peering into the water. Ishtar's eyes could be like water..
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Post by Queen Coretta de la Courcel on Jun 13, 2006 0:38:32 GMT -5
"Of course, Brother." I gave him an odd look. He was acting strangely. I flashed him a brief sign saying 'we need to talk' before he departed the room. I shook my head slightly at his departing back. Men. I turned back to the other one.
"I'll show you around the Palace, and take you to our Chief Butler of the Courcel Wing. He can get you rooms near ours, nothing grand I hate to say, and some livery. As for other clothes, which you'll be needing, Prince Christien can supply a stipend, and if you wish, I have some head for fashion and can assist." I clasped my hands demurely in front of me and tried not to fidget. His hair looked so dark against his skin. And that smile.
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Post by Marcellin nó D'Eltoine (I) on Jun 13, 2006 0:43:52 GMT -5
Bowing deeply before Christien, I turn to face Coretta again, eyes just sketching her figure before focusing on her eyes.
"Highness, I am at your command." The tone in his voice implies many meanings to that. "Although, are you sure you wish me to wear already existing livery? I was given to understand that this was a... new posting."
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Post by Queen Coretta de la Courcel on Jun 13, 2006 0:51:22 GMT -5
I tapped a finger thoughtfully against my lips. I hadn't thought of it. Our father's livery was outdated, and Moon... Moon deserved something stunning.
"Hmm, quite right. I'll have to design something fitting. Something..." I trailed off, lost in ideas and sketches in my head. It was hard to pull back from but I did. "Give me a little time and I'll have something worked out. Till then, the old Vermandois livery should suffice till then." I gestured for him to follow me out of the study and into the Palace proper. I finally had something to distract myself and wanted to start on it while still fresh.
My gown whispered across the stone floors as we walked down the hallway and I glanced at him beside me. "What do you know of the current political situation we find ourselves in?" Information was power, and having him in the dark could end up with us hurt.
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Post by Marcellin nó D'Eltoine (I) on Jun 13, 2006 0:56:01 GMT -5
As I follewed along behind her, I thought of what little I knew about D'Angeline politics, and my thoughts unknowingly mirrored hers.
"Let us assume I know little, if nothing, of the current political scene. Camaeline and Cassiline training dont allow for much in the way of current news."
I left out the fact that before that, I didn't even reside in Terre D'Ange. That should be readily obvious.
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Post by Queen Coretta de la Courcel on Jun 13, 2006 12:08:18 GMT -5
"Well, that makes things simple and harder by turns. I'll give you a brief synopsis and we can go from there. King Ambrose and his party were attacked after leaving the Coronation Celebration at my parent's home. His guards, Casselines and the Queen were slain. He lay in a coma for several days before waking. He does not know who attacked him or why. Just last night..." I had to stop and turn away from him, tears welling in my eyes and grief clenching my gut so hard I felt ill.
Breath.
"Last night King Ambrose passed on from his wounds and word reached us that my Lord Father was attacked as well. He is dead. Princess Alias died- died in child-bed last night. My elder sister will be coronated as Queen after the funerals, I think. My brother and I are her heirs until she marries and produces her own." I turned to look at him again, my eyes gone smoky and dark from the tears still standing in them.
"Someone is killing off my family and my House. You will keep my brother safe. He is the world to me, and the future of our realm. I see the black shield around your neck and know what it means. Do not even think to betray us."
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Post by Marcellin nó D'Eltoine (I) on Jun 13, 2006 12:19:39 GMT -5
My heart aches with sympathy for her, and I almost, not quite, reach out to offer her support. Then her last words reach me, and my eyes harden. My hands begin to move toward the pommels of the weapons at my waist, but then I catch myself. She is greiving... she doesn't know.
Glacier-like, I reply "Your Highness, if you truly knew what the shield around my neck meant, you would know that I never betray my vows to my liege. Even if that means betraying everything I hold dear... my lieges' orders are my honor, even before my own."
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Post by Queen Coretta de la Courcel on Jun 13, 2006 12:29:22 GMT -5
My eyes scanned those hazel eyes, like chips of ice, for long moments. I was satisfied with what I saw there.
"Thank you, Marcellin. Your oath is accepted and I pray to all the gods that it will never come to such extremes. Though the unexpected seems to be happening more frequently than not. Please forgive my bluntness, I usually have more tact, but I had to know." I started walking again, knowing he would continue with me.
"I am not impugning your skill, but how good are you with your weapons." I needed a sparring partner if I was to learn from the Bear and with Moon.
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