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Post by Astredé Murain (I) on Jul 27, 2008 9:16:40 GMT -5
Oh how desperatly frightened I was. It was the eve of my leaving the city, I had been so excited when I turned 16 over a month ago and new my day had come. Then I had spent weeks in tedium waiting for the perilous plague to subside. Now that I was set and free to leave the city I was near ready to cry. It was later then I normally would have left the Sancuary, but I had barely had a bite to eat all day. In my preparations I had left it out of my mind. Now that I was ready and waiting, my stomach was turning. I had missed dinner, obviously; deaming it unnessacary at the time. So I ventured out to The White Heart Manor. It was not far and I knew I would at least be able to get a good bite in and perhaps a glass of wine to settle my nerves. When I approached to light from within was begining to set the front aglow. It was just approaching dusk and the night had a nice breeze to it. I decided to wear my travelling appearal I had set out for the morning. It was odd, but I had packed everything else and didn't wish to go out in the robes I had been dirtying all day. As I entered I found it getting quite busy. Couples here and there and a small group enjoying a round. Nothing out of the ordinary. I slid quietly into a seat near the hearth and ordered a glass while my food was set. I tried not to look as unearved as I was and just enjoy the atmosphere.
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Émile d’Ames
Military
Anathema Cassiline; Guard to the Queen
"To conquer oneself is a greater victory than to conquer thousands in a battle.?
Posts: 463
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Post by Émile d’Ames on Jul 31, 2008 9:02:23 GMT -5
One of the best things about being a Cassiline with free time was that I could explore the City of Elua at my leisure without having to worry about my ward. I had left Her Majesty in the capable hands of her Captain of the Guard--with explicit instructions to send for me if something was amiss.
Today, I had set about exploring the Temple District. I had already been to Kushiel's Temple, of course, but there were many other establishments to explore, and I wished to stop at as many places as I could.
Of course, wandering about on one's feet all day does nothing to fill one's belly, and I had been on my feet since early morning.
I could have had my pick of establishments, but I was close enough to the White Hart that I decided to save myself a walk. Besides, it had a certain charm to it, even if it did appear to be rather busy.
I smiled to myself. There's no better way to disappear, Émile...
I should have known better. When you walk into any place in full Cassiline garb, others are bound to notice you.
I tried to ignore the eyes that I knew were taking in my drab grey clothing and the vambraces, marks of my membership in the Cassiline Brotherhood. The daggers and the sword at my back only completed the picture that I was sure was in everyone's heads.
I looked around, trying to find a table that was unoccupied, but having no luck. Well, there was one that was near to being unoccupied...
I made my way over to the woman's table, careful to keep myself in her line of sight so as not to startle her. She seemed..nervous...was she an adept, perhaps? She seemed young, but perhaps not so young that she couldn't still be nervous about her line of work. I knew something of adepts, my mother had been one, after all.
"Good eve', my lady," I said carefully, giving her a small bow, though not the traditional one used by Cassilines. "Is this seat occupied?" The warmth of the hearth was comforting, I could feel it seep through my bones.
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Post by Astredé Murain (I) on Jul 31, 2008 17:56:02 GMT -5
I was fully emersed in to workings of my mind when I saw a Cassiline heading toward my position. it may have been anyother person blurred in my vision from the trappings of my mind but a Cassiline gets noticed. I continued thinking over my plans when he bid me "good eve" and asked for a seat across from mine. It was a welcomed escape from my brooding. "No, my lord Cassiline it is not. Please have a seat. I'd welcome the company." and I gestured to the seat with a little chuckle. "Eula's now's I could use a dinner companion tonight." I smiled, a little nervously no doubt. How funny a Cassiline would be my company on the night before embarked on Naamah's service. I shook my head slightly in disbelif and my smile settled to a more relaxed state. "My name is Astrede" I paused, "and yours?"
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Émile d’Ames
Military
Anathema Cassiline; Guard to the Queen
"To conquer oneself is a greater victory than to conquer thousands in a battle.?
Posts: 463
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Post by Émile d’Ames on Jul 31, 2008 21:05:17 GMT -5
I slid into the seat with a smile. "My name is Émile d’Ames, but please call me Émile." She seemed lost in her own thoughts, and I wondered exactly what it was that was making her so nervous. "Is there something I can help you with, my lady?" I asked softly as I signalled for someone to come and take my order.
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Post by Astredé Murain (I) on Aug 1, 2008 7:14:38 GMT -5
I smiled again and picked up my glass of wine for a sip. "No Emile, you are kind to ask. You just caught me while I was wrapped up in my thoughts." The waitress had returned to take his order. I paused for a moment to allow him to speak with her, and to figure out how to phrase what I said next and not seem to long winded. "I'm leaving the city tomorrow for a year. I'm an acolyte to Naamah's Temple and begin my year of servitude on the morrow. It's kind of a weighty thing. For my return begets my ascention to the preisthood." At that I stopped the waitress had brought him his drink and my food. Unfortunate timing as he just sat down.
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Émile d’Ames
Military
Anathema Cassiline; Guard to the Queen
"To conquer oneself is a greater victory than to conquer thousands in a battle.?
Posts: 463
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Post by Émile d’Ames on Aug 1, 2008 16:00:45 GMT -5
I paused to give the server my order. I didn't mind it if Lady Murain ate while I talked, I had arrived later than her, after all.
When the waitress departed, I nodded gravely. "If you are set on your path, then I do not see why your entry into the priesthood should be so trying." In truth, I did not know much about Naamah's service--sensuality and the pleasures of the body were forbidden to me, Cassiel's Servant, and so I did not frequent her Temples.
I gave her a reassuring smile. "You have been training for this year, have you not? Surely it will not be so horrible as you imagine."
Yes, and you would be the authority on matters concerning Naamah's Service, wouldn't you, Émile?
I scowled and banished the thought from my mind. "I'm sure every acolyte has felt the same way, yet they have endured." I said, trying my best to be of some help.
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Post by Astredé Murain (I) on Aug 1, 2008 16:21:19 GMT -5
He had a very valid point. I wasn't sure I had explained myself appropriately. I thought it over a second as I looked down at my food. It was simple. A portion of beans and boiled potatoes with mutton roast. A good dinner as could be expected from White Hart. "It's not so much my path that's racking my nervous," I poked around my plate a little "it's the travelling. The last time I was outside the city was when I travelled here as child from Naamere. I haven't been home since. The thought of it has me... wondering." I trailed off a bit at the end. Thinking of how beautiful I remembered it and how I had left my family. It was a hefty decision for my age, to say the least. "What about you Emile? You must have experienced some of those emotions when you were givin your first ward, No?" I thought if anything he would understand the wieght one bares as a servant of one of Eulas companions. I popped a piece of potato in my mouth. He didn't seem to mind that my food was served and I was hopping it would provoke my appitite.
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Émile d’Ames
Military
Anathema Cassiline; Guard to the Queen
"To conquer oneself is a greater victory than to conquer thousands in a battle.?
Posts: 463
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Post by Émile d’Ames on Aug 1, 2008 16:33:08 GMT -5
I nodded. "Indeed, it is always so with a new ward--especially if that ward happens to be Queen." I grinned. "I can understand how you must feel, but it is safe to travel within Terre d'Ange's borders, and no one would dare harm anyone sworn to Naamah's Service."
I paused, stroking my chin as I considered my next words. "Do you know no one who would be able to escort you? There is safety in numbers, even Naamah did not travel alone."
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Post by Astredé Murain (I) on Aug 1, 2008 16:59:45 GMT -5
"No, not really anyone I know." I paused my plans were not so concrete as I would have liked. " There is a lady travelling to her L'angnce estate, she's offered to loan me a horse and host me a few nights for a few refreshing lessons in riding. She is leaving in the morning. Then I'n off to Siovale. I have place to stay when I get there, but after that my plans are unknown. I figure I'll just wander town to town as Naamah did with Eula and the other companions. It is as it should be that way. Besides a year is a long time to wonder along with someone and I can hardly afford a mercenary." To me it had all made sense but as I discribed it I thought it may have sounded foolish to a Cassiline. I chuckled and tried another potato, the last one was doind it part. Or maybe it was the company, either way I was feeling better and my mind was easing.
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Émile d’Ames
Military
Anathema Cassiline; Guard to the Queen
"To conquer oneself is a greater victory than to conquer thousands in a battle.?
Posts: 463
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Post by Émile d’Ames on Aug 1, 2008 18:31:18 GMT -5
I was about to reply when my food was brought over to our table. I had never tried mutton, being used to a simpler fare, but it looked delicious, and I would try anything once. It certainly smelled agreeable, but it was still hot, so I let it be.
I looked up from my plate at my dinner companion. "I'm sure that you will be fine," I said, smiling at her. "I would offer to escort you out of the City on the morrow, but my duties lie elsewhere..." I stole a glance at the door, as if expecting a page to burst into the room carrying a message regarding my royal ward. No, nothing, perhaps I was becoming unusually paranoid. I turned to her again. "You should try not to make too many plans, the gods sometimes send us on unexpected detours." I knew what that was like, called to guard the queen, out of all the brethren in Terre d'Ange. I bit into the mutton, sucking in a breath as the heat assaulted my tongue, reflexively swallowing the morsel. "This is good," I remarked as I carefully took another tentative bite.
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Post by Astredé Murain (I) on Aug 1, 2008 19:35:42 GMT -5
I nodded, "yes it is, they usually have good quality food here, that's why Ithought it a fitting place for my last meal." I noticed him glance toward the door wondering if he was waiing for someone but disregarded it. I thought to lighten up the conversation a bit. "so what brings you to this part of the city?" I added cheerfully. If anything I thought it may lead to who he was waiting for if he indeed was.
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Émile d’Ames
Military
Anathema Cassiline; Guard to the Queen
"To conquer oneself is a greater victory than to conquer thousands in a battle.?
Posts: 463
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Post by Émile d’Ames on Aug 1, 2008 22:37:53 GMT -5
I smiled. "I've been exploring the City. My mother was an adept of Mandrake House in the City of Elua, but I was born in Kusheth, so I have never set foot in the City of Elua until now, and I want to see as much of it as I can." I took another bite of the mutton, swallowing it before continuing. "Were you trained at Naamah's Temple in the City?"
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Post by Astredé Murain (I) on Aug 2, 2008 10:23:34 GMT -5
I thought it an interesting background and smiled truely to hear something of him. It was my turn now, I folded my hands on the edge of the table and leaned in a bit more for him to hear me better. It was getting rowdier and louder in the hall. "Yes, actually I have. I came to the when I was 11. I'm the youngest in a large family of girls. I watched them all grow up and get married into other families. It just didn't have the... purpose, I wanted. I didn't want to grow up and just be the baby." I had been looking at him but switched down to my hands after saying it. "My mother said the Preisthood runs in the family. My fathers uncle was a Priest of Naamah here in the city. So I wanted to come here for my training. Do you think something like that could be in your blood?" I looked back up and smiled thinking it may not sound so funny to a Cassiline as it would a commener. Perhaps we had more in commen then not.
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Émile d’Ames
Military
Anathema Cassiline; Guard to the Queen
"To conquer oneself is a greater victory than to conquer thousands in a battle.?
Posts: 463
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Post by Émile d’Ames on Aug 2, 2008 21:32:25 GMT -5
I nodded, without hesitation. "My father is a chevalier in Camlach, and so, I'm told, was his father. It is fitting that I be trained in the manner of a warrior, don't you agree?" Admittedly, the Cassiline warrior-monks were more than just your run-of-the-mill chevalier and I neglected to mention the darker heritage that I had inherited from my mother.
Some things were best left unsaid...
I took another bite of the mutton, then started on the small baked potatoes, splitting the skin with my knife, watching as the steam emerged from the husks. "I think it is safe to say that all people are influenced by their line, somehow."
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Post by Astredé Murain (I) on Aug 3, 2008 8:38:34 GMT -5
I finished most of my meal by now, I took a deep drink of wine to wash it down. Regretably I was to greedy with it and choked rather ungraciously. I managed to swallow it with out spittining it out, but sarted caughing quiet hard afterwards. It was quiet embarassing and I didn't even have the breath to draw up a word. I tried though and sputtered out something to the effect of "exc-use-me...." but I didn't even know if it was understandable.
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Émile d’Ames
Military
Anathema Cassiline; Guard to the Queen
"To conquer oneself is a greater victory than to conquer thousands in a battle.?
Posts: 463
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Post by Émile d’Ames on Aug 3, 2008 21:31:34 GMT -5
I rose to my feet as she started choking, my meal forgotten. "Are you well, my lady?" I asked, circling the table so that I stood behind her, my hand coming up to gently pat her back. "Breathe, slowly now..." I said softly. "We have all evening, you do not need to rush with your food."
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Post by Astredé Murain (I) on Aug 3, 2008 22:21:37 GMT -5
I had gathered my breath and started laughing jovily. I patted my chest and cleared my throat a little to gather myself. "Oh Emile, Thank you. I'm afraid I was a little to greedy with myself. I apologize." I looked up at him hoping I didn't scare him. I supposed it takes a lot more to scare a Cassiline though. I let out another little laugh at how rediculous it was. "I was just going to say, I hope I didn't scare you but I suppose it takes a lot more then a mere choking incident to scare you." I sat myself back up straight and sipped from my glass, without choking. I said, "See no damage done," and smiled.
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Émile d’Ames
Military
Anathema Cassiline; Guard to the Queen
"To conquer oneself is a greater victory than to conquer thousands in a battle.?
Posts: 463
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Post by Émile d’Ames on Aug 5, 2008 23:56:35 GMT -5
I nodded, smiling. "Good, just be careful with your food, yes?" I withdrew from her side and went to sit at my place again, beginning to eat in earnest. I was surprised at how hungry I was.
I looked up from my food to smile at her. "I was concerned for you, my lady. It is what any other man would have done. Even we Cassilines are permitted to show fear--just not to our enemies' faces!"
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Post by Astredé Murain (I) on Aug 6, 2008 10:26:20 GMT -5
I smiled and finished the last of my roast. "Thank you, I'm gratful. It's just that I'm not as familiar with such concern as one might think. Training at the temple is a kind of solitary. I'm so used to being by myslef." I thought about what I said. Feeling a little foolish. "It's such a treat to have company for dinner. Not to mention such a good dinner." The bar maid came around and picked up my plate and offered another glass, which I again turned down. I was not a drinker and did not wish to try and make a farther embarassment of myself. "You mentioned you grew up in Kusheth Emile. Would ou mind telling me about it? I will most likely be my next Province after I'm done in Soivale. Do you have any recommendations on where I should stop?"
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Émile d’Ames
Military
Anathema Cassiline; Guard to the Queen
"To conquer oneself is a greater victory than to conquer thousands in a battle.?
Posts: 463
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Post by Émile d’Ames on Aug 7, 2008 21:47:11 GMT -5
I stroked my chin thoughtfully. "Hm, well, one thing you need to know is that most Kusheline servants are trained in...discretion...so you need not feel that your 'activities' will be gossiped about. " I smiled knowingly at her. "We are not shy when it comes to Naamah's arts."
I closed my eyes, trying to think of something else to say that would be useful. "The cliffs can be perilous, but you should have little trouble if you stay on the paths. Sometimes Kusheline customs can seem...unusual...to other d'Angelines. You may rest assured knowing that no one in my home province would tolerate ill treatment of one of Naamah's priestesses."
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Post by Astredé Murain (I) on Aug 8, 2008 18:16:59 GMT -5
"It sounds to be a rugged land. I'llnot worry though, as you said no one would toletate ill treatment. I'll not so for discretion either. It is a right of passage and nothing to but be thankful in. Though I don't doubt your claim. It is no secret that the blood of Kushiel burns hot in his decendants vains." I sat back in my chair in with a slightly devious look. It hadn't occured to me and upon realizing it it was quiet a bit more ironic then a Cassline and an acolyte of Naamah sharing a meal. I leaned forward and propped my chin on my palms. "Name of Elua Emile, now there is something I have not considered before." my eyes lit up at the realization of it. "When you walked in I saw a Cassiline. To think of you as Kushline sheds a whole new light on it. How conflicting that must be, on so many levels other then just the intimate." I cocked my head a little, inquizativly. "What's that like?"
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Émile d’Ames
Military
Anathema Cassiline; Guard to the Queen
"To conquer oneself is a greater victory than to conquer thousands in a battle.?
Posts: 463
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Post by Émile d’Ames on Aug 9, 2008 18:14:50 GMT -5
I looked up from my plate to smile at her. "It is very....interesting." I replied. "Shall we simply say that it is not wise to cross me on the battlefield and leave it at that?" I didn't want to tell her too much. How do you tell someone that sometimes the call of your blood is too great, and that sometimes you cease to fight until there are no opponents left for you to sate that bloodlust?
My blood was betimes a blessing, betimes a curse.
I glanced down and noticed that my plate was empty, so I pushed it aside. "Cassilines come from all the Provinces, my lady," I said with a smile. "No matter our heritage, we are all great fighters."
Well, that was an exposition worthy of the Prefect... I thought.
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Post by Astredé Murain (I) on Aug 9, 2008 18:20:52 GMT -5
Emile was not easy to read, I simple looked down and took what he said for what it was. "Well I'll have to take your word on that." I looked up and smiled "As I'm not like to cross you on a battle field."
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Émile d’Ames
Military
Anathema Cassiline; Guard to the Queen
"To conquer oneself is a greater victory than to conquer thousands in a battle.?
Posts: 463
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Post by Émile d’Ames on Aug 11, 2008 22:28:41 GMT -5
I laughed. "No, I suppose not! I was merely using it as an example." I patted the handle of one of my daggers. "Besides, I have no desire to spill the blood of innocents. It would be a shame, to lose such a pretty woman." I smiled, shifting so that I sat back in my chair.
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Post by Astredé Murain (I) on Aug 12, 2008 8:01:02 GMT -5
I laughed and "You have a funny sense of humor Emile. Which is good I suposse, it gets a laugh." I gathered myslef and decided to head out, I wanted to get a good nights sleep. "Emile, I must excuse myself. The revelry is well in swing here and that probably means I should be heading back the the Sancuary and gettng myself ready for bed. I'm truely greatful for your company." I stoold up and tipped the maid for her service as she walked buy. Then turned back to the table. "Good Night and Naamah Bless You Emile." I rested my hand on his shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze. Wheather or not he thought he needed the blessing of Naamah was irrelavent and I wished him luck for he seemed a good man. It was all I knew, so I gave it.
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Émile d’Ames
Military
Anathema Cassiline; Guard to the Queen
"To conquer oneself is a greater victory than to conquer thousands in a battle.?
Posts: 463
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Post by Émile d’Ames on Aug 12, 2008 23:13:34 GMT -5
I rose from my seat. "Do you need an escort home? It is getting late, and it is hard to tell a priestess from any other person in the dark." I knew that, despite the fact that the City was relatively safe, that dangers could still be lurking in the dark.
Elua, Émile! The lady is about to embark on her year of service! She'll be wandering about the whole countryside by herself! Yes, perhaps I was over-reacting...
I set some coin on the table for my meal and performed a quick check of my armaments. I didn't think anyone would be foolish enough to attempt the theft of my daggers or sword, but one could never be too careful.
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Post by Astredé Murain (I) on Aug 13, 2008 7:40:29 GMT -5
I was pleased at his offer. He was a very good man and good company on a night like tonight. I shook my head, "Yes, I think I would like that."
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Émile d’Ames
Military
Anathema Cassiline; Guard to the Queen
"To conquer oneself is a greater victory than to conquer thousands in a battle.?
Posts: 463
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Post by Émile d’Ames on Aug 14, 2008 23:09:04 GMT -5
I nodded, smiling. "I can't allow you to go wandering about at night on your own, not in the City of Elua, at least!" I pushed in my chair, gesturing for her to take the lead. I was used to following behind my charges. "After you, my lady. I will follow your lead."
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Post by Astredé Murain (I) on Aug 15, 2008 20:36:12 GMT -5
I weaved through the crowd easily and pushed out the door. The night was very pleasant and cool. The sky was clear and a thousand stars shone. The moon was bright. I'd say a few days away from full, so it was quite bright. "Oh how lovely. A great night for walking." I looked back at Emile and took his arm. I wasn't acostom to leading. Then stepped forward. I would lead but I wasn't going to make him follow. I wasn't his charge. "Not everyone is your charge Emile. Some of us are just people, like you." I smiled up at him. He was much taller then I then agian most people were. "Do you know any jokes?'
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Émile d’Ames
Military
Anathema Cassiline; Guard to the Queen
"To conquer oneself is a greater victory than to conquer thousands in a battle.?
Posts: 463
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Post by Émile d’Ames on Aug 15, 2008 22:44:22 GMT -5
I tensed as she took my arm--a gesture I was unaccustomed to--but then I forced myself to relax. Keep pace with her, Émile, try not to lag behind.
"Jokes?" I asked, knitting my brow in thought. "I cannot think of any right now, but perhaps something will come to me." The Cassiline Brotherhood was not overfond of jokes and humour, and I could not recall my mother's playful jests that were directed at my father.
"You're right, though, it is a lovely night," I agreed. "Hopefully, tomorrow will be fair for the start of your Year. It is a favourable sign if the weather is fair when one sets out on a journey--especially one such as yours--or so I've heard."
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