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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on May 4, 2007 21:17:12 GMT -5
I'd wondered vaguely if he would be staying in the Palace or in a townhome in the City, though in the end it really made no difference to me. I nodded as I sat back, lifting my wine glass from the table. "To the South Wing I shall head, then."
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on May 4, 2007 22:57:03 GMT -5
I smiled widely. The perspective of having Mirielle over was intriguing and exciting. Besides, I would not misbehave at the palace, not overly so, anyway. My thought went to Cascata. My little sister would need help finding her bearings before her debut at the coronation.
"Excellent, then perhaps we shall set a date following the coronation? There will be much to do in the upcoming days, and I fear I would make a poor host, as I would be pressed for time," I smiled apologetically.
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on May 5, 2007 5:39:43 GMT -5
I nodded again, returning his smile with a more reassuring one of my own. "Responsibilites happen, and if you failed to take care of yours I would be concerned; as it is, though, I respect you more for taking action with them. After the fete sounds lovely to me; just send word when you think you will be ready, and I'll let you know if I am also."
My eyes never left his as I spoke, a calm approval tinging my voice coupled with another unnamed emotion. Tilting the glass I held I took a drink, savoring the liquid upon my tongue, my eyes still upon his deep blue.
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on May 5, 2007 5:46:09 GMT -5
"Then it's settled, Mylady Mirielle Bellamont," I replied with a smiling nod. Her gaze was unsettling, I realized, and her voice had wavered. I would need to reflect on that later, if I could. She was an intriguing woman, and an engaging one, at that. "In the meantime, I will reclaim my due at the fete, and ask you for a dance," I added with a little tease in my voice.
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on May 5, 2007 6:02:21 GMT -5
He shifted inwardly under my gaze; that much I could tell, and I silently thanked my rearing for allowing me to have seen it. Why did it unnerve him? A curiousity that I had to think on, and would definitely do so. Dropping my gaze to make him more comfortable, I gave a small grin before peeking back up at him. "I wouldn't think otherwise, my Lord Stregazza."
My hair had fallen over my shoulder and partially veiled my view of him, and with an absent minded hand I gently brushed it back. "How is your wine?"
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on May 5, 2007 6:08:57 GMT -5
What a graceful sight she was, and had she not placed it back in position, I would have fought the temptation to do so myself. At her question, I shrugged, "It's acceptable, but a bit sedate. I've had more interesting drinks before. How do you find it?"
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on May 5, 2007 6:17:21 GMT -5
"Passingly good," I said. "Not the best, but not the worst either; such as I expected when it comes to the house special." Setting my glass down I smiled, forcably removing my eyes from his intoxicatingly blue ones to glance at his companion.
"Oh!" My cheeks reddened instantly, and I looked from him to Gillermo and back again. I'd completely forgotten about his massive retainer in the joy of simply talking to Gillermo, and now I was left pink-cheeked and gasping; ignoring servents is not something I try to partake in. "I'm so sorry, I don't think I've had the pleasure of your name."
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on May 5, 2007 6:37:14 GMT -5
To-Biko smiled kindly and stood as soon as Mirielle adressed him. "I am To-Biko, of Banda N'dele," he said with a deep bow. His accent was strong, but his D'Angeline was good, good enough for any conversations.
I smiled. I liked that Mirielle had paid heed to To-Biko. He was not my servant, really, more of a travel companion who was very keen on discretion. It came to mind that next time, I should make introductions, and gave an apologetic look to To-Biko.
"I'm sorry, I should have made introductions, really. Lord To-Biko travels with me, for the moment, he is a loyal friend."
To-Biko smiled. "Indeed, I do not even hold you to abandonning me for such charming company," he said, smiling warmly to Mirielle, but badgering me a little for it.
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on May 5, 2007 6:45:46 GMT -5
Lord To-Biko, I noted; I believed he was a retainer from the way Gillermo had treated him thus far, though apparently a respected one, and well cherished. I smiled through the blush in my cheeks at him, instantly liking him more for the jest he dealt to Gillermo. "Ah To-Biko of Banda N'dele, you seem as charming as our tablemate here. What a lucky woman am I."
I teased softly in a friendly manner, smiling up at him before glancing to Gillermos handsome face once more.
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on May 5, 2007 6:54:28 GMT -5
I was charming, I noted in my mind. At least, I was as charming as I was charmed.
"I may have to feel threatened if you keep this up," I said to To-Biko, jesting in return. He had been my trusted travelmate for several years, still waiting to repay his life debt, or so he said, before he went about the world freely. I loved him and respected him, and had come to think of him as friend, though our interactions sometimes gave an impression of subservience. It was not the case, at least, not in my mind. To-Biko was free to go, anywhere he wished, but Jebe-Barkal.
Looking at Mirielle, a tease once again, I asked "Should I leave the two of you alone?"
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on May 5, 2007 7:04:05 GMT -5
Oh! So quick to tease both To-Biko and I, and playing as if he were truly threatened as well. With a dramatic look to To-Biko, I shrugged and sighed. "Perhaps... He is quite pleasant as well..."
I let the facade fall away with a secretive grin to To-Biko before smiling warmly at Gillermo. "Of course not, unless you see something else in here that tickles your fancy."
My eyes still twinkled, and I looked at him with a teasing glint, just barely resisting the urge to clasp my hand over his.
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on May 5, 2007 7:23:31 GMT -5
I looked around the room. It was highly amusing that Mirielle never took the bait. Pretending to gauge the other ladies around, I picked one randomly, and it happened to be the loud, overweight lady sitting next to the dance floor.
She was wearing a criminally bright pink gown, which showed just about every inch of her generous bosom, and though she was not unpleasing to the eye, as no D'Angeline is, she would obviously not be of my taste. Mirielle would guess that, and To-Biko would know.
"Well, there is an enticing competitor by the dance floor," I said, pointing to my eyes towards her, as To-Biko stifled a grin under his neutral facade.
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on May 5, 2007 9:00:43 GMT -5
I grinned in near delight as Gillermo once again showed his endless humor, and gave a graceful gesture in direction of the jolly woman. "By all means, dearest Gillermo, don't let me stop you from finding true happiness."
I spoiled it slightly by the twinkle in my eye, though I slid my chair closer to To-Biko. "I'll be here talking to your lovely companion while you're gone." To-Biko was jovial enough, I guaged, to endure my teasing of Gillermo, for I think we three all knew I very much enjoyed the foreign diplomats company.
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on May 5, 2007 9:12:41 GMT -5
To-Biko beamed as Mirielle moved closer to him, delighted of her attention, however temporary. Pushing it, he said, "By all means, Gil, please, impress us and win her over. I'll make sure Mylady is well protected while you leave, worry not."
I smiled, and resisted to the temptation to give in, but would not.
Seriously considering asking her for a dance, I looked over, and was to see relieved that the fuschia woman was entranced in a conversation with a rather sedate gentleman, whose grey hair betrayed his age, and who seemed rather enclined to giving in to her attentions.
My eyes dropped down in mock distress, and I looked at Mirielle sadly, "Alas, my only true love is with another, shall I jump over the next bridge?"
To-Biko's grin extended and his white teeth shone in his dark face. It made me happy to see him smile.
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on May 5, 2007 11:23:12 GMT -5
I laughed in unrestrained merriment with To-Bikos gentlemanly comment to look over me, giving the large man a wide smile. He was as fun as Gillermo, or nearly so - at least his sense of humor was well intact. My amusement stayed with me as I watched Gillermo check upon the status of the now-busy woman, and when he turned around in mock disappointment, I reached across the table to cover his hand with mine sympatheticly.
"Oh, my poor Gillermo, mourne not. I'm sure you could win her over easily enough... though you may have to gain a few grey hairs to accomplish it." Mirth showed through my sympathizing smile and I struggled to swallow it down; if I was never one thing, it was that of an actor.
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on May 5, 2007 17:20:46 GMT -5
I looked over to Mirielle from my pitiful pout and asked her pitifully, "Perhaps a wise and generous lady will take me in, and distract me from my broken heart?"
To-Biko was no longer stifling his hilarity, and broke in a quiet laughter, his pleasure very evident. As for myself, Mirielle's touch on my hand was more then I needed for my fate to be sealed, and I smiled mischievously under my teasing pout.
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on May 5, 2007 18:05:58 GMT -5
His mischevious smile coupled his words well, and I finally gave in to the smile that begged to come out since the little skit had started.
"You might find one such," I said, my amusement very much evident, "Especially since you're staying at the Palace. There must be someone there who wouldn't mind taking you in."
My eyes twinkled as I said it, for while there undoubtedly was someone there he could cry dry tears to, there was most definitely at least one person outside the Palace also. My hand slipped from his, the light touch of my fingers dragging across the back of his as I sat back in my seat again with a smile. I was becoming as fond of To-Biko as I was Gillermo, though in two seperate ways, and I didn't bother moving my chair away from his.
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on May 5, 2007 18:14:22 GMT -5
The soft touch of her had somehow quickened me, and all my training in covertcy came to my aid, stifling a moan of protest when she removed her hand, not matter how gently she did. Her smile was lovely, something pleasant and warm, like fresh berries on a sunny morning.
"You are right, Mirielle Bellamont," I replied, even toned. "There most be someone, to take a stray like me in."
To-Biko stayed silent, an experienced witness of my musings.
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on May 5, 2007 19:13:02 GMT -5
"I don't doubt it for one second," I said, the jest gone from my voice as my smile remained soft. For a second I simply looked at him before averting my eyes, glancing up at his companion and regaining the quick, cheery grin that the past few moments have given me. "For you either To-Biko - I would think there's many a woman in the City alone whom would love a strong arm like yours." My tone was teasing and warm at the same time, saying simple honesty in the thin guise of a jest.
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on May 6, 2007 1:56:00 GMT -5
Mirielle had shifted slightly just an instant, and it made my mind reel. I stayed silent, as To-Biko beamed under her gentle compliment.
"Really? You think so? I should love to please a D'Angeline woman very much," he replied, his grin almost childlike. To-Biko was indeed rather fond of woman, and had a weaks spot for D'Angelines, such as the Adept we had just parted ways with. I thought to myself that under Mirielle's gentle encouragements, he might like to pursue her. The thought pleased me, and I jested for it.
"Now, now, you are going to unleash the great Jebean heart-breaker on Terre d'Ange if you keep this up," I jested.
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on May 6, 2007 9:33:54 GMT -5
I grinned up at To-Biko, enjoying the happiness that he radiated - he seemed to be such a gentle soul that I found myself trusting him, far sooner than I would have anyone else.
"To-Biko, once they discover you you shall never have a moments rest." My grin faded to a smile as I looked up, my teasing gone. Truly I believed it, for between his nature and his size many women would find him a wonderful prize in bed. Glancing over to Gillermo, I shared my smile with him, though it became more merry as a laugh tumbled out of me.
"And lucky for them if he is unleashed," I said, picking up my wine glass. "As for you... The poor ladies won't know what hit them, I think."
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on May 6, 2007 9:47:08 GMT -5
I smiled to myself as Mirielle complimented To-Biko. A gentle heart, he was, indeed, but I had seen enough of him in the past years to know something somber could hatch, given the occasion. Mirielle could not see it, that I knew. But indeed Valerians and the like would not give him a moment's rest, once he was discovered, for he would give them the punishment they wanted, yet treat them like queens.
I lifted my glass to Mirielle, toasting her as she commented me. "I'll drink to that, but you should know I don't hit ladies, not in the least."
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on May 6, 2007 12:52:30 GMT -5
"That's always a good thing to hear," I said to Gillermo with a tiny grin, "Though I do believe Valerian will mourne the loss of you should they ever find out." And indeed they would if his lack of roughness reached into the pleasure chambers; I, on the other hand, was more than happy to hear that. Valerian and Mandrake are not of my tastes.
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on May 6, 2007 12:59:21 GMT -5
I smiled quietly, not wanting to tell Mirielle more of my bedchamber habits. Let her find out when the time comes, I thought to myself. For if I did not like to inflict pain in the brutal fashion, my blood called at times for rougher encounters, and I had been a patron of Valerian, during my last visit in the City, and they had not been unpleased with my performance, as I recalled. Truth as it was, I was inconstant in my tastes, as I was in many other things.
"We shall send them flowers, then, for a mourning Valerian is not a pretty sight," I replied jestingly.
At Mirielle's side, To-Biko's expression was unreadable. He had chosen to fade in the background once again, his usual modus operandi, really.
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on May 6, 2007 13:05:09 GMT -5
"You're right, they are not." I sat back some, toying with the stem of my glass rather than drinking. Gillermos quiet smile had given me no outside pause, though I found it a curiousness - was he a fan of Valerian indeed? It was hard to tell, for he had as many layers as a petticoat I'd once seen in the window of a local shop in Azzalle. Either way it was of little import, for such things always found a way of working out in the end.
My wine swirled gently in the hold of its containing glass, and I let my gaze reluctantly drop from his to look at it. "You are staying at the Palace, then?" I asked, my voice pleasant if quiet.
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on May 6, 2007 13:13:18 GMT -5
I smiled. She is relentless, this Mirielle, I thought to myself. Her curiosity did please me, though, and I replied with an easy smile.
"I am, indeed, a guest of House Courcel at the moment. Did you have any reason to doubt it?"
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on May 6, 2007 13:29:13 GMT -5
"Of course not," I said immediatly, wishing silently I'd not spoken. It was a lull I'd been attempting to fill, and I'd blurted the first question that came to mind without taking the time to reflect on it. Inwardly I sighed, looking up at him under the veil of my lashes once more. "Forgive me - I have had little enough experiance with foreign diplomats, which I assume you are considering your residence." I smiled softly, my features gentling, and I resisted the urge to look away in embarrassment. "Traffic was plentiful enough with my foster families home, though I paid little enough attention while I was there; I wish I had done so more now."
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on May 6, 2007 13:38:47 GMT -5
I smiled a grin of congratulation to Mirielle. She was a smart woman, something I liked.
"You guessed right. The Doge asked me to establish an embassy here. With the upcoming Coronation, it only seemed fit to have closer relations with Terre d'Ange. Given my share heritage and training, he decided I was fit for the endeavour."
I lifted a brow in curiosity, "May I ask who your foster parents were?"
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Post by Mirielle Bellamont on May 6, 2007 13:50:50 GMT -5
His station rightfully impressed me, as I'm sure it would impress many others, though it was not that that kept me in the seat as the night deepened. "I think the Doge may have chosen well when he picked you out, though I suppose we'll see." I smiled and teased only slightly, keeping the mood light between us.
"My foster family was the Trevalions; Lucien and Kristiana Atiais de Trevalion to be precise." I had a feeling Gillermo was intelligent enough to know who it was, for the soverign duc and duchesse of Azzalle frequented the City as well as the estates, even as their title had passed onto August by now. A pain lit my heart momentarily as I thought of Sabriel and the loathesome rumor of him planning to challenge August, and I lifted my glass to my lips to drink it away. Gillermo was a much more pleasant thing to ponder on, and I let my attention focus back on him - an easy feat.
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on May 6, 2007 14:04:48 GMT -5
I lifted an eyebrow. "The Trevalions of The Sovereign Duchy of Azzalle," I nodded. Impressive. Mirielle was indeed of very high birth, if she had been fostered with them. "An august family, and well known. I'll admit I've not met them, though." A small moment of worry flashed in my eyes as I looked at Mirielle more closely. "Is something troubling you?"
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