Lillianne Prévost
Aristocrat
Future Duchesse de Moulins; Ward of Azriel Shahrizai
Daughter of G?rard and Nicole Pr?vost
Posts: 1,148
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Post by Lillianne Prévost on Dec 13, 2008 22:55:44 GMT -5
It was a lovely day, and the mindless chatter of the girls I had been spending my morning with had given me a headache. I needed fresh air, so I headed out to the gardens, catching a servant along the way and requesting a pitcher of iced tea to be brought out for me. I found a seat in one of the gazeboes, beside the stream. I closed my eyes and listened to the water, allowing myself to relax.
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Post by Sarielle Shahrizai on Dec 14, 2008 0:34:42 GMT -5
It was quite the day, quiet and beautiful, when I decided to go for a walk through the palace gardens. I had been told as of late that I needed to venture out more, learn more about my neighbours, make some "friends" as it were, seeing as I was now a Baroness and had more responsibility. I figured although the gardens were quiet, it would be the best place to do minimal damage, trying to be more "nice" and less Shahrizai to those that I encountered, if they could even look at me without automatically thinking predator.
Walking listlessly, a saw a pretty girl that seemed familiar, but I couldn't quite place her. She sat by herself in a gazebo. I thought it strange. Most girls would be inside the Hall of Games trying their hands at flirting.
"Good day," I said gently, stopping at the steps of her gazebo.
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Lillianne Prévost
Aristocrat
Future Duchesse de Moulins; Ward of Azriel Shahrizai
Daughter of G?rard and Nicole Pr?vost
Posts: 1,148
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Post by Lillianne Prévost on Dec 14, 2008 0:41:23 GMT -5
I opened by eyes to find a woman with the dark tresses of the Shahrizai and who looked rather bored. "Good day," I said politely, idly wondering if she was related to my uncle.
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Post by Sarielle Shahrizai on Dec 14, 2008 0:49:06 GMT -5
I gathered up myself, trying my best to be good.
"Might I ask what a lovely thing like you is doing out here?" I asked as I listened to the soothing bubbling of the stream nearby. "Don't get me wrong," I started, "you have chosen a nice spot for a morning spent in thought, but I would think a girl of your seeming youth would have more fun inside."
I mounted the steps without invitation. I hadn't thought to ask before I was already at the top step and walking towards her.
"May I?" I asked, quirking my head slightly.
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Lillianne Prévost
Aristocrat
Future Duchesse de Moulins; Ward of Azriel Shahrizai
Daughter of G?rard and Nicole Pr?vost
Posts: 1,148
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Post by Lillianne Prévost on Dec 14, 2008 1:14:43 GMT -5
"Of course," I said. She was so sure of herself, slinking up the stairs, the question was obvious an afterthought.
"I was inside, but the excitement became a little too much," I replied. "Girls my age tend to have very high-pitched voices when they're excited."
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Post by Sarielle Shahrizai on Dec 14, 2008 1:27:33 GMT -5
I smiled. "I think that is indicative of women as a whole," I offered, though my thoughts were reaching on the less innocent side of things. I figured the entire meaning would be lost on her. "But I understand how being in that sort of surroundings might cause one to need some quiet time."
"I don't believe I have met you before," I mentioned as I sat beside her, not too close, but close enough for conversation. "I am Sarielle Shahrizai," I offered, not mentioning my title. I wasn't one to flaunt formalities unless it was needed, and it was not needed here.
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Lillianne Prévost
Aristocrat
Future Duchesse de Moulins; Ward of Azriel Shahrizai
Daughter of G?rard and Nicole Pr?vost
Posts: 1,148
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Post by Lillianne Prévost on Dec 14, 2008 1:35:32 GMT -5
"Lillianne Prévost," I replied. I opened my mouth to add more when the servant returned with the small pitcher. "Should I ask for a second glass?" I inquired as the servant drew nearer and entered the gazebo, placing the iced tea on the low table before us.
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Post by Sarielle Shahrizai on Dec 14, 2008 1:38:49 GMT -5
"That would be very appreciated, thank you for the thought," I replied, inclining my head to her. I waited until we were alone again before continuing.
"And where do you hail from?" I asked, not meaning to pry. I am sure for someone her age at court she is asked this question often, and I myself have never been one for repeating answers to such tedious questions all the time. But I still couldn't place where I may have seen her before. I still had that very strong feeling that I might have seen her in passing.
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Lillianne Prévost
Aristocrat
Future Duchesse de Moulins; Ward of Azriel Shahrizai
Daughter of G?rard and Nicole Pr?vost
Posts: 1,148
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Post by Lillianne Prévost on Dec 14, 2008 1:52:26 GMT -5
The servant smiled his understanding and went to fetch another glass.
"My estates are in L'Agnace, but I spend much of my time here in the City," I said with a smile. "You are from Kusheth?"
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Post by Sarielle Shahrizai on Dec 14, 2008 1:56:08 GMT -5
I smiled at her response. "Yes, originally, and that's where my estates are, though I do have a house in the City. I have been here since my age of majority," I explained to her.
"I don't recall hearing of holdings with your name within the City walls," I said, trying to place her. Then again, it wouldn't surprise me if she did. "Am I just ignorant, or are you staying with friends or family?" I asked.
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Lillianne Prévost
Aristocrat
Future Duchesse de Moulins; Ward of Azriel Shahrizai
Daughter of G?rard and Nicole Pr?vost
Posts: 1,148
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Post by Lillianne Prévost on Dec 14, 2008 2:39:21 GMT -5
"My family has lived here since before my birth," I replied, a nicer way of calling her ignorant.
The servant returned with the second glass and I poured for both of us as he left once more.
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Post by Sarielle Shahrizai on Dec 14, 2008 8:24:44 GMT -5
The servant came yet again, providing my glass, then left poste haste, not lingering. Lilliane began to pour the beverage.
"Ah I see, forgive me the slight then," I began as she poured. "I was never one for getting out much. It's only recently that I have been trying. Even a large number of my kin is a mystery to me," I offered shrugging. I had not meant any harm, but I really just didn't know. "Mayhap my next project will be researching these things, then I won't seem such an abhorrent social outcast." I said with a soft smile.
"To be fair though," I said, my lips curling at the corners, "I am quite certain you did not know I existed before today, or am I wrong there, too?"
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Lillianne Prévost
Aristocrat
Future Duchesse de Moulins; Ward of Azriel Shahrizai
Daughter of G?rard and Nicole Pr?vost
Posts: 1,148
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Post by Lillianne Prévost on Dec 14, 2008 14:34:24 GMT -5
She seemed to take offense to a comment meant as neutral. "The youngest child knows of the Shahrizai family," I replied with a polite smile as I offered her a glass. "Though you are one of only a few I have had a conversation with."
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Post by Sarielle Shahrizai on Dec 14, 2008 18:01:10 GMT -5
I laughed lightheartedly. "It seems we may be in a similar boat. I know a lot of the lesser players, you could say, when it comes to my over extended family, but others I have just heard of. I know my father was Francois brother, but I haven't any idea if Francois is still alive, or if he had children. It's only recently that I have decided to attempt to seek out more of my kin. But enough about me," I said, smiling at her, takinga small sipof the iced tea. "From what you've said I am guessing you are the youngest? Do you have a personal connection to the Shahrizai? I do hope I am not prying," I added, letting her know that I mean no harm in my inquisition.
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Lillianne Prévost
Aristocrat
Future Duchesse de Moulins; Ward of Azriel Shahrizai
Daughter of G?rard and Nicole Pr?vost
Posts: 1,148
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Post by Lillianne Prévost on Dec 14, 2008 19:28:30 GMT -5
"I simply meant that everyone has heard of the Shahrizai. I am, was my parents' only child," I replied, glancing down at my tea to try to hide the flash of pain that went through me. "Now I live with my uncle. I suppose you could say that he is my personal connection." She was fishing, and I didn't like it. I wondered what she wanted.
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Post by Sarielle Shahrizai on Dec 14, 2008 19:37:42 GMT -5
I sighed. I could see the shadow that hung over her plain as day as she explained. It seemed even when I was trying not to cause pain I was making it surface. Mayhap I would be better off just staying home.
I touched her shoulder gently. "I am very very sorry for your loss, Lillianne. Truly." I pulled away, not wanting to make it worse. Perhaps a change in topic was in order.
"So you say the young ladies are too high pitched for your liking? Aside from that, are you enjoying the game of courtship?" I asked, smiling over at her. It was a drastic change in topic and tone, but I was hoping that she would appreciate talking about something less emotionally in depth.
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Lillianne Prévost
Aristocrat
Future Duchesse de Moulins; Ward of Azriel Shahrizai
Daughter of G?rard and Nicole Pr?vost
Posts: 1,148
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Post by Lillianne Prévost on Dec 14, 2008 20:04:33 GMT -5
I made her uncomfortable, but before I could fix it, she fixed it herself. It made me like her a little more.
"It can be very fun," I said, my smile a little weak after the previous topic but it grew easier as I continued to speak. "It's nice to spend time with friends."
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Post by Sarielle Shahrizai on Dec 14, 2008 20:06:48 GMT -5
"I remember the days of courtship," I let out a snicker, my lips curled in a wicked smile. "I think it is the one thing every girl in Terre D'Ange looks forward to, especially once she reaches her majority. I suppose people take her more seriously then. Have any boys or men caught your eye yet?" I asked her, not prying really, just making conversation.
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Lillianne Prévost
Aristocrat
Future Duchesse de Moulins; Ward of Azriel Shahrizai
Daughter of G?rard and Nicole Pr?vost
Posts: 1,148
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Post by Lillianne Prévost on Dec 14, 2008 20:09:53 GMT -5
I shook my head. "I think the boys are too immature, and the men think I'm too immature," I said with a little smile. "Besides, I have lots of time to chose one and get married."
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Post by Sarielle Shahrizai on Dec 14, 2008 20:25:57 GMT -5
"In a land like Terre D'Ange, is that really the ultimate goal of every woman? Marriage? Not to put a damper to those who wish for it, mayhap someday I may even wish to settle down, old spinster that I am," I chuckled then. "Perhaps I am the wrong woman to speak to on these things. But, yes, you have plenty of time." I laughed again. "And just a little information, boys are immature, and men are no better. I don't see how they could think you immature, you seem rather mature enough to hold your own. Plus," I added, "I never asked what they thought of you, that is easily changeable. I just asked if any men caught your eye." I smiled playfully.
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Lillianne Prévost
Aristocrat
Future Duchesse de Moulins; Ward of Azriel Shahrizai
Daughter of G?rard and Nicole Pr?vost
Posts: 1,148
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Post by Lillianne Prévost on Dec 15, 2008 0:18:14 GMT -5
"Well, there is this one man," I admitted with a little blush. "He arrived recently at court, and he's very handsome. But he's a lot older." I worried my lip a little after I said that. I knew the infatuation was silly, I wasn't even sure why I had brought it up.
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Post by Sarielle Shahrizai on Dec 15, 2008 1:38:10 GMT -5
"Now we are talking," I said with a light chuckle to ease any embarassment she might have. "I won't be so forwardly callous as to ask his name, but if you don't mind, tell me something that intrigues you about him. What has caught your eye. And his age might help. Mayhap I could be of some service, being an old bird and all," I said with a soft smile, sipping my iced tea.
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Lillianne Prévost
Aristocrat
Future Duchesse de Moulins; Ward of Azriel Shahrizai
Daughter of G?rard and Nicole Pr?vost
Posts: 1,148
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Post by Lillianne Prévost on Dec 15, 2008 2:01:15 GMT -5
I didn't answer her last request immediately, it was embarrassing. "Well, he's tall, dark and handsome. But when I first saw him, he was playing a harp in one of the salons. And they way his hands danced over the strings... But he's... he's in his early thirties," I confessed, my cheeks really going red at the admission. "Thank you for your offer, but he'd never be interested in a girl like me."
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Post by Sarielle Shahrizai on Dec 15, 2008 2:43:28 GMT -5
"Well Lillianne, if you are so easily defeated, and happy with that answer," I shrugged, "then by all means. But I have heard and seen far 'worse' occur. You obviously have an appreciation for him that goes beyond physical. That counts for something. And why wouldn't he be interested in you?" I asked, looking at her. "You are smart, well spoken, very beautiful. Yes, you are young, but youth is never a hinderance, and you are graceful with it. Sorry if I am misstepping, truly. But I would be lying if I didn't say all that I have. There is no embarrassment when it comes to love, even if it is fleeting." I sighed. "Always those tall dark and handsome types. They get a girl everytime," I said smiling.
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Lillianne Prévost
Aristocrat
Future Duchesse de Moulins; Ward of Azriel Shahrizai
Daughter of G?rard and Nicole Pr?vost
Posts: 1,148
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Post by Lillianne Prévost on Dec 15, 2008 20:57:47 GMT -5
"Yes they do," I said with a smile, ducking my head at her compliments. "So you think I should... pursue it further?"
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Post by Sarielle Shahrizai on Dec 15, 2008 21:16:50 GMT -5
"Well I don't see why not! Of course there is a certain way to go about these things. We can't have you throwing yourself shamelessly at the man, that will definitely not do. And there is an attitude to be embodied as well." I sipped my drink, smiling down at her. "It all sounds complicated at first," I said trying to reassure her, "but it really just comes down to what sort of male he is."
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Lillianne Prévost
Aristocrat
Future Duchesse de Moulins; Ward of Azriel Shahrizai
Daughter of G?rard and Nicole Pr?vost
Posts: 1,148
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Post by Lillianne Prévost on Dec 15, 2008 23:40:54 GMT -5
"Sorts?" I asked, a bit puzzled by the thought. My mother had never spoken about men like this.
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Post by Sarielle Shahrizai on Dec 16, 2008 2:57:16 GMT -5
"Well, yes. Just like how you have different types of women, the timid ones, the forward ones, the ones that have specific likes and dislikes, and the way that they can be categorized, men are the same. Is he dominant, confident, overtly manly, more a tender soul, quiet, reserved. These all help in figuring out the ultimate approach." I explained.
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Lillianne Prévost
Aristocrat
Future Duchesse de Moulins; Ward of Azriel Shahrizai
Daughter of G?rard and Nicole Pr?vost
Posts: 1,148
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Post by Lillianne Prévost on Dec 16, 2008 3:27:14 GMT -5
I thought of Jean, of those few brief times I had watched him. "He's unassuming, quiet. But he's not soft at all. And his eyes flash when he sees someone he finds attractive," I said.
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Post by Sarielle Shahrizai on Dec 16, 2008 9:00:46 GMT -5
"And what is your current relationship with him like? How does he react around you? Have you two spent any great deal of time together?" I laughed then. "Sorry, I must sound like an upset older brother. But I promise you, these details help to figure it all out. I swear I am not a spy," I raised my right hand in promise.
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