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Post by Liana nó Valerian on Mar 17, 2009 15:21:18 GMT -5
Arriving in good time, I found a free table and sat down, ordering a fruit juice whilst I waited for Sandrine to arrive.
Sipping it on it slowly I watched the comings and goings of the populace and mused, as I always did, who was going where and why. It amused me to make up stories about strangers and I was soon deeply engrossed in developing a story about a middle-aged man that had entered with a young woman hanging on his arm. Was she his daughter or maybe a young girlfriend, in my minds eye they were lovers meeting in secret, lest their families discover their love.
Glancing up from my absorption I saw Sandrine arrive and I raised my hand to attract her attention.
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Sandrine nó Orchis
Adept
Orchis House
A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.
Posts: 776
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Post by Sandrine nó Orchis on Apr 4, 2009 11:17:30 GMT -5
I had ran most of the way there, being late, of course. There was always some silliness I was being asked to do, and it took plenty of my precious time.
Struggling to regulate my breath, I opened the door to Caisse de Pomme and stepped inside, welcoming the cool of the shop after the heat of the day. I caught sight of Liana immediately and walked over to her table. I gave her a kiss of greeting, her skin cool against my lips, before sinking down into the chair opposite her and fanning myself lightly with my hand.
"It's nice to see you in the daytime, Liana," I quipped, a sly smile on my face. "How have you been? Patrons being nice and gentle, I hope?"
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Post by Liana nó Valerian on Apr 4, 2009 15:41:25 GMT -5
"It's nice to see you out in the open too!" I said in reply. "And it'd be no fun if the Patrons were too gentle." I grinned at Sandrine and began to fan her with a menu before trying to wipe the smile off my face. "Ran all the way here, did you? What prank kept you busy today, or had you gone a sneaking around another house for a change?" I tried to keep a straight face and a severe tone but I couldn't keep it up for long and collapsed in giggles.
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Sandrine nó Orchis
Adept
Orchis House
A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.
Posts: 776
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Post by Sandrine nó Orchis on Apr 4, 2009 16:15:17 GMT -5
I laughed and waved off the menu, though I remembered the bruises on her skin from the last time we had met.
"No pranks today," I said, truthfully, pretending to cower a bit under her stern gaze. "I was awakened at the crack of dawn to help with preparations for today's meals. After I finished that I was required to help the fosterlings with getting ready for the day," I said, ticking off my chores on my fingers. "Finally, during the wash, I was able to escape by bribing another adept." I shrugged. "Surprisingly I have not had to sneak into anyone else's house in recent days, though I know that is hard to believe." I picked up the menu and perused it, already having decided to get one of the cheapest entrees. After all, I was saving for Jebe-Barkal.
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Post by Liana nó Valerian on Apr 4, 2009 16:59:29 GMT -5
I laughed with amusement at Sandrine's listing of her chores and how she escaped them. Taking a spare menu off a nearby table, I perused it too. I was rather hungry now.
"This is on me, Sandrine." I said as I looked at the choicest items on the menu. "Pick what you like." My stomach rumbled loudly and I hoped that Sandrine hadn't heard amidst the chatter and bustle of the restaurant.
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Sandrine nó Orchis
Adept
Orchis House
A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.
Posts: 776
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Post by Sandrine nó Orchis on Apr 4, 2009 17:15:25 GMT -5
I looked at her quizzically. "Are you sure, Liana? I may not be as in demand as you, but I have some coin to spend."
When I heard her stomach rumble, I laughed. "I suppose we can figure out who will pay later. It sounds like we'd better just get some food in you or you might not last the day."
I was pretty hungry myself, and it all looked good. I figured I would just ask for the special.
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Post by Liana nó Valerian on Apr 4, 2009 17:23:36 GMT -5
I raised an eyebrow in disbelief when she mentioned not being in as much demand as me and blushed when she mentioned my stomach rumbling. "True, I am rather hungry as you can possibly tell...hhhmmm what do you recommend?" I asked, the choices on the menu making my mouth water.
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Sandrine nó Orchis
Adept
Orchis House
A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.
Posts: 776
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Post by Sandrine nó Orchis on Apr 4, 2009 19:14:11 GMT -5
"Oh, don't ask me, Liana, I'm terrible when I'm hungry. I just want to order the whole menu." I took another glance at the menu. "It's summer, so I don't like heavy things during the day...maybe chicken or fish?" I pointed out something. "Here, shrimp and artichoke pasta...that sounds pretty good."
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Post by Liana nó Valerian on Apr 5, 2009 14:52:17 GMT -5
I nodded in agreement and called over a waiter. "I'll have the shrimp please. What would you like to drink, Sandrine?"
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Sandrine nó Orchis
Adept
Orchis House
A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.
Posts: 776
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Post by Sandrine nó Orchis on Apr 7, 2009 12:29:37 GMT -5
"Just water, please. I'm still recovering from my unexpected exercise." I shook my head. "Despite my best efforts, being late is a vice I just can't escape."
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Post by Liana nó Valerian on Apr 8, 2009 15:10:18 GMT -5
"Just water?" I teased "I thought you would have had enough of water today if you had to bribe another Adept to get away from it" I grinned at her. It was strange. I wasn't normally this at ease with people I'd not long met. I supposed the circumstances of our meeting may have had something to do with it, not to mention Sandrine's personality. It seemed to bring out the mischievousness in me.
"Don't worry about being late, I was passing the time trying to work out that couple's relationship." I indicated the couple in question who were now in an animated conversation. "It's a little game I have. Trying to guess who they are, where they've come from and so on. It's usually quite disappointing when I discover who and what they really are. Any ideas?"
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Sandrine nó Orchis
Adept
Orchis House
A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.
Posts: 776
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Post by Sandrine nó Orchis on Apr 12, 2009 22:05:31 GMT -5
I looked at her before I burst out laughing. "As long as I don't have to swim or wash in it, I don't mind water overmuch."
I turned to look at the couple she was talking about. It was hard to hear their conversation, but they seemed to be very excited. "Hm...maybe they are business partners who are extremely attracted to each other despite their age differences...the man is saying that it's silly for them to become lovers because it will taint their business, but the woman is retorting that all in Terre d'Ange must 'love as thou wilt'..." I trailed off, looking back at her. "Though I'm not sure what sort of business they would be in..." I snapped my fingers. "Ah! Perhaps she is a Servant of Naamah and he owns her marque...how romantic..."
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Post by Liana nó Valerian on Apr 14, 2009 13:23:25 GMT -5
"Mmm! Definitely romantic." I nodded in agreement "And yet, it'll invariably turn out to be something terribly mundane. They're probably related and are meeting up for their monthly gossip and are now arguing about who should foot the bill this time." I shrugged and gave a melodramatic sigh. "Ah me, such is the way of life!" I grinned and sat back as the waiter brought the meal over.
"This does look tasty." I said as I surveyed the meal, my stomach adding yet another reminder. Tucking in I decided to tease Sandrine a little more. "Ran into any more Shahrizai of late?" I asked in between mouthfuls in the most innocent tone I could muster.
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Sandrine nó Orchis
Adept
Orchis House
A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.
Posts: 776
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Post by Sandrine nó Orchis on Apr 14, 2009 19:52:50 GMT -5
I chuckled softly at her dismantling of my theory. "Oh, come on, Liana, where is your sense of fun? You have to admit, my idea is a lot better than yours."
Unconsciously, I licked my lips as the plate was set down. It looked delicious, and I grinned after I took my first bite. The grin slid quickly off my face when Liana mentioned the Shahrizai, and I shook my head. "No, no, I haven't been so lucky." I drummed my fingers on the table as I chewed. "Though, interestingly, I have been invited to a Shahrizai party. Well, contracted." I shifted uneasily in my seat. "I'm not sure if I'm going to go or not...it seems rather like going into the lion's den voluntarily."
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Post by Liana nó Valerian on Apr 15, 2009 4:05:29 GMT -5
I grinned. "Yes your idea is good, my first idea was that they were lovers meeting in secret, lest their families discover their love." I ate some more then continued. "I've been contracted for that party too." I paused to consider Sandrine's unease. "Well I suppose it's better than looking over your shoulder all the time and wondering when and where he'll pop up. At least this way you know he's likely to be there and you will be surrounded by people so he can't try much, if anything, don't you think?"
I stopped talking for a while and concentrated on eating.
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Sandrine nó Orchis
Adept
Orchis House
A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.
Posts: 776
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Post by Sandrine nó Orchis on Apr 15, 2009 11:47:20 GMT -5
I mused on her suggestion as I started to eat myself. It probably would be better for me to face him on my own terms, rather than waiting for him to strike like the viper that he was. But if I didn't go at all, he might forget about me, and then I would have nothing to worry about and I could avoid the confrontation. Hm.
"It's very easy to say that, Liana, in the light of day..." I said, slowly, "but I think I might feel trapped in the house with him. At least it's good to know that you will be there," I said, smiling. "Thank Elua for small favors."
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Post by Liana nó Valerian on Apr 17, 2009 11:18:00 GMT -5
"Well, I'll be there if you need me, though I'm not sure what use I would be except maybe a distraction or moral support." I said with a smile after I'd polished off the last morsel on my plate. "Besides if there's a House full of guests, he won't be able to do too much and you could always pretend to see someone you know and walk away." But even as I said it I knew that walking away from a Shahrizai when they didn't want you to was far easier said than done. The mere thought of being in a house full of them gave me the shivers.
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Sandrine nó Orchis
Adept
Orchis House
A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.
Posts: 776
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Post by Sandrine nó Orchis on Apr 18, 2009 16:12:37 GMT -5
"All of the above will be helpful, dear," I said, reaching over and patting her hand. "I just really want to get it over with, for better or worse. I hate waiting, you know?"
I took another bite, a bit sad that I was almost done. "Aren't you nervous about going?" I asked.
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Post by Liana nó Valerian on Apr 20, 2009 4:45:42 GMT -5
I nodded with agreement. I hated waiting too and some of my patrons had noticed and had used that to torment me, but I didn't think Sandrine would appreciate that little nugget of information so I kept silent on that regard.
"Yes, I'm very nervous about going...and yet excited too." I responded to her second question. "A whole house full of them." I paused considering. "I wonder whether any of them get nervous? They all seem to be so independent and powerful, that I can't imagine it, but I'd bet my right eye that some would feel uncomfortable - it seems that they prefer to work alone or in twos so maybe a whole party full of Shahrizai will make some of them uncomfortable, you know, comparing power and influence and whatnot. All that raw power in one place." A delightful little shiver ran down my spine at the thought.
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Sandrine nó Orchis
Adept
Orchis House
A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.
Posts: 776
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Post by Sandrine nó Orchis on Apr 20, 2009 17:58:26 GMT -5
I shivered too, but not from delight. "You may have already figured this out, Liana, but I like to be the center of attention. When I think of all those powerful personalities running around together...if they're anything like Gadleon..." I sniffed and looked down. "It's like being trapped in a cage. I can't imagine any of them being nervous."
I mused for a second, spearing a bite of food and chewing slowly, before my face brightened considerably. "Maybe there will be a fight...now that would be interesting! Even if it's just a shouting match..." I trailed off. "No, they're probably too subtle for that..." I imagined a bunch of men and women who looked exactly like Gadleon clawing at each other, tearing their sumptuous robes and dresses, and an nervous giggle escaped my lips before I could swallow it down.
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Post by Liana nó Valerian on Apr 21, 2009 4:13:43 GMT -5
"What and we'll all gather around chanting 'fight, fight, fight!'"? I asked with a giggle, echoing Sandrine's. The thought of all the Shahrizai getting into a fight and clawing at each other, pulling hair and screeching was too much and I leaned back against my chair and laughed aloud.
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Sandrine nó Orchis
Adept
Orchis House
A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.
Posts: 776
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Post by Sandrine nó Orchis on May 7, 2009 22:55:08 GMT -5
I chuckled, though I wasn't as amused as she seemed to be. I guess it was different if you had bedded one of them, but I still held a morbid fascination for the strange family.
"They are an attractive family," I mused. "Maybe if they fought, someone's clothes would get ripped, you know..." I trailed off, raising my eyebrows suggestively, popping a bite of food into my mouth.
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Post by Liana nó Valerian on May 8, 2009 8:29:41 GMT -5
"Oooh! Now there's a thought." I said once I'd finally got my laughter under control. "We can sit and ogle." I nodded. "I just don't get how many of them there are. Family reunions must be a nightmare. They certainly don't seem to be the type that get along real easily, don't you think?"
I took a sip of my drink and licked my lips appreciatively.
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Sandrine nó Orchis
Adept
Orchis House
A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.
Posts: 776
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Post by Sandrine nó Orchis on May 10, 2009 0:22:27 GMT -5
"Oh, no, there's probably a lot of intense looks and determining who has betrayed who and comparing notes on whose lives they have ruined...totally a boring affair, right?"
I winked broadly at her, drinking my water.
"Honestly, I don't know how you deal with them. It seems exhausting."
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Post by Liana nó Valerian on May 10, 2009 5:35:51 GMT -5
"It certainly can be!" I replied with a wicked grin.
"They aren't that bad, honestly. They like playing games with you, as you know, but once you get used to that..." I shrugged, "they can be quite pleasant." I looked up at Sandrine and grinned again "Provided they haven't got competition and then it gets intense. I can imagine that there will be some form of argument or other at the party. If there is, try and be somewhere else, that's the best advice I can give." I nodded to emphasise my point.
"So, other than avoiding the Shahrizai, what have you been up to of late?
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Sandrine nó Orchis
Adept
Orchis House
A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.
Posts: 776
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Post by Sandrine nó Orchis on May 10, 2009 10:08:13 GMT -5
I giggled a bit. "Well...I don't know if you know the shop Grand Magasin de Soie, but I tried to pay one of the women who works there a bit of...well, revenge."
I took a deep breath, now realizing how much backstory this would require. Well, it would be worth it. "I went there with a...friend some time ago, and one of the sales people treated her badly...until they realized she was a kind of royalty. Of sorts. So I wanted to get back at the woman." My finger traced a path in some of the condensation on the table as I looked up, my eyes meeting hers. "I, ah, set up a bucket of cold water over the door and waited for the woman to come to the shop. I had been watching her for a few weeks, so I knew the days she worked and so on."
I chuckled a bit. "Of course, instead of the woman, a girl about my age ended up opening the door and getting doused. I pretended I knew nothing about the trap and helped her get dry, even letting her borrow my dress, before I finally revealed my part in the ruse." I shook my head. "Shockingly, she didn't slap me. She actually laughed! Maybe she's a bit crazy too, like me..."
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Post by Liana nó Valerian on May 11, 2009 13:18:38 GMT -5
"What is it with you and water?" I teased. "So the girl got drenched and didn't slap you? I'd have clipped your ear at the very least." I giggled in amusement hoping that she wouldn't take that seriously.
"Life around you must be very unnerving, wondering when the next trick will pounce." I looked around the cafe and checked under the table cloth in an obvious attempt to check for any imminent prank before grinning back at Sandrine.
"You must think my life is very boring, by contrast. I merely do my chores, read a few books, go shopping or for long walks. Nothing very exciting at all."
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Sandrine nó Orchis
Adept
Orchis House
A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.
Posts: 776
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Post by Sandrine nó Orchis on May 11, 2009 15:48:15 GMT -5
"I honestly don't know," I said, laughing. "I'm often all wet. And I deserved it, of course, but she's obviously a lot nicer than you."
I stuck my tongue out at her. "At least it's not boring. I keep things interesting."
When she told me about her daily routine, I chuckled. "Then it's a great thing you met me. We can make some mischief ourselves, if you like." I raised my eyebrows at her suggestively. "Nothing...unseemly, of course, just a bit of fun."
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Post by Liana nó Valerian on May 12, 2009 13:42:56 GMT -5
"Oh?" My curiosity was piqued. I'd never pranked anyone in my life and I was sure I wouldn't know where to start. "What did you have in mind?" Wondering who we could prank that wouldn't get me in too much trouble....
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Sandrine nó Orchis
Adept
Orchis House
A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.
Posts: 776
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Post by Sandrine nó Orchis on May 20, 2009 10:37:58 GMT -5
"Hmmmm..." I said, pursing my lips as I thought. "Well, it's a little more difficult, because we haven't set up anything." I glanced over at the couple we had talked about before, then smiled. "But I think I can come up with something. Just follow my lead."
I stood and sauntered over to the man, hips switching seductively. I didn't do it often, but I had spent time in Jasmine. Thanks to that and watching my mother, I knew somewhat about the art of sensuality. He looked at me warily, but his gaze was nothing compared to the one his young companion gave me. Her stare could cut glass.
"Pardon me," I purred, though loud enough that Liana could hear, my hand on his shoulder. "My friend and I have a bet. I have wagered that you prefer spending both your time and money at Jasmine House...but my companion thinks that you have the predilection for Valerian." I glanced at Liana, inclining my head, indicating that she should approach. "She says she can just tell from looking at you." And I let my eyes dance over his figure. The companion was chewing on her lip angrily. I must have hit a sore spot.
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