Catherine nó Gentian
Adept
Gentian House *Voted Member of Best Overall Thread 2010*
Those who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape those who dream only by night.
Posts: 291
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Post by Catherine nó Gentian on Apr 30, 2009 18:36:13 GMT -5
I wiped my forehead for perhaps the fifth time in the same hour. Why had I chosen to leave Gentian House today, of all possible days?
Well, it is lovely outside, the birds are singing, the wind is blowing through the trees...and you have been inside for far too long...
I reached up to adjust the braid of dark hair that fell down my back, cursing the fact that I had long hair in such a hot season, but I knew I could not bear to cut it, I would regret it later.
Besides, I did derive great pleasure from having it brushed and stroked...
I let out a great sigh as my eyes swept the Square, trying to find and unoccupied bench, preferably near a tree, but it seemed as if every inch of the Square was already populated with people reaping the benefits of the shady places. It seemed that half the City had gathered in the centre of town.
I sighed and sat down close to the fountain, idly staring into the water as I smoothed out the creases in my tan gown, thanking the gods that it was made of thin fabric which didn't hold in the heat. I wished I could dive into the fountain and splash around with wild abandon! Alas, I was a grown woman now, not a child.
I watched as couples strolled along while children played underfoot, wondering if any of them entertained the same thoughts...
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Post by Sefirah nó Jasmine on Aug 10, 2009 9:08:52 GMT -5
It was a hot day, as it was wont to be, especially in the City where it seemed to beat down twice as hard. I had opted not to put my locks up in a caul, knowing that with movement, and perspiration, it would just become a terrible menace. My locks, instead, flowed in light waves down my back and over my shoulders. My skin was already tanned, and held the sunkissed colour well, as it always did. It was one of the reasons I was a Jasmine adept. The illusion of dusky skin that came so easily to my flesh gave me the exotic look that the House was well known for. My dress of was of pale yellow, layers of a light, see-through fabric that picked up any breeze and flowed above my body. Twas not terribly tight around my midsection, with an empire waist and pleats to the floor. My sandaled feet wanted to drag but I would not let them.
I had come upon the City square and glanced around the fountain. It was a rather busy day, it seemed, for the heat that the air held, and seats were sparse. I noticed, though, that a dark haired girl sat alone, looking at the fountain with longing, and I copletely understood her. Walking over, I curtsied briefly.
"Good day my lady, do you mind if I take a seat here with you? I think mayhap staring into teh fountain might make the day seem cooler," I said with a tilted smile.
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Catherine nó Gentian
Adept
Gentian House *Voted Member of Best Overall Thread 2010*
Those who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape those who dream only by night.
Posts: 291
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Post by Catherine nó Gentian on Aug 10, 2009 22:01:41 GMT -5
I looked up, startled out of my reverie, and smiled at the young woman before me. "I do not mind at all," I replied. "It seems that we are of the same mind, it is even hot in the evenings now." It seemed to me that the scent of the opium smoke only intensified with the heat, so it made the hot evenings especially unbearable for me.
"Before I completely forget my manners, my name is Catherine, of Gentian House," I continued, indicating her dress with a nod of my head. "That is a lovely dress, if you don't mind my saying so." My own gown was plain compared to hers, and I wondered what had possessed me to wear it in a place where so many people would see. Well, no one ever said that Gentian House was known for setting fashion trends.
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Post by Sefirah nó Jasmine on Aug 11, 2009 8:38:37 GMT -5
I smiled softly as I took a seat next to her. She was striking. Where my skin was of a dusky hue, hers was of pale nigh translucent porcelaine, something that would be cherished in Cereus House, and her eyes a pale blue. Her dark hair however, nigh black, shone against her skin and her eyes were made even more striking by it and teh khol that rimmed them.
When she complemented my dress I smiled. "Why thank you Catherine. I, by the way, am Sefirah of Jasmine House. And this dress was made for me by my mother. She is very skilled at dressmaking and the like," I said with a proud grin. "So what brings you wandering in this desert-like heat?" I asked, crossing my legs as I continued to fan myself.
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Catherine nó Gentian
Adept
Gentian House *Voted Member of Best Overall Thread 2010*
Those who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape those who dream only by night.
Posts: 291
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Post by Catherine nó Gentian on Aug 14, 2009 9:52:29 GMT -5
I shrugged, glancing into the clear waters of the fountain. "It is a lovely day, and, to tell you the truth..." I lowered my voice. "I do not think I can abide the scent of opium any longer. It makes me light-headed, and not in a good way," I smiled, shaking my head. "I am a bit of an anomaly at Gentian House, I'm afraid."
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Post by Sefirah nó Jasmine on Aug 17, 2009 8:29:36 GMT -5
I frowned softly at her words. Twas a trademark of Gentian, the use of opium to heighten or bring about their special gifts. "I am sorry to hear that," I murmured, though I smiled afterwards. "Well, at least the air is fresh and clear outside, though hot." I leaned in closer to her then. "I just wish not everyone had come out to take advantage of the shaded areas."
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Catherine nó Gentian
Adept
Gentian House *Voted Member of Best Overall Thread 2010*
Those who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape those who dream only by night.
Posts: 291
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Post by Catherine nó Gentian on Aug 28, 2009 12:39:24 GMT -5
I chuckled. "Well, mayhap everyone has decided that since today is warm and sunny, it would be wise to conduct business before the rains drive everyone indoors--and who wants to go about their business with the sun blazing down on them?"
I glanced over at one of the trees which was sheltering what appeared to be a young family, thinking that it was not likely that the rain would come soon, with it being so hot.
"I do hope I am not keeping you from someone," I said suddenly. "I have had few patrons lately, but I should think that Jasmine House is always in demand." I grinned. "If I was not always short on funds, then I think I would like to visit Jasmine, or Orchis. It is sort of ironic, that we are some of the most expensive courtesans in the nation and yet most of us cannot afford a night with another adept. Do you not think so?"
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Post by Sefirah nó Jasmine on Aug 28, 2009 12:55:26 GMT -5
I listened to her, laughing at the discourse on the weather. When she spoke of the adepts though, my face gerw serious.
"I do agree. 'Tis absurd to think that we should be paying for the services of those like us, when it would be a learning expereince, if naught else. And tis interesting, indeed, that we cannot afford the services of those like us, when the price that is paid is so high. I would suppose that, once an adept makes his or her marque, and if they decide to stay in their House, that then is when affording such niceties becomes far easier."
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Catherine nó Gentian
Adept
Gentian House *Voted Member of Best Overall Thread 2010*
Those who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape those who dream only by night.
Posts: 291
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Post by Catherine nó Gentian on Sept 4, 2009 22:19:35 GMT -5
I let out a long sigh, giving her a small smile. "I fear I am a long way from that day when I complete my marque. The inking is very expensive." It was not like I was spending my patron gifts on frivolities--which surely was some sort of sacrilege--but it seemed like the average patron gift I received only bought a few short inches. Were my patrons displeased with my performance? Why would they not tell me so if that was the case?
I pulled my thoughts away from such a depressing subject. It did not seem appropriate to think of such things on such a lovely day. "I suppose our fellow adepts manage to find some excuse to visit with each other," I remarked, blushing fiercely at my own boldness. "I am not a gossip, but I do...hear things...around Gentian House..."
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Post by Sefirah nó Jasmine on Sept 17, 2009 2:01:42 GMT -5
I giggled. "I do hear them around Jasmine too. I don't think any house is without its adepts who tarry in those .... indiscretions. I will admit," I said, leaning closer to her to share confidence, "I have been tempted a few times, but you never know with some adepts, the jealousy might just be enough to rat me out, even though they would be sure to go down with me. Thus, I have never approached anyone, and mayhap for the same reason I have never been approached. How about you?" I asked with a wry smile, "have you... indulged... yourself?"
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Catherine nó Gentian
Adept
Gentian House *Voted Member of Best Overall Thread 2010*
Those who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape those who dream only by night.
Posts: 291
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Post by Catherine nó Gentian on Sept 20, 2009 13:08:24 GMT -5
I shook my head. "I don't know if I would have the courage to do so," I admitted. I tried to remember if I had ever had a lover outside of an assignation. I shrugged. "I don't think I have ever felt that kind of attraction to someone, but I don't think I would mind not having to worry about pleasing someone just so I can afford to add another few inches to my marque..." I felt my cheeks redden. "Have you ever felt that sensation when you are lying in a patron's arms and it feels as if you are sitting right in front of a warm fire? For once, it would be nice to feel like that without the knowledge that someone has paid you for it."
I stood up. "After that speech, I could use a cold drink. What do you think? There must be someone about who can provide us with refreshments, unless the water in the fountain is drinkable..." I grinned.
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Post by Sefirah nó Jasmine on Sept 21, 2009 12:22:31 GMT -5
I listened thoughtfully to her, and nodded, thinking about Darien, and thinking about Pieter. They were the only two men I had ever felt anything for, one had paid for a night with me, one I longed to spend a night with. "Yes, it would be nice, I think, to know feel special to someone," I said with a smile, "though terrible things can come of that, too." I too, rose to my feet and looked around, stretching my limbs a bit as I did, and laughing at her suggestion.
"No... I wouldn't trust the fountain water. I know I have had a few midnight romps in there myself, who knows who else has done the same," I said with a wry smile. "Shall we find a cafe?"
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Catherine nó Gentian
Adept
Gentian House *Voted Member of Best Overall Thread 2010*
Those who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape those who dream only by night.
Posts: 291
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Post by Catherine nó Gentian on Sept 24, 2009 13:19:06 GMT -5
I grinned. "Ah, it might be hard to find one that has a couple of available seats." I glanced around the square. At this hour, most of the cafes would probably be close to being full. "At least, with two pairs of eyes, it will be easier to spot one that has a vacancy." I shrugged. "I do not think there is a shortage of nice cafes in this city."
I started walking, weaving my way through the crowd of people who had also decided to visit the square. "Where should we start looking?" I asked. Elua, there were so many people out and about!
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Post by Sefirah nó Jasmine on Sept 29, 2009 9:27:20 GMT -5
I smiled at her words, following her through the throngs of people that had gathered to enjoy the day. It was as though the whole City had had the idea. It made me feel terribly unoriginal. The thought made me smile though.
"Mayhap the Artisan's District? They have tons of little cafes about, and decent prices," I said with a smile, seeing as neither of us was well off and looking for an expensive meal it would do the trick. "What do you think?" I asked, smiling at her as I walked beside her.
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