|
Post by Asfandiyar Azarkevanejad on Feb 6, 2010 20:39:44 GMT -5
I shot him a coy grin. "It seems Aghaye Leandre has a soft side, if he enjoys such reading." I brushed a fan of curls out of my eyes as it was ruffled by a soft breeze. "But then I suppose children's fairy stories and the rituals of rustics tell one more about a culture than it's wars and monuments, don't they?" Navid pushed his head under my hand and leaned heavily on my leg as I stroked him. "Is there any particular study you are about lately, refigh?"
|
|
|
Post by Léandre de Guivre on Feb 7, 2010 21:14:46 GMT -5
I nodded. "Yes, in fact, I am currently engaged in a study examining how foreigners adjust to life in the City of Elua. The results of my interviews with foreign peers are to be published in a book and disseminated throughout Terre d'Ange. Well, at least, I hope to reach as many people as possible."
|
|
|
Post by Asfandiyar Azarkevanejad on Feb 8, 2010 16:22:08 GMT -5
I blinked in surprize, impressed at my friend's diligence and worldliness. "Ah, so then are our discussions and meanderings here to be recorded in this compendium?" I asked, intrigued. "How many members of different cultures have you collected so far?"
|
|
|
Post by Léandre de Guivre on Feb 8, 2010 17:02:11 GMT -5
"You speak as if I am collecting nobles to display in a menagerie," I remarked. "But I have spoken to a lovely Hellene lady so far, and no, our conversations are personal matters. It would be disrespectful to include such things in a book without your permission, and Elua knows enough authors do just that." I rolled my eyes. "My parents raised me with some semblance of courtesy."
|
|
|
Post by Asfandiyar Azarkevanejad on Feb 8, 2010 18:10:01 GMT -5
"Not a menagerie as much as a gallery of Otherness. All people, regardless of culture, like to look at the strange thoughts, deeds and tastes of those other than themselves. Humanity is an exotic animal, worthy of study. "
I was a little taken aback by his vehemence on the subject, but then I had spent my youth reading accounts of my own people and others written by Hellenes, Caerdicci and Umaiyyati, amongst other foreigners. Some accounts may not have been as flattering as one might wish; the fame of the Mahrkagir still stung my patriotic heart, even though I had not lived in his time. The echoes of his deeds were still resonating across the known world. However I knew one should not believe everything one reads, and hoped people of other cultures cultivated the same discernment. Also, sometimes a little levity was necessary when considering one's own countrymen. Unrealistic pride can lead often to political fanaticism.
"Pardon my unsolicited suggestion," I apologized, bowing slightly, eyes downcast respectfully. "But if you should need a Drujani perspective at any time, you have my full permission to utilize my thoughts and feelings. I am as an open book, should Refigh wish to read. I believe, in Terre D'Ange and abroad, my people may not have enjoyed such honest representation in the past."
|
|
|
Post by Léandre de Guivre on Feb 8, 2010 18:55:26 GMT -5
"No, indeed," I agreed. "But all nations have their tyrants, but it is unfair that some should paint other nations with such a broad brush. As for your offer, perhaps something could be arranged between us. Perhaps you could keep me abreast of your experiences in the City?"
|
|
|
Post by Asfandiyar Azarkevanejad on Feb 8, 2010 19:33:48 GMT -5
"I would be honoured to contribute what I can," I pronounced as I sketched another brief bow. "You know I am lodging across the road, and I am not likely to leave the Generous Patron in the near future as I know so few people in the City. So you know where to find me if needed. I cannot offer to send correspondence as I am yet unfamiliar with D'Angeline letters. But we can meet at your convenience."
I looked at Leandre with a soft smile, eyes to his, head just barely tilted on my overlong but gracefully made neck. "To be frank, I very much like the idea of making an excuse to meet again."
|
|
|
Post by Léandre de Guivre on Feb 8, 2010 20:40:51 GMT -5
"Well, that is what friends do--meet with each other," I replied. "And I am sure I could find someone who would be willing to teach you letters. I would teach you myself, but I would have no idea where to begin." I glanced across the way to the Patron. "Shall we meet in a week's time, then? Or is that too soon?"
|
|
|
Post by Asfandiyar Azarkevanejad on Feb 9, 2010 19:36:36 GMT -5
I was very pleased that Leandre counted me amongst his friends, and coloured a little at the thought of having had such luck with the very first person I had interacted with in this fair city. My friend was a goodhearted, intelligent man of great purpose and gentility. Indeed, I was fortunate.
"A week is just fine," I said, brushing errant hair over my shoulder. "By then I shall have had some more sightseeing opportunities, and gathered more thoughts. Perhaps I will seek out a tutor, as well."
I bowed deeply from the hip, placing my hand over my heart. "Many thanks to you, refigh, for escorting me, and for being so patient and kind. It is a rare thing to find a man so generous toward complete strangers." I straightened and smiled warmly at him. Navid gave a little happy mumble in Leandre's direction, as though saying his own farewell. "Until we meet again!" I raised my hand gracefully to give a brief wave and turned to stroll toward the inn, followed by my great cloud of curls and a lanky black puppy.
|
|