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Post by Madame Tigris Dienno on Mar 24, 2010 19:24:52 GMT -5
Business was slow for me, something I had not anticipated. Sure, I had not been the best whore on the streets of Terre d'Ange, nor the most beautiful, in a land of angels, how could I be. But I liked to think that I was good enough, for the coin that they would have been spending. If they wanted Night Court quality, then they could pay for Night Court quality. Nonetheless, I still held that I was not the worst, even if not the best.
So why had everything died down?
There were less people on the streets, carousing until the wee hours of the morn, especially since the temperature had dropped and the chill had sunk in. The days were more often gray, but the nights were clear, but with that clarity and the loss of the glowing sun came the wind and the cold that forced people behind doors, or the homeless ones to find alleyways and hovels to hole up in for the night. One would think that either of the like would have liked a warm body to help stave off the cold, but such was not always the case.
And so, my first few weeks in the Bath House had been slow. This particular night I had returned, emptyhanded. I had gone to my chamber and undressed, removing the makeup from my face, putting on a heavy woolen gown, nothing fancy at all, but certainly warm. It hugged my hips and breasts, and that coupled with a heavy felt hooded cape I stepped back outside to stand on the front steps and let the night air clear my head.
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Post by Yves Chevalier on Mar 24, 2010 23:35:16 GMT -5
It seemed as if it were destined to be an early night: the last patron had left the bar half an hour gone, the place was being cleaned, and all of the girls were home. For myself, times were dull, and while that was ostensibly a good thing, sometimes I need to knock a few heads if only to break up the monotony.
I noticed one of the girls come in, and then step outside a bit later. The "new girl", Tigris. I had not really gotten the chance to meet her yet so I followed her out into the night. The air was chill and I thought that I could taste rain in the air, which meant even less business as more people were wont to stay at home.
"No luck out there tonight?" I asked her, lounging in the doorway and flashing her a grin. I was rather popular among the girls here, with my charming grin (at least, I thought so) and chivalrous spirit. That or the fact that I liked to bring them sweets.
"Seems like an early night all around," I added, probably unnecessarily, as the girl did have eyes of her own.
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Post by Madame Tigris Dienno on Mar 27, 2010 9:29:50 GMT -5
I took a deep breath of the air, closing my eyes before a man's voice was by my side. I had not even heard him approach, and that startled me a bit, though I did not show it. I opened my eyes and turned them in his direction. It was Yves. I knew him by name, and to look at him, though I did not know him well. I knew he was here to, basically, keep the girls safe from any sort of threat that could occur, and did once in a while. I smiled softly as he flashed one to me, though mine held a bit of sadness. His was warm and inviting and seductive. Beautiful as all d'Angelines were. I was sure if he was in my position he'd have filled the Bath House's coffers with gold ducats. Gods, I hated feeling like I was failing.
"Yes," I said simply as I chose to take a seat on the front steps. "Early, luckless night," I muttered. I spoke d'Angeline fluently, but my accent was thick, and I hoped he understood me. I hated repeating myself. "At least that is good for you no? No heads to knock in," I said with a chuckle, followed by a light sigh. I patted the empty place beside me, inviting him to sit and talk with me.
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Post by Yves Chevalier on Mar 28, 2010 2:06:48 GMT -5
I took the place beside her, sinking down to the ground with the grace of someone who was accustomed to moving swiftly and decisively. I smiled when she spoke, enjoying the sound of her voice, I liked her accent.
"I suppose it is good for me, but still, rather dull." I made a face to show how I felt about it, then leaned back on my elbows, regarding her. "Where are you from, if you don't mind me asking?" Where ever it was, I wondered if all of the women there was as pretty and exotic looking as she was.
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Post by Madame Tigris Dienno on Mar 28, 2010 7:11:57 GMT -5
I could not help but to smile at the face he made before he leaned back onto his elbows, his eyes taking me in with a look of intrigue. Not the kind of intrigue that the men who paid coin to be with me had in their eyes.
"I don't mind you asking at all," I said with a smile, "and I don't mind answer, either," I grinned. "I am from La Serenissima. The city on the water. Have you ever been?" I asked, though I felt sort of stupid for asking. If he had coin enough to travel I doubt he would be working here.
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Post by Yves Chevalier on Mar 28, 2010 18:15:04 GMT -5
I actually had, once, just passing through. Old memories surfaced that I did not want to think about and so I once more shoved them away behind my smile.
"I have actually, a long time ago, but only for a day. I remember it being very lovely," I grinned at her, then raised a brow. "Surprised? I wasn't always a defender of the beautiful." Still grinning, I kicked one leg up over the other, lounging on the stairs as if they were a comfortable divan.
"If you like, one day I can regale you with tales of my adventures. But what about you, some adventure must have brought you to Terre d'Ange, you must tell me all about it."
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Post by Madame Tigris Dienno on Mar 30, 2010 5:29:21 GMT -5
I laughed, something of a short chortle, more a scoff than a laugh really, then looked at him warily, as he smiled an easy smile and asked about what had brought me here. I gave him that look... the one I had not yet shaken that I had learned to engender in La Serenissima, one of ill-trust. Everything was intrigue there, who knew what, what could be used against you, especially when you came from a family like mine. Then again, I would have welcomed outside scheming forces as opposed to being betrayed by my own blood.
"Hard times and dreams for better," I murmured, looking away for a moment. "I was a whore there. They aren't cared for as well. We do have our own district, and things are better than they used to be before I was born, but it is still nothing compared to Terre d'Ange, where they value the girls," I said, looking to him. "I had slept with a d'Angeline who had told me all about his homeland and I decided that I needed to come here, and see for myself. Besides," I mumbled, more to myself, though loud enough for him to hear, "I had nothing there to keep me back, anyway." I straightened up, resting my hands on the cold wood of the steps, my fingers curling under the edge of the steps. My hair fell over my shoulder as I looked down on him in his relaxed position.
"What brought you to the City? I am guessing you were born in one of the provinces?" I inquired.
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Post by Yves Chevalier on Mar 31, 2010 23:32:43 GMT -5
I nodded, listening to her tale sympathetically. She was right, Servants of Naamah were not well looked upon in other nations, something I had been surprised to discover during my time away from Terre d'Ange. It was baffling to me, that people would spend their coin to lie with them, then cast them out like pariahs.
Her voice seemed sad when she spoke of having nothing in La Serenissima to keep her there, and I could relate - my situation had been similar.
"Yes, I was," I said, smiling crookedly but not mentioning which province. "I traveled for awhile and when I came home it was to find that things had changed, and not for the better. I'm not sure what drove me to come to the City, but I did, and I found a job here," I gestured toward the bath house. "And the rest is history, as they say."
I looked up at the stars then, the same stars that shone over the people I had once loved, and tried not to feel melancholy. "It seems that we have some things in common, lovely Tigris." I commented, grinning at her in the deepening twilight.
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Post by Madame Tigris Dienno on Apr 7, 2010 7:30:09 GMT -5
I smiled at his words, and though I really was not the type to blush, I did feel my cheeks heat just slightly, and wondered if it was visible through the tanned colour of my skin. I looked up at him as he gazed up into the stars, seeming a little lost in them before he spoke, lowering his gaze to mine, smiling.
"So it seems, Yves," I murmured, "except I am not the one watching over a house full of lovely men as you do a house full of women," I smiled teasingly, changing the topic to something less melancholy. "How long have you been with the Madame?" I asked. I was new, and he was here when I had gotten here.
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Post by Yves Chevalier on Apr 7, 2010 19:36:00 GMT -5
I laughed, grinning at her impishly. "You're right, this is a pretty damn good gig, now that I think about it."
I thought for a moment before answering her question. "Almost four years, this spring." I could hardly credit it even as I was saying the words; had it been so long already? "It seems like only yesterday I stopped in for a drink and ended up with a job." More than a job, really, a purpose. Most of the girls came here with nothing and no one, I was one of the few people in their lives who actually cared what happened to them.
"I like it here, though, in all seriousness," I said, hoping to cheer her up. "We might not be the Night Court, but I like to think we are just as good, even without their jealously guarded secrets."
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Post by Madame Tigris Dienno on Apr 10, 2010 14:10:02 GMT -5
"Four years," I murmured, marveling at the thought of being in one place for that long. But there was something that caught my ear and I raised a brow and looked at him. "Jealously guarded secrets? What do you mean?"
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Post by Yves Chevalier on Apr 10, 2010 14:24:29 GMT -5
I waved my hand with a laugh, shaking my head, "Oh what do I know, really? I have never even set foot on Mont Nuit. It's just the way they act, as if they know something we all don't. I find it hard to believe that they are all such amazing lovers, but of course, never having been..." I trailed off, wondering suddenly if I shouldn't try to find out. Bah, I had no wish to throw away that much coin, no matter what pleasures they promised.
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Post by Madame Tigris Dienno on Apr 10, 2010 15:23:20 GMT -5
I relaxed a bit, laughing. "Oh I thought you knew something. I was about ready to make the suggestion we attempt to infiltrate and figure out what prized secret they hold over the masses. I know about that book they treasure... that... Trois Milles Joies or something to that effect. But that is a d'Angeline thing no? Not just a Night Court thing?"
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Post by Yves Chevalier on Apr 11, 2010 0:16:25 GMT -5
I laughed along with her, the idea of infiltrating the Night Court was amusing in the extreme. "I can see it now," I joked, "I can draw an unfinished marque across your back and we can sneak over... which House would you choose, if you could?" I asked, suddenly curious. In my experience, everyone had some idea. "And yes," I added as an afterthought, "Anyone can read Trois Milles Joie... I may even have a copy somewhere, it's rather popular."
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Post by Madame Tigris Dienno on Apr 11, 2010 10:28:25 GMT -5
I laughed harder, leaning my elbow on my thigh as I looked over at him, head resting in the palm of my hand. "I think I would be a Jasmine adept," I murmured with a smile, "think you could draw one of their marques? Paint it on my back with a fine brush?" I giggled then, feeling lighter. "And I might have to borrow that book from you sometime. I have not actually read it, and I am always looking for ways to improve my skills, aside from the practice makes perfect method," I winked then, giggling a little after.
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Post by Yves Chevalier on Apr 11, 2010 12:05:00 GMT -5
"For pleasure's sake..." I said, the motto of Jasmine House. I tried to remember if I had ever seen a Jasmine marque, or any for that matter, but no image presented itself. "Hmm, I think I could if we could find a picture of one...."
I laughed, then shaking my head. "Practice makes perfect, I like that. I do find it to be true in swordsmanship, at least. As for the book, you may borrow it any time you like."
I thought about the Houses of the Night Court and then added belatedly. "I don't know what House I'd be in, but if I could visit one, I think it would be Heliotrope ... 'Thou and no other' ... I like the sentiment, even if it's paid for by coin."
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Post by Madame Tigris Dienno on Apr 11, 2010 12:54:34 GMT -5
I rolled my eyes, scoffing. "Thou and no other? Well the height of their marque up their backs could tell you that its a farce. And why pay for sentiments, especially such a high price in coin, when you could very easily get that here!" I said, then realising how it sounded, "not necessarily from me, mind you," I chuckled then, "unles... are you forbidden to have any goings-ons with the girls of the Bath House?" It was a private question, but then again, considering the businesses we were both in, I did not think he would have a terribly big problem with me asking such a question.
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Post by Yves Chevalier on Apr 11, 2010 13:32:52 GMT -5
I laughed - Tigris was obviously a realist. "I suppose what you're paying for is the illusion, and I hear it's pretty convincing. Perhaps I shall do my reconnaissance there?" I grinned at her and shook my head.
"Not precisely forbidden, but only under certain circumstances. To be honest, it doesn't come up that often, I hesitate to ask of it you girls, even when Madame Moreau doesn't mind. It feels, I don't know, inconsiderate somehow." I felt what must have been a blush creeping up my neck. "I'm a man, yes, but not one of those..." I waved my hand toward the street in front of us, "who cares naught for the feelings of his partners."
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Post by Madame Tigris Dienno on Apr 11, 2010 14:35:05 GMT -5
I sniffed at the idea of feeding into an illusion. "Well," I said as I smiled, "you must be the last of a dying breed, a man who cares," I snickered, "do not get be wrong... I guess somewhere... out there... one exists. I just have not had the luck of being acquainted with one," I sighed, shaking the memories from my head. "But if Madame Moreau does permit you leave sometime, and you are curious..." I let my sentence trail off as I watched the colour rise to his face. "Oh you are a darling aren't you," I teased.
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Post by Yves Chevalier on Apr 13, 2010 2:00:19 GMT -5
I ducked my head a bit at her teasing ... no amount of time around women could make me completely immune to the bashfulness of my childhood. "I will keep that in mind, my dear," I said, trying to recover some of the poise I usually held. "Let us just say that I am quite curious ... perhaps if you borrow the book, you can show me something new?" I did not usually flirt with the girls - well, maybe I did, though I did not mean anything ill by it.
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Post by Madame Tigris Dienno on Apr 13, 2010 20:33:07 GMT -5
I giggled at his reaction, a childhood action I was certain I had gotten rid of, smiling, and not the kind of smile I feigned to show interest in a john. I cleared my throat softly and schooled myself to quietness. "Perhaps I shall show you more than one new thing, if you are lucky."
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Post by Yves Chevalier on Apr 13, 2010 22:36:02 GMT -5
"That would be lucky indeed," I said, wondering how the conversation had taken such a decidedly risque turn. It seemed that even talking about the Night Court could lead to interesting events! "Feeling less melancholy, sweet Tigris?" I asked, hoping that I had managed to cheer her, even a little bit. "The night is far too lovely for sadness, don't you agree?"
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Post by Madame Tigris Dienno on Apr 17, 2010 8:04:25 GMT -5
I smiled. I never smiled, but with him, I smiled.
"Yes, thank you for that," I laughed softly, "it is a lovely night. I love the cool nights, not too frigid, crisp, you know?" I said as I turned my gaze from him to look out into the crystal clear night. "This will be my first winter here."
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Post by Yves Chevalier on Apr 17, 2010 12:07:50 GMT -5
"Ah, your first winter with us. I shall endeavor to fill it with warm fires, hot cider, and cheer so that you will always have fond memories of your first winter with us." To be true to my word, I grinned at her and rose in one fluid motion. "Don't move, I'll be right back!"
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Post by Madame Tigris Dienno on Apr 18, 2010 19:25:37 GMT -5
He was sweet, and I smiled, again, at his words. I could feel the warm fire, I could smell the cider and the smile showed my good spirits, even though those things were not present. Then, randomly, he rose. I made to rise with him, but he stopped me. I settled myself back into sitting, and furrowed my brows.
"But... where are you going?" I asked, looking at him inquisitively.
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Post by Yves Chevalier on Apr 18, 2010 20:06:10 GMT -5
I didn't answer, just held up my hand in a gesture that said "wait" and then disappeared back into the Bath House. It only took me a moment to get what I needed, the barkeep kept it ready for me in the winter, as a personal favor.
I returned shortly with two mugs of hot cider, spiced with brandy and cinnamon. "My favorite winter brew, it keeps one warm and carefree." I said, handing her a mug before settling back down next to her. "A toast," I said, clinking my cup against hers, "To a fresh start in a new place."
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Post by Madame Tigris Dienno on Apr 18, 2010 20:49:53 GMT -5
He motioned for me to wait, so I sat still, and quiet, and looked forward into the night, then up into the night sky, thankful that I had Yves to talk to, and still wondering where he had disappeared.
Soon, though, I did not have to wonder, as he returned, his feet patting against the porch, then down a step before he sat back beside me, handing me a steaming mug. I wrapped my hands around it, feeling teh heat seep into my skin, causing me to shiver slightly. I smiled at him warmly, smelling the scent of spiced cider from the steam that roas into the air.
"Oh, Yves!" I exclaimed with a grin, "thank you! Oh, you have no idea how I needed this. Yes, to a fresh start, in a new place," I said happily as I held my mug and touched it to his to toast. I then took a sip of the warm liquid, flavoured strongly of apple and cinnamon and a hint of something alcoholic. I sighed softly, revelling in the flavour and letting the warmth warm me from within. "Mmmm," I moaned softly, "lovely."
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Post by Yves Chevalier on Apr 18, 2010 23:23:16 GMT -5
It pleased me to see that I had made her happy, on some level I felt it was my duty. The girls often had hard lives, and I could only imagine where they came from and how they had suffered. It pained me to think of it, so I did my best to lift spirits where I could.
I took a long draught, sighing with contentment as the warmth flowed through me. "I did the barkeep a favor once, and in turn he keeps this simmering for me from autumn until the beginning of spring." I lounged back against the stone and regarded her for a time. She was quite lovely and I did wonder for a moment at life and fate and how both she and I had ended up at this place, in this time.
"I daresay you never thought you would be sharing cider with a lowly guard in the City of Elua, did you?" I asked, my lips crooking up into a wide grin.
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Post by Madame Tigris Dienno on Apr 23, 2010 11:30:19 GMT -5
I laughed softly, wondering at the favour he had done, and made a mental note to ask him about it later, if it was not something too personal. The warmth from the mug truly warmed me, the hot cider itself warmed from the inside, and tasted so terribly good. When he spoke, and laughed, I tuurned to him, not smiling, but not scowling either.
"Well, to tell you the truth, I never though I would end up here, nor in this profession," I did smile then, softly. "Fate has a way of dealing the most unexpected cards," I explained, vaguely. "But, I am glad to be here. I have not been treated this well since... well.. since I was a young girl," I said. He knew more than most about me did now, in just the few sentences we had shared. Only teh Madame knew what had happened, afterall, it was imperative for her, as a business woman, to know the kind of life I had been leading prior to her "rescue". "But, I do believe that everything, everything must happen for a reason," I shared, looking into my mug, the liquid that was no doubt a beautiful tawny colour looked black for the lack of light, and I took another sip.
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Post by Yves Chevalier on Apr 24, 2010 0:26:25 GMT -5
I thought about what she said, part of me wanted to believe it, but part of me railed against what the "reasoning" could be for some of the things I had seen and experienced. I did not wish to debate or wax philosophical so I simple smiled at her and took a long draught of cider.
"It is funny, the way fate works," I said, staring off into the stars, the same stars that those who had caused me to leave home slept under this night, and continued, "I don't know of anyone, really, whose life has gone as planned, without so many surprises."
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