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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Apr 6, 2010 0:52:38 GMT -5
My first day in the city and I had spent most of it perusing the places I thought it likely for my old compatriots in arms would hang out. There were none to be found here however. Still though the thought of wine and cheese sounded simply irresistible. Therefore I had resolved to stay and enjoy myself and perhaps make some new friends.
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Mairin mab Halcyone (R)
Retired
Oracle Priestess of Alba; Seer
Oracle Priestess. Sister to Duc Decimus mab Halcyone
Posts: 305
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Post by Mairin mab Halcyone (R) on Apr 6, 2010 1:02:29 GMT -5
I had been locked away in my dirty room for too long; though I wasn't overly accustomed to the finer things in life, one certainly grew to miss the palace's hospitality when confronted with the gloomy reality of a shabby Inn in Nights Doorstep. So I wandered, knowing that I needed to eat any way, and hoped I would find some place of value.
I came across El Parra then and having been intrigued by the sign I entered, unsure of what I would find. I had heard about this place, it hadn't opened too long ago and apparently its owner was from Aragonia; hopefuly it would yield pleasent results.
I entered, shaking off the snow from the hem of my skirt, and stomping the thin layer of it from my boots before pulling back my cloak and finally removing it and handed it to an attendant. It was a lively place indeed, with all manner of people, and I smiled as I walked toward the bar insearch of food and drink. As I looked about I noticed the other women that were here, all dressed for court, and I certainlly wasn't one of them, I wondered if doing something so simple as changing my garments would help me feel more at home with my D'Angeline ancestry, or just make me stand out like a sore thumb. "Glass of red please?" I asked of the man behind the bar serving drinks before I turned and spied an empty table to sit down at. Once I had my glass in hand, and paid, I went and found my place, a decent seat where I had a good view of the room.
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Apr 6, 2010 1:17:57 GMT -5
I was at a table about six to ten feet away from the newcomer. I had just been brought the bottle of wine and plate of assorted cheeses. I smelled the plate, licking my lips briefly. My eyes then wandered over to Mairin and I nodded to her respectfully and friendlily. With that I uncorked the wine and smelled the aroma. Wonderful.
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Mairin mab Halcyone (R)
Retired
Oracle Priestess of Alba; Seer
Oracle Priestess. Sister to Duc Decimus mab Halcyone
Posts: 305
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Post by Mairin mab Halcyone (R) on Apr 6, 2010 1:23:34 GMT -5
I was looking about when I saw the eyes of a man not far from me, he nodded toward me and I smiled, watching him as he savoured the bouquet of his wine. He looked like he was fully enjoying it and I rose my glass to him in toast before I took a sip and tasted the sweet bold flavour of my hearty red. I closed my eyes gently then as I was taken in with the tastes and sensations; it was a wonderful wine and I wondered what other treats may be instore for me here. "It wonderful." I commented to the stranger with a smile, my eyes opened once more, not sure if he was the friendly type or not. But I had been in the City for more then a month now and had yet to make any friends.
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Apr 6, 2010 1:33:05 GMT -5
I poured myself a glass and took a sip, luxurious and rich. It caused my eyes to widen, better than I expected even. I turned my head when the young lady spoke to me. I offered her a warm smile and nodded in agreement. "It is indeed." I was about to leave it at that but decided to make a new friend. "Have a seat!" I said in a friendly, welcoming tone, spreading my large hand on the table as if inviting her to sit at any part of it. "Guy de Mereloit," I said in introduction.
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Mairin mab Halcyone (R)
Retired
Oracle Priestess of Alba; Seer
Oracle Priestess. Sister to Duc Decimus mab Halcyone
Posts: 305
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Post by Mairin mab Halcyone (R) on Apr 6, 2010 1:38:22 GMT -5
I smiled happily and rose, moving to his table where I sat down across from him. "Its a pleasure Guy," I replied, still smiling. "I'm Mairin mab Halcyone." My D'Angeline was pretty good considering, but it wasn't hard for one to hear my Alban roots when I spoke; it was even easier when I said my name, not only because of its uniqueness, but also the way my tongue curled around it, giving it that distinct Cruithne flare. "Is this your first time here?" I asked out of curiousity, he seemed to be feeling the same as I when it came to the wine.
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Apr 6, 2010 1:45:28 GMT -5
Her accent caused me to smile I must admit. It was easy to identify, especially with the name. Accents always have a way of making a person three times as interesting as they were before they spoke. I folded my hands in front of me and leaned froward. "Indeed it is. This place was not here the last time I was in Elua. It's rather nice. How about you? Have you been here before?"
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Mairin mab Halcyone (R)
Retired
Oracle Priestess of Alba; Seer
Oracle Priestess. Sister to Duc Decimus mab Halcyone
Posts: 305
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Post by Mairin mab Halcyone (R) on Apr 6, 2010 1:50:57 GMT -5
I chuckled softly and shook my head. "Its actually my first time in the city," I replied. "My brothers and I are part D'Angeline, but I've spent most of my life in Alba with my kin there. It was only recently that my eldest brother took up perminent residence here." I added by way of an explaination. "When was the last time you were here?" I asked curiously.
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Apr 6, 2010 9:24:25 GMT -5
"Last summer" I answered. "And that was only briefly to attend to some matters of state. I find myself staying to home a good deal." It's easier to think there, I added silently to myself.
"What do you think of the city?"
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Mairin mab Halcyone (R)
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Oracle Priestess of Alba; Seer
Oracle Priestess. Sister to Duc Decimus mab Halcyone
Posts: 305
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Post by Mairin mab Halcyone (R) on Apr 6, 2010 14:30:38 GMT -5
Smiling, I answered after I had taken a sip of wine. "I like it," I replied. "Its a very new experience but I'm happy for it. I needed a change of scenery I think." I chuckled then. "I have family here that I have never met; I'm distantly related to the Queen by her grandfather Drustan mab Necthana. Its nice to meet that side of my family." I took another sip of wine. "What about you, do you enjoy being in the city?"
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Apr 6, 2010 14:38:04 GMT -5
I nodded when she talked about it being a new experience. "I don't dislike it. But I am just as happy here as I would be at home or anywhere else. Nothing in particular draws me other than the prospect of meeting up with old friends from the army. " I took another sip of wine which allowed me to think about where they might be right now, if they'll be surprised by my visit.
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Mairin mab Halcyone (R)
Retired
Oracle Priestess of Alba; Seer
Oracle Priestess. Sister to Duc Decimus mab Halcyone
Posts: 305
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Post by Mairin mab Halcyone (R) on Apr 6, 2010 16:52:00 GMT -5
He was a curious fellow and I continued to smile as he spoke, it made me feel better about being here and for deciding to venture out into the city. "Have you come across any of your friends?" I asked curiously, eyeing his plate of food and thinking that I was quite famished now.
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Apr 6, 2010 16:56:28 GMT -5
I shake my head, the slight frown on my face reflecting the thoughts I had inside. "I do not know where in town they live. I've been going from place to place in search of them. This one provided me with a diversion. Good food and drink. It's a nice respite from the over-thinking I tend to do." I watch her for a moment. "Would you like something to eat as well?"
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Mairin mab Halcyone (R)
Retired
Oracle Priestess of Alba; Seer
Oracle Priestess. Sister to Duc Decimus mab Halcyone
Posts: 305
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Post by Mairin mab Halcyone (R) on Apr 6, 2010 18:46:54 GMT -5
I nodded in understanding; we were all capable of over thinking. I chuckled then when he talked about food, feeling like I had been caught in a lie, and blushed because of it, tucking a lock of hair behind my ear. "Yes, I probably should eat something, it was why I wandered in after all." I said with another chuckle. I turned to the menu board then, the specials listed in chalk before I motioned to the bar matron. "May I have the fruit and sandwich plate?" I asked; she nodded and hurried off to bring me my order before I turned back to Guy. "Have you been to any fete's at the palace yet?" I asked then. "I'm sure that would be a good way to run into some of your friends."
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Apr 6, 2010 23:11:44 GMT -5
I shook my head. "No...though I would like to. I just got into town, missed the midwinter masque. I've been told it was quite fun...did you go? What is it like?"
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Mairin mab Halcyone (R)
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Oracle Priestess of Alba; Seer
Oracle Priestess. Sister to Duc Decimus mab Halcyone
Posts: 305
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Post by Mairin mab Halcyone (R) on Apr 7, 2010 2:28:58 GMT -5
When he mentioned the masque, I had to duck my head at the rampant blush that rose in my cheeks. Of course he could not know that the reason for my embarassment had to do with the fact that I had ended up slapping Ferris in the face; the man I proclaimed to love, then went and slept with Fin; a man I barely knew. Only then to wake in the middle of the night to steal away into Nights Doorstep to hide from both of them. I tucked the hair behind my ear again, though it didn't need it really since it was already tucked; a nervous habit really. "It was very nice." I said finally as I rubbed my palms anxiously together under the table, making sure it didn't show too much in my upper body. "There was quite a few people there, the Queen of course, and her husband to be as well." I smiled as I looked at him. "It was quite an event, I've never seen anything like it, on such a large scale."
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Apr 7, 2010 2:44:23 GMT -5
I nodded. "It sounds nice." Mentally I cursed myself for not having been there. "I've never been to a truly large fete. Most of my life I as off playing make believe or fighting. Those I could go to I have enjoyed very much. I love the food...and the dancing. Anytime I can find a diversion for myself." I wondered if she had any idea how much of an annoyance it is to be burdened by the mind all the time.
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Mairin mab Halcyone (R)
Retired
Oracle Priestess of Alba; Seer
Oracle Priestess. Sister to Duc Decimus mab Halcyone
Posts: 305
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Post by Mairin mab Halcyone (R) on Apr 7, 2010 2:49:34 GMT -5
I smiled at him as I listened. "You should really go to one," I said in my best persuading tone. "I think the next large fete at the palace will be the celebration for the Queen's wedding." I added, thinking about things I had heard at court. "I'll even promise to save you a dance if you promise to attend." I teased with a little sideways grin.
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Apr 7, 2010 3:02:39 GMT -5
I laughed. "Well then in that case I certainly will have to attend. How many days from now is it?" It was then I really took in how attractive she was. Of course all our people are...but her accent added a little something to it.
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Mairin mab Halcyone (R)
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Oracle Priestess of Alba; Seer
Oracle Priestess. Sister to Duc Decimus mab Halcyone
Posts: 305
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Post by Mairin mab Halcyone (R) on Apr 7, 2010 17:02:28 GMT -5
I smiled more brightly, noticing only then the woman putting food down in front of me, I thanked her before turning back to look at Guy. "Quite some time I believe," I replied then as I spread my napkin on my lap. "Its set for the 7th week of winter." I tipped my head a little as I regarded him. "That doesn't mean you can go out and enjoy the crowds before hand." I added with a chuckle. "I know quite a few places by reputation that are supposed to be very popular, you might find your friends there as well." My plate was sparse with fruit, it was too cold for most things to grow and the fruits that the City did have were most likely imported from neighbouring countries with better climes. There was how ever, a strawberry, only one, and I picked it up first, bitting into the last of the summer fruit that I would see for some time, savouring the over ripe flavour that burst into my mouth. I let out a little moan of appreciation as I began to chew.
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Apr 7, 2010 17:13:19 GMT -5
I nodded. "You will have to tell me about them, or show me. I'm certain I'll have enough to do to occupy through the seventh week of winter. As a matter of fact I might as well just stay through the winter." I chuckled a little, but I was serious. It would be a nice change of scenery. I could write home and let them know of course.
I got myself some more cheese though my eyes wandered to her plate of food with a hint of envy in them, especially that strawberry which she put away with such pleasure. I smirked and sipped some wine. "Perhaps I could try a new place one a week or something... depending on how many there actually are."
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Mairin mab Halcyone (R)
Retired
Oracle Priestess of Alba; Seer
Oracle Priestess. Sister to Duc Decimus mab Halcyone
Posts: 305
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Post by Mairin mab Halcyone (R) on Apr 7, 2010 17:25:59 GMT -5
When I had swallowed my bite I looked to Guy again and nodded. "I'm sure the City during the winter will be quite enjoyable." I replied. "One of the better places I've heard of is the Black Boar, its supposed to be very Alban, and very lively. I've never been but if you'd like to come with me, we could see if together." I offered with a wider smile. Guy seemed like a nice person, it would be good to have some one around that was some one new, some one that didn't have the so far unpleasent associations that I was slowly gaining with the time I spent between Fin and Ferris.
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Apr 7, 2010 19:50:03 GMT -5
"Certainly! It sounds interesting." So far this has been a very friendly city. I suppose I expected as much and I haven't meet the unfriendly types yet. Still however it was a great experience. "Whenever you want to do that just send me a note...or it might be better if I sent one to you seeing as how I don't have a set place to stay yet."
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Mairin mab Halcyone (R)
Retired
Oracle Priestess of Alba; Seer
Oracle Priestess. Sister to Duc Decimus mab Halcyone
Posts: 305
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Post by Mairin mab Halcyone (R) on Apr 7, 2010 20:20:16 GMT -5
I nodded. "I'm staying at the...." I stopped myself and blushed again, tucking my hair again. "I was staying at the Palace, I'm staying in Nights Doorstep now." I shrugged and offered a quick smile before I finished eating my strawberry, the last bite causing red juice to drip down my chin and I wiped it away self consciously; I was fairly sure he was used to eating with more cultured woman, I must have looked like a barbarian for not even having considered touching my utensils. "How about we just make a plan to meet, that way no letters have to be sent." I then offered as a suggestion.
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Apr 7, 2010 20:30:49 GMT -5
I may be a gentleman in the truest sense of the word, but for some reason her lack of culture did not come to my attention. I knew better than to ask why her place of residence had changed though I was insanely curious. "That sounds good. So far I am free most any time of day or night. So it is really up to you." I tilted my head and picked up my glass to take another swallow. It was nearly empty.
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Mairin mab Halcyone (R)
Retired
Oracle Priestess of Alba; Seer
Oracle Priestess. Sister to Duc Decimus mab Halcyone
Posts: 305
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Post by Mairin mab Halcyone (R) on Apr 7, 2010 20:45:49 GMT -5
"How about tonight then?" I asked with a grin. I was eager to let loose and enjoy myself with men I knew from the ride over here, most of them were still stationed in the city, waiting for the spring thaw before they returned home. "We can meet at the Black Board around...say... eight o'clock?"
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Apr 7, 2010 20:51:14 GMT -5
I nodded and sat my glass down, picking up an piece of b read to take its place in my hand. "That sounds alright with me." In truth two meetings with the same person on the same day did seem a little odd to me. But I did want to go and it would be rude to not accept, and like I said I did want to go.
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Mairin mab Halcyone (R)
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Oracle Priestess of Alba; Seer
Oracle Priestess. Sister to Duc Decimus mab Halcyone
Posts: 305
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Post by Mairin mab Halcyone (R) on Apr 7, 2010 20:54:37 GMT -5
"Is tonight alright for you?" I then asked. "Tomorrow would suit just as well for me, I have little to do while I'm here except enjoy myself." I added with a chuckle as I picked up my sandwhich.
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Apr 7, 2010 20:57:30 GMT -5
Now this would be going out on a limb. But the truth was I didn't have anything better to do either. So here went..."How about both? I'm completely free as well. I made sure life would make no demands of me as long as I was here." I chuckled a little, then, as she was the lady, deferred to her judgement. "It is entirely up to you however."
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Mairin mab Halcyone (R)
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Oracle Priestess of Alba; Seer
Oracle Priestess. Sister to Duc Decimus mab Halcyone
Posts: 305
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Post by Mairin mab Halcyone (R) on Apr 7, 2010 21:03:06 GMT -5
I chuckled softly and placed my sandwhich down as I swallowed, then placed my hands against the edge of the wood table as I looked around conspiringly before leaning in toward him with a sly grin on my face. "Can I be honest?" I asked softly, my voice pitched low for him and him alone.
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