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Post by Kaeyln mab Ciera nó Alyssum(I) on Apr 29, 2010 12:26:49 GMT -5
I was moving slowly, hunched in on myself, head lowered so that a few stray strands of hair stuck to my cheeks. I knew that there were tear trails on my face, but I didn't really mind that. I was happy, behind the pain, happy that I had expanded upon my marque. It would take me a while to get back to Alyssum house, but that was my own fault. I had turned down the chance to take one of the House carriages, having desired some fresh air and time to walk and think. Now, however, I regretted my choice, since every step I took sent twinges of pain all through my back.
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Émile d’Ames
Military
Anathema Cassiline; Guard to the Queen
"To conquer oneself is a greater victory than to conquer thousands in a battle.?
Posts: 463
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Post by Émile d’Ames on Apr 29, 2010 12:40:56 GMT -5
I was out for a leisurely stroll about the City of Elua, it being one of those days Her Majesty left me to my own devices. I had not really given much thought to venturing outside the grounds, having been occupied with my training ever since the Midwinter Masque. Still, even the most dedicated warriors deserved a break, now and then.
I had barely set foot in the Artisan's District when I noticed a woman who appeared to be limping. I lengthened my stride to catch up with her, concerned that she might have encountered some trouble, the Artisan's District was not Night's Doorstep, but it did have its share of ruffians.
"My lady, is all well with you?" I asked, hoping that the sight of House Courcel's blue livery would offset the intimidating sword and daggers that I wore in the Cassiline style. Old habits die hard...
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Post by Kaeyln mab Ciera nó Alyssum(I) on Apr 29, 2010 12:48:37 GMT -5
I started, and began to look up, got as far as his chest, then lowered my head. I'd gotten the merest glimpse of the blue and a hint of the silver swan. That in iteslf was enough to tell me just how important this man must be. The weapons I could see, out of the corner of my eye, told my further just who this was. "My lord," I bowed, and a pain shot up my spine. Gritting my teeth, I continued, "I am simply on my way home."
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Émile d’Ames
Military
Anathema Cassiline; Guard to the Queen
"To conquer oneself is a greater victory than to conquer thousands in a battle.?
Posts: 463
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Post by Émile d’Ames on Apr 29, 2010 13:09:40 GMT -5
She would not meet my gaze. I knew that most people found guards in general to be intimidating, but I did not think that I came across as that intimidating. She had the characteristic grace of the Night Court in the way she bowed, and even in the way she flinched, obviously in pain and trying her hardest to conceal it.
"Well," I said. "Since you are obviously in pain, I fear I must insist on escorting you home, and please, my name is Emile, not 'my lord'." I stood beside her, offering my arm and my body to use as a crutch, if it was needed.
"Might I inquire as to how you came to be limping down the road unescorted?" I asked.
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Post by Kaeyln mab Ciera nó Alyssum(I) on Apr 29, 2010 13:23:35 GMT -5
I straightened from my bow when he spoke, offering his name. My eyes remained on the ground, however, as he stood next to me. Pride warred with my pain as I stood there. The pain quickly won out, and my pride, although it took a knocking, was salved by knowing just who was offering to help me. "I'm returning home from the maquist, my lord." I replied, as I laid my hand hesitantly on his arm.
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Émile d’Ames
Military
Anathema Cassiline; Guard to the Queen
"To conquer oneself is a greater victory than to conquer thousands in a battle.?
Posts: 463
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Post by Émile d’Ames on Apr 29, 2010 13:40:48 GMT -5
Ah, so that explained a great deal. I had never encountered an adept as demure as this one, and I suspected I had met more adepts than was proper for one of my station and upbringing. "Emile," I corrected her gently as I slowly began to walk in the direction that she had been heading, towards Mont Nuit. "To which House are we bound, my lady?"
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Post by Kaeyln mab Ciera nó Alyssum(I) on Apr 29, 2010 13:45:37 GMT -5
I was uncomfortable using his given name, since I didn't know him at all. But it ocurred to me then, upon hearing him say it a second time, that I still hadn't offered my own name in return. "Kaeyln." I still didn't look up, but a slight smile played across my face, despite the pain. "Alyssum House, please."
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Émile d’Ames
Military
Anathema Cassiline; Guard to the Queen
"To conquer oneself is a greater victory than to conquer thousands in a battle.?
Posts: 463
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Post by Émile d’Ames on Apr 29, 2010 13:52:57 GMT -5
I smiled, pleased at the progress we were making. "Alyssum House it is, my lady Kaeyln," I confirmed. "Kindly tell me if I am moving too quickly for you." I didn't want her to stumble and hurt herself, although I could scarcely fathom the pain that a marquing caused.
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Post by Kaeyln mab Ciera nó Alyssum(I) on Apr 29, 2010 14:12:08 GMT -5
I nodded shyly, but I didn't put too much weight on the hand that rested on his arm, using it mainly for balance as we moved along.
I didn't know what to say to this man, who had been the source of numerous rumors a few months ago. It was clear, from the way he was dressed, that he was still in the Service of the Queen's household, and that made my throat tighten even further.
It had been very kind of him, however, to stop and assist me. He had been the only one who had done so, and I was grateful. Clearing my throat softly, I smiled, though he likely couldn't see it, since my head was still bowed. "Thank you for helping me."
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Émile d’Ames
Military
Anathema Cassiline; Guard to the Queen
"To conquer oneself is a greater victory than to conquer thousands in a battle.?
Posts: 463
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Post by Émile d’Ames on Apr 29, 2010 14:25:35 GMT -5
My smile widened and I placed my closed fist over my heart, not that she could see it, since her head was still bowed. "'Tis my sworn duty as Stalwart Guardian of Her Majesty's Person and a Royal Guard of House Courcel to serve and protect the good citizens of the City of Elua...or something to that effect..." I lowered my arm. "Besides, what sort of man would I be if I allowed a young woman to wander the streets alone and in pain? My mother would tan my hide and make boots from it!"
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Post by Kaeyln mab Ciera nó Alyssum(I) on Apr 29, 2010 14:40:12 GMT -5
When he spoke, I forgot myself and looked up, eyes wide at his casual mention of such a punishment. Would a mother really do that to her child? Granted, my knowledge of what a mother was like had come only after I was old enough to be mostly beyond her total control, but still, I couldn't imagine that my own mother would have ever even thought of such a thing.
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Émile d’Ames
Military
Anathema Cassiline; Guard to the Queen
"To conquer oneself is a greater victory than to conquer thousands in a battle.?
Posts: 463
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Post by Émile d’Ames on Apr 29, 2010 18:26:37 GMT -5
She looked up at me, her eyes as wide as a frightened deer's, and I could not help but chuckle at her expression. "Peace, 'twas but a jest," I reassured her. "My mother would sooner flay herself alive than harm her own children..." I would have to guard against such misunderstandings in the future, not all adepts were as used to such dark humor as those of Orchis House.
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Post by Kaeyln mab Ciera nó Alyssum(I) on Apr 29, 2010 18:36:23 GMT -5
I winced, whether due to his laughter, or to my back, I wasn't sure. Either way, my eyes fell back to the ground, and I nodded in acceptance of his latest words. My voice was low when I responded. "I have only known my mother for a few years, but I imagine she would feel much the same way. That she would sooner harm herself than hurt me, I mean."
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Émile d’Ames
Military
Anathema Cassiline; Guard to the Queen
"To conquer oneself is a greater victory than to conquer thousands in a battle.?
Posts: 463
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Post by Émile d’Ames on Apr 29, 2010 18:58:12 GMT -5
I nodded. "I suspect many parents would be in accord with ours, but we are the lucky ones, to have parents who care about us. Some are not so fortunate, but I am no authority on parenting." I watched as a group of children raced by, apparently in the middle of a game of some sort.
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Post by Kaeyln mab Ciera nó Alyssum(I) on Apr 29, 2010 19:15:44 GMT -5
I made a non-committal sound, "Lucky," then glanced sideways at the children, and couldn't help but smile. "I didn't know my mother until about five years ago." My words were for Emile, but my eyes remained on the group of children. "I'm very glad to have her now, though."
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Émile d’Ames
Military
Anathema Cassiline; Guard to the Queen
"To conquer oneself is a greater victory than to conquer thousands in a battle.?
Posts: 463
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Post by Émile d’Ames on Apr 30, 2010 19:27:44 GMT -5
I nodded. "I am sure she feels the same way about you." I kept my gaze on Mont Nuit in the distance. We still had a way to go, and since she was limping I did not wish to tire her.
"Tell me, what is it like at Alyssum House?" I asked. "My brother is an adept, but Alyssum is surely a world away from Mandrake in terms of...style...yes?" My brother was not one for modesty, although I thought that perhaps I could relate.
Oh yes, Emile, modesty. Is that the particular virtue you were attempting to practice at Sarielle's manse?
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Post by Kaeyln mab Ciera nó Alyssum(I) on May 3, 2010 16:49:41 GMT -5
A smile crept across my face as I thought about my mother, and I was sure a light blush appeared as well. "I do hope so."
I blinked then, and had to think about his questions for a moment. The biggest differences were obvious, and I didn't think that was what he was asking about. "Yes, there are many differences. Beyond the obvious, Alyssum is quiet. And more elegant, I think."
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Émile d’Ames
Military
Anathema Cassiline; Guard to the Queen
"To conquer oneself is a greater victory than to conquer thousands in a battle.?
Posts: 463
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Post by Émile d’Ames on May 3, 2010 21:05:27 GMT -5
I nodded. "I suppose it all depends on your definition of 'elegant'." Landis always conducted himself with a certain elegance, a kind of elegance born of self-assurance, but of course, I was hardly an impartial judge of my brother's character.
"Are all Alyssum adepts so demure?" I asked, smiling softly. "You haven't met my eyes since we met." Granted, I had heard my gaze could be intimidating, especially with my unusually dark eyes, but it was a tad disconcerting to be in the presence of someone who refused to meet my gaze.
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Post by Kaeyln mab Ciera nó Alyssum(I) on May 3, 2010 21:19:07 GMT -5
I nodded, acknowledging his point. "That is true. Just as beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so too is elegance, I suppose."
His next question made me blink in surprise, and blurt out what might sound like a very silly question of my own. "I though everybody in the City knew about the House mottos?" I bit my lip, regretting the brashness of my words the instant they were out of my mouth. "Forgive me, my lord, I spoke out of turn." I bowed, a bit awkwardly, "Yes, the motto of Alyssum House is, 'With eyes averted.' We pride ourselves on modesty."
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Émile d’Ames
Military
Anathema Cassiline; Guard to the Queen
"To conquer oneself is a greater victory than to conquer thousands in a battle.?
Posts: 463
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Post by Émile d’Ames on May 3, 2010 21:57:32 GMT -5
I chuckled at her apologetic tone. "No need to apologize, I am aware of the House motto, but I was just curious to see if all Alyssum adepts fit the mold, so to speak. Actually, I find your modesty a welcome change from some of the...stares...I receive at the palace." The glances had only increased after I became anathema, and I wondered fleetingly if it had something to do with my new uniform.
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Post by Kaeyln mab Ciera nó Alyssum(I) on May 4, 2010 17:21:48 GMT -5
I muttered something unintelligible under my breath. I couldn't imagine how it must feel to be stared at the way he described. I imagine that I would have cringed away from such unfriendly scrutiny.
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Émile d’Ames
Military
Anathema Cassiline; Guard to the Queen
"To conquer oneself is a greater victory than to conquer thousands in a battle.?
Posts: 463
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Post by Émile d’Ames on May 5, 2010 16:01:12 GMT -5
She didn't respond and I felt no need to elaborate. It was something you gradually became accustomed to, especially when your ward was such a public figure. Her demeanor did give me pause, however, it was hard to imagine that this woman was as much a Servant of Naamah as my brother.
"Tell me, do you enjoy it, Naamah's service, I mean?" The words were out of my mouth before I could pause to reflect on them. "Apologies," I amended. "I do not usually associate such modesty with Naamah's business..."
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Post by Kaeyln mab Ciera nó Alyssum(I) on May 7, 2010 17:33:34 GMT -5
I nodded, a surprised look on my face now, even though I was still looking down at the ground. "There is no need to apologize, my lord. Yes, I do enjoy serving Naamah. It is fulfilling, in a way I can't explain. One would have to serve, to understand it, I think."
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Émile d’Ames
Military
Anathema Cassiline; Guard to the Queen
"To conquer oneself is a greater victory than to conquer thousands in a battle.?
Posts: 463
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Post by Émile d’Ames on May 7, 2010 18:10:57 GMT -5
I nodded. "There is only so much one can understand, even from firsthand accounts of events." I shrugged. "My brothers and I grew up listening to my father's tales of battle, but we do not know what war is like, and I suspect I could listen to my elder brother describe in detail the things he does to his patrons and I would still not understand it."
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Post by Kaeyln mab Ciera nó Alyssum(I) on May 7, 2010 18:27:59 GMT -5
That made sense, of course, so I nodded. "I can't even begin to imagine what your brother," I knew who Landis was, of course, "would describe." My thoughts returned to an earlier comment, "Or what he would consider elegant." I kept my voice soft, to show that I wasn't being facetious.
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Émile d’Ames
Military
Anathema Cassiline; Guard to the Queen
"To conquer oneself is a greater victory than to conquer thousands in a battle.?
Posts: 463
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Post by Émile d’Ames on May 7, 2010 19:28:39 GMT -5
I chuckled. "I assure you, he is a perfectly reasonable man outside of the assignation chamber. He has a penchant for velvet and lace and would be content to exhaust the known world's supply of bread if it were possible for him to do so."
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Post by Kaeyln mab Ciera nó Alyssum(I) on May 8, 2010 21:04:28 GMT -5
I didn't know Landis that well, of course, so I just nodded, taking his word for it. "I like velvet too, especially crushed velvet. Or anything soft, really. But feathers make me sneeze."
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Émile d’Ames
Military
Anathema Cassiline; Guard to the Queen
"To conquer oneself is a greater victory than to conquer thousands in a battle.?
Posts: 463
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Post by Émile d’Ames on May 9, 2010 16:08:05 GMT -5
I nodded. "I knew a man who was like that. He spent his first week with the Brotherhood snuffling and sneezing until someone finally found him a different pillow, and it was difficult, in such austere conditions." I shrugged. "The Brotherhood teaches that suffering is the way to discipline, but I do not think that even my training masters wished to hear that sort of ruckus every night."
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Post by Kaeyln mab Ciera nó Alyssum(I) on May 12, 2010 15:14:25 GMT -5
I laughed softly at the image his words created. "That must have been a bit more of a trial than most would normally experience, I imagine. And not just for the one in training?"
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Émile d’Ames
Military
Anathema Cassiline; Guard to the Queen
"To conquer oneself is a greater victory than to conquer thousands in a battle.?
Posts: 463
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Post by Émile d’Ames on May 16, 2010 12:23:20 GMT -5
I nodded. "Yes, all the recruits share sleeping barracks, so one brother's distress affects all of us." I didn't break stride as we began to ascend Mont Nuit, but I did focus more of my attention on her in case she stumbled, though the path was smooth.
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